485BPOS 1 d485bpos.htm FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VIP FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND CLASS 1 & 2 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund Class 1 & 2
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2007

File Nos.

033-23493

811-05583


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

   
 

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

  ¨    
 

Pre-Effective Amendment No.

  ¨    
 

Post-Effective Amendment No. 51

  x    
  and/or    
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT    
 

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 52

  x    

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST

(a Delaware Statutory Trust)

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY, SAN MATEO, CA 94403-1906

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code (650) 312-2000

Karen L. Skidmore, Esq., One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

(Name and Address of Agent for Service of Process)

 


Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

  ¨ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  x on July 2, 2007 pursuant to paragraph (b)
  ¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  ¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) (1)
  ¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
  ¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

  ¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 (the “Amendment”) is being filed pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, to update the information in the prospectuses and SAI for Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund. This filing also updates the Investment Company Act of 1940 registration statement.

This Amendment relates only to the prospectuses and SAI for the Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund and the exhibits included in this Amendment and does not otherwise delete, amend, or supersede any information contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement.

 



Table of Contents

 

The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Prospectus

 

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust

 

Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund – Class 1

 

LOGO

 

July 2, 2007



Table of Contents
  Contents
     FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VIP FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND
  i      Overview
Information about the Fund
you should know before
investing
       Fund Description
  FFA-1      Goals and Strategies
  FFA-2      Information about the Underlying Funds
  FFA-3      Risks of Investing in the Underlying Funds
  FFA-7      Performance
  FFA-8      Fees and Expenses
  FFA-9      Administration
       Additional Information
  FFA-10      Regulatory Update
  FFA-11      Dealer Compensation
  FFA-11      Portfolio Holdings
  FFA-11      Statements and Reports
       Distribution and Taxes
  FFA-11      Income and Capital Gains Distributions
  FFA-12      Tax Considerations
     FUND ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Information about Fund
account transactions
and services
  FFA-13      Buying Shares
  FFA-13      Selling Shares
  FFA-13      Exchanging Shares
  FFA-13      Market Timing Trading Policy
  FFA-15      Involuntary Redemptions
  FFA-16      Fund Account Policies
  FFA-18      Questions
     FOR MORE INFORMATION
Where to learn more about the Fund        Back Cover


Table of Contents

 

Overview

 

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust (the Trust) currently consists of multiple series (Funds), offering a wide variety of investment choices. Funds may be available in multiple classes: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. This Prospectus describes only the Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund, which is generally available as an investment option in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Please refer to the accompanying Insurer’s prospectus for further information.

INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

 

The Fund and each underlying fund has its own investment strategy and risk profile. Generally, the higher the potential rate of return, the greater the risk of loss. Although stocks in the U.S. historically have outperformed other types of investments over the long term, they tend to go up and down more than other types of investments in the short term. Bonds and other fixed income securities historically have achieved returns less than those of stocks, and with lower risk, although the value of fixed income investments can go up and down over the short term. Money market and other very short-term investments historically have achieved the lowest returns, with the lowest risk.

 

 

The following give a general sense of the level of underlying fund assets associated with a particular investment or strategy: “small portion” (less than 10%); “portion” (10% to 25%); “significant” (25% to 50%); “substantial” (50% to 66%); “primary” (66% to 80%); and “predominant” (80% or more). The percentages are not limitations unless specifically stated as such in this prospectus or in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

 

RISKS

 

There can be no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment goal. Funds that are actively managed are subject to the risk of the manager’s judgment in the analysis and evaluation of securities selected for investment.

 

 

All securities markets, interest rates, and currency valuations fluctuate, sometimes dramatically. Because you could lose money by investing in the Fund, take the time to read the Fund description and consider all risks before investing.

 

 

Fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S. government. Fund shares involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More detailed information about the Fund, its investment policies, and its particular risks can be found in its SAI.

 

MANAGEMENT

The underlying funds’ investment managers and their affiliates manage over $620 billion in assets, as of May 31, 2007. In 1992, Franklin joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in international investing. The Mutual Series organization became part of the Franklin Templeton organization four years later. In 2001, the Fiduciary Trust team, known for providing global investment management to institutions and high net worth clients worldwide, joined the organization. Today, Franklin Templeton Investments is one of the largest mutual fund organizations in the United States, and offers money management expertise spanning a variety of investment goals.

 

 

i

 


Table of Contents

Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund

 

Goals and Strategies

 

 

The Fund invests in three other series of the Trust: Franklin Income Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund and Templeton Growth Securities Fund.

 

GOALS

The Fund’s principal investment goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal is income.

 

MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund invests in Class 1 shares of three other series of the Trust: Franklin Income Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund and Templeton Growth Securities Fund (acquired funds or underlying funds). These underlying funds, in turn, invest in a variety of U.S. and foreign equity securities and fixed income and money market securities. The investment policies of the underlying funds are summarized in the section below entitled “Information about the Underlying Funds.”

 

The Fund seeks to maintain equal investments in each of the three underlying funds.

 

REBALANCING AND FUND PERFORMANCE

The investment results of the underlying funds will vary. Because of this, the Fund’s administrator will monitor the Fund’s investments in the underlying funds and will seek to rebalance those investments when they are more than three percent above or below the goal of equal allocations to each of the three underlying funds. Whenever possible, cash flows will be used to adjust allocations. Also, the performance and income distributions of the Fund will differ from the performance and income distributions of the underlying funds as a result of the small variations in the Fund’s allocations and any cash it holds, as well as Fund expenses.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

When the manager of an underlying fund believes that market or economic conditions are unusual or unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all or nearly all of the underlying fund’s assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency denominated short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents, corporate debt, or direct or indirect U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency obligations and money market fund shares. In these circumstances, the underlying fund may be unable to pursue its investment goal and the Fund may be unable to pursue its investment goal with respect to the portion of its assets invested in such underlying fund.

 

FFA-1 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Information about the Underlying Funds

 

 

 

FRANKLIN INCOME SECURITIES FUND

The fund seeks to maximize income while maintaining prospects for capital appreciation by investing, under normal market conditions, in debt and equity securities. The fund seeks income by investing in corporate, foreign and U.S. Treasury bonds, as well as stocks with dividend yields the manager believes are attractive. It seeks growth opportunities by investing in common stocks of companies from a variety of sectors that may include utilities, healthcare, financials, and oil and gas. The fund may also invest a portion of its assets in convertible securities, including enhanced convertible securities and synthetic convertible securities. It may invest a significant amount of its total assets in debt securities that are either rated below investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the fund’s manager to be of comparable quality. The fund may also invest up to 5% of its total assets in defaulted debt securities. It generally invests in securities rated at least Caa by Moody’s Investors Service or CCC by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or, if unrated, determined by its manager to be of comparable quality. The fund may invest a small portion of its assets in foreign securities and emerging markets. It ordinarily pursues foreign investment opportunities by investing in multi-national corporations with significant foreign operations and in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).

 

MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND

The fund’s principal investment goal is capital appreciation and its secondary goal is income. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in equity securities (including securities convertible into, or that the manager expects to be exchanged for, common or preferred stock) of companies that the manager believes are available at market prices less than their value based on certain recognized or objective criteria (intrinsic value). Following this value-oriented strategy, under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in undervalued securities and, to a lesser extent, in risk arbitrage securities and distressed companies. It invests the equity portion of its portfolio predominantly in medium and large capitalization companies, which are those with market capitalization values greater than $1.5 billion. It also may invest a portion of its assets in small capitalization companies. While the fund generally purchases securities for investment purposes, its manager may seek to influence or control management, or invest in other companies that do so, when the manager believes the fund may benefit. The fund expects to invest significantly in foreign investments, which may include sovereign debt and participations in foreign government debt.

 

TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND

The fund seeks long-term capital growth. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in the equity securities of companies located anywhere in the world, including those in the U.S. and emerging markets. It may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries or in particular sectors. In addition to its main investments, depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in debt securities of companies and governments located anywhere in the world. In order to increase income to the fund, the fund may lend certain of its portfolio securities to qualified banks and broker-dealers. It may use various derivative instruments and strategies seeking to protect its assets, implement a cash management strategy or enhance its returns. No more than 5% of the fund’s total assets may be invested in, or exposed to, options and swap agreements (as measured at the time of investment).

 

FFA-2 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Risks of Investing in the Underlying Funds

 

 

The value of an investment in the Fund is based primarily on the performance of the underlying funds. Because the prices of the underlying funds’ securities fluctuate with market conditions (the range of fluctuation depends upon the types of securities an underlying fund owns and the markets in which it trades) the value of your investment will go up and down. You could lose money.

 

STOCKS

Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that invest in stocks, its returns will fluctuate with changes in stock markets. In the U.S., stocks have historically outperformed other types of investments over the long term. Stocks, however, may fluctuate in value more dramatically than many other types of investments over the short term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies or industries or the securities market as a whole. A slower growth or recessionary economic environment, can cause the stock prices of various stocks held by an underlying fund to decline.

 

VALUE STYLE INVESTING

The underlying funds use a value style of investing. Value stock prices are considered “cheap” relative to the company’s perceived value and are often out of favor with other investors. An underlying fund manager may invest in such stocks if it believes the market may have overreacted to adverse developments or failed to appreciate positive changes. However, if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value (and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers or favor investing in faster growing companies), value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager and may even decline in value. Securities that are considered “cheaply” priced also may include those of companies reporting poor earnings, companies whose share prices have declined sharply (sometimes growth companies that have recently stumbled to levels considered “cheap” in the manager’s opinion), turnarounds, cyclical companies, or companies emerging from bankruptcy, all of which may have a higher risk of being ignored or rejected, and therefore, undervalued by the market.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES

Certain underlying funds invest in foreign securities. Investing in foreign securities, including securities of foreign governments, typically involves more risks than investing in U.S. securities, which can increase the potential for losses in an underlying fund and affect its share price. Certain of these risks also may apply to securities of U.S. companies with significant foreign operations.

 

Currency exchange rates. Some of an underlying fund’s investments may be issued and traded in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currencies and in currency exchange rates can dramatically decrease (or increase) the value of an underlying fund’s foreign portfolio holdings. To the extent an underlying fund does not hedge, or successfully hedge, its currency exposure, these currency exchange rate changes can have a disproportionate impact on an underlying fund’s performance, even accounting for most of the gain or loss in a particular period.

 

Political and economic developments. The political, economic and social structures of some countries in which an underlying fund invests may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. Investments in these countries may be subject to the risks of internal and external conflicts, currency devaluations, foreign ownership limitations and tax increases. It is possible that a government may take over the assets or operations of a company or impose restrictions on the exchange or export of currency or other assets. Some countries also may have different legal systems that may make it difficult for an underlying fund to vote proxies, exercise shareholder rights, and pursue legal remedies with respect to its foreign investments. Diplomatic and political developments, including rapid and adverse political changes, social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war, could affect the economies, industries and securities and currency markets, and the value of an underlying fund’s investments, in non-U.S. countries. These factors are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to predict and take into account with respect to an underlying fund’s investments.

 

Trading practices. Brokerage commissions and other fees may be higher for foreign securities. There may be less effective government supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges, currency markets, trading systems and brokers than in the U.S. The procedures and rules governing foreign transactions and custody also may involve delays in payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

 

FFA-3 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Availability of information. Foreign issuers may be subject to less revealing disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices than U.S. issuers, and there may be less publicly available information about them.

 

Limited markets. Foreign securities markets may be less liquid, and even those that are generally considered to be liquid may become illiquid for short or extended periods. Certain foreign securities may be less liquid and more volatile than many U.S. securities, which could limit an underlying fund’s ability to sell them at favorable prices.

 

Emerging markets. An underlying fund’s investments in emerging market countries are subject to all the risks of foreign investing generally, and have additional, heightened risks due to a lack of established legal, political, business and social frameworks to support securities markets. These countries also are more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, which can harm their economies and securities markets and increase volatility. Short-term volatility in these markets, and declines of 50% or more, are not unusual.

 

CREDIT

Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that invest in debt securities, which may include indebtedness and loan participations, the Fund’s investments are subject to credit risk. An issuer may be unable to make interest payments or repay principal when due. Adverse changes in an issuer’s financial strength or in a security’s credit rating may reduce a security’s value and, thus, impact fund performance. Subordinated debt securities are riskier because their holders will be paid only after the holders of senior debt securities are paid.

 

Lower-rated securities. Debt securities that are rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities generally have more risk, fluctuate more in price and are less liquid than higher-rated securities and can be considered speculative. These securities, which are sometimes called “junk bonds,” generally pay higher yields than higher-rated securities to compensate investors for the higher risk.

 

Issuers of high yield debt securities are not as strong financially as those with higher credit ratings and are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to adverse changes in the economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates. Such issuers typically do not have the track record to receive an investment grade rating, have borrowed to finance acquisitions or to expand their operations, are seeking to refinance their debt at lower rates, or have been downgraded due to financial difficulties. In addition, banks may tighten their credit standards, which may make it more difficult for issuers with weaker balance sheets to have access to capital to continue operations or to refinance their outstanding debt. If an issuer stops paying interest or principal, payments may never resume. An underlying fund may lose its entire investment in a defaulted bond.

 

The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than the prices of higher quality securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the issuer’s operations and to changes in the ratings assigned by rating agencies. In the case of companies, prices are often closely linked with, and typically fluctuate in response to factors that affect their stock prices. In addition, the entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield securities are also generally less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price. Purchasers of participations, such as an underlying fund, must rely on the financial institution issuing the participation to assert any rights against the borrower with respect to the underlying indebtedness. In addition, an underlying fund takes on the risk as to the creditworthiness of the bank or other financial intermediary issuer, as well as of the company issuing the underlying indebtedness.

 

INTEREST RATE

Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that invest in debt securities, the Fund’s investments are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. An underlying fund’s distributions to its shareholders may decline when interest rates fall, since an underlying fund can only distribute what it earns. Debt securities tend to lose market value when interest rates rise and increase in

 

FFA-4 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

value when interest rates decline. In general, securities with longer maturities or lower coupons are more sensitive to these rate changes. Increases in interest rates also may have an adverse effect on the issuers in which an underlying fund invests because they may find it more difficult to obtain credit to expand, or may have more difficulty making interest payments when due. A sub-category of interest rate risk is reinvestment risk, which is the risk that interest rates will be lower when an underlying fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, the proceeds from a matured debt security or a debt security that has been pre-paid (called), resulting in less income received by the fund.

 

INCOME

Since an underlying fund can only distribute what it earns, the Fund’s distributions to its shareholders may decline when interest rates fall.

 

RISK ARBITRAGE SECURITIES AND DISTRESSED COMPANIES

The Mutual Shares Securities Fund may invest in risk arbitrage securities and distressed companies. Risk arbitrage securities are those of companies that are involved in restructuring such as mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, liquidations, spinoffs, or tender or exchange offers or securities that the manager believes are cheap relative an economically similar security of another or the same company. A merger, tender or exchange offer, or other corporate restructuring proposed at the time an underlying fund invests in risk arbitrage securities may not be completed on the terms or within the time frame contemplated, resulting in losses to the fund. Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower rated, in default, or close to default. Also, securities of distressed companies are generally more likely to become worthless than the securities of more financially stable companies.

 

SMALLER AND MIDSIZE COMPANIES

Underlying funds, in particular the Mutual Shares Securities Fund, may invest in smaller and midsize companies. While smaller and midsize companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth, they also involve substantial risk and should be considered speculative. Historically, smaller and midsize company securities have been more volatile in price than larger company securities, especially over the short term. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects of smaller and midsize companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller and midsize companies to changing economic conditions. In addition, smaller and midsize companies may lack depth of management, be unable to generate funds necessary for growth or development, or be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established.

 

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

Underlying funds, particularly the Franklin Income Securities Fund, may invest in convertible securities. The value of convertible securities may fluctuate with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, in response to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. Because its value can be influenced by many different factors, a convertible security is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible debt security, and generally also is less volatile than the underlying stock.

 

DERIVATIVE SECURITIES

Underlying funds may participate in derivative transactions. The performance of derivative investments depends, in part, on the performance of an underlying asset. Derivatives involve costs, may be volatile, and may involve a small investment relative to the risk assumed. Their successful use will depend on the manager’s ability to predict market movements and their use may have the opposite effect of that intended. Risks include delivery failure, default by the other party or the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid.

 

HEDGING INSTRUMENTS

Underlying funds, in particular the Mutual Shares Securities Fund, may attempt to hedge (protect) against currency risks, largely using forward foreign currency exchange contracts, where available and when, in the manager’s opinion, it would be advantageous. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may reduce the risk of loss from a change in value of a currency, but they also limit any potential gains and do not protect against fluctuations in the

 

FFA-5 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

value of the underlying position. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered derivative investments, because their value depends on the value of an underlying asset to be purchased or sold.

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered derivative investments, because their value depends on the value of an underlying asset to be purchased or sold. An underlying fund’s investment in derivatives may involve a small investment relative to the risk assumed. To the extent the underlying fund enters into these transactions, their successful use will depend on its manager’s ability to predict market movements, and their use may have the opposite effect of that intended. Risks include potential loss due to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to close out its position because the trading market becomes illiquid.

 

SECTOR FOCUS

Although the underlying funds do not currently concentrate their investments in any one sector, each underlying fund may from time to time allocate more of its holdings in aggregate to a particular sector or country. One of the underlying funds, the Templeton Growth Securities Fund may, from time to time, have significant investments in particular countries or in particular sectors. To the extent that an underlying fund has significant investments in one or a few sectors or countries, the underlying fund, and the Fund, will be subject to more risk than a fund that maintains broad sector and country diversification.

 

SECURITIES LENDING

Underlying funds may lend securities. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in collateral in the event of default or insolvency of the borrower.

 

FFA-6 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Performance

 

 

Because the Fund is new, it has no performance history.

 

 

FFA-7 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Fees and Expenses

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Because the Fund pursues its goal(s) by investing in other mutual funds, rather than directly in individual securities, you will bear your proportionate share of the Fund’s operating expenses, and, also, indirectly, the operating expenses of the acquired funds in which it invests. All of these fees are described below. In addition, the table and the example do not include any fees or sales charges imposed by the variable insurance contract for which the Fund is an investment option. If they were included, the costs shown below would be higher. Investors should consult the contract prospectus or disclosure document for more information.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES

(fees paid directly from your investment)

 

     Class 1

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

  N/A

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

(expenses deducted from Fund assets)

 

     Class 1

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

  None

Other expenses, including administration fees1

  0.13%

Acquired funds estimated fees and expenses2

  0.69%

Total annual Fund operating expenses

  0.82%

 

1. Other expenses are estimated, except for the administration fee, which is based on the contractual amount of 0.10% per year of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Because Fund shares are held by a limited number of Insurers, substantial withdrawals by one or more Insurers could reduce Fund assets, causing total Fund expenses to become higher.

2. Acquired funds’ estimated fees and expenses are based on the acquired funds’ expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

 

EXAMPLE

This example can help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes:

 

 

You invest $10,000 for the periods shown;

 

 

Your investment has a 5% return each year; and

 

 

The Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year   3 Years
Class 1   $ 84   $ 262

 

FFA-8 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Administration

 

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services), One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906, is the Fund’s administrator. FT Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Templeton Worldwide, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

FUND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT AND SERVICES

Under the Fund Administration Agreement, FT Services provides certain administrative services and facilities for the Fund. The administrative services FT Services provides include preparing and maintaining books, records, and tax and financial reports and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements. FT Services also monitors the percentage of the Fund’s assets allocated to the underlying funds and seeks to rebalance the Fund’s portfolio whenever the percentage of assets allocated to one or more underlying funds is below or above 3% of the applicable fixed percentage.

 

FT Services may receive assistance, at no charge to the Fund, from its corporate affiliate, Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers), in monitoring the underlying funds and the Fund’s investment in the underlying funds. FT Services makes certain payments (see the SAI for more information) to insurance companies out of its own resources for certain administrative services.

 

T. Anthony Coffey, CFA

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVISERS

  Mr. Coffey oversees the rebalancing process on behalf of FT Services. Mr. Coffey has been the manager of the Fund since its inception. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1989.

 

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about Mr. Coffey’s compensation, other accounts he manages or oversees and his ownership of Fund shares.

 

ADMINISTRATION FEES

The Fund pays FT Services a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for its services.

 

The Fund, as a shareholder in the underlying funds, will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by the underlying funds. The investment manager and the management fee of each of the underlying funds, based on each underlying fund’s average net assets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, are listed below:

 

Underlying Fund

  Manager   Annual Fee Rate
Franklin Income Securities Fund   Advisers   0.46%
Mutual Shares Securities Fund   Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC   0.60%
Templeton Growth Securities Fund   Templeton Global Advisors, Limited   0.74%

 

FFA-9 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Additional Information

 

Regulatory Update

 

 

On August 2, 2004, Franklin Resources, Inc. announced that Advisers (investment manager to many of the funds within Franklin Templeton Investments, and an affiliate of the investment manager to the other funds) reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that resolved the issues resulting from the SEC’s investigation of market timing activity in the Franklin Templeton Investments funds. Under the terms of the settlement and the SEC’s administrative order, pursuant to which Advisers neither admitted nor denied any of the findings contained therein, Advisers agreed, among other matters, to pay $50 million, of which $20 million is a civil penalty, to be distributed to shareholders of certain funds in accordance with a plan to be developed by an independent distribution consultant. Such a distribution plan has been prepared and submitted to the SEC for approval. On June 6, 2007, the SEC posted for public comment the proposed plan of distribution for the market timing settlement. Following a 30-day public comment period, and once the SEC approves the final plan of distribution, disbursements of settlement monies will be made promptly to individuals who were shareholders of the designated funds during the relevant period, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the settlement and plan.

 

Franklin Resources, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries and certain funds, current and former officers, employees, and directors have been named in multiple lawsuits in different courts alleging violations of various federal securities and state laws and seeking, among other relief, monetary damages, restitution, removal of fund trustees, directors, investment managers, administrators, and distributors, rescission of management contracts and 12b-1 plans, and/or attorneys’ fees and costs. Specifically, the lawsuits claim breach of duty with respect to alleged arrangements to permit market timing and/or late trading activity, or breach of duty with respect to the valuation of the portfolio securities of certain Templeton funds managed by Franklin Resources, Inc. subsidiaries, allegedly resulting in market timing activity. The majority of these lawsuits duplicate, in whole or in part, the allegations asserted in the SEC’s findings as described above. The lawsuits are styled as class actions, or derivative actions on behalf of either the named funds or Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

To date, more than 400 similar lawsuits against at least 19 different mutual fund companies, among other defendants, have been filed in federal district courts throughout the country. Because these cases involve common questions of fact, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the Judicial Panel) ordered the creation of a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, entitled “In re Mutual Funds Investment Litigation” (the MDL). The Judicial Panel then transferred similar cases from different districts to the MDL for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

 

On December 13, 2004, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) (the principal underwriter of shares of the Franklin Templeton mutual funds) and Advisers reached an agreement with the SEC, resolving the issues resulting from the SEC’s investigation concerning marketing support payments to securities dealers who sell fund shares. In connection with that agreement, in which Advisers and Distributors neither admitted nor denied any of the findings contained therein, they agreed to pay the funds a penalty of $20 million and disgorgement of $1 (one dollar), in accordance with a plan to be developed by an independent distribution consultant to be paid for by Advisers and Distributors. The SEC approved the independent distribution consultant’s proposed plan of distribution arising from this SEC order, and disbursement of the settlement monies to the designated funds under this plan was completed in September 2006, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the SEC’s order and the plan.

 

Franklin Resources, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries and certain funds, current and former officers, employees, and directors, have also been named in multiple lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities and state laws relating to the disclosure of marketing support payments and/or payment of allegedly excessive commissions and/or advisory or distribution fees, and seeking, among other relief, monetary damages, restitution, rescission of advisory contracts, including recovery of all fees paid pursuant to those contracts, an accounting of all monies paid to the named investment managers, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and/or attorneys’ fees and costs. These lawsuits are styled as class actions or derivative actions brought on behalf of certain funds.

 

FFA-10 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Franklin Resources, Inc. previously disclosed these issues as matters under investigation by government authorities and the subject of an internal company inquiry as well as private lawsuits in its regulatory filings and on its public website. Any further updates on these matters will be disclosed on Franklin Resources, Inc.’s website at franklintempleton.com under “Statement on Current Industry Issues.”

 

DEALER COMPENSATION

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) and/or its affiliates may provide financial support to securities dealers that sell shares of Franklin Templeton funds, or participate in the offering of variable insurance products that invest in the Trust (VIP Qualifying Dealers); such financial support may be made by payments from Distributors’ and/or its affiliates’ resources, including from Distributors’ retention of underwriting concessions and, in the case of Rule 12b-1 share classes, from payments to Distributors under such plans.

 

Distributors makes these payments in connection with VIP Qualifying Dealers’ efforts to educate financial advisors about our funds. A number of factors will be considered in determining payments, including such dealer’s sales, assets and redemption rates, and the quality of the dealer’s relationship with Distributors. Distributors may, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing these payments. To the extent permitted by SEC and NASD rules and other applicable laws and regulations, Distributors and/or its affiliates will pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments to dealers. Sale of shares of the Fund, as well as shares of other Franklin Templeton funds, is not considered a factor in the selection of securities dealers to execute the Funds’ portfolio transactions. Accordingly, the allocation of portfolio transactions for execution by VIP Qualifying Dealers is not considered marketing support payments.

 

You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by Distributors and/or its affiliates and the services provided by your VIP Qualifying Dealer. While your insurance company’s fees and charges are generally disclosed in the insurance contract prospectus, your VIP Qualifying Dealer may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. You can ask your insurance company and VIP Qualifying Dealer for information about any payments they receive from Distributors and/or its affiliates and any services they provide, as well as about fees and/or commissions they charge. These payments and other fees and charges are not reflected in the fee table included in this prospectus. Additional disclosure may be included in the insurance contract prospectus.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information for the Fund is also available in the Fund’s SAI. Portfolio holdings information can be viewed online at franklintempleton.com.

 

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

Contract Owners will receive financial reports for the Fund related to their Contract from the sponsoring Insurer every six months.


 

Distributions and Taxes

 

INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund will declare as dividends nearly all of its net investment income, and will generally pay dividends from net investment income and net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and capital gains are calculated and distributed the same way for each class of shares. The amount of any income dividends per share will differ for each class, however, generally due to the difference in the applicable Rule 12b-1 fees. Class 1 shares are not subject to Rule 12b-1 fees.

 

Dividends paid by the Fund will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund or, if requested, paid in cash to the insurance company shareholder.

 

FFA-11 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Insurance company separate accounts may invest in either of the classes of the Fund and, in turn, may offer variable annuity and variable life insurance products to investors through insurance contracts. Because the insurance company separate accounts are generally the shareholders in the Fund, all of the tax characteristics of the Fund’s investments flow into the separate accounts and not to each individual contract owner. The tax consequences from each contract owner’s investment in a variable annuity or variable life insurance contract will depend upon the provisions of these contracts, and contract owners should consult with their contract prospectus for more information on these tax consequences.

 

FFA-12 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

Fund Account Information

 

Buying Shares

 

Insurance companies offer variable annuity and variable life insurance products to investors including pension plans (Contracts), through separate accounts (Insurers). Separate accounts, and not the owners of the Contracts including group contract and pension plan certificate holders (Contract Owners), are generally the shareholders of the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value (NAV). The Fund corresponds with the investment option for the variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. The board of trustees monitors the Fund for the existence of any material irreconcilable conflicts of interest between different types of its investors. If there are any such conflicts, the board of trustees will determine what action, if any, shall be taken in response. Please refer to the accompanying contract prospectus for information on how to select the Fund as an investment option.

 

Contract Owners’ payments will be allocated by the insurance company separate account to the sub-account that purchases shares of the Fund corresponding with the sub-account chosen by the Contract Owner, and are subject to any limits or conditions in the Contract. Requests to buy shares of the Fund are processed at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request in proper form. The Fund does not issue share certificates.


 

Selling Shares

 

Each insurance company shareholder sells shares of the Fund to make benefit or surrender payments or to execute exchanges (transfers) between investment options under the terms of its Contracts. Requests to sell shares of the Fund are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives the request in proper form.


 

Exchanging Shares

 

Contract Owners may exchange interests in sub-accounts of an insurance company separate account that corresponds with shares of any one class or fund, for interests in sub-accounts that correspond with shares of other classes or funds, subject to the terms and any specific limitations on the exchange (or “transfer”) privilege described in the Contract prospectus.

 

Frequent exchanges or excessive trading can harm performance and interfere with Fund portfolio management or operations and increase Fund costs. The Fund discourages short-term or excessive trading and may seek to restrict or reject such trading (please see “Market Timing Trading Policy,” below).


 

Market Timing Trading Policy

 

The board of trustees has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to market timing (Market Timing Trading Policy):

 

Market timing generally. The Fund discourages and does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares,

often referred to as “market timing,” and asks its participating Insurers for their cooperation in trying to discourage such activity in their separate accounts by Contract Owners and their financial advisors. The Fund intends to seek to restrict or reject such trading

 

FFA-13 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

or take other action, as described below, if in the judgment of the Fund administrator or transfer agent such trading may interfere with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio, may materially increase the Fund’s or the underlying funds’ transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes, or may otherwise be detrimental to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Market timing consequences. If information regarding trading activity in the Fund or in any other Franklin Templeton fund or non-Franklin Templeton fund is brought to the attention of the Fund’s administrator or transfer agent and based on that information the Fund or its administrator or transfer agent in their sole discretion conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the Fund as described in this Market Timing Trading Policy, the Fund may temporarily or permanently bar future purchases into the Fund or, alternatively, may limit the amount, number or frequency of any future purchases and/or the method by which an Insurer may request future purchases and redemptions (including purchases and/or redemptions by an exchange or transfer between the Fund and any other mutual fund).

 

In considering an investor’s trading activity, the Fund may consider, among other factors, an investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the Fund, in other Franklin Templeton funds, in non-Franklin Templeton mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership.

 

Market timing through Insurers. As a Contract Owner you are also subject to this policy. An Insurer’s order for purchases and/or redemptions pursuant to a Contract Owner’s instructions (including purchases and/or redemptions by an exchange or transfer between the Fund and any mutual fund) are submitted pursuant to aggregated orders (Aggregated Orders). While the Fund will encourage Insurers to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their Contract Owners, the Fund is limited in its ability to monitor the trading activity or enforce the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy because the Insurer has the relationship with, and is responsible for maintaining the account records of, the individual Contract Owners. For example, should it occur, the Fund may not be able to detect market timing that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or made difficult to identify in the Aggregated Orders used by Insurers.

 

Therefore, the Fund or its agents selectively monitor the Aggregated Orders used by Insurers for purchases, exchanges and redemptions in respect of all their Contract Owners and seek the cooperation of Insurers to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy. There may be legal and technological limitations on the ability of an Insurer to impose trading restrictions and to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their Contract Owners through such methods as implementing short-term trading limitations or restrictions, assessing the Fund’s redemption fee (if applicable) and monitoring trading activity for what might be market timing. As a result, the Fund may not be able to determine whether trading by Insurers in respect of their Contract Owners is contrary to the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy.

 

Risks from market timers. Depending on various factors, including the size of the Fund, the amount of assets the portfolio manager typically maintains in cash or cash equivalents and the dollar amount and number and frequency of trades and the types of securities in which the Fund typically invests, short-term or frequent trading may interfere with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio, increase the Fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs and taxes and/or impact Fund performance.

 

In addition, if the nature of the underlying funds’ portfolio holdings exposes them to “arbitrage market timers,” the value of the underlying fund shares and thus the Fund’s shares may be diluted if redeeming shareholders receive proceeds (and buying shareholders receive shares) based upon net asset values which do not reflect appropriate fair value prices. Arbitrage market timing occurs when an investor seeks to take advantage of the possible delay between the change in the value of a mutual fund’s portfolio holdings and the reflection of the change in the fund’s net asset value per share. An underlying fund that invests significantly in foreign securities may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage market timing. Arbitrage market timing in foreign investments may occur because of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the underlying funds’ international portfolio securities trade and the time as of which the its shares’ NAV is calculated. Arbitrage

 

FFA-14 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

market timers may purchase shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before calculation of the Fund’s NAV. One of the objectives of the Trust’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage market timing (please see “Valuation – Foreign Securities – Potential Impact of Time Zones and Market Holidays”).

 

Since certain of the underlying funds may invest significantly in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid (“relatively illiquid securities”), such fund may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage market timing. An arbitrage market timer may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of these relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the underlying fund’s net asset value and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of the objectives of the Trust’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage market timing (please see “Fair Valuation – Individual Securities” under the heading “Fund Account Policies,” below).

 

The Fund and the underlying funds are currently using several methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These methods include:

 

 

seeking the cooperation of Insurers to assist the Fund and the underlying funds in identifying potential market timing activity;

 

 

committing staff to selectively review on a continuing basis recent trading activity in order to identify trading activity that may be contrary to the Fund’s and the underlying funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy;

 

 

monitoring potential price differentials following the close of trading in foreign markets to determine whether the application of fair value pricing procedures is warranted; and

 

 

seeking the cooperation of financial intermediaries to assist the Fund in identifying market timing activity.

 

Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund and the underlying funds seek to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of their shareholders. There is no assurance that the Trust or its agents will gain access to any or all information necessary to detect market timing in Insurers’ separate accounts. While the Trust will seek to take actions (directly and with the assistance of Insurers) that will detect market timing, it cannot represent that such trading activity can be minimized or completely eliminated.

 

Revocation of market timing trades. Transactions placed in violation of the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy or exchange limit guidelines are not necessarily deemed accepted by the Fund and may be cancelled or revoked by the Fund, in full or in part, following receipt by the Fund.

 


 

Involuntary Redemptions

 

The Fund reserves the right to close an account (and involuntarily redeem any investment) if it is deemed to have engaged in activities that are illegal (such as late trading) or otherwise believed to be detrimental to the Fund (such as market timing), to the fullest extent permitted by law and consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Involuntary redemptions may be in cash or in kind.

 

FFA-15 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

 

Fund Account Policies

 

 

CALCULATING SHARE PRICE

When they buy and sell shares, the Fund’s shareholders pay and receive the net asset value (NAV) per share.

 

The value of a mutual fund is determined by deducting the fund’s liabilities from the total assets of the portfolio. The NAV per share of a class of the Fund is determined by dividing the net asset value of the Fund’s share class by the applicable number of shares outstanding of that class. The Fund’s NAV does not include any fees or sales charges imposed by variable insurance contracts for which the Fund is an investment option. Investors should consult the contract prospectus or disclosure document for more information.

 

The Fund calculates its NAV per share each business day at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time). The Fund does not calculate its NAV on days the NYSE is closed for trading, which include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

The assets of the Fund consist primarily of shares of the underlying funds, which are valued at their respective NAVs. When determining its NAV, the Fund values cash and receivables at their realizable amounts, and records interest as accrued and dividends on the ex-dividend date. The underlying funds generally utilize two independent pricing services to assist in determining a current market value for each security. If market quotations are readily available for portfolio securities listed on a securities exchange, including NASDAQ, the underlying funds value those securities at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively, or, if there is no reported sale, within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. The underlying funds value over-the-counter portfolio securities within the range of the most recent bid and ask prices. If portfolio securities trade both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange, the underlying funds value them according to the broadest and most representative market as determined by their investment manager.

 

Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times before the close of the NYSE. The value of these securities used in computing the NAV is determined as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the values of these securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and the close of the NYSE that will not be reflected in the computation of the NAV. The underlying funds rely on third party pricing vendors to monitor for events materially affecting the value of these securities during this period. If an event occurs, the third party pricing vendors will provide revised values to the underlying funds.

 

FAIR VALUATION – INDIVIDUAL SECURITIES

As an underlying fund may invest in securities that are restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid, there is the possibility of a differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those securities and the latest indications of market values for those securities. Each underlying fund has procedures, approved by the board of trustees, to determine the fair value of individual securities and other assets for which market prices are not readily available (such as certain restricted or unlisted securities and private placements) or which may not be reliably priced (such as in the case of trade suspensions or halts, price movement limits set by certain foreign markets, and thinly traded or illiquid securities). Some methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (earnings multiple, etc.), matrix pricing, discounts from market prices of similar securities, or discounts applied due to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities. The board of trustees oversees the application of fair value pricing procedures for each underlying fund.

 

The application of fair value pricing procedures represents a good faith determination based upon specifically applied procedures. There can be no assurance that an underlying fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if they were able to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV per share.

 

 

FFA-16 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

SECURITY VALUATION – CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES

Corporate debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. Each underlying fund, as applicable, may value these portfolio securities by utilizing quotations from bond dealers, information with respect to bond and note transactions and may rely on independent pricing services to assist in determining a current market value for each security. The underlying fund’s pricing services may utilize independent quotations from bond dealers and bond market activity to determine current value.

 

SECURITY VALUATION – OPTIONS

Each underlying fund values portfolio securities underlying actively traded call options at their market price as determined above. The current market value of any option an underlying fund holds is its last sale price on the relevant exchange before the fund values its assets. If there are no sales that day or if the last sale price is outside the bid and ask prices, the underlying funds value options within the range of the current closing bid and ask prices if the underlying funds believe the valuation fairly reflects the contract’s market value.

 

VALUATION – FOREIGN SECURITIES – COMPUTATION OF U.S. EQUIVALENT VALUE

Each underlying fund, as applicable, generally determines the value of a foreign security as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or as of the close of trading on the NYSE, if earlier. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE (generally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time) on the day that the value of the foreign security is determined. If no sale is reported at that time, the foreign security will be valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Occasionally events (such as repatriation limits or restrictions) 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 of trustees.

 

VALUATION – FOREIGN SECURITIES – POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TIME ZONES AND MARKET HOLIDAYS

Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets, such as those in Europe and Asia, may be completed well before the close of business on the NYSE on each day that the NYSE is open. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the availability (including the reliability) of the value of a foreign portfolio security held by an underlying fund. As a result, the underlying fund may be susceptible to what is referred to as “time zone arbitrage.” Certain investors in an underlying fund may seek to take advantage of discrepancies in the value of the underlying fund’ s portfolio securities as determined by the foreign market at its close and the latest indications of value attributable to the portfolio securities at the time the underlying funds’ NAV is computed. Trading by these investors, often referred to as “arbitrage market timers,” may dilute the value of an underlying fund’s shares, if such discrepancies in security values actually exist. To attempt to minimize the possibilities for time zone arbitrage, and in accordance with procedures established and approved by the board of trustees, the manager of each underlying fund 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 (ADRs), 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 might call into question the availability (including the reliability) of the values of foreign securities between the times at which they are determined and the close of the NYSE. If such an event occurs, the foreign securities may be valued using fair value procedures established and approved by the board of trustees. In certain circumstances these procedures include the use of independent pricing services. The intended effect of applying fair value pricing is to compute an NAV that accurately reflects the value of an underlying fund’s portfolio at the time that the NAV is calculated, to discourage potential arbitrage market timing in fund shares, to mitigate the dilutive impact of such attempted arbitrage market timing and

 

FFA-17 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

to be fair to purchasing, redeeming and existing shareholders. However, the application of fair value pricing procedures may, on occasion, worsen rather than mitigate the potential dilutive impact of shareholder trading.

 

In addition, trading in foreign portfolio securities generally, or in securities markets in a particular country or countries, may not take place on every NYSE business day. Furthermore, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days that are not business days for the NYSE, and on which an underlying fund’s NAV is not calculated. Thus, the calculation of the underlying fund’s NAV does not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of many of the foreign portfolio securities used in the calculation. If events affecting the last determined values of these foreign securities occur (determined through the monitoring process described above), the securities will be valued at fair value determined in good faith in accordance with each underlying fund’s fair value procedures established and approved by the board of trustees.

 

SHARE CLASSES

Class 1 and Class 2 shares of the Fund are identical except that Class 2 has a distribution plan or “rule 12b-1” plan as described in its prospectus. Please refer to the accompanying contract prospectus to find out which class is available to you under your contract.

 

Subject to applicable law, the board of trustees may from time to time, without the approval, vote or consent of shareholders of a fund or class, combine, merge or otherwise consolidate the shares of two or more classes of shares of a fund in the Trust with and/or into a single class of shares of such fund, with such designation, preference, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, terms and conditions of redemption and other characteristics as the board of trustees may determine. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sales of assets, shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method approved by the board of trustees.

 

ADDITIONAL POLICIES

Please note that the Fund maintains additional policies and reserve certain rights, including:

 

 

The Fund may restrict, reject or cancel any purchase order, including an exchange request.

 

 

At any time, the Fund may establish or change investment minimums.

 

 

The Fund may make material changes to or discontinue the exchange privilege on 60 days’ notice to insurance company shareholders, or as otherwise provided by law.

 

 

You may only buy shares of the Fund (including the purchase side of an exchange) eligible for sale in your state or jurisdiction.

 

 

In unusual circumstances, we may temporarily suspend redemptions, or postpone the payment of proceeds, as allowed by federal securities laws.

 

 

For redemptions over a certain amount, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds in securities or other assets rather than cash if the administrator determines it is in the best interest of the Fund, consistent with applicable law.

 

 

To permit investors to obtain the current price, participating insurance companies are responsible for transmitting all orders to the Fund promptly.

 


 

Questions

 

More detailed information about the Trust and the Fund’s account policies can be found in the Fund’s SAI. If you have any questions about the Fund, you can write to us at One Franklin Parkway, P.O. Box 7777, San Mateo, CA 94403-7777. You can also call us at 1-800/362-6243 (a toll-free number). For your protection and to help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls may be monitored or recorded.

 

FFA-18 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 1

 


Table of Contents

 

 

For More Information

 

For information on the Fund, including a free copy of the Fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, contact your financial advisor or the insurance company offering your Contract.

 

Shares of the Fund are offered generally only to insurance company separate accounts to serve as the investment vehicles for variable insurance contracts (Contracts), and are not offered to the public. Because of this, the Fund’s offering documents and shareholder reports are not available on our public website at franklintempleton.com.

 

You can learn more about the Fund in the following document:

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Contains more information about the Fund, its investments, policies and risks. It is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this prospectus.

 

You also can obtain information about the Fund by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (phone 1-202/551-8090) or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102 or by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

Investment Company Act file #811-05583

 


Table of Contents

 

The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Prospectus

 

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust

 

Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund – Class 2

 

LOGO

 

July 2, 2007



Table of Contents
  Contents
     FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VIP FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND
  i      Overview
Information about the Fund
you should know before
investing
       Fund Description
  FFA-1      Goals and Strategies
  FFA-2      Information about the Underlying Funds
  FFA-3      Risks of Investing in the Underlying Funds
  FFA-7      Performance
  FFA-8      Fees and Expenses
  FFA-9      Administration
       Additional Information
  FFA-10      Regulatory Update
  FFA-11      Dealer Compensation
  FFA-11      Portfolio Holdings
  FFA-11      Statements and Reports
       Distribution and Taxes
  FFA-11      Income and Capital Gains Distributions
  FFA-12      Tax Considerations
     FUND ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Information about Fund
account transactions
and services
  FFA-13      Buying Shares
  FFA-13      Selling Shares
  FFA-13      Exchanging Shares
  FFA-13      Market Timing Trading Policy
  FFA-15      Involuntary Redemptions
  FFA-16      Fund Account Policies
  FFA-19      Questions
     FOR MORE INFORMATION
Where to learn more about the Fund        Back Cover


Table of Contents

 

Overview

 

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust (the Trust) currently consists of multiple series (Funds), offering a wide variety of investment choices. Funds may be available in multiple classes: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. This Prospectus describes only the Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund, which is generally available as an investment option in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. Please refer to the accompanying Insurer’s prospectus for further information.

INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

 

The Fund and each underlying fund has its own investment strategy and risk profile. Generally, the higher the potential rate of return, the greater the risk of loss. Although stocks in the U.S. historically have outperformed other types of investments over the long term, they tend to go up and down more than other types of investments in the short term. Bonds and other fixed income securities historically have achieved returns less than those of stocks, and with lower risk, although the value of fixed income investments can go up and down over the short term. Money market and other very short-term investments historically have achieved the lowest returns, with the lowest risk.

 

 

The following give a general sense of the level of underlying fund assets associated with a particular investment or strategy: “small portion” (less than 10%); “portion” (10% to 25%); “significant” (25% to 50%); “substantial” (50% to 66%); “primary” (66% to 80%); and “predominant” (80% or more). The percentages are not limitations unless specifically stated as such in this prospectus or in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

 

RISKS

 

There can be no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment goal. Funds that are actively managed are subject to the risk of the manager’s judgment in the analysis and evaluation of securities selected for investment.

 

 

All securities markets, interest rates, and currency valuations fluctuate, sometimes dramatically. Because you could lose money by investing in the Fund, take the time to read the Fund description and consider all risks before investing.

 

 

Fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S. government. Fund shares involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More detailed information about the Fund, its investment policies, and its particular risks can be found in its SAI.

 

MANAGEMENT

The underlying funds’ investment managers and their affiliates manage over $620 billion in assets, as of May 31, 2007. In 1992, Franklin joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in international investing. The Mutual Series organization became part of the Franklin Templeton organization four years later. In 2001, the Fiduciary Trust team, known for providing global investment management to institutions and high net worth clients worldwide, joined the organization. Today, Franklin Templeton Investments is one of the largest mutual fund organizations in the United States, and offers money management expertise spanning a variety of investment goals.

 

 

i

 


Table of Contents

Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund

 

Goals and Strategies

 

 

The Fund invests in three other series of the Trust: Franklin Income Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund and Templeton Growth Securities Fund.

 

GOALS

The Fund’s principal investment goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal is income.

 

MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund invests in Class 1 shares of three other series of the Trust: Franklin Income Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund and Templeton Growth Securities Fund (acquired funds or underlying funds). These underlying funds, in turn, invest in a variety of U.S. and foreign equity securities and fixed income and money market securities. The investment policies of the underlying funds are summarized in the section below entitled “Information about the Underlying Funds.”

 

The Fund seeks to maintain equal investments in each of the three underlying funds.

 

REBALANCING AND FUND PERFORMANCE

The investment results of the underlying funds will vary. Because of this, the Fund’s administrator will monitor the Fund’s investments in the underlying funds and will seek to rebalance those investments when they are more than three percent above or below the goal of equal allocations to each of the three underlying funds. Whenever possible, cash flows will be used to adjust allocations. Also, the performance and income distributions of the Fund will differ from the performance and income distributions of the underlying funds as a result of the small variations in the Fund’s allocations and any cash it holds, as well as Fund expenses.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

When the manager of an underlying fund believes that market or economic conditions are unusual or unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all or nearly all of the underlying fund’s assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency denominated short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents, corporate debt, or direct or indirect U.S. and non-U.S. government and agency obligations and money market fund shares. In these circumstances, the underlying fund may be unable to pursue its investment goal and the Fund may be unable to pursue its investment goal with respect to the portion of its assets invested in such underlying fund.

 

FFA-1 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Information about the Underlying Funds

 

 

FRANKLIN INCOME SECURITIES FUND

The fund seeks to maximize income while maintaining prospects for capital appreciation by investing, under normal market conditions, in debt and equity securities. The fund seeks income by investing in corporate, foreign and U.S. Treasury bonds, as well as stocks with dividend yields the manager believes are attractive. It seeks growth opportunities by investing in common stocks of companies from a variety of sectors that may include utilities, healthcare, financials, and oil and gas. The fund may also invest a portion of its assets in convertible securities, including enhanced convertible securities and synthetic convertible securities. It may invest a significant amount of its total assets in debt securities that are either rated below investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the fund’s manager to be of comparable quality. The fund may also invest up to 5% of its total assets in defaulted debt securities. It generally invests in securities rated at least Caa by Moody’s Investors Service or CCC by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or, if unrated, determined by its manager to be of comparable quality. The fund may invest a small portion of its assets in foreign securities and emerging markets. It ordinarily pursues foreign investment opportunities by investing in multi-national corporations with significant foreign operations and in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).

 

MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND

The fund’s principal investment goal is capital appreciation and its secondary goal is income. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in equity securities (including securities convertible into, or that the manager expects to be exchanged for, common or preferred stock) of companies that the manager believes are available at market prices less than their value based on certain recognized or objective criteria (intrinsic value). Following this value-oriented strategy, under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in undervalued securities and, to a lesser extent, in risk arbitrage securities and distressed companies. It invests the equity portion of its portfolio predominantly in medium and large capitalization companies, which are those with market capitalization values greater than $1.5 billion. It also may invest a portion of its assets in small capitalization companies. While the fund generally purchases securities for investment purposes, its manager may seek to influence or control management, or invest in other companies that do so, when the manager believes the fund may benefit. The fund expects to invest significantly in foreign investments, which may include sovereign debt and participations in foreign government debt.

 

TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND

The fund seeks long-term capital growth. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in the equity securities of companies located anywhere in the world, including those in the U.S. and emerging markets. It may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries or in particular sectors. In addition to its main investments, depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in debt securities of companies and governments located anywhere in the world. In order to increase income to the fund, the fund may lend certain of its portfolio securities to qualified banks and broker-dealers. It may use various derivative instruments and strategies seeking to protect its assets, implement a cash management strategy or enhance its returns. No more than 5% of the fund’s total assets may be invested in, or exposed to, options and swap agreements (as measured at the time of investment).

 

FFA-2 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Risks of Investing in the Underlying Funds

 

 

The value of an investment in the Fund is based primarily on the performance of the underlying funds. Because the prices of the underlying funds’ securities fluctuate with market conditions (the range of fluctuation depends upon the types of securities an underlying fund owns and the markets in which it trades) the value of your investment will go up and down. You could lose money.

 

STOCKS

Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that invest in stocks, its returns will fluctuate with changes in stock markets. In the U.S., stocks have historically outperformed other types of investments over the long term. Stocks, however, may fluctuate in value more dramatically than many other types of investments over the short term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies or industries or the securities market as a whole. A slower growth or recessionary economic environment, can cause the stock prices of various stocks held by an underlying fund to decline.

 

VALUE STYLE INVESTING

The underlying funds use a value style of investing. Value stock prices are considered “cheap” relative to the company’s perceived value and are often out of favor with other investors. An underlying fund manager may invest in such stocks if it believes the market may have overreacted to adverse developments or failed to appreciate positive changes. However, if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value (and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers or favor investing in faster growing companies), value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager and may even decline in value. Securities that are considered “cheaply” priced also may include those of companies reporting poor earnings, companies whose share prices have declined sharply (sometimes growth companies that have recently stumbled to levels considered “cheap” in the manager’s opinion), turnarounds, cyclical companies, or companies emerging from bankruptcy, all of which may have a higher risk of being ignored or rejected, and therefore, undervalued by the market.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES

Certain underlying funds invest in foreign securities. Investing in foreign securities, including securities of foreign governments, typically involves more risks than investing in U.S. securities, which can increase the potential for losses in an underlying fund and affect its share price. Certain of these risks also may apply to securities of U.S. companies with significant foreign operations.

 

Currency exchange rates. Some of an underlying fund’s investments may be issued and traded in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currencies and in currency exchange rates can dramatically decrease (or increase) the value of an underlying fund’s foreign portfolio holdings. To the extent an underlying fund does not hedge, or successfully hedge, its currency exposure, these currency exchange rate changes can have a disproportionate impact on an underlying fund’s performance, even accounting for most of the gain or loss in a particular period.

 

Political and economic developments. The political, economic and social structures of some countries in which an underlying fund invests may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. Investments in these countries may be subject to the risks of internal and external conflicts, currency devaluations, foreign ownership limitations and tax increases. It is possible that a government may take over the assets or operations of a company or impose restrictions on the exchange or export of currency or other assets. Some countries also may have different legal systems that may make it difficult for an underlying fund to vote proxies, exercise shareholder rights, and pursue legal remedies with respect to its foreign investments. Diplomatic and political developments, including rapid and adverse political changes, social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war, could affect the economies, industries and securities and currency markets, and the value of an underlying fund’s investments, in non-U.S. countries. These factors are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to predict and take into account with respect to an underlying fund’s investments.

 

Trading practices. Brokerage commissions and other fees may be higher for foreign securities. There may be less effective government supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges, currency markets, trading systems and brokers than in the U.S. The procedures and rules governing foreign transactions and custody also may involve delays in payment, delivery or recovery of money or investments.

 

FFA-3 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Availability of information. Foreign issuers may be subject to less revealing disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices than U.S. issuers, and there may be less publicly available information about them.

 

Limited markets. Foreign securities markets may be less liquid, and even those that are generally considered to be liquid may become illiquid for short or extended periods. Certain foreign securities may be less liquid and more volatile than many U.S. securities, which could limit an underlying fund’s ability to sell them at favorable prices.

 

Emerging markets. An underlying fund’s investments in emerging market countries are subject to all the risks of foreign investing generally, and have additional, heightened risks due to a lack of established legal, political, business and social frameworks to support securities markets. These countries also are more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, which can harm their economies and securities markets and increase volatility. Short-term volatility in these markets, and declines of 50% or more, are not unusual.

 

CREDIT

Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that invest in debt securities, which may include indebtedness and loan participations, the Fund’s investments are subject to credit risk. An issuer may be unable to make interest payments or repay principal when due. Adverse changes in an issuer’s financial strength or in a security’s credit rating may reduce a security’s value and, thus, impact fund performance. Subordinated debt securities are riskier because their holders will be paid only after the holders of senior debt securities are paid.

 

Lower-rated securities. Debt securities that are rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities generally have more risk, fluctuate more in price and are less liquid than higher-rated securities and can be considered speculative. These securities, which are sometimes called “junk bonds,” generally pay higher yields than higher-rated securities to compensate investors for the higher risk.

 

Issuers of high yield debt securities are not as strong financially as those with higher credit ratings and are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to adverse changes in the economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates. Such issuers typically do not have the track record to receive an investment grade rating, have borrowed to finance acquisitions or to expand their operations, are seeking to refinance their debt at lower rates, or have been downgraded due to financial difficulties. In addition, banks may tighten their credit standards, which may make it more difficult for issuers with weaker balance sheets to have access to capital to continue operations or to refinance their outstanding debt. If an issuer stops paying interest or principal, payments may never resume. An underlying fund may lose its entire investment in a defaulted bond.

 

The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than the prices of higher quality securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the issuer’s operations and to changes in the ratings assigned by rating agencies. In the case of companies, prices are often closely linked with, and typically fluctuate in response to factors that affect their stock prices. In addition, the entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield securities are also generally less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price. Purchasers of participations, such as an underlying fund, must rely on the financial institution issuing the participation to assert any rights against the borrower with respect to the underlying indebtedness. In addition, an underlying fund takes on the risk as to the creditworthiness of the bank or other financial intermediary issuer, as well as of the company issuing the underlying indebtedness.

 

INTEREST RATE

Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that invest in debt securities, the Fund’s investments are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. An underlying fund’s distributions to its shareholders may decline when interest rates fall, since an underlying fund can only distribute what it earns. Debt securities tend to lose

 

FFA-4 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

market value when interest rates rise and increase in value when interest rates decline. In general, securities with longer maturities or lower coupons are more sensitive to these rate changes. Increases in interest rates also may have an adverse effect on the issuers in which an underlying fund invests because they may find it more difficult to obtain credit to expand, or may have more difficulty making interest payments when due. A sub-category of interest rate risk is reinvestment risk, which is the risk that interest rates will be lower when an underlying fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, the proceeds from a matured debt security or a debt security that has been pre-paid (called), resulting in less income received by the fund.

 

INCOME

Since an underlying fund can only distribute what it earns, the Fund’s distributions to its shareholders may decline when interest rates fall.

 

RISK ARBITRAGE SECURITIES AND DISTRESSED COMPANIES

The Mutual Shares Securities Fund may invest in risk arbitrage securities and distressed companies. Risk arbitrage securities are those of companies that are involved in restructuring such as mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, liquidations, spinoffs, or tender or exchange offers or securities that the manager believes are cheap relative an economically similar security of another or the same company. A merger, tender or exchange offer, or other corporate restructuring proposed at the time an underlying fund invests in risk arbitrage securities may not be completed on the terms or within the time frame contemplated, resulting in losses to the fund. Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower rated, in default, or close to default. Also, securities of distressed companies are generally more likely to become worthless than the securities of more financially stable companies.

 

SMALLER AND MIDSIZE COMPANIES

Underlying funds, in particular the Mutual Shares Securities Fund, may invest in smaller and midsize companies. While smaller and midsize companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth, they also involve substantial risk and should be considered speculative. Historically, smaller and midsize company securities have been more volatile in price than larger company securities, especially over the short term. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects of smaller and midsize companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller and midsize companies to changing economic conditions. In addition, smaller and midsize companies may lack depth of management, be unable to generate funds necessary for growth or development, or be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established.

 

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

Underlying funds, particularly the Franklin Income Securities Fund, may invest in convertible securities. The value of convertible securities may fluctuate with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, in response to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. Because its value can be influenced by many different factors, a convertible security is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible debt security, and generally also is less volatile than the underlying stock.

 

DERIVATIVE SECURITIES

Underlying funds may participate in derivative transactions. The performance of derivative investments depends, in part, on the performance of an underlying asset. Derivatives involve costs, may be volatile, and may involve a small investment relative to the risk assumed. Their successful use will depend on the manager’s ability to predict market movements and their use may have the opposite effect of that intended. Risks include delivery failure, default by the other party or the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid.

 

HEDGING INSTRUMENTS

Underlying funds, in particular the Mutual Shares Securities Fund, may attempt to hedge (protect) against currency risks, largely using forward foreign currency exchange contracts, where available and when, in the manager’s opinion, it would be advantageous. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may reduce the risk of loss from a change in value of a currency, but they also limit any potential

 

FFA-5 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

gains and do not protect against fluctuations in the value of the underlying position. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered derivative investments, because their value depends on the value of an underlying asset to be purchased or sold.

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered derivative investments, because their value depends on the value of an underlying asset to be purchased or sold. An underlying fund’s investment in derivatives may involve a small investment relative to the risk assumed. To the extent the underlying fund enters into these transactions, their successful use will depend on its manager’s ability to predict market movements, and their use may have the opposite effect of that intended. Risks include potential loss due to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to close out its position because the trading market becomes illiquid.

 

SECTOR FOCUS

Although the underlying funds do not currently concentrate their investments in any one sector, each underlying fund may from time to time allocate more of its holdings in aggregate to a particular sector or country. One of the underlying funds, the Templeton Growth Securities Fund may, from time to time, have significant investments in particular countries or in particular sectors. To the extent that an underlying fund has significant investments in one or a few sectors or countries, the underlying fund, and the Fund, will be subject to more risk than a fund that maintains broad sector and country diversification.

 

SECURITIES LENDING

Underlying funds may lend securities. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in collateral in the event of default or insolvency of the borrower.

 

FFA-6 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Performance

 

 

Because the Fund is new, it has no performance history.

 

FFA-7 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Fees and Expenses

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Because the Fund pursues its goal(s) by investing in other mutual funds, rather than directly in individual securities, you will bear your proportionate share of the Fund’s operating expenses, and, also, indirectly, the operating expenses of the acquired funds in which it invests. All of these fees are described below. In addition, the table and the example do not include any fees or sales charges imposed by the variable insurance contract for which the Fund is an investment option. If they were included, the costs shown below would be higher. Investors should consult the contract prospectus or disclosure document for more information.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES

(fees paid directly from your investment)

 

     Class 2

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

  N/A

 

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES

(expenses deducted from Fund assets)

 

     Class 2  

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

  0.25% 3

Other expenses, including administration fees1

  0.13%  

Acquired funds estimated fees and expenses2

  0.69%  

Total annual Fund operating expenses

  1.07%  

 

1. Other expenses are estimated, except for the administration fee, which is based on the contractual amount of 0.10% per year of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Because Fund shares are held by a limited number of Insurers, substantial withdrawals by one or more Insurers could reduce Fund assets, causing total Fund expenses to become higher.

2. Acquired funds’ estimated fees and expenses are based on the acquired funds’ expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

3. While the maximum contractual amount payable under the Fund’s Class 2 Rule 12b-1 plan is 0.35% per year of the Fund’s average daily net assets, the board of trustees has set the current rate at 0.25% per year through April 30, 2008.

 

EXAMPLE

This example can help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes:

 

 

You invest $10,000 for the periods shown;

 

 

Your investment has a 5% return each year; and

 

 

The Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year   3 Years
Class 2   $ 109   $ 340

 

FFA-8 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Administration

 

 

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services), One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906, is the Fund’s administrator. FT Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Templeton Worldwide, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

FUND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT AND SERVICES

Under the Fund Administration Agreement, FT Services provides certain administrative services and facilities for the Fund. The administrative services FT Services provides include preparing and maintaining books, records, and tax and financial reports and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements. FT Services also monitors the percentage of the Fund’s assets allocated to the underlying funds and seeks to rebalance the Fund’s portfolio whenever the percentage of assets allocated to one or more underlying funds is below or above 3% of the applicable fixed percentage.

 

FT Services may receive assistance, at no charge to the Fund, from its corporate affiliate, Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers), in monitoring the underlying funds and the Fund’s investment in the underlying funds. FT Services makes certain payments (see the SAI for more information) to insurance companies out of its own resources for certain administrative services.

 

T. Anthony Coffey, CFA

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVISERS

  Mr. Coffey oversees the rebalancing process on behalf of FT Services. Mr. Coffey has been the manager of the Fund since its inception. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1989.

 

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about Mr. Coffey’s compensation, other accounts he manages or oversees and his ownership of Fund shares.

 

ADMINISTRATION FEES

The Fund pays FT Services a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for its services.

 

The Fund, as a shareholder in the underlying funds, will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by the underlying funds. The investment manager and the management fee of each of the underlying funds, based on each underlying fund’s average net assets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, are listed below:

 

Underlying Fund

  Manager   Annual Fee Rate
Franklin Income Securities Fund   Advisers   0.46%
Mutual Shares Securities Fund   Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC   0.60%
Templeton Growth Securities Fund   Templeton Global Advisors, Limited   0.74%

 

FFA-9 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Additional Information

 

Regulatory Update

 

 

On August 2, 2004, Franklin Resources, Inc. announced that Advisers (investment manager to many of the funds within Franklin Templeton Investments, and an affiliate of the investment manager to the other funds) reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that resolved the issues resulting from the SEC’s investigation of market timing activity in the Franklin Templeton Investments funds. Under the terms of the settlement and the SEC’s administrative order, pursuant to which Advisers neither admitted nor denied any of the findings contained therein, Advisers agreed, among other matters, to pay $50 million, of which $20 million is a civil penalty, to be distributed to shareholders of certain funds in accordance with a plan to be developed by an independent distribution consultant. Such a distribution plan has been prepared and submitted to the SEC for approval. On June 6, 2007, the SEC posted for public comment the proposed plan of distribution for the market timing settlement. Following a 30-day public comment period, and once the SEC approves the final plan of distribution, disbursements of settlement monies will be made promptly to individuals who were shareholders of the designated funds during the relevant period, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the settlement and plan.

 

Franklin Resources, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries and certain funds, current and former officers, employees, and directors have been named in multiple lawsuits in different courts alleging violations of various federal securities and state laws and seeking, among other relief, monetary damages, restitution, removal of fund trustees, directors, investment managers, administrators, and distributors, rescission of management contracts and 12b-1 plans, and/or attorneys’ fees and costs. Specifically, the lawsuits claim breach of duty with respect to alleged arrangements to permit market timing and/or late trading activity, or breach of duty with respect to the valuation of the portfolio securities of certain Templeton funds managed by Franklin Resources, Inc. subsidiaries, allegedly resulting in market timing activity. The majority of these lawsuits duplicate, in whole or in part, the allegations asserted in the SEC’s findings as described above. The lawsuits are styled as class actions, or derivative actions on behalf of either the named funds or Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

To date, more than 400 similar lawsuits against at least 19 different mutual fund companies, among other defendants, have been filed in federal district courts throughout the country. Because these cases involve common questions of fact, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the Judicial Panel) ordered the creation of a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, entitled “In re Mutual Funds Investment Litigation” (the MDL). The Judicial Panel then transferred similar cases from different districts to the MDL for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

 

On December 13, 2004, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) (the principal underwriter of shares of the Franklin Templeton mutual funds) and Advisers reached an agreement with the SEC, resolving the issues resulting from the SEC’s investigation concerning marketing support payments to securities dealers who sell fund shares. In connection with that agreement, in which Advisers and Distributors neither admitted nor denied any of the findings contained therein, they agreed to pay the funds a penalty of $20 million and disgorgement of $1 (one dollar), in accordance with a plan to be developed by an independent distribution consultant to be paid for by Advisers and Distributors. The SEC approved the independent distribution consultant’s proposed plan of distribution arising from this SEC order, and disbursement of the settlement monies to the designated funds under this plan was completed in September 2006, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the SEC’s order and the plan.

 

Franklin Resources, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries and certain funds, current and former officers, employees, and directors, have also been named in multiple lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities and state laws relating to the disclosure of marketing support payments and/or payment of allegedly excessive commissions and/or advisory or distribution fees, and seeking, among other relief, monetary damages, restitution, rescission of advisory contracts, including recovery of all fees paid pursuant to those contracts, an accounting of all monies paid to the named investment managers, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and/or attorneys’ fees and costs. These lawsuits are styled as class actions or derivative actions brought on behalf of certain funds.

 

FFA-10 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Franklin Resources, Inc. previously disclosed these issues as matters under investigation by government authorities and the subject of an internal company inquiry as well as private lawsuits in its regulatory filings and on its public website. Any further updates on these matters will be disclosed on Franklin Resources, Inc.’s website at franklintempleton.com under “Statement on Current Industry Issues.”

 

DEALER COMPENSATION

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) and/or its affiliates may provide financial support to securities dealers that sell shares of Franklin Templeton funds, or participate in the offering of variable insurance products that invest in the Trust (VIP Qualifying Dealers); such financial support may be made by payments from Distributors’ and/or its affiliates’ resources, including from Distributors’ retention of underwriting concessions and, in the case of Rule 12b-1 share classes, from payments to Distributors under such plans.

 

Distributors makes these payments in connection with VIP Qualifying Dealers’ efforts to educate financial advisors about our funds. A number of factors will be considered in determining payments, including such dealer’s sales, assets and redemption rates, and the quality of the dealer’s relationship with Distributors. Distributors may, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing these payments. To the extent permitted by SEC and NASD rules and other applicable laws and regulations, Distributors and/or its affiliates will pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments to dealers. Sale of shares of the Fund, as well as shares of other Franklin Templeton funds, is not considered a factor in the selection of securities dealers to execute the Funds’ portfolio transactions. Accordingly, the allocation of portfolio transactions for execution by VIP Qualifying Dealers is not considered marketing support payments.

 

You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by Distributors and/or its affiliates and the services provided by your VIP Qualifying Dealer. While your insurance company’s fees and charges are generally disclosed in the insurance contract prospectus, your VIP Qualifying Dealer may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. You can ask your insurance company and VIP Qualifying Dealer for information about any payments they receive from Distributors and/or its affiliates and any services they provide, as well as about fees and/or commissions they charge. These payments and other fees and charges are not reflected in the fee table included in this prospectus. Additional disclosure may be included in the insurance contract prospectus.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information for the Fund is also available in the Fund’s SAI. Portfolio holdings information can be viewed online at franklintempleton.com.

 

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

Contract Owners will receive financial reports for the Fund related to their Contract from the sponsoring Insurer every six months.


 

Distributions and Taxes

 

INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund will declare as dividends nearly all of its net investment income, and will generally pay dividends from net investment income and net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and capital gains are calculated and distributed the same way for each class of shares. The amount of any income dividends per share will differ for each class, however, generally due to the difference in the applicable Rule 12b-1 fees. Class 1 shares are not subject to Rule 12b-1 fees.

 

Dividends paid by the Fund will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund or, if requested, paid in cash to the insurance company shareholder.

 

FFA-11 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Insurance company separate accounts may invest in either of the classes of the Fund and, in turn, may offer variable annuity and variable life insurance products to investors through insurance contracts. Because the insurance company separate accounts are generally the shareholders in the Fund, all of the tax characteristics of the Fund’s investments flow into the separate accounts and not to each individual contract owner. The tax consequences from each contract owner’s investment in a variable annuity or variable life insurance contract will depend upon the provisions of these contracts, and contract owners should consult with their contract prospectus for more information on these tax consequences.

 

FFA-12 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

Fund Account Information

 

Buying Shares

 

Insurance companies offer variable annuity and variable life insurance products to investors including pension plans (Contracts), through separate accounts (Insurers). Separate accounts, and not the owners of the Contracts including group contract and pension plan certificate holders (Contract Owners), are generally the shareholders of the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value (NAV). The Fund corresponds with the investment option for the variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. The board of trustees monitors the Fund for the existence of any material irreconcilable conflicts of interest between different types of its investors. If there are any such conflicts, the board of trustees will determine what action, if any, shall be taken in response. Please refer to the accompanying contract prospectus for information on how to select the Fund as an investment option.

 

Contract Owners’ payments will be allocated by the insurance company separate account to the sub-account that purchases shares of the Fund corresponding with the sub-account chosen by the Contract Owner, and are subject to any limits or conditions in the Contract. Requests to buy shares of the Fund are processed at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request in proper form. The Fund does not issue share certificates.

 


 

Selling Shares

 

Each insurance company shareholder sells shares of the Fund to make benefit or surrender payments or to execute exchanges (transfers) between investment options under the terms of its Contracts. Requests to sell shares of the Fund are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives the request in proper form.

 


 

Exchanging Shares

 

Contract Owners may exchange interests in sub-accounts of an insurance company separate account that corresponds with shares of any one class or fund, for interests in sub-accounts that correspond with shares of other classes or funds, subject to the terms and any specific limitations on the exchange (or “transfer”) privilege described in the Contract prospectus.

 

Frequent exchanges or excessive trading can harm performance and interfere with Fund portfolio management or operations and increase Fund costs. The Fund discourages short-term or excessive trading and may seek to restrict or reject such trading (please see “Market Timing Trading Policy,” below).

 


 

Market Timing Trading Policy

 

The board of trustees has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to market timing (Market Timing Trading Policy):

 

Market timing generally. The Fund discourages and does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares,

often referred to as “market timing,” and asks its participating Insurers for their cooperation in trying to discourage such activity in their separate accounts by Contract Owners and their financial advisors. The Fund intends to seek to restrict or reject such trading

 

FFA-13 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

or take other action, as described below, if in the judgment of the Fund administrator or transfer agent such trading may interfere with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio, may materially increase the Fund’s or the underlying funds’ transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes, or may otherwise be detrimental to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Market timing consequences. If information regarding trading activity in the Fund or in any other Franklin Templeton fund or non-Franklin Templeton fund is brought to the attention of the Fund’s administrator or transfer agent and based on that information the Fund or its administrator or transfer agent in their sole discretion conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the Fund as described in this Market Timing Trading Policy, the Fund may temporarily or permanently bar future purchases into the Fund or, alternatively, may limit the amount, number or frequency of any future purchases and/or the method by which an Insurer may request future purchases and redemptions (including purchases and/or redemptions by an exchange or transfer between the Fund and any other mutual fund).

 

In considering an investor’s trading activity, the Fund may consider, among other factors, an investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the Fund, in other Franklin Templeton funds, in non-Franklin Templeton mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership.

 

Market timing through Insurers. As a Contract Owner you are also subject to this policy. An Insurer’s order for purchases and/or redemptions pursuant to a Contract Owner’s instructions (including purchases and/or redemptions by an exchange or transfer between the Fund and any mutual fund) are submitted pursuant to aggregated orders (Aggregated Orders). While the Fund will encourage Insurers to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their Contract Owners, the Fund is limited in its ability to monitor the trading activity or enforce the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy because the Insurer has the relationship with, and is responsible for maintaining the account records of, the individual Contract Owners. For example, should it occur, the Fund may not be able to detect market timing that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or made difficult to identify in the Aggregated Orders used by Insurers.

 

Therefore, the Fund or its agents selectively monitor the Aggregated Orders used by Insurers for purchases, exchanges and redemptions in respect of all their Contract Owners and seek the cooperation of Insurers to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy. There may be legal and technological limitations on the ability of an Insurer to impose trading restrictions and to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their Contract Owners through such methods as implementing short-term trading limitations or restrictions, assessing the Fund’s redemption fee (if applicable) and monitoring trading activity for what might be market timing. As a result, the Fund may not be able to determine whether trading by Insurers in respect of their Contract Owners is contrary to the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy.

 

Risks from market timers. Depending on various factors, including the size of the Fund, the amount of assets the portfolio manager typically maintains in cash or cash equivalents and the dollar amount and number and frequency of trades and the types of securities in which the Fund typically invests, short-term or frequent trading may interfere with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio, increase the Fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs and taxes and/or impact Fund performance.

 

In addition, if the nature of the underlying funds’ portfolio holdings exposes them to “arbitrage market timers,” the value of the underlying fund shares and thus the Fund’s shares may be diluted if redeeming shareholders receive proceeds (and buying shareholders receive shares) based upon net asset values which do not reflect appropriate fair value prices. Arbitrage market timing occurs when an investor seeks to take advantage of the possible delay between the change in the value of a mutual fund’s portfolio holdings and the reflection of the change in the fund’s net asset value per share. An underlying fund that invests significantly in foreign securities may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage market timing. Arbitrage market timing in foreign investments may occur because of time zone differences between the foreign markets on which the underlying funds’ international portfolio securities trade and the time as of which the its shares’ NAV is calculated. Arbitrage

 

FFA-14 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

market timers may purchase shares of the Fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before calculation of the Fund’s NAV. One of the objectives of the Trust’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage market timing (please see “Valuation – Foreign Securities – Potential Impact of Time Zones and Market Holidays”).

 

Since certain of the underlying funds may invest significantly in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid (“relatively illiquid securities”), such fund may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage market timing. An arbitrage market timer may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of these relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the underlying fund’s net asset value and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of the objectives of the Trust’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage market timing (please see “Fair Valuation – Individual Securities” under the heading “Fund Account Policies,” below).

 

The Fund and the underlying funds are currently using several methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These methods include:

 

 

seeking the cooperation of Insurers to assist the Fund and the underlying funds in identifying potential market timing activity;

 

 

committing staff to selectively review on a continuing basis recent trading activity in order to identify trading activity that may be contrary to the Fund’s and the underlying funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy;

 

 

monitoring potential price differentials following the close of trading in foreign markets to determine whether the application of fair value pricing procedures is warranted; and

 

 

seeking the cooperation of financial intermediaries to assist the Fund in identifying market timing activity.

 

Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund and the underlying funds seek to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of their shareholders. There is no assurance that the Trust or its agents will gain access to any or all information necessary to detect market timing in Insurers’ separate accounts. While the Trust will seek to take actions (directly and with the assistance of Insurers) that will detect market timing, it cannot represent that such trading activity can be minimized or completely eliminated.

 

Revocation of market timing trades. Transactions placed in violation of the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy or exchange limit guidelines are not necessarily deemed accepted by the Fund and may be cancelled or revoked by the Fund, in full or in part, following receipt by the Fund.


 

Involuntary Redemptions

 

The Fund reserves the right to close an account (and involuntarily redeem any investment) if it is deemed to have engaged in activities that are illegal (such as late trading) or otherwise believed to be detrimental to the Fund (such as market timing), to the fullest extent permitted by law and consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Involuntary redemptions may be in cash or in kind.

 

FFA-15 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

 

Fund Account Policies

 

CALCULATING SHARE PRICE

When they buy and sell shares, the Fund’s shareholders pay and receive the net asset value (NAV) per share.

 

The value of a mutual fund is determined by deducting the fund’s liabilities from the total assets of the portfolio. The NAV per share of a class of the Fund is determined by dividing the net asset value of the Fund’s share class by the applicable number of shares outstanding of that class. The Fund’s NAV does not include any fees or sales charges imposed by variable insurance contracts for which the Fund is an investment option. Investors should consult the contract prospectus or disclosure document for more information.

 

The Fund calculates its NAV per share each business day at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time). The Fund does not calculate its NAV on days the NYSE is closed for trading, which include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

The assets of the Fund consist primarily of shares of the underlying funds, which are valued at their respective NAVs. When determining its NAV, the Fund values cash and receivables at their realizable amounts, and records interest as accrued and dividends on the ex-dividend date. The underlying funds generally utilize two independent pricing services to assist in determining a current market value for each security. If market quotations are readily available for portfolio securities listed on a securities exchange, including NASDAQ, the underlying funds value those securities at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively, or, if there is no reported sale, within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. The underlying funds value over-the-counter portfolio securities within the range of the most recent bid and ask prices. If portfolio securities trade both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange, the underlying funds value them according to the broadest and most representative market as determined by their investment manager.

 

Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times before the close of the NYSE. The value of these securities used in computing the NAV is determined as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the values of these securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and the close of the NYSE that will not be reflected in the computation of the NAV. The underlying funds rely on third party pricing vendors to monitor for events materially affecting the value of these securities during this period. If an event occurs, the third party pricing vendors will provide revised values to the underlying funds.

 

FAIR VALUATION – INDIVIDUAL SECURITIES

As an underlying fund may invest in securities that are restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid, there is the possibility of a differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those securities and the latest indications of market values for those securities. Each underlying fund has procedures, approved by the board of trustees, to determine the fair value of individual securities and other assets for which market prices are not readily available (such as certain restricted or unlisted securities and private placements) or which may not be reliably priced (such as in the case of trade suspensions or halts, price movement limits set by certain foreign markets, and thinly traded or illiquid securities). Some methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (earnings multiple, etc.), matrix pricing, discounts from market prices of similar securities, or discounts applied due to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities. The board of trustees oversees the application of fair value pricing procedures for each underlying fund.

 

The application of fair value pricing procedures represents a good faith determination based upon specifically applied procedures. There can be no assurance that an underlying fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if they were able to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV per share.

 

 

FFA-16 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

SECURITY VALUATION – CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES

Corporate debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. Each underlying fund, as applicable, may value these portfolio securities by utilizing quotations from bond dealers, information with respect to bond and note transactions and may rely on independent pricing services to assist in determining a current market value for each security. The underlying fund’s pricing services may utilize independent quotations from bond dealers and bond market activity to determine current value.

 

SECURITY VALUATION – OPTIONS

Each underlying fund values portfolio securities underlying actively traded call options at their market price as determined above. The current market value of any option an underlying fund holds is its last sale price on the relevant exchange before the fund values its assets. If there are no sales that day or if the last sale price is outside the bid and ask prices, the underlying funds value options within the range of the current closing bid and ask prices if the underlying funds believe the valuation fairly reflects the contract’s market value.

 

VALUATION – FOREIGN SECURITIES – COMPUTATION OF U.S. EQUIVALENT VALUE

Each underlying fund, as applicable, generally determines the value of a foreign security as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or as of the close of trading on the NYSE, if earlier. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE (generally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time) on the day that the value of the foreign security is determined. If no sale is reported at that time, the foreign security will be valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Occasionally events (such as repatriation limits or restrictions) 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 of trustees.

 

VALUATION – FOREIGN SECURITIES – POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TIME ZONES AND MARKET HOLIDAYS

Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets, such as those in Europe and Asia, may be completed well before the close of business on the NYSE on each day that the NYSE is open. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the availability (including the reliability) of the value of a foreign portfolio security held by an underlying fund. As a result, the underlying fund may be susceptible to what is referred to as “time zone arbitrage.” Certain investors in an underlying fund may seek to take advantage of discrepancies in the value of the underlying fund’ s portfolio securities as determined by the foreign market at its close and the latest indications of value attributable to the portfolio securities at the time the underlying funds’ NAV is computed. Trading by these investors, often referred to as “arbitrage market timers,” may dilute the value of an underlying fund’s shares, if such discrepancies in security values actually exist. To attempt to minimize the possibilities for time zone arbitrage, and in accordance with procedures established and approved by the board of trustees, the manager of each underlying fund 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 (ADRs), 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 might call into question the availability (including the reliability) of the values of foreign securities between the times at which they are determined and the close of the NYSE. If such an event occurs, the foreign securities may be valued using fair value procedures established and approved by the board of trustees. In certain circumstances these procedures include the use of independent pricing services. The intended effect of applying fair value pricing is to compute an NAV that accurately reflects the value of an underlying fund’s portfolio at the time that the NAV is calculated, to discourage potential arbitrage market timing in fund shares, to mitigate the dilutive impact of such attempted arbitrage market timing and

 

FFA-17 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

to be fair to purchasing, redeeming and existing shareholders. However, the application of fair value pricing procedures may, on occasion, worsen rather than mitigate the potential dilutive impact of shareholder trading.

 

In addition, trading in foreign portfolio securities generally, or in securities markets in a particular country or countries, may not take place on every NYSE business day. Furthermore, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days that are not business days for the NYSE, and on which an underlying fund’s NAV is not calculated. Thus, the calculation of the underlying fund’s NAV does not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of many of the foreign portfolio securities used in the calculation. If events affecting the last determined values of these foreign securities occur (determined through the monitoring process described above), the securities will be valued at fair value determined in good faith in accordance with each underlying fund’s fair value procedures established and approved by the board of trustees.

 

SHARE CLASSES

Class 1 and Class 2 shares of the Fund are identical except that Class 2 has a distribution plan or “rule 12b-1” plan as described below. Please refer to the accompanying contract prospectus to find out which class is available to you under your contract.

 

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees. Class 2 has a distribution plan, sometimes known as a rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the Fund to pay distribution fees to those who sell and distribute Class 2 shares and provide services to shareholders and Contract Owners. Because these fees are paid out of Class 2’s assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of an investment, and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. While the maximum amount payable under the Fund’s Class 2 rule 12b-1 plan is 0.35% per year of the Fund’s Class 2 average daily net assets, the board of trustees has set the current rate at 0.25%. A portion of the fees payable to Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) or others under the rule 12b-1 plan may be retained by Distributors for distribution expenses.

 

Subject to applicable law, the board of trustees may from time to time, without the approval, vote or consent of shareholders of a fund or class, combine, merge or otherwise consolidate the shares of two or more classes of shares of a fund in the Trust with and/or into a single class of shares of such fund, with such designation, preference, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, terms and conditions of redemption and other characteristics as the board of trustees may determine. Such transactions may be effected through share-for-share exchanges, transfers or sales of assets, shareholder in-kind redemptions and purchases, exchange offers, or any other method approved by the board of trustees.

 

ADDITIONAL POLICIES

Please note that the Fund maintains additional policies and reserve certain rights, including:

 

 

The Fund may restrict, reject or cancel any purchase order, including an exchange request.

 

 

At any time, the Fund may establish or change investment minimums.

 

 

The Fund may make material changes to or discontinue the exchange privilege on 60 days’ notice to insurance company shareholders, or as otherwise provided by law.

 

 

You may only buy shares of the Fund (including the purchase side of an exchange) eligible for sale in your state or jurisdiction.

 

 

In unusual circumstances, we may temporarily suspend redemptions, or postpone the payment of proceeds, as allowed by federal securities laws.

 

 

For redemptions over a certain amount, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds in securities or other assets rather than cash if the administrator determines it is in the best interest of the Fund, consistent with applicable law.

 

 

To permit investors to obtain the current price, participating insurance companies are responsible for transmitting all orders to the Fund promptly.

 

FFA-18 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

 

Questions

 

More detailed information about the Trust and the Fund’s account policies can be found in the Fund’s SAI. If you have any questions about the Fund, you can write to us at One Franklin Parkway, P.O. Box 7777, San Mateo, CA 94403-7777. You can also call us at 1-800/362-6243 (a toll-free number). For your protection and to help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls may be monitored or recorded.

 

FFA-19 Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund - Class 2

 


Table of Contents

 

For More Information

 

For information on the Fund, including a free copy of the Fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, contact your financial advisor or the insurance company offering your Contract.

 

Shares of the Fund are offered generally only to insurance company separate accounts to serve as the investment vehicles for variable insurance contracts (Contracts), and are not offered to the public. Because of this, the Fund’s offering documents and shareholder reports are not available on our public website at franklintempleton.com.

 

You can learn more about the Fund in the following document:

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Contains more information about the Fund, its investments, policies and risks. It is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this prospectus.

 

You also can obtain information about the Fund by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (phone 1-202/551-8090) or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102 or by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

Investment Company Act file #811-05583


Table of Contents

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VIP

FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND

CLASS 1 & 2

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

July 2, 2007

LOGO

P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-7151

1/800-362-6243


This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It contains information in addition to the information in the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund’s prospectus, dated July 2, 2007, which we may amend from time to time, contains the basic information you should know before investing in the Fund. You should read this SAI together with the Fund’s prospectus.

To obtain a free additional copy of a prospectus for Class 1 or Class 2, please call Franklin Templeton at 1-800/362-6243, or your insurance company.

Mutual funds, annuities, and other investment products:

 

 

are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S. government;

 

 

are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank;

 

 

are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  1. Goals, Strategies and Risks

   3

  2. Information about the Underlying Funds’ Investments, Techniques and Risks

   5

  3. Officers and Trustees

   71

  4. Fair Valuation and Liquidity

   81

  5. Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

   81

  6. Asset Allocation and Other Services

   85

  7. Portfolio Transactions

   89

  8. Distributions and Taxes

   90

  9. Organization, Voting Rights and Principal Holders

   91

10. The Underwriter

   92

11. Performance

   94

12. Miscellaneous Information

   96

13. Description of Ratings of Corporate Obligations, Municipal Bonds, Municipal Notes, and Short-Term Debt Ratings

   96

 

2


Table of Contents
1. Goals, Strategies and Risks

The Fund’s assets are invested in a combination of Class 1 shares of three other series of Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust (Trust): Franklin Income Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund and Templeton Growth Securities Fund (the underlying funds).

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment restrictions or policies. A fundamental policy may only be changed if the change is approved by (i) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares or (ii) 67% or more of the Fund's shares present at a shareholder meeting if more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, whichever is less.

Fundamental Investment Policies

The Fund has adopted the following restrictions as fundamental investment policies.

The Fund may not:

 

  1. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

  2. Act as an underwriter except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares.

 

  3. Make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other persons, including other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the SEC. This limitation does not apply to (i) the lending of portfolio securities, (ii) the purchase of debt securities, other debt instruments, loan participations and/or engaging in direct corporate loans in accordance with its investment goals and policies, and (iii) repurchase agreements to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan.

 

  4. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from (i) purchasing or selling securities or instruments secured by real estate or interest therein, securities or instruments representing interests in real estate or securities or instruments of issuers that invest, deal or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, and (ii) making, purchasing or selling real estate mortgage loans.

 

  5. Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the SEC.

 

  6.

Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of

 

3


Table of Contents
 

securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from (i) engaging in transactions involving currencies and futures contracts and options thereon or (ii) investing in securities or other instruments that are secured by physical commodities.

 

  7. Invest more than 25% of the Fund's net assets in securities of issuers in any one industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies).

 

  8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies, whether registered or excluded from registration under Section 3(c) of the 1940 Act) if immediately after such investment (a) more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in such issuer or (b) more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to such 5% and 10% limitation.

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

The Fund’s investment goals are non-fundamental. This means that they may be changed by the board of trustees without the approval of shareholders.

The Fund’s principal investment goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal is income.

Investments, Techniques, Strategies and their Risks

The Fund pursues its investment goal by investing in a fixed combination of the following series of the Trust (the “underlying funds”):

 

33 1/3%

   Franklin Income Securities Fund   

33 1/3%

   Mutual Shares Securities Fund   

33 1/3%

   Templeton Growth Securities Fund   

The Fund’s administrator will monitor the Fund’s investments in the underlying funds and will seek to rebalance those investments when they are more than three percent above or below the goal of equal allocations to each of the three underlying funds. Whenever possible, cash flows will be used to adjust allocations.

The value of your shares will increase as the value of the underlying funds owned by the Fund increases and will decrease as the value of the underlying funds decrease. In this way, you will be participating in any change in the value of the underlying funds owned by the Fund, less the expenses association with this Fund.

The Fund will not pay 12b-1 service or distribution fees to any of the underlying funds in connection with its investments in them.

 

4


Table of Contents
2. Information about the Underlying Funds’ Investments, Techniques and Risks

The following gives more detailed information about the underlying funds’ investment policies and the types of securities that they may buy along with their associated risks.

Certain words or phrases may be used in descriptions of the underlying funds’ investment policies and strategies to give investors a general sense of an underlying fund’s level of investment. They are broadly identified with, but not limited to, the following percentages of an underlying fund’s’ total assets:

 

"small portion"

  less than 10%

"portion"

  10% to 25%

"significant"

  25% to 50%

"substantial"

  50% to 66%

"primary"

  66% to 80%

"predominant"

  80% or more

In addition to the risks described in the Fund’s prospectus, investors should consider the risks that pertain to an underlying fund that may invest in the instruments or engage in the following strategies.

Glossary of Securities, Investment Techniques and their Risks.

This section describes certain types of securities and investment techniques that an underlying fund may use to help it achieve its investment goals and to the extent not expressly prohibited by its investment policies. Not all investments, strategies and techniques are available to all underlying funds. Please note that all “Glossary of Securities, Investment Techniques and their Risks” references to “Fund” may refer to an underlying fund.

The value of your shares will increase as the value of the securities owned by a Fund increases and will decrease as the value of the Fund’s investments decreases. In this way, you participate in any change in the value of the securities owned by the Fund. In addition to the factors that affect the value of any particular security that the Fund owns, the value of Fund shares also may change with movements in the stock and bond markets as a whole.

During various periods in the past, increases in market values and/or the values of many individual securities have significantly exceeded prior historical norms. When increases in market values and/or individual securities values exceed historical norms, investors should not expect that such increases will be maintained or that the rate of such increases will continue. Investors should also not expect that such periods of increases in values exceeding historical norms will resume.

In addition to the risks described in the Fund’s prospectus, investors should consider the risks that pertain to the Funds that may invest in the instruments or engage in the following strategies.

 

5


Table of Contents
2.1 BORROWING

None of the Funds will purchase additional securities while its borrowing exceeds its stated percentage limitations on borrowing. Under federal securities laws, a fund may borrow from banks provided it maintains continuous asset coverage of 300% with respect to such borrowings, including selling (within three days) sufficient portfolio holdings to restore such coverage should it decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or otherwise, even if disadvantageous from an investment standpoint.

Leveraging by means of borrowing may make any change in the Fund’s net asset value even greater and thus result in increased volatility of returns. The Fund’s assets that are used as collateral to secure the borrowing may decrease in value while the borrowing is outstanding, which may force the Fund to use its other assets to increase the collateral. In addition, the money borrowed will be subject to interest and other costs (which may include commitment fees and the cost of maintaining minimum average balances). The cost of borrowing may exceed the income received from the securities purchased with borrowed funds.

In addition to borrowing for leverage purposes, the Funds also may borrow money to meet redemptions in order to avoid forced, unplanned sales of portfolio securities. This allows the Funds greater flexibility to buy and sell portfolio securities for investment rather than cash flow considerations. See “Fundamental Investment Policies” for more information about the Fund’s policies with respect to borrowing.

 

2.2 CONVERTIBLE AND SYNTHETIC CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

A convertible security is generally a debt obligation or preferred stock that may be converted within a specified period of time into a certain amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security provides a fixed-income stream and the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation resulting from a market price advance in its underlying common stock. As with a straight fixed-income security, a convertible security tends to increase in market value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Like a common stock, the value of a convertible security also tends to increase as the market value of the underlying stock rises, and it tends to decrease as the market value of the underlying stock declines. Because both interest rate and market movements can influence its value, a convertible security is not as sensitive to interest rates as a similar fixed-income security, nor is it as sensitive to changes in share price as its underlying stock.

A convertible security is usually issued either by an operating company or by an investment bank. When issued by an operating company, a convertible security tends to be senior to common stock, but may be subordinate to other types of fixed-income securities issued by that company. A convertible security may be subject to redemption by the issuer, but only after a specified date and under circumstances established at the time the security is issued. When a convertible security issued by an operating company is “converted,” the operating company often issues new stock to the holder of the convertible security. However, if the convertible security is redeemable and the parity price of the convertible security is less than the call price, the operating company may pay out cash instead of common stock.

 

6


Table of Contents

If the convertible security is issued by an investment bank, the security is an obligation of and is convertible through the issuing investment bank. The issuer of a convertible security may be important in determining the security’s true value. This is because the holder of a convertible security will have recourse only to the issuer.

Issuers of convertible securities that have lower credit ratings are often not as strong financially as those issuing securities with higher credit ratings. These companies are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates, which could affect their ability to make interest and principal payments on the convertible debt securities. If an issuer stops making interest and/or principal payments on the convertible debt securities, payments on such securities may never resume. These securities may be worthless and a Fund could lose its entire investment.

While the Fund uses the same criteria to rate a convertible debt security that it uses to rate a more conventional debt security, a convertible preferred stock is treated like a preferred stock for the Fund’s financial reporting, credit rating, and investment limitation purposes. A preferred stock is subordinated to all debt obligations in the event of insolvency, and an issuer’s failure to make a dividend payment is generally not an event of default entitling the preferred shareholder to take action. A preferred stock generally has no maturity date, so that its market value is dependent on the issuer’s business prospects for an indefinite period of time. In addition, distributions from preferred stock are dividends, rather than interest payments.

2.2.1 ENHANCED CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. In addition to “plain vanilla” convertibles, a number of different structures have been created to fit the characteristics of specific investors and issuers. Examples of these enhanced characteristics for investors include yield enhancement, increased equity exposure or enhanced downside protection. From an issuer’s perspective, enhanced structures are designed to meet balance sheet criteria, interest/dividend payment deductibility and reduced equity dilution. The following are descriptions of common structures of enhanced convertible securities.

Mandatory convertible securities are considered the most equity-like of convertible securities. At maturity these securities are mandatorily convertible into common stock offering investors some form of yield enhancement in return for some of the upside potential in the form of a conversion premium. Typical characteristics of mandatories include: issued as preferred stock, convertible at premium, pay fixed quarterly dividend (typically higher than common stock dividend), and are non-callable for the life of the security (usually three to five years). An important feature of mandatories is that the number of shares received at maturity is determined by the difference between the price of the common stock at maturity and the price of the common stock at issuance. Mandatory convertible securities come in many forms. One increasingly popular structure due to favorable tax treatment is a trust that holds a combination of a debt instrument that pays a fixed quarterly premium with a forward contract that ensures delivery of the equity security at maturity. In some cases, these trusts are registered as closed-end investment companies although they are not actively managed and do not charge any management fees (any expenses are prepaid by the issuer).

 

7


Table of Contents

Convertible trust preferred securities are, from an investor’s viewpoint, essentially convertible preferred securities, i.e., they are issued as preferred stock convertible into common stock at a premium and pay quarterly dividends. Through this structure the company establishes a wholly owned special purpose vehicle whose sole purpose is to issue convertible preferred stock. The offering proceeds pass through to the company who issues the special purpose vehicle a convertible subordinated debenture with identical terms to the convertible preferred issued to investors. Benefits to the issuer include increased equity credit from rating agencies and the deduction of coupon payments for tax purposes.

Exchangeable securities are often used by a company divesting a holding in another company. The primary difference between exchangeables and standard convertible structures is that the issuer of an exchangeable security is different from the issuer of the underlying shares.

Zero-coupon and deep-discount convertible bonds include the following characteristics: no or low coupon payments, imbedded put options allowing the investor to put (sell) them on select dates prior to maturity, call protection (usually three to five years), and lower than normal conversion premiums at issuance. A benefit to the issuer is that while no cash interest is actually paid, the accrued interest may be deducted for tax purposes. Because of their put options, these bonds tend to be less sensitive to changes in interest rates than either long maturity bonds or preferred stocks. The put options also provide enhanced downside protection while retaining the equity participation characteristics of traditional convertible bonds.

An investment in an enhanced convertible security or any other security may involve additional risks. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities because there may be a thin trading market for a particular security at any given time. Reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular securities, when necessary, to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as the deterioration in the creditworthiness of an issuer. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund, however, intends to acquire liquid securities, though there can be no assurances that this will be achieved.

2.2.2 SYNTHETIC CONVERTIBLES. A synthetic convertible is created by combining distinct securities which together possess the two principal characteristics of a true convertible security, i.e., fixed income and the right to acquire the underlying equity security. This combination is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed-income securities and in warrants or stock or stock index call options which grant the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of securities within a specified period of time at a specified price or to receive cash in the case of stock index options.

Synthetic convertible securities are generally not considered to be “equity securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment policy regarding those securities. Synthetic convertibles are typically offered by financial institutions and investment banks in private placement transactions. Upon conversion, the Fund generally receives an amount in cash equal to the difference between the conversion price and the then-current value of the underlying security.

 

8


Table of Contents

Synthetic convertible securities differ from true convertible securities in several respects. The value of a synthetic convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertibility component. Thus, the values of a synthetic convertible and a true convertible security will respond differently to market fluctuations. Further, although the manager expects normally to create synthetic convertibles whose two components represent one issuer, the character of a synthetic convertible allows a Fund to combine components representing distinct issuers, or to combine a fixed income security with a call option on a stock index, when the manager determines that such a combination would better promote the Fund’s investment goals. In addition, the component parts of a synthetic convertible security may be purchased simultaneously or separately; and the holder of a synthetic convertible faces the risk that the price of the stock, or the level of the market index underlying the convertibility component will decline.

Another type of synthetic convertible is created by investing in an equity security and selling a call option on that underlying equity security. This structure offers investors a higher current dividend than the underlying common stock in exchange for a cap on the participation in the stock price appreciation.

 

2.3 DEBT SECURITIES

2.3.1 IN GENERAL. In general, debt securities represent a loan of money to the issuer by the purchaser of the securities. A debt security typically has a fixed payment schedule that obligates the issuer to pay interest to the lender, and to return the lender’s money over or at the end of a certain time period. A company typically must meet its payment obligations associated with its outstanding debt securities before it declares and pays any dividend to holders of its equity securities. Bonds, notes and commercial paper are types of debt securities. Each of these differs in the length of the issuer’s payment schedule, with commercial paper having the shortest payment schedule.

Debt securities can provide the potential for capital appreciation based on various factors such as changes in interest rates, economic and market conditions, improvement in an issuer’s ability to repay principal and pay interest, and ratings upgrades.

2.3.2 INTEREST RATE. The market value of debt securities generally varies in response to changes in interest rates and the financial condition of each issuer. To the extent a Fund invests in debt securities, changes in interest rates in any country where the Fund is invested will affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio and its share price. During periods of declining interest rates, the value of debt securities generally increases. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of debt securities generally declines. These changes in market value will be reflected in a Fund’s net asset value per share. Of course, interest rates throughout the world have increased and decreased, sometimes very dramatically, in the past. These changes are likely to occur again in the future at unpredictable times.

2.3.3 ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES (ARS). These are debt securities with interest rates that are adjusted periodically pursuant to a pre-set formula and interval. The interest rates on

 

9


Table of Contents

ARS are readjusted periodically to an amount above the chosen interest rate index. These readjustments occur at intervals ranging from one to sixty months. Movements in the relevant index on which adjustments are based, as well as the applicable spread relating to the ARS, will affect the interest paid on ARS and, therefore, the current income earned by a Fund by investing in ARS. (See “Resets.”) The degree of volatility in the market value of the securities held by a Fund and of the net asset value of the Fund’s shares will be a function primarily of the length of the adjustment period and the degree of volatility in the applicable indices. It will also be a function of the maximum increase or decrease of the interest rate adjustment on any one adjustment date, in any one year, and over the life of the securities. These maximum increases and decreases are typically referred to as “caps” and “floors,” respectively. A Fund does not seek to maintain an overall average cap or floor, although the manager will consider caps or floors in selecting ARS for a Fund.

While the Funds investing in ARS do not attempt to maintain a stable net asset value per share, during periods when short-term interest rates move within the caps and floors of the securities held by a Fund, the fluctuation in market value of the ARS held by the Fund is expected to be relatively limited, since the interest rates on the ARS generally adjust to market rates within a short period of time. In periods of substantial short-term volatility in interest rates, the value of a Fund’s holdings may fluctuate more substantially because the caps and floors of its ARS may not permit the interest rates to adjust to the full extent of the movements in the market rates during any one adjustment period. In the event of dramatic increases in interest rates, the lifetime caps on the ARS may prevent the securities from adjusting to prevailing rates over the term of the loan. In this case, the market value of the ARS may be substantially reduced, with a corresponding decline in a Fund’s net asset value.

2.3.4 FLOATING INTEREST RATE INVESTMENTS. A floating interest rate investment is a debt security, the rate of interest on which is usually established as the sum of a base lending rate plus a specified margin. The base lending rates generally are the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the Prime Rate of a designated U.S. bank, the CD Rate, or another base lending rate used by lenders loaning money to companies, so-called commercial lenders. The interest rate on Prime Rate-based loans and securities floats daily as the Prime Rate changes, while the interest rate on LIBOR-based and CD-based loans and securities is reset periodically, typically at regular intervals ranging between 30 days and one year. Certain floating interest rate investments may permit the borrower to select an interest rate reset period of up to one year. Investments with longer interest rate reset periods or fixed interest rates may increase fluctuations in a Fund’s share price as a result of changes in interest rates. Some floating interest rate investments may have the additional feature of converting into a fixed rate instrument after certain periods of time or under certain circumstances.

2.3.5 INVERSE FLOATERS. Inverse floaters are instruments with floating or variable interest rates that move in the opposite direction, usually at an accelerated speed, to short-term interest rates or interest rate indices. The prices of inverse floaters can be highly volatile as a result. Inverse floaters generally are considered to be “derivative” securities.

2.3.6 STRUCTURED NOTES. Structured notes typically are issued by entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of various

 

10


Table of Contents

securities. The entity typically is organized by an investment banking firm that receives fees in connection with establishing the entity and arranging placement of its securities. Restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by the entity, which may be a corporation or trust, of specified financial instruments, and the issuance by the entity of one or more classes of securities, including structured notes, backed by or representing interests in the underlying instruments. The cash flows arising from the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured investments to create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities or interest rate provisions, as well as put or call features, or elements of financial leverage. The extent of the payments made with respect to the structured investment is dependent on the cash flows arising from the underlying instruments, and the terms and conditions of the structured security. Classes of structured notes may be either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class or classes. Subordinated structured investments typically have higher yields, and present greater risks, than unsubordinated structured investments. Various features of structured notes may result in substantial volatility in relation to changes in interest rates or the credit quality of the underlying instruments.

Structured notes typically are sold in private placement transactions to institutional investors such as the Funds, and there generally is no active trading market for structured investments. To the extent such investments are illiquid, they will be subject to the Funds’ restrictions on investments in illiquid securities.

2.3.7 RATINGS. Various investment services publish ratings of some of the debt securities in which the Funds may invest. Higher yields are ordinarily available from securities in the lower rating categories, such as securities rated Ba or lower by Moody’s or BB or lower by S&P or from unrated securities deemed by a Fund’s manager to be of comparable quality. Such high-yield securities are considered to be below “investment grade” and are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds.” Lower-rated securities typically are riskier than investment grade securities. Bonds that are rated C by Moody’s are the lowest rated class of bonds and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. Bonds rated C by S&P are securities on which no interest is being paid. These ratings represent the opinions of the rating services with respect to the issuer’s ability to pay interest and repay principal. They do not purport to reflect other risks, such as the risk of fluctuations in market value, and are not absolute standards of quality. If the rating on an issue held in a Fund’s portfolio is changed by the rating service or the security goes into default, this event may be considered by the Fund in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not generally result in an automatic sale of the security.

See “Description of Ratings of Corporate Obligations, Municipal Bonds, Municipal Notes, and Short-Term Debt Ratings” for a more complete discussion of the ratings.

2.3.8 LOWER RATED AND UNRATED SECURITIES. An investment in any Fund that invests in below-investment grade securities, including those issued by foreign companies and governments, is subject to a higher degree of risk than an investment in a Fund that invests primarily in higher-quality securities. You should consider the increased risk of loss to principal that is present with an investment in higher risk securities, such as those in which certain of the

 

11


Table of Contents

Funds invest. Accordingly, an investment in such a Fund should not be considered a complete investment program and should be carefully evaluated for its appropriateness in light of your overall investment needs and goals.

Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-rated debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher rated securities. The ability of a Fund to achieve its investment goal may, to the extent of investment in lower-rated debt securities, be more dependent upon such creditworthiness analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in higher rated securities. A Fund relies on the manager’s judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer. In this evaluation, the manager takes into consideration, among other things, the issuer’s financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history, the quality of the issuer’s management and regulatory matters.

Lower-rated debt securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities. The prices of lower-rated debt securities may be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher rated investments, but more sensitive to economic downturns or individual adverse corporate developments. A projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in lower rated debt securities prices. This is because an economic downturn could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make principal and interest payments on its debt securities. If the issuer of lower-rated debt securities defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery.

High yield, fixed-income securities frequently have call or buy-back features that allow an issuer to redeem the securities from a Fund. Although these securities are typically not callable for a period of time, usually for three to five years from the date of issue, if an issuer calls its securities during periods of declining interest rates, the manager may find it necessary to replace the securities with lower-yielding securities, which could result in less net investment income for the Fund. The premature disposition of a high yield security due to a call or buy-back feature, the deterioration of an issuer’s creditworthiness, or a default by an issuer may make it more difficult for a Fund to manage the timing of its income. To generate cash for distributions, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities that it otherwise may have continued to hold or use cash flows from other sources, such as the sale of Fund shares. A Fund may be required under the Internal Revenue Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations to accrue income for income tax purposes on defaulted obligations and to distribute such income to the Fund’s shareholders even though the Fund is not currently receiving interest payments on such obligations.

The markets in which lower rated and unrated debt securities are traded are more limited than those in which high rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets for particular securities may diminish a Fund’s ability to sell the securities at desirable prices either to meet redemption requests or to respond to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain lower rated or unrated debt securities also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain accurate market

 

12


Table of Contents

quotations for the purposes of valuing the Fund’s portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many lower rated or unrated securities only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices of actual sales.

High yield, fixed-income securities that are sold without registration under federal securities laws carry restrictions on resale. While many high yielding securities have been sold with registration rights, covenants and penalty provisions for delayed registration, if a Fund is required to sell restricted securities before the securities have been registered, it may be deemed an underwriter of the securities under the Securities Act of 1933, which entails special responsibilities and liabilities. A Fund also may incur special costs in disposing of restricted securities, although the Fund will generally not incur any costs when the issuer is responsible for registering the securities.

High yield, fixed-income securities acquired during an initial underwriting involve special risks because they are new issues. The manager will carefully review their credit and other characteristics. The Funds have no arrangement with their underwriter or any other person concerning the acquisition of these securities.

The credit risk factors above also apply to lower-quality zero coupon, deferred interest and pay-in-kind securities. These securities have an additional risk, however, because unlike securities that pay interest throughout the time until maturity, a Fund will not receive any cash until the cash payment date. If the issuer defaults, the Fund may not obtain any return on its investment.

Certain of the high yielding, fixed-income securities in which the Funds may invest may be purchased at a discount. When held to maturity or retired, these securities may include an element of capital gain. Capital losses may be realized when securities purchased at a premium, that is, in excess of their stated or par value, are held to maturity or are called or redeemed at a price lower than their purchase price. Capital gains or losses also may be realized upon the sale of securities.

2.3.9 DEFAULTED DEBT. The risk of loss due to default may be considerably greater with lower-quality securities because they are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other debt of the issuer. If the issuer of a security in a Fund’s portfolio defaults, the Fund may have unrealized losses on the security, which may lower the Fund’s net asset value. Defaulted securities tend to lose much of their value before they default. Thus, a Fund’s net asset value may be adversely affected before an issuer defaults. In addition, a Fund may incur additional expenses if it must try to recover principal or interest payments on a defaulted security.

A Fund will buy defaulted debt securities if, in the opinion of the manager, they may present an opportunity for later price recovery, the issuer may resume interest payments, or other advantageous developments appear likely in the near future.

2.3.10 BANK LOANS, LOANS BY OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS OF LOANS. The Funds may invest in loans made to corporate and other business entities by banks or other financial institutions (“corporate loans”). Such corporate loans typically pay interest rates, which are re-determined periodically on the

 

13


Table of Contents

basis of a floating base lending rate such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a premium. A Fund may acquire loan participations and other related direct or indirect corporate debt obligations (including assignments of corporate loans), in which the Fund will buy from a lender a portion of a larger loan that the lender has made to a borrower. Such loans may include term loans and, to the extent permissible for a Fund, revolving credit facilities, prefunded L/C term loans, delayed draw term loans and receivables purchase facilities.

2.3.10.1 Loans negotiated by the agent bank. Each type of corporate loan in which a Fund may invest typically is structured by a group of lenders. This means that the lenders participate in the negotiations with the corporate borrower and in the drafting of the terms of the corporate loan. The group of lenders often consists of commercial banks, thrift institutions, insurance companies, finance companies or other financial institutions. No Fund will act as the sole negotiator or sole originator for a corporate loan. One or more of the lenders usually administers the corporate loan on behalf of all the lenders; this lender is referred to as the Agent Bank.

2.3.10.2 Three ways to invest in corporate loans. The Funds may invest in corporate loans in one of three ways. A Fund may: (i) make a direct investment in a corporate loan by participating as one of the lenders; (ii) purchase a participation interest in a corporate loan; or (iii) purchase an assignment of a corporate loan. Participation interests are interests issued by a lender or other financial institution, which represent a fractional interest in a corporate loan. The Funds may acquire participation interests from a lender or other holders of participation interests. An assignment represents a portion of a corporate loan previously attributable to a different lender. Unlike a participation interest, a Fund will generally become a lender for the purposes of the relevant corporate loan agreement by purchasing an assignment.

2.3.10.2.1 Direct investments in corporate loans. It can be advantageous to a Fund to make a direct investment in a corporate loan as one of the lenders. When a new issue is purchased, such an investment is typically made at par. This means that the Fund receives a return at the full interest rate for the corporate loan. Secondary purchases of loans may be made at par, at a premium from par or at a discount from par. When a Fund invests in a participation interest in, or an assignment of, a corporate loan, the Fund may pay a fee or forego a portion of the interest payment. Consequently, the Fund’s return on such an investment may be lower than it would have been if the Fund had made a direct investment in the underlying corporate loan. A Fund may be able, however, to invest in corporate loans only through participation interests or assignments at certain times when reduced direct investment opportunities in corporate loans may exist.

2.3.10.2.2. Assignments of corporate loans. If a Fund purchases an assignment of a corporate loan from a lender, the Fund will step into the shoes of the original lender and will have direct contractual rights against the corporate borrower in favor of the lenders. An assignment from a lender gives a Fund the right to receive payments directly from the corporate borrower and to enforce its rights as a lender directly against the corporate borrower.

2.3.10.2.3. Participation interests in corporate loans. In contrast to an assignment, if a Fund purchases a participation interest either from a lender or a participant, the

 

14


Table of Contents

Fund typically will have established a direct contractual relationship with the seller of the participation interest, but not with the corporate borrower. Consequently, the Fund is subject to the credit risk of the lender or participant who sold the participation interest to the Fund, in addition to the usual credit risk of the corporate borrower. Therefore, when a Fund invests in corporate loans through the purchase of participation interests, the Fund’s manager may consider the creditworthiness of the Agent Bank and any lenders and participants interposed between the Fund and the corporate borrower. These parties are referred to as Intermediate Participants.

Loan participations, however, may enable a Fund to acquire an interest in a loan from a financially strong borrower, which it could not do directly. While loan participations generally trade at par value, a Fund may buy participations trading at a premium and also may be permitted to buy loan participations that sell at a discount because of the borrower’s credit problems or other issues associated with the credit risk of the loan. To the extent the credit problems are resolved, loan participations may appreciate in value.

In the event the corporate borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, a Fund may have to assert rights against the borrower through an Intermediate Participant. This may subject the Fund to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would be involved if the Fund could enforce its rights directly against the corporate borrower. Moreover, under the terms of a participation interest, the Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the Intermediate Participant rather than of the corporate borrower. This means that the Fund does not have any direct contractual rights against the corporate borrower. Also, in the event of the insolvency of the lender or Intermediate Participant who sold the participation interest to the Fund, the Fund may not have any exclusive or senior claim with respect to the lender’s interest in the corporate loan, or in the collateral securing the corporate loan. Consequently, the Fund may not benefit directly from the collateral supporting the underlying corporate loan. There is a risk that the Intermediate Participant may become insolvent. Similar risks may arise with respect to the Agent Bank, as described below.

2.3.10.3 Obligations to make future advances. For revolving credit facility (“revolvers”) corporate loans and some types of delayed draw loans, lenders, including the Funds, and Intermediate Participants may have an obligation to make future advances to the corporate borrower at the demand of the borrower and may have certain other obligations pursuant to the terms of these types of corporate loans. Receivables purchase facilities may be structured as revolvers that are secured by the borrower’s receivables.

For these loans, a Fund or its custodian will segregate on the books of the Fund an amount of equivalent value to meet such future obligations. This amount will be in the form of cash or other liquid assets. Because a Fund will maintain a sufficient amount by segregating such assets on the books for such contingent obligations, the Funds’ managers believe that such obligations do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act as interpreted by the SEC.

 

15


Table of Contents

2.3.10.4 Delayed draw term loans. Delayed draw term loans are similar to revolvers, except that once drawn upon by the borrower during the commitment period, they remain permanently drawn and become term loans. They have characteristics of both revolvers and term loans, in that, before they are drawn upon by the borrower, they are similar to a revolver; however, when they are drawn upon, they become fully and permanently drawn and are identical to term loans. These delayed draw term loans may be drawn upon by the borrower for the given commitment period for various purposes, including making acquisitions. The borrower pays a fee during the commitment period (a ticking fee). Upon funding, when a loan is drawn upon, the loan becomes permanently funded and repaid amounts may not be reborrowed.

2.3.10.5 Prefunded L/C term loans. A prefunded L/C term loan (“prefunded L/C loan”) is a facility created by the borrower in conjunction with the Agent Bank as issuers of the loan, and the prefunded L/C loan is backed by letters of credit (each letter, an “L/C”). Each participant in a prefunded L/C loan (sometimes referred to as a funded letter of credit facility) fully funds its commitment amount to the Agent Bank for the facility. The funds are held and invested by the Agent Bank and held solely to satisfy a prefunded L/C loan lender’s obligation to the Agent Bank under the facility. The funds paid by the lenders are invested by the Agent Bank as deposits that pay interest usually approximating a benchmark rate , such as LIBOR, which goes to the borrower. Generally, the borrower, via the Agent Bank, pays the lenders an interest rate, equivalent to the fully drawn spread plus the benchmark rate, usually LIBOR. The funds will be returned to a Fund as a lender upon termination of the prefunded L/C loan (and upon satisfaction of all obligations). Under the terms of the prefunded L/C loan agreement, a lender, such as a Fund, may sell and assign all or a portion of its interest in the loan to another lender so long as the other lender is eligible and agrees to the terms and conditions of the prefunded L/C loan agreement.

Whenever the borrower needs funds, it draws against the prefunded L/C loan and the Agent Bank makes payment to the borrower by withdrawing some of the amount invested as deposits. Consequently, the lenders do not have to advance any additional funds at the time the borrower draws against the prefunded L/C loan facility. The prefunded L/C loan can be structured from the standpoint of the borrower as either (i) a revolving credit facility, where the borrower can reborrow, during the term of the loan, moneys it has paid back to the facility during the term of the loan, or (ii) a delayed draw term loan where the borrower may not reborrow, during the term of the loan, moneys it has paid back to the facility during the term of the loan.

 

16


Table of Contents
2.3.10.6 Risks of investments in corporate loans.

2.3.10.6.1 Creditworthiness. Indebtedness of companies with poor creditworthiness involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, a Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested. In addition, loans may be issued in leveraged or highly leveraged transactions. This means that the borrower is assuming large amounts of debt in order to have large amounts of financial resources to attempt to achieve its business objectives; there is no guarantee, however, that the borrower will achieve its business objectives. Loans issued in leveraged or highly leveraged transactions are subject to greater credit risks than other loans, including an increased possibility that the borrower may default or go into bankruptcy and a Fund may have more difficulty selling such investments because they are less liquid. The value of such loans is also more volatile.

2.3.10.6.2 Nonpayment of interest and/or principal. Corporate loans and other floating-rate debt instruments are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to a Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the net asset value of a Fund.

2.3.10.6.3 Insufficient collateral. Some corporate loans may be secured by collateral, which may consist of various types of assets or interests including intangible assets, working capital assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, or tangible fixed assets, such as real property, buildings and equipment, intangible assets, such as trademarks, copyrights and patent rights, or security interests in securities of subsidiaries or affiliates. The value of the collateral, however, may decline following investment by a Fund. Also, collateral may be difficult to sell and there are other risks which may cause the collateral to be insufficient in the event of a default. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral securing a corporate loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a corporate loan. Collateral securing a corporate loan may lose all or substantially all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of a borrower. Some corporate loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the corporate loans to currently existing or future indebtedness of the corporate borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of the corporate loans including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such corporate loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. If interest were required to be refunded, it could negatively affect a Fund’s performance.

2.3.10.6.4 Publicly available information and ratings. Many corporate loans in which a Fund may invest may not be rated by a a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) such as Moody’s or S&P, will not be registered with the SEC or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. The amount of public information available with respect to corporate loans will generally be less than that

 

17


Table of Contents

available for registered or exchange listed securities. In evaluating the creditworthiness of borrowers, a manager may consider, and may rely in part, on analyses performed by others. Borrowers may have outstanding debt obligations that are rated below investment grade by the NRSRO. Corporate loans held by a Fund directly or as a participation interest or assignment of the loan may be assigned ratings below investment grade by the NRSRO, or unrated but judged by the Fund’s manager to be of comparable quality.

2.3.10.6.5 Liquidity of corporate loans. The Funds’ managers generally consider corporate loans, loan participations and assignments of corporate loans to be liquid. To the extent such investments are deemed to be liquid by the manager, they will not be subject to a Fund’s restrictions on investments in illiquid securities. Prefunded L/C term loans, delayed draw loans and receivables purchase facilities are somewhat newer types of loans to corporations, but generally also permit the lenders, including the Fund, to assign and transfer their interests in such loans to other parties. Generally, a liquid market with institutional buyers exists for such interests. Each manager monitors each type of loan and/or loan interest in which a Fund is invested to determine whether it is liquid consistent with the liquidity procedures adopted by the Fund.

However, no active trading market may exist for some corporate loans and some corporate loans may be subject to restrictions on resale. A secondary market in corporate loans may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods, which may impair the ability to realize full value and thus cause a material decline in a Fund’s net asset value. In addition, a Fund may not be able to readily dispose of its corporate loans at prices that approximate those at which a Fund could sell such loans if they were more widely-traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, a Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. During periods of limited supply and liquidity of corporate loans, a Fund’s yield may be lower.

2.3.10.6.6 Risks based on agent banks and/or intermediate participants. The Agent Bank is a lender that administers the corporate loan. The Agent Bank typically is responsible for collecting principal, interest and fee payments from the corporate borrower. The Agent Bank then distributes these payments to all lenders that are parties to the corporate loan. A Fund will not act as an Agent Bank. A Fund generally will rely on the Agent Bank or an Intermediate Participant to collect its portion of the payments. A Fund will also rely on the Agent Bank to take appropriate actions against a corporate borrower that is not making payments as scheduled. Typically, the Agent Bank is given broad discretion in enforcing the terms of the corporate loan, and is required to use only the same care it would use in the management of its own property. The corporate borrower compensates the Agent Bank for these services. Such compensation may include special fees paid at the start of corporate loans and other fees paid on a continuing basis.

In the event that a corporate borrower becomes bankrupt or insolvent, the borrower may attempt to assert certain legal defenses as a result of improper conduct by the Agent Bank or Intermediate Participant.

 

18


Table of Contents

There is a risk that an Agent Bank may have financial difficulty. An Agent Bank could even declare bankruptcy, or have a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by a regulatory authority. If this happens, assets held by the Agent Bank under the corporate loan should remain available to holders of corporate loans, including the Funds. However, a regulatory authority or court may determine that assets held by the Agent Bank for the benefit of a Fund are subject to the claims of the Agent Bank’s general or secured creditors. The Fund might incur costs and delays in realizing payment on a corporate loan or might suffer a loss of principal or interest. Similar risks arise in situations involving Intermediate Participants, as described above.

2.3.11 BANK OBLIGATIONS. Bank obligations, or instruments secured by bank obligations, include fixed, floating or variable rate certificates of deposit (CDs), letters of credit, time deposits, bank notes and bankers’ acceptances. CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits that are held in a banking institution for a specified time at a stated interest rate. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise. When a bank “accepts” a bankers’ acceptance, the bank, in effect, unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument upon maturity.

Certain Funds may invest in obligations of U.S. banks, foreign branches of U.S. banks, foreign branches of foreign banks, and U.S. branches of foreign banks that have a federal or state charter to do business in the U.S. and are subject to U.S. regulatory authorities. The Funds that are permitted to invest in bank obligations may invest in dollar-denominated certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances of foreign and domestic banks having total assets in excess of $1 billion, certificates of deposit of federally insured savings and loan associations having total assets in excess of $1 billion, or cash and time deposits with banks in the currency of any major nation.

2.3.12 COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper typically refers to short-term obligations of banks, corporations and other borrowers with maturities of up to 270 days. A Fund may invest in domestic or foreign commercial paper. Investments in commercial paper are generally limited to obligations rated Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody’s or A-1 or A-2 by S&P or, if unrated, issued by companies having an outstanding debt issue currently rated Aaa or Aa by Moody’s or AAA or AA by S&P. Certain Funds also may invest in lower rated commercial paper to the extent permitted by their policies on lower rated debt securities generally. See “ Description of Ratings of Corporate Obligations, Municipal Bonds, Municipal Notes, and Short-Term Debt Ratings “ for a more complete description of commercial paper ratings.

2.3.13 DEFERRED INTEREST AND PAY-IN-KIND BONDS. These are bonds issued at a discount that defer the payment of interest until a later date or pay interest through the issuance of additional bonds, known as pay-in-kind bonds. A Fund will accrue income on deferred interest bonds for tax and accounting purposes. Similarly, a Fund will be deemed to receive interest over the life of such bonds and be treated as if interest were paid on a current basis for federal income tax purposes, although no cash interest payments are received by the Fund until the cash payment date or until the bonds mature. This accrued income from both deferred interest and pay-in-kind

 

19


Table of Contents

bonds must be “distributed” to the insurance company shareholders each year, whether or not such distributions are paid in cash. To the extent such distributions are paid in cash, a Fund may be required to dispose of portfolio securities that it otherwise would have continued to hold or to use other sources such as sales of Fund shares. See “Lower-Rated and Unrated Securities” for more information about these bonds.

2.3.14 MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. These securities represent an ownership interest in a pool of mortgage loans originated by mortgage bankers, commercial banks, savings and loan associations savings banks and credit unions to finance purchases of homes, commercial buildings or other real estate. The individual mortgage loans are packaged or “pooled” together for sale to investors. These mortgage loans may have either fixed or adjustable interest rates. As the underlying mortgage loans are paid off, investors receive principal and interest payments. The primary issuers or guarantors of these securities are Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Ginnie Mae guarantees the principal and interest on Ginnie Mae securities and this guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Ginnie Mae may borrow U.S. Treasury funds to the extent needed to make payments under its guarantee. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of mortgage-backed securities nor do they extend to the value of the Fund’s shares, which will fluctuate daily with market conditions.

Mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Fannie Mae guarantees full and timely payment of all interest and principal, and Freddie Mac guarantees timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of principal. Securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are supported only by the credit of the agency. There is no guarantee that the government would support government agency securities and, accordingly, they may involve a risk of non-payment of principal and interest. Nonetheless, because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are instrumentalities of the U.S. government, these securities are generally considered to be high quality investments having minimal credit risks. The yields on these mortgage securities have historically exceeded the yields on other types of U.S. government securities with comparable maturities due largely to their prepayment risk.

A Fund may invest in private mortgage securities. Private issuers of mortgage securities may be both the originators of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage securities. Pools of mortgage loans created by private issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government guarantees of payment. Timely payment of interest and principal is, however, generally supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance. Government entities, private insurance companies or the mortgage poolers issue the insurance and guarantees. The insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of their issuers will be considered when determining whether a mortgage security meets a Fund’s quality standards. A Fund may buy mortgage securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the poolers, the manager determines that the securities meet the Fund’s quality standards.

 

20


Table of Contents

The mortgage securities in which a Fund invests differ from conventional bonds in that most mortgage-backed securities are pass-through securities, which means that they provide investors with monthly payments consisting of a pro rata share of both regular interest and principal payments, as well as unscheduled early prepayments, on the underlying mortgage pool (less Ginnie Mae’s, Freddie Mac’s or Fannie Mae’s fees and any applicable loan servicing fees). As a result, the holder of the mortgage securities (i.e., the Fund) receives monthly scheduled payments of principal and interest and may receive unscheduled principal payments representing prepayments on the underlying mortgages. When the holder reinvests the payments and any unscheduled prepayments of principal it receives, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the existing mortgage securities. This is called “prepayment risk.” For this reason, pass-through mortgage securities may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of “locking in” long-term interest rates. In general, fixed-rate mortgage securities have greater exposure to this prepayment risk.

The market value of mortgage securities, like other U.S. government securities, will generally vary inversely with changes in market interest rates, declining when interest rates rise and rising when interest rates decline. While having less risk of a decline in value during periods of rapidly rising rates, mortgage securities may also have less potential for capital appreciation than other debt securities of comparable maturities as interest rates decline, due to the increased likelihood of mortgage prepayments. An unexpected rise in interest rates could extend the average life of a mortgage security because of a lower than expected level of prepayments, potentially reducing the security’s value and increasing its volatility. This is called “extension risk.” In view of these factors, the ability of a Fund to obtain a high level of total return may be limited under varying market conditions.

In addition, to the extent mortgage securities are purchased at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and unscheduled principal prepayments may result in some loss of the holder’s principal investment to the extent of the premium paid. On the other hand, if mortgage securities are purchased at a discount, both a scheduled payment of principal and an unscheduled prepayment of principal will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income.

2.3.14.1 Adjustable rate mortgage securities (ARMS). ARMS, like traditional fixed-income mortgage securities, are interests in pools of mortgage loans and are issued or guaranteed by a federal agency or by private issuers. Unlike traditional mortgage securities, the mortgage loans underlying ARMS carry adjustable interest rates that are reset periodically. The interest rates paid on the ARMS in which a Fund may invest are generally readjusted at intervals of one year or less, although ARMS with longer resets such as three, five, seven and ten years are also permissible investments for the Funds.

In a changing interest rate environment, this reset feature acts as a buffer to reduce sharp changes in the ARMS’ value in response to normal interest rate fluctuations. However, the time interval between each interest reset causes the yield on the ARMS to lag behind changes in the market interest rate. As interest rates are reset on the underlying mortgages, the yields of the ARMS gradually re-align themselves to reflect changes in market rates so that their market values remain relatively stable compared to fixed-rate mortgage securities.

 

21


Table of Contents

As a result, ARMS also have less risk of a decline in value during periods of rising rates than if a Fund invested in more traditional long-term, fixed-rate securities. When interest rates decline, ARMS, like other mortgage securities, may have less potential for capital appreciation than other investments of comparable maturities due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages.

During periods of rising interest rates, this reset lag may result in a lower net asset value until the interest rate resets to market rates. Thus, you could suffer some principal loss if you sell your shares before the interest rates on the underlying mortgages reset to market rates. If prepayments of principal are made on the underlying mortgages during periods of rising interest rates, a Fund generally will be able to reinvest these amounts in securities with a higher current rate of return. However, a Fund will not benefit from increases in interest rates to the extent that interest rates exceed the maximum allowable annual or lifetime reset limits (or cap rates) for a particular mortgage security.

During periods of declining interest rates, the interest rates on the underlying mortgages may reset downward with a similar lag, resulting in lower yields to a Fund. As a result, the value of ARMS is unlikely to rise during periods of declining interest rates to the same extent as the value of fixed-rate securities. As with other mortgage-backed securities, declining interest rates may result in accelerated prepayments of mortgages, and a Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds from the prepayments at the lower prevailing rates.

In periods of more extreme fluctuation in interest rates, the resulting fluctuation in the value of the ARMS may affect a Fund’s net asset value. Also, a Fund’s net asset value could vary to the extent that current yields on mortgage-backed securities are different from market yields during interim periods between coupon reset dates.

For certain types of ARMS, the rate of amortization of principal, as well as interest payments on the underlying mortgages that collateralize the ARMS, change in accordance with movements in a pre-specified, published interest rate index. There are several categories of indices, including those based on U.S. Treasury securities, those derived from a calculated measure, such as a cost of funds index, or a moving average of mortgage rates and actual market rates. The amount of interest due to an ARMS holder is calculated by adding a specified additional amount, the “margin,” to the index, subject to limitations or “caps” on the maximum and minimum interest that is charged to the mortgagor during the life of the mortgage or to maximum and minimum changes to that interest rate during a given period.

Caps and floors limit the maximum amount by which the loan rate to the residential borrower may change up or down (a) per reset or adjustment interval and (b) over the life of the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps may result in negative amortization, which can extend the average life of the mortgage securities. Since most ARMS in a Fund’s portfolio will generally have annual reset limits or caps of 100 to 200 basis points, fluctuations in interest rates above these levels could cause the mortgage securities to “cap out” and to behave more like long-term, fixed-rate debt securities.

 

22


Table of Contents

2.3.14.2 Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) and multi-class pass-throughs. A Fund may invest in certain debt obligations that are collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities. These obligations may be issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or issued by certain financial institutions and other mortgage lenders.

CMOs and REMICs may be issued by governmental or government-related entities or by private entities such as banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers, and other secondary market issuers and are secured by pools of mortgages backed by residential or various types of commercial properties. Privately issued CMOs and REMICs include obligations issued by private entities that are collateralized by (a) mortgage securities issued by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae, (b) pools of mortgages that are guaranteed by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government, or (c) pools of mortgages that are not guaranteed by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government and that may or may not be guaranteed by the private issuer.

Multi-class pass-through securities are equity interests in a trust composed of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities. Payments of principal and interest on the underlying collateral provides the funds to pay the debt service on CMOs or REMICs or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through securities. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the discussion of CMOs below may also apply to REMICs and multi-class pass-through securities.

A CMO is a mortgage-backed security that separates mortgage pools into short-, medium-, and long-term components. Each component pays a fixed rate of interest at regular intervals. These components enable an investor to predict more accurately the pace at which principal is returned. A Fund may buy CMOs that are:

(1) collateralized by pools of mortgages in which each mortgage is guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government;

(2) collateralized by pools of mortgages in which payment of principal and interest are guaranteed by the issuer and the guarantee is collateralized by U.S. government securities; or

(3) securities in which the proceeds of the issuance are invested in mortgage securities, and payment of the principal and interest are supported by the credit of an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government.

CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specified coupon rate or adjustable rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on collateral underlying CMOs may cause the CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or final distribution dates. Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of a CMO on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. The principal and

 

23


Table of Contents

interest on the mortgages underlying CMOs may be allocated among the several classes in many ways. In a common structure, payments of principal on the underlying mortgages, including any principal prepayments, are applied to the classes of a series of a CMO in the order of their respective stated maturities or final distribution dates, so that no payment of principal will be made on any class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity or final distribution date have been paid in full.

One or more tranches of a CMO may have coupon rates that reset periodically at a specified increment over an index, such as LIBOR. Floating-rate CMOs may be backed by fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgages. To date, fixed-rate mortgages have been more commonly used for this purpose. Floating-rate CMOs are typically issued with lifetime “caps” on the coupon rate. These caps, similar to the caps on ARMS, represent a ceiling beyond which the coupon rate may not be increased, regardless of increases in the underlying interest rate index.

Timely payment of interest and principal (but not the market value and yield) of some of these pools is supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees issued by private issuers, those who pool the mortgage assets and, in some cases, by U.S. government agencies. Prepayments of the mortgages underlying a CMO, which usually increase when interest rates decrease, will generally reduce the life of the mortgage pool, thus impacting the CMO’s yield. Under these circumstances, the reinvestment of prepayments will generally be at a rate lower than the rate applicable to the original CMO.

Some of the CMOs in which a Fund may invest may have less liquidity than other types of mortgage securities. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible to sell the securities at an advantageous price or time under certain circumstances.

To the extent any privately issued CMOs in which a Fund invests are considered by the SEC to be an investment company, a Fund will limit its investments in such securities in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

Yields on privately issued CMOs have been historically higher than the yields on CMOs issued and guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. The risk of loss due to default on privately issued CMOs, however, is higher since the U.S. government does not guarantee them.

REMICs, which are authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple classes of securities. As with CMOs, the mortgages that collateralize the REMICs in which a Fund may invest include mortgages backed by Ginnie Maes or other mortgage pass-throughs issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities or issued by private entities, which are not guaranteed by any government agency or instrumentality.

2.3.14.3 Caps and floors. The underlying mortgages that collateralize ARMS and CMOs will frequently have caps and floors that limit the maximum amount by which the loan rate to the borrower may change up or down (a) per reset or adjustment interval and (b) over the life of

 

24


Table of Contents

the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps may result in negative amortization.

2.3.14.4 Resets. The interest rates paid on ARMS and CMOs generally are readjusted at intervals of one year or less to an increment over some predetermined interest rate index, although some securities in which the Fund may invest may have intervals as long as five years. There are three main categories of indices: those based on LIBOR, those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly used indices include the one-, three-, and five-year constant-maturity Treasury rates; the three-month Treasury bill rate; the 180-day Treasury bill rate; rates on longer-term Treasury securities; the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds; the National Median Cost of Funds; the one-, three-, six-month, or one-year LIBOR; the prime rate of a specific bank; or commercial paper rates. Some indices, such as the one-year constant-maturity Treasury rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, tend to lag behind changes in market interest rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile.

2.3.14.5 Mortgage dollar rolls. A Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls. In a mortgage dollar roll, a Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the period between the sale and repurchase (the “roll period”), the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”), as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.

For each mortgage dollar roll transaction, a Fund will cover the roll by segregating on its books an offsetting cash position or a position of liquid securities of equivalent value. The manager will monitor the value of such securities daily to determine that the value equals or exceeds the mortgage dollar roll contract price.

Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls depends on the manager’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. A Fund could suffer a loss if the contracting party fails to perform the future transaction and the Fund is therefore unable to buy back the mortgage-backed securities it initially sold. The Fund also takes the risk that the mortgage-backed securities that it repurchases at a later date will have less favorable market characteristics than the securities originally sold (e.g., greater prepayment risk).

Funds generally enter into mortgage dollar rolls only with high quality government securities dealers and member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

2.3.14.6 Stripped mortgage securities. A Fund may invest in stripped mortgage securities, which are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. The stripped mortgage-backed securities in which a Fund may invest will not be limited to those issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, although such securities are more liquid than privately issued stripped mortgage-backed securities.

 

25


Table of Contents

Stripped mortgage securities are usually structured with two classes, each receiving different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of stripped mortgage security has one class that receives some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class receives all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class receives all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage assets. A rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the yield to maturity of any IO class held by a Fund. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup its initial investment fully, even if the securities are rated in the highest rating categories, AAA or Aaa, by S&P or Moody’s, respectively.

Stripped mortgage-backed securities have greater market volatility than other types of mortgage securities in which a Fund invests and are purchased and sold by institutional investors, such as a Fund, through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. Some of these securities may be illiquid. The staff of the SEC has indicated that only government-issued IO or PO securities that are backed by fixed-rate mortgages may be deemed to be liquid, if procedures with respect to determining liquidity are established by the board. The board may, in the future, adopt procedures that would permit a Fund to acquire, hold and treat as liquid government-issued IO and PO securities. At the present time, however, all such securities will be treated as illiquid and, together with other illiquid investments, will not exceed the Fund’s limit on investments in illiquid securities. This position may be changed in the future, without notice to shareholders, in response to the SEC staff’s continued reassessment of this matter, as well as to changing market conditions.

Mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those described above may be created in the future. The mortgages underlying these securities may be alternative mortgage instruments, that is, mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to maturity may differ from customary long-term, fixed-rate mortgages. As new types of mortgage securities are developed and offered to investors, a Fund may invest in them if they are consistent with the Fund’s goals, policies and quality standards.

2.3.15 ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. A Fund may invest in mortgage-related asset-backed securities, including adjustable-rate asset-backed securities that have interest rates that reset at periodic intervals. Asset-backed securities are similar to mortgage-backed securities. The underlying assets, however, may include receivables on home equity loans backed by lien mortgages and loans that facilitate the purchase of manufactured homes, and other assets. Asset-backed securities are issued in either a pass-through structure (similar to a mortgage pass-through structure) or a pay-through structure (similar to a CMO structure). There may be other types of asset-backed securities that will be developed in the future in which a Fund may invest. The rate of principal payment on asset-backed securities generally depends on the rate of

 

26


Table of Contents

principal payments received on the underlying assets. The payment rate may be affected by various economic and other factors. Therefore, the yield may be difficult to predict, and actual yield to maturity may be more or less than the anticipated yield to maturity.

The credit quality of most asset-backed securities depends primarily on the credit quality of the underlying assets, how well the issuers of the securities are insulated from the credit risk of the originator or affiliated entities, and the amount of credit support, if any, provided to the securities.

Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on the underlying assets to make payments, asset-backed securities may contain elements of credit support. Credit support falls into two categories: (i) liquidity protection and (ii) protection against losses from the default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to advances, generally provided by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying pool is timely. Protection against losses from the default by an obligor enhances the likelihood of payments of the obligations on at least some of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction, or through a combination of these approaches. A Fund will not pay any additional fees for credit support, although the existence of credit support may increase the price of a security.

Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include “senior subordinated securities” (multiple class securities with one or more classes that are subordinate to the other classes with respect to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying assets are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of “reserve funds” (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a part of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against future losses), and “over-collateralization” (where the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceeds that required to make payments on the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). The degree of credit support provided generally is based on historical information respecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquencies or losses in excess of those anticipated could adversely affect the return on an investment in the securities.

Like mortgage securities, asset-backed securities are subject to prepayment risk and extension risk. Asset-backed securities also entail certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed securities as they do not have the benefit of the same type of security interests in the underlying collateral. Issuers of asset-backed securities may have limited ability to enforce the security interest in the underlying assets, and credit enhancements provided to support the securities, if any, may be inadequate to protect investors in the event of default.

2.3.16 STRIPPED SECURITIES. Stripped securities are the separate income and principal components of a debt security. Once the securities have been stripped, the principal portion may be referred to as a zero coupon security or as a “principal-only strip.” Stripped securities do not make periodic payments of interest prior to maturity and the stripping of the interest coupons

 

27


Table of Contents

causes them to be offered at a discount from their face amount. This results in the security being subject to greater fluctuations in response to changing interest rates than interest-paying securities of similar maturities. Stripped securities include: U.S. Treasury STRIPS, Stripped Government Securities, Stripped Obligations of the Financing Corporation (FICO STRIPS), Stripped Corporate Securities, and Stripped Eurodollar Obligations.

2.3.16.1 U.S. Treasury STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities) are considered U.S. Treasury securities for purposes of a Fund’s investment policies. Their risks are similar to those of other U.S. government securities, although they may be more volatile. The U.S. Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero coupon securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of particular interest coupon and principal payments on Treasury securities through the Federal Reserve book-entry record-keeping system.

2.3.16.2 Stripped government securities are issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities, by a variety of tax-exempt issuers (such as state and local governments and their agencies and instrumentalities), and by “mixed-ownership government corporations.”

2.3.16.3 FICO STRIPS represent interests in securities issued by the Financing Corporation (FICO). FICO is the financing vehicle for the recapitalization of the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC). FICO STRIPS are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government but are generally treated as U.S. government agency securities.

2.3.16.4 Stripped corporate securities are zero coupon securities issued by domestic corporations. They consist of corporate debt obligations without interest coupons, interest coupons that have been stripped from corporate debt obligations, and receipts and certificates for stripped debt obligations and stripped coupons.

2.3.16.5 Stripped eurodollar obligations are stripped debt obligations denominated in U.S. dollars that are issued by foreign issuers, often subsidiaries of domestic corporations.

2.3.17 U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. government securities include: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations with varying interest rates, maturities and dates of issuance, such as U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (original maturities of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally original maturities of greater than ten years); and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities such as Ginnie Mae, the Export-Import Bank and the Farmers Home Administration. Some of the Funds’ investments will include obligations that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. In the case of U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (e.g., obligations of the Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac), the Fund must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. government in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.

 

28


Table of Contents

2.3.17.1 Mortgage Securities. Please refer to the foregoing discussion of Mortgage-Backed Securities for a description of the features and risks of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage securities.

2.3.17.2 Small Business Administration (SBA) securities are pools of loans to small businesses that are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the SBA, and supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. SBA loans generally have variable interest rates that are set at a premium above the prime rate, and generally have no interest rate caps or floors. The terms on SBA loans currently range from 7 to 25 years from the time they are issued. As with mortgage-backed securities such as Ginnie Maes, prepayments can greatly change realized yields for SBA securities. While the prepayment rate of mortgage-backed securities has generally been a function of market interest rates, the prepayment rate of SBA securities has historically depended more on the purpose and term of the loan and the rate of borrower default. Shorter-term SBA loans have had the highest prepayment rates, particularly if the loans were for working capital; long-term, real-estate backed SBA loans prepay much more slowly. SBA securities are sometimes offered at a premium above their principal amount, which increases the risks posed by prepayment.

2.3.18 U.S. TREASURY ROLLS. In “U.S. Treasury rolls,” a Fund sells outstanding U.S. Treasury securities and buys back “when-issued” U.S. Treasury securities of slightly longer maturity for simultaneous settlement on the settlement date of the “when-issued” U.S. Treasury security. Two potential advantages of this strategy are (1) the Fund can regularly and incrementally adjust its weighted average maturity of its portfolio securities (which otherwise would constantly diminish with the passage of time); and (2) in a normal yield curve environment (in which shorter maturities yield less than longer maturities), a gain in yield to maturity can be obtained along with the desired extension.

During the period before the settlement date, the Fund continues to earn interest on the securities it is selling. It does not earn interest on the securities that it is purchasing until after the settlement date. The Fund could suffer an opportunity loss if the counterparty to the roll failed to perform its obligations on the settlement date, and if market conditions changed adversely. Funds generally enter into U.S. Treasury rolls only with government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board or with member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

2.3.19 TREASURY INFLATION-PROTECTED SECURITIES. A Fund may invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), which are issued by the U.S. Treasury. TIPS are designed to provide a real rate of return after being adjusted over time to reflect the impact of inflation. The interest rate paid on TIPS is fixed. The principal value rises or falls semi-annually based on changes in the published Consumer Price Index. If inflation occurs, the principal and interest payments on TIPS are adjusted to protect investors from inflationary loss. If deflation occurs, the principal and interest payments will be adjusted downward, although the principal will not fall below its face amount at maturity. The U.S. Treasury has guaranteed repayment of these securities at maturity of at least their face value in the event of sustained deflation.

2.3.20 MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Municipal securities are issued by state and local governments, their agencies and authorities, as well as by the District of Columbia and U.S.

 

29


Table of Contents

territories and possessions, to borrow money for various public or private projects. The issuer pays a fixed, floating or variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed (the “principal”) at maturity.

2.3.21 ZERO COUPON BONDS. Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations that are issued at a significant discount from the value set forth on the face of the bond. The original discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accumulate and compounds over the period until maturity or the first interest accumulation date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Although a zero coupon bond pays no interest to its holder during its life, a Fund will be deemed to have received income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes. That income is distributable to shareholders even though no cash is received at the time of accrual, which may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Fund’s distribution obligations. Zero coupon bonds may include stripped securities as noted above.

Zero coupon or deferred interest securities are debt securities that make no periodic interest payments before maturity or a specified date when the securities begin paying current interest (the “cash payment date”), and therefore are generally issued and traded at a discount from their face amount or par value. The discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or the cash payment date, as well as prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security, and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. The discount, in the absence of financial difficulties of the issuer, typically decreases as the final maturity or cash payment date approaches.

The value of zero coupon securities is generally more volatile than the value of other fixed-income securities that pay interest periodically. Zero-coupon securities are also likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other fixed-income securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

 

2.4 DERIVATIVE SECURITIES

2.4.1 IN GENERAL. In general, derivative securities are those securities whose values are dependent upon the performance of one or more securities, indices or currencies.

Derivatives may be used for “hedging,” which means that they may help manage risks relating to interest rates, currency fluctuations and other market factors. They also may be used to increase liquidity or to invest in a particular stock or bond in a more efficient or less expensive way.

2.4.2 FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract is a standard binding agreement to buy or sell a specified quantity or grade of a commodity or a broad-based stock index at a later date. In general, commodities include most agricultural products, such as wheat, cotton and rice, other types of goods and articles, and all services, rights, and interests in which the contract calls for a future delivery of the item at a predetermined price. A futures contract for the sale and purchase of a financial instrument, such as a security, is considered a futures contract on a commodity. Although futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of the commodities, or the cash value of the index, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract and without the parties having to make or take delivery. A

 

30


Table of Contents

contractual obligation is offset by buying (or selling, as the case may be) on a commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. This transaction, which is effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the securities, commodities, or cash. Since all transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it buys or sells futures contracts.

A “sale” of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the securities or commodity called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. A “purchase” of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to acquire the securities or commodities called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. The purpose of the acquisition or sale of a futures contract is to attempt to protect the Fund from fluctuations in the price of portfolio securities or of commodities that may have an effect on the price of portfolio securities, without actually buying or selling the underlying security or commodity. Futures contracts have been designed by exchanges that have been designated “contracts markets” by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and must be executed through a futures commission merchant, or brokerage firm, that is a member of the relevant contract market. The exchanges guarantee performance of the contracts as between the clearing members of the exchange.

A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested. A Fund may not be able to properly hedge its securities where a liquid secondary market is unavailable for the futures contract the Fund wishes to close. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between movements in the securities, commodities or foreign currency on which the futures or options contract is based and movements in the securities or currency held by the Fund or the commodity which may have an effect on the securities held by the Fund. Adverse market movements could cause the Fund to lose up to its full investment in a call option contract and/or to experience substantial losses on an investment in a futures contract. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in a futures contract or option.

Although the manager believes that the use of futures contracts may benefit certain Funds, if the manager’s investment judgment about the general direction of interest or currency exchange rates or commodity prices is incorrect, a Fund’s overall performance would be poorer than if it had not entered into any such contract. For example, if a Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of bonds held in its portfolio and interest rates decrease instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of the bonds which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. Similarly, if a Fund sells a foreign currency futures contract and the U.S. dollar value of the currency unexpectedly increases, the Fund will lose the beneficial effect of the increase on the value of the security denominated in that currency. In addition, in such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements. Sales of securities may be, but are not necessarily, at increased prices that reflect the rising market. A Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

 

31


Table of Contents

The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions that could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of general trends in the price of the underlying commodity, currency or securities index by the manager may still not result in a successful transaction.

Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and, therefore, does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.

The Funds that are authorized to engage in futures transactions generally purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, but there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. In addition, many of the futures contracts available may be relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist. A Fund may not be able to achieve a perfect correlation between its futures positions and portfolio positions in corporate fixed-income securities because futures contracts based on these securities are not currently available.

Futures contracts that are traded on foreign exchanges may not be as liquid as those purchased on CFTC-designated contract markets. In addition, foreign futures contracts may be subject to varied regulatory oversight. The price of any foreign futures contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon, may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate between the time a particular order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised.

A Fund may enter into futures contracts on foreign currencies, interest rates, or on debt securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, Ginnie Mae modified pass-through mortgage-backed securities, and three-month U.S. Treasury bills. In addition, certain Funds may enter into futures contracts for commodities in other types of commodity groups, including energy, livestock, agriculture,

 

32


Table of Contents

industrial metals and precious metals. A Fund also may enter into futures contracts on corporate securities and non-U.S. government debt securities, but such futures contracts are not currently available.

At the same time a futures contract is purchased or sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit payment (initial deposit). Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued and the payment of “variation margin” may be required since each day the Fund would provide or receive cash that reflects any decline or increase in the contract’s value. In addition, the Fund must maintain with its custodian bank, to the extent required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), assets in a segregated account to cover its obligations with respect to such contract, which will consist of cash, cash equivalents or high quality debt securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the market value of such futures contract or related option.

At the time of delivery of debt securities on the settlement date of a contract for future delivery of debt securities, adjustments are made to recognize differences in value arising from the delivery of securities with a different interest rate from that specified in the contract. In some (but not many) cases, securities called for by a futures contract may not have been issued when the contract was written.

A Fund will not engage in transactions in futures contracts for speculation. Futures contracts may be used as a hedge against changes resulting from market conditions in the values of its securities or securities that it intends to buy or to attempt to protect a Fund from fluctuations in price of portfolio securities, currencies in which they are denominated or to which they are exposed, or of commodities that might affect the price of portfolio securities without actually buying or selling the underlying security, currency or commodity.

The CFTC and the various exchanges have established limits referred to as “speculative position limits” on the maximum net long or net short position that any person may hold or control in a particular futures contract. Trading limits are also imposed on the maximum number of contracts that any person may trade on a particular trading day. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. The Funds do not believe that these trading and positions limits will have an adverse impact on the Funds’ strategies for hedging their portfolios.

2.4.2.1 Financial futures. Financial futures contracts are commodity contracts that obligate the purchaser or seller to take or make delivery of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, such as a security, or the cash value of a securities index, during a specified future period at a specified price.

Although financial futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of securities, or the cash value of the index, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without having to make or take delivery of the securities or cash. The obligation to make or take delivery is ended by buying (or selling, as the case may be) on an exchange an identical financial futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. All transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded. The Fund will incur brokerage fees when it buys or sells financial futures.

 

33


Table of Contents

2.4.2.2 Futures contracts on non-financial commodities. Certain Funds may enter into futures contracts for commodities in other types of commodity groups, including energy, livestock, agriculture, industrial metals and precious metals. These Funds generally enter into such futures contracts (and any related options) only for hedging purposes. They generally do not actually take receipt or make delivery of these types of non-financial commodities and will usually enter into an offsetting futures contract to insure that the transaction is closed out prior to the delivery date contemplated under the futures contract. In addition to the risk associated with futures contracts in general, a futures contract for non-financial commodities presents the risk that the offsetting contract may fail and the counterparty to the initial futures contract may demand a party’s performance or sue for damages. The CFTC has established certain regulatory safeguards that seek to reduce this risk.

2.4.2.3 Options on futures contracts. A Fund may purchase and “write” (sell) options on futures contracts for hedging purposes only. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security or currency. Depending on the price of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying securities, securities index or currency, the option may be less risky than direct ownership of the futures contract or the underlying securities or currency. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when a Fund is not fully invested, it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance, or appreciation in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar.

If a Fund writes a call option on a futures contract and the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which may provide a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the value of the Fund’s holdings. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which may provide a partial hedge against any increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option a Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss that will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, a Fund’s losses from options on futures may be affected by changes in the value of its portfolio securities.

The amount of risk a Fund assumes when it purchases an option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In writing options on futures, a Fund’s loss is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. Also, a Fund may not be able to properly hedge its securities or close out option contract positions if a liquid secondary market is unavailable for the option the Fund wishes to close. In addition to the correlation risks discussed above, the purchase of an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased.

 

34


Table of Contents

2.4.2.4 Bond index futures and options on such futures. A Fund may buy and sell futures contracts based on an index of debt securities and options on such futures contracts to the extent they currently exist and, in the future, may be developed. The Fund also may conduct futures and options transactions based on an index that may be developed in the future to correlate with price movements in certain categories of debt securities. A Fund’s investment strategy in employing futures contracts based on an index of debt securities may be similar to that used by it in other financial futures transactions. A Fund also may buy and write put and call options on such index futures and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options.

2.4.2.5 Stock index futures and options on such futures. A stock index futures contract is an agreement to take or make delivery of an amount of cash based on the difference between the value of the index at the beginning and end of the contract period. A Fund may buy and sell stock index futures contracts and options on stock index futures contracts that trade on domestic exchanges and, to the extent such contracts have been approved by the CFTC for sale to customers in the U.S., on foreign exchanges. In general, these Funds may invest in index futures for hedging purposes. Open futures contracts are valued on a daily basis and a Fund may be obligated to provide or receive cash reflecting any decline or increase in the contracts value.

2.4.2.6 Stock index futures contracts obligate the seller to deliver (and the buyer to take) an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific stock index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.

A Fund may sell stock index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset a possible decrease in market value of its equity securities. When a Fund is not fully invested in stocks and anticipates a significant market advance, it may buy stock index futures in order to gain rapid market exposure that may in part or entirely offset increases in the cost of common stocks that it intends to buy.

2.4.2.7 Options on stock index futures. To hedge against risks of market price fluctuations, a Fund may buy and sell call and put options on stock index futures. The need to hedge against these risks will depend on the extent of diversification of the Fund’s common stock portfolio and the sensitivity of such investments to factors influencing the stock market as a whole.

Call and put options on stock index futures are similar to options on securities except that, rather than the right to buy or sell stock at a specified price, options on stock index futures give the holder the right to receive cash. Upon exercise of the option, the writer of the option will deliver to the holder of the option the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account representing the amount that the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds in the case of a call, or is less than in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. If an option is exercised on the last trading day before the expiration date of the option, the settlement will be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of the option and the closing price of the futures contract on the expiration date.

 

35


Table of Contents

2.4.2.8 Future developments. The Funds may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options, futures, and options in futures and any other derivative investments that are not presently contemplated for use by the Funds or that are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are consistent with the Funds’ investment goals and legally permissible for the Funds.

2.4.3 FORWARD CONVERSIONS. In a forward conversion, a Fund buys securities and writes call options and buys put options on such securities. By purchasing puts, a Fund protects against depreciation in value of an underlying security. By selling calls on the same security, a Fund receives premiums that may offset part or all of the cost of purchasing the puts, but also foregoes the opportunity for appreciation in the value of the underlying security. A Fund will not exercise a put it has purchased while a call option on the same security is outstanding.

Although it is generally intended that the exercise price of put and call options would be identical, situations might occur in which some option positions are acquired with different exercise prices. Therefore, a Fund’s return may depend in part on movements in the price of the underlying security.

2.4.4 OPTIONS. A stock option is a contract that provides the holder the right to buy or sell shares of the stock at a fixed price, within a specified period of time. An option on a stock index is a contract that allows the buyer of the option the right to receive from the seller cash, in an amount equal to the difference between the index’s closing price and the option’s exercise price.

A Fund may write (sell) covered put and call options and buy put and call options on securities listed on a national securities exchange and in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. Additionally, a Fund may “close out” options it has entered into.

A call option gives the option holder the right to buy the underlying security from the option writer at the option exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. A put option gives the option holder the right to sell the underlying security to the option writer at the option exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. The OTC market is the dealer-to-dealer market in securities, or in this case, option securities in which the Fund may buy or sell.

A Fund’s options investments involve certain risks. The effectiveness of an options strategy depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying securities correlate with price movements in the relevant portion of the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its portfolio securities will not move the same amount as the option it has purchased, or that there may be a negative correlation that would result in a loss on both the securities and the option. If the manager is not successful in using options in managing a Fund’s investments, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if the manager did not employ such strategies.

When trading options on foreign exchanges or in the OTC market, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time. The purchaser of an option can lose the amount of the premium plus

 

36


Table of Contents

related transaction costs. Moreover, a Fund as an option writer could lose amounts substantially in excess of its initial investment, due to the margin and collateral requirements associated with option writing.

Options on securities traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all option positions entered into on a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting a Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.

Although a Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options, no secondary market on an exchange may exist and a Fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in particular options. Therefore, the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying securities where a buyer exercises put or call options. If a Fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise. There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of customers’ orders.

A Fund also may use “collars.” A “collar” position combines a long put option (the right of the Fund to sell a specific security within a specified period) with a short call option (the right of the counterparty to buy the same security) in a single instrument. The Fund’s right to sell the security is typically set at a price that is below the counterparty’s right to buy the security. Thus, the combined position “collars” the performance of the underlying security, providing protection from depreciation below the price specified in the put option, and allowing for participation in any appreciation up to the price specified by the call option.

2.4.4.1 Buying call and put options on securities. The premium paid by the buyer of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price and the volatility of the underlying security, the remaining term of the option, supply and demand and interest rates.

A Fund may buy call options on securities that it intends to buy in order to limit the risk of a substantial increase in the market price of the security before the purchase is effected. A Fund also may buy call options on securities held in its portfolio and on which it has written call options.

 

37


Table of Contents

As the holder of a put option, a Fund has the right to sell the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. A Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to put options, exercise them or permit them to expire.

A Fund may buy a put option on an underlying security or currency owned by the Fund (a protective put) as a hedging technique in order to protect against an anticipated decline in the market value of the security. Such hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option when a Fund, as the holder of the put option, is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise price, regardless of any decline in the underlying security’s market price or currency’s exchange value. For example, a put option may be purchased in order to protect unrealized appreciation of a security when the manager deems it desirable to continue to hold the security or currency because of tax considerations. The premium paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any short-term capital gain that may be available for distribution when the security is eventually sold.

A Fund also may buy put options at a time when it does not own the underlying security. By buying put options on a security it does not own, the Fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying security. If the put option is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the put option. In order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs, unless the put option is sold in a closing sale transaction.

2.4.4.2 Writing covered call and put options on securities. A Fund may write options to generate additional income and to hedge its portfolio against market or exchange rate movements. The writer of covered calls gives up the potential for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option should the underlying stock rise in value. If the value of the underlying stock rises above the exercise price of the call option, the security may be “called away” and a Fund required to sell shares of the stock at the exercise price. A Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security depending on whether the exercise price is greater or less than the purchase price of the stock. Any gain will be increased by the amount of the premium received from the sale of the call; any loss will be decreased by the amount of the premium received. If a covered call option expires unexercised, a Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received. If, however, the stock price decreases, the hedging benefit of the covered call option is limited to the amount of the premium received.

A call option written by a Fund is “covered” if a Fund:

 

  (a) owns the underlying security that is subject to the call; or

 

  (b) has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian bank) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio.

A call option is also covered if a Fund holds a call on the same security and in the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of the call held:

 

  (a) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written; or

 

38


Table of Contents
  (b) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference in exercise prices is maintained by a Fund in cash and marketable securities.

Options may be written in connection with “buy-and-write” transactions; that is, a Fund may purchase a security and then write a call option against that security. The exercise price of the call will depend upon the expected price movement of the underlying security. The exercise price of a call option may be below (in-the-money), equal to (at-the-money), or above (out-of-the-money) the current value of the underlying security at the time the option is written.

When a Fund writes a covered call option, the underlying securities that are subject to the call will be held in a segregated account (or escrow) with the Fund’s custodian. It will be unable to sell the underlying securities that are subject to the call until it either effects a closing transaction with respect to the call, or otherwise satisfies the conditions for release of the underlying securities from escrow, as may be imposed by the broker through which the call is effected. In addition, if the broker fails to timely issue instructions to the Fund’s custodian to permit the release of the underlying security when the escrow is no longer required, the Fund may be unable to sell the securities when it desires to do so.

The writer of covered puts retains the risk of loss should the underlying security decline in value. If the value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price of the put option, the security may be “put to” a Fund and the Fund required to buy the stock at the exercise price. A Fund will incur an unrealized loss to the extent that the current market value of the underlying security is less than the exercise price of the put option. However, the loss will be offset at least in part by the premium received from the sale of the put. If a put option written by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.

A put option written by the Fund is “covered” if the Fund maintains cash and marketable securities with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian bank. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same security and in the same principal amount as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.

The writer of an option may have no control over when the underlying securities must be sold, in the case of a call option, or purchased, in the case of a put option, since the writer may be assigned an exercise notice at any time prior to the termination of the obligation. Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains the amount of the premium. This amount may, in the case of a covered call option, be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the writer experiences a profit or loss from the sale of the underlying security. If a put option is exercised, the writer must fulfill the obligation to buy the underlying security at the exercise price, which will usually exceed the market value of the underlying security at that time.

If the writer of an option wants to terminate its obligation, the writer may effect a “closing purchase transaction” by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written.

 

39


Table of Contents

The effect of the purchase is that the clearing corporation will cancel the writer’s position. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, the holder of an option may liquidate its position by effecting a “closing sale transaction” by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. There is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction may be made at the time desired by a Fund.

Effecting a closing transaction in the case of a written call option allows the Fund to write another call option in the underlying security with a different exercise price, expiration date or both. In the case of a written put option, a closing transaction allows the Fund to write another covered put option. Effecting a closing transaction also allows the cash or proceeds from the sale of any securities subject to the option to be used for other Fund investments. If the Fund wants to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will effect a closing transaction prior to or at the same time as the sale of the security.

A Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more than the premium paid to buy the option. Likewise, a Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option. Increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security. As a result, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund.

2.4.4.3 Options on stock indices. A Fund also may buy and sell both call and put options on stock indices in order to hedge against the risk of market or industry-wide stock price fluctuations or to increase income to the Fund. Call and put options on stock indices are similar to options on securities except that, rather than the right to buy or sell stock at a specified price, options on a stock index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying stock index is greater (or less, in the case of puts) than the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike stock options, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on the price movements in the stock market generally (or in a particular industry or segment of the market) rather than price movements in individual stock.

When a Fund writes an option on a stock index, the Fund may cover the option by owning securities whose price changes, in the opinion of the manager, are expected to be similar to those of the index, or in such other manner as may be in accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations. The Funds also may cover the option by establishing a segregated account containing cash or marketable securities with its custodian bank in an amount at least equal to the market value of the underlying stock index. The Fund will maintain the account while the option is open or it will otherwise cover the transaction.

A Fund’s ability to effectively use options on stock indices depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or underlying securities correlate with price movements in the relevant portion of the Fund’s portfolio. Inasmuch as these securities will not duplicate the

 

40


Table of Contents

components of any index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the prices of the securities underlying the option will not move in the same amount as the option. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and the hedged securities that would result in a loss on both the securities and the instrument. Accordingly, successful use by a Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the securities markets generally or of a particular segment. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual stocks.

Positions in stock index options may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular stock index option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close an option position. The inability to close options positions could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance.

2.4.4.4 Over-the-counter (OTC) options. Like exchange traded options, OTC options give the holder the right to buy, in the case of OTC call options, or sell, in the case of OTC put options, an underlying security from or to the writer at a stated exercise price. OTC options, however, differ from exchange traded options in certain material respects.

OTC options are arranged directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation. Thus, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer. Because there is no exchange, pricing is typically done based on information from market makers. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and in a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices, however, than exchange traded options and the writer of an OTC option is paid the premium in advance by the dealer.

There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. A Fund may be able to realize the value of an OTC option it has purchased only by exercising it or entering into a closing sale transaction with the dealer that issued it. A Fund may suffer a loss if it is not able to exercise or sell its position on a timely basis. When a Fund writes an OTC option, it generally can close out that option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer with which the Fund originally wrote the option. If a Fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.

The Funds understand the current position of the staff of the SEC to be that purchased OTC options are illiquid securities and that the assets used to cover the sale of an OTC option are considered illiquid. The Funds and the manager disagree with this position. Nevertheless, pending a change in the staff’s position, the Funds will treat OTC options and “cover” assets as subject to a Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities.

2.4.4.5 Spread and straddle options transactions. In “spread” transactions, a Fund buys and writes a put or buys and writes a call on the same underlying security with the options having different exercise prices, expiration dates, or both. In “straddles,” a Fund purchases or

 

41


Table of Contents

writes combinations of put and call options on the same security. When a Fund engages in spread and straddle transactions, it seeks to profit from differences in the option premiums paid and received and in the market prices of the related options positions when they are closed out or sold. Because these transactions require a Fund to buy and or write more than one option simultaneously, the Fund’s ability to enter into such transactions and to liquidate its positions when necessary or deemed advisable may be more limited than if the Fund was to buy or sell a single option. Similarly, costs incurred by a Fund in connection with these transactions will in many cases be greater than if the Fund was to buy or sell a single option.

2.4.5 SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS. A Fund may enter into various hedging transactions, such as interest rate swaps and the purchase or sale of interest rate caps and floors. A Fund will enter into these transactions primarily, among other things, to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio; to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date; to shorten the effective duration of its portfolio investments; or for cash management purposes. To the extent applicable, each Fund generally uses these transactions as a hedge and not as a speculative investment. A Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors it does not own. Interest rate swaps, caps and floors generally are considered to be “derivative securities.”

Swap agreements are contracts between a Fund and, typically, a brokerage firm, bank or other institutional buyers (swap counterparty) for periods ranging from a few days to more than a year. In a basic swap transaction, the two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular “notional amount” of value of predetermined investments or instruments (swap transaction). The notional amount is the set dollar or other currency value selected by the parties to use as the basis on which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. The parties do not actually invest the notional amount in any investment or instrument. Instead, they agree to exchange the returns that would be earned or realized if the notional amount were invested in given investments or at given interest rates. Examples are investments in a particular security, at a particular fixed or variable interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. In some cases, for example, currency swaps, the swap agreement may include the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency for the other designated currency.

A Fund will generally enter into swap agreements on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement on a net basis will generally be the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the obligations of each party upon termination of the agreement or at set valuation dates. The Fund will accrue its obligations under a swap agreement daily (offset by any amounts the counterparty owes the Fund). If the swap agreement provides for other than a net basis, the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis. To limit potential leveraging of a Fund’s portfolio, where applicable, each Fund has adopted procedures to cover any accrued but unpaid net or full amounts owed to a swap counterparty by designating, on a daily basis, as segregated, liquid assets (not otherwise encumbered) equal in current market value to such swap amounts owed. Under the procedures, the Fund designates the segregated

 

42


Table of Contents

assets by appropriate notation on the books of the Fund or its custodian. To the extent the Fund enters into swap agreements for good faith hedging purposes and the Fund’s swap obligations are fully covered by an offsetting asset or right of the Fund, the obligations will not be subject to the Fund’s segregated assets procedures. To the extent applicable, the Funds and their managers believe that swap agreement obligations that are covered, either by an offsetting asset or right or by the Fund’s segregated assets procedures (or a combination thereof), are not senior securities under the 1940 Act and are not subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Whether a Fund will be successful in using swap agreements to achieve its investment objective depends on the ability of the manager correctly to predict which types of investments are likely to produce greater returns. If the manager, in using swap agreements, is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, currency exchange rates or other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund will be less than its performance would be using other investments.

The risk of loss to a Fund for swap transactions on a net basis depends on which party is obligated to pay the net amount to the other party. If the counterparty is obligated to pay the net amount to the Fund, the risk of loss to the Fund is the loss of the entire amount that the Fund is entitled to receive. If the Fund is obligated to pay the net amount, the Fund’s risk of loss is limited to that net amount. If the swap agreement involves the exchange of the entire principal value of a security, the entire principal value of that security is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.

Because swap agreements may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be illiquid and, therefore, subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, the Fund may not be able to establish or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Participants in the swap markets are not required to make continuous markets in the swap contracts they trade. Participants could refuse to quote prices for swap contracts or quote prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they are prepared to buy and the price at which they are prepared to sell. The swap markets have grown substantially in recent years, however, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents, utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap markets have become relatively liquid in comparison with markets for other derivative instruments that are traded in the interbank market.

Swap agreements are not traded on exchanges and are not subject to government regulation like exchange markets. As a result, swap participants are not as protected as participants on organized exchanges. Performance of a swap agreement is the responsibility only of the swap counterparty and not of any exchange or clearinghouse. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk of the inability or refusal to perform such agreement by the counterparty. No limitations on daily price movements or speculative position limits apply to swap transactions. Counterparties may, however, limit the size or duration of positions to the Fund as a consequence of credit considerations. The Fund risks the loss of the accrued but unpaid amount under a swap

 

43


Table of Contents

agreement, which could be substantial, in the event of default by or insolvency or bankruptcy of a swap counterparty. In such an event, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreements, but bankruptcy and insolvency laws could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. If the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses. To the extent applicable, each Fund’s manager will approve a counterparty for a swap agreement of the Fund only if the manager deems the counterparty to be creditworthy under the Fund’s Counterparty Credit Review Standards, adopted and reviewed annually by the board.

Certain Internal Revenue Service positions may limit the Fund’s ability to use swap agreements in a desired tax strategy. It is possible that developments in the swap markets and/or the laws relating to swap agreements, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to benefit from using swap agreements, or could have adverse tax consequences.

2.4.5.1 Interest rate swaps, caps and floors. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange interest rate obligations, one based on an interest rate fixed to maturity while the other is based on an interest rate that changes in accordance with changes in a designated benchmark (for example, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), prime, commercial paper, or other benchmarks). By swapping fixed payments for floating payments, an interest rate swap is a vehicle to hedge interest rate risk. A Fund will generally enter into interest rate swap agreements on a net basis. The obligations to make repayment of principal on the underlying securities are not exchanged. Similarly, the right to receive such repayment of principal is not transferred. In addition, interest rate swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor.

Interest rate swap transactions generally require the participation of an intermediary, frequently a bank. For example, the first entity, which holds a fixed-rate obligation, transfers the obligation to the intermediary. The first entity is then obligated to pay to the intermediary a floating rate of interest, generally including a fractional percentage as a commission for the intermediary. The intermediary also makes arrangements with the second entity, which holds a floating-rate obligation that substantially mirrors the obligation desired by the first entity. In return for assuming the fixed-rate obligation, the second entity will pay the intermediary all sums that the intermediary pays on behalf of the first entity, plus an arrangement fee and other agreed upon fees. Interest rate swaps are generally used to permit the party seeking a floating rate obligation the opportunity to acquire such obligation at a rate lower than is directly available in the credit markets, while permitting the party desiring a fixed-rate obligation the opportunity to acquire such a fixed-rate obligation, also frequently at a rate lower than is directly available in the credit markets. The success of such a transaction depends in large part on the availability of fixed-rate obligations at interest (or coupon) rates low enough to cover the costs involved. An interest rate swap transaction is affected by changes in interest rates, which, in turn, may affect the prepayment rate of any underlying debt obligations upon which the interest rate swap is based.

 

44


Table of Contents

2.4.5.2 Mortgage swaps. A specific type of interest rate swap in which a Fund may invest is a mortgage swap. In a mortgage swap, cash flows based on a group of Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) mortgage pools are exchanged for cash flows based on a floating interest rate. The return on a mortgage swap is affected by changes in interest rates, which affect the prepayment rate of the underlying mortgages upon which the mortgage swap is based.

2.4.5.3 Currency swaps. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them. For example, a currency swap may involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of the right to receive a foreign currency (paid from the Fund’s investment denominated in the foreign currency) for the right to receive U.S. dollars. Currency swaps sometimes involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. In such a situation, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. A Fund may also enter into currency swaps on a net basis, which means the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.

Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These actions could result in losses to a Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive a specified currency or funds in settlement of obligations, including swap transaction obligations. These actions could also have an adverse effect on the Fund’s swap transactions or cause the Fund’s hedging positions to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring unnecessary transaction costs.

Also, the use of currency transactions could cause a Fund losses due to the inability of foreign securities transactions to be completed. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Furthermore, settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market that may not always be available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that country’s economy.

2.4.5.4 Credit default swaps. A Fund may be a buyer or seller of credit default swaps. The “buyer” in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation. Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or modified restructuring. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or the physical delivery of the reference obligation

 

45


Table of Contents

in return for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If no credit event occurs, the seller would receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, while the buyer would lose the amount of its payments and recover nothing. The buyer is subject to the risk that the seller will not satisfy its contingent payment obligation, if and when due. In addition, credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. When a Fund is the seller of a swap contract, it receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon a credit event with respect to the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. See also “Credit-Linked securities” below. The Funds currently do not anticipate investing in credit default swaps, other than indirectly through investments in credit-linked securities where otherwise permitted.

2.4.5.5 Credit-linked securities. A Fund may invest in credit-linked securities. Credit-linked securities are debt securities that represent an interest in a pool of, or are otherwise collateralized by, one or more corporate debt obligations or credit default swaps on corporate debt or bank loan obligations. Such debt obligations may represent the obligations of one or more corporate issuers. The Fund has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked security (usually the seller of the underlying credit default swap(s)) at an agreed-upon interest rate, and a return of principal at the maturity date. The Fund currently anticipates purchasing only “funded” credit-linked securities. Funded credit-linked securities are structured so that the Fund’s total investment is made when it purchases the security with no further exposure to the Fund beyond its initial investment; consequently, the purchase of these securities will not add leverage to the Fund.

A Fund bears the risk of loss of its principal investment, and the periodic interest payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment in the credit-linked security, in the event that one or more of the debt obligations underlying the credit default swaps go into default or otherwise become non-performing. Upon the occurrence of such a credit event (including bankruptcy, failure to timely pay interest or principal, or a restructuring), the Fund will generally reduce the principal balance of the related credit-linked security by the Fund’s pro rata interest in the par amount of the defaulted underlying debt obligation in exchange for the actual value of the defaulted underlying obligation or the defaulted underlying obligation itself, resulting in a loss of a part of the Fund’s investment. Thereafter, interest on the credit-linked security will accrue on a smaller principal balance and a smaller principal balance will be returned at maturity. To the extent a credit-linked security represents an interest in underlying obligations of a single corporate or other issuer, a credit event with respect to such issuer presents greater risk of loss to a Fund than if the credit-linked security represented an interest in underlying obligations of multiple issuers.

In addition, the Fund bears the risk that the issuer of the credit-linked security will default or become bankrupt. In such an event, the Fund may have difficulty being repaid, or fail to be repaid, the principal amount of its investment and the remaining periodic interest payments thereon.

An investment in credit-linked securities also involves reliance on the counterparty to the credit default swap entered into with the issuer of the credit-linked security to make periodic payments to the issuer under the terms of the swap. Any delay or cessation in

 

46


Table of Contents

the making of such payments may be expected in certain instances to result in delays or reductions in payments to the Fund as an investor in such credit-linked securities. Additionally, credit-linked securities are typically structured as limited recourse obligations of the issuer of such securities such that the securities issued will usually be obligations solely of the issuer and will not be obligations or responsibilities of any other person.

Most credit-linked securities are structured as Rule 144A securities so that they may be freely traded among institutional buyers. A Fund will generally only purchase credit-linked securities which are determined to be liquid in accordance with the Fund’s liquidity guidelines. However, the market for credit-linked securities may be, or suddenly can become, illiquid. The other parties to the transaction may be the only investors with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for credit-linked securities. In certain cases, a market price for a credit-linked security may not be available or may not be reliable, and the Fund could experience difficulty in selling such security at a price the investment manager believes is fair. In the event a credit-linked security is deemed to be illiquid, the Fund will include such security in calculating its limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

The value of a credit-linked security will typically increase or decrease with any change in value of the underlying debt obligations, if any, held by the issuer and the credit default swap. Further, in cases where the credit-linked security is structured such that the payments to the Fund are based on amounts received in respect of, or the value of performance of, any underlying debt obligations specified in the terms of the relevant credit default swap, fluctuations in the value of such obligation may affect the value of the credit-linked security.

The collateral of a credit-linked security may be one or more credit default swaps, which are subject to additional risks. See “SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS” above for a description of additional risks associated with credit default swaps.

 

2.5 DIVERSIFICATION

Each Fund operates as a diversified fund under federal securities law. Each diversified Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase the securities of any one issuer (except U.S. government securities) if (a) more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in such issuer, or (b) hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.

In addition, each diversified Fund intends to diversify its investments to meet the requirements under federal tax laws relating to regulated investment companies and variable contracts issued by insurance companies.

 

47


Table of Contents
2.6 EQUITY SECURITIES

A Fund may invest in equity securities, which include common and preferred stocks, warrants, and securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock.

2.6.1 COMMON STOCK. Common stock represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company. The value of a stock is based on the market’s appraisal of current and likely future success of the company’s business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets, and general market conditions. Because it represents ownership, common stock ranks lowest in the capital structure of a company, in terms of its claim on the revenues or earnings of the company, and the value of a company’s assets in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation. A company’s creditors, including the holders of a company’s debt securities, if any, have claims that take priority over the interests of the owners of the company’s common stock. After other claims are satisfied, common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro rata basis; profits may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help it grow. Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company’s stock price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential of all corporate securities. The returns from ownership of common stocks historically have been greater than the returns from ownership of other classes of financial assets, but their value can fluctuate dramatically over shorter periods in response to many factors affecting individual companies, industries, or the stock market or economy in general.

Common stocks sometimes are divided into several classes, with each class having different voting rights, dividend rights, or other differences in their rights and priorities.

The price of a stock also may be adversely affected by discovery and disclosure of accounting irregularities, actual or perceived weaknesses in corporate governance practices of a company’s board or management, and changes in company management. The discovery and disclosure of accounting irregularities may result in changes to a company’s past or current reported earnings, impairment of its credit rating and financial stability. These changes may result in a sudden and significant drop in the price of the company’s equity and debt securities and, in some cases, can result in bankruptcy or the threat of bankruptcy, because the company’s true financial condition after correction of accounting irregularities may violate covenants to which the company is subject under the terms of its credit arrangements.

2.6.2 PREFERRED STOCK. Preferred stock also represents an ownership interest in a company, but that ownership interest usually is limited to a specific dollar amount per share of liquidation priority over common equity in the event of liquidation of the company. Preferred stocks usually have fixed or variable dividend payment rates, and the payment of those dividends to the holders of preferred stock takes priority over the interests of holders of common stock, but usually is subordinate to the rights of holders of the company’s debt securities. Preferred stocks often have no or limited voting rights, or have voting rights only in the event of omission of the payment of agreed dividends.

While preferred stocks represent a form of ownership in a company’s capital structure, the limited nature of that ownership interest, and their fixed or variable dividend rates, result in

 

48


Table of Contents

many preferred stocks being treated in the market as more akin to debt securities. Like debt securities, the values of preferred stocks often fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer, rather than in response to changes in the issuer’s profitability and business prospects. Preferred stocks sometimes are callable for redemption by the issuer on or after a specific date and at a price specified at the time of issuance.

Preferred stocks often are issued with conversion or exchange rights, pursuant to which the preferred stock may be converted into common stock of the issuing company, or exchanged for common stock or other equity securities of a different company. The characteristics of convertible preferred stocks are discussed in greater detail above under “Convertible and Synthetic Securities.”

2.6.3 WARRANTS. A Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. Warrants constitute options to purchase equity securities at a specific price, and are valid for a specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of the equity securities, but only the right to buy them. Warrants differ from call options in that warrants are issued by the issuer of the security that may be purchased on their exercise, whereas call options may be issued by anyone. The prices of warrants do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying equity securities.

 

2.7 OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Generally an underlying fund may not acquire shares of another investment company if, immediately after the acquisition, the underlying fund would own (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of that investment company, (ii) securities issued by that investment company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the underlying fund’s total assets, or (iii) securities issued by that investment company and all other investment companies having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the underlying fund’s total assets.

If a Fund acquires shares of other investment companies, shareholders would bear both their share of expenses of the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such other investment companies.

A Fund may invest in Franklin Templeton money funds. The Funds’ managers have agreed in advance to reduce their fees attributable to assets invested by a Fund in a Franklin Templeton money market fund. The reduction is required by the board and an SEC order.

2.7.1 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS. A Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs are regulated as registered investment companies under the 1940 Act. ETFs are publicly-traded trusts that acquire and hold shares of all of the companies, or a representative sampling of companies, that are components of a particular index. ETFs are intended to provide investment results that, before expenses, generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the corresponding market index, and the value of their shares should, under normal circumstances, closely track the value of the index’s underlying component stocks. Because an ETF has operating expenses and transaction costs, while a market index does not, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly. ETF shares may be purchased and sold in the secondary trading market on a securities exchange, in lots of any size, at any time during the trading day.

 

49


Table of Contents

The shares of an ETF may be assembled in a block (typically 50,000 shares) known as a creation unit and redeemed in kind for a portfolio of the underlying securities (based on the ETF’s net asset value) together with a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends as of the date of redemption. Conversely, a creation unit may be purchased from the ETF by depositing a specified portfolio of the ETF’s underlying securities, as well as a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends of the securities (net of expenses) up to the time of deposit. Although each Fund, like most other investors in ETFs, generally purchases and sells ETF shares primarily on an exchange, a Fund may redeem creation units for the underlying securities (and any applicable cash), and may assemble a portfolio of the underlying securities and use it (and any required cash) to purchase creation units, if the manager believes it is in the Fund’s best interest to do so.

An investment in an ETF is subject to all of the risks of investing in the securities held by the ETF. In addition, the market value of the ETF shares may differ from their net asset value because the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Because of the ability of large market participants to arbitrage price differences by purchasing or redeeming creation units, the difference between the market value and the net asset value of ETF shares should in most cases be small. Under certain circumstances, an ETF could be terminated. Should termination occur, the ETF might have to liquidate its portfolio securities at a time when the prices for those securities are falling.

2.7.2 CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. A Fund may invest in equity securities of closed end investment companies, subject to provisions of the 1940 Act that limit investment by a Fund in the voting securities of another investment company. The shares of a closed-end fund typically are bought and sold on an exchange. The risks of investment in a closed-end investment company typically reflect the risk of the types of securities in which the closed-end fund invests. However, investments in closed-end funds are subject to the additional risk that the price of the fund’s shares may not reflect the net asset value of the underlying securities, and the premium or discount the share prices represent versus net asset value may change over time based on a variety of factors, including supply of and demand for the fund’s shares, unrelated to the value of the underlying portfolio securities. Some closed-end investment companies also issue debt securities, as a means of borrowing to lever the closed-end fund’s investment portfolio. A Fund may invest in these debt securities, subject to any quality or other standards applicable to the Fund’s investment in debt securities.

 

2.8 FOREIGN CURRENCY TECHNIQUES AND HEDGING

The Funds typically enter into forward currency exchange contracts to protect against declines in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities and the income on these securities. A Fund will normally conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts or exchange-traded foreign currency options to purchase or sell foreign currencies. Successful use of forward contracts, currency futures contracts and options on foreign

 

50


Table of Contents

currencies depends on the manager’s ability to properly predict movements in the foreign currency markets. There may be an imperfect correlation between movements in the foreign currency on which a forward contract, currency futures contract, or option on a foreign currency is based and movements in the foreign currency. The Funds may enter into other transactions, or use other techniques.

2.8.1 FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. The Funds may use forward currency exchange contracts in an effort to minimize the risk of adverse changes in the relationship between currencies or to enhance income. A forward contract involves an obligation to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks).

A Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified at the maturity of a forward contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

A Fund may construct an investment position by combining a debt security denominated in one currency with a forward contract calling for the exchange of that currency for another currency. The investment position is not itself a security but is a combined position (i.e., a debt security coupled with a forward contract) that is intended to be similar in overall performance to a debt security denominated in the currency purchased.

A Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example, when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of that security by buying the amount of foreign currency needed to settle the transaction. Thus, for example, when a Fund believes that a foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell an amount of that foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund’s portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. Similarly, when a Fund believes that the U.S. dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may enter into a forward contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed dollar amount. A Fund also may purchase and sell forward contracts for non-hedging purposes when the manager anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in a Fund.

A Fund sets aside or segregates sufficient cash, cash equivalents, or readily marketable debt securities held by its custodian bank as deposits for commitments created by open forward contracts. The Fund will cover any commitments under these contracts to sell currency by owning or acquiring the underlying currency (or an absolute right to acquire such currency). The segregated account will be marked-to-market daily. The ability of a Fund to enter into forward contracts is limited only to the extent forward contracts would, in the opinion of the manager, impede portfolio management or the ability of the Fund to honor redemption requests.

 

51


Table of Contents

Forward contracts may limit potential gain from a positive change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies or between foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates also may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.

The Funds generally will not enter into a forward contract with a term of greater than one year.

If a Fund retains a portfolio security and enters into a closing transaction, the Fund will have a gain or a loss to the extent that the forward contract prices have increased or decreased. If a Fund enters into a closing transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign currency. If forward prices decline between the date that a Fund enters into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain. If forward prices increase, a Fund will suffer a loss.

2.8.2 CURRENCY RATE SWAPS. A currency rate swap is the transfer between two counterparties of their respective rights to receive payments in specified currencies.

Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, a Fund could lose the entire principal value of a currency swap if the other party defaults.

The use of interest rate and currency swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the managers are incorrect in their forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used.

2.8.3 CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS. Currency futures contracts are traded on regulated commodity exchanges, including non-U.S. exchanges. A currency futures contract is a standardized contract for the future delivery of a specified amount of currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may use currency futures contracts to hedge against anticipated future changes in exchange rates that otherwise might adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities or adversely affect the prices of securities that a Fund intends to purchase at a later date.

A Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified at the maturity of a currency futures contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to currency futures contracts are effected on the exchange on which the contract was entered into (or on a linked exchange).

2.8.4 OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. A Fund may buy and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter) for hedging purposes to protect against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities or other assets to be acquired. As in

 

52


Table of Contents

the case of other kinds of options, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received. A Fund could be required to buy or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates although, in the event of rate movements adverse to a Fund’s position, the Fund may lose the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign currency options are subject to the risks of the availability of a liquid secondary market, as well as the risks of adverse market movements, possible intervention by governmental authorities, and the effects of other political and economic events. Options traded over-the-counter are subject to counterparty risk.

 

2.9 FOREIGN SECURITIES AND INVESTMENTS

2.9.1 IN GENERAL. Funds may invest in foreign securities, provided the investments are consistent with their objectives and comply with their concentration and diversification policies. The Funds may buy the securities of foreign issuers directly in foreign markets, both in developed and developing countries. The securities of foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currency. The Funds also may buy foreign securities that are traded in the U.S. Investments in foreign securities may offer potential benefits not available from investments solely in securities of domestic issuers or dollar-denominated securities. These benefits may include the opportunity to invest in foreign issuers that appear, in the opinion of the manager, to offer:

 

   

a better outlook for long-term capital appreciation or current earnings than investments in domestic issuers;

 

   

an opportunity to invest in foreign nations whose economic policies or business cycles are different from those of the U.S.; and

 

   

the opportunity to reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking advantage of foreign securities markets that do not necessarily move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets.

Investments in foreign securities where delivery takes place outside the U.S. will be made in compliance with any applicable U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax and other laws limiting the amount and types of foreign investments. A Fund could experience investment losses if there are changes of:

 

   

governmental administrations;

 

   

economic or monetary policies in the U.S. or abroad;

 

   

circumstances in dealings between nations; or

 

   

currency convertibility or exchange rates.

The value of foreign (and U.S.) securities is affected by general economic conditions and individual company and industry earnings prospects. While foreign securities may offer significant opportunities for gain, they also involve additional risks that can increase the potential for losses in a Fund. These risks can be significantly greater for investments in emerging markets. Investments in Depositary Receipts also involve some or all of the risks described below.

 

   

The political, economic, and social structures of some countries in which a Fund invests may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of the imposition of exchange controls, expropriation, restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, and punitive taxes.

 

53


Table of Contents

 

   

There may be less publicly available information about foreign companies or governments compared to the reports and ratings published about U.S. companies and available information about public entities in the U.S. Certain countries’ financial markets and services are less developed than those in the U.S. or other major economies. As a result, they may not have uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and may have less government supervision of financial markets. A Fund, therefore, may encounter difficulty in obtaining market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value.

 

   

Foreign securities markets may have substantially lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more volatility than experienced in the U.S.

 

   

Transaction costs (the costs associated with buying and selling securities) on foreign securities markets, including those for custodial services, are generally higher than in the U.S.

 

   

The settlement practices may be cumbersome and result in delays that may affect portfolio liquidity.

 

   

A Fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies, and obtaining judgments with respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to domestic issuers in U.S. courts.

 

   

Investments in securities of issuers in foreign nations also may be affected by cessation of trading on national exchanges, expropriation, nationalization, or confiscatory taxation, withholding, and other foreign taxes on income or other amounts, foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country), default in foreign government securities, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments.

 

   

Expropriation of assets refers to the possibility that a country’s laws will prohibit the return to the U.S. of any monies which a Fund has invested in the country.

 

   

Confiscatory taxation refers to the possibility that a foreign country will adopt a tax law which has the effect of requiring the Fund to pay significant amounts, if not all, of the value of the Fund’s investment to the foreign country’s taxing authority.

   

Diplomatic developments means that all communications and other official governmental relations between the country and the United States could be severed. This may occur as

 

54


Table of Contents
 

a result of certain actions occurring within a foreign country, such as significant civil rights violations, or because of the actions of the United States during a time of crisis in the particular country. As a result of such diplomatic developments, U.S. investors’ money in the particular country, including that of the Funds, could be abandoned with no way to recover the money.

 

   

Certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company, or limit the investment of foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. Furthermore, in some countries the repatriation of investment income, capital and proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval. A Fund could be adversely affected by delays in or a refusal to grant any required governmental registration or approval for repatriation.

A Fund’s investments in foreign securities may increase the risks with respect to the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This could inhibit the Fund’s ability to meet a large number of shareholder redemption requests in the event of economic or political turmoil in a country in which the Fund has a substantial part of its assets invested or deterioration in relations between the U.S. and the foreign country.

Through the Funds’ flexible policy, management endeavors to avoid unfavorable consequences and to take advantage of favorable developments in particular nations where, from time to time, it places the Funds’ investments. The exercise of this flexible policy may include decisions to purchase securities with substantial risk characteristics and other decisions such as changing the emphasis on investments from one nation to another and from one type of security to another. Some of these decisions may later prove profitable and others may not. No assurance can be given that profits, if any, will exceed losses.

The board considers the degree of risk involved through the holding of portfolio securities in domestic and foreign securities depositories. However, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Funds’ managers, any losses resulting from the holding of the Funds’ portfolio securities in foreign countries and/or with securities depositories will be at the risk of the shareholders. No assurance can be given that the board’s appraisal of the risks will always be correct or that such exchange control restrictions or political acts of foreign governments might not occur.

Each Fund’s definition of “foreign securities” may differ from the definition of the same or similar term as used for another Fund or in other mutual fund prospectuses. As a result, each Fund may hold foreign securities that other funds may classify differently.

2.9.2 CURRENCY CONSIDERATIONS. If a Fund holds securities denominated in foreign currencies, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of what the Fund owns and its share price. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect a Fund’s income and distributions to shareholders. Some countries in which a Fund may invest also may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar.

 

55


Table of Contents

Certain currencies may not be internationally traded. To the extent that the managers intend to hedge currency risk in certain Funds, the Funds endeavor to buy and sell foreign currencies on as favorable a basis as practicable. Some price spread in currency exchange (to cover service charges) may be incurred, particularly when a Fund changes investments from one country to another or when proceeds of the sale of shares in U.S. dollars are used for the purchase of securities in foreign countries. Some countries may adopt policies that would prevent the Funds from transferring cash out of the country or withhold portions of interest and dividends at the source.

Certain currencies have experienced a steady devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar. Any devaluations in the currencies in which a Fund’s portfolio securities are denominated may have a detrimental impact on the Fund. Where the exchange rate for a currency declines materially after a Fund’s income has been accrued and translated into U.S. dollars, a Fund may need to redeem portfolio securities to make required distributions. Similarly, if an exchange rate declines between the time a Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time such expenses are paid, the Fund will have to convert a greater amount of the currency into U.S. dollars in order to pay the expenses.

2.9.3 EMERGING MARKETS. Each Fund that invests in emerging market securities may use a slightly different definition of emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally include countries that are generally considered low or middle income countries by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (commonly known as the World Bank) or the International Finance Corporation.

Investments in companies domiciled or operating in emerging countries may be subject to potentially higher risks, making these investments more volatile than investments in developed countries. These risks include (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the risk that the small size of the markets for such securities and the low or nonexistent volume of trading may result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii) the existence of certain national policies which may restrict each Fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; (v) the absence of developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; (vi) the absence, until recently in many developing countries, of a capital market structure or market-oriented economy; and (vii) the possibility that recent favorable economic developments in some emerging countries may be slowed or reversed by unanticipated political or social events in such countries.

In addition, many countries in which the Funds may invest have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain countries. Moreover, the economies of some emerging countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

56


Table of Contents

Investments in emerging countries may involve increased risks of nationalization, expropriation and confiscatory taxation. For example, the governments of a number of Eastern European countries expropriated large amounts of private property in the past, in many cases without adequate compensation, and there can be no assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future. In the event of expropriation, a Fund could lose a substantial part of any investments it has made in the affected countries. Further, no accounting standards exist in certain emerging countries. Finally, even though the currencies of some emerging countries, such as certain Eastern European countries, may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to the actual market values and may be adverse to a Fund’s shareholders.

Repatriation, that is, the return to an investor’s homeland, of investment income, capital and proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration or approval in some emerging countries. Delays in or a refusal to grant any required governmental registration or approval for such repatriation could adversely affect the Funds. Further, the economies of emerging countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.

2.9.4 FOREIGN DEBT. Certain Funds may invest in debt securities issued by foreign corporations, governments and their instrumentalities, and by supranational entities. A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the national government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction or development. Examples of supranational entities include the World Bank, the European Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Many debt obligations of foreign issuers, and especially emerging markets issuers, are either (i) rated below investment grade or (ii) not rated by U.S. rating agencies so that their selection depends on the managers’ individual analysis.

2.9.5 DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they may be issued by U.S. banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. corporation. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities market and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted.

Depositary receipts may be issued by sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an

 

57


Table of Contents

issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs, and there may not be a correlation between the availability of such information and the market value of the depositary receipts. To the extent a Fund acquires depositary receipts through banks that do not have a contractual relationship with the foreign issuer of the security underlying the depository receipt to issue and service such depository receipts, there are may be an increased possibility that the Fund would not become aware of and be able to respond to corporate actions such as stock splits or rights offerings involving the foreign issuer in a timely manner.

Depositary receipts also involve many of the same risks as direct investments in foreign securities, as discussed above. For purposes of a Fund’s investment policies, the Fund will consider its investments in depositary receipts to be investments in the underlying securities.

2.9.6 LIMITATIONS. Certain countries do not permit direct investments. Some countries have authorized the formation of closed-end investment companies to facilitate indirect foreign investment in their capital markets. In order to gain investment access to these countries, a Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of such closed-end investment companies and up to 5% of its assets in any one closed-end investment company as long as the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company. If a Fund acquires shares of closed-end investment companies, shareholders would bear both their share of expenses of the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such closed-end investment companies.

 

2.10 ILLIQUID SECURITIES

2.10.1 IN GENERAL. The Funds may invest in securities that cannot be offered to the public for sale without first being registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (restricted securities), or in other securities that, in the opinion of the board, may be illiquid.

Illiquid securities are generally securities that cannot be sold within seven days in the normal course of business at approximately the amount at which a Fund has valued them. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market for certain securities may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing the Fund’s portfolio.

Securities acquired outside of the U.S. and that are publicly traded in the U.S. or on a foreign securities market are not considered to be illiquid assets if: (a) the Fund reasonably believes it can readily dispose of the securities for cash in the U.S. or foreign market, or (b) current market quotations are readily available. The Funds will not acquire the securities of foreign issuers outside of the U.S. if, at the time of acquisition, the Funds have reason to believe that they could not resell the securities in a public trading market.

2.10.2 RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Subject to each Fund’s percentage limitation on illiquid securities, the board has authorized the Funds to invest in restricted securities where such investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment goal. The board has authorized these securities to be considered liquid to the extent the investment manager determines on a daily basis that there is a liquid institutional or other market for such securities—for example,

 

58


Table of Contents

restricted securities which may be freely transferred among qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and for which a liquid institutional market has developed. The board will review any determination by the manager to treat a restricted security as a liquid security on an ongoing basis, including the managers’ assessment of current trading activity and the availability of reliable price information. In spite of the managers’ determinations in this regard, the board will remain responsible for such determinations and will consider appropriate action, consistent with a Fund’s goals and policies, if the security should become illiquid after purchase. In determining whether a restricted security is properly considered a liquid security, the investment manager and the board will take into account, among others, the following factors: (i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (ii) the number of dealers willing to buy or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer). To the extent a Fund invests in restricted securities that are deemed liquid, the general level of illiquidity in the Fund may be increased if qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in buying these securities or the market for these securities contracts.

 

2.11 LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

To generate additional income, a Fund may lend certain of its portfolio securities to qualified banks and broker-dealers. For each loan, the borrower must maintain with the Fund’s custodian collateral (consisting of any combination of cash, securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities, or irrevocable letters of credit) with a value at least equal to 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. The Fund retains all or a portion of the interest received on investment of the cash collateral or receives a fee from the borrower. The Fund also continues to receive any distributions paid on the loaned securities. The Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned within the normal settlement period for the security involved.

Where voting rights with respect to the loaned securities pass with the lending of the securities, the managers intend to call the loaned securities to vote proxies, or to use other practicable and legally enforceable means to obtain voting rights, when the managers have knowledge that, in their opinion, a material event affecting the loaned securities will occur or the managers otherwise believe it necessary to vote. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in collateral in the event of default or insolvency of the borrower. Each Fund will loan its securities only to parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by the board, i.e., banks or broker-dealers that the manager has determined present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the loan.

 

2.12 PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Portfolio turnover is a measure of how frequently a portfolio’s securities are bought and sold. As required by the SEC, annual portfolio turnover is calculated generally as the dollar value of the lesser of a portfolio’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities during a given year, divided by the

 

59


Table of Contents

monthly average value of the portfolio’s securities during that year (excluding securities whose maturity or expiration at the time of acquisition were less than one year). For example, a portfolio reporting a 100% portfolio turnover rate would have purchased and sold securities worth as much as the monthly average value of its portfolio securities during the year. It is not possible to estimate future turnover rates with complete accuracy, however, because so many variable factors are beyond the control of the managers.

Portfolio turnover is affected by factors within and outside the control of a Fund and its manager. The investment outlook for the type of securities in which each Fund invests may change as a result of unexpected developments in national or international securities markets, or in economic, monetary or political relationships. High market volatility may result in a manager using a more active trading strategy than it might have otherwise pursued. Each Fund’s manager will consider the economic effects of portfolio turnover but generally will not treat portfolio turnover as a limiting factor in making investment decisions. Investment decisions affecting turnover may include changes in investment policies, including changes in management personnel, as well as individual portfolio transactions.

Moreover, turnover may be increased by certain factors wholly outside the control of the managers. For example, during periods of rapidly declining interest rates the rate of mortgage prepayments may increase rapidly. When this happens, “sales” of portfolio securities are increased due to the return of principal to Funds that invest in mortgage securities. Similarly, the rate of bond calls by issuers of fixed-income securities may increase as interest rates decline. This causes “sales” of called bonds by Funds that invest in fixed-income securities and the subsequent purchase of replacement investments. In other periods, increased merger and acquisition activity, or increased rates of bankruptcy or default, may create involuntary transactions for portfolios that hold affected stocks and bonds, especially high-yield bonds. Global or international fixed-income securities funds may have higher turnover rates due to the rebalancing of the portfolio to keep interest rate risk and country allocations at desired levels.

In addition, redemptions or exchanges by investors may require the liquidation of portfolio securities. Changes in particular portfolio holdings may be made whenever it is considered that a security is no longer the most appropriate investment for a Fund, or that another security appears to have a relatively greater opportunity, and will be made without regard to the length of time a security has been held.

Higher portfolio turnover rates generally increase transaction costs, which are portfolio expenses, but would not create taxable capital gains for investors because of the tax-deferred status of variable annuity and life insurance investments.

 

2.13 REAL ESTATE

2.13.1 IN GENERAL. Although none of the Funds invest directly in real estate, through an investment in a company in the real estate sector, a Fund could ultimately own real estate directly as a result of a default on debt securities it may own. Receipt of rental income or income from the disposition of real property by a Fund may adversely affect its ability to retain its tax status as a regulated investment company.

 

60


Table of Contents

2.13.2 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs). REITs typically invest directly in real estate or in mortgages and loans collateralized by real estate. “Equity” REITs are real estate companies that own and manage income-producing properties such as apartments, hotels, shopping centers or office buildings. The income, primarily rent from these properties, is generally passed on to investors in the form of dividends. These companies provide experienced property management and generally concentrate on a specific geographic region or property type. “Mortgage” REITs make loans to commercial real estate developers and earn income from interest payments. A hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs, generally by holding both ownership interest and mortgage interests in real estate. Although the REIT structure originated in the U.S., a number of countries around the world have adopted, or are considering adopting, similar REIT and REIT-like structures.

For U.S. federal tax law purposes, to qualify as a REIT, a company must derive at least 75% of its gross income from real estate sources (rents, mortgage interest, gains from the sale of real estate assets), and at least 95% from real estate sources, plus dividends, interest and gains from the sale of securities. Real property, mortgage loans, cash and certain securities must comprise 75% of a company’s assets. In order to qualify as a REIT, a company must also make distributions to shareholders aggregating annually at least 95% of its REIT taxable income.

By investing in a REIT indirectly through a Fund, you will bear not only your proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs.

Terrorist acts affecting real estate can have a general negative impact on the value of a Fund’s investments. In addition, terrorist acts directed at real estate owned by the companies whose securities are held by a Fund could negatively impact the value of those securities. These developments can be impossible to predict and take into account with respect to management of a Fund’s investments.

 

 

2.14 REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

2.14.1 IN GENERAL. The Funds generally will have a part of their assets in cash or cash equivalents for a variety of reasons, including waiting for a special investment opportunity, to maintain liquidity for redemptions or expenses, or taking a defensive position. To earn income on this part of its assets, a Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Under a repurchase agreement, the Fund agrees to buy securities guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies, or U.S. government sponsored entities from a qualified bank or broker-dealer and simultaneously agrees to sell the securities back to the bank or broker-dealer after a short period of time (generally, less than seven days) at an agreed higher price. The bank or broker-dealer must transfer to the Fund’s custodian securities with an initial market value of at least 100% of the dollar amount invested by the Fund in each repurchase agreement. The manager will monitor the value of such securities daily to determine that the value equals or exceeds the repurchase price.

Repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the bank or broker-dealer, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to sell the

 

61


Table of Contents

underlying securities. The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the bankruptcy code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of a Fund, and therefore the realization by the Fund on the collateral may be automatically stayed. Finally, it is possible that the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement. While the manager acknowledges these risks, it is expected that if repurchase agreements are otherwise deemed useful to a Fund, these risks can be controlled through careful monitoring procedures. A Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties who meet certain creditworthiness standards, i.e., banks or broker-dealers that the manager has determined present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the repurchase transaction.

2.14.2 REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Reverse repurchase agreements are the opposite of repurchase agreements but involve similar mechanics and risks. A Fund sells securities to a bank or dealer and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed price and date. Cash or liquid high-grade debt securities having an initial market value, including accrued interest, equal to at least 100% of the dollar amount sold by the Fund are segregated, i.e., set aside, as collateral and marked-to-market daily to maintain coverage of at least 100%. These transactions may increase the volatility of a Fund’s income or net asset value. The Fund carries the risk that any securities purchased with the proceeds of the transaction will depreciate or not generate enough income to cover the Fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase transaction. These transactions also increase the interest and operating expenses of a Fund.

Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained by a Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase under the agreement. A default by the purchaser might cause the Fund to experience a loss or delay in the liquidation costs. The Funds generally enter into reverse repurchase agreements with domestic or foreign banks or securities dealers. The manager will evaluate the creditworthiness of these entities prior to engaging in such transactions and it will conduct these activities under the general supervision of the board.

 

2.15 SECTOR CONCENTRATION

By having significant investments in one or more sectors from time to time, a Fund carries greater risk of adverse developments in a sector than a fund that invests more broadly.

2.15.1 TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES. Technology company stocks can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements and have been volatile in price, especially over the short term, due to the rapid pace of product change and development affecting such companies. Technology companies are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as new market entrants, aggressive pricing, and tight profit margins. Prices of technology company stocks often change collectively without regard to the merits of individual companies.

 

62


Table of Contents

2.15.1.1 Electronic technology and technology services companies. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will rapidly become obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of technology companies and, as a result, their value. In addition, because some Internet-related, electronic technology and technology services companies are in the emerging stage of development, they are particularly vulnerable to these risks.

2.15.1.2 Biotechnology and health technology companies. These companies may be affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters. For example, in the past several years, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation concerning health care reform and changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process, which would, if enacted, affect the biotechnology and health technology industries. In addition, these industries are characterized by competition and rapid technological developments, which may make a company’s products or services obsolete in a short period of time.

2.15.2 COMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES. The securities of communications companies may experience more price volatility than securities of companies in some other sectors or industries. Communications companies are subject to a variety of risk factors including: significant competitive pressures, such as new market entrants, aggressive pricing and competition for market share; the potential for falling profit margins; and the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of communications companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. In addition, many wireless telecommunication and Internet-related companies are in the emerging stage of development and are particularly vulnerable to the risks of rapidly changing technologies, as well as the potential of both accidental and deliberate disruption or failure of services or equipment. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term. Portions of the communications sector are also subject to government regulation, which may affect company profitability and share price.

2.15.3 FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANIES. Financial services companies are subject to extensive government regulation, which may affect their profitability in many ways. A financial services company’s profitability, and therefore its stock price, is especially sensitive to interest rate changes throughout the world. Changing regulations, continuing consolidations, and development of new products and structures are all likely to have a significant impact on financial services companies.

2.15.3.1 Banking and thrift institutions. Banking and thrift institutions are subject to extensive government regulation. These regulations may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments that the institutions can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. The profitability of these institutions largely depends upon the availability and cost of funds. Their profits have recently fluctuated significantly as a result of volatile interest rate levels. In addition, general economic conditions influence the operations of these institutions. Financial institutions are exposed to credit losses, which result when borrowers suffer financial difficulties.

 

63


Table of Contents

2.15.3.2 Insurance companies. Insurance companies are also affected by economic and financial conditions and are subject to extensive government regulation, including rate regulation. Property and casualty companies may be exposed to material risks, including reserve inadequacy, latent exposure with respect to asbestos and environmental or other claims, and inability to collect from their reinsurance carriers.

2.15.4 HEALTH CARE COMPANIES. The activities of health care companies are strongly affected by government activities, regulation and legislation. Health care companies may be funded or subsidized by federal and state governments, and if such subsidies are discontinued or reduced, the profitability of these companies could be adversely affected. Stocks held by a Fund also may be affected by government policies on health care reimbursements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical instruments, and similar matters. Health care companies are also subject to legislative risk, which is the risk of changes in the health care system through legislation. Health care companies may face lawsuits related to product liability issues and the risk that their products and services may rapidly become obsolete. Price changes among stocks in the health care sector are often affected by developments pertaining only to one or a few companies and the value of an investment in the Fund may fluctuate significantly over relatively short periods of time.

2.15.5 NATURAL RESOURCES COMPANIES. The securities of companies in the natural resources sector may experience more price volatility than securities of companies in other industries. Some of the commodities that these industries use or provide are subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. For example, commodity prices and the supply or demand for commodities change dramatically for reasons beyond a company’s control. In addition, supply and demand factors may dictate the prices at which a company acquires raw materials or sells its products or services. Moreover, many natural resources companies will hedge commodity prices seeking to create more stable and predictable cash flows. Although the Funds’ managers attempt to determine the impact of such hedging, extreme events in the natural resources sector may result in these hedges becoming financial liabilities. These factors can affect the profitability of companies in the natural resources sector and, as a result, the value of their securities.

2.15.5.1 Energy companies. Companies that are involved in oil or gas exploration, production, refining, marketing or distribution, or any combination of the above are greatly affected by the prices and supplies of raw materials such as oil or gas. The earnings and dividends of energy companies can fluctuate significantly as a result of international economic, political, and regulatory developments.

2.15.5.2 Utilities companies. Utilities companies have generally been subject to substantial government regulation. Major changes in government policies, ranging from increased regulation or expropriation to deregulation, privatization or increased competition, may dramatically increase or reduce opportunities for these companies. For example, while certain companies may develop more profitable opportunities, others may be forced to defend their core businesses and may be less profitable.

 

64


Table of Contents
2.16 SHORT SALES

In a short sale, the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. Until the security is replaced, the Fund must pay the lender any dividends or interest that accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security, and the Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those same dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium, dividends or interest the Fund is required to pay in connection with the short sale.

The Fund will segregate, in accordance with the law, an amount equal to the difference between (a) the market value of the securities sold short at the time they were sold short and (b) any cash or securities required to be deposited as collateral with the broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds from the short sale). The segregated amount will be marked-to-market daily and at no time will the sum of the amount segregated and the amount deposited with the broker as collateral be less than the market value of the securities at the time they sold short.

A Fund may make a short sale when the manager believes the price of the stock may decline and when the manager does not currently want to sell the stock or convertible security it owns. In this case, any decline in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities would be reduced by a gain in the short sale transaction. Conversely, any increase in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities would be reduced by a loss in the short sale transaction.

Short sales “against the box” are transactions in which a Fund sells a security short for which it owns an equal amount of the securities sold short or owns securities that are convertible or exchangeable, without payment of further consideration, into an equal amount of such security.

 

2.17 SECURITIES INDUSTRY RELATED INVESTMENTS

Companies engaged in securities related businesses, including companies that are securities brokers, dealers, underwriters or investment advisors are considered to be part of the financial services sector. Generally, under the 1940 Act, a Fund may not acquire a security or any interest in a securities related business to the extent such acquisition would result in the Fund acquiring in excess of 5% of a class of an issuer’s outstanding equity securities or 10% of the outstanding principal amount of an issuer’s debt securities, or investing more than 5% of the value of the

 

65


Table of Contents

Fund’s total assets in securities of the issuer. In addition, any equity security of a securities-related business must be a marginable security under Federal Reserve Board regulations and any debt security of a securities-related business must be investment grade as determined by the board. The Funds that invest in these securities do not believe that these limitations will impede the attainment of their investment goal(s).

 

2.18 STANDBY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS

If a Fund enters into a standby commitment agreement, it will be obligated, for a set period of time, to buy a certain amount of a security that may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of the issuer. The price of the security is set at the time of the agreement. The Fund will receive a commitment fee equal to a percentage of the purchase price of the security. The Fund will receive this fee regardless of whether the security is actually issued.

A Fund may enter into a standby commitment agreement to invest in the security underlying the commitment at a yield or price that the manager believes is advantageous to the Fund. A Fund will not enter into a standby commitment if the remaining term of the commitment is more than 45 days. If a Fund enters into a standby commitment, it will keep cash or high-grade marketable securities in a segregated account with its custodian bank in an amount equal to the purchase price of the securities underlying the commitment.

The purchase of a security subject to a standby commitment agreement and the related commitment fee will be recorded on the Fund’s books on the date the security can reasonably be expected to be issued. The value of the security will then be reflected in the calculation of the Fund’s net asset value. The cost basis of the security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment fee. If the security is not issued, the commitment fee will be recorded as income on the expiration date of the standby commitment.

 

 

2.19 TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

When the manager believes market or economic conditions are unfavorable for a Fund’s investors, the manager may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s assets in a temporary defensive manner or hold a substantial part of the Fund’s portfolio in cash. Unfavorable market or economic conditions may include excessive volatility or a prolonged general decline in the securities market, the securities in which the Fund normally invests, or the economies of the countries where the Fund invests.

Temporary defensive investments for all Funds generally may include high quality money market instruments. High-quality money market instruments include government securities, bank obligations, the highest quality commercial paper and repurchase agreements. To the extent allowed by exemptions granted under the 1940 Act and the Funds’ other investment policies and restrictions, a manager also may invest the Fund’s assets in shares of one or more money market funds managed by the manager or its affiliates. The manager also may invest in these types of securities or hold cash while looking for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain liquidity.

 

66


Table of Contents

In addition, certain Funds also may invest in short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) fixed-income securities, non-U.S. currency, short-term instruments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or medium-term (not more than five years to maturity) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or the governments of foreign countries, their agencies or instrumentalities. Certain Funds also may invest cash, including cash resulting from purchases and sales of Fund shares, temporarily in short-term debt instruments.

Because each Fund has its own goals and strategies, as well as cash flows in and out, the cash positions of the Funds may vary significantly. When a Fund’s investments in cash or cash equivalents increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the same extent as it would if the Fund were fully invested in stocks or bonds.

Any decision to make a substantial withdrawal for a sustained period of time from a Fund’s investment goals will be reviewed by the board.

 

2.20 TRADE CLAIMS

Trade claims are purchased from creditors of companies in financial difficulty. For buyers, such as a Fund, trade claims offer the potential for profits since they are often purchased at a significantly discounted value and, consequently, may generate capital appreciation if the value of the claim increases as the debtor’s financial position improves. If the debtor is able to pay the full obligation on the face of the claim as a result of a restructuring or an improvement in the debtor’s financial condition, trade claims offer the potential for higher income due to the difference in the face value of the claim as compared to the discounted purchase price.

An investment in trade claims is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. There can be no guarantee that the debtor will ever be able to satisfy the obligation on the trade claim. If the debtor’s financial condition deteriorates, a trade claim may become wholly or partially worthless, and a Fund may lose some or all of its investment in a trade claim. Trade claims are not regulated by federal securities laws or the SEC. Currently, trade claims are regulated primarily by bankruptcy laws. Because trade claims are unsecured, holders of trade claims may have a lower priority in terms of payment than most other creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding.

 

2.21 WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND TO-BE-ANNOUNCED (TBA) TRANSACTIONS

When-issued, delayed delivery and to-be-announced (TBA) transactions are arrangements under which a Fund buys securities that have been authorized but not yet issued, with payment for and delivery of the security scheduled for a future time. Purchases of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis are subject to the risk that the value or the yields at delivery may be more or less than the purchase price or yields available when the transaction was entered into. To the extent a Fund engages in these transactions, it will do so only for the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities consistent with its investment objectives and policies. Although the Funds will generally buy securities on a when-issued or TBA basis with the intention of holding the securities, they may sell the securities before the settlement date if the manager believes it is advisable to do so.

 

67


Table of Contents

When a Fund is the buyer in this type of transaction, it will maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian bank, cash or marketable securities having an aggregate value equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments until payment is made. As a buyer in one of these transactions, the Fund relies on the seller to complete the transaction. The seller’s failure to do so may cause a Fund to miss a price or yield considered advantageous to the Fund. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis do not generally earn interest until their scheduled delivery date. Entering into a when-issued, delayed delivery or TBA transaction is a form of leverage that may affect changes in net asset value to a greater extent.

 

2.22 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE RELEASE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Trust’s overall policy with respect to the release of portfolio holdings is to release such information consistent with applicable legal requirements and the fiduciary duties owed to shareholders. Subject to the limited exceptions described below, the Trust will not make available to anyone non-public information with respect to its portfolio holdings, until such time as the information is made available to all shareholders or the general public.

For purposes of this policy, portfolio holdings information does not include aggregate, composite or descriptive information that does not present risks of dilution, arbitrage, market timing, insider trading or other inappropriate trading for the applicable U.S. registered fund. Information excluded from the definition of portfolio holdings information generally includes, without limitation: (1) descriptions of allocations among asset classes, regions, countries or industries/sectors; (2) aggregated data such as average or median ratios, market capitalization, credit quality or duration; (3) performance attributions by industry, sector or country; or (4) aggregated risk statistics. Such information, if made available to anyone, will be made available to any person upon request, but, because such information is generally not material to investors, it may or may not be posted on the Trust’s website. In addition, other information may also be deemed to not be portfolio holdings information if, in the reasonable belief of the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (or his/her designee), the release of such information would not present risks of dilution, arbitrage, market timing, insider trading or other inappropriate trading for the Fund.

Consistent with current law, the Fund releases complete portfolio holdings information each fiscal quarter through regulatory filings with no more than a 60-day lag.

In addition, a complete list of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is released 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter. Other portfolio holdings information, such as the Fund’s top 10 holdings, may be released monthly on the Fund's website, no sooner than five days after the end of each month. Released portfolio holdings information can be viewed on franklintempleton.com.

To the extent that this policy would require the release of portfolio holdings information regarding a particular portfolio holding for a fund, the portfolio manager for the fund may request that the holding be withheld from the portfolio holdings information if the holding is the subject of ongoing purchase or sale orders/programs, or if the release of such portfolio holdings

 

68


Table of Contents

information would otherwise be sensitive or inappropriate due to liquidity and other market considerations, in each case as determined by the portfolio manager in consultation with the head of Global Investment Adviser Compliance (or his/her designee).

Exceptions to the portfolio holdings release policy will be made only when: (1) the Trust has a legitimate business purpose for releasing portfolio holdings information to selected third parties in advance of release to all shareholders or the general public; (2) the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality pursuant to a signed non-disclosure agreement; and (3) the release of such information would not otherwise violate the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws or the Trust’s fiduciary duties. The determination of whether the Trust has a legitimate business purpose for releasing portfolio holdings information in advance of release to all shareholders or the general public shall be made by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee, following a request submitted in writing. The Chief Compliance Officer will report to the board of trustees on exceptions granted to the policy, along with an explanation of the legitimate business purpose that is served as a result of the exception.

The eligible third parties to whom portfolio holdings information may be released in advance of general release fall into the following categories: data consolidators, including rating agencies, fund rating/ranking services and other data providers; service providers to the Trust; shareholders of a fund to whom such fund has determined to process a redemption request in-kind based upon a determination by the Fund’s portfolio manager and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (or his/her designee) that such redemption in-kind is in the best interests of the redeeming fund and its remaining shareholders; provided, however, that the portfolio holdings information so released in advance of the actual delivery of the redemption proceeds is limited to only that information reasonably necessary to allow the shareholder to prepare for receipt of the in-kind redemption proceeds; municipal securities brokers using the Investor Tools product; and certain entities approved by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (or his/her designee) on a case-by-case basis, in limited circumstances, including where the release of such information is required by foreign law or regulation (in these situations, the recipient will be requested to execute a non-disclosure agreement.

The specific entities to whom the Trust may provide portfolio holdings in advance of their release to the general public are:

 

   

Bloomberg, Capital Access, CDA (Thomson Financial), FactSet, Fidelity Advisors, Lipper, Inc., Morningstar, Standard & Poor’s, Vestek, and Fidelity Management Trust Company, all of whom may receive portfolio holdings information 15 days after the quarter end;

 

   

Service providers to the Trust that receive portfolio holdings information from time to time in advance of general release in the course of performing or to enable them to perform services for the Trust, including: Custodian Bank: Bank of New York or JPMorgan Chase Bank; Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; Outside Legal Counsel: Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP and Jorden Burt LLP ; Independent Directors’/Trustees’ Counsel: Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt, LLP; Proxy Voting Services: Glass, Lewis & Co. and Institutional

 

69


Table of Contents
 

Shareholder Services; Brokerage Analytical Services: Sanford Bernstein, Brown Brothers Harriman, Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets, JP Morgan Securities Inc.; Financial Printers: RR Donnelley & Sons Company or GCOM Solutions, Inc.

In all cases, eligible third parties are required to execute a non-disclosure agreement. Non-disclosure agreements include the following provisions:

 

   

The recipient agrees to keep confidential any portfolio holdings information received until such information either is released to the public or the release is otherwise approved by the head of Global Compliance (or his/her designee) or the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (or his/her designee);

 

   

The recipient agrees not to trade on the non-public information received; and

 

   

The recipient agrees to refresh its representation as to confidentiality and abstention from trading upon request from Franklin Templeton Investments.

In no case does the Trust receive any compensation in connection with the arrangements to release portfolio holdings information to any of the above-described recipients of the information.

Several investment managers within Franklin Templeton Investments (F-T Managers) serve as investment managers to offshore funds that are registered or otherwise authorized for sale with foreign regulatory authorities. The release of portfolio holdings information for such offshore funds is excluded from the Trust’s portfolio holdings release policy if such information is given to offshore banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, registered investment managers and other financial institutions (offshore investment managers) with discretionary authority to select offshore funds on behalf of their clients. Because such offshore funds may from time to time invest in securities substantially similar to those of the Fund, there is the risk that such portfolio holdings information may be used to trade inappropriately against the Trust. To mitigate such risks, such information may only be disclosed for portfolio analytic purposes, such as risk analysis/asset allocation, and the offshore investment manager will be required to execute a non-disclosure agreement, whereby such offshore investment manager agrees to maintain such information as confidential, including limiting the dissemination of such information within its organization, and not to trade in any shares of any U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund, including the Fund.

In addition, some F-T Managers serve as investment managers to various bank commingled trusts maintained by a Franklin Templeton Investments trust company, to various Canadian institutional pooled funds, to separate accounts, and as sub-advisers to other mutual funds not within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. Such trusts, pooled funds, accounts and other funds (collectively, "other accounts") are not subject to the Trust’s portfolio holdings release policy. However, in some instances the portfolio holdings of such other accounts may be similar to and, in certain cases, nearly identical to those of a Franklin Templeton mutual fund, including the Trust. In the case of bank commingled trusts and Canadian institutional pooled funds, to mitigate risks that such portfolio holdings information may be used to trade inappropriately against a mutual fund, the recipient of such portfolio holdings information will be required to execute a non-disclosure agreement similar to the one described above for

 

70


Table of Contents

offshore funds. With respect to the other mutual funds not within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex, the sponsors of such funds may disclose the portfolio holdings of such funds at different times than the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings.

The Trust’s portfolio holdings release policy and all subsequent amendments have been reviewed and approved by the Trust's board of trustees and any other material amendments shall also be reviewed and approved by the board. The investment managers’ compliance staff conduct periodic reviews of compliance with the policy and provide at least annually a report to the board regarding the operation of the policy and any material changes recommended as a result of such review. The investment managers' compliance staff also will report to the board on exceptions granted to the policy, along with an explanation of the legitimate business purpose of the Trust that is served as a result of the exception.

 

3.Officers and Trustees

The Trust has a board of trustees. Each trustee will serve until that person resigns and/or a successor is elected and qualified. The board is responsible for the overall management of the Trust, including general supervision and review of the Fund's investment activities. The board, in turn, elects the officers of the Trust who are responsible for administering the Fund’s day-to-day operations. The board also monitors the Fund to ensure that no material conflicts exist among share classes, among different insurance companies or between owners of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts. While none are expected, the board will act appropriately to resolve any material conflict that may arise.

The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Trust, principal occupations during the past five years and number of portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton fund complex are shown below.

INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS

 

Name, Year of Birth and
Address

  

Position

  

Length of Time Served

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen by
Board Member*

  

Other Directorships Held

Harris J. Ashton (1932)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  

Trustee

  

Since 1988

  

139

  

Director, Bar-S Foods (meat packing company).

 

71


Table of Contents

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998).

 

Robert F. Carlson (1928)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee    Since 1998    120    None

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Vice President, senior member and past President, Board of Administration, California Public Employees Retirement Systems (CALPERS); and formerly, member and Chairman of the Board, Sutter Community Hospitals; member, Corporate Board, Blue Shield of California; and Chief Counsel, California Department of Transportation.


 

Sam Ginn (1937)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee    Since March 2007    120    Director, Chevron Corporation (global energy company) and ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (satellite company).

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Private investor; and formerly, Chairman of the Board, Vodafone AirTouch, PLC; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, AirTouch Communications (1993-1998) and Pacific Telesis Groups (1988-1994).

 

Edith E. Holiday (1952)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-
1906

   Trustee    Since 2005    139    Director, Hess
Corporation (formerly,
Amerada Hess
Corporation)
(exploration and
refining of oil and
gas), H.J. Heinz
Company
(processed foods
and allied
products),  RTI
International
Metals, Inc.
(manufacture and
distribution of
titanium), Canadian

 

72


Table of Contents

         National Railway (railroad) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company).

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison-United States Treasury Department (1988-1989).

 

 

Frank W.T. LaHaye (1929)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee    Since 1988    120    Director, Center for Creative Land Recycling (redevelopment).

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

General Partner, Las Olas L.P. (Asset Management); and formerly, Chairman, Peregrine Venture Management Company (venture capital).

 

 

Frank A. Olson (1932)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee    Since 2005    139    Director, Hess Corporation (formerly, Amerada Hess Corporation) (exploration and refining of oil and gas) and Sentient Jet (private jet service); and formerly, Director, Becton Dickinson and Company (medical technology), Cooper Industries, Inc. (electrical products and tools and hardware), Health Net, Inc. (formerly, Foundation Health) (integrated managed care), The Hertz Corporation (car rental), Pacific

 

 

73


Table of Contents

            Southwest Airlines, The RCA Corporation, Unicom (formerly, Commonwealth Edison), UAL Corporation (airlines) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company).

 

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Chairman Emeritus, The Hertz Corporation (since 2000) (Chairman of the Board (1980-2000) and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1999)); and formerly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation).

 

 

Larry D. Thompson (1945)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee    Since March 2007    139    None

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products); and formerly, Director, Delta Airlines (aviation) (2003-2005) and Providian Financial Corp. (1997-2001); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).

 

 

John B. Wilson (1959)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee    Since March 2007    120    None

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

President and Founder, Hyannis Port Capital, Inc. (real estate and private equity investing); serves on private and non-profit boards; and formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Gap, Inc. (retail) (1996-2000); Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Finance and Strategy, Staples, Inc. (office supplies) (1992-1996); Executive Vice President – Corporate Planning, Northwest Airlines, Inc. (airlines) (1990-1992); and Vice President and Partner, Bain & Company (1986-1990).

 

 

74


Table of Contents

INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

 

Name, Year of Birth and
Address

  

Position

  

Length of

Time Served

  

Number

of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Board

Member*

  

Other

Directorships

Held

**Charles B. Johnson (1933)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA

94403-1906

   Trustee and Chairman of the Board    Since 1988    139    None

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Chairman of the Board, Member—Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

**Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (1940)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA

94403-1906

  

Trustee,

President and

Chief

Executive

Officer-

Investment

Management

  

Trustee since 1988 and President and Chief

Executive Officer -

Investment Management since 2002

   55    None

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Vice Chairman, Member—Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 44 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

James M. Davis (1952)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA

94403-1906

  

Chief

Compliance

Officer and

Vice President

– AML

Compliance

  

Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and

Vice

President –

AML Compliance since 2006

  

Not

Applicable

  

Not

Applicable

 

75


Table of Contents

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Director, Global Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Director of Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2001).

 

 

Laura Fergerson (1962)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo,

CA 94403-1906

   Treasurer    Since 2004    Not Applicable    Not Applicable

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 30 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Director and member of Audit and Valuation Committees, Runkel Funds, Inc. (2003-2004); Assistant Treasurer of most of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments (1997-2003); and Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (1997-2003).

 

 

Jimmy D. Gambill (1947)

500 East Broward Blvd.

Suite 2100

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091

   Senior Vice President
and Chief Executive
Officer - Finance and

Administration
   Since 2002    Not Applicable    Not Applicable

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; Senior Vice President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

David P. Goss (1947)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Vice President    Since 2000    Not Applicable    Not Applicable

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; officer and director of one of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

Karen L. Skidmore (1952)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo,

CA 94403-1906

   Vice President and
Secretary
   Since 2006    Not Applicable    Not Applicable

 

 

76


Table of Contents

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 30 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

Craig S. Tyle (1960)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Vice President    Since 2005    Not Applicable    Not Applicable

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Partner, Shearman & Sterling, LLP (2004-2005); and General Counsel, Investment Company Institute (ICI) (1997-2004).

 

 

Galen G. Vetter (1951)

500 East Broward Blvd.

Suite 2100

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091

   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer    Since 2004    Not Applicable    Not Applicable

 

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:

 

Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Managing Director, RSM McGladrey, Inc. (1999-2004); and Partner, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (1979-1987 and 1991-2004).

 


* We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.
** Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are considered to be interested persons of the Trust under the federal securities laws due to their positions as officers and directors and major shareholders of Franklin Resources, Inc., which is the parent company of the Trust's investment manager and distributor.

Note 1: Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers.

Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this SAI. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

Note 3: Prior to May 1, 2007, S. Joseph Fortunato and Gordon S. Macklin each ceased to be a trustee of the Trust.

The Trust's board members constitute the board of trustees of the Trust and 27 other funds in the Franklin Templeton Investments complex for which each noninterested board member currently is paid a $232,000 annual retainer fee, together with a $7,000 per meeting fee for attendance at board meetings, a portion of which is allocated to the Trust. Board members who serve on the

 

77


Table of Contents

Audit Committee of the Trust and the other 27 funds receive a flat fee of $3,000 per Committee meeting attended in person and $2,000 per telephonic meeting, a portion of which is allocated to the Trust. John B. Wilson, who serves as chairman of the Audit Committee of the Trust and such other funds receives an additional fee of $40,000 per year, a portion of which is allocated to the Trust. Members of the Committee are not separately compensated for any committee meeting held on the day of a regularly scheduled board meeting. The foregoing fee arrangements went into effect June 1, 2007, and the following table reflects fees paid prior to such date under arrangements then in effect.

 

Name

  

Total Fees Received
from the Trust

($)¹

  

Total Fees
Received from
Franklin
Templeton
Investments

($)²

   Number of Boards
in Franklin
Templeton
Investments on
which Each Serves³

Harris J. Ashton

   12,639    409,510    42

Robert R. Carlson

   19,431    132,523    27

S. Joseph Fortunato4

   8,571    292,948    N/A

Sam Ginn

   N/A    N/A    26

Edith E. Holiday

   13,946    422,501    42

Frank W.T. LaHaye

   19,086    225,560    25

Gordon S. Macklin5

   9,604    302,820    N/A

Frank A. Olson

   16,554    373,818    41

Larry D. Thompson

   N/A    147,950    40

John B. Wilson

   N/A    117,917    27

1. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
2. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2006.
3. We base the number of boards on the number of U.S. registered investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. This number does not include the total number of series or portfolios within each investment company for which the board members are responsible.
4. Mr. Fortunato resigned effective September 5, 2006.
5. Mr. Macklin resigned effective September 12, 2006.

Noninterested board members are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending board meetings and are paid pro rata by each fund in Franklin Templeton Investments for which they serve as director or trustee. No officer or board member received any other compensation, including pension or retirement benefits, directly or indirectly from the Funds or other funds in Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers or board members who are shareholders of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources) may be deemed to receive indirect remuneration by virtue of their participation, if any, in the fees paid to its subsidiaries.

 

78


Table of Contents

Board members historically have followed a policy of having substantial investments in one or more of the Franklin Templeton funds, as is consistent with their individual financial goals. In February 1998, this policy was formalized through adoption of a requirement that each board member invest one-third of fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Templeton fund(excluding committee fees) in shares of one or more Templeton funds and one-third of fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Franklin fund (excluding committee fees) in shares of one or more Franklin funds until the value of such investments equals or exceeds five times the annual retainer and regular board meeting fees paid to such board member. Investments in the name of family members or entities controlled by a board member constitute fund holdings of such board member for purposes of this policy, and a three-year phase-in period applies to such investment requirements for newly elected board members. In implementing such policy, a board member's fund holdings existing on February 27, 1998, are valued as of such date with subsequent investments valued at cost.

Board members beneficial ownership The following tables provide the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the board members of the Trust on December 31, 2006.

Independent Board Members

 

Name of Board Member

  

Dollar Range of Equity

Securities in Each Series

of the Trust

  

Aggregate Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in All Funds

Overseen by the Board Member

in the Franklin Templeton

Fund Complex

Harris J. Ashton

   None    Over $100,000

Robert F. Carlson

   None    Over $100,000

Sam Ginn

   None    Over $100,000

Edith E. Holiday

   None    Over $100,000

Frank W.T. LaHaye

   None    Over $100,000

Frank A. Olson

   None    Over $100,000

Larry D. Thompson

   None    Over $100,000

John B. Wilson

   None    Over $100,000

 

79


Table of Contents

 

Interested Board Members

 

Name of Board Member

  

Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in Each Series
of the Trust

   Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All Funds
Overseen by the Board Member
in the Franklin Templeton
Fund Complex

Charles B. Johnson

   None    Over $100,000

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

   None    Over $100,000

 

Board committees The board maintains two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Audit Committee is generally responsible for recommending the selection of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm (auditors), including evaluating their independence and meeting with such auditors to consider and review matters relating to the Trust’s financial reports and internal controls. The following Independent trustees of the Trust comprise the Audit Committee: Robert F. Carlson, Edith E. Holiday, Frank W.T. LaHaye and John B. Wilson, Chairperson. The following Independent Trustees comprise the Nominating Committee: Harris J. Ashton, Robert F. Carlson, Sam Ginn, Edith E. Holiday, Frank W.T. LaHaye, Frank A. Olson, Larry D. Thompson and John B. Wilson.

 

The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting candidates to serve as board members and recommending such candidates (a) for selection and nomination as independent board member by the incumbent independent board member and the full board; and (b) for selection and nomination as interested board members by the full board.

 

When the board has or expects to have a vacancy, the Nominating Committee receives and reviews information on individuals qualified to be recommended to the full board as nominees for election as board members, including any recommendations by “Qualifying Fund Shareholders” (as defined below). To date, the Nominating Committee has been able to identify, and expects to continue to be able to identify, from its own resources an ample number of qualified candidates. The Nominating Committee, however, will review recommendations from Qualifying Fund Shareholders to fill vacancies on the board if these recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Nominating Committee at the Trust's offices at P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-7151 are presented with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as a board member, including as an independent board member, of the Trust. A Qualifying Fund Shareholder is a shareholder who (i) has continuously owned of record, or beneficially through a financial intermediary, shares of the Fund having a net asset value of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) during the 24-month period prior to submitting the recommendation; and (ii) provides a written notice to the Nominating Committee containing the following information: (a) the name and address of the Qualifying Fund Shareholder making the recommendation; (b) the number of shares of the Fund which are owned of record and beneficially by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been so owned by the Qualifying Fund Shareholder; (c) a description of all arrangements and understandings between such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and any other person or persons

 

80


Table of Contents

(naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the recommendation is being made; (d) the name, age, date of birth, business address and residence address of the person or persons being recommended; (e) such other information regarding each person recommended by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC had the nominee been nominated by the board; (f) whether the shareholder making the recommendation believes the person recommended would or would not be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act; and (g) the written consent of each person recommended to serve as a board member of the Trust if so nominated and elected/appointed.

The Nominating Committee may amend these procedures from time to time, including the procedures relating to the evaluation of nominees and the process for submitting recommendations to the Nominating Committee.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the Audit Committee met five times, and the Nominating Committee met eight times.

 

4. Fair Valuation and Liquidity

The Trust's board of trustees has delegated to the underlying funds’ managers the task of ensuring that regulatory guidelines governing the fair valuation for securities are applied to the funds and that the required level of liquidity is maintained. The managers have formed a Valuation & Liquidity Oversight Committee (VLOC) to oversee these obligations. The VLOC oversees and administers the policies and procedures governing fair valuation and liquidity determination of securities. The VLOC meets monthly to review and approve fair value and liquidity reports and conduct other business, and meets whenever necessary to review potential significant market events and take appropriate steps to adjust valuations in accordance with established policies. The VLOC provides regular reports that document its activities to the board of trustees for its review and approval of pricing determinations at scheduled meetings. VLOC meeting minutes are regularly submitted to the board of trustees for their review.

The Trust's policies and procedures governing fair valuation and liquidity determination of securities have been initially reviewed and approved by the board of trustees and any material amendments will also be reviewed and approved by the board. The managers’ compliance staff conducts periodic reviews of compliance with the policies and provides at least annually a report to the board of trustees regarding the operation of the policies and any material changes recommended as a result of such review.

 

5. Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The board of trustees on behalf of the underlying funds has delegated the authority to vote proxies related to the portfolio securities held by each of the underlying funds to each fund’s manager in accordance with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) adopted by such manager.

 

81


Table of Contents

Each manager has delegated its administrative duties with respect to the voting of proxies to the Proxy Group within Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC (Proxy Group), an affiliate and wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. All proxies received by the Proxy Group will be voted based upon the managers’ instructions and/or policies.

To assist it in analyzing proxies, each manager subscribes to Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), an unaffiliated third party corporate governance research service that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas, vote recommendations, recordkeeping and vote disclosure services. In addition, the managers subscribe to Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (Glass Lewis), an unaffiliated third party analytical research firm, to receive analyses and vote recommendations on the shareholder meetings of publicly held U.S. companies. Although ISS’ and/or Glass Lewis’ analyses are thoroughly reviewed and considered in making a final voting decision, the managers do not consider recommendations from ISS, Glass Lewis or any other third party to be determinative of the managers’ ultimate decision. The manager votes proxies solely in the interests of the funds and their shareholders. As a matter of policy, the officers, directors/trustees and employees of the underlying funds, the managers and the Proxy Group will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests conflict with the interests of the fund and their shareholders. Efforts are made to resolve all conflicts in the interests of the manager’s clients. Material conflicts of interest are identified by the Proxy Group based upon analyses of client, broker and vendor lists, information periodically gathered from directors and officers, and information derived from other sources, including public filings. In situations where a material conflict of interest is identified, the Proxy Group will refer the matter, along with the recommended course of action by the manager to an interdepartmental Proxy Review Committee (which may include portfolio managers and/or research analysts employed by the manager), for evaluation and voting instructions. The Proxy Review Committee may defer to the voting recommendation of ISS, Glass Lewis or those of another independent third party provider of proxy services; or send the proxy directly to the Fund with a recommendation regarding the vote for approval. Where the Proxy Review Committee refers a matter to the Fund, it may rely upon the instructions of a representative of the Fund, such as the board of trustees or a committee of the board.

The recommendation of management on any issue is a factor which the manager considers in determining how proxies should be voted, but is not determinative of the manager’s ultimate decision. As a matter of practice, the votes with respect to most issues are cast in accordance with the position of the company's management. Each issue, however, is considered on its own merits, and the manager will not support the position of the company's management in any situation where it deems that the ratification of management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning that company’s shares.

Managers’ proxy voting policies and principles The managers of the underlying funds have adopted general proxy voting guidelines, which are summarized below. These guidelines are not an exhaustive list of all the issues that may arise and the managers cannot anticipate all future situations. In all cases, each proxy will be considered based on the relevant facts and circumstances.

 

82


Table of Contents

Board of directors. Each manager supports an independent board of directors, and prefers that key committees such as audit, nominating, and compensation committees be comprised of independent directors. The manager will generally vote against management efforts to classify a board and will generally support proposals to declassify the board of directors. The managers may withhold votes from directors who have attended less than 75% of meetings without a valid reason. While generally in favor of separating Chairman and CEO positions, the manager will review this issue as well as proposals to restore or provide for cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as the company’s corporate governance guidelines or provisions and performance.

Ratification of auditors of portfolio companies. In light of several high profile accounting scandals, the manager will closely scrutinize the role and performance of auditors. On a case-by-case basis, the managers will examine proposals relating to non-audit relationships and non-audit fees. The managers will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, proposals to rotate auditors, and will vote against the ratification of auditors when there is clear and compelling evidence of accounting irregularities or negligence.

Management and director compensation. A company’s equity-based compensation plan should be in alignment with its shareholders’ long-term interests. The managers of the underlying funds believe that executive compensation should be directly linked to the performance of the company. The managers of the underlying funds evaluate plans on a case-by-case basis by considering several factors to determine whether the plan is fair and reasonable, including the ISS quantitative model utilized to assess such plans and/or the Glass Lewis evaluation of the plans. The managers will generally oppose plans that have the potential to be excessively dilutive, and will almost always oppose plans that are structured to allow the repricing of underwater options, or plans that have an automatic share replenishment “evergreen” feature. The managers will generally support employee stock option plans in which the purchase price is at least 85% of fair market value, and when potential dilution is 10% or less.

Severance compensation arrangements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, although the managers of the underlying funds will generally oppose “golden parachutes” that are considered to be excessive. The managers will normally support proposals that require a percentage of directors’ compensation to be in the form of common stock, as it aligns their interests with those of shareholders. The managers will review on a case-by-case basis any shareholder proposals to adopt policies on expensing stock option plans.

Anti-takeover mechanisms and related issues. Each manager generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they tend to reduce shareholder rights. On occasion, the managers may vote with management when the research analyst has concluded that the proposal is not onerous and would not harm the funds or their shareholders’ interests. The manager generally supports proposals that require shareholder rights’ plans (“poison pills”) to be subject to a shareholder vote and will closely evaluate such plans on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not they warrant support. The managers will generally vote against any proposal to issue stock that has unequal or subordinate voting rights. The manager generally opposes any supermajority voting requirements as well as the payment of “greenmail.” The manager generally supports “fair price” provisions and confidential voting.

 

83


Table of Contents

Changes to capital structure. Each manager of the underlying funds will review, on a case-by-case basis, proposals by companies to increase authorized shares and the purpose for the increase and proposals seeking preemptive rights. The managers will generally not vote in favor of dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares where that class of stock would have superior voting rights. The managers will generally vote in favor of the issuance of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock issuance are deemed reasonable.

Mergers and corporate restructuring. Mergers and acquisitions will be subject to careful review by the research analyst to determine whether each will be beneficial to shareholders. Each manager will analyze various economic and strategic factors in making the final decision on a merger or acquisition. Corporate restructuring and reincorporation proposals are also subject to a thorough examination on a case-by-case basis.

Social and corporate policy issues. Each manager will generally give management discretion with regard to social, environmental and ethical issues, although the manager may vote in favor of those that are believed to have significant economic benefits or implications for the fund and their shareholders.

Global corporate governance. Many of the tenets discussed above are applied to proxy voting decisions for international companies. However, the managers must be more flexible in these instances and must be mindful of the varied market practices of each region.

Each manager will attempt to process every proxy it receives for all domestic and foreign issuers. However, there may be situations in which the managers cannot process proxies, for example, where a meeting notice was received too late, or sell orders preclude the ability to vote. If a security is on loan, the managers may determine that it is not in the best interests of the Fund to recall the security for voting purposes. Also, the managers may abstain from voting under certain circumstances or vote against items such as “Other Business” when the manager is not given adequate information from the company.

Shareholders may view the complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at 1-954/527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Fund’s proxy voting records will be available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

 

84


Table of Contents
6. Asset Allocation and Other Services

Asset allocation Franklin Templeton Services LLC (FT Services) monitors the percentage of the Fund’s assets allocated to the underlying funds and rebalances the Fund’s portfolio whenever the percentage of assets allocated to one or more underlying funds is below or above 3% of the applicable fixed percentage.

The Fund and its principal underwriter have adopted a code of ethics, as required by federal securities laws. Under the code of ethics, employees who are designated as access persons may engage in personal securities transactions, including transactions involving securities that are being considered for a Fund or that are currently held by a Fund, subject to certain general restrictions and procedures. The personal securities transactions of access persons of a Fund and principal underwriter will be governed by the code of ethics. The code of ethics is on file with, and available from, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Portfolio manager This section reflects information about the portfolio manager as of December 31, 2006. Tony Coffey, a portfolio manager of Franklin Advisers, Inc., (Advisers), a registered investment adviser and affiliate of FT Services, the Fund’s administrator, oversees the rebalancing process on behalf of FT Services.

The following table shows the number of other accounts managed by Mr. Coffey and the total assets in the accounts managed within each category:

 

Name

   Number of
Other
Registered
Investment
Companies
Managed
  

Assets of
Other
Registered
Investment
Companies
Managed

(x $1
million)

   Number of
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
Managed
  

Assets of
Other
Pooled
Investment
Vehicles
Managed

(x $1
million)1

   Number
of Other
Accounts
Managed1
  

Assets of
Other
Accounts
Managed

(x $1
million)

T. Anthony Coffey

   11    14,461.5    12    9.8    N/A    0

1. The various pooled investment vehicles and accounts listed are managed by a team of investment professionals. Accordingly, the individual manager listed would not be solely responsible for managing such listed amounts.

Mr. Coffey may also provide portfolio management services to a variety of other investment products, including other funds, institutional accounts and private accounts. As a matter of policy, each fund or account is managed solely for the benefit of the beneficial owners thereof. As discussed below, the separation of the trading execution function from the portfolio management function and the application of objectively based trade allocation procedures helps to mitigate potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the portfolio managers managing accounts with different advisory fees.

 

85


Table of Contents

Conflicts. The management of multiple funds, including the Fund, and accounts may also give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and other accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as the portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. Advisers seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment strategies that are used in connection with the management of a fund. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios, which may minimize the potential for conflicts of interest. As noted above, the separate management of the trade execution and valuation functions from the portfolio management process also helps to reduce potential conflicts of interest. Since the Fund invests in other funds in the Trust, they generally are not competing with other funds and accounts for investment opportunities. However, the portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account at the direction of such fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by an underlying fund, thus indirectly impacting the Fund. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the underlying fund may outperform the securities selected for an underlying fund. Moreover, if a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, an underlying fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of that opportunity across all eligible funds and other accounts. The manager seeks to manage such potential conflicts by using procedures intended to provide a fair allocation of buy and sell opportunities among funds and other accounts.

Advisers does not receive a fee for the allocation services it offers to the Fund. However, the structure of a portfolio manager’s compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio manager’s base pay and bonus tend to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management. As such, there may be an indirect relationship between a portfolio manager's marketing or sales efforts and his or her bonus.

Finally, the management of personal accounts by a portfolio manager may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. While the funds and the manager have adopted a code of ethics which they believe contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent a wide range of prohibited activities by portfolio managers and others with respect to their personal trading activities, there can be no assurance that the code of ethics addresses all individual conduct that could result in conflicts of interest.

Franklin Templeton Investments has adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.

Compensation. Franklin Templeton seeks to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract, retain and motivate top-quality investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, a cash incentive bonus opportunity, an equity compensation opportunity, and a benefits package. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually and the level of compensation is based on individual performance, the salary range for a

 

86


Table of Contents

portfolio manager’s level of responsibility and Franklin Templeton guidelines. Portfolio managers are provided no financial incentive to favor one fund or account over another. The portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following three elements:

Base salary The portfolio manager is paid a base salary.

Annual bonus Annual bonuses are structured to align the interests of the portfolio manager with those of the Fund’s shareholders. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual bonus. Bonuses generally are split between cash (50% to 65%) and restricted shares of Franklin Resources stock (17.5% to 25%) and mutual fund shares (17.5% to 25%). The deferred equity-based compensation is intended to build a vested interest of the portfolio manager in the financial performance of both Franklin Resources and mutual funds advised by the manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the portfolio manager achieving consistently strong investment performance which aligns the financial incentives of the portfolio manager and Fund shareholders. The Chief Investment Officer of the manager and/or other officers of the manager, with responsibility for the Fund, have discretion in the granting of annual bonuses to portfolio managers in accordance with Franklin Templeton guidelines. The following factors are generally used in determining bonuses under the plan:

   

Investment performance. Primary consideration is given to the historic investment performance over the 1, 3 and 5 preceding years of all accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The pre-tax performance of each fund managed is measured relative to a relevant peer group and/or applicable benchmark as appropriate.

 

   

Non-investment performance. The more qualitative contributions of the portfolio manager to the manager’s business and the investment management team, including professional knowledge, productivity, responsiveness to client needs and communication, are evaluated in determining the amount of any bonus award.

 

   

Responsibilities. The characteristics and complexity of funds managed by the portfolio manager are factored in the manager’s appraisal.

Additional long-term equity-based compensation Portfolio managers may also be awarded restricted shares or units of Franklin Resources stock or restricted shares or units of one or more mutual funds, and options to purchase common shares of Franklin Resources stock. Awards of such deferred equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.

Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of the manager.

Ownership of Fund shares. The manager has a policy of encouraging portfolio managers to invest in the funds they manage. Exceptions arise when, for example, a fund is closed to new investors or when tax considerations or jurisdictional constraints cause such an investment to be inappropriate for the portfolio manager.

 

87


Table of Contents

Administrator and services provided Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services) provides certain administrative services and facilities for the Fund. The administrative services provided by FT Services include preparing and maintaining books, records, and tax and financial reports, and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements. FT Services may make certain payments out of its own resources to insurance companies for assuming or assisting with providing administrative services and other services that are not generally direct contractual responsibilities of FT Services, although beneficial to the Trust. In the standard agreements currently entered into by FT Services, such payments can range between 0.05% and 0.20%, as an annual rate, of a Fund's average daily net assets, depending on a number of factors. The payments may be more fully described in the prospectuses for the contracts provided by the insurance companies. FT Services is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources and is an affiliate of the underlying funds' managers and principal underwriter. Unrelated forms of compensation paid to insurance companies and their affiliates by other Resources entities are described below, under “The Underwriter.”

Shareholder servicing and transfer agent Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services) is the Fund's shareholder servicing agent and acts as the Fund's transfer agent and dividend-paying agent. Investor Services is located at 3344 Quality Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-7313.

Under the terms of its servicing contract with the Fund, Investor Services may receive a fee for servicing Fund shareholder accounts. The Fund also will reimburse Investor Services for certain out-of-pocket expenses necessarily incurred in servicing the shareholder accounts in accordance with the terms of its servicing contract with the Fund.

Custodian Investor Services, as the transfer agent for the underlying funds, effectively acts as the Fund’s custodian and holds the Fund's shares of the underlying funds on its books. Bank of New York, Mutual Funds Division, 100 Church Street, New York, NY 10286, acts as custodian of the Fund’s cash, pending investment in shares of the underlying funds.

Independent registered public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111-4004 is the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm. The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm audits the financial statements included in the Trust's Annual Report to Shareholders, which will include financial statements of the Fund beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

Research services The managers may receive services from various affiliates. The services may include information, analytical reports, computer screening studies, statistical data, and factual resumes pertaining to securities eligible for purchase by the funds. Such supplemental research, when utilized, is subject to analysis by the managers before being incorporated into the investment advisory process.

 

88


Table of Contents
7. Portfolio Transactions

Orders for the purchase and sale of shares of the underlying funds will be placed directly with Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors), which also acts as principal underwriter for shares of the underlying funds. The Fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges with respect to investments in underlying Franklin Templeton funds.

The underlying funds' managers select brokers and dealers to execute the funds’ portfolio transactions in accordance with criteria set forth in their management agreements and any directions that the board may give.

When placing a portfolio transaction, the trading department of the underlying funds seeks to obtain "best execution"—the best combination of high quality transaction execution services, taking into account the services and products to be provided by the broker or dealer, and low relative commission rates with the view of maximizing value for the funds and their other clients. For most transactions in equity securities, the amount of commissions paid is negotiated between the underlying funds' managers and the broker executing the transaction. The determination and evaluation of the reasonableness of the brokerage commissions paid are based to a large degree on the professional opinions of the persons within the trading department of the manager responsible for placement and review of the transactions. These opinions are based on the experience of these individuals in the securities industry and information available to them about the level of commissions being paid by other institutional investors. The managers may also place orders to buy and sell equity securities on a principal rather than agency basis if they believe that trading on a principal basis will provide best execution. Purchases of portfolio securities from underwriters will include a commission or concession paid to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers will include a spread between the bid and ask price.

The underlying funds' managers may cause the funds to pay certain brokers commissions that are higher than those another broker may charge, if the managers determine in good faith that the amount paid is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services they receive. This may be viewed in terms of either the particular transaction or the underlying funds' managers’ overall responsibilities to client accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The brokerage commissions that are used to acquire services other than brokerage are known as "soft dollars." Research provided can be either proprietary (created and provided by the broker-dealer, including tangible research products as well as access to analysts and traders) or third party (created by a third party but provided by the broker-dealer). To the extent permitted by applicable law, the managers may use soft dollars to acquire both proprietary and third party research.

The research services that brokers may provide to the managers include, among others, supplying information about particular companies, markets, countries, or local, regional, national or transnational economies, statistical data, quotations and other securities pricing information, and other information that provides lawful and appropriate assistance to the underlying funds' managers in carrying out their investment advisory responsibilities. These services may not always directly benefit the funds. They must, however, be of value to the underlying funds' managers in carrying out their overall responsibilities to their clients.

 

89


Table of Contents

It is not possible to place an accurate dollar value on the special execution or on the research services the underlying funds' managers receive from dealers effecting transactions in portfolio securities. The allocation of transactions to obtain additional research services allows the underlying funds' managers to supplement their own research and analysis activities and to receive the views and information of individuals and research staffs from many securities firms. The receipt of these products and services does not reduce the underlying funds managers’ research activities in providing investment advice to the funds.

As long as it is lawful and appropriate to do so, the underlying funds' managers and their affiliates may use this research and data in their investment advisory capacities with other clients.

Because Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., it may sometimes receive certain fees when the underlying funds tender portfolio securities pursuant to a tender-offer solicitation. To recapture brokerage for the benefit of the underlying funds, any portfolio securities tendered by the underlying funds will be tendered through Distributors if it is legally permissible to do so. In turn, the next management fees payable to the underlying funds' managers will be reduced by the amount of any fees received by Distributors in cash, less any costs and expenses incurred in connection with the tender.

If purchases or sales of securities of the underlying funds and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by an underlying fund’s manager are considered at or about the same time, transactions in these securities will be allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all by the fund’s manager, taking into account the respective sizes of the accounts and the amount of securities to be purchased or sold. In some cases this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the underlying funds are concerned. In other cases it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions may improve execution and reduce transaction costs to the underlying funds.

 

8. Distributions and Taxes

The Fund, as a Fund-of-Funds investment vehicle, will invest substantially all of its assets in shares of three other series of the Trust.

Election to be taxed as a regulated investment company The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes. The Fund intends to comply with the additional requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code, relating to diversification of its assets, to make it possible that variable insurance contract holders that have chosen the Fund as an investment option under their contracts will not be subject to federal income tax on distributions made by the Fund before they receive payments under the variable insurance contracts. The board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines this course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. In that case, the Fund would be subject to federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains. and any

 

90


Table of Contents

distributions of income or gains by the Fund to insurance company separate accounts could result in these earnings becoming or a policy owner’s interest in their separate contract to become immediately taxable.

Tax considerations Insurance company separate accounts invest in shares of either class of the Fund and in turn offer variable annuity and variable life insurance products to investors through insurance contracts. Because the insurance company separate accounts are generally the shareholders in the Fund, all of the tax characteristics of the Fund’s investments flow into the separate accounts and not to each individual contract owner. The tax consequences from each contract owner’s investment in a variable annuity or variable life insurance contract will depend upon the provisions of these contracts, and contract owners should consult with their contract prospectus for more information on these tax consequences.

 

9. Organization, Voting Rights and Principal Holders

The Trust is an open-end management investment company, commonly called a mutual fund. The Trust was originally organized as a Massachusetts business trust on April 26, 1988 and was reorganized effective May 1, 2007, as a Delaware statutory trust created on October 18, 2006, and is registered with the SEC.

The Fund currently offers two classes of shares, Class 1 and Class 2. The Fund may offer additional classes in the future. The full title of each class is:

Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund—Class 1

Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund—Class 2

Shares of each class of the Fund represent proportionate interests in the Fund's assets and are identical except that the Fund's Class 2 will bear the expense of the Class 2 distribution plan. On matters that affect the Fund as a whole, each class has the same voting and other rights and preferences as any other class. On matters that affect only one class, only shareholders of that class may vote. Each class votes separately on matters affecting only that class, or expressly required to be voted on separately by state or federal law.

The Trust offers other series not included in this SAI. Shares of each class of a series have the same voting and other rights and preferences as the other classes and series of the Trust for matters that affect the Trust as a whole. Additional series and classes may be offered in the future.

The Trust has non-cumulative voting rights. For board member elections, this gives holders of more than 50% of the shares voting the ability to elect all of the members of the board. If this happens, holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect anyone to the board.

The Trust does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings. The Trust or a series of the Trust may hold special meetings, however, for matters requiring shareholder approval. A meeting may be called by the board to consider the removal of a board member if requested in writing by

 

91


Table of Contents

shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding shares. In certain circumstances, we are required to help shareholders communicate with other shareholders about the removal of a board member. A special meeting also may be called by the board in its discretion.

Fund classes are generally sold to and owned by insurance company separate accounts to serve as the investment vehicle for variable annuity and life insurance contracts.

Shareholders will exercise voting rights attributable to shares they own in accordance with voting instructions received by owners of the contracts issued by the insurance companies. To this extent, shareholders do not exercise control over the Trust by virtue of the voting rights from their ownership of Trust shares.

As of the date of this SAI, the principal shareholder of the Fund was Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), a Delaware corporation, which owned 100% of each class. Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., who are officers and trustees of the Trust, may be considered beneficial holders of the Fund shares held by Resources. As principal shareholders of Resources, they may be able to control the voting of Resources’ shares of the Fund.

 

10. The Underwriter

Distributors acts as the principal underwriter in the continuous public offering of the Trust's shares. Distributors is located at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906.

Distributors pays the expenses of the distribution of Fund shares, including advertising expenses and the costs of printing sales material and prospectuses used to offer shares, except to the extent these expenses are borne by the insurance companies. The Fund pays the expenses of preparing and printing amendments to its registration statements and prospectuses (other than those necessitated by the activities of Distributors) and of preparing and sending prospectuses to existing shareholders.

Distributors may be entitled to receive payment under Class 2 Rule 12b-1 plan as described below. Except as noted below, Distributors does not receive compensation from the Trust for acting as underwriter.

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees The board has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class 2 shares. Under the Fund's Class 2 plan, the Fund may pay up to a maximum of 0.35% per year of the average daily net assets attributable to its Class 2 shares. The board, however, has set the current rate at 0.25% per year.

The plan is expected to, among other things, increase advertising of the Fund, encourage sales of the Fund and service to its shareholders, and increase or maintain assets of the Fund so that certain fixed expenses may be spread over a broader asset base, resulting in lower per share expense ratios. In addition, a positive cash flow into the Fund is useful in managing the Fund because the Fund has more flexibility in taking advantage of new investment opportunities and handling shareholder redemptions.

 

92


Table of Contents

Under the plan, the Fund pays Distributors, the insurance companies or others to assist in the promotion and distribution of Class 2 shares, or variable contracts offering Class 2 shares. Payments made under the plan may be used for, among other things, the printing of prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, preparing and distributing sales literature and related expenses, advertisements, education of contract owners or dealers and their representatives, and other distribution-related expenses, including a prorated portion of Distributors' or the insurance companies' overhead expenses attributable to the distribution of these variable contracts or shares of the Fund. Payments made under the plans may also be used to pay

insurance companies, dealers or others for, among other things, furnishing personal services and maintaining customer accounts and records, or as service fees as defined under NASD rules. Together, these expenses, including the service fees, are “eligible expenses.”

Agreements for the payment of fees to the insurance companies or others shall be in a form which has been approved from time to time by the board, including the non-interested board members.

Distributors must provide written reports to the board at least quarterly on the amounts and purpose of any payment made under the plan and any related agreements, and furnish the board with such other information as the board may reasonably request to enable it to make an informed determination of whether the plans should be continued.

The plan has been approved according to the provisions of Rule 12b-1. The terms and provisions of the plan also are consistent with Rule 12b-1.

Dealer compensation In addition to the payments above, Distributors and/or its affiliates may make the following payments out of its own assets to certain dealers who sell shares of Franklin Templeton funds, or participate in the offering of variable insurance products that invest in the Trust (VIP Qualifying Dealers):

Marketing support payments. Distributors may make payments to VIP Qualifying Dealers. A VIP Qualifying Dealer’s marketing support services may include business planning assistance, advertising, educating dealer personnel about the Franklin Templeton funds and shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the VIP Qualifying Dealer’s list of offered funds, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the dealer. Distributors compensates VIP Qualifying Dealers differently depending upon, among other factors, whether the VIP Qualifying Dealer is directly selling Franklin Templeton funds, or participating in the offering of variable insurance products that invest in the Trust, sales and asset levels, redemption rates and the level and/or type of marketing and educational activities provided by the VIP Qualifying Dealer.

Other payments. From time to time, Distributors, at its expense, may provide additional compensation to VIP Qualifying Dealers which sell or arrange for the direct or indirect sale of shares of Franklin Templeton funds. Such compensation may include financial assistance to VIP Qualifying Dealers that enable Distributors to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other dealer-sponsored events. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event.

 

93


Table of Contents

Distributors routinely sponsors due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various Franklin Templeton funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Invitation to these meetings is not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares. Those who have shown an interest in Franklin Templeton funds, however, are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm’s policies and procedures, registered representatives’ expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by Distributors.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by federal or state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as the NASD. Distributors makes payments for events it deems appropriate, subject to Distributors’ guidelines and applicable law.

You should ask your insurance company and VIP Qualifying Dealer for information about any payments they receive from Distributors and any services provided. Additional disclosure may be included in the insurance contract prospectus.

Redemptions in-kind The Fund has committed itself to pay in cash (by check) all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in amount, however, during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net assets at the beginning of the 90-day period. This commitment is irrevocable without the prior approval of the SEC. In the case of redemption requests in excess of these amounts, the board reserves the right to make payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the Fund, in case of an emergency, or if the payment of such a redemption in cash would be detrimental to the existing shareholders of the Fund. In these circumstances, the securities distributed would be valued at the price used to compute the Fund's net assets and you may incur brokerage fees in converting the securities to cash. The Fund does not intend to redeem illiquid securities in kind. If this happens, however, you may not be able to recover your investment in a timely manner.

 

11. Performance

Performance quotations are subject to SEC rules. These rules require the use of standardized performance quotations or, alternatively, that every non-standardized performance quotation furnished by the Fund be accompanied by certain standardized performance information computed as required by the SEC. Average annual total return and current yield quotations used by a Fund are based on the standardized methods of computing performance mandated by the SEC. Performance figures reflect Rule 12b-1 fees from the date of the plan's implementation. An explanation of these and other methods used by the Fund to compute or express performance follows.

For share classes offered to insurance company separate accounts for use in variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, to the extent required by SEC rules, the advertised performance of such share classes should be displayed no more prominently than standardized performance of the applicable insurance company separate accounts/contracts. For information about how an insurance company may advertise such performance, please consult the contract prospectus that accompanies the Trust prospectus. Regardless of the method used, past performance does not guarantee future results, and is an indication of the return to shareholders only for the limited historical period used.

 

94


Table of Contents

Because the Fund is new, it has no performance history and thus no performance quotations have been provided.

Average annual total return The average annual total return for the Fund will be determined by finding the average annual rates of return over certain periods that would equate an initial hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending redeemable value. The calculation assumes income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value. The quotation assumes the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the deduction of all applicable fund charges and fees. It does not however, include any fees or sales charges imposed by the variable insurance contract for which the Fund is an investment option. If they were included, performance would be lower. The following SEC formula will be used to calculate these figures:

P(1+T)n = ERV

where:

P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

T = average annual total return

n = number of years

ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of each period at the end of each period

Cumulative total return Like average annual total return, the cumulative total return assumes income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value. It does not however, include any fees or sales charges imposed by the variable insurance contract for which the Fund’s shares are investment options. If they were included, performance would be lower. Cumulative total return, however, is based on the actual return for a specified period rather than on the average return.

Volatility Occasionally statistics may be used to show the Fund's volatility or risk. Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to compare a fund's net asset value or performance to a market index. One measure of volatility is beta. Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total market, as represented by an index considered representative of the types of securities in which the fund invests. A beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility greater than the market and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less than the market. Another measure of volatility or risk is standard deviation. Standard deviation is used to measure variability of net asset value or total return around an average over a specified period of time. The idea is that greater volatility means greater risk undertaken in achieving performance.

 

95


Table of Contents
12. Miscellaneous Information

The Fund is a member of Franklin Templeton Investments, one of the largest mutual fund organizations in the U.S., and may be considered in a program for diversification of assets. Founded in 1947, Franklin is one of the oldest mutual fund organizations and now services over 4 million shareholder accounts. In 1992, Franklin, a leader in managing fixed-income mutual funds and an innovator in creating domestic equity funds, joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in international investing. The Mutual Series team, known for its value-driven approach to domestic equity investing, became part of the organization four years later. In 2001, the Fiduciary Trust team, known for providing global investment management to institutions and high net worth clients worldwide, joined the organization. Together, Franklin Templeton Investments has over $601 billion in assets under management for more than 7 million U.S. based mutual fund shareholder and other accounts, as of May 31, 2007. Franklin Templeton Investments offers 111 U.S. based open-end investment companies to the public. The Fund may identify itself by its Nasdaq symbol or CUSIP number.

Fund similarity The investment objectives and policies of the Fund are similar but not identical to those of the public Franklin Templeton fund: Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Fund. Because of differences in portfolio size, the investments held, the timing of purchases of similar investments, cash flows, minor differences in certain investment policies, insurance product related tax diversification requirements, state insurance regulations, and additional administrative and insurance costs associated with insurance company separate accounts, the investment performance of the Fund will differ from the performance of the corresponding Franklin Templeton fund.

 

13. Description of Ratings of Corporate Obligations, Municipal Bonds, Municipal Notes, and Short-Term Debt Ratings

Corporate Obligations Ratings

Moody's Investors Service (Moody's)

INVESTMENT GRADE

Aaa: Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

Aa: Bonds rated Aa are judged to be high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A: Bonds rated A are considered upper medium-grade obligations and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa: Bonds rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk and are considered medium-grade obligations. As such they may have certain speculative characteristics.

 

96


Table of Contents

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

Ba: Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B: Bonds rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa: Bonds rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca: Bonds rated Ca are considered highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C: Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default. They have little prospects for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (S&P)

The issue rating definitions are expressions in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA: This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: Obligations rated AA differ from AAA issues only in a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: Obligations rated A are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in the higher ratings categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: Obligations rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

97


Table of Contents

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

BB, B, CCC, CC, C: Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While these obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of the adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. The C rating is also assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is still making payments.

D: Obligations rated D are in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating is also used upon the filing of bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks and highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns that are not addressed in the credit rating.

 

98


Table of Contents

Municipal Bond Ratings

Moody's

Municipal Ratings are the opinions of the investment quality of issuers and issues in the U.S. municipal and tax-exempt markets. As such, these ratings incorporate Moody's assessment of the default probability and loss severity of these issuers and issues. The default and loss content for Moody's municipal long-term rating scale differs from Moody's general long-term rating scale.

Municipal Ratings are based upon the analysis of four primary factors relating to municipal finance: economy, debt, finances, and administration/management strategies. Each of the factors is evaluated individually and for its effect on the other factors in the context of the municipality's ability to repay its debt.

INVESTMENT GRADE

Aaa: Issues or issuers rated Aaa demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

Aa: Issues or issuers rated Aa demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

A: Issues or issuers rated A present above-average creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

Baa: Issues or issuers rated Baa represent average creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

Ba: Issues or issuers rated Ba demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

B: Issues or issuers rated B demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

Caa: Issues or issuers rated Caa demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

Ca: Issues or issuers rated Ca demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

C: Issues or issuers demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other U.S. municipal or tax-exempt issues or issuers.

Con.(-): Municipal bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals that begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon the completion of construction or the elimination of the basis of the condition.

 

99


Table of Contents

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue or issuer ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and modifier 3 indicates that the issue or issuer ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

S&P

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated AA differs from AAA issues only in a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than an obligation in the higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment is considered still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated BBB normally exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

BB, B, CCC, CC, C: Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While these obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial

 

100


Table of Contents

commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on the obligation are continuing.

D: An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating is also used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on the obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

pr: The designation "pr" indicates that the rating is provisional. Such a rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and also indicates that payment of the debt service is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating addresses credit quality subsequent to the completion of the project, but makes no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion.

Fitch Ratings (Fitch)

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA: Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

AA: Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments.

A: High credit quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

 

101


Table of Contents

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

BB: Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time. However, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

B: Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met. However, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

CCC, CC and C: High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.

DDD, DD and D: Default. The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated with any precision, the following serve as general guidelines. DDD obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest. DD indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90% and D the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.

Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated DDD have the highest prospect for resumption of performance or continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process. Entities rated DD and D are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated DD are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated D have a poor prospect of repaying all obligations.

Plus (+) or minus (-) signs may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Plus or minus signs are not used with the AAA, CC, C, DDD, DD or D categories.

Municipal Notes Ratings

Moody's

Moody's ratings for municipal short-term investment grade obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels — MIG 1 through MIG 3. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation. Symbols used will be as follows:

 

102


Table of Contents

INVESTMENT GRADE

MIG 1: This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not so large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3: This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

S&P

New municipal note issues due in three years or less, will usually be assigned the ratings below. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a bond rating of the type recited above.

SP-1: Issues carrying this designation have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service are given a "plus" (+) designation.

SP-2: Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the terms of the notes.

SP-3: Issues carrying this designation have a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Short-term debt ratings

Moody's

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs and to individual short-term debt instruments. These obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted. Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:

P-1 (Prime-1): Issuers (or supporting institutions) so rated have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2 (Prime-2): Issuers (or supporting institutions) so rated have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

103


Table of Contents

P-3 (Prime-3): Issuers (or supporting institutions) so rated have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

NP: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

S&P

S&P's ratings are a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days — including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating.

A-1: This designation indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: Issues carrying this designation are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations carrying the higher designations. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: Issues carrying this designation exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: Issues carrying this designation are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: Issues carrying this designation are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: Issues carrying this designation are in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the due date even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

 

104


Table of Contents

Fitch

Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that have a time horizon of generally up to three years, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment notes.

F-1: Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F-2: Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues in the higher ratings.

F-3: Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

B: Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C: High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable economic and business environment.

D: Default. Actual or imminent payment default.

 

105


Table of Contents

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST

File Nos. 033-23493 & 811-05583

FORM N-1A

PART C

Other Information

 

Item 23. Exhibits

The following exhibits are incorporated by reference to the previously filed documents indicated below, except as noted:

 

(a) Declaration of Trust

 

  (i) Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust, dated October 18, 2006 (“FTVIPT-DE” or the “Fund”)

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A

File No. 033-23493

Filing Date: February 15, 2007

 

  (ii) Certificate of Trust of Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust, dated October 18, 2006

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A

File No. 033-23493

Filing Date: February 15, 2007

 

(b) By-Laws.

 

  (i) By-Laws of Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust, effective as of October 18, 2006

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A

File No. 033-23493

Filing Date: February 15, 2007

 

(c) Instruments Defining Rights Of Security Holders

Not Applicable

 

(d) Investment Advisory Contracts.

 

  (i) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Flex Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

3


Table of Contents
  (ii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

  (iii) Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Large Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

  (iv) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Large Cap Value Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

  (v) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Money Market Fund, Franklin Growth and Income Securities Fund, Franklin Global Communications Securities Fund, Franklin High Income Securities Fund, Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, Franklin Income Securities Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Fund and Franklin Zero Coupon Fund - 2010, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

  (vi) Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Rising Dividends Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

  (vii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Small Cap Value Securities Fund and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

  (viii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

  (ix) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

  (x) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Mutual Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund, and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xi) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, and Templeton Asset Management, Ltd., May 1, 2007

 

  (xii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xiii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

4


Table of Contents
  (xiv) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Growth Securities Fund, and Templeton Global Advisors Limited dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xv) Sub-advisory Agreement between Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc., for services to Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xvi) Sub-advisory Agreement between Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC and Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited, for services to Mutual Discovery Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xvii) Sub-advisory Agreement between Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited for services to Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xviii) Sub-advisory agreement between Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for services to Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xix) Form of Sub-advisory Agreement between Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited for services to Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (xx) Sub-Advisory Agreement between Templeton Global Advisors Limited and Templeton Asset Management Limited, for services to Templeton Growth Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

(e) Underwriting Contracts.

 

  (i) Distribution Agreement between FTVIPT-DE and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts.

Not Applicable

 

(g) Custodian Agreements.

 

  (i) Foreign Exchange Netting Agreement between Franklin Valuemark Funds, on behalf of International Equity Fund, and Morgan Guaranty

 

5


Table of Contents
 

Trust Company of New York, dated March 19, 1992

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: August 18, 1995

 

  (ii) Custody Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund and Templeton Global Growth Fund, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., dated March 15, 1994

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: August 18, 1995

 

  (iii) Master Custody Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, dated February 16, 1996

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 24, 1996

 

  (iv) Terminal Link Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, dated February 16, 1996.

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 24, 1996

 

  (v) Amendment to Global Custody Agreement between the Fund and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., dated April 1, 1996

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 29, 1997

 

  (vi) Amendment to Master Custody Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, dated April 1, 1996

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 29, 1997

 

  (vii) Letter Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, dated April 22, 1996

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 24, 1996

 

  (viii) Custody Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Mutual Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated November 8, 1996

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 29, 1997

 

6


Table of Contents
  (ix) Global Custody Agreement, effective as of May 1, 2000, between The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and the Fund

Filing: Post Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 29, 2000

 

  (x) Amendment dated June 22, 2007 to Exhibit A of the Master Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Bank of New York dated February 16, 1996

 

  (xi) Amendment dated May 16, 2001, to the Master Custody Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, dated February 16, 1996

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to Registration Statement of Franklin Investors Securities Trust on Form N-1A

File No. 33-11444

Filing Date: December 20, 2001

 

  (xii) Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, dated as of May 16, 2001

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to Registration Statement of Franklin Investors Securities Trust on Form N-1A

File No. 33-11444

Filing Date: December 20, 2001

 

  (xiii) Amended Schedule 1 of the Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York, revised February 16, 2007

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A

File No. 033-23493

Filing Date: March 2, 2007

 

  (xiv) Amended Schedule 2 of the Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York.

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A

File No. 33-23493

Filing Date: April 28, 2006

 

(h) Other Material Contracts.

 

  (i) Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Flex Cap Growth Securities Fund, Franklin Large Cap Value Securities Fund and Franklin Small Mid-Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin

Templeton Services, LLC, dated May 1, 2007

 

  (ii) Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Small Cap Value Securities Fund, Mutual Discovery Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund,

Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, dated May 1, 2007

 

  (iii) Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, dated May 1, 2007

 

7


Table of Contents
  (iv) Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, dated May 1, 2007

 

  (v) Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, for services to Franklin Global Communications Securities Fund, Franklin Growth and Income Securities Fund, Franklin High Income Securities Fund, Franklin Income Securities Fund, Franklin Large Cap Growth Securities Fund, Franklin Money Market Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Fund, Franklin Zero Coupon Fund –2010 and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (vi) Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services Agreement between Franklin Advisory Services, LLC and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, for services to Franklin Rising Dividends Securities Fund, a series of the Fund

 

  (vii) Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services between Templeton Global Advisors Limited and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, for services to Templeton Growth Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

 

  (viii) Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

 

(i) Legal Opinion.

 

  (i) Legal Opinion, Securities Act of 1933, with respect to FTVIPT-DE and each of its series, dated April 25, 2007

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A

File No. 033-23493

Filing Date: April 30, 2007

 

(j) Other Opinions.

Not Applicable

 

(k) Omitted Financial Statements.

Not Applicable

 

(l) Initial Capital Agreement.

Not Applicable

 

(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan.

 

  (i) Class 2 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for all series of the Fund, except Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, Templeton Developing

 

8


Table of Contents
 

Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, dated May 1, 2007

 

  (ii) Class 2 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, dated May 1, 2007

 

  (iii) Class 3 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, dated May 1, 2007

 

(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan.

 

  (i) Multiple Class Plan for all series of the Fund, except Franklin Flex Cap Growth Securities Fund, Franklin Large Cap Value Securities Fund, Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund dated October 17, 2006

 

  (ii) Multiple Class Plan for the Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund series of the Fund dated October 17, 2006

 

  (iii) Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund dated April 17, 2007

 

(p) Code of Ethics.

 

  (i) Code of Ethics dated May 2006

Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A

File No. 033-23493

Filing Date: March 2, 2007

 

(q) Power of Attorney.

 

  (i) Power of Attorney, dated as of May 22, 2007

 

Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund

None

 

Item 25. Indemnification

The Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”) of FTVIPT-DE provides that any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or other agent, including the underwriter, of such Trust shall be liable to such Trust and its shareholders only for (1) any act or omission that constitutes a bad faith violation of the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing, or (2) the person’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person (such conduct referred to herein as

 

9


Table of Contents

Disqualifying Conduct). Except in these instances, these persons shall not be responsible or liable for any act or omission of any other agent of such Trust or its investment adviser or principal underwriter to the fullest extent that limitations of liability are permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “Delaware Act”). Moreover, except in these instances, none of these persons, when acting in their respective capacity as such, shall be personally liable to any other person, other than such Trust or its shareholders, for any act, omission or obligation of such Trust or any trustee thereof.

FTVIPT-DE shall indemnify, out of its assets, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, any of these persons who was or is a party to any Proceeding (as defined in the Declaration) because the person is or was an agent of such Trust. These persons shall be indemnified against any expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the Proceeding if the person acted in good faith or, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, settlement or its equivalent shall not in itself create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith or that the person had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful. There shall nonetheless be no indemnification for a person’s own Disqualifying Conduct.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to Trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Fund pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Fund has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Fund of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of the Fund in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with securities being registered, the Fund will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court or appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 26. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

 

(i) The officers and directors of the Fund’s investment advisers also serve as officers and/or directors or trustees for (1) the corporate parent of Franklin Advisers, Inc., (Advisers) the investment manager or sub-adviser of 14 of the Fund’s series, Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), and/or (2) other investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. For additional information, please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Advisers (SEC File 801-26292), incorporated herein by reference, which sets forth the officers and directors of Advisers and information as to any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

(ii) Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC

Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC. (Investment Counsel), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as adviser to Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund

 

10


Table of Contents

and Templeton Foreign Securities Fund. For additional information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Investment Counsel (SEC File 801-15125), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of Investment Counsel and information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

(iii) Templeton Global Advisors Limited

Templeton Global Advisors Limited (Templeton Nassau), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to Templeton Growth Securities Fund. For additional information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Templeton Nassau (SEC File 801-42343), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of Templeton Nassau and information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a substantial nature engages in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

11


Table of Contents
(iv) Templeton Asset Management Ltd.

Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund and as sub-advisor to Templeton Growth Securities Fund, furnishing to the investment manager in that capacity portfolio management services and investment research. For information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of TAML (SEC File 801-46997), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of TAML and information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

(v) Franklin Advisory Services, LLC

Franklin Advisory Services, LLC (Franklin New Jersey), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to Franklin Rising Dividends Securities Fund, Franklin Small Cap Value Securities Fund and Franklin Large Cap Value Securities Fund. For information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Franklin New Jersey (SEC File 801-51967), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of Franklin New Jersey and information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

(vi) Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC

Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC (Mutual Advisers), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to the Mutual Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund. For information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Mutual Advisers (SEC File 801-53068), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of Mutual Advisers and information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

(vii) Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited

Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (Investment Management), serves as sub-advisor for three of the Fund’s series. Investment Management is an indirect subsidiary of Templeton Worldwide, Inc. which is a subsidiary of Resources. For additional information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Investment Management (SEC File 801-55170), incorporated herein by reference, which sets forth the officers and directors of Investment Management and information as to any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

12


Table of Contents
(viii) Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC

Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC (FT Institutional), serves as investment manager to Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund. FT Institutional is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resources. For additional information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of FT Institutional (SEC File 801-60684), incorporated herein by reference, which sets forth the officers and directors of FT Institutional and information as to any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past two years.

 

Item 27. Principal Underwriters

 

a) Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., (Distributors) also acts as principal underwriter of shares of:

Franklin California Tax-Free Income Fund, Inc.

Franklin California Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Capital Growth Fund

Franklin Custodian Funds, Inc.

Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Global Trust

Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund

Franklin High Income Trust

Franklin Investors Securities Trust

Franklin Managed Trust

Franklin Money Fund

Franklin Municipal Securities Trust

Franklin Mutual Series Fund Inc.

Franklin Mutual Recovery Fund

Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Real Estate Securities Trust

Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio

Franklin Strategic Series

Franklin Tax-Exempt Money Fund

Franklin Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Templeton Fund Allocator Series

Franklin Templeton Global Trust

Franklin Templeton International Trust

Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust

Franklin Value Investors Trust

Institutional Fiduciary Trust

Templeton China World Fund

Templeton Developing Markets Trust

Templeton Funds, Inc.

Templeton Global Investment Trust

 

13


Table of Contents

Templeton Global Opportunities Trust

Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund

Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.

Templeton Income Trust

Templeton Institutional Funds, Inc.

 

(b) The information required by this Item 27 with respect to each director and officer of Distributors is incorporated by reference to Part B of this N-1A and Schedule A of Form BD filed by Distributors with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (SEC File No. 8-5889).

 

Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records

The accounts, books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are kept by the Fund at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 or by its shareholder service agent, Franklin Templeton Investor Services LLC, at 3344 Quality Drive, P.O. Box 2258 Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-2258.

 

Item 29. Management Services

Not Applicable

 

Item 30. Undertakings

Not Applicable

 

14


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, the undersigned Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of San Mateo and the State of California, on the 26th day of June, 2007.

 

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE INSURANCE
PRODUCTS TRUST, a Delaware Statutory Trust (Fund)

/s/ Karen L. Skidmore

Karen L. Skidmore
Vice President and Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated on behalf of Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust:

 

RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR*

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

   

Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management and Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

JIMMY D. GAMBILL*

Jimmy D. Gambill

   

Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration

Dated: June 26, 2007

GALEN G. VETTER*

Galen G. Vetter

   

Chief Financial Officer

Dated: June 26, 2007

HARRIS J. ASHTON*

Harris J. Ashton

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

ROBERT F. CARLSON*

Robert F. Carlson

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

SAM GINN*

Sam Ginn

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

EDITH E. HOLIDAY*

Edith E. Holiday

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007


Table of Contents

CHARLES B. JOHNSON*

Charles B. Johnson

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

FRANK W.T. LAHAYE*

Frank W.T. LaHaye

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

FRANK A. OLSON*

Frank A. Olson

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

LARRY D. THOMPSON*

Larry D. Thompson

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

JOHN B. WILSON

John B. Wilson

   

Trustee

Dated: June 26, 2007

 

*By:  

/s/ Karen L. Skidmore

  Karen L. Skidmore, as Attorney-in-Fact
  (Pursuant to power of attorney filed herewith)


Table of Contents

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

EXHIBITS INDEX

The following exhibits are attached:

 

EXHIBIT NO

  

DESCRIPTION

EX-99 (d) (i)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Flex Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (ii)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (iii)

   Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Large Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (iv)

   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Large Cap Value Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (v)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Money Market Fund, Franklin Growth and Income Securities Fund, Franklin Global Communications Securities Fund, Franklin High Income Securities Fund, Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, Franklin Income Securities Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Fund and Franklin Zero Coupon Fund - 2010, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (vi)

   Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Rising Dividends Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (vii)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Small Cap Value Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (viii)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (ix)

   Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

 

1


Table of Contents

EX-99 (d) (x)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Mutual Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund, and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xi)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, and Templeton Asset Management, Ltd., dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xii)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xiii)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xiv)

   Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Templeton Growth Securities Fund, and Templeton Global Advisors Limited

EX-99 (d) (xv)

   Sub-advisory Agreement between Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for services to Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xvi)

   Sub-advisory Agreement between Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC and Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited, for services to Mutual Discovery Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xvii)

   Sub-advisory Agreement between Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited for services to Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xviii)

   Sub-advisory agreement between Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for services to Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xix)

   Sub-advisory Agreement between Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited for services to Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (d) (xx)

   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Templeton Global Advisors Limited and Templeton Asset Management Limited, for services to Templeton Growth Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (e) (i)

   Distribution Agreement between FTVIPT-DE and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (g) (x)

   Amendment dated June 22, 2007 to Exhibit A of the Master Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Bank of New York dated February 16, 1996

EX-99 (h) (i)

   Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Flex Cap Growth Securities Fund, Franklin Large Cap Value Securities Fund and Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (h) (ii)

   Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Small Cap Value Securities Fund, Mutual Discovery Securities Fund, Mutual Shares Securities Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (h) (iii)

   Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (h) (iv)

   Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, dated May 1, 2007

 

2


Table of Contents

EX-99 (h) (v)

   Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, for services to Franklin Global Communications Securities Fund, Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Franklin Growth and Income Securities Fund, Franklin High Income Securities Fund, Franklin Income Securities Fund, Franklin Large Cap Growth Securities Fund, Franklin Money Market Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Franklin Zero Coupon Fund –2010 and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (h) (vi)

   Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services Agreement between Franklin Advisory Services, LLC and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, for services to Franklin Rising Dividends Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (h) (vii)

   Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services between Templeton Global Advisors Limited and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, for services to Templeton Growth Securities Fund, a series of the Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (h) (viii)

   Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Franklin Global Real Estate Securities Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (m) (i)

   Class 2 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for all series of the Fund, except Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (m) (ii)

   Class 2 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Franklin Strategic Income Securities Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund, Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (m) (iii)

   Class 3 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund dated May 1, 2007

EX-99 (n) (i)

   Multiple Class Plan for all series of the Fund, except Franklin Flex Cap Growth Securities Fund, Franklin Large Cap Value Fund, Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation, Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund dated October 17, 2006

EX-99 (n) (ii)

   Multiple Class Plan for the Templeton Developing Markets Securities Fund, Templeton Foreign Securities Fund and Templeton Global Income Securities Fund series of the Fund dated October 17, 2006

 

3


Table of Contents

EX-99 (n) (iii)

   Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Templeton VIP Founding Funds Allocation dated April 17, 2007

EX-99 (q) (i)

   Power of Attorney dated as of May 22, 2007

 

4