As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2023
Securities Act File No. 033‑43446
Investment Company Act File No. 811‑06444
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
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. 506  
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   Amendment No.506  
 
 
Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust*
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
 
620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (877) 721‑1926
 
 
 
Name and address of agent for service:    Copy to:
Marc De Oliveira
Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust
100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
  
Roger P. Joseph, Esq.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
One Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Continuous
(Approximate Date of Proposed Offering)
 
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
 
 
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
on January 30, 2023 pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
 
on ______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
 
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
 
on ______________ 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 filing relates solely to ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund, ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund, Franklin Global Dividend Fund and Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund.
 
 
 

LOGO
 
Prospectus   LOGO   January 30, 2023
 
Share class (Symbol): A (SHFVX), C (SFVCX), R (—), I (SFVYX), IS (LSISX)
 
 
CLEARBRIDGE
ALL CAP VALUE FUND
 
 
 
LOGO
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.
 
 
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
 
 

Contents       
Investment objective      2  
Fees and expenses of the fund      2  
Principal investment strategies      3  
Principal risks      3  
Performance      6  
Management      7  
Purchase and sale of fund shares      7  
Tax information      8  
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries      8  
More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks      9  
More on fund management      15  
Choosing a share class      18  
Share class features summary      18  
Share class availability      20  
Additional information about each share class      21  
Buying shares      26  
Exchanging shares      28  
Redeeming shares      30  
Other things to know about transactions      32  
Dividends, other distributions and taxes      36  
Share price      38  
Financial highlights      39  
Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents      A‑1  
Investment objective
The fund seeks long-term capital growth. Current income is a secondary consideration.
 
Fees and expenses of the fund
The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 
You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds distributed through Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your Service Agent, in the fund’s Prospectus on page 21 under the heading “Additional information about each share class,” in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents” on page A‑1 of the fund’s Prospectus and in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) on page 79 under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares.” “Service Agents” include banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to sell shares of the fund. 
If you purchase Class I shares or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers, that Service Agent may charge you a commission. Such commissions, if any, are not charged by the fund and are not reflected in the fee table or expense example below. 
 
Shareholder fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)                       
      Class A   Class C    Class R   Class I    Class IS
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    5.501,2   None    None   None    None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption)3    None4   1.00    None   None    None
Small account fee5    $15   $15    None   None    None
            
Annual fund operating expenses (%)                       
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)     
      Class A   Class C    Class R   Class I    Class IS
Management fees    0.70   0.70    0.70   0.70    0.70
Distribution and/or service (12b‑1) fees    0.25   1.00    0.50   None    None
Other expenses    0.19   0.16    0.226   0.10    0.05
Total annual fund operating expenses    1.14   1.86    1.42   0.80    0.75
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed7    N/A      (0.02)      (0.05)
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses    1.14   1.86    1.40   0.80    0.70
 
1 
The sales charge is waived for shareholders purchasing Class A shares through accounts where Franklin Distributors is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”).
2
Shareholders purchasing Class A shares through certain Service Agents or in certain types of accounts may be eligible for a waiver of the sales charge. For additional information, see “Additional information about each share class — Sales charges” in the Prospectus.
3 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) may be reduced over time.
4 
You may buy Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value (without an initial sales charge), but if you redeem those shares within 18 months of their purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.
 
 
2
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

5 
If the value of your account is below $1,000 ($250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored), the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by the fund or your Service Agent (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
6 
Other expenses for Class R shares are estimated for the current fiscal year. Actual expenses may differ from estimates.
7 
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.90% for Class C shares, 1.40% for Class R shares, 0.80% for Class I shares and 0.70% for Class IS shares, subject to recapture as described below. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares will not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2024 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. This management fee waiver is not subject to the recapture provision discussed above.
Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:
 
 
You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated
 
 
Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that any applicable fee waiver or expense reimbursement is reflected only through its expiration date)
 
 
You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
Number of years you own your shares ($)                            
       1 year      3 years      5 years      10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)      660      892      1,143      1,860
Class C (with redemption at end of period)      289      585      1,006      1,993
Class C (without redemption at end of period)      189      585      1,006      1,993
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)      143      448      775      1,701
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)      82      256      444      990
Class IS (with or without redemption at end of period)      72      235      413      926
Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal investment strategies
The fund invests primarily in common stocks and common stock equivalents, such as preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, of companies the portfolio managers believe are undervalued in the marketplace. While the portfolio managers select investments primarily for their capital appreciation potential, secondary consideration is given to a company’s dividend record and the potential for an improved dividend return.
The fund invests in securities of large, well-known companies but may also invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of small to medium capitalization companies when the portfolio managers believe smaller capitalization companies offer more attractive value opportunities.
The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, either directly or through depositary receipts.
Principal risks
Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any bank or government agency. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.
 
  
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
3
 

Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.  
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID‑19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID‑19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID‑19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers. 
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally been more volatile than those of large capitalization companies. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.  
Illiquidity risk. Some assets held by the fund may be or become impossible or difficult to sell, particularly during times of market turmoil. These illiquid assets may also be difficult to value. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all.  
Dividend-paying stock risk. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the stocks held by the fund will pay dividends in the future or that, if dividends are paid, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. The fund’s emphasis on dividend-paying stocks could cause the fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends or ability to pay dividends in the future. Dividend-paying stocks may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or economic downturn or other market or company-specific developments could cause a company to reduce or eliminate its dividend.  
Foreign investments risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investments in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less transparent, less regulated and more volatile markets. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events, and the impact of tariffs and other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries. In addition, there may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against issuers located in or operating in certain foreign markets, particularly emerging market countries, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies.  
 
 
4
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic and political conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure. 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.  
Value investing risk. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued for long periods, undervaluation may become more severe, or perceived undervaluation may actually represent intrinsic value. Value stocks may underperform the overall equity market for an extended period while the market favors growth stocks. A value stock may not increase in price as anticipated by the subadviser if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value and bid up the price or the factors that the subadviser believes will increase the price of the security do not occur or do not have the anticipated effect. Value stocks may go in and out of favor over time and the subadviser may sell a security prior to the security realizing a gain in connection with changed market perception regarding the value of the security.  
Large capitalization company risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors based on market and economic conditions. In addition, larger companies may not be able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges and industry changes. As a result, the fund’s value may not rise as much as, or may fall more than, the value of funds that focus on companies with smaller market capitalizations.  
Small and mid‑capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies. Small and mid‑capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may have greater potential for losses.  
Industry or sector focus risk. The fund may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to events that adversely affect the fund’s investments more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the fund may, from time to time, have greater exposure to the securities of a particular issuer or issuers within the same industry or sector.  
Portfolio management risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security, industry, sector or region, or about market movements, is incorrect or does not produce the desired results, or if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and data used by the subadviser. In addition, the fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the subadviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund.  
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub‑custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.  
Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time. 
These and other risks are discussed in more detail in the Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information. 
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
5
 

Performance
The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark and an average. The table compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of the Russell 3000 Value Index and the Lipper Multi‑Cap Value Fund Average, a total return performance average of funds tracked by Lipper, Inc. that, by portfolio practice, invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75% of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended period of time, which provides fund shareholders with a more meaningful comparison. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. The fund makes updated performance information, including its current net asset value, available at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (select fund and share class), or by calling the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863.
The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.
 
LOGO  
Best Quarter (12/31/2020): 20.00    Worst Quarter (03/31/2020): (32.03
 
Average annual total returns (%)  
(for periods ended December 31, 2022)                                           
Class A      1 year          5 years          10 years         
Since
inception
 
 
      
Inception
date
 
 
Return before taxes      (13.03)          2.50          7.55                        
Return after taxes on distributions      (14.43)          0.82          5.23                        
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares      (6.67)          1.82          5.66                        
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                                                     
Class C      (9.23)          3.08          7.50                        
Class I      (7.44)          4.11          8.61                        
Class IS      (7.39)          4.16          N/A          5.45          09/15/2017  
Russell 3000 Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)1      (7.98)          6.50          10.16                        
Lipper Multi‑Cap Value Fund Average (reflects fees and expenses but no deduction for sales charges or taxes)2      (6.79)          6.69          9.98                        
 
1 
For Class IS shares, for the period from the class’ inception date to December 31, 2022, the average annual total return of the Russell 3000 Value Index was 7.43%.
2 
For Class IS shares, for the period from the class’ inception date to December 31, 2022, the average annual total return of the Lipper Multi‑Cap Value Fund Average was 7.78%.
The after‑tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after‑tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After‑tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares are higher than returns before taxes for certain periods shown because they reflect the tax benefit of capital losses realized on the redemption of fund shares.
 
 
6
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Management
Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)
Subadviser: ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge”)
Portfolio managers: Primary responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers.
 
Portfolio manager    Title    Portfolio manager of the fund since
Reed Cassady, CFA    Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge    2021
Albert Grosman    Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge    2015
Sam Peters, CFA    Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge    2015
Purchase and sale of fund shares
You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.
The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are set forth in the accompanying table:
 
Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)            
      Class A      Class C1      Class R      Class I    Class IS
General    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      1 million/ None2    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      1 million/ None2    N/A
IRAs    250/50      250/50      N/A      1 million/ None2,3    N/A3
SIMPLE IRAs    None/
None
     None/
None
     N/A      1 million/
None2
   N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    25/25      25/25      N/A      1 million/
None2,4
   N/A4
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/
None
     N/A      None/
None
     None/
None5
   None/
None5
Eligible Investment Programs    None/
None
     N/A      None/
None
     None/
None
   None/
None
Omnibus Retirement Plans    None/
None
     None/
None
     None/
None
     None/
None
   None/
None
Individual Retirement Plans except as noted    None/
None
     None/
None
     N/A      1 million/
None2
   N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      1 million/
None
   1 million/
None
 
1 
Class C shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts.
2 
Available to investors investing directly with the fund.
3 
IRA accountholders who purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $250/$50. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
4 
Investors investing through a Systematic Investment Plan who purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $25/$25. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
5 
Individual investors who purchase Class I shares or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $1,000/$50. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
Your Service Agent may impose higher or lower investment minimums, or may impose no minimum investment requirement.
For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your Service Agent, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863, by regular mail at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030 or by express, certified or registered mail at Legg Mason Funds, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
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Tax information
The fund’s distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries
The fund’s related companies pay Service Agents for the sale of fund shares, shareholder services and other purposes. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your Service Agent or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or salesperson or visit your Service Agent’s or salesperson’s website for more information.
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks
Important information
The fund seeks long-term capital growth. Current income is a secondary consideration.
The fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval and on notice to shareholders. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective.
The fund invests primarily in common stocks and common stock equivalents, such as preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, of companies the portfolio managers believe are undervalued in the marketplace. While the portfolio managers select investments primarily for their capital appreciation potential, secondary consideration is given to a company’s dividend record and the potential for an improved dividend return.
The fund invests in securities of large, well-known companies but may also invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of small to medium capitalization companies when the portfolio managers believe smaller capitalization companies offer more attractive value opportunities.
The fund’s investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Equity investments
Equity securities include exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter (“OTC”) common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, securities convertible into equity securities and securities of other investment companies and of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
Foreign investments
The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets (at the time of investment) in foreign securities. The fund may invest directly in foreign issuers or invest in depositary receipts.
Short sales
A short sale is a transaction in which the fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities. The fund may hold no more than 25% of its net assets (taken at the then current market value) as required collateral for such sales at any one time.
Securities of other investment companies
The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of other investment companies, including shares in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of an underlying equity index or a portion of an equity index.
Cash management
The fund may hold cash pending investment, may invest in money market instruments and may enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements (which have characteristics like borrowings) for cash management purposes. The fund may invest in money market funds, which may or may not be affiliated with the fund’s manager or the subadvisers. The amount of assets the fund may hold for cash management purposes will depend on market conditions and the need to meet expected redemption requests.
Defensive investing
The fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions, including by investing in any type of money market instruments and short-term debt securities or holding cash without regard to any percentage limitations. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets is used for defensive investing purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. Although the subadviser has the ability to take defensive positions, it may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions.
Other investments
The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other investments that are described, along with their risks, in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). However, the fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of investments described in this Prospectus or in the SAI.
Percentage and other limitations
The fund’s compliance with its investment limitations and requirements described in this Prospectus is usually determined at the time of investment. If such a percentage limitation is complied with at the time of an investment, any subsequent change resulting from a change in asset values or characteristics will not constitute a violation of that limitation.
 
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Selection process
The portfolio managers employ a two‑step stock selection process in their search for undervalued stocks of temporarily out of favor companies. First, the portfolio managers use proprietary models and fundamental research to try to identify stocks that are underpriced in the market relative to their fundamental value. Next, the portfolio managers look for a positive catalyst in the company’s near term outlook which the portfolio managers believe will accelerate earnings or improve the value of the company’s assets. The portfolio managers also emphasize companies in those sectors of the economy which the portfolio managers believe are undervalued relative to other sectors.
When evaluating an individual stock, the portfolio managers look for:
 
 
Low market valuations measured by the portfolio managers’ valuation models
 
Positive changes in earnings prospects because of factors such as:
 
   
New, improved or unique products and services
   
New or rapidly expanding markets for the company’s products
   
New management
   
Changes in the economic, financial, regulatory or political environment particularly affecting the company
   
Effective research, product development and marketing
   
A business strategy not yet recognized by the marketplace
The subadviser’s fundamental research analysts typically use their industry expertise to determine the material environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors facing both individual companies and industry sectors. The fundamental research analysts may also engage with company management regarding the extent to which they promote best practices of such factors. ESG factors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, environmentally-friendly product initiatives, labor audits of overseas supply chains and strong corporate governance. The choice of ESG factors for any particular company generally reflects the specific industry. At times, the ESG analysis may be performed by the portfolio managers. The subadviser may not assess every investment for ESG factors and, when it does, not every ESG factor may be identified or evaluated.
The fundamental research analysts (or portfolio managers, as applicable) typically use an established proprietary research and engagement process to determine a company’s profile on ESG issues. This includes generating an ESG rating, through its ESG ratings system, by assessing ESG factors, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This system has four rating levels: AAA, AA, A and B, assigned to companies based on performance on key ESG issues (such as health and safety, gender diversity, climate risk, corporate governance risk and data security), including performance relative to the companies’ industry peer set.
More on risks of investing in the fund
Following is more information on the principal risks summarized above and additional risks of investing in the fund.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange traded and over‑the‑counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.
Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID‑19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID‑19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID‑19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers.
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally been more volatile than those of large capitalization companies. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.
Large capitalization company risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors based on market and economic conditions. In addition, larger companies may not be able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges and industry changes. As a result, the fund’s value may not rise as much as, or may fall more than, the value of funds that focus on companies with smaller market capitalizations.
Small and mid‑capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies. Small and mid‑capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may have greater potential for losses.
Dividend-paying stock risk. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the stocks held by the fund will pay dividends in the future or that, if dividends are paid, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. The fund’s emphasis on dividend-paying stocks could cause the fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends or ability to pay dividends in the future. Dividend-paying stocks may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or economic downturn or other market or company-specific developments could cause a company to reduce or eliminate its dividend.
Illiquidity risk. Illiquidity risk exists when particular investments are impossible or difficult to sell. Although most of the fund’s investments must be liquid at the time of investment, investments may be or become illiquid after purchase by the fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. When the fund holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. The fund may experience heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, the fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.
Foreign investments risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investments in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile markets. The markets for some foreign securities are relatively new, and the rules and policies relating to these markets are not fully developed and may change. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, tariffs and trade disputes, economic sanctions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries.
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited. Foreign investments may also be adversely affected by U.S. government or
 
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international interventions, restrictions or economic sanctions, which could negatively affect the value of an investment or result in the fund selling an investment at a disadvantageous time.
The value of the fund’s foreign investments may also be affected by foreign tax laws, special U.S. tax considerations and restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non‑U.S. withholding or other taxes.
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer or other parties in the courts of a foreign country. Some securities issued by non‑U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. In the past, some non‑U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments.
If the fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, receives income in foreign currencies, or holds foreign currencies from time to time, the value of the fund’s assets, as measured in U.S. dollars, can be affected unfavorably by changes in exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic and political conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The fund may be unable or choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance of trades may experience delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. Settlement of trades in these markets can take longer than in other markets and the fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain securities for an extended period (possibly several weeks or even longer) due to, among other factors, low trading volumes and volatile prices. The custody or holding of securities, cash and other assets by local banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States may entail additional risks. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. Local agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In extreme cases, the fund’s securities may be misappropriated or the fund may be unable to sell its securities. In general, the less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
Valuation risk. Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, the fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of non‑U.S. securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets in which they are traded, but before the fund determines its net asset value. The fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.
Value investing risk. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued for long periods, undervaluation may become more severe, or perceived undervaluation may actually represent intrinsic value. Value stocks may underperform the overall equity market for an extended period while the market favors growth stocks. A value stock may not increase in price as anticipated by the subadviser if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value and bid up the price or the factors that the subadviser believes will increase the price of the security do not occur or do not have the anticipated effect. Value stocks may go in and out of favor over time and the subadviser may sell a security prior to the security realizing a gain in connection with changed market perception regarding the value of the security.
Portfolio management risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security, industry, sector or region, or about market movements, is incorrect or does not produce the desired results, or if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and data used by the subadviser. In addition, the fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the subadviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund.
Short sales risk. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the fund replaces the borrowed security, the fund will realize a loss, which may be substantial. A fund that engages in a short sale or short position may lose more money than the actual cost of the short sale or short position and its potential losses may be unlimited if the fund does not own the security sold short or the reference instrument and it is unable to close out of the short sale or short position.
Investment in other investment companies risk. Investments in other investment companies are subject to market and portfolio selection risk, as well as portfolio management risk. If the fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by LMPFA or its affiliates through waivers).
 
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Redemptions by affiliated funds and by other significant investors. The fund may be an investment option for mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by LMPFA and its affiliates, including Franklin Templeton investment managers, unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs and other investors with substantial investments in the fund. As a result, from time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions and could be required to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.
Cash management and defensive investing risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the cash will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash and the fund will not earn income on the cash. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets is used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. Defensive investing may not work as intended and the value of an investment in the fund may still decline.
Capital gain risk. As of the date of this Prospectus, a substantial portion of the fund’s net asset value is attributable to net unrealized capital gains on portfolio securities. If the fund realizes capital gains in excess of realized capital losses in any fiscal year, it generally expects to make capital gain distributions to shareholders. You may receive distributions that are attributable to appreciation of portfolio securities that happened before you made your investment. Unless you purchase shares through a tax‑advantaged account (such as an IRA or 401(k) plan), these distributions will be taxable to you even though they economically represent a return of a portion of your investment. You should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the fund.
Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expenses may be higher if the fund’s average net assets decrease, as a result of redemptions or otherwise, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations risk. ESG considerations are one of a number of factors that the subadviser examines when considering investments for the fund’s portfolio. In light of this, the issuers in which the fund invests may not be considered ESG‑focused issuers and may have lower or adverse ESG assessments. The subadviser may not assess every investment for ESG factors and, when it does, not every ESG factor may be identified or evaluated. The subadviser’s assessment of an issuer’s ESG factors is subjective and may differ from that of investors, third-party service providers (e.g., ratings providers) and other funds. As a result, securities selected by the subadviser may not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The subadviser also may be dependent on the availability of timely, complete and accurate ESG data reported by issuers and/or third party research providers, the timeliness, completeness and accuracy of which is out of the subadviser’s control. ESG factors are often not uniformly measured or defined, which could impact the subadviser’s ability to assess an issuer. While the subadviser views ESG considerations as having the potential to contribute to the fund’s long-term performance, there is no guarantee that such results will be achieved.
Operational risk. Your ability to transact with the fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including those due to cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the fund or to develop processes and controls that eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub‑custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.
Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Portfolio holdings
A description of the fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI. The fund posts its complete portfolio holdings at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (click on the name of the fund) on a quarterly basis. The fund intends to post
 
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its complete portfolio holdings 14 calendar days following the quarter‑end. The fund intends to post partial information concerning the fund’s portfolio holdings (such as top 10 holdings or sector breakdowns, for example) on the fund’s website on a monthly basis. The fund intends to post this partial information 10 business days following each month‑end. Such information will remain available until the next month’s or quarter’s holdings are posted.
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

More on fund management
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) is the fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund. As of September 30, 2022, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $171.5 billion.
ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge” or the “subadviser”) provides the day‑to‑day portfolio management of the fund, except for any portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments that is allocated to Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”). ClearBridge has offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 and is an investment adviser that manages U.S. and international equity investment strategies for institutional and individual investors. ClearBridge has been committed to delivering long-term results through active management for more than 60 years, and bases its investment decisions on fundamental research and the insights of seasoned portfolio management teams. As of September 30, 2022, ClearBridge’s total assets under management (including assets under management for ClearBridge, LLC, an affiliate of ClearBridge) were approximately $145.6 billion, including $27.4 billion for which ClearBridge provides non‑discretionary investment models to managed account sponsors.
Western Asset manages the portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments allocated to it. Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. As of September 30, 2022, the total assets under management of Western Asset and its supervised affiliates were approximately $371.7 billion.
LMPFA, ClearBridge and Western Asset are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin Resources”). Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as Franklin Templeton. As of September 30, 2022, Franklin Templeton’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.3 trillion.
Portfolio managers
Primary responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers. The portfolio managers have the ultimate authority to make portfolio decisions.
 
Portfolio manager   Title and recent biography   Portfolio manager of the fund since
Reed Cassady, CFA   Mr. Cassady is a Director and a Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge and has 15 years of industry experience. He joined ClearBridge in 2007. Mr. Cassady was previously a Senior Portfolio Analyst of ClearBridge. Mr. Cassady earned a B.A. in Music and an M.B.A., both from the College of William and Mary.   2021
Albert Grosman   Mr. Grosman is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge and has 29 years of industry experience. He joined ClearBridge in 2007. Mr. Grosman was formerly an equity analyst specializing in small and mid‑cap companies with Long Trail Investment Management, Phinity Capital, Cyllenius/BlackRock and Fidelity Management and Research. Mr. Grosman has an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.B.A. in Business Administration from Emory University.   2015
Sam Peters, CFA   Mr. Peters is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge and has 29 years of industry experience. He joined ClearBridge in 2005. Mr. Peters has an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Economics from the College of William and Mary.   2015
The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio managers, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and any fund shares held by the portfolio managers.
 
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Management fee
The fund pays a management fee at an annual rate that decreases as assets increase, as follows: 0.700% of assets up to and including $1.5 billion; 0.680% of assets over $1.5 billion and up to and including $2 billion; 0.650% of assets over $2 billion and up to and including $2.5 billion; 0.600% of assets over $2.5 billion and up to and including $3.5 billion; and 0.500% of assets over $3.5 billion.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fund paid LMPFA an effective management fee of 0.68% of the fund’s average daily net assets for management services. The effective management fee reflects any fees waived by the manager (including any fees waived in connection with investments by the fund in affiliated investment companies for which the fund paid a management fee).
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the fund’s management agreement and subadvisory agreements is available in the fund’s Annual Report for the period ended September 30, 2022.
Expense limitation
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.90% for Class C shares, 1.40% for Class R shares, 0.80% for Class I shares and 0.70% for Class IS shares, subject to recapture as described below. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares will not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements are expected to continue until December 31, 2024, may be terminated prior to that date by agreement of the manager and the Board, and may be terminated at any time after that date by the manager. These arrangements, however, may be modified by the manager to decrease total annual fund operating expenses at any time. The manager is also permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. This management fee waiver is not subject to the recapture provision discussed above.
Additional information
The fund enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the fund’s manager and the subadvisers, who provide services to the fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements.
This Prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the fund. The fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than rights conferred by federal or state securities laws.
Distribution
Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.
The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b‑1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets of up to 0.25% for Class A shares; up to 1.00% for Class C shares; and up to 0.50% for Class R shares. Payments by the fund under its plan go to the Distributor, financial intermediaries and other parties that provide services in connection with or are otherwise involved in the distribution of its shares or administration of plans or programs that use its shares as their funding medium, and to reimburse certain other expenses and payments. From time to time, the Distributor and/or financial intermediaries may agree to a reduction or waiver of these fees. These fees are an ongoing expense and, over time, will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges. Class I shares and Class IS shares are not subject to distribution and/or service fees under the plan.
Additional payments
In addition to payments made to intermediaries under the fund’s shareholder services and distribution plan and other payments made by the fund for shareholder services and/or recordkeeping, the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the Distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as Service Agents through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your Service Agent. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated between the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates, and the recipients of these payments.
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your Service Agent for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Additional information about revenue sharing payments is available in the SAI. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments by the fund under the shareholder services and distribution plan or for recordkeeping and/or shareholder services, also benefit the manager, the Distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
17
 

Choosing a share class
The fund offers multiple share classes. Each share class represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each has different availability (for example, not all Service Agents offer all share classes), eligibility criteria, expense structures and arrangements for shareholder services or distribution, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. You should read this section carefully and speak with your Service Agent (if applicable) to determine which share class is most appropriate for you. When choosing the appropriate share class, you should consider the following factors:
 
 
the amount you plan to invest;
 
the length of time you expect to own the shares;
 
the total costs associated with your investment, including any sales charges that you pay when you buy or sell fund shares and expenses that are paid out of fund assets over time;
 
whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of the sales charge;
 
the availability of the share class;
 
the services that will be available to you and whether you meet any eligibility criteria; and
 
the amount of compensation that your Service Agent will receive.
For example, when choosing between Class A or Class C shares, you should be aware that, generally speaking, the larger the size of your investment and the longer your investment horizon, the more likely it will be that Class C shares will not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and/or service fees on Class C shares may cost you more over the longer term than the front‑end sales charge and service fees you would pay for larger purchases of Class A shares. If you are eligible to purchase Class I shares, you should be aware that Class I shares are not subject to a front‑end sales charge or distribution or service fees and generally have lower annual expenses than Class A or Class C shares.
Generally speaking, Class A shares have lower annual operating expenses than Class C shares but not as low as Class I/Class IS shares. Overall, Class IS shares generally have the lowest annual expenses of all share classes.
More information about the fund’s classes of shares is available through the fund’s website. You’ll find detailed information, free of charge and in a clear and prominent format, about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges.
The fund’s shares are distributed by Franklin Distributors.
Share class features summary
The following table summarizes key features of the fund’s share classes. In addition, you should read carefully this Prospectus, including the fee table and the expense example at the front of this Prospectus before choosing your share class. If you are not purchasing shares directly from the fund, you should contact your Service Agent for help choosing a share class that may be appropriate for you. Capitalized terms used in the table have the definition given to them in this Prospectus.
 
     Minimum initial investments1   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred
sales charge
 
Annual distribution
and/or service (12b‑1)
fees
  Exchange privilege2   Conversion to Class A
shares
Class A  
Generally, $1,000 for all accounts except:
(i)   $25 if establishing a Systematic Investment Plan;
(ii) $250 for IRAs; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs and retirement plans
  Up to 5.50%; reduced or waived for large purchases and certain investors. No charge for purchases of $1 million or more   1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if you redeem within 18 months of purchase; waived for certain investors   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor   N/A
Class C  
Generally, $1,000 for all accounts except:
(i)   $25 if establishing a Systematic Investment Plan;
(ii) $250 for IRAs; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs and retirement plans
  None   1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class C shares of funds sold by the Distributor   Yes; generally converts to Class A in the month of, or the month following, the 8 year anniversary of the Class C share purchase date (conversion date occurs typically on a Friday in the middle of the month); please consult your Service Agent for more information
Class R   None   None   None   0.50% of average daily net assets   Class R shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Class I  
  $1,000,000;
  Waived for certain Service Agents with arrangements with the Distributor, Omnibus Retirement Plans and certain individuals affiliated with Legg Mason;
  However, investors investing through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers will be subject to the following minimums:
(i)   if investing through a Systematic Investment Plan, $25;
(ii) if an individual investor, $1,000; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs
  None   None   None   Class I shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
Class IS  
  $1,000,000;
  Waived for certain Service Agents with arrangements with the Distributor and Omnibus Retirement Plans
  However, investors investing through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers will be subject to the following minimums:
(i)   if investing through a Systematic Investment Plan, $25;
(ii) if an individual investor $1,000; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs
  None   None   None   Class IS shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
 
1 
Please note that the minimum initial investment amount must be met on a per class basis. In addition, your Service Agent may impose higher or lower investment minimums, or may impose no minimum investment requirement.
2
You or your Service Agent may instruct the fund to exchange shares of any class for shares of the same class of any other fund sold by the Distributor, provided that the fund shares to be acquired in the exchange are available to new investors in such other fund and that you are eligible to invest in such shares. For investors investing through retirement and benefit plans or fee‑based programs, you should contact your Service Agent that administers your plan or sponsors the fee‑based program to request an exchange. Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by the Distributor, remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. Please see the SAI for more details. In addition, you may exchange shares of the fund for another share class of the same fund if you meet the eligibility requirements of that particular class. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
* 
If this share class is not available, you may be eligible to exchange into a different share class of such fund; see “Exchanging shares — Exchangeability between funds without the same share class” below.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
19
 

Share class availability
You may buy shares of the fund either directly from the fund or through a Service Agent. Please note that your Service Agent may not offer all classes of shares since each Service Agent determines which share class(es) to make available to its clients. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than for selling another class, which may depend on, among other things, the type of investor account and the practices adopted by your Service Agent. Each class of shares, except Class IS shares, is authorized to pay fees for recordkeeping services, account servicing, networking, or similar services to Service Agents. As a result, operating expenses of classes that incur new or additional recordkeeping fees may increase over time. Certain Service Agents may impose their own investment fees and maintain their own practices for purchasing and selling fund shares, including higher or lower investment minimums or none at all; these practices are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI and will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the Service Agent. Your Service Agent may provide shareholder services that differ from the services provided by other Service Agents. Services provided by your Service Agent may vary by class.
Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other Service Agents may choose to impose qualification requirements that differ from the fund’s share class eligibility standards as stated in this Prospectus. In certain cases, this could result in the selection of a share class with higher distribution and/or service fees than otherwise would have been incurred. The fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or Service Agent to impose such differing requirements. Please consult with your plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or Service Agent for more information about available share classes.
Please contact your Service Agent about the availability of fund shares, the shareholder services it provides for each class, the compensation it receives in connection with the sale of each share class and the Service Agent’s practices and other information.
The following table provides information on the availability of each share class based on investor type, subject to the share class’ eligibility requirements. Your Service Agent can help you determine which share class is appropriate for you. The fund reserves the right to modify or waive the eligibility policies for share class availability at any time.
 
      A    C1    R    I    IS
Individual Investors               2, 3     2 
Omnibus Retirement Plans          1       
Individual Retirement Plans                   
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries             4     4 
Institutional Investors                 
 
1 
Shares are not available for purchase through accounts where the Distributor is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”).
2
Individual investors investing through a Service Agent may be eligible to invest in Class I or Class IS shares, if such Service Agent is acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor and such investor’s shares are held in an omnibus account on the books of the fund. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
3
Class I shares may be purchased directly from the fund by the following persons: (i) current employees of the manager and its affiliates; (ii) former employees of the manager and its affiliates with existing accounts; (iii) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Franklin Resources; (iv) current and former board members of Franklin Resources; and (v) the “immediate families” of such persons. “Immediate families” are such person’s spouse (including the surviving spouse of a deceased board member), parents, grandparents, and children and grandchildren (including step-relationships). For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. Current employees may purchase additional Class I shares through a systematic investment plan.
4
Investors who qualify as Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries or who participate in Eligible Investment Programs made available through their Service Agents (such as investors in fee‑based advisory or mutual fund “wrap” programs) are eligible to purchase, directly or via exchange, Class I or Class IS shares, among other share classes. In such cases your ability to hold Class I or Class IS shares may be premised on your continuing participation in a fee‑based advisory or mutual fund wrap program. Your Service Agent may reserve the right to redeem your Class I or Class IS shares or exchange your Class I or Class IS shares or exchange them for Class A shares of the same fund, as applicable, if you terminate your fee‑based advisory or mutual fund wrap program and are no longer eligible for Class I or Class IS shares. You may be subject to an initial sales charge in connection with such exchange, and you will be subject to the annual distribution and/or service fee applicable to Class A shares. Any redemption may generate a taxable gain or loss and significantly change the asset allocation of your account.
 
 
Omnibus Retirement Plans are retirement plans held on the books of the fund in a plan level or omnibus level account and include: (i) 401(k) plans; (ii) 457 plans; (iii) employer-sponsored 403(b) plans; (iv) profit-sharing plans; (v) non‑qualified deferred compensation plans; (vi) employer-sponsored benefit plans (including health savings accounts); (vii) defined benefit plans; (viii) other similar employer-sponsored retirement and benefit plans; (ix) individual retirement accounts that are administered on the same IRA recordkeeping platform and that invest in the fund through a single omnibus account pursuant to a special contractual arrangement with the fund or the Distributor; and (x) investors who rollover fund shares from a retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform. SIMPLE IRAs are considered Omnibus Retirement Plans if they are employer-sponsored and held at the plan level.
Individual Retirement Plans include: (i) retirement plans investing through brokerage accounts; (ii) certain retirement plans with direct relationships to the fund that are not Institutional Investors nor investing through omnibus accounts; and (iii) individual retirement vehicles not held through an omnibus account, such as: (a) traditional and Roth IRAs; (b) Coverdell education savings accounts; (c) individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts; (d) Keogh plans; (e) SEPs; (f) SARSEPs; and (g) SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts. Individual Retirement Plans include plans held at the individual participant level. Individual Retirement Plans are treated like individual investors for purposes of determining sales charges and any applicable sales charge reductions or waivers.
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

 
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries include: investors who invest in the fund through Service Agents that (a) charge such investors an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (b) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Class A, Class C, Class R, Class I or Class IS shares through a no‑load network or platform (including college savings vehicles) (“Eligible Investment Programs”). These investors may include (i) investors who invest in the fund through the program of a Service Agent where the investor typically invests $10 million or more in assets under management in accounts with the Service Agent (“Management Accounts”); (ii) pension and profit sharing plans; (iii) other employee benefit trusts; (iv) endowments; (v) foundations; (vi) corporations; (vii) college savings vehicles such as Section 529 plans; and (viii) direct retail investment platforms through mutual fund “supermarkets,” where the sponsor links its client’s account (including IRA accounts on such platforms) to a master account in the sponsor’s name.
Institutional Investors may include: (i) corporations; (ii) banks; (iii) trust companies; (iv) insurance companies; (v) investment companies; (vi) foundations; (vii) endowments; and (viii) other similar entities. The Distributor or the Service Agent may impose additional eligibility requirements or criteria to determine if an investor, including the types of investors listed above, qualifies as an Institutional Investor.
To visit the website, go to www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Additional information about each share class
Class A shares
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net asset value per share plus the applicable sales charge, unless you qualify for a sales charge waiver.
Sales charges
The following table shows the front‑end sales charge that you may pay, depending on the amount you purchase. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to certain levels called breakpoints. You do not pay a sales charge on the fund’s distributions or dividends that you reinvest in additional Class A shares.
It also shows the amount of compensation that will be paid to your Service Agent out of the sales charge if you buy shares from a Service Agent. As shown below, the sales charge may be allocated between your Service Agent and the Distributor. Service Agents will receive a distribution and/or service fee payable on Class A shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares serviced by them.
The Distributor may not pay Service Agents selling Class A shares to Omnibus Retirement Plans a commission on the purchase price of Class A shares sold by them. However, for Omnibus Retirement Plans that are permitted to purchase shares at net asset value, the Distributor may pay Service Agents commissions of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class A shares that are purchased with regular ongoing plan contributions. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
 
Amount of investment   
Sales charge
as a % of
offering price
    
Sales charge
as a % of net
amount
invested
    
Service Agent
commission as
a % of
offering price
 
Less than $25,000      5.50        5.82        5.00  
$25,000 but less than $50,000      5.25        5.54        4.75  
$50,000 but less than $100,000      4.50        4.71        4.00  
$100,000 but less than $250,000      3.50        3.63        3.00  
$250,000 but less than $500,000      2.50        2.56        2.25  
$500,000 but less than $750,000      2.00        2.04        1.75  
$750,000 but less than $1 million      1.50        1.52        1.25  
$1 million or more1      -0-        -0-        up to 1.00  
1 
The Distributor may pay a commission of up to 1.00% to a Service Agent for purchase amounts of $1 million or more. In such cases, starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, the Service Agent will also receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares held by its clients. Prior to the thirteenth month, the Distributor will retain this fee. Where the Service Agent does not receive the payment of this commission, the Service Agent will instead receive the annual distribution and/or service fee starting immediately after purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
21
 

Reductions, waivers or elimination of sales charges for Class A shares
Larger purchases
You may reduce or eliminate your Class A front‑end sales charge by purchasing greater quantities. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to the breakpoint levels indicated in the chart above. You do not pay an initial sales charge when you buy $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares. However, if you redeem these Class A shares within 18 months of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Please see “Contingent deferred sales charges—Class A and Class C shares” below.
Letter of intent and accumulation privilege
There are several ways you can combine Eligible Purchases (as defined below) within Eligible Accounts (as defined below) to take advantage of the breakpoints in the Class A sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that may be available to you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or the fund if you believe you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation. Whether you made Eligible Purchases through one or more Service Agents, directly from the fund or through a combination of the foregoing, it is your responsibility to inform your Service Agent or the fund if you own Eligible Purchases that you believe are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. If you do not do so, you may not receive all sales charge reductions for which you are eligible. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for a reduced sales charge.
Eligible Purchases include: (i) any class of shares of any other Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund other than shares of such funds offered through separately managed accounts that are managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton; and (ii) units of a Section 529 Plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton. For purposes of a letter of intent and the accumulation privilege, Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, and Western Asset funds. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust or Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust (except for shares held in Distributor Accounts). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Eligible Accounts include shares of Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds registered to (or held by a financial intermediary for):
 
 
You, individually;
 
Your “family member,” defined as your spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, or your children;
 
You jointly with one or more family members;
 
You jointly with one or more persons who are not family members if that other person has not included the value of the jointly-owned shares for purposes of the accumulation privilege (as described below) for that person’s separate investments in Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund shares;
 
A Coverdell Education Savings account for which you or a family member is the identified responsible person;
 
A trustee/custodian of an IRA (which includes a Roth IRA and an employer sponsored IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA) or your non‑ERISA covered 403(b) plan account, if the shares are registered/recorded under your or a family member’s Social Security number;
 
A 529 college savings plan over which you or a family member has investment discretion and control;
 
Any entity over which you or a family member has individual or shared authority, as principal, has investment discretion and control (for example, an UGMA/UTMA account for a child on which you or a family member is the custodian, a trust on which you or a family member is the trustee, a business account (not to include retirement plans) for your solely owned business (or the solely owned business of a family member) on which you or a family member is the authorized signer); or
 
A trust established by you or a family member as grantor.
Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton fund shares held through an administrator or trustee/custodian of an Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (see definition below) such as a 401(k) plan do not qualify for the accumulation privilege.
Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton fund assets held in multiple Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans (as defined below) may be combined in order to qualify for sales charge breakpoints at the plan level if the plans are sponsored by the same employer.
An “Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan” is a Qualified Retirement Plan (as defined below), ERISA covered 403(b) plan or certain non‑qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to a Qualified Retirement Plan, such as 457 plans and executive deferred compensation arrangements, but not including employer sponsored IRAs. A “Qualified Retirement Plan” is an employer sponsored pension or profit sharing plan that qualifies under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, including 401(k), money purchase pension, profit sharing and defined benefit plans.
 
 
Letter of intent. You may qualify for a reduced front‑end sales charge by signing a “Letter of Intent”. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the value that you intend to purchase within the next 13 months, which would, if bought all at once, qualify you for a reduced sales charge. In addition, current holdings under the accumulation privilege may be included in the Letter of Intent. Shares or units redeemed or sold prior to reaching the threshold for a reduced sales charge will not be counted for these purposes. The 13‑month period begins when the Letter of Intent is received by the fund or your Service Agent and you must inform your Service Agent or the fund that later purchases are subject to a Letter of Intent. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility. If you
 
 
22
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

 
hold Eligible Purchases in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agent to determine which shares/units may be credited toward the Letter of Intent. Certain directors, trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.
During the term of the Letter of Intent, the fund will hold Class A shares representing up to 5% of the indicated amount in an escrow account for payment of the sales charge due if you do not meet the intended asset level goal during the 13‑month term of the Letter of Intent. If the full amount is not purchased during the 13‑month period, shares in the amount of any sales charge due, based on the amount of actual purchases will be redeemed from your account.
 
 
Accumulation privilege. The accumulation privilege allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the dollar amount of your next purchase of Class A shares in determining whether you qualify for a breakpoint and a reduced front‑end sales charge. The current value of shares is determined by multiplying the number of shares as of the day prior to your current purchase by their public offering price. The cost value of shares is determined by aggregating the amount of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation), less any withdrawals, as of the date prior to your current purchase. The cost value of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts, however, may only be aggregated for share purchases that took place within 18 months of your current purchase or your letter of intent start date, if applicable. You must inform your Service Agent or the fund if you are eligible for the accumulation privilege and of the other Eligible Purchases you own that are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility. If you hold Eligible Purchases in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agent to determine which Eligible Purchases may be credited toward the accumulation privilege.
Waivers for certain Class A investors
Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:
 
 
Shareholders investing in Class A shares through Distributor Accounts
 
Investors who redeemed at least the same amount of Class A shares of a fund sold by the Distributor in the past 90 days, if the investor’s Service Agent is notified
 
Directors and officers of any Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund
 
Employees of Franklin Resources and its subsidiaries
 
Investors investing through certain retirement plans
 
Investors who rollover fund shares from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform
If you qualify for a waiver of the Class A initial sales charge, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 at the time of purchase and provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the initial sales charge waiver.
Different Service Agents may impose different sales loads or offer different ways to reduce sales loads. These variations are described at the end of this Prospectus in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”
For additional information regarding waivers of Class A initial sales charges, contact your Service Agent or the fund, consult the SAI or visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Class C shares
You buy Class C shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class C shares within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Omnibus Retirement Plans may not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
Except as noted below, the Distributor generally will pay Service Agents selling Class C shares a commission of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares they sell. The Distributor will retain the contingent deferred sales charges and an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by these Service Agents until the thirteenth month after purchase. Starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, these Service Agents will receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them. The Distributor may not pay Service Agents selling Class C shares to Omnibus Retirement Plans a commission on the purchase price of Class C shares sold by them. Instead, immediately after purchase, the Distributor may pay these Service Agents an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.
Class C share conversion
Except as noted below, Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares after the shares have been held for 8 years from the purchase date; the shares will be converted in the month of, or the month following the 8‑year anniversary of purchase. The monthly conversion processing date typically occurs around the middle of every month and generally falls on a Friday. It is the responsibility of your Service Agent and not the fund or the Distributor to ensure that you are credited with the proper holding period. If your Service Agent does not have records verifying that your shares have been held for at least 8 years, your Service Agent may not convert your Class C shares to Class A shares. Group retirement plans held in an omnibus
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
23
 

recordkeeping platform through a Service Agent that does not track participant-level share lot aging may not convert Class C shares to Class A shares. Customers of certain Service Agents may be subject to different terms or conditions, as set by their Service Agent, in connection with such conversions. Please refer to the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents” on page A‑1 of this Prospectus or contact your Service Agent for more information.
For Class C shares that have been acquired through an exchange from another fund sold by the Distributor, the purchase date is calculated from the date the shares were originally acquired in the other fund. When Class C shares that a shareholder acquired through a purchase or exchange convert, any other Class C shares that the shareholder acquired as reinvested dividends and distributions related to those shares also will convert into Class A shares on a pro rata basis.
All conversions from Class C shares to Class A shares will be based on the per share net asset value without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares is not considered a taxable event for federal income tax purposes.
Contingent deferred sales charges – Class A and Class C shares
The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less, and therefore you do not pay a sales charge on amounts representing appreciation or depreciation.
In addition, you do not pay a contingent deferred sales charge:
 
 
When you exchange shares for shares of the same share class of another fund sold by the Distributor
 
On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends
 
On shares no longer subject to the contingent deferred sales charge
Each time you place a request to redeem shares, the fund will first redeem any shares in your account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and then redeem the shares in your account that have been held the longest.
If you redeem shares of a fund sold by the Distributor and pay a contingent deferred sales charge, you may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 90 days in any other fund sold by the Distributor and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for additional information.
The Distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for its expenses in selling shares, including the payment of compensation to your Service Agent.
Contingent deferred sales charge waivers
The contingent deferred sales charge for each share class will generally be waived:
 
 
On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans
 
On certain distributions from a retirement plan
 
For certain Omnibus Retirement Plans
 
For involuntary redemptions of small account balances
 
For 12 months following the death or disability of a shareholder
 
On redemptions with respect to investors where the Distributor did not pay the Service Agent a commission
To have your contingent deferred sales charge waived, you or your Service Agent must let the fund know at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver.
Different Service Agents may offer different contingent deferred sales charge waivers. These variations are described at the end of this Prospectus in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”
For additional information regarding waivers of contingent deferred sales charges, contact your Service Agent or the fund, consult the SAI or visit the fund’s website, www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Class R shares
You buy Class R shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.
Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class R shares serviced by them.
Class I and Class IS shares
You buy Class I or Class IS shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge, no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed and no asset-based fee for sales or distribution. However, if you purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting solely as an agent on behalf of
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

its customers pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor, that Service Agent may charge you a commission in an amount determined and separately disclosed to you by the Service Agent.
Because the fund is not a party to any commission arrangement between you and your Service Agent, any purchases and redemptions of Class I or Class IS shares will be made by the fund at the applicable net asset value (before imposition of the sales commission). Any commissions charged by a Service Agent are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table or expense example in this Prospectus nor are they reflected in the performance in the bar chart and table in this Prospectus because these commissions are not charged by the fund.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
25
 

Buying shares
 
   
Generally   
You may buy shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your purchase request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge.
 
The fund may not be available for sale in certain states. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether the fund is available for sale in their state of residence.
 
You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:
 
   Name of fund being bought
 
   Class of shares being bought
 
   Dollar amount or number of shares being bought (as applicable)
 
   Account number (if existing account)
Through a Service Agent   
You should contact your Service Agent to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.
Through the
fund
  
Investors should contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
For initial purchases, complete and send your account application to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
Subsequent purchases should be sent to the same address. Enclose a check to pay for the shares. The fund will accept checks from other fund families and investment companies as long as the registration name on your fund account is the same as that listed on the check.
Through a systematic investment plan   
You may authorize your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent to transfer funds automatically from (i) a regular bank account, (ii) cash held in a brokerage account with a Service Agent, (iii) another fund sold by the Distributor or (iv) certain money market funds, in order to buy shares on a regular basis.
 
   Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
   If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, you may be charged a fee
 
   For amounts transferred from other funds sold by the Distributor, please see the section titled “Exchanging shares—Through a systematic exchange plan” in such fund’s prospectus
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund, or consult the SAI.
Franklin Templeton
VIP Services®
   You may be eligible for Franklin Templeton VIP Services® if you currently have $500,000 or more invested in Franklin Templeton affiliated funds based solely on shares registered directly with the fund and excluding shares held indirectly through brokerage accounts. Franklin Templeton VIP Services® shareholders enjoy enhanced services and transaction capabilities. Please contact Shareholder Services at (800) 632‑2301 for additional information on this program.
Additional information about purchases
If you pay with a check or electronic transfer (ACH) that does not clear or if your payment is not received in a timely manner, your purchase may be cancelled and you may be liable for any loss to the fund. Please note that the fund will not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, pre‑paid debit cards, non‑bank money orders, traveler’s checks or checks drawn on foreign
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

banks for purchase of fund shares. The fund and its agents have the right to reject or cancel any purchase due to nonpayment.
Account registration changes
Changes in registration or certain account options for accounts held directly with the fund must be made in writing. Medallion signature guarantees may be required. (See “Other things to know about transactions—Medallion signature guarantees” below.) All correspondence must include the account number and must be sent to one of the following addresses:
Regular Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund  
 
27

Exchanging shares
 
   
Generally   
You or your Service Agent may instruct the fund to exchange shares of any class for shares of the same class of any other fund sold by the Distributor, provided that the fund shares to be acquired in the exchange are available to new investors in such other fund and you are eligible to invest in such shares. Additionally, if the fund into which you wish to exchange your shares does not offer the class of shares in which you are currently invested, you may be able to exchange for a different share class (see “Exchangeability between funds without the same share class” below).
 
In addition, you may exchange shares of a fund for a different share class of the same fund provided you meet the eligibility requirements of the share class into which you are exchanging. You may exchange shares of the fund for the same class of shares (or a different share class, if permitted) of other funds sold by the Distributor on any day that both the fund and the fund into which you are exchanging are open for business. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
 
An exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another fund is considered a sale and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax‑advantaged account. An exchange of shares of one class directly for shares of another class of the same fund normally should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should talk to your tax professional before making an exchange.
 
The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short-term trading. The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges.
   
Exchangeability between funds without the same share class    If the fund you are exchanging into does not offer your share class, you may be able to exchange your shares for a different share class.
 
  Exchange from share class    Exchangeable for
   
  Class I    Class A shares of Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund, Advisor Class or Class Z
  Class IS    Advisor Class, Class Z or Class R6
  Class R    Class FI
 
   
Franklin Templeton offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of large and small investors   
You may exchange shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your exchange request in good order.
 
   If you bought shares through a Service Agent, contact your Service Agent to learn which funds your Service Agent makes available to you for exchanges
   If you bought shares directly from the fund, contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 to learn which funds are available to you for exchanges
 
   Generally, exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations, unless you send written instructions with a signature guarantee
 
   Not all funds offer all classes
 
   Some funds are offered only in a limited number of states. Your Service Agent or the fund will provide information about the funds offered in your state
 
Always be sure to read the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging shares.
   
Investment minimums, sales charges and other requirements   
   In most instances, your shares will not be subject to an initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. You may be charged an initial or contingent deferred sales charge if the shares being exchanged were not subject to a sales charge
 
   Except as noted above, your contingent deferred sales charge (if any) will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase of shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and you will be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge of the fund that you originally purchased
 
   You will generally be required to meet the minimum investment requirement for the class of shares of the fund or share class into which your exchange is made (except in the case of systematic exchange plans or in exchanges of an entire account balance)
 
   Your exchange will also be subject to any other requirements of the fund or share class into which you are exchanging shares
 
   The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

   
By telephone
   Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 for information. Exchanges are priced at the net asset value next determined. Telephone exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations and may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
   
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
   
Through a systematic exchange plan   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic exchanges of shares of the fund for shares of other funds available for exchange. All requirements for exchanging shares described above apply to these exchanges. In addition:
   Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually
 
   Each exchange must meet the applicable investment minimums for systematic investment plans (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund  
 
29

Redeeming shares
 
   
Generally   
You may redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent of your redemption request in good order, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Redemptions made through your Service Agent may be subject to transaction fees or other conditions as set by your Service Agent.
 
If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, partnership or similar entity, other documents may be required.
   
Redemption proceeds   
Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within 2 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)). If you make a redemption request before the fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares, the fund may delay your proceeds until payment is collected, for up to 10 days.
 
Your redemption proceeds may be delayed, or your right to receive redemption proceeds suspended beyond 7 days, if the NYSE is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
 
If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds may be sent to your Service Agent. Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire or electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account designated by you. To change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers, you will be required to deliver a new written authorization and may be asked to provide other documents. You may be charged a fee by your bank on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).
 
In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.
 
Under normal circumstances, the fund expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio and/or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. The fund also may pay redemption proceeds using cash obtained through borrowing arrangements that may be available from time to time.
 
The fund may pay all or a portion of your redemption proceeds by giving you securities (for example, if the fund reasonably believes that a cash redemption may have a substantial impact on the fund and its remaining shareholders). You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities, and you may receive less for them than the price at which they were valued for purposes of the redemption.
 
During periods of deteriorating or stressed market conditions, when an increased portion of the fund’s portfolio may be comprised of investments that have lower liquidity, or during extraordinary or emergency circumstances, the fund may be more likely to pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements (if available) or by giving you securities.
   
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
 
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
   
    
Your written request must provide the following:
   The fund name, the class of shares being redeemed and your account number
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered
 
   Medallion signature guarantees, as applicable (see “Other things to know about transactions”)
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

   
By telephone   
If your account application permits, you may be eligible to redeem shares by telephone. Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 for more information. Please have the following information ready when you call:
   Name of fund being redeemed
 
   Class of shares being redeemed
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Account number
   
Systematic withdrawal plans   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic redemptions of a portion of your shares. To qualify, you must own shares of the fund with a value of at least $5,000 and each automatic redemption must be at least $50 per transaction per month. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the minimum withdrawal amounts will not apply.
 
The following conditions apply:
 
   Redemptions may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Redemptions may be processed on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month, if no day is indicated, redemptions will be made on the 20th day of the month.
 
   If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be required to be paid upon redemption. However, the charge will be waived if your automatic redemptions do not exceed 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account’s net asset value, depending on the frequency of your plan.
 
   Your Service Agent may impose a lower minimum amount for each automatic redemption on a monthly and quarterly basis.
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund  
 
31

Other things to know about transactions
When you buy, exchange or redeem shares, your request must be in good order. This means you have provided the following information, without which your request may not be processed:
 
 
Name of the fund
 
Your account number
 
In the case of a purchase (including a purchase as part of an exchange transaction), the class of shares being bought
 
In the case of an exchange or redemption, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed (if you own more than one class)
 
Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed
 
In certain circumstances, the signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (see “Redeeming shares”)
In certain circumstances, such as during periods of market volatility, severe weather and emergencies, shareholders may experience difficulties placing exchange or redemption orders by telephone. In that case, shareholders should consider using the fund’s other exchange and redemption procedures described under “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares.”
The transfer agent or the fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that any telephone, electronic or other exchange or redemption request is genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification information, employing identification numbers, sending you a written confirmation or requiring other confirmation procedures from time to time. If these procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions, subject to applicable law.
The fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or private delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such delivery services, or receipt at the fund’s post office box, of purchase requests or redemption orders, do not constitute receipt by the fund or its transfer agent.
The fund has the right to:
 
 
Suspend the offering of shares permanently or for a period of time
 
Waive or change minimum initial and additional investment amounts
 
Reject any purchase or exchange order
 
Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege
 
Suspend telephone transactions
 
Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted or as otherwise permitted by the SEC
 
Redeem shares if information provided in the application should prove to be incorrect in any manner judged by the fund to be material (e.g., in a manner such as to render the shareholder ineligible to purchase shares of that class)
 
Delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days if, in the judgment of the subadviser, the fund could be adversely affected by immediate payment. The fund may delay redemptions beyond seven days, or suspend redemptions, only as permitted by the SEC or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
 
Close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state
For your protection, the fund or your Service Agent may request additional information in connection with large redemptions, unusual activity in your account, or otherwise to ensure your redemption request is in good order. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Medallion signature guarantees
To be in good order, you may be asked to include a Medallion signature guarantee with your redemption request if you:
 
 
are redeeming shares and sending the proceeds to an address or bank account not currently on file or to an account in another fund sold by the Distributor with a different account registration
 
are redeeming more than $250,000 worth of shares
 
changed your account registration or your address within 15 calendar days
 
want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)
 
are transferring the redemption proceeds to an account with a different registration
For other types of transactions involving changes to your account registration information, please contact the fund or your Service Agent.
When a Medallion signature guarantee is called for, the shareholder should have a Medallion signature guarantee stamped under his or her signature. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings and
 
 
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    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

loan institutions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations and clearing agencies (each an “Eligible Guarantor Institution”), but not from a notary public.
The fund and its agents reserve the right to reject any Medallion signature guarantee pursuant to written signature guarantee standards or procedures, which may be revised in the future to permit them to reject Medallion signature guarantees from Eligible Guarantor Institutions. The fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders.
Restrictions on the availability of the fund outside the United States
The distribution of this Prospectus and the offering of shares of the fund are restricted in certain jurisdictions. This Prospectus is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful, where the person making an offer or solicitation is not authorized to make it or a person receiving an offer or solicitation may not lawfully receive it or may not lawfully invest in the fund. Investors should inform themselves as to the legal requirements within their own country before investing in the fund.
This Prospectus, and the offer of shares hereunder, are not directed at persons outside the United States. In particular, the fund is not intended to be marketed to prospective investors in any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (collectively, the “European Economic Area” or “EEA”). No notification or application has been made to the competent authority of any member state of the EEA under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (or any applicable legislation or regulations made thereunder) to market the fund to investors in the EEA and it is not intended that any such notification or application shall be made.
U.S. citizens with addresses in the United States, and non‑U.S. citizens who reside in the United States and have U.S. addresses, are permitted to establish accounts with the fund. For these purposes, the “United States” and “U.S.” include U.S. territories.
The fund generally does not permit persons who do not reside in the United States or who do not have U.S. addresses to establish accounts. Therefore, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, as well as non‑U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, generally will not be permitted to establish accounts with the fund.
For further information, you or your Service Agent may contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863.
Anti-money laundering
Federal anti-money laundering regulations require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you sign your account application, you may be asked to provide additional information in order for the fund to verify your identity in accordance with these regulations. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g. partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you may also be required to supply the identity of the beneficial owners and a control individual with management authority, prior to the opening of your account. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations.
Small account fees/Mandatory redemptions
Small accounts may be subject to a small account fee or to mandatory redemption, as described below. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for information on the policy applicable to your account.
Small account fees
To offset the relatively higher impact on fund expenses of servicing smaller accounts, the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by your Service Agent or by the Distributor for Distributor Accounts on the next‑to‑last business day of the quarter (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account) if the value of your account is below $1,000 (if applicable, $250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored) for any reason (including declines in net asset value). The small account fee will be charged by redeeming shares in your account. If the value of your account is $3.75 or less, the amount in the account may be exhausted to pay the small account fee. If your Service Agent or the Distributor assesses a small account fee, the small account fee will not be assessed on systematic investment plans until the end of the first quarter after the account has been established for 21 months. Payment of the small account fee through a redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
The small account fee will not be charged on, if applicable: (i) retirement plans (but will be charged on other plans that are not employer-sponsored such as traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts, Coverdell education savings accounts, individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, Keogh plans, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts); (ii) Legg Mason funds that have been closed to subsequent purchases for all classes; (iii) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents; (iv) Class R, Class I and Class IS shares; and (v) for new accounts (except for new accounts opened by way of an exchange), a small account fee will not be charged during the calendar quarter in which you open your account.
If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount (although you may exchange into existing accounts of other funds sold by the Distributor in which you hold the same share class, to the extent otherwise permitted by those funds and subject to any applicable sales charges).
The small account fee is calculated on a fund‑by‑fund basis. If you have accounts in multiple funds, they will not be aggregated for the purpose of calculating the small account fee.
Some shareholders who hold accounts in Classes A and C of the same fund may have those accounts aggregated for the purposes of these calculations. Please contact the fund or your Service Agent for more information.
Small account balance liquidations
The fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to a minimum investment amount determined by your Service Agent if your account has been open for more than one year and the aggregate value of the fund shares in your account is less than $500. You will be notified in writing and will have 30 days to make an additional investment to bring your account value up to the required level. If you choose not to do so within this 30‑day period, the fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. You will not be charged a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable, if your account is closed for this reason. If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
33
 

If your account is closed, you will not be eligible to have your account reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information. Any redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
This policy does not apply to: (i) certain broker-controlled accounts established through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Networking system; (ii) Class A accounts established pursuant to a conversion from Class C or C1, and any remaining Class C or C1 accounts involved in the conversion with a low balance due to the conversion; (iii) tax‑deferred retirement plan accounts; (iv) accounts with an active systematic investment plan; (v) accounts held through a 529 college saving program; (vi) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents, (vii) Coverdell Education Saving Plan accounts; and (viii) accounts identified to us by the applicable Service Agent as being fee‑based accounts.
General
The fund may, with prior notice, change the minimum size of accounts subject to mandatory redemption, which may vary by class, implement fees for other small accounts or change the amount of the fee for small direct accounts.
Subject to applicable law, the fund may, with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
Frequent trading of fund shares
The Board has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to frequent trading in fund shares (“Frequent Trading Policy”).
The fund does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares that may be detrimental to the fund. For example, this type of trading activity could interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio or materially increase the fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes.
In addition, since the fund invests in foreign securities, it may be vulnerable to a form of short-term trading that is sometimes referred to as “time-zone arbitrage.” Time-zone arbitrage occurs when an investor seeks to take advantage of delays between changes in the value of a mutual fund’s portfolio holdings and the reflection of those changes in the fund’s net asset value per share. These delays are more likely to occur in the case of foreign investments, due to differences between the times during which the fund’s international portfolio securities trade on foreign markets and the time as of which the fund’s net asset value is calculated (generally as of the close of the NYSE). Time-zone arbitrage traders seek to purchase or redeem shares of a fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before calculation of the fund’s net asset value. This can result in the value of the fund’s shares being diluted. One of the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibility of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Since the fund may invest in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid (“relatively illiquid securities”), it may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage short-term trading. Such arbitrage traders may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the fund’s net asset value and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of
the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Through its transfer agent, the fund performs ongoing monitoring of shareholder trading in shares of the fund and other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds in order to try and identify shareholder trading patterns that suggest an ongoing short-term trading strategy. If shareholder trading patterns identified by the transfer agent through monitoring or from other information regarding the shareholder’s trading activity in non‑Franklin Templeton affiliated funds leads the transfer agent to reasonably conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the fund as described in this Frequent Trading Policy, the transfer agent, on behalf of 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 you 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 patterns, the fund may consider, among other factors, the investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the fund, in other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds, in non‑Franklin Templeton affiliated mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership. The transfer agent may also reject any purchase request, whether or not it represents part of any ongoing trading pattern, if the manager or the fund’s transfer agent reasonably concludes that the amount of the requested transaction may disrupt or otherwise interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio. In determining what actions should be taken, the fund’s transfer agent may consider a variety of factors, including the potential impact of such remedial actions on the fund and its shareholders. If the fund is a “fund of funds,” the fund’s transfer agent may consider the impact of the trading activity and of any proposed remedial action on both the fund and the affiliated underlying funds in which the fund invests.
 
 
34
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Frequent trading through financial intermediaries. You are an investor subject to this Frequent Trading Policy whether you are a direct shareholder of the fund or you are investing indirectly in the fund through a financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, bank, trust company, insurance company product such as an annuity contract, investment advisor, or an administrator or trustee of an IRS‑recognized tax‑deferred savings plan such as a 401(k) retirement plan and a 529 college savings plan.
Some financial intermediaries maintain master accounts with the fund on behalf of their customers (“omnibus accounts”). The fund has entered into “information sharing agreements” with these financial intermediaries, which permit the fund to obtain, upon request, information about the trading activity of the intermediary’s customers that invest in the fund. If the fund’s transfer agent identifies omnibus account level trading patterns that have the potential to be detrimental to the fund, the transfer agent may, in its sole discretion, request from the financial intermediary information concerning the trading activity of its customers. Based upon its review of the information, if the transfer agent determines that the trading activity of any customer may be detrimental to the fund, it may, in its sole discretion, request the financial intermediary to restrict or limit further trading in the fund by that customer. There can be no assurance that the transfer agent’s monitoring of omnibus account level trading patterns will enable it to identify all short-term trading by a financial intermediary’s customers.
Record ownership
If you hold shares through a Service Agent, your Service Agent may establish and maintain your account and be the shareholder of record. In the event that the fund holds a shareholder meeting, your Service Agent, as record holder, will be entitled to vote your shares and may seek voting instructions from you. If you do not give your Service Agent voting instructions, your Service Agent, under certain circumstances, may nonetheless be entitled to vote your shares.
Confirmations and account statements
If you bought shares directly from the fund, you will receive a confirmation from the fund after each transaction (except a reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, an investment made through the Systematic Investment Plan, exchanges made through a systematic exchange plan and withdrawals made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan). Shareholders will receive periodic account statements.
To assist you in the management of your account you may direct the transfer agent to send copies of your confirmations and/or periodic statements to another party whom you designate, at no charge.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
35
 

Dividends, other distributions and taxes
Dividends and other distributions
The fund generally pays dividends and distributes capital gain, if any, once in December and at such other times as are necessary. Shares will generally begin to earn dividends on the settlement date of purchase. The fund may pay additional distributions and dividends in order to avoid a federal tax.
You can elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash.
Unless you elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash, your dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in shares of the same class you hold, at the net asset value determined on the reinvestment date. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends.
If you hold shares directly with the fund and you elect to receive dividends and/or distributions in cash, you have the option to receive such dividends and/or distributions via a direct deposit to your bank account or by check.
If you hold Class A or Class C shares directly with the fund, you may instruct the fund to have your dividends and/or distributions invested in the corresponding class of shares of another fund sold by the Distributor (excluding Western Asset Government Reserves), subject to the following conditions:
 
 
You meet the minimum initial investment requirement of the other fund; and
 
 
The other fund is available for sale in your state.
To change those instructions, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at least three days before the next distribution is to be paid.
Please contact your Service Agent or the fund to discuss what options are available to you for receiving your dividends and other distributions.
The Board reserves the right to revise the dividend policy or postpone the payment of dividends, if warranted in the Board’s judgment, due to unusual circumstances.
Taxes
The following discussion is very general, applies only to shareholders who are U.S. persons, and does not address shareholders subject to special rules, such as those who hold fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax‑advantaged account. Except as specifically noted, the discussion is limited to federal income tax matters, and does not address state, local, foreign or non‑income taxes. Further information regarding taxes, including certain federal income tax considerations relevant to non‑U.S. persons, is included in the SAI. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local and/or foreign tax considerations that may be relevant to your particular situation.
In general, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares or shares of another fund) are all taxable events. An exchange between classes of shares of the same fund normally is not taxable for federal income tax purposes, whether or not the shares are held in a taxable account.
The following table summarizes the tax status of certain transactions related to the fund.
 
Transaction   Federal income tax status
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares are owned more than one year
Dividends of investment income and distributions of net short-term capital gain   Ordinary income, or in certain cases qualified dividend income
Distributions of net capital gain (excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss)
  Long-term capital gain if reported as capital gain dividends by the fund
Distributions of investment income that the fund reports as “qualified dividend income” may be eligible to be taxed to noncorporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if certain requirements are satisfied. Distributions of net capital gain reported by the fund as capital gain dividends are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. Noncorporate shareholders ordinarily pay tax at reduced rates on long-term capital gain.
If the fund realizes capital gains in excess of realized capital losses in any fiscal year, it generally expects to make capital gain distributions to shareholders. You may receive distributions that are attributable to appreciation of portfolio securities that happened before you made your investment but had not been realized at the time you made your investment, or that are attributable to capital gains or other income that, although realized by the fund, had not yet been distributed at the time you made your investment. Unless you purchase shares through a tax‑advantaged account, these distributions will be taxable to you even though they economically represent a return of a portion of your investment. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a dividend or capital gain distribution. You should consult your tax professional before buying shares no matter when you are investing.
 
 
36
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

A Medicare contribution tax is imposed at the rate of 3.8% on all or a portion of net investment income of U.S. individuals if their income exceeds specified thresholds and on all or a portion of undistributed net investment income of certain estates and trusts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the fund and gain on the redemption or exchange of fund shares.
A dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year will, in certain circumstances, be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.
The fund’s investment in certain foreign securities, foreign currencies or foreign currency derivatives may affect the amount, timing, and character of fund distributions to shareholders.
After the end of each year, your Service Agent or the fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about your investment in the fund.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
37
 

Share price
You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, adjusted for any applicable sales charge. The fund’s net asset value per share is the value of its assets minus its liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Net asset value is calculated separately for each class of shares.
The fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. The fund generally values its securities and other assets and calculates its net asset value as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at a time other than the scheduled closing time, the fund will calculate its net asset value as of the scheduled closing time. The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.
In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at a certain day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent before the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on that day to receive that day’s price. If the NYSE closes early on that day, you must place your order prior to the scheduled closing time. It is the responsibility of the Service Agent to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the fund transfer agent on a timely basis.
Valuation of the fund’s securities and other assets is performed in accordance with the valuation policy approved by the Board. As of the date of this Prospectus, the fund’s manager serves as the fund’s valuation designee for purposes of compliance with Rule 2a‑5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the valuation policy, assets are valued as follows:
 
 
Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price (which may be reported at a different time than the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated) or, if that price is unavailable or deemed by the manager not representative of market value, the last sale price. Where a security is traded on more than one exchange (as is often the case overseas), the security is generally valued at the price on the exchange considered by the manager to be the primary exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if exchange prices are not otherwise available, the prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services that use a variety of techniques and methodologies. Investments in mutual funds are valued at the net asset value per share of the class of the underlying fund held by the fund as determined on each business day.
 
The valuations for fixed income securities and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of fair valuation techniques and methodologies.
 
The valuations of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets in which they primarily trade. The prices of foreign equity securities typically are adjusted using a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to estimate the value of those securities at the time of closing of the NYSE. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Foreign markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.
 
If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the manager believes that they are unreliable, the manager may price securities in accordance with the valuation policy. The valuation policy permits, among other things, the use of a formula or other method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments to determine fair value. These determinations are subject to the Board’s oversight. Fair value of a security is the amount, as determined by the manager in good faith, that the fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the security. The fund may also use fair value procedures if the manager determines that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a market price is determined and the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated.
Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Moreover, valuing securities using fair value methodologies involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on market quotations. A fund that uses fair value methodologies may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its net asset value. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or higher or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different methodology.
 
 
38
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class for the past five years, unless otherwise noted. No financial highlights are presented for Class R shares because no Class R shares were outstanding for the periods shown. The returns for Class R shares will differ from those of the other classes to the extent that their expenses differ. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return represents the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. Unless otherwise noted, this information has been audited by the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is incorporated by reference into the fund’s SAI (see back cover) and is included in the fund’s annual report. The fund’s annual report is available upon request by calling toll-free 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 or via the following hyperlink: (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292445/d392090dncsr.htm).
 
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class A Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019      2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.98          $10.98          $12.73          $14.81        $15.88  
Income (loss) from operations:                       
Net investment income
       0.13          0.18          0.19          0.16        0.10  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.66)          4.37          (1.75)          (0.78)        1.00  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.53)          4.55          (1.56)          (0.62)        1.10  
Less distributions from:                       
Net investment income
       (0.18)          (0.18)          (0.19)          (0.10)        (0.11)  
Net realized gains
       (1.49)          (0.37)                   (1.36)        (2.06)  
Total distributions
       (1.67)          (0.55)          (0.19)          (1.46)        (2.17)  
Net asset value, end of year        $11.78          $14.98          $10.98          $12.73        $14.81  
Total return2
       (11.76)        42.55        (12.50)        (3.41) %3       7.42
Net assets, end of year (millions)        $1,276          $1,552          $1,184          $1,510        $1,638  
Ratios to average net assets:                       
Gross expenses
       1.14        1.16        1.20        1.16      1.19
Net expenses4,5
       1.12          1.13          1.16          1.13        1.17  
Net investment income
       0.91          1.32          1.61          1.25        0.69  
Portfolio turnover rate        28        28        20        14      16
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures, exclusive of sales charges, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
The total return includes gains from settlement of security litigations. Without these gains, the total return would have been (3.48)% for the year ended September 30, 2019.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
The manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
39
 

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class C Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $12.67          $9.35          $10.76          $12.73          $13.92  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.02          0.07          0.09          0.06          0. 01 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.37)          3.71          (1.50)          (0.64)          0.86  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.35)          3.78          (1.41)          (0.58)          0.87  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.05)          (0.09)                   (0.03)           
Net realized gains
       (1.49)          (0.37)                   (1.36)          (2.06)  
Total distributions
       (1.54)          (0.46)                   (1.39)          (2.06)  
Net asset value, end of year        $9.78          $12.67          $9.35          $10.76          $12.73  
Total return2        (12.32)        41.61        (13.10)        (3.78) %3         6.69
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $6,108          $9,317          $9,262          $17,348          $132,561  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       1.86        1.86        1.84        1.76        1.82
Net expenses4,5
       1.84          1.83          1.80          1.72          1.80  
Net investment income
       0.18          0.61          0.95          0.52          0.06  
Portfolio turnover rate        28        28        20        14        16
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures, exclusive of CDSC, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
The total return includes gains from settlement of security litigations. Without these gains, the total return would have been (4.67)% for the year ended September 30, 2019.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class C shares did not exceed 1.90%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. Prior to December 1, 2017, the expense limitation was 2.00%.
 
 
40
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class I Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019      2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $16.12          $11.78          $13.63          $15.75        $16.77  
Income (loss) from operations:                       
Net investment income
       0.19          0.25          0.25          0.22        0.17  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.80)          4.68          (1.86)          (0.82)        1.05  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.61)          4.93          (1.61)          (0.60)        1.22  
Less distributions from:                       
Net investment income
       (0.24)          (0.22)          (0.24)          (0.16)        (0.18)  
Net realized gains
       (1.49)          (0.37)                   (1.36)        (2.06)  
Total distributions
       (1.73)          (0.59)          (0.24)          (1.52)        (2.24)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.78          $16.12          $11.78          $13.63        $15.75  
Total return2        (11.43)        43.03        (12.13)        (3.06) %3       7.82
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $26,069          $29,865          $21,592          $32,709        $41,936  
Ratios to average net assets:                       
Gross expenses
       0.80        0.80        0.81        0.80      0.81
Net expenses4,5
       0. 77         0. 77         0. 78         0. 77       0.79  
Net investment income
       1.26          1.68          1.99          1.60        1.07  
Portfolio turnover rate        28        28        20        14      16
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
The total return includes gains from settlement of security litigations. Without these gains, the total return would have been (3.20)% for the year ended September 30, 2019.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class I shares did not exceed 0.80%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. Prior to December 1, 2017, the expense limitation was 0.90%.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
41
 

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class IS Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019      2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $16.10          $11.77          $13.62          $15.74        $16.77  
Income (loss) from operations:                       
Net investment income
       0.20          0.27          0.26          0.24        0.18  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.79)          4.66          (1.86)          (0.83)        1.05  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.59)          4.93          (1.60)          (0.59)        1.23  
Less distributions from:                       
Net investment income
       (0.26)          (0.23)          (0.25)          (0.17)        (0.20)  
Net realized gains
       (1.49)          (0.37)                   (1.36)        (2.06)  
Total distributions
       (1.75)          (0.60)          (0.25)          (1.53)        (2.26)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.76          $16.10          $11.77          $13.62        $15.74  
Total return2        (11.37)        43.09        (12.07)        (2.98) %3       7.87
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $1,641          $1,897          $1,003          $1,239        $199  
Ratios to average net assets:                       
Gross expenses
       0.75        0.77        0.75        0.76      0.76
Net expenses4,5
       0.70          0.70          0.70          0.70        0.71  
Net investment income
       1.33          1.76          2.08          1.81        1.17  
Portfolio turnover rate        28        28        20        14      16
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
The total return includes gains from settlement of security litigations. Without these gains, the total return would have been unchanged for the year ended September 30, 2019.
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5 
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class IS shares did not exceed 0.70%. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares did not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares. These expense limitation arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. Prior to December 1, 2017, the expense limitation was 0.80%. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares did not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares.
 
 
42
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front‑end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back‑end) sales load waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular financial intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another financial intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
The information below has been provided by the named financial intermediaries. Please contact the applicable financial intermediary with any questions regarding how it applies the policies described below and for assistance in determining whether you may qualify for a particular sales charge waiver or discount.
MERRILL LYNCH
Effective June 30, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
 
 
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529‑specific share classes or equivalents)
 
 
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
 
 
Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non‑advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
 
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
 
 
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
 
 
 
Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
 
 
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
 
 
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
 
 
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
 
 
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only)
 
 
Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non‑advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Front‑end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
 
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑1
 

 
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13‑month period of time (if applicable)
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL
Class A Shares Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:
The following information applies to Class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:
Effective January 15, 2021, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front‑end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI:
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR‑SEPs.
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).
 
 
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7‑year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversions of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
 
 
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise Financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step‑son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
MORGAN STANLEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Front‑end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management:
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front‑end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR‑SEPs or Keogh plans
 
 
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
 
 
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
 
   
Class C (i.e., level-load) and Class C2 shares, as applicable, that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days’ following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales charge.
 
 
Morgan Stanley, on your behalf, can convert Class P shares, as applicable, to Class A shares, generally on a tax‑free basis, without clients being subject to a front‑end sales charge.
In addition, effective November 12, 2021, for the purpose of calculating rights of accumulation and letters of intent with respect to purchases made in a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account, the following definition for “Eligible Purchases” applies. This definition may be more limited than the one contained in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI. It is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Morgan Stanley at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for a discount. Morgan Stanley can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Morgan Stanley if they have questions.
 
 
A‑2
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Eligible Purchases include:
 
 
Any class of shares of any Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason fund that is registered in the U.S.; and
 
Units of a Section 529 Plan where Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason is the program manager.
For purposes of this section, Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason funds also include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, Western Asset funds and certain other funds managed by affiliated investment advisers. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust or Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust.
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC., RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND EACH ENTITY’S AFFILIATES (“RAYMOND JAMES”)
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, are eligible only for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Raymond James
 
 
Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
 
 
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs with 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
 
 
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares Available at Raymond James
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front‑End Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of the fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family over a 13‑month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
EDWARD JONES
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones:
Effective on or after January 1, 2021, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee‑based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund Prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds (including holdings of 529 Plans where Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason serve as the primary distributor), or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑3
 

Breakpoints
 
 
Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the Prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
 
 
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
 
 
The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
 
 
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
 
 
Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13‑month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13‑month period to calculate the front‑end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13‑month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
 
 
If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
 
 
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
 
 
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee‑based program.
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non‑retirement account.
 
 
Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus.
 
 
Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
 
 
The death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
 
 
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
 
 
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee‑based program.
 
 
Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.
 
 
Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
 
 
A‑4
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
1.1 Minimum Purchase Amounts
 
 
Initial purchase minimum: $250
 
Subsequent purchase minimum: none
1.2 Minimum Balances
 
 
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
 
  o
A fee‑based account held on an Edward Jones platform
 
  o
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
 
  o
An account with an active systematic investment plan or letter of intent (LOI)
1.3 Exchanging Share Classes
 
 
At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder’s holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC (“JANNEY”)
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back‑end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
 
 
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR‑SEPs or Keogh plans.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
 
Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney
 
 
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 7012 as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
 
Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front‑end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13‑month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
  *Also
referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
 
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑5
 

OPPENHEIMER & CO. INC.
Effective May 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“OPCO”) platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
 
 
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
 
 
Shares purchased through a OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
 
 
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
 
 
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Prospectus
 
 
Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front‑end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
BAIRD
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI
Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A‑shares Available at Baird
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
 
 
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another Legg Mason-sponsored fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
 
 
A shareholder in the funds’ Class C Shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR‑SEPs
CDSC Waivers on Class A and C shares Available at Baird
 
 
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
A‑6
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

 
Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
 
 
Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front‑End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
 
 
Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Legg Mason-sponsored fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible Legg Mason-sponsored fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
 
 
Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of Legg Mason-sponsored funds through Baird, over a 13‑month period of time
WAIVERS SPECIFIC TO STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)
Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.
Front‑end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares
 
 
Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in the fund’s Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) still apply.
PFS INVESTMENTS INC. (“PFSI”)
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases on the PSS Platform
The following information supersedes all prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares purchased through PFSI and held on the mutual fund platform of its affiliate, Primerica Shareholder Services (“PSS”). Clients of PFSI (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes, sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from share classes, discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this prospectus or the related statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform PFSI at the time of a purchase of all holdings of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds on the PSS platform, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. PFSI may request reasonable documentation of such facts and condition the granting of any discount or waiver on the timely receipt of such documents. Shareholders should contact PSS if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Share Classes
Shareholders purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes:
 
 
Class A shares are available in non‑retirement accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRA), SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Keogh Plans, and all other account types.
 
 
Class A1 and Class C shares are available only in accounts that already hold such shares.
Breakpoints
 
 
Breakpoint pricing at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus of the fund you are purchasing.
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)
 
 
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A or Class A1 shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any assets held in group retirement plans) of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder on the PSS platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying PFSI of such assets at the time of calculation. Shares of money market funds are included only if such shares were acquired in exchange for shares of another Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason Fund purchased with a sales charge. No shares of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder away from the PSS platform, will be granted ROA with shares of any Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason Fund purchased on the PSS platform.
 
 
Any SEP IRA plan, any SIMPLE IRA plan or any Payroll Deduction Plan (“PDP”) on the PSS platform will be defaulted to plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, which allows each participating employee ROA with all other eligible shares held in plan accounts on the PSS platform. At any time, a participating employee may elect to exercise a one‑time option to change grouping for purposes of ROA to shareholder- level grouping, which allows the plan account of the electing employee ROA with her other eligible holdings on the PSS platform, but not with all other eligible participant holdings in the plan. Eligible shares held in plan accounts electing shareholder-level grouping will not be available for purposes of ROA to plan accounts electing plan-level grouping.
 
 
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or current market value (current shares x NAV).
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑7
 

Letter of Intent (“LOI”)
 
 
By executing a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13‑month period through PFSI, from the date PSS receives the LOI. The purchase price of the LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the dollar amount the shareholder intends to invest over a 13‑month period to arrive at total investment for purposes of determining any breakpoint discount and the applicable front‑end sales charge. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13‑month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the projected total investment.
 
Only holdings of Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds on the PSS platform are eligible for inclusion in the LOI calculation and the shareholder must notify PFSI of all eligible assets at the time of calculation.
 
Purchases made before the LOI is received by PSS are not adjusted under the LOI, and the LOI will not reduce any sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be automatically adjusted if the total purchases required by the LOI are not met.
 
If an employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan, SIMPLE IRA or non‑IRA PDP plan on the PSS platform has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer. LOIs are not available to PDP IRA plans on the PSS platform with plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, but are available to any participating employee that elects shareholder-level grouping for purposes of ROA.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
 
Shares purchased with the proceeds of redeemed shares of either the Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason fund families so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 90 days of the purchase, 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non‑retirement account, and 3) the redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load. Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals), full or partial transfers or rollovers of retirement accounts, and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay account maintenance fees are not eligible for this sales charge waiver.
 
Shares exchanged into Class A or Class A1 shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of PFSI. PFSI is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases That Are Not Held on the PSS Platform
Class R shares are available through PFSI only in 401(k) plans covering a business owner with no employees, commonly referred to as a one‑participant 401(k) plan or solo 401(k) and which are not held on the PSS platform.
D.A. DAVIDSON
Effective September 1, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares including existing Fund shareholders through a D.A. Davidson &. Co. (“D.A. Davidson”) platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the Fund’s SAI.
Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at D.A. Davidson
 
 
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
 
Employees and registered representatives of D.A. Davidson or its affiliates and their family members as designated by D.A. Davidson.
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
 
A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with D.A. Davidson’s policies and procedures.
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at D.A. Davidson
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
A‑8
    ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund

 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA or other qualifying retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front‑end sales charge discounts available at D.A. Davidson: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at D.A. Davidson. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13‑month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑9
 

Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Franklin Templeton* is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This notice is designed to provide you with a summary of the non‑public personal information Franklin Templeton may collect and maintain about current or former individual investors; our policy regarding the use of that information; and the measures we take to safeguard the information. We do not sell individual investors’ non‑public personal information to anyone and only share it as described in this notice.
Information We Collect
When you invest with us, you provide us with your non‑public personal information. We collect and use this information to service your accounts and respond to your requests. The non‑public personal information we may collect falls into the following categories:
 
 
Information we receive from you or your financial intermediary on applications or other forms, whether we receive the form in writing or electronically. For example, this information may include your name, address, tax identification number, birth date, investment selection, beneficiary information, and your personal bank account information and/or email address if you have provided that information.
 
Information about your transactions and account history with us, or with other companies that are part of Franklin Templeton, including transactions you request on our website or in our app. This category also includes your communications to us concerning your investments.
 
Information we receive from third parties (for example, to update your address if you move, obtain or verify your email address or obtain additional information to verify your identity).
 
Information collected from you online, such as your IP address or device ID and data gathered from your browsing activity and location. (For example, we may use cookies to collect device and browser information so our website recognizes your online preferences and device information.) Our website contains more information about cookies and similar technologies and ways you may limit them.
 
Other general information that we may obtain about you such as demographic information.
Disclosure Policy
To better service your accounts and process transactions or services you requested, we may share non‑public personal information with other Franklin Templeton companies. From time to time we may also send you information about products/services offered by other Franklin Templeton companies although we will not share your non‑public personal information with these companies without first offering you the opportunity to prevent that sharing.
We will only share non‑public personal information with outside parties in the limited circumstances permitted by law. For example, this includes situations where we need to share information with companies who work on our behalf to service or maintain your account or process transactions you requested, when the disclosure is to companies assisting us with our own marketing efforts, when the disclosure is to a party representing you, or when required by law (for example, in response to legal process). Additionally, we will ensure that any outside companies working on our behalf, or with whom we have joint marketing agreements, are under contractual obligations to protect the confidentiality of your information, and to use it only to provide the services we asked them to perform.
Confidentiality and Security
Our employees are required to follow procedures with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of our investors’ non‑public personal information. Additionally, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect the information. This includes performing ongoing evaluations of our systems containing investor information and making changes when appropriate.
At all times, you may view our current privacy notice on our website at franklintempleton.com or contact us for a copy at (800) 632‑2301.
*For purposes of this privacy notice Franklin Templeton shall refer to the following entities:
Fiduciary Trust International of the South (FTIOS), as custodian for individual retirement plans
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Franklin Distributors, LLC, including as program manager of the Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan and the NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series Funds
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC
Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., Canada
Franklin Templeton Investments Management, Limited UK
Franklin Templeton Portfolio Advisors, Inc.
Legg Mason Funds serviced by Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC
Templeton Asset Management, Limited
Templeton Global Advisors, Limited
Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC
If you are a customer of other Franklin Templeton affiliates and you receive notices from them, you will need to read those notices separately.
 
THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF THE PROSPECTUS
GOF LPR 10/22

ClearBridge
All Cap Value Fund
 
You may visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report.
Shareholder reports Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The independent registered public accounting firm’s report and financial statements in the fund’s Annual Report are incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of) this Prospectus.
The fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same last name and same address. Contact your Service Agent or the fund if you do not want this policy to apply to you.
Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about the fund and is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this Prospectus.
You can make inquiries about the fund or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, by calling the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863, or by writing to the fund at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained for a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following E‑mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
If someone makes a statement about the fund that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the fund nor the Distributor is offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.
 
(Investment Company Act
file no. 811‑06444)
FD0206ST 01/23

LOGO
 
Prospectus   LOGO   January 30, 2023
 
Share class (Symbol): A (SBVAX), C (SBVLX), R (—), I (SMCYX), IS (LCBIX)
 
 
CLEARBRIDGE
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
 
 
 
 
LOGO
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.
 
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
 

Contents       
Investment objective      2  
Fees and expenses of the fund      2  
Principal investment strategies      3  
Principal risks      3  
Performance      7  
Management      8  
Purchase and sale of fund shares      8  
Tax information      8  
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries      9  
More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks      10  
More on fund management      16  
Choosing a share class      18  
Share class features summary      18  
Share class availability      19  
Additional information about each share class      21  
Buying shares      25  
Exchanging shares      27  
Redeeming shares      29  
Other things to know about transactions      31  
Dividends, other distributions and taxes      35  
Share price      37  
Financial highlights      38  
Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents      A-1  
Investment objective
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and expenses of the fund
The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 
You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds distributed through Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your Service Agent, in the fund’s Prospectus on page 21 under the heading “Additional information about each share class,” in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents” on page A-1 of the fund’s Prospectus and in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) on page 79 under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares.” “Service Agents” include banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to sell shares of the fund. 
If you purchase Class I shares or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers, that Service Agent may charge you a commission. Such commissions, if any, are not charged by the fund and are not reflected in the fee table or expense example below. 
 
Shareholder fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)                       
      Class A   Class C    Class R   Class I    Class IS
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    5.501,2   None    None   None    None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption)3    None4   1.00    None   None    None
Small account fee5    $15   $15    None   None    None
                        
Annual fund operating expenses (%)         
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)     
      Class A   Class C    Class R   Class I    Class IS
Management fees    0.75   0.75    0.75   0.75    0.75
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees    0.25   1.00    0.50   None    None
Other expenses    0.37   0.40    0.396   0.32    0.20
Total annual fund operating expenses    1.37   2.15    1.64   1.07    0.95
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed7    (0.02)   (0.05)    (0.04)   (0.07)    (0.05)
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses    1.35   2.10    1.60   1.00    0.90
 
1 
The sales charge is waived for shareholders purchasing Class A shares through accounts where Franklin Distributors is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”).
2 
Shareholders purchasing Class A shares through certain Service Agents or in certain types of accounts may be eligible for a waiver of the sales charge. For additional information, see “Additional information about each share class — Sales charges” in the Prospectus.
3 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) may be reduced over time.
4 
You may buy Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value (without an initial sales charge), but if you redeem those shares within 18 months of their purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.
 
 
2
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

5 
If the value of your account is below $1,000 ($250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored), the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by the fund or your Service Agent (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
6 
Other expenses for Class R shares are estimated for the current fiscal year. Actual expenses may differ from estimates.
7 
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.35% for Class A shares, 2.10% for Class C shares, 1.60% for Class R shares, 1.00% for Class I shares and 0.90% for Class IS shares, subject to recapture as described below. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares will not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2024 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. This management fee waiver is not subject to the recapture provision discussed above.
Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:
 
 
You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated
 
 
Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that any applicable fee waiver or expense reimbursement is reflected only through its expiration date)
 
 
You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
Number of years you own your shares ($)              
       1 year      3 years      5 years      10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)      680      959      1,258      2,105
Class C (with redemption at end of period)      313      668      1,149      2,280
Class C (without redemption at end of period)      213      668      1,149      2,280
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)      163      513      887      1,939
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)      102      333      583      1,299
Class IS (with or without redemption at end of period)      92      298      521      1,162
Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal investment strategies
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in common stocks and other equity securities of small capitalization U.S. companies or in other investments with similar economic characteristics. Small capitalization companies are those companies whose market capitalizations at the time of investment do not exceed (i) $3 billion or (ii) the highest month-end market capitalization value of any stock in the Russell 2000 Index (the “Index”) for the previous 12 months, whichever is greater. Securities of companies whose market capitalizations no longer meet this definition after purchase by the fund still will be considered to be securities of small capitalization companies for purposes of the fund’s 80% investment policy. The size of companies in the Index changes with the market conditions and the composition of the Index. Equity securities in which the fund may invest include common stocks, preferred securities, convertible securities, securities of other investment companies and of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), warrants and rights. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in shares of companies with larger market capitalizations. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets (at the time of investment) in foreign securities.
Principal risks
Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any bank or government agency. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange-traded and over-the-counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate
  
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
3

investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. 
Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.  
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID-19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers. 
Small capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small capitalization companies. Small capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times or at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may have greater potential for losses.  
REITs risk. The value of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may be affected by factors including the condition of the economy as a whole, changes in the value of the underlying real estate, the creditworthiness of the issuers of the investments, property taxes, interest rates, liquidity of the credit markets, poor performance by the REIT’s manager, and the real estate regulatory environment. REITs that concentrate their holdings in specific businesses, such as apartments, offices or retail space, will be affected by conditions affecting those businesses.  
Industry or sector focus risk. The fund may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to events that adversely affect the fund’s investments more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the fund may, from time to time, have greater exposure to the securities of a particular issuer or issuers within the same industry or sector.  
Value investing risk. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued for long periods, undervaluation may become more severe, or perceived undervaluation may actually represent intrinsic value. Value stocks may underperform the overall equity market for an extended period while the market favors growth stocks. A value stock may not increase in price as anticipated by the subadviser if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value and bid up the price or the factors that the subadviser believes will increase the price of the security do not occur or do not have the anticipated effect. Value stocks may go in and out of favor over time and the subadviser may sell a security prior to the security realizing a gain in connection with changed market perception regarding the value of the security.  
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors  
 
 
4
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole. 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.  
Foreign investments risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investments in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less transparent, less regulated and more volatile markets. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events, and the impact of tariffs and other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries. In addition, there may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against issuers located in or operating in certain foreign markets, particularly emerging market countries, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies.  
The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic and political conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure. 
Financial services sector risk. The fund is more susceptible to any economic, business, political, regulatory or other developments that adversely affect issuers in the financial services sector, including the commercial banking and insurance industries, than a fund that does not focus its investments in the financial services sector. Economic downturns, credit losses, data breaches and severe price competition, among other things, can negatively affect this sector. The profitability of financial services companies is dependent on the availability and cost of capital and can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates and monetary policy. Financial services companies are also subject to extensive government regulation, and policy and legislative changes in the United States and other countries are changing many aspects of financial regulation. Financial services companies will be particularly affected by these changes in regulation, and the impact of these changes on any individual company or on the sector as a whole may not be fully known for some time. Interconnectedness or interdependence among financial services companies increases the risk that the financial distress or failure of one financial services company may materially and adversely affect a number of other financial services companies. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology malfunctions have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact the fund.  
Portfolio management risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security, industry, sector or region, or about market movements, is incorrect or does not produce the desired results, or if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and data used by the subadviser. In addition, the fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the subadviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund.  
Illiquidity risk. Some assets held by the fund may be or become impossible or difficult to sell, particularly during times of market turmoil. These illiquid assets may also be difficult to value. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all.  
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.  
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
5
 

Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time. 
These and other risks are discussed in more detail in the Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information. 
 
 
6
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Performance
The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. The fund makes updated performance information, including its current net asset value, available at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (select fund and share class), or by calling the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863.
The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.
 
LOGO  
Best Quarter (12/31/2020): 29.74     Worst Quarter (03/31/2020): (40.11
 
Average annual total returns (%)  
(for periods ended December 31, 2022)                                           
Class A      1 year          5 years          10 years         
Since
inception
 
 
      
Inception
date
 
 
Return before taxes      (17.14)          0.83          5.86                        
Return after taxes on distributions      (18.97)          (0.91)          3.66                        
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares      (8.88)          0.34          4.27                        
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                                                     
Class C      (13.52)          1.34          5.75                        
Class I      (11.78)          2.38          6.85                        
Class IS      (11.70)          2.48          N/A          5.68          05/22/2013  
Russell 2000 Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)1      (14.48)          4.13          8.48                        
 
1 
For Class IS shares, for the period from the class’ inception date to December 31, 2022, the average annual total return of the Russell 2000 Value Index was 7.25%.
The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares are higher than returns before taxes for certain periods shown because they reflect the tax benefit of capital losses realized on the redemption of fund shares.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
7
 

Management
Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)
Subadviser: ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge”)
Portfolio managers: Primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers.
 
Portfolio manager   Title   Portfolio manager of the fund since
    
Albert Grosman
 
Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager of ClearBridge
 
    
2019
    
Brian Lund, CFA
 
Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager of ClearBridge
 
    
2019
Purchase and sale of fund shares
You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.
The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are set forth in the accompanying table:
 
Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)     
      Class A      Class C1      Class R      Class I    Class IS
General    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      1 million/None2    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      1 million/None2    N/A
IRAs    250/50      250/50      N/A      1 million/None2,3    N/A3
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None      None/None      N/A      1 million/None2    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    25/25      25/25      N/A      1 million/None2,4    N/A4
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None      N/A      None/None      None/None5    None/None5
Eligible Investment Programs    None/None      N/A      None/None      None/None    None/None
Omnibus Retirement Plans    None/None      None/None      None/None      None/None    None/None
Individual Retirement Plans except as noted    None/None      None/None      N/A      1 million/None2    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      1 million/None    1 million/None
 
1 
Class C shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts.
2 
Available to investors investing directly with the fund.
3 
IRA accountholders who purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $250/$50. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
4 
Investors investing through a Systematic Investment Plan who purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $25/$25. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
5 
Individual investors who purchase Class I shares or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $1,000/$50. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
Your Service Agent may impose higher or lower investment minimums, or may impose no minimum investment requirement.
For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your Service Agent, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863, by regular mail at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030 or by express, certified or registered mail at Legg Mason Funds, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205.
Tax information
The fund’s distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains.
 
 
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    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries
The fund’s related companies pay Service Agents for the sale of fund shares, shareholder services and other purposes. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your Service Agent or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or salesperson or visit your Service Agent’s or salesperson’s website for more information.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
9

More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks
Important information
The fund seeks long-term capital growth.
The fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval and on notice to shareholders. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in common stocks and other equity securities of small capitalization U.S. companies or in other investments with similar economic characteristics. Small capitalization companies are those companies whose market capitalizations at the time of investment do not exceed (i) $3 billion or (ii) the highest month-end market capitalization value of any stock in the Russell 2000 Index (the “Index”) for the previous 12 months, whichever is greater. Securities of companies whose market capitalizations no longer meet this definition after purchase by the fund still will be considered to be securities of small capitalization companies for purposes of the fund’s 80% investment policy. The size of companies in the Index changes with the market conditions and the composition of the Index. The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in shares of companies with larger market capitalizations.
The fund’s 80% investment policy may be changed by the Board upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders.
The fund’s other investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Equity investments
Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, securities convertible into equity securities and securities of other investment companies and of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
Foreign investments
The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets (at the time of investment) in foreign securities. The fund may invest directly in foreign issuers or invest in depositary receipts.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Unlike corporations, entities that qualify as REITs for U.S. federal income tax purposes are not taxed on income distributed to their shareholders, provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses that may be charged by the REITs in which it invests, in addition to the expenses paid by the fund.
Short sales
A short sale is a transaction in which the fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities. The fund may hold no more than 25% of its net assets (taken at the then current market value) as required collateral for such sales at any one time.
Securities of other investment companies
The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of other investment companies, including shares in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of an underlying equity index or a portion of an equity index.
Cash management
The fund may hold cash pending investment, may invest in money market instruments and may enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements (which have characteristics like borrowings) for cash management purposes. The fund may invest in money market funds, which may or may not be affiliated with the fund’s manager or the subadvisers. The amount of assets the fund may hold for cash management purposes will depend on market conditions and the need to meet expected redemption requests.
Defensive investing
The fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions, including by investing in any type of money market instruments and short-term debt securities or holding cash without regard to any percentage limitations. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets is used for defensive investing purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. Although the subadviser has the ability to take defensive positions, it may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions.
 
 
10
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Other investments
The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other investments that are described, along with their risks, in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). However, the fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of investments described in this Prospectus or in the SAI.
Percentage and other limitations
The fund’s compliance with its investment limitations and requirements described in this Prospectus is usually determined at the time of investment. If such a percentage limitation is complied with at the time of an investment, any subsequent change resulting from a change in asset values or characteristics will not constitute a violation of that limitation.
Selection process
The portfolio managers emphasize individual security selection while spreading the fund’s investments among industries and sectors. The portfolio managers use both quantitative and fundamental methods to identify stocks of smaller capitalization companies the portfolio managers believe have a high probability of outperforming other stocks in the same industry or sector.
The portfolio managers use quantitative parameters to select a universe of smaller capitalized companies that fit the fund’s general investment criteria. In selecting individual securities from within this range, the portfolio managers look for “value” attributes, such as:
 
   
Low stock price relative to earnings, book value and cash flow
   
High return on invested capital
The subadviser’s fundamental research analysts typically use their industry expertise to determine the material environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors facing both individual companies and industry sectors. The fundamental research analysts may also engage with company management regarding the extent to which they promote best practices of such factors. ESG factors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, environmentally-friendly product initiatives, labor audits of overseas supply chains and strong corporate governance. The choice of ESG factors for any particular company generally reflects the specific industry. At times, the ESG analysis may be performed by the portfolio managers. The subadviser may not assess every investment for ESG factors and, when it does, not every ESG factor may be identified or evaluated.
The fundamental research analysts (or portfolio managers, as applicable) typically use an established proprietary research and engagement process to determine a company’s profile on ESG issues. This includes generating an ESG rating, through its ESG ratings system, by assessing ESG factors, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This system has four rating levels: AAA, AA, A and B, assigned to companies based on performance on key ESG issues (such as health and safety, gender diversity, climate risk, corporate governance risk and data security), including performance relative to the companies’ industry peer set.
The portfolio managers also use quantitative methods to identify catalysts and trends that might influence the fund’s industry or sector focus, or the portfolio managers’ individual security selection.
More on risks of investing in the fund
Following is more information on the principal risks summarized above and additional risks of investing in the fund.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange traded and over-the-counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.
Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
11

reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID-19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers.
Small capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small capitalization companies. Small capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times or at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may have greater potential for losses.
Value investing risk. The value approach to investing involves the risk that stocks may remain undervalued for long periods, undervaluation may become more severe, or perceived undervaluation may actually represent intrinsic value. Value stocks may underperform the overall equity market for an extended period while the market favors growth stocks. A value stock may not increase in price as anticipated by the subadviser if other investors fail to recognize the company’s value and bid up the price or the factors that the subadviser believes will increase the price of the security do not occur or do not have the anticipated effect. Value stocks may go in and out of favor over time and the subadviser may sell a security prior to the security realizing a gain in connection with changed market perception regarding the value of the security.
REITs risk. Investments in REITs expose the fund to risks similar to investing directly in real estate. The value of these underlying investments may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying real estate, the quality of the property management, the creditworthiness of the issuers of the investments, demand for rental properties, and changes in property taxes, interest rates and the real estate regulatory environment. Investments in REITs are also affected by general economic conditions. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency on the property interests they hold, defaults by borrowers, poor performance by the REIT’s manager and self-liquidation. REITs usually charge management fees, which may result in layering the fees paid by the fund. REITs may be leveraged, which increases risk. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to (i) qualify for favorable tax treatment under applicable tax law, or (ii) maintain their exemptions from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.
Illiquidity risk. Illiquidity risk exists when particular investments are impossible or difficult to sell. Although most of the fund’s investments must be liquid at the time of investment, investments may be or become illiquid after purchase by the fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. When the fund holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. The fund may experience heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, the fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.
Valuation risk. Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, the fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. These differences may
 
 
12
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of non-U.S. securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets in which they are traded, but before the fund determines its net asset value. The fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.
Foreign investments risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investments in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile markets. The markets for some foreign securities are relatively new, and the rules and policies relating to these markets are not fully developed and may change. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, tariffs and trade disputes, economic sanctions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries.
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited. Foreign investments may also be adversely affected by U.S. government or international interventions, restrictions or economic sanctions, which could negatively affect the value of an investment or result in the fund selling an investment at a disadvantageous time.
The value of the fund’s foreign investments may also be affected by foreign tax laws, special U.S. tax considerations and restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes.
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer or other parties in the courts of a foreign country. Some securities issued by non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. In the past, some non-U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments.
If the fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, receives income in foreign currencies, or holds foreign currencies from time to time, the value of the fund’s assets, as measured in U.S. dollars, can be affected unfavorably by changes in exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic and political conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The fund may be unable or choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance of trades may experience delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. Settlement of trades in these markets can take longer than in other markets and the fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain securities for an extended period (possibly several weeks or even longer) due to, among other factors, low trading volumes and volatile prices. The custody or holding of securities, cash and other assets by local banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States may entail additional risks. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. Local agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In extreme cases, the fund’s securities may be misappropriated or the fund may be unable to sell its securities. In general, the less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
The risks of foreign investments are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries.
Financial services sector risk. Companies in the financial services sector of an economy are subject to extensive and increasing governmental regulation and intervention, which may adversely affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, or recent or future regulation in various countries of any individual financial company or of the financials sector as a whole, cannot be predicted. Certain risks may impact the value of investments in the financials sector more severely than those of investments outside this sector, including the risks associated with companies that operate with substantial financial leverage. Companies in the financials sector may also be adversely affected by increases in interest rates and loan losses, decreases in the availability of money or asset valuations, credit rating downgrades and adverse conditions in other related markets. Insurance companies, in particular, may be subject to severe price competition and/or rate regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. The financial services sector is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates. The financials sector is also a target for cyber attacks, and may experience technology malfunctions and disruptions. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have reportedly caused losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact a fund.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
13

Interconnectedness or interdependence among financial services companies increases the risk that the financial distress or failure of one financial services company may materially and adversely affect a number of other financial services companies or the financial services sector as a whole.
Portfolio management risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security, industry, sector or region, or about market movements, is incorrect or does not produce the desired results, or if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and data used by the subadviser. In addition, the fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the subadviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund.
Short sales risk. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the fund replaces the borrowed security, the fund will realize a loss, which may be substantial. A fund that engages in a short sale or short position may lose more money than the actual cost of the short sale or short position and its potential losses may be unlimited if the fund does not own the security sold short or the reference instrument and it is unable to close out of the short sale or short position.
Investment in other investment companies risk. Investments in other investment companies are subject to market and portfolio selection risk, as well as portfolio management risk. If the fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by LMPFA or its affiliates through waivers).
Redemptions by affiliated funds and by other significant investors. The fund may be an investment option for mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by LMPFA and its affiliates, including Franklin Templeton investment managers, unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs and other investors with substantial investments in the fund. As a result, from time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions and could be required to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.
Cash management and defensive investing risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the cash will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash and the fund will not earn income on the cash. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets is used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. Defensive investing may not work as intended and the value of an investment in the fund may still decline.
Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expenses may be higher if the fund’s average net assets decrease, as a result of redemptions or otherwise, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations risk. ESG considerations are one of a number of factors that the subadviser examines when considering investments for the fund’s portfolio. In light of this, the issuers in which the fund invests may not be considered ESG-focused issuers and may have lower or adverse ESG assessments. The subadviser may not assess every investment for ESG factors and, when it does, not every ESG factor may be identified or evaluated. The subadviser’s assessment of an issuer’s ESG factors is subjective and may differ from that of investors, third-party service providers (e.g., ratings providers) and other funds. As a result, securities selected by the subadviser may not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The subadviser also may be dependent on the availability of timely, complete and accurate ESG data reported by issuers and/or third party research providers, the timeliness, completeness and accuracy of which is out of the subadviser’s control. ESG factors are often not uniformly measured or defined, which could impact the subadviser’s ability to assess an issuer. While the subadviser views ESG considerations as having the potential to contribute to the fund’s long-term performance, there is no guarantee that such results will be achieved.
Operational risk. Your ability to transact with the fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including those due to cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the fund or to develop processes and controls that eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.
 
 
14
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Portfolio holdings
A description of the fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI. The fund posts its complete portfolio holdings at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (click on the name of the fund) on a quarterly basis. The fund intends to post its complete portfolio holdings 14 calendar days following the quarter-end. The fund intends to post partial information concerning the fund’s portfolio holdings (such as top 10 holdings or sector breakdowns, for example) on the fund’s website on a monthly basis. The fund intends to post this partial information 10 business days following each month-end. Such information will remain available until the next month’s or quarter’s holdings are posted.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
15

More on fund management
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) is the fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund. As of September 30, 2022, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $171.5 billion.
ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge” or the “subadviser”) provides the day-to-day portfolio management of the fund, except for any portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments that is allocated to Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”). ClearBridge has offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 and is an investment adviser that manages U.S. and international equity investment strategies for institutional and individual investors. ClearBridge has been committed to delivering long-term results through active management for more than 60 years, and bases its investment decisions on fundamental research and the insights of seasoned portfolio management teams. As of September 30, 2022, ClearBridge’s total assets under management (including assets under management for ClearBridge, LLC, an affiliate of ClearBridge) were approximately $145.6 billion, including $27.4 billion for which ClearBridge provides non-discretionary investment models to managed account sponsors.
Western Asset manages the portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments allocated to it. Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. As of September 30, 2022, the total assets under management of Western Asset and its supervised affiliates were approximately $371.7 billion.
LMPFA, ClearBridge and Western Asset are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin Resources”). Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as Franklin Templeton. As of September 30, 2022, Franklin Templeton’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.3 trillion.
Portfolio managers
Primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers. The portfolio managers have the ultimate authority to make portfolio decisions.
 
Portfolio manager   Title and recent biography   Portfolio manager of the fund since
    
Albert Grosman
  Mr. Grosman is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge and has 29 years of industry experience. He joined ClearBridge in 2007. Mr. Grosman was formerly an equity analyst specializing in small and mid-cap companies with Long Trail Investment Management, Phinity Capital, Cyllenius/BlackRock and Fidelity Management and Research. Mr. Grosman has an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.B.A. in Business Administration from Emory University.  
    
2019
    
Brian Lund, CFA
  Mr. Lund is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of ClearBridge and has 22 years of industry experience. Mr. Lund joined the manager in 2004. He was formerly an Equity Analyst at Morningstar, Inc. covering gaming, lodging, and leisure firms, and a Mutual Fund Analyst. Mr. Lund was a Writer/Analyst at the Motley Fool, an online investment service, from 2000 to 2001.  
    
2019
The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio managers, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and any fund shares held by the portfolio managers.
Management fee
The fund pays a management fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of its average daily net assets.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fund paid LMPFA an effective management fee of 0.71% of the fund’s average daily net assets for management services. The effective management fee reflects any fees waived by the manager (including any fees waived in connection with investments by the fund in affiliated investment companies for which the fund paid a management fee).
 
 
16
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the fund’s management agreement and subadvisory agreements is available in the fund’s Annual Report for the period ended September 30, 2022.
Expense limitation
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.35% for Class A shares, 2.10% for Class C shares, 1.60% for Class R shares, 1.00% for Class I shares and 0.90% for Class IS shares, subject to recapture as described below. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares will not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements are expected to continue until December 31, 2024, may be terminated prior to that date by agreement of the manager and the Board, and may be terminated at any time after that date by the manager. These arrangements, however, may be modified by the manager to decrease total annual fund operating expenses at any time. The manager is also permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. This management fee waiver is not subject to the recapture provision discussed above.
Additional information
The fund enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the fund’s manager and the subadvisers, who provide services to the fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements.
This Prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the fund. The fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than rights conferred by federal or state securities laws.
Distribution
Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.
The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets of up to 0.25% for Class A shares; up to 1.00% for Class C shares; and up to 0.50% for Class R shares. Payments by the fund under its plan go to the Distributor, financial intermediaries and other parties that provide services in connection with or are otherwise involved in the distribution of its shares or administration of plans or programs that use its shares as their funding medium, and to reimburse certain other expenses and payments. From time to time, the Distributor and/or financial intermediaries may agree to a reduction or waiver of these fees. These fees are an ongoing expense and, over time, will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges. Class I shares and Class IS shares are not subject to distribution and/or service fees under the plan.
Additional payments
In addition to payments made to intermediaries under the fund’s shareholder services and distribution plan and other payments made by the fund for shareholder services and/or recordkeeping, the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the Distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as Service Agents through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your Service Agent. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated between the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates, and the recipients of these payments.
Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your Service Agent for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Additional information about revenue sharing payments is available in the SAI. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments by the fund under the shareholder services and distribution plan or for recordkeeping and/or shareholder services, also benefit the manager, the Distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
17
 

Choosing a share class
The fund offers multiple share classes. Each share class represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each has different availability (for example, not all Service Agents offer all share classes), eligibility criteria, expense structures and arrangements for shareholder services or distribution, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. You should read this section carefully and speak with your Service Agent (if applicable) to determine which share class is most appropriate for you. When choosing the appropriate share class, you should consider the following factors:
 
 
the amount you plan to invest;
 
the length of time you expect to own the shares;
 
the total costs associated with your investment, including any sales charges that you pay when you buy or sell fund shares and expenses that are paid out of fund assets over time;
 
whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of the sales charge;
 
the availability of the share class;
 
the services that will be available to you and whether you meet any eligibility criteria; and
 
the amount of compensation that your Service Agent will receive.
For example, when choosing between Class A or Class C shares, you should be aware that, generally speaking, the larger the size of your investment and the longer your investment horizon, the more likely it will be that Class C shares will not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and/or service fees on Class C shares may cost you more over the longer term than the front-end sales charge and service fees you would pay for larger purchases of Class A shares. If you are eligible to purchase Class I shares, you should be aware that Class I shares are not subject to a front-end sales charge or distribution or service fees and generally have lower annual expenses than Class A or Class C shares.
Generally speaking, Class A shares have lower annual operating expenses than Class C shares but not as low as Class I/Class IS shares. Overall, Class IS shares generally have the lowest annual expenses of all share classes.
More information about the fund’s classes of shares is available through the fund’s website. You’ll find detailed information, free of charge and in a clear and prominent format, about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges.
The fund’s shares are distributed by Franklin Distributors.
Share class features summary
The following table summarizes key features of the fund’s share classes. In addition, you should read carefully this Prospectus, including the fee table and the expense example at the front of this Prospectus before choosing your share class. If you are not purchasing shares directly from the fund, you should contact your Service Agent for help choosing a share class that may be appropriate for you. Capitalized terms used in the table have the definition given to them in this Prospectus.
 
     Minimum initial investments1   Initial sales charge  
Contingent deferred
sales charge
 
Annual distribution
and/or service (12b-1)
fees
  Exchange privilege2  
Conversion to Class A
shares
Class A  
Generally, $1,000 for all accounts except:
(i)   $25 if establishing a Systematic Investment Plan;
(ii) $250 for IRAs; and
(iii)  none for certain fee-based programs and retirement plans
 
Up to 5.50%; reduced or
waived for large purchases
and certain investors. No charge for purchases of
$1 million or more
 
1.00% on purchases of
$1 million or more if you
redeem within 18 months of purchase; waived for certain investors
 
0.25% of average daily
net assets
  Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor   N/A
Class C  
Generally, $1,000 for all accounts except:
(i)   $25 if establishing a Systematic Investment Plan;
(ii) $250 for IRAs; and
(iii)  none for certain fee-based programs and retirement plans
  None  
1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of
purchase; waived for certain investors
 
1.00% of average daily
net assets
  Class C shares of funds sold by the Distributor   Yes; generally converts to Class A in the month of, or the month following, the 8 year anniversary of the Class C share purchase date (conversion date occurs typically on a Friday in the middle of the month); please consult your Service Agent for more information
Class R   None   None   None  
0.50% of average daily
net assets
  Class R shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
 
 
18
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Class I  
  $1,000,000;
  Waived for certain Service Agents with arrangements with the Distributor, Omnibus Retirement Plans and certain individuals affiliated with Legg Mason;
  However, investors investing through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers will be subject to the following minimums:
(i)   if investing through a Systematic Investment Plan, $25;
(ii) if an individual investor, $1,000; and
(iii)  none for certain fee-based programs
  None   None   None   Class I shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
Class IS  
  $1,000,000;
  Waived for certain Service Agents with arrangements with the Distributor and Omnibus Retirement Plans
  However, investors investing through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers will be subject to the following minimums:
(i)   if investing through a Systematic Investment Plan, $25;
(ii) if an individual investor $1,000; and
(iii)  none for certain fee-based programs
  None   None   None   Class IS shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
 
1 
Please note that the minimum initial investment amount must be met on a per class basis. In addition, your Service Agent may impose higher or lower investment minimums, or may impose no minimum investment requirement.
2 
You or your Service Agent may instruct the fund to exchange shares of any class for shares of the same class of any other fund sold by the Distributor, provided that the fund shares to be acquired in the exchange are available to new investors in such other fund and that you are eligible to invest in such shares. For investors investing through retirement and benefit plans or fee-based programs, you should contact your Service Agent that administers your plan or sponsors the fee-based program to request an exchange. Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by the Distributor, remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. Please see the SAI for more details. In addition, you may exchange shares of the fund for another share class of the same fund if you meet the eligibility requirements of that particular class. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
* 
If this share class is not available, you may be eligible to exchange into a different share class of such fund; see “Exchanging shares — Exchangeability between funds without the same share class” below.
Share class availability
You may buy shares of the fund either directly from the fund or through a Service Agent. Please note that your Service Agent may not offer all classes of shares since each Service Agent determines which share class(es) to make available to its clients. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than for selling another class, which may depend on, among other things, the type of investor account and the practices adopted by your Service Agent. Each class of shares, except Class IS shares, is authorized to pay fees for recordkeeping services, account servicing, networking, or similar services to Service Agents. As a result, operating expenses of classes that incur new or additional recordkeeping fees may increase over time. Certain Service Agents may impose their own investment fees and maintain their own practices for purchasing and selling fund shares, including higher or lower investment minimums or none at all; these practices are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI and will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the Service Agent. Your Service Agent may provide shareholder services that differ from the services provided by other Service Agents. Services provided by your Service Agent may vary by class.
Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other Service Agents may choose to impose qualification requirements that differ from the fund’s share class eligibility standards as stated in this Prospectus. In certain cases, this could result in the selection of a share class with higher distribution and/or service fees than otherwise would have been incurred. The fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or Service Agent to impose such differing requirements. Please consult with your plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or Service Agent for more information about available share classes.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
19

Please contact your Service Agent about the availability of fund shares, the shareholder services it provides for each class, the compensation it receives in connection with the sale of each share class and the Service Agent’s practices and other information.
The following table provides information on the availability of each share class based on investor type, subject to the share class’ eligibility requirements. Your Service Agent can help you determine which share class is appropriate for you. The fund reserves the right to modify or waive the eligibility policies for share class availability at any time.
 
           A               C1               R                 I                       IS                
Individual Investors           2, 3    2   
Omnibus Retirement Plans       1       
Individual Retirement Plans                
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries         4    4     
Institutional Investors              
 
1 
Shares are not available for purchase through accounts where the Distributor is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”).
2
Individual investors investing through a Service Agent may be eligible to invest in Class I or Class IS shares, if such Service Agent is acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor and such investor’s shares are held in an omnibus account on the books of the fund. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
3
Class I shares may be purchased directly from the fund by the following persons: (i) current employees of the manager and its affiliates; (ii) former employees of the manager and its affiliates with existing accounts; (iii) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Franklin Resources; (iv) current and former board members of Franklin Resources; and (v) the “immediate families” of such persons. “Immediate families” are such person’s spouse (including the surviving spouse of a deceased board member), parents, grandparents, and children and grandchildren (including step-relationships). For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. Current employees may purchase additional Class I shares through a systematic investment plan.
4
Investors who qualify as Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries or who participate in Eligible Investment Programs made available through their Service Agents (such as investors in fee-based advisory or mutual fund “wrap” programs) are eligible to purchase, directly or via exchange, Class I or Class IS shares, among other share classes. In such cases your ability to hold Class I or Class IS shares may be premised on your continuing participation in a fee-based advisory or mutual fund wrap program. Your Service Agent may reserve the right to redeem your Class I or Class IS shares or exchange your Class I or Class IS shares or exchange them for Class A shares of the same fund, as applicable, if you terminate your fee-based advisory or mutual fund wrap program and are no longer eligible for Class I or Class IS shares. You may be subject to an initial sales charge in connection with such exchange, and you will be subject to the annual distribution and/or service fee applicable to Class A shares. Any redemption may generate a taxable gain or loss and significantly change the asset allocation of your account.
 
Omnibus Retirement Plans are retirement plans held on the books of the fund in a plan level or omnibus level account and include: (i) 401(k) plans; (ii) 457 plans; (iii) employer-sponsored 403(b) plans; (iv) profit-sharing plans; (v) non-qualified deferred compensation plans; (vi) employer-sponsored benefit plans (including health savings accounts); (vii) defined benefit plans; (viii) other similar employer-sponsored retirement and benefit plans; (ix) individual retirement accounts that are administered on the same IRA recordkeeping platform and that invest in the fund through a single omnibus account pursuant to a special contractual arrangement with the fund or the Distributor; and (x) investors who rollover fund shares from a retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform. SIMPLE IRAs are considered Omnibus Retirement Plans if they are employer-sponsored and held at the plan level.
 
Individual Retirement Plans include: (i) retirement plans investing through brokerage accounts; (ii) certain retirement plans with direct relationships to the fund that are not Institutional Investors nor investing through omnibus accounts; and (iii) individual retirement vehicles not held through an omnibus account, such as: (a) traditional and Roth IRAs; (b) Coverdell education savings accounts; (c) individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts; (d) Keogh plans; (e) SEPs; (f) SARSEPs; and (g) SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts. Individual Retirement Plans include plans held at the individual participant level. Individual Retirement Plans are treated like individual investors for purposes of determining sales charges and any applicable sales charge reductions or waivers.
 
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries include: investors who invest in the fund through Service Agents that (a) charge such investors an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (b) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Class A, Class C, Class R, Class I or Class IS shares through a no-load network or platform (including college savings vehicles) (“Eligible Investment Programs”). These investors may include (i) investors who invest in the fund through the program of a Service Agent where the investor typically invests $10 million or more in assets under management in accounts with the Service Agent (“Management Accounts”); (ii) pension and profit sharing plans; (iii) other employee benefit trusts; (iv) endowments; (v) foundations; (vi) corporations; (vii) college savings vehicles such as Section 529 plans; and (viii) direct retail investment platforms through mutual fund “supermarkets,” where the sponsor links its client’s account (including IRA accounts on such platforms) to a master account in the sponsor’s name.
 
Institutional Investors may include: (i) corporations; (ii) banks; (iii) trust companies; (iv) insurance companies; (v) investment companies; (vi) foundations; (vii) endowments; and (viii) other similar entities. The Distributor or the Service Agent may impose additional eligibility requirements or criteria to determine if an investor, including the types of investors listed above, qualifies as an Institutional Investor.
 
 
 
20
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

To visit the website, go to www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Additional information about each share class
Class A shares
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net asset value per share plus the applicable sales charge, unless you qualify for a sales charge waiver.
Sales charges
The following table shows the front-end sales charge that you may pay, depending on the amount you purchase. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to certain levels called breakpoints. You do not pay a sales charge on the fund’s distributions or dividends that you reinvest in additional Class A shares.
It also shows the amount of compensation that will be paid to your Service Agent out of the sales charge if you buy shares from a Service Agent. As shown below, the sales charge may be allocated between your Service Agent and the Distributor. Service Agents will receive a distribution and/or service fee payable on Class A shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares serviced by them.
The Distributor may not pay Service Agents selling Class A shares to Omnibus Retirement Plans a commission on the purchase price of Class A shares sold by them. However, for Omnibus Retirement Plans that are permitted to purchase shares at net asset value, the Distributor may pay Service Agents commissions of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class A shares that are purchased with regular ongoing plan contributions. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
 
Amount of investment     
Sales charge
as a % of
offering price
    
Sales charge
as a % of net
amount
invested
    
Service Agent
commission as
a % of
offering price
Less than $25,000          5.50          5.82          5.00
$25,000 but less than $50,000          5.25          5.54          4.75
$50,000 but less than $100,000          4.50          4.71          4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000          3.50          3.63          3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000          2.50          2.56          2.25
$500,000 but less than $750,000          2.00          2.04          1.75
$750,000 but less than $1 million          1.50          1.52          1.25
$1 million or more1          -0-          -0-          up to 1.00
 
1
The Distributor may pay a commission of up to 1.00% to a Service Agent for purchase amounts of $1 million or more. In such cases, starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, the Service Agent will also receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares held by its clients. Prior to the thirteenth month, the Distributor will retain this fee. Where the Service Agent does not receive the payment of this commission, the Service Agent will instead receive the annual distribution and/or service fee starting immediately after purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
Reductions, waivers or elimination of sales charges for Class A shares
Larger purchases
You may reduce or eliminate your Class A front-end sales charge by purchasing greater quantities. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to the breakpoint levels indicated in the chart above. You do not pay an initial sales charge when you buy $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares. However, if you redeem these Class A shares within 18 months of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Please see “Contingent deferred sales charges—Class A and Class C shares” below.
Letter of intent and accumulation privilege
There are several ways you can combine Eligible Purchases (as defined below) within Eligible Accounts (as defined below) to take advantage of the breakpoints in the Class A sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that may be available to you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or the fund if you believe you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation. Whether you made Eligible Purchases through one or more Service Agents, directly from the fund or through a combination of the foregoing, it is your responsibility to inform your Service Agent or the fund if you own Eligible Purchases that you believe are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. If you do not do so, you may not receive all sales charge reductions for which you are eligible. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for a reduced sales charge.
Eligible Purchases include: (i) any class of shares of any other Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund other than shares of such funds offered through separately managed accounts that are managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton; and (ii) units of a Section 529 Plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton. For purposes of a letter of intent and the accumulation privilege, Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds include
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
21

BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, and Western Asset funds. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust or Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust (except for shares held in Distributor Accounts). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Eligible Accounts include shares of Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds registered to (or held by a financial intermediary for):
 
   
You, individually;
   
Your “family member,” defined as your spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, or your children;
   
You jointly with one or more family members;
   
You jointly with one or more persons who are not family members if that other person has not included the value of the jointly-owned shares for purposes of the accumulation privilege (as described below) for that person’s separate investments in Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund shares;
   
A Coverdell Education Savings account for which you or a family member is the identified responsible person;
   
A trustee/custodian of an IRA (which includes a Roth IRA and an employer sponsored IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA) or your non-ERISA covered 403(b) plan account, if the shares are registered/recorded under your or a family member’s Social Security number;
   
A 529 college savings plan over which you or a family member has investment discretion and control;
   
Any entity over which you or a family member has individual or shared authority, as principal, has investment discretion and control (for example, an UGMA/UTMA account for a child on which you or a family member is the custodian, a trust on which you or a family member is the trustee, a business account (not to include retirement plans) for your solely owned business (or the solely owned business of a family member) on which you or a family member is the authorized signer); or
   
A trust established by you or a family member as grantor.
Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton fund shares held through an administrator or trustee/custodian of an Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (see definition below) such as a 401(k) plan do not qualify for the accumulation privilege.
Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton fund assets held in multiple Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans (as defined below) may be combined in order to qualify for sales charge breakpoints at the plan level if the plans are sponsored by the same employer.
An “Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan” is a Qualified Retirement Plan (as defined below), ERISA covered 403(b) plan or certain non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to a Qualified Retirement Plan, such as 457 plans and executive deferred compensation arrangements, but not including employer sponsored IRAs. A “Qualified Retirement Plan” is an employer sponsored pension or profit sharing plan that qualifies under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, including 401(k), money purchase pension, profit sharing and defined benefit plans.
Letter of intent. You may qualify for a reduced front-end sales charge by signing a “Letter of Intent”. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the value that you intend to purchase within the next 13 months, which would, if bought all at once, qualify you for a reduced sales charge. In addition, current holdings under the accumulation privilege may be included in the Letter of Intent. Shares or units redeemed or sold prior to reaching the threshold for a reduced sales charge will not be counted for these purposes. The 13-month period begins when the Letter of Intent is received by the fund or your Service Agent and you must inform your Service Agent or the fund that later purchases are subject to a Letter of Intent. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility. If you hold Eligible Purchases in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agent to determine which shares/units may be credited toward the Letter of Intent. Certain directors, trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.
During the term of the Letter of Intent, the fund will hold Class A shares representing up to 5% of the indicated amount in an escrow account for payment of the sales charge due if you do not meet the intended asset level goal during the 13-month term of the Letter of Intent. If the full amount is not purchased during the 13-month period, shares in the amount of any sales charge due, based on the amount of actual purchases will be redeemed from your account.
Accumulation privilege. The accumulation privilege allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the dollar amount of your next purchase of Class A shares in determining whether you qualify for a breakpoint and a reduced front-end sales charge. The current value of shares is determined by multiplying the number of shares as of the day prior to your current purchase by their public offering price. The cost value of shares is determined by aggregating the amount of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation), less any withdrawals, as of the date prior to your current purchase. The cost value of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts, however, may only be aggregated for share purchases that took place within 18 months of your current purchase or your letter of intent start date, if applicable. You must inform your Service Agent or the fund if you are eligible for the accumulation privilege and of the other Eligible Purchases you own that are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility. If you hold Eligible Purchases in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agent to determine which Eligible Purchases may be credited toward the accumulation privilege.
Waivers for certain Class A investors
Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:
 
22     ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

 
Shareholders investing in Class A shares through Distributor Accounts
 
 
Investors who redeemed at least the same amount of Class A shares of a fund sold by the Distributor in the past 90 days, if the investor’s Service Agent is notified
 
 
Directors and officers of any Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund
 
 
Employees of Franklin Resources and its subsidiaries
 
 
Investors investing through certain retirement plans
 
 
Investors who rollover fund shares from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform
If you qualify for a waiver of the Class A initial sales charge, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 at the time of purchase and provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the initial sales charge waiver.
Different Service Agents may impose different sales loads or offer different ways to reduce sales loads. These variations are described at the end of this Prospectus in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”
For additional information regarding waivers of Class A initial sales charges, contact your Service Agent or the fund, consult the SAI or visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Class C shares
You buy Class C shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class C shares within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Omnibus Retirement Plans may not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
Except as noted below, the Distributor generally will pay Service Agents selling Class C shares a commission of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares they sell. The Distributor will retain the contingent deferred sales charges and an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by these Service Agents until the thirteenth month after purchase. Starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, these Service Agents will receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them. The Distributor may not pay Service Agents selling Class C shares to Omnibus Retirement Plans a commission on the purchase price of Class C shares sold by them. Instead, immediately after purchase, the Distributor may pay these Service Agents an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.
Class C share conversion
Except as noted below, Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares after the shares have been held for 8 years from the purchase date; the shares will be converted in the month of, or the month following the 8-year anniversary of purchase. The monthly conversion processing date typically occurs around the middle of every month and generally falls on a Friday. It is the responsibility of your Service Agent and not the fund or the Distributor to ensure that you are credited with the proper holding period. If your Service Agent does not have records verifying that your shares have been held for at least 8 years, your Service Agent may not convert your Class C shares to Class A shares. Group retirement plans held in an omnibus recordkeeping platform through a Service Agent that does not track participant-level share lot aging may not convert Class C shares to Class A shares. Customers of certain Service Agents may be subject to different terms or conditions, as set by their Service Agent, in connection with such conversions. Please refer to the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents” on page A-1 of this Prospectus or contact your Service Agent for more information.
For Class C shares that have been acquired through an exchange from another fund sold by the Distributor, the purchase date is calculated from the date the shares were originally acquired in the other fund. When Class C shares that a shareholder acquired through a purchase or exchange convert, any other Class C shares that the shareholder acquired as reinvested dividends and distributions related to those shares also will convert into Class A shares on a pro rata basis.
All conversions from Class C shares to Class A shares will be based on the per share net asset value without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares is not considered a taxable event for federal income tax purposes.
Contingent deferred sales charges – Class A and Class C shares
The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less, and therefore you do not pay a sales charge on amounts representing appreciation or depreciation.
In addition, you do not pay a contingent deferred sales charge:
 
 
When you exchange shares for shares of the same share class of another fund sold by the Distributor
 
 
On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends
 
 
On shares no longer subject to the contingent deferred sales charge
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
23

Each time you place a request to redeem shares, the fund will first redeem any shares in your account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and then redeem the shares in your account that have been held the longest.
If you redeem shares of a fund sold by the Distributor and pay a contingent deferred sales charge, you may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 90 days in any other fund sold by the Distributor and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for additional information.
The Distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for its expenses in selling shares, including the payment of compensation to your Service Agent.
Contingent deferred sales charge waivers
The contingent deferred sales charge for each share class will generally be waived:
 
 
On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans
 
 
On certain distributions from a retirement plan
 
 
For certain Omnibus Retirement Plans
 
 
For involuntary redemptions of small account balances
 
 
For 12 months following the death or disability of a shareholder
 
 
On redemptions with respect to investors where the Distributor did not pay the Service Agent a commission
To have your contingent deferred sales charge waived, you or your Service Agent must let the fund know at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver.
Different Service Agents may offer different contingent deferred sales charge waivers. These variations are described at the end of this Prospectus in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”
For additional information regarding waivers of contingent deferred sales charges, contact your Service Agent or the fund, consult the SAI or visit the fund’s website, www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Class R shares
You buy Class R shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.
Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class R shares serviced by them.
Class I and Class IS shares
You buy Class I or Class IS shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge, no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed and no asset-based fee for sales or distribution. However, if you purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor, that Service Agent may charge you a commission in an amount determined and separately disclosed to you by the Service Agent.
Because the fund is not a party to any commission arrangement between you and your Service Agent, any purchases and redemptions of Class I or Class IS shares will be made by the fund at the applicable net asset value (before imposition of the sales commission). Any commissions charged by a Service Agent are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table or expense example in this Prospectus nor are they reflected in the performance in the bar chart and table in this Prospectus because these commissions are not charged by the fund.
 
 
24
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Buying shares
 
   
Generally   
You may buy shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your purchase request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge.
 
The fund may not be available for sale in certain states. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether the fund is available for sale in their state of residence.
 
You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:
 
   Name of fund being bought
 
   Class of shares being bought
 
   Dollar amount or number of shares being bought (as applicable)
 
   Account number (if existing account)
   
Through a Service Agent   
You should contact your Service Agent to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.
   
Through the
fund
  
Investors should contact the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
For initial purchases, complete and send your account application to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
Subsequent purchases should be sent to the same address. Enclose a check to pay for the shares. The fund will accept checks from other fund families and investment companies as long as the registration name on your fund account is the same as that listed on the check.
   
Through a systematic investment plan   
You may authorize your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent to transfer funds automatically from (i) a regular bank account, (ii) cash held in a brokerage account with a Service Agent, (iii) another fund sold by the Distributor or (iv) certain money market funds, in order to buy shares on a regular basis.
 
   Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
   If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, you may be charged a fee
 
   For amounts transferred from other funds sold by the Distributor, please see the section titled “Exchanging shares—Through a systematic exchange plan” in such fund’s prospectus
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund, or consult the SAI.
   
Franklin Templeton
VIP Services®
   You may be eligible for Franklin Templeton VIP Services® if you currently have $500,000 or more invested in Franklin Templeton affiliated funds based solely on shares registered directly with the fund and excluding shares held indirectly through brokerage accounts. Franklin Templeton VIP Services® shareholders enjoy enhanced services and transaction capabilities. Please contact Shareholder Services at (800) 632-2301 for additional information on this program.
Additional information about purchases
If you pay with a check or electronic transfer (ACH) that does not clear or if your payment is not received in a timely manner, your purchase may be cancelled and you may be liable for any loss to the fund. Please note that the fund will not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, pre-paid
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
25
 

debit cards, non-bank money orders, traveler’s checks or checks drawn on foreign banks for purchase of fund shares. The fund and its agents have the right to reject or cancel any purchase due to nonpayment.
Account registration changes
Changes in registration or certain account options for accounts held directly with the fund must be made in writing. Medallion signature guarantees may be required. (See “Other things to know about transactions—Medallion signature guarantees” below.) All correspondence must include the account number and must be sent to one of the following addresses:
Regular Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
 
26
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Exchanging shares
 
   
Generally   
You or your Service Agent may instruct the fund to exchange shares of any class for shares of the same class of any other fund sold by the Distributor, provided that the fund shares to be acquired in the exchange are available to new investors in such other fund and you are eligible to invest in such shares. Additionally, if the fund into which you wish to exchange your shares does not offer the class of shares in which you are currently invested, you may be able to exchange for a different share class (see “Exchangeability between funds without the same share class” below).
 
In addition, you may exchange shares of a fund for a different share class of the same fund provided you meet the eligibility requirements of the share class into which you are exchanging. You may exchange shares of the fund for the same class of shares (or a different share class, if permitted) of other funds sold by the Distributor on any day that both the fund and the fund into which you are exchanging are open for business. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
 
An exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another fund is considered a sale and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account. An exchange of shares of one class directly for shares of another class of the same fund normally should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should talk to your tax professional before making an exchange.
 
The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short-term trading. The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges.
   
Exchangeability between funds without the same share class    If the fund you are exchanging into does not offer your share class, you may be able to exchange your shares for a different share class.
 
    Exchange from share class    Exchangeable for
   
                                             Class I   
Class A shares of Franklin U.S. Government
Money Fund, Advisor Class or Class Z
   
    Class IS    Advisor Class, Class Z or Class R6
   
    Class R    Class FI
 
   
Franklin Templeton offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of large and small investors   
You may exchange shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your exchange request in good order.
 
   If you bought shares through a Service Agent, contact your Service Agent to learn which funds your Service Agent makes available to you for exchanges
 
   If you bought shares directly from the fund, contact the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 to learn which funds are available to you for exchanges
 
   Generally, exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations, unless you send written instructions with a signature guarantee
 
   Not all funds offer all classes
 
   Some funds are offered only in a limited number of states. Your Service Agent or the fund will provide information about the funds offered in your state
 
Always be sure to read the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging shares.
   
Investment minimums, sales charges and other requirements   
   In most instances, your shares will not be subject to an initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. You may be charged an initial or contingent deferred sales charge if the shares being exchanged were not subject to a sales charge
 
   Except as noted above, your contingent deferred sales charge (if any) will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase of shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and you will be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge of the fund that you originally purchased
 
   You will generally be required to meet the minimum investment requirement for the class of shares of the fund or share class into which your exchange is made (except in the case of systematic exchange plans or in exchanges of an entire account balance)
 
   Your exchange will also be subject to any other requirements of the fund or share class into which you are exchanging shares
 
   The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
27

By telephone    Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 for information. Exchanges are priced at the net asset value next determined. Telephone exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations and may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
   
Through a systematic exchange plan   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic exchanges of shares of the fund for shares of other funds available for exchange. All requirements for exchanging shares described above apply to these exchanges. In addition:
 
   Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually
 
   Each exchange must meet the applicable investment minimums for systematic investment plans (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
 
28
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Redeeming shares
 
   
Generally   
You may redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent of your redemption request in good order, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Redemptions made through your Service Agent may be subject to transaction fees or other conditions as set by your Service Agent.
 
If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, partnership or similar entity, other documents may be required.
   
Redemption proceeds   
Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within 2 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)). If you make a redemption request before the fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares, the fund may delay your proceeds until payment is collected, for up to 10 days.
 
Your redemption proceeds may be delayed, or your right to receive redemption proceeds suspended beyond 7 days, if the NYSE is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
 
If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds may be sent to your Service Agent. Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire or electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account designated by you. To change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers, you will be required to deliver a new written authorization and may be asked to provide other documents. You may be charged a fee by your bank on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).
 
In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.
 
Under normal circumstances, the fund expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio and/or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. The fund also may pay redemption proceeds using cash obtained through borrowing arrangements that may be available from time to time.
 
The fund may pay all or a portion of your redemption proceeds by giving you securities (for example, if the fund reasonably believes that a cash redemption may have a substantial impact on the fund and its remaining shareholders). You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities, and you may receive less for them than the price at which they were valued for purposes of the redemption.
 
During periods of deteriorating or stressed market conditions, when an increased portion of the fund’s portfolio may be comprised of investments that have lower liquidity, or during extraordinary or emergency circumstances, the fund may be more likely to pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements (if available) or by giving you securities.
   
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
Your written request must provide the following:
 
   The fund name, the class of shares being redeemed and your account number
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered
 
   Medallion signature guarantees, as applicable (see “Other things to know about transactions”)
   
By telephone    If your account application permits, you may be eligible to redeem shares by telephone. Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 for more information. Please have the following information ready when you call:
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
29

  
   Name of fund being redeemed
 
   Class of shares being redeemed
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Account number
   
Systematic withdrawal plans   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic redemptions of a portion of your shares. To qualify, you must own shares of the fund with a value of at least $5,000 and each automatic redemption must be at least $50 per transaction per month. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the minimum withdrawal amounts will not apply.
 
The following conditions apply:
 
   Redemptions may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Redemptions may be processed on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month, if no day is indicated, redemptions will be made on the 20th day of the month.
 
   If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be required to be paid upon redemption. However, the charge will be waived if your automatic redemptions do not exceed 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account’s net asset value, depending on the frequency of your plan.
 
   Your Service Agent may impose a lower minimum amount for each automatic redemption on a monthly and quarterly basis.
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
 
30
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Other things to know about transactions
When you buy, exchange or redeem shares, your request must be in good order. This means you have provided the following information, without which your request may not be processed:
 
 
Name of the fund
 
 
Your account number
 
 
In the case of a purchase (including a purchase as part of an exchange transaction), the class of shares being bought
 
 
In the case of an exchange or redemption, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed (if you own more than one class)
 
 
Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed
 
 
In certain circumstances, the signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (see “Redeeming shares”)
In certain circumstances, such as during periods of market volatility, severe weather and emergencies, shareholders may experience difficulties placing exchange or redemption orders by telephone. In that case, shareholders should consider using the fund’s other exchange and redemption procedures described under “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares.”
The transfer agent or the fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that any telephone, electronic or other exchange or redemption request is genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification information, employing identification numbers, sending you a written confirmation or requiring other confirmation procedures from time to time. If these procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions, subject to applicable law.
The fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or private delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such delivery services, or receipt at the fund’s post office box, of purchase requests or redemption orders, do not constitute receipt by the fund or its transfer agent.
The fund has the right to:
 
 
Suspend the offering of shares permanently or for a period of time
 
 
Waive or change minimum initial and additional investment amounts
 
 
Reject any purchase or exchange order
 
 
Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege
 
 
Suspend telephone transactions
 
 
Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted or as otherwise permitted by the SEC
 
 
Redeem shares if information provided in the application should prove to be incorrect in any manner judged by the fund to be material (e.g., in a manner such as to render the shareholder ineligible to purchase shares of that class)
 
 
Delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days if, in the judgment of the subadviser, the fund could be adversely affected by immediate payment. The fund may delay redemptions beyond seven days, or suspend redemptions, only as permitted by the SEC or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
 
 
Close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state
For your protection, the fund or your Service Agent may request additional information in connection with large redemptions, unusual activity in your account, or otherwise to ensure your redemption request is in good order. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Medallion signature guarantees
To be in good order, you may be asked to include a Medallion signature guarantee with your redemption request if you:
 
 
are redeeming shares and sending the proceeds to an address or bank account not currently on file or to an account in another fund sold by the Distributor with a different account registration
 
 
are redeeming more than $250,000 worth of shares
 
 
changed your account registration or your address within 15 calendar days
 
 
want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)
 
 
are transferring the redemption proceeds to an account with a different registration
For other types of transactions involving changes to your account registration information, please contact the fund or your Service Agent.
When a Medallion signature guarantee is called for, the shareholder should have a Medallion signature guarantee stamped under his or her signature. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings and loan institutions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations and clearing agencies (each an “Eligible Guarantor Institution”), but not from a notary public.
The fund and its agents reserve the right to reject any Medallion signature guarantee pursuant to written signature guarantee standards or procedures, which may be revised in the future to permit them to reject Medallion signature guarantees from Eligible Guarantor Institutions. The fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders.
Restrictions on the availability of the fund outside the United States
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
31

The distribution of this Prospectus and the offering of shares of the fund are restricted in certain jurisdictions. This Prospectus is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful, where the person making an offer or solicitation is not authorized to make it or a person receiving an offer or solicitation may not lawfully receive it or may not lawfully invest in the fund. Investors should inform themselves as to the legal requirements within their own country before investing in the fund.
This Prospectus, and the offer of shares hereunder, are not directed at persons outside the United States. In particular, the fund is not intended to be marketed to prospective investors in any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (collectively, the “European Economic Area” or “EEA”). No notification or application has been made to the competent authority of any member state of the EEA under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (or any applicable legislation or regulations made thereunder) to market the fund to investors in the EEA and it is not intended that any such notification or application shall be made.
U.S. citizens with addresses in the United States, and non-U.S. citizens who reside in the United States and have U.S. addresses, are permitted to establish accounts with the fund. For these purposes, the “United States” and “U.S.” include U.S. territories.
The fund generally does not permit persons who do not reside in the United States or who do not have U.S. addresses to establish accounts. Therefore, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, as well as non-U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, generally will not be permitted to establish accounts with the fund.
For further information, you or your Service Agent may contact the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863.
Anti-money laundering
Federal anti-money laundering regulations require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you sign your account application, you may be asked to provide additional information in order for the fund to verify your identity in accordance with these regulations. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g. partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you may also be required to supply the identity of the beneficial owners and a control individual with management authority, prior to the opening of your account. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations.
Small account fees/Mandatory redemptions
Small accounts may be subject to a small account fee or to mandatory redemption, as described below. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for information on the policy applicable to your account.
Small account fees
To offset the relatively higher impact on fund expenses of servicing smaller accounts, the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by your Service Agent or by the Distributor for Distributor Accounts on the next-to-last business day of the quarter (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account) if the value of your account is below $1,000 (if applicable, $250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored) for any reason (including declines in net asset value). The small account fee will be charged by redeeming shares in your account. If the value of your account is $3.75 or less, the amount in the account may be exhausted to pay the small account fee. If your Service Agent or the Distributor assesses a small account fee, the small account fee will not be assessed on systematic investment plans until the end of the first quarter after the account has been established for 21 months. Payment of the small account fee through a redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
The small account fee will not be charged on, if applicable: (i) retirement plans (but will be charged on other plans that are not employer-sponsored such as traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts, Coverdell education savings accounts, individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, Keogh plans, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts); (ii) Legg Mason funds that have been closed to subsequent purchases for all classes; (iii) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents; (iv) Class R, Class I and Class IS shares; and (v) for new accounts (except for new accounts opened by way of an exchange), a small account fee will not be charged during the calendar quarter in which you open your account.
If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount (although you may exchange into existing accounts of other funds sold by the Distributor in which you hold the same share class, to the extent otherwise permitted by those funds and subject to any applicable sales charges).
The small account fee is calculated on a fund-by-fund basis. If you have accounts in multiple funds, they will not be aggregated for the purpose of calculating the small account fee.
Some shareholders who hold accounts in Classes A and C of the same fund may have those accounts aggregated for the purposes of these calculations. Please contact the fund or your Service Agent for more information.
Small account balance liquidations
The fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to a minimum investment amount determined by your Service Agent if your account has been open for more than one year and the aggregate value of the fund shares in your account is less than $500. You will be notified in writing and will have 30 days to make an additional investment to bring your account value up to the required level. If you choose not to do so within this 30-
 
 
32
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

day period, the fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. You will not be charged a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable, if your account is closed for this reason. If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount.
If your account is closed, you will not be eligible to have your account reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information. Any redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
This policy does not apply to: (i) certain broker-controlled accounts established through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Networking system; (ii) Class A accounts established pursuant to a conversion from Class C or C1, and any remaining Class C or C1 accounts involved in the conversion with a low balance due to the conversion; (iii) tax-deferred retirement plan accounts; (iv) accounts with an active systematic investment plan; (v) accounts held through a 529 college saving program; (vi) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents, (vii) Coverdell Education Saving Plan accounts; and (viii) accounts identified to us by the applicable Service Agent as being fee-based accounts.
General
The fund may, with prior notice, change the minimum size of accounts subject to mandatory redemption, which may vary by class, implement fees for other small accounts or change the amount of the fee for small direct accounts.
Subject to applicable law, the fund may, with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
Frequent trading of fund shares
The Board has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to frequent trading in fund shares (“Frequent Trading Policy”).
The fund does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares that may be detrimental to the fund. For example, this type of trading activity could interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio or materially increase the fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes.
In addition, since the fund invests in foreign securities, it may be vulnerable to a form of short-term trading that is sometimes referred to as “time-zone arbitrage.” Time-zone arbitrage occurs when an investor seeks to take advantage of delays between changes in the value of a mutual fund’s portfolio holdings and the reflection of those changes in the fund’s net asset value per share. These delays are more likely to occur in the case of foreign investments, due to differences between the times during which the fund’s international portfolio securities trade on foreign markets and the time as of which the fund’s net asset value is calculated (generally as of the close of the NYSE). Time-zone arbitrage traders seek to purchase or redeem shares of a fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before calculation of the fund’s net asset value. This can result in the value of the fund’s shares being diluted. One of the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibility of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Since the fund may invest in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid (“relatively illiquid securities”), it may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage short-term trading. Such arbitrage traders may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the fund’s net asset value and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Through its transfer agent, the fund performs ongoing monitoring of shareholder trading in shares of the fund and other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds in order to try and identify shareholder trading patterns that suggest an ongoing short-term trading strategy. If shareholder trading patterns identified by the transfer agent through monitoring or from other information regarding the shareholder’s trading activity in non-Franklin Templeton affiliated funds leads the transfer agent to reasonably conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the fund as described in this Frequent Trading Policy, the transfer agent, on behalf of 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 you 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 patterns, the fund may consider, among other factors, the investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the fund, in other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds, in non-Franklin Templeton affiliated mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership. The transfer agent may also reject any purchase request, whether or not it represents part of any ongoing trading pattern, if the manager or the fund’s transfer agent reasonably concludes that the amount of the requested transaction may disrupt or otherwise interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio. In determining what actions should be taken, the fund’s transfer agent may consider a variety of factors, including the potential impact of such remedial actions on the fund and its shareholders. If the fund is a “fund of funds,” the fund’s transfer agent may consider the impact of the trading activity and of any proposed remedial action on both the fund and the affiliated underlying funds in which the fund invests.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
33

Frequent trading through financial intermediaries. You are an investor subject to this Frequent Trading Policy whether you are a direct shareholder of the fund or you are investing indirectly in the fund through a financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, bank, trust company, insurance company product such as an annuity contract, investment advisor, or an administrator or trustee of an IRS-recognized tax-deferred savings plan such as a 401(k) retirement plan and a 529 college savings plan.
Some financial intermediaries maintain master accounts with the fund on behalf of their customers (“omnibus accounts”). The fund has entered into “information sharing agreements” with these financial intermediaries, which permit the fund to obtain, upon request, information about the trading activity of the intermediary’s customers that invest in the fund. If the fund’s transfer agent identifies omnibus account level trading patterns that have the potential to be detrimental to the fund, the transfer agent may, in its sole discretion, request from the financial intermediary information concerning the trading activity of its customers. Based upon its review of the information, if the transfer agent determines that the trading activity of any customer may be detrimental to the fund, it may, in its sole discretion, request the financial intermediary to restrict or limit further trading in the fund by that customer. There can be no assurance that the transfer agent’s monitoring of omnibus account level trading patterns will enable it to identify all short-term trading by a financial intermediary’s customers.
Record ownership
If you hold shares through a Service Agent, your Service Agent may establish and maintain your account and be the shareholder of record. In the event that the fund holds a shareholder meeting, your Service Agent, as record holder, will be entitled to vote your shares and may seek voting instructions from you. If you do not give your Service Agent voting instructions, your Service Agent, under certain circumstances, may nonetheless be entitled to vote your shares.
Confirmations and account statements
If you bought shares directly from the fund, you will receive a confirmation from the fund after each transaction (except a reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, an investment made through the Systematic Investment Plan, exchanges made through a systematic exchange plan and withdrawals made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan). Shareholders will receive periodic account statements.
To assist you in the management of your account you may direct the transfer agent to send copies of your confirmations and/or periodic statements to another party whom you designate, at no charge.
 
 
34
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Dividends, other distributions and taxes
Dividends and other distributions
The fund generally pays dividends and distributes capital gain, if any, once in December and at such other times as are necessary. Shares will generally begin to earn dividends on the settlement date of purchase. The fund may pay additional distributions and dividends in order to avoid a federal tax.
You can elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash.
Unless you elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash, your dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in shares of the same class you hold, at the net asset value determined on the reinvestment date. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends.
If you hold shares directly with the fund and you elect to receive dividends and/or distributions in cash, you have the option to receive such dividends and/or distributions via a direct deposit to your bank account or by check.
If you hold Class A or Class C shares directly with the fund, you may instruct the fund to have your dividends and/or distributions invested in the corresponding class of shares of another fund sold by the Distributor (excluding Western Asset Government Reserves), subject to the following conditions:
 
 
You meet the minimum initial investment requirement of the other fund; and
 
 
The other fund is available for sale in your state.
To change those instructions, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at least three days before the next distribution is to be paid.
Please contact your Service Agent or the fund to discuss what options are available to you for receiving your dividends and other distributions.
The Board reserves the right to revise the dividend policy or postpone the payment of dividends, if warranted in the Board’s judgment, due to unusual circumstances.
Taxes
The following discussion is very general, applies only to shareholders who are U.S. persons, and does not address shareholders subject to special rules, such as those who hold fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged account. Except as specifically noted, the discussion is limited to federal income tax matters, and does not address state, local, foreign or non-income taxes. Further information regarding taxes, including certain federal income tax considerations relevant to non-U.S. persons, is included in the SAI. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local and/or foreign tax considerations that may be relevant to your particular situation.
In general, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares or shares of another fund) are all taxable events. An exchange between classes of shares of the same fund normally is not taxable for federal income tax purposes, whether or not the shares are held in a taxable account.
The following table summarizes the tax status of certain transactions related to the fund.
 
Transaction   Federal income tax status
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares are owned more than one year
Dividends of investment income and distributions of net short-term capital gain   Ordinary income, or in certain cases qualified dividend income
Distributions of net capital gain (excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss)
  Long-term capital gain if reported as capital gain dividends by the fund
Distributions of investment income that the fund reports as “qualified dividend income” may be eligible to be taxed to noncorporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if certain requirements are satisfied. Distributions of net capital gain reported by the fund as capital gain dividends are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. Noncorporate shareholders ordinarily pay tax at reduced rates on long-term capital gain.
If the fund realizes capital gains in excess of realized capital losses in any fiscal year, it generally expects to make capital gain distributions to shareholders. You may receive distributions that are attributable to appreciation of portfolio securities that happened before you made your investment but had not been realized at the time you made your investment, or that are attributable to capital gains or other income that, although realized by the fund, had not yet been distributed at the time you made your investment. Unless you purchase shares through a tax-advantaged account, these distributions will be taxable to you even though they economically represent a return of a portion of your investment. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a dividend or capital gain distribution. You should consult your tax professional before buying shares no matter when you are investing.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
35

A Medicare contribution tax is imposed at the rate of 3.8% on all or a portion of net investment income of U.S. individuals if their income exceeds specified thresholds and on all or a portion of undistributed net investment income of certain estates and trusts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the fund and gain on the redemption or exchange of fund shares.
A dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year will, in certain circumstances, be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.
The fund’s investment in certain foreign securities, foreign currencies or foreign currency derivatives may affect the amount, timing, and character of fund distributions to shareholders.
After the end of each year, your Service Agent or the fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about your investment in the fund.
 
 
36
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Share price
You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, adjusted for any applicable sales charge. The fund’s net asset value per share is the value of its assets minus its liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Net asset value is calculated separately for each class of shares.
The fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. The fund generally values its securities and other assets and calculates its net asset value as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at a time other than the scheduled closing time, the fund will calculate its net asset value as of the scheduled closing time. The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.
In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at a certain day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent before the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on that day to receive that day’s price. If the NYSE closes early on that day, you must place your order prior to the scheduled closing time. It is the responsibility of the Service Agent to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the fund transfer agent on a timely basis.
Valuation of the fund’s securities and other assets is performed in accordance with the valuation policy approved by the Board. As of the date of this Prospectus, the fund’s manager serves as the fund’s valuation designee for purposes of compliance with Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the valuation policy, assets are valued as follows:
 
 
Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price (which may be reported at a different time than the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated) or, if that price is unavailable or deemed by the manager not representative of market value, the last sale price. Where a security is traded on more than one exchange (as is often the case overseas), the security is generally valued at the price on the exchange considered by the manager to be the primary exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if exchange prices are not otherwise available, the prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services that use a variety of techniques and methodologies. Investments in mutual funds are valued at the net asset value per share of the class of the underlying fund held by the fund as determined on each business day.
 
The valuations for fixed income securities and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of fair valuation techniques and methodologies.
 
The valuations of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets in which they primarily trade. The prices of foreign equity securities typically are adjusted using a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to estimate the value of those securities at the time of closing of the NYSE. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Foreign markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.
 
If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the manager believes that they are unreliable, the manager may price securities in accordance with the valuation policy. The valuation policy permits, among other things, the use of a formula or other method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments to determine fair value. These determinations are subject to the Board’s oversight. Fair value of a security is the amount, as determined by the manager in good faith, that the fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the security. The fund may also use fair value procedures if the manager determines that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a market price is determined and the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated.
Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Moreover, valuing securities using fair value methodologies involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on market quotations. A fund that uses fair value methodologies may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its net asset value. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or higher or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different methodology.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
37

Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class for the past five years, unless otherwise noted. No financial highlights are presented for Class R shares because no Class R shares were outstanding for the periods shown. The returns for Class R shares will differ from those of the other classes to the extent that their expenses differ. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return represents the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. Unless otherwise noted, this information has been audited by the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is incorporated by reference into the fund’s SAI (see back cover) and is included in the fund’s annual report. The fund’s annual report is available upon request by calling toll-free 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 or via the following hyperlink: (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292458/d393206dncsr.htm).
 
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class A Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $19.34          $12.19          $15.97          $20.11          $22.89  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.03          0.08          0.07          0.10          0.07  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (2.82)          7.12          (2.91)          (2.23)          1.01  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (2.79)          7.20          (2.84)          (2.13)          1.08  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.06)          (0.05)          (0.15)          (0.04)           
Net realized gains
       (0.97)                   (0.79)          (1.97)          (3.86)  
Total distributions
       (1.03)          (0.05)          (0.94)          (2.01)          (3.86)  
Net asset value, end of year        $15.52          $19.34          $12.19          $15.97          $20.11  
Total return2
       (15.44)        59.21        (19.11)        (10.01)        5.02
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $86,554          $108,421          $75,068          $105,726          $110,568  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       1.37        1.38        1.45        1.39        1.35
Net expenses3,4
       1.34          1.34          1.35          1.35          1.35  
Net investment income
       0.17          0.43          0.54          0.61          0.34  
Portfolio turnover rate        44        53        43        88        30
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures, exclusive of sales charges, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class A shares did not exceed 1.35%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
 
38
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class C Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.09          $8.94          $11.89          $15.61          $18.70  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment loss
       (0.08)          (0.04)          (0.02)          (0.02)          (0.05)  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (2.00)          5.23          (2.14)          (1.73)          0.82  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (2.08)          5.19          (2.16)          (1.75)          0.77  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
                (0.04)                             
Net realized gains
       (0.97)                   (0.79)          (1.97)          (3.86)  
Total distributions
       (0.97)          (0.04)          (0.79)          (1.97)          (3.86)  
Net asset value, end of year        $11.04          $14.09          $8.94          $11.89          $15.61  
Total return2
       (16.08)        58.14        (19.71)        (10.57)        4.39
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $2,602          $3,325          $3,490          $6,183          $35,316  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       2.15        2.14        2.13        2.02        2.01
Net expenses3,4
       2.10          2.10          2.05          1.99          2.00  
Net investment loss
       (0.59)          (0.34)          (0.18)          (0.19)          (0.30)  
Portfolio turnover rate        44        53        43        88        30
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures, exclusive of CDSC, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class C shares did not exceed 2.10%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
39
 

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class I Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $21.41          $13.45          $17.52          $21.83          $24.44  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.11          0.16          0.13          0.16          0.15  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (3.14)          7.87          (3.20)          (2.41)          1.10  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (3.03)          8.03          (3.07)          (2.25)          1.25  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.14)          (0.07)          (0.21)          (0.09)           
Net realized gains
       (0.97)                   (0.79)          (1.97)          (3.86)  
Total distributions
       (1.11)          (0.07)          (1.00)          (2.06)          (3.86)  
Net asset value, end of year        $17.27          $21.41          $13.45          $17.52          $21.83  
Total return2
       (15.12)        59.80        (18.84)        (9.74)        5.45
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $10,018          $8,851          $4,517          $6,967          $10,191  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       1.07        1.04        1.10        1.03        1.01
Net expenses3,4
       1.00          1.00          1.00          1.00          1.00  
Net investment income
       0.53          0.79          0.88          0.92          0.70  
Portfolio turnover rate        44        53        43        88        30
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3 
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class I shares did not exceed 1.00%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund.
 
4 
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
 
40
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class IS Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $21.50          $13.49          $17.57          $21.89          $24.48  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.13          0.17          0.15          0.18          0.18  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (3.16)          7.91          (3.22)          (2.42)          1.09  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (3.03)          8.08          (3.07)          (2.24)          1.27  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.16)          (0.07)          (0.22)          (0.11)           
Net realized gains
       (0.97)                   (0.79)          (1.97)          (3.86)  
Total distributions
       (1.13)          (0.07)          (1.01)          (2.08)          (3.86)  
Net asset value, end of year        $17.34          $21.50          $13.49          $17.57          $21.89  
Total return2
       (15.07)        60.03        (18.76)        (9.67)        5.53
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $5,985          $6,733          $3,601          $4,500          $6,514  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       0.95        0.97        1.00        0.94        0.92
Net expenses3,4
       0.90          0.90          0.90          0.90          0.90  
Net investment income
       0.61          0.89          1.00          1.02          0.79  
Portfolio turnover rate        44        53        43        88        30
 
1 
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2 
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class IS shares did not exceed 0.90%. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares did not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares. These expense limitation arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. In addition, the manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund.
 
4 
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
41
 

 
 
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Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents
 
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular financial intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another financial intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
The information below has been provided by the named financial intermediaries. Please contact the applicable financial intermediary with any questions regarding how it applies the policies described below and for assistance in determining whether you may qualify for a particular sales charge waiver or discount.
MERRILL LYNCH
Effective June 30, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
 
 
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
 
 
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
 
 
Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
 
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
 
 
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
 
 
Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
 
 
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
 
 
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
 
 
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
 
 
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only)
 
 
Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
A‑1

 
purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
 
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL
Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:
The following information applies to Class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:
Effective January 15, 2021, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI:
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).
 
 
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversions of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
 
 
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise Financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
MORGAN STANLEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management:
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
 
 
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
 
 
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
 
 
Class C (i.e., level-load) and Class C2 shares, as applicable, that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days’ following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
 
 
Morgan Stanley, on your behalf, can convert Class P shares, as applicable, to Class A shares, generally on a tax-free basis, without clients being subject to a front-end sales charge.
In addition, effective November 12, 2021, for the purpose of calculating rights of accumulation and letters of intent with respect to purchases made in a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account, the following definition for “Eligible Purchases” applies. This definition may be more limited than the one contained in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI. It is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Morgan Stanley at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for a discount. Morgan Stanley can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Morgan Stanley if they have questions.
 
 
A‑2
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Eligible Purchases include:
 
 
Any class of shares of any Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason fund that is registered in the U.S.; and
 
Units of a Section 529 Plan where Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason is the program manager.
For purposes of this section, Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason funds also include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, Western Asset funds and certain other funds managed by affiliated investment advisers. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust or Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust.
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC., RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND EACH ENTITY’S AFFILIATES (“RAYMOND JAMES”)
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Raymond James
 
 
Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
 
 
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs with 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
 
 
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares Available at Raymond James
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-End Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of the fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
EDWARD JONES
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones:
Effective on or after January 1, 2021, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund Prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds (including holdings of 529 Plans where Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason serve as the primary distributor), or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑3
 

Breakpoints
 
 
Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the Prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
 
 
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
 
 
The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
 
 
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
 
 
Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
 
 
If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
 
 
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
 
 
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
 
 
Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus.
 
 
Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
 
 
The death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
 
 
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
 
 
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
 
 
Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.
 
 
Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
 
 
A‑4
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
1.1 Minimum Purchase Amounts
 
 
Initial purchase minimum: $250
 
Subsequent purchase minimum: none
1.2 Minimum Balances
 
 
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
  ¡   
A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
  ¡   
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
  ¡   
An account with an active systematic investment plan or letter of intent (LOI)
1.3 Exchanging Share Classes
 
 
At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder’s holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC (“JANNEY”)
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
 
 
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
 
Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney
 
 
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 7012 as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
 
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
 
Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑5
 

OPPENHEIMER & CO. INC.
Effective May 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“OPCO”) platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
 
 
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
 
 
Shares purchased through a OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
 
 
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
 
 
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder
 
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Prospectus
 
 
Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
BAIRD
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A-shares Available at Baird
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
 
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another Legg Mason-sponsored fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
 
A shareholder in the funds’ Class C Shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs
CDSC Waivers on Class A and C shares Available at Baird
 
 
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
A‑6
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

 
Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
 
 
Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
 
 
Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Legg Mason-sponsored fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible Legg Mason-sponsored fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
 
 
Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of Legg Mason-sponsored funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time
WAIVERS SPECIFIC TO STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)
Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.
Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares
 
 
Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in the fund’s Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) still apply.
PFS INVESTMENTS INC. (“PFSI”)
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases on the PSS Platform
The following information supersedes all prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares purchased through PFSI and held on the mutual fund platform of its affiliate, Primerica Shareholder Services (“PSS”). Clients of PFSI (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes, sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from share classes, discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this prospectus or the related statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform PFSI at the time of a purchase of all holdings of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds on the PSS platform, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. PFSI may request reasonable documentation of such facts and condition the granting of any discount or waiver on the timely receipt of such documents. Shareholders should contact PSS if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Share Classes
Shareholders purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes:
 
 
Class A shares are available in non-retirement accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRA), SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Keogh Plans, and all other account types.
 
Class A1 and Class C shares are available only in accounts that already hold such shares.
Breakpoints
 
 
Breakpoint pricing at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus of the fund you are purchasing.
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)
 
 
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A or Class A1 shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any assets held in group retirement plans) of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder on the PSS platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying PFSI of such assets at the time of calculation. Shares of money market funds are included only if such shares were acquired in exchange for shares of another Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason Fund purchased with a sales charge. No shares of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder away from the PSS platform, will be granted ROA with shares of any Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason Fund purchased on the PSS platform.
 
Any SEP IRA plan, any SIMPLE IRA plan or any Payroll Deduction Plan (“PDP”) on the PSS platform will be defaulted to plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, which allows each participating employee ROA with all other eligible shares held in plan accounts on the PSS platform. At any time, a participating employee may elect to exercise a one-time option to change grouping for purposes of ROA to shareholder- level grouping, which allows the plan account of the electing employee ROA with her other eligible holdings on the PSS platform, but not with all other eligible
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑7
 

  participant holdings in the plan. Eligible shares held in plan accounts electing shareholder-level grouping will not be available for purposes of ROA to plan accounts electing plan-level grouping.
 
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or current market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (“LOI”)
 
 
By executing a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period through PFSI, from the date PSS receives the LOI. The purchase price of the LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the dollar amount the shareholder intends to invest over a 13-month period to arrive at total investment for purposes of determining any breakpoint discount and the applicable front-end sales charge. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the projected total investment.
 
 
Only holdings of Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds on the PSS platform are eligible for inclusion in the LOI calculation and the shareholder must notify PFSI of all eligible assets at the time of calculation.
 
 
Purchases made before the LOI is received by PSS are not adjusted under the LOI, and the LOI will not reduce any sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be automatically adjusted if the total purchases required by the LOI are not met.
 
 
If an employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan, SIMPLE IRA or non-IRA PDP plan on the PSS platform has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer. LOIs are not available to PDP IRA plans on the PSS platform with plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, but are available to any participating employee that elects shareholder-level grouping for purposes of ROA.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
 
Shares purchased with the proceeds of redeemed shares of either the Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason fund families so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 90 days of the purchase, 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account, and 3) the redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load. Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals), full or partial transfers or rollovers of retirement accounts, and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay account maintenance fees are not eligible for this sales charge waiver.
 
Shares exchanged into Class A or Class A1 shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of PFSI. PFSI is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases That Are Not Held on the PSS Platform
Class R shares are available through PFSI only in 401(k) plans covering a business owner with no employees, commonly referred to as a one-participant 401(k) plan or solo 401(k) and which are not held on the PSS platform.
D.A. DAVIDSON
Effective September 1, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares including existing Fund shareholders through a D.A. Davidson &. Co. (“D.A. Davidson”) platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the Fund’s SAI.
Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at D.A. Davidson
 
 
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
 
 
Employees and registered representatives of D.A. Davidson or its affiliates and their family members as designated by D.A. Davidson.
 
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
 
 
A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with D.A. Davidson’s policies and procedures.
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at D.A. Davidson
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
A‑8
    ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund

 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
 
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
 
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA or other qualifying retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
 
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front-end sales charge discounts available at D.A. Davidson: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
 
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at D.A. Davidson. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund    
 
 
A‑9
 

Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
 
Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Franklin Templeton* is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This notice is designed to provide you with a summary of the non-public personal information Franklin Templeton may collect and maintain about current or
former individual investors; our policy regarding the use of that information; and the measures we take to safeguard the information. We do not sell individual investors’ non-public personal information to anyone and only share it as described in this notice.
Information We Collect
When you invest with us, you provide us with your non-public personal information. We collect and use this information to service your accounts and respond to your requests. The non-public personal information we may collect falls into the following categories:
 
 
Information we receive from you or your financial intermediary on applications or other forms, whether we receive the form in writing or electronically. For example, this information may include your name, address, tax identification number, birth date, investment selection, beneficiary information, and your personal bank account information and/or email address if you have provided that information.
 
 
Information about your transactions and account history with us, or with other companies that are part of Franklin Templeton, including transactions you request on our website or in our app. This category also includes your communications to us concerning your investments.
 
 
Information we receive from third parties (for example, to update your address if you move, obtain or verify your email address or obtain additional information to verify your identity).
 
 
Information collected from you online, such as your IP address or device ID and data gathered from your browsing activity and location. (For example, we may use cookies to collect device and browser information so our website recognizes your online preferences and device information.) Our website contains more information about cookies and similar technologies and ways you may limit them.
 
 
Other general information that we may obtain about you such as demographic information.
Disclosure Policy
To better service your accounts and process transactions or services you requested, we may share non-public personal information with other Franklin Templeton companies. From time to time we may also send you information about products/services offered by other Franklin Templeton companies although we will not share your non-public personal information with these companies without first offering you the opportunity to prevent that sharing.
We will only share non-public personal information with outside parties in the limited circumstances permitted by law. For example, this includes situations where we need to share information with companies who work on our behalf to service or maintain your account or process transactions you requested, when the disclosure is to companies assisting us with our own marketing efforts, when the disclosure is to a party representing you, or when required by law (for example, in response to legal process). Additionally, we will ensure that any outside companies working on our behalf, or with whom we have joint marketing agreements, are under contractual obligations to protect the confidentiality of your information, and to use it only to provide the services we asked them to perform.
Confidentiality and Security
Our employees are required to follow procedures with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of our investors’ non-public personal information. Additionally, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect the information. This includes performing ongoing evaluations of our systems containing investor information and making changes when appropriate.
 
At all times, you may view our current privacy notice on our website at franklintempleton.com or contact us for a copy at (800) 632-2301.
*For purposes of this privacy notice Franklin Templeton shall refer to the following entities:
Fiduciary Trust International of the South (FTIOS), as custodian for individual retirement plans
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Franklin Distributors, LLC, including as program manager of the Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan and the NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series Funds
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC
Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., Canada
Franklin Templeton Investments Management, Limited UK
Franklin Templeton Portfolio Advisors, Inc.
Legg Mason Funds serviced by Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC
Templeton Asset Management, Limited
Templeton Global Advisors, Limited
Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC
If you are a customer of other Franklin Templeton affiliates and you receive notices from them, you will need to read those notices separately.
 
THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF THE PROSPECTUS
 
GOF LPR 10/22

ClearBridge
Small Cap Value Fund
 
You may visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report.
Shareholder reports Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The independent registered public accounting firm’s report and financial statements in the fund’s Annual Report are incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of) this Prospectus.
The fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same last name and same address. Contact your Service Agent or the fund if you do not want this policy to apply to you.
Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about the fund and is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this Prospectus.
You can make inquiries about the fund or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, by calling the fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863, or by writing to the fund at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained for a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
If someone makes a statement about the fund that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the fund nor the Distributor is offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.
(Investment Company Act
file no. 811-06444)
FD02461ST 01/23

LOGO
 
Prospectus   LOGO   January 30, 2023
 
Share class (Symbol): A (LGDAX), C (LGDCX), FI (LDIGX), R (—), I (LTTMX), IS (LDIFX)
 
 
FRANKLIN
GLOBAL DIVIDEND FUND
 
 
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.
 
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
 

Investment objective
The fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation and income.
 
Contents  
Investment objective      2  
Fees and expenses of the fund      2  
Principal investment strategies      3  
Principal risks      4  
Performance      7  
Management      8  
Purchase and sale of fund shares      8  
Tax information      8  
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries      9  
More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks      10  
More on fund management      19  
Choosing a share class      22  
Share class features summary      22  
Share class availability      23  
Additional information about each share class      25  
Buying shares      29  
Exchanging shares      31  
Redeeming shares      33  
Other things to know about transactions      35  
Dividends, other distributions and taxes      39  
Share price      41  
Financial highlights      42  
Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents      A‑1  
Fees and expenses of the fund
The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. 
You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in funds distributed through Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), the fund’s distributor. More information about these and other discounts is available from your Service Agent, in the fund’s Prospectus on page 25 under the heading “Additional information about each share class,” in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents” on page A‑1 of the fund’s Prospectus and in the fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) on page 74 under the heading “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares.” “Service Agents” include banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to sell shares of the fund. 
If you purchase Class I shares or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers, that Service Agent may charge you a commission. Such commissions, if any, are not charged by the fund and are not reflected in the fee table or expense example below. 
 
Shareholder fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
      Class A   Class C    Class FI    Class R   Class I    Class IS
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    5.501,2   None    None    None   None    None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption)3    None4   1.00    None    None   None    None
Small account fee5    $15   $15    None    None   None    None
               
Annual fund operating expenses (%)
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
      Class A   Class C    Class FI    Class R   Class I    Class IS
Management fees    0.65   0.65    0.65    0.65   0.65    0.65
Distribution and/or service (12b‑1) fees    0.25   1.00    0.25    0.50   None    None
Other expenses    0.39   0.29    0.50    0.366   0.29    0.16
Total annual fund operating expenses    1.29   1.94    1.40    1.51   0.94    0.81
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed7    (0.11)      (0.10)        
Totalannual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses
   1.18   1.94    1.30    1.51   0.94    0.81
 
1 
The sales charge is waived for shareholders purchasing Class A shares through accounts where Franklin Distributors is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”).
2
Shareholders purchasing Class A shares through certain Service Agents or in certain types of accounts may be eligible for a waiver of the sales charge. For additional information, see “Additional information about each share class — Sales charges” in the Prospectus.
3 
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) may be reduced over time.
4 
You may buy Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more at net asset value (without an initial sales charge), but if you redeem those shares within 18 months of their purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%.
5 
If the value of your account is below $1,000 ($250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored), the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by the fund or your Service Agent (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
 
 
2
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

6 
Other expenses for Class R shares are estimated for the current fiscal year. Actual expenses may differ from estimates.
7 
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.18% for Class A shares, 2.05% for Class C shares, 1.30% for Class FI shares, 1.55% for Class R shares, 0.95% for Class I shares and 0.85% for Class IS shares, subject to recapture as described below. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares will not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2024 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:
 
 
You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated
 
 
Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that any applicable fee waiver or expense reimbursement is reflected only through its expiration date)
 
 
You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
Number of years you own your shares ($)                            
       1 year      3 years      5 years      10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)      664      927      1,210      2,013
Class C (with redemption at end of period)      297      609      1,047      2,095
Class C (without redemption at end of period)      197      609      1,047      2,095
Class FI (with or without redemption at end of period)      132      433      756      1,670
Class R (with or without redemption at end of period)      154      478      824      1,801
Class I (with or without redemption at end of period)      96      300      520      1,155
Class IS (with or without redemption at end of period)      83      259      450      1,003
Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal investment strategies
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity and equity-related securities that provide investment income, dividend payments or other distributions or in other investments with similar economic characteristics.
As a global fund, the fund can seek investment opportunities anywhere in the world, and under normal circumstances, the fund invests in at least three countries, which may include the United States. The fund can invest without limitation in foreign securities in any country, including countries with developed or emerging markets. The fund may invest in issuers of any market capitalization.
Equity securities and equity-related securities may include exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter (“OTC”) common stocks (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), preferred stock, warrants and rights, securities convertible into common stocks, American Depositary Receipts and securities of other investment companies, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and master limited partnerships (“MLPs”).
The subadviser emphasizes investments in stocks expected to pay dividends and favors stocks that have shown more stable return characteristics as identified by its proprietary security risk assessment process.
The subadviser pursues the fund’s investment objective by creating an equity portfolio of primarily dividend-paying stocks using quantitative investment models to assist with stock selection, portfolio construction and risk control.
The subadviser attempts to keep the fund’s volatility lower than that of its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index. The subadviser seeks to manage volatility through the following methods:
  
 
Analyzing the measurements of each stock’s risk relative to the overall risk of the global equity market, measuring the volatility of individual stock prices relative to the MSCI ACWI index 
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
3
 

 
Investing in companies that offer a combination of attractive dividend yields, consistent dividend growth, a record of increasing dividends and the cash flow to support continued dividend growth and dividend payments 
Both of these types of risk measures (statistical and fundamental) are used to assist the subadviser in constructing a portfolio of securities for the fund. 
Additionally, elements of the subadviser’s fundamentally-based stock-ranking model are used to identify securities that the subadviser believes will have superior risk-adjusted returns than the overall equity markets. 
Principal risks
Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any bank or government agency. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.  
Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.  
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID‑19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID‑19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID‑19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers. 
Foreign investments and emerging markets risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investments in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less transparent, less regulated and more volatile markets. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events, and the impact of tariffs and other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries.  
In addition, there may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against issuers located in or operating in certain foreign markets, particularly emerging market countries, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies. To the extent the 
 
 
4
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

fund focuses its investments in a single country or only a few countries in a particular geographic region, economic, political, regulatory or other conditions affecting such country or region may have a greater impact on fund performance relative to a more geographically diversified fund. 
The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic and political conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure. 
Less developed markets are more likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories. Settlement of trades in these markets can take longer than in other markets and the fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain securities for an extended period (possibly several weeks or even longer). 
The risks of foreign investments are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less developed and are less stable than those of more developed countries. Their economies tend to be less diversified than those of more developed countries. They typically have fewer medical and economic resources than more developed countries, and thus they may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of a pandemic or a natural disaster. They are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility. 
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.  
Dividend-paying stock risk. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the stocks held by the fund will pay dividends in the future or that, if dividends are paid, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. The fund’s emphasis on dividend-paying stocks could cause the fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends or ability to pay dividends in the future. Dividend-paying stocks may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or economic downturn or other market or company-specific developments could cause a company to reduce or eliminate its dividend.  
Large capitalization company risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors based on market and economic conditions. In addition, larger companies may not be able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges and industry changes. As a result, the fund’s value may not rise as much as, or may fall more than, the value of funds that focus on companies with smaller market capitalizations.  
Small and mid‑capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies. Small and mid‑capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may have greater potential for losses.  
Illiquidity risk. Some assets held by the fund may be or become impossible or difficult to sell, particularly during times of market turmoil. These illiquid assets may also be difficult to value. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all.  
Redemptions by affiliated funds and by other significant investors. The fund may be an investment option for mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by LMPFA and its affiliates, including Franklin Templeton investment managers, unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs and other investors with substantial investments in the fund. As a result, from time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions and could be required to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.  
Volatility risk. The market prices of the securities or other assets in the fund’s portfolio may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The price of a security may fluctuate due to factors affecting markets generally or particular industries. The market price of a security or other asset may also be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility may affect the fund’s net asset value. Although the subadviser’s models were created to invest in stocks that exhibit low volatility characteristics, there is no guarantee that these models and strategies will be successful. Securities or other assets in the fund’s portfolio may be subject to price volatility and the prices may not be any less volatile than the market as a whole and could be more volatile. Events or financial circumstances affecting individual securities or sectors may increase the volatility of the fund.  
 
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Model risk. The subadviser’s investment models may not adequately take into account certain factors and may result in the fund having a lower return than if the fund were managed using another model or investment strategy. When a model or data used in managing the fund contains an error, or is incorrect or incomplete, any investment decision made in reliance on the model or data may not produce the desired results and the fund may realize losses.  
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.  
Portfolio management risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security, industry, sector or region, or about market movements, is incorrect or does not produce the desired results, or if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and data used by the subadviser. In addition, the fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the subadviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund.  
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub‑custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.  
Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time. 
These and other risks are discussed in more detail in the Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information. 
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Performance
The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class IS shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. The fund makes updated performance information, including its current net asset value, available at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (select fund and share class), or by calling the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863.
The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
Sales charges are not reflected in the accompanying bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.
 
LOGO  
Best Quarter ( 12/31/2022): 11.59    Worst Quarter (03/31/2020): (18.57
 
Average annual total returns (%)  
(for periods ended December 31, 2022)                                  
Class IS      1 year          5 years          Since inception          Inception date  
Return before taxes      (5.22)          5.21          7.37          02/28/2013  
Return after taxes on distributions      (6.60)          3.93          6.06             
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares      (2.23)          3.94          5.60             
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                                          
Class A      (11.00)          3.56          5.99          09/18/2015  
Class C      (7.12)          3.99          6.06          09/18/2015  
Class FI      (5.65)          4.74          6.35          09/23/2014  
Class I      (5.33)          5.08          6.17          03/02/2015  
MSCI All Country World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)1      (18.36)          5.23          7.63             
 
1 For Class A, Class C, Class FI and Class I shares, for the period from the class’ inception date to December 31, 2022, the average annual total return of the MSCI All Country World Index was 8.03%, 8.03%, 6.41% and 6.33%, respectively.
The after‑tax returns are shown only for Class IS shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after‑tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After‑tax returns for classes other than Class IS will vary from returns shown for Class IS. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares are higher than returns before taxes for certain periods shown because they reflect the tax benefit of capital losses realized on the redemption of fund shares.
 
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Management
Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)
Subadviser: Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers”)
Portfolio managers: Primary responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers. At Franklin Advisers, all portfolios are managed on a collaborative basis using a systematic, rules based approach.
 
Portfolio manager    Title    Portfolio manager of the fund since
Christopher W. Floyd, CFA    Portfolio Manager    2021
Joseph S. Giroux    Portfolio Manager    2013
Purchase and sale of fund shares
You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order, subject to any applicable sales charge.
The fund’s initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are set forth in the accompanying table:
 
Investment minimum initial/additional investment ($)            
      Class A      Class C1      Class FI2      Class R      Class I    Class IS
General    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      N/A      1 million/None3    N/A
Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minor Accounts    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      N/A      1 million/None3    N/A
IRAs    250/50      250/50      N/A      N/A      1 million/None3,4    N/A4
SIMPLE IRAs    None/None      None/None      N/A      N/A      1 million/None3    N/A
Systematic Investment Plans    25/25      25/25      N/A      N/A      1 million/None3,5    N/A5
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries    None/None      N/A      None/ None      None/ None      None/None6    None/None6
Eligible Investment Programs    None/None      N/A      None/ None      None/ None      None/None    None/None
Omnibus Retirement Plans    None/None      None/None      None/ None      None/ None      None/None    None/None
Individual Retirement Plans except as noted    None/None      None/None      N/A      N/A      1 million/None3    N/A
Institutional Investors    1,000/50      1,000/50      N/A      N/A      1 million/None    1 million/None
 
1 
Class C shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts.
2 
Class FI shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts.
3 
Available to investors investing directly with the fund.
4 
IRA accountholders who purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $250/$50. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
5 
Investors investing through a Systematic Investment Plan who purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $25/$25. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
6 
Individual investors who purchase Class I shares or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers are subject to the initial and subsequent minimums of $1,000/$50. If a Service Agent does not have this arrangement in place with the Distributor, the initial and subsequent minimums listed in the table apply. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
Your Service Agent may impose higher or lower investment minimums, or may impose no minimum investment requirement.
For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your Service Agent, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863, by regular mail at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030 or by express, certified or registered mail at Legg Mason Funds, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205.
Tax information
The fund’s distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries
The fund’s related companies pay Service Agents for the sale of fund shares, shareholder services and other purposes. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your Service Agent or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or salesperson or visit your Service Agent’s or salesperson’s website for more information.
 
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More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks
Important information
The fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation and income.
The fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval and on notice to shareholders. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity and equity-related securities that provide investment income, dividend payments or other distributions or in other investments with similar economic characteristics.
As a global fund, the fund can seek investment opportunities anywhere in the world, and under normal circumstances, the fund invests in at least three countries, which may include the United States. The fund can invest without limitation in foreign securities in any country, including countries with developed or emerging markets. The fund may invest in issuers of any market capitalization.
Equity securities and equity-related securities may include exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter (“OTC”) common stocks, preferred stock, warrants and rights, securities convertible into common stocks, American Depositary Receipts and securities of other investment companies, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and master limited partnerships (“MLPs”).
The subadviser emphasizes investments in stocks expected to pay dividends and favors stocks that have shown more stable return characteristics as identified by its proprietary security risk assessment process.
The subadviser pursues the fund’s investment objective by creating an equity portfolio of primarily dividend-paying stocks using quantitative investment models to assist with stock selection, portfolio construction and risk control.
The subadviser attempts to keep the fund’s volatility lower than that of its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index. The subadviser seeks to manage volatility through the following methods:
 
 
Analyzing the measurements of each stock’s risk relative to the overall risk of the equity markets (beta)
 
 
Looking for companies that offer a combination of attractive yields, high dividend growth, a record of increasing dividends and the cash flow to support dividend payments
Both of these types of risk measures (statistical and fundamental) are used to assist the subadviser in constructing a portfolio of securities for the fund.
Additionally, elements of the subadviser’s fundamentally-based stock-ranking model are used to identify securities that the subadviser believes will have superior risk-adjusted returns than the overall equity markets.
The portfolio managers are part of a team approach to research to improve the quantitative models, which are based on fundamental stock characteristics, and thus the models are expected to evolve over time as changes are incorporated.
The fund’s 80% investment policy may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders.
The fund’s other investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Prospectus or in the statement of additional information (“SAI”).
Foreign investments
The fund has no geographic limits in where it may invest. The fund may invest in both developed and emerging markets. Foreign securities may be denominated and traded in foreign currencies and may be traded in the United States or on international stock exchanges. The fund’s foreign investments are typically equity securities.
Fixed income securities
Fixed income securities represent obligations of corporations, governments and other entities to repay money borrowed. Fixed income securities are commonly referred to as “debt,” “debt obligations,” “bonds” or “notes.” The issuer of the fixed income security usually pays a fixed, variable or floating rate of interest, and repays the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. Some fixed income securities, however, do not pay current interest but are sold at a discount from their face values. Other fixed income securities may make periodic payments of interest and/or principal. Some fixed income securities are partially or fully secured by collateral supporting the payment of interest and principal.
Currency transactions
The fund may enter into forward foreign currency transactions to buy or sell currencies at a future date. The fund may enter into these forward currency contracts to settle transactions in securities quoted in foreign currencies.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Derivatives
Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an asset, such as one or more underlying investments, indexes or currencies. The fund may engage in a variety of transactions using derivatives, such as options on securities, futures and options on futures, forward foreign currency contracts and currency swaps. Derivatives may be used by the fund for any of the following purposes:
 
 
As a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the fund’s portfolio
 
As a substitute for buying or selling securities
 
As a cash flow management technique
 
As a means of enhancing returns
 
As a means of managing its exposure to foreign securities or currencies
Using derivatives, especially for non‑hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to the fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Certain derivative transactions may have a leveraging effect on the fund.
Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying asset, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of one or more underlying investments, indexes or currencies.
Rule 18f‑4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which became effective August 19, 2022, governs the use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g. reverse repurchase agreements) by registered investment companies. Among other things, Rule 18f‑4 requires funds that invest in derivative instruments beyond a specified limited amount to apply a value‑at‑risk based limit to their use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. A fund that uses derivative instruments in a limited amount is not subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f‑4. Compliance with Rule 18f‑4 by the fund could, among other things, make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, or otherwise adversely affect their performance. Rule 18f‑4 may limit the fund’s ability to use derivatives as part of its investment strategy.
Equity-linked notes (ELNs)
ELNs are securities that are valued based upon the performance of one or more equity securities traded in a foreign market, such as a stock index, a group of stocks or a single stock. ELNs offer investors the opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the underlying local equity securities where the fund may not have established local access to that market.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
The fund may invest in shares of open‑end management investment companies or unit investment trusts that are traded on a stock exchange, called ETFs. Typically, an ETF seeks to track (positively or negatively) the performance of an index by holding in its portfolio either the same securities that comprise the index or a representative sample of the index. Investing in an ETF gives the fund exposure to the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based and the fund will gain or lose value depending on the performance of the index. Certain ETFs in which the fund may invest seek to track (positively or negatively) a multiple of index performance on any given day.
Exchange-traded notes (ETNs)
The fund may invest in ETNs, which are debt securities that combine certain aspects of ETFs and bonds. ETNs, like ETFs, may be traded on stock exchanges and their value depends on the performance of the underlying index and the credit rating of the issuer. ETNs may be held to maturity, but unlike bonds there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Unlike corporations, entities that qualify as REITs for U.S. federal income tax purposes are not taxed on income distributed to their shareholders, provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses that may be charged by the REITs in which it invests, in addition to the expenses paid by the fund.
Master limited partnerships (MLPs)
The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”). MLPs are limited partnerships whose interests (limited partnership units) are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. Currently, most MLPs operate in the energy, natural resources or real estate sectors. MLPs are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. entity that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes is not itself subject to federal income tax. Instead, the entity’s partners are required to report on their federal income tax returns their shares of each item of the entity’s income, gain, loss and deduction for each taxable year of the entity ending with or within the partner’s taxable year. A cash distribution from a partnership is not itself taxable to the extent it does not exceed the distributee partner’s basis in its
 
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partnership interest, and is treated as capital gain to the extent any cash distributed to a partner exceeds the partner’s basis in the partnership. If the fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the fund will be a partner in that MLP. Thus, the fund will be required to take into account the fund’s allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions, expenses and credits recognized by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the fund. The cash distributions that the fund may receive with respect to its investments in equity securities of MLPs may exceed the net taxable income allocated to the fund from such MLPs because of tax deductions such as depreciation, amortization and depletion that will be allocated to the fund from the MLPs. The fund will treat MLP units as equity securities, and will treat dividends and distributions received by the fund from any investments in MLP units, as complying with the fund’s policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity and equity-related securities that provide investment income, dividend payments or other distributions or in other investments with similar economic characteristics.
Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to the fund from investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the fund at the time the deductions were taken by the fund, and even though those shareholders will not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, the fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
Certain limited partnership units have restrictions that limit or restrict the acquisition of such units by regulated investment companies such as the fund. Such limits or restrictions, if enforced, could limit the availability of such units to the fund or result in a forced sale at a below market price and/or loss of rights to receive MLP distributions.
Cash management
The fund may hold cash pending investment, may invest in money market instruments and may enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements (which have characteristics like borrowings) for cash management purposes. The fund may invest in money market funds, which may or may not be affiliated with the fund’s manager or the subadvisers. The amount of assets the fund may hold for cash management purposes will depend on market conditions and the need to meet expected redemption requests.
Defensive investing
The fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions, including by investing in any type of money market instruments and short-term debt securities or holding cash without regard to any percentage limitations. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets is used for defensive investing purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. Although the subadviser has the ability to take defensive positions, it may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions.
Other investments
The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other investments that are described, along with their risks, in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). However, the fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of investments described in this Prospectus or in the SAI.
Percentage and other limitations
The fund’s compliance with its investment limitations and requirements described in this Prospectus is usually determined at the time of investment. If such a percentage limitation is complied with at the time of an investment, any subsequent change resulting from a change in asset values or characteristics will not constitute a violation of that limitation.
More on risks of investing in the fund
Following is more information on the principal risks summarized above and additional risks of investing in the fund.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange traded and over‑the‑counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.
Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID‑19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID‑19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID‑19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers.
Foreign investments and emerging markets risk. The fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers or issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investments in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile markets. The markets for some foreign securities are relatively new, and the rules and policies relating to these markets are not fully developed and may change. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, tariffs and tax disputes, economic sanctions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries.
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign or emerging market countries. Investors in foreign countries often have limited rights and few practical remedies to pursue shareholder claims, including class actions or fraud claims, and the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities to bring and enforce actions against foreign issuers or foreign persons is limited. Foreign investments may also be adversely affected by U.S. government or international interventions, restrictions or economic sanctions, which could negatively affect the value of an investment or result in the fund selling an investment at a disadvantageous time. To the extent the fund focuses its investments in a single country or only a few countries in a particular geographic region, economic, political, regulatory or other conditions affecting such country or region may have a greater impact on fund performance relative to a more geographically diversified fund.
The value of the fund’s foreign investments may also be affected by foreign tax laws, special U.S. tax considerations and restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale or disposition of, foreign securities may be subject to non‑U.S. withholding or other taxes.
It may be difficult for the fund to pursue claims against a foreign issuer or other parties in the courts of a foreign country. Some securities issued by non‑U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of such governments. Even where a security is backed by the full faith and credit of a government, it may be difficult for the fund to pursue its rights against the government. In the past, some non‑U.S. governments have defaulted on principal and interest payments.
If the fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, receives income in foreign currencies, or holds foreign currencies from time to time, the value of the fund’s assets, as measured in U.S. dollars, can be affected unfavorably by changes in exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic and political conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
In certain foreign markets, settlement and clearance of trades may experience delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments. Settlement of trades in these markets can take longer than in other markets and the fund may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain securities for an extended period (possibly several weeks or even longer) due to, among other factors, low trading volumes and volatile prices. The custody or holding of securities, cash and other assets by local banks, agents and depositories in securities markets outside the United States may entail additional risks. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in
 
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designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. Local agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. In extreme cases, the fund’s securities may be misappropriated or the fund may be unable to sell its securities. In general, the less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the likelihood of custody problems.
The risks of foreign investments are heightened when investing in issuers in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less developed and are less stable than those of more developed countries. Their economies tend to be less diversified than those of more developed countries. They typically have fewer medical and economic resources than more developed countries, and thus they may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of a pandemic or a natural disaster. They are often particularly sensitive to market movements because their market prices tend to reflect speculative expectations. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility. Investors should be able to tolerate sudden, sometimes substantial, fluctuations in the value of investments in emerging markets. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will.
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.
Dividend-paying stock risk. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the stocks held by the fund will pay dividends in the future or that, if dividends are paid, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. The fund’s emphasis on dividend-paying stocks could cause the fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends or ability to pay dividends in the future. Dividend-paying stocks may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or economic downturn or other market or company-specific developments could cause a company to reduce or eliminate its dividend.
Large capitalization company risk. Large capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors based on market and economic conditions. In addition, larger companies may not be able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies and may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges and industry changes. As a result, the fund’s value may not rise as much as, or may fall more than, the value of funds that focus on companies with smaller market capitalizations.
Small and mid‑capitalization company risk. The fund will be exposed to additional risks as a result of its investments in the securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies. Small and mid‑capitalization companies may fall out of favor with investors; may have limited product lines, operating histories, markets or financial resources; or may be dependent upon a limited management group. The prices of securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies generally are more volatile than those of large capitalization companies and are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earnings results and investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions, including those experienced during a recession. Securities of small and mid‑capitalization companies may underperform large capitalization companies, may be harder to sell at times and at prices the portfolio managers believe appropriate and may have greater potential for losses.
Model risk. Investment models may not adequately take into account certain factors and may result in the fund having a lower return than if the fund were managed using another model or investment strategy. In addition, investment models used by the subadviser to evaluate securities or securities markets are based on certain assumptions concerning the interplay of market factors. The markets or the prices of individual securities may be affected by factors not foreseen in developing the models. When a model or data used in managing the fund contains an error, or is incorrect or incomplete, any investment decision made in reliance on the model or data may not produce the desired results and the fund may realize losses.
Illiquidity risk. Illiquidity risk exists when particular investments are impossible or difficult to sell. Although most of the fund’s investments must be liquid at the time of investment, investments may be or become illiquid after purchase by the fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. When the fund holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. The fund may experience heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, the fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.
Derivatives risk. Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains, such as when market prices, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the fund’s subadviser, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect which may increase investment losses and increase the fund’s volatility, which is the degree to which the fund’s share price may fluctuate within a short time period. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The other parties to certain derivatives transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities.
 
 
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The fund’s counterparty to a derivative transaction may not honor its obligations in respect to the transaction. In certain cases, the fund may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivative instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses.
Derivatives also tend to involve greater illiquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. The fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over‑the‑counter derivatives will not have liquidity except through the counterparty to the instrument. Derivatives are generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying asset, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. The fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments have adopted and implemented or are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin, and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets. The fund may be exposed to additional risks as a result of the additional regulations. The extent and impact of the additional regulations are not yet fully known and may not be for some time.
Swap agreements tend to shift the fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another.
The absence of a central exchange or market for over‑the‑counter swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Relatively recent legislation requires certain swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally expected to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The fund also may not be able to find a clearinghouse willing to accept a swap for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse and/or the broker through which it holds its position may be unable to perform its obligations.
The fund will be required to maintain its positions with a clearing organization through one or more clearing brokers. The clearing organization will require the fund to post margin and the broker may require the fund to post additional margin to secure the fund’s obligations. The amount of margin required may change from time to time. In addition, cleared transactions may be more expensive to maintain than over‑the‑counter transactions and may require the fund to deposit larger amounts of margin. The fund may not be able to recover margin amounts if the broker has financial difficulties. Also, the broker may require the fund to terminate a derivatives position under certain circumstances. This may cause the fund to lose money.
Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of the fund’s assets is committed to derivatives in general or is invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
Leverage risk. The value of your investment may be more volatile if the fund borrows or uses instruments, such as derivatives, that have a leveraging effect on the fund’s portfolio. Other risks described in the Prospectus also will be compounded because leverage generally magnifies the effect of a change in the value of an asset and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have had. The fund may also have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations created by the use of leverage or derivatives. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in the loss of a substantial amount, and possibly all, of the fund’s assets. In addition, the fund’s portfolio will be leveraged if it exercises its right to delay payment on a redemption, and losses will result if the value of the fund’s assets declines between the time a redemption request is deemed to be received by the fund and the time the fund liquidates assets to meet redemption requests.
Portfolio turnover risk. Active and frequent trading will increase a shareholder’s tax liability and the fund’s transaction costs, which could detract from fund performance.
Volatility risk. The value of the securities or other assets in the fund’s portfolio may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of a security or other asset may fluctuate due to factors affecting markets generally or particular industries. The value of a security may also be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility may affect the fund’s net asset value. Although the subadviser’s models were created to invest in stocks that exhibit low volatility characteristics, there is no guarantee that these models and strategies will be successful. Securities or other assets in the fund’s portfolio may be subject to price volatility and the prices may not be any less volatile than the market as a whole and could be more volatile. Events or financial circumstances affecting individual securities or sectors may increase the volatility of the fund.
Investing in ETFs risk. An investment in an ETF is subject to the risks of investing in other investment companies. Investing in securities issued by ETFs also involves risks similar to those of investing directly in the securities and other assets held by the ETF. Unlike shares of typical mutual funds, shares of ETFs are generally traded on an exchange throughout a trading day and bought and sold based on market values and not at net asset value. For this reason, shares could trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value, which may be substantial during periods of market stress. An ETF will generally gain or lose value consistent with the performance of its portfolio securities. The fund will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs. In addition, the fund will indirectly bear its pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by an ETF in which it invests, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to advisory and other expenses that the fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. Certain ETFs are also subject to portfolio management risk. An index-based ETF may not replicate exactly the performance of the benchmark index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of
 
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securities or the number of securities held. Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the listing exchange may halt trading of an ETF’s shares, in which case the fund would be unable to sell its ETF shares unless and until trading is resumed.
Equity-linked notes (“ELNs”) risk. ELNs are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign equity securities or the basket of foreign securities to which they are linked. If the linked securities decline in value, the ELN may return a lower amount at maturity.
ELNs involve further risks associated with purchases and sales of notes, including the exchange rate fluctuations and a decline in the credit quality of the note’s issuer.
ELNs are frequently secured by collateral. If an issuer defaults, the fund would look to any underlying collateral to recover its losses, but there can be no assurance that the collateral will be sufficient to cover the fund’s losses. Ratings of issuers of ELNs refer only to the issuers’ creditworthiness and the related collateral. They provide no indication of the potential risks of the linked securities.
Exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”) risk. ETNs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. ETNs may be traded on stock exchanges and generally track specified market indexes, and their value depends on the performance of the underlying index and the credit rating of the issuer. However, there may be substantial differences between the price at which the ETN is traded and the value of the underlying index. ETNs are not collateralized by securities in underlying indexes. The issuer of an ETN is responsible for payments of principal and interest under the ETN. ETNs may be held to maturity, but there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected. The fund is exposed to the risk that an ETN’s issuer will not have sufficient assets to make interest or principal payments. Unlike ETFs, ETNs are not investments in a dedicated pool of the issuer’s assets and operate more like unsecured debt. The fund could lose some or the entire amount invested in an ETN.
Convertible securities risk. Convertible securities are subject to stock market and other risks associated with equity securities, as well as the credit, interest rate and other risks associated with fixed income securities. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or obligor will not make timely payments of principal or interest or that its credit may be downgraded or perceived to be less creditworthy. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a fixed income security will fall when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security falls, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed income characteristics. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features.
REITs risk. Investments in REITs expose the fund to risks similar to investing directly in real estate. The value of these underlying investments may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying real estate, the quality of the property management, the creditworthiness of the issuers of the investments, demand for rental properties, and changes in property taxes, interest rates and the real estate regulatory environment. Investments in REITs are also affected by general economic conditions. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency on the property interests they hold, defaults by borrowers, poor performance by the REIT’s manager and self-liquidation. REITs usually charge management fees, which may result in layering the fees paid by the fund. REITs may be leveraged, which increases risk. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to (i) qualify for favorable tax treatment under applicable tax law, or (ii) maintain their exemptions from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.
MLP risk. An investment in MLP units involves certain risks which differ from an investment in the securities of a corporation. Holders of MLP units are limited partners in a limited partnership and typically have more limited voting and other rights than stockholders of a corporation. Additionally, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders and the general partner of an MLP; for example, a conflict may arise as a result of incentive distribution payments. The amount of cash that any MLP has available to pay its unit holders in the form of distributions/dividends depends on the amount of cash flow generated from such company’s operations. Cash flow from operations will vary from quarter to quarter and is largely dependent on factors affecting the MLP’s operations and factors affecting the energy, natural resources or real estate sectors in general. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs. MLPs may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the prices of commodities and may be impacted by the levels of supply and demand for commodities. The performance of MLPs operating in the real estate sector may be linked to the performance of the real estate markets, including the risk of falling property values and declining rents, and from changes in interest rates or inflation. Much of the benefit the fund derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and subject to corporate-level tax on its income, and could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP to its unit holders, such as the fund.
Credit risk. The value of your investment in the fund could decline if the issuer of a security held by the fund or another obligor for that security (such as a party offering credit enhancement) fails to pay, otherwise defaults, is perceived to be less creditworthy, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. The value of your investment in the fund could also decline if the credit rating of a security held by the fund is downgraded or the credit quality or value of any assets underlying the security declines. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. If the fund enters into financial contracts (such as certain derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and when-issued, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions), the fund will be subject to the credit risk presented by the counterparty. In addition, the fund may incur expenses
 
 
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in an effort to protect the fund’s interests or to enforce its rights against an issuer, guarantor or counterparty or may be hindered or delayed in exercising those rights. Credit risk is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which the fund invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade (Baa/BBB) may possess certain speculative characteristics. Credit risk is typically greatest for the fund’s high yield debt securities (“junk” bonds), which are rated below the Baa/BBB categories or unrated securities of comparable quality.
Prepayment or call risk. Many fixed income securities give the issuer the option to repay or call the security prior to its maturity date. Issuers often exercise this right when interest rates fall. Accordingly, if the fund holds a fixed income security subject to prepayment or call risk, it may not benefit fully from the increase in value that other fixed income securities generally experience when interest rates fall. Upon prepayment of the security, the fund would also be forced to reinvest the proceeds at then current yields, which would be lower than the yield of the security that was paid off. In addition, if the fund purchases a fixed income security at a premium (at a price that exceeds its stated par or principal value), the fund may lose the amount of the premium paid in the event of prepayment. Prepayment further tends to reduce the yield to maturity and the average life of the security.
Extension risk. When interest rates rise, repayments of fixed income securities may occur more slowly than anticipated, extending the effective duration of these fixed income securities at below market interest rates and causing their market prices to decline more than they would have declined due to the rise in interest rates alone. This may cause the fund’s share price to be more volatile.
Portfolio management risk. The value of your investment may decrease if the subadviser’s judgment about the attractiveness or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security, industry, sector or region, or about market movements, is incorrect or does not produce the desired results, or if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the models, tools and data used by the subadviser. In addition, the fund’s investment strategies or policies may change from time to time. Those changes may not lead to the results intended by the subadviser and could have an adverse effect on the value or performance of the fund.
Valuation risk. Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, the fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of non‑U.S. securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets in which they are traded, but before the fund determines its net asset value. The fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.
Cash management and defensive investing risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the cash will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash and the fund will not earn income on the cash. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets is used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. Defensive investing may not work as intended and the value of an investment in the fund may still decline.
Redemptions by affiliated funds and by other significant investors. The fund may be an investment option for mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by LMPFA and its affiliates, including Franklin Templeton investment managers, unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs and other investors with substantial investments in the fund. As a result, from time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions and could be required to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.
Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expenses may be higher if the fund’s average net assets decrease, as a result of redemptions or otherwise, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Operational risk. Your ability to transact with the fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including those due to cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the fund or to develop processes and controls that eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub‑custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party
 
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service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.
Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Portfolio holdings
A description of the fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI. The fund posts its complete portfolio holdings at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (click on the name of the fund) on a quarterly basis. The fund intends to post its complete portfolio holdings 14 calendar days following the quarter‑end. The fund intends to post partial information concerning the fund’s portfolio holdings (such as top 10 holdings or sector breakdowns, for example) on the fund’s website on a monthly basis. The fund intends to post this partial information 10 business days following each month‑end. Such information will remain available until the next month’s or quarter’s holdings are posted.
 
 
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More on fund management
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) is the fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund. As of September 30, 2022, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $171.5 billion.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers” or the “subadviser”) provides the day‑to‑day portfolio management of the fund, except for any portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments that is allocated to Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”). Franklin Advisers has offices at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906. Franklin Advisers provides asset management services to numerous other investment companies and accounts.
Western Asset manages the portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments allocated to it. Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. As of September 30, 2022, the total assets under management of Western Asset and its supervised affiliates were approximately $371.7 billion.
LMPFA, Franklin Advisers and Western Asset are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin Resources”). Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as Franklin Templeton. As of September 30, 2022, Franklin Templeton’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.3 trillion.
Portfolio managers
Primary responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers. The portfolio managers are responsible for the strategic oversight of the fund’s investments. The portfolio managers focus on portfolio implementation and are primarily responsible for ensuring that the fund complies with its investment objective, guidelines and restrictions and Franklin Advisers’ current investment strategies.
 
Portfolio manager    Title and recent biography    Portfolio manager of the fund since
Christopher W. Floyd, CFA   
Vice President, Portfolio Manager for Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (“FTIS”). Mr. Floyd was formerly a member of the Equity Portfolio Manager group at QS Investors, a quantitative multi-asset and equity manager. QS Investors combined with Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions in October 2020 to create FTIS. Previously, Mr. Floyd served as a developed markets senior portfolio manager at Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”), which merged with QS Investors in 2014. Prior to joining Batterymarch, he held positions at Cigna Investment Management, Urban & Associates, Inc. and Bay State Federal Savings Bank. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. in Management from Cornell University.
 
   2021
Joseph S. Giroux    Vice President, Portfolio Manager for Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (“FTIS”). Mr. Giroux was formerly a member of the Equity Portfolio Management group at QS Investors, a quantitative multi-asset and equity manager. QS Investors combined with Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions in October 2020 to create FTIS. Previously, he served as a portfolio manager at Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”), which merged with QS Investors in 2014. Prior to joining Batterymarch, Mr. Giroux was a portfolio manager at Wells Capital Management, Evergreen Investments, The Boston Company Asset Management and Standish Ayer & Wood. Mr. Giroux was also a quantitative analyst at Invesco. He has a B.S. in Computer Science and a M.S. in Information    2013
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
19
 

     Technology from New England Institute of Technology.     
The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio managers, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and any fund shares held by the portfolio managers.
Management fee
The fund pays a management fee at an annual rate of 0.65% of its average daily net assets.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fund paid LMPFA an effective management fee of 0.64% of the fund’s average daily net assets for management services.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the fund’s management agreement and subadvisory agreements is available in the fund’s Annual Report for the period ended September 30, 2022.
Expense limitation
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.18% for Class A shares, 2.05% for Class C shares, 1.30% for Class FI shares, 1.55% for Class R shares, 0.95% for Class I shares and 0.85% for Class IS shares, subject to recapture as described below. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares will not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements are expected to continue until December 31, 2024, may be terminated prior to that date by agreement of the manager and the Board, and may be terminated at any time after that date by the manager. These arrangements, however, may be modified by the manager to decrease total annual fund operating expenses at any time. The manager is also permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Additional information
The fund enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the fund’s manager and the subadvisers, who provide services to the fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements.
This Prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the fund. The fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than rights conferred by federal or state securities laws.
Distribution
Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.
The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b‑1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets of up to 0.25% for Class A shares; up to 1.00% for Class C shares; up to 0.25% for Class FI shares; and up to 0.50% for Class R shares. Payments by the fund under its plan go to the Distributor, financial intermediaries and other parties that provide services in connection with or are otherwise involved in the distribution of its shares or administration of plans or programs that use its shares as their funding medium, and to reimburse certain other expenses and payments. From time to time, the Distributor and/or financial intermediaries may agree to a reduction or waiver of these fees. These fees are an ongoing expense and, over time,
will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges. Class I shares and Class IS shares are not subject to distribution and/or service fees under the plan.
Additional payments
In addition to payments made to intermediaries under the fund’s shareholder services and distribution plan and other payments made by the fund for shareholder services and/or recordkeeping, the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the Distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as Service Agents through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your Service Agent. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated between the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates, and the recipients of these payments.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your Service Agent for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Additional information about revenue sharing payments is available in the SAI. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments by the fund under the shareholder services and distribution plan or for recordkeeping and/or shareholder services, also benefit the manager, the Distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
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Choosing a share class
The fund offers multiple share classes. Each share class represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each has different availability (for example, not all Service Agents offer all share classes), eligibility criteria, expense structures and arrangements for shareholder services or distribution, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. You should read this section carefully and speak with your Service Agent (if applicable) to determine which share class is most appropriate for you. When choosing the appropriate share class, you should consider the following factors:
 
 
the amount you plan to invest;
 
the length of time you expect to own the shares;
 
the total costs associated with your investment, including any sales charges that you pay when you buy or sell fund shares and expenses that are paid out of fund assets over time;
 
whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of the sales charge;
 
the availability of the share class;
 
the services that will be available to you and whether you meet any eligibility criteria; and
 
the amount of compensation that your Service Agent will receive.
For example, when choosing between Class A or Class C shares, you should be aware that, generally speaking, the larger the size of your investment and the longer your investment horizon, the more likely it will be that Class C shares will not be as advantageous as Class A shares. The annual distribution and/or service fees on Class C shares may cost you more over the longer term than the front‑end sales charge and service fees you would pay for larger purchases of Class A shares. If you are eligible to purchase Class I shares, you should be aware that Class I shares are not subject to a front‑end sales charge or distribution or service fees and generally have lower annual expenses than Class A or Class C shares.
Generally speaking, Class A shares have lower annual operating expenses than Class C shares but not as low as Class I/Class IS shares. Overall, Class IS shares generally have the lowest annual expenses of all share classes.
More information about the fund’s classes of shares is available through the fund’s website. You’ll find detailed information, free of charge and in a clear and prominent format, about sales charges and ways you can qualify for reduced or waived sales charges.
The fund’s shares are distributed by Franklin Distributors.
Share class features summary
The following table summarizes key features of the fund’s share classes. In addition, you should read carefully this Prospectus, including the fee table and the expense example at the front of this Prospectus before choosing your share class. If you are not purchasing shares directly from the fund, you should contact your Service Agent for help choosing a share class that may be appropriate for you. Capitalized terms used in the table have the definition given to them in this Prospectus.
 
     Minimum initial investments1   Initial sales charge   Contingent deferred
sales charge
 
Annual distribution
and/or service (12b‑1)
fees
  Exchange privilege2   Conversion to Class A
shares
Class A  
Generally, $1,000 for all accounts except:
(i)   $25 if establishing a Systematic Investment Plan;
(ii) $250 for IRAs; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs and retirement plans
  Up to 5.50%; reduced or waived for large purchases and certain investors. No charge for purchases of $1 million or more   1.00% on purchases of $1 million or more if you redeem within 18 months of purchase; waived for certain investors   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor   N/A
Class C  
Generally, $1,000 for all accounts except:
(i)   $25 if establishing a Systematic Investment Plan;
(ii) $250 for IRAs; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs and retirement plans
  None   1.00% if you redeem within 1 year of purchase; waived for certain investors   1.00% of average daily net assets   Class C shares of funds sold by the Distributor   Yes; generally converts to Class A in the month of, or the month following, the 8 year anniversary of the Class C share purchase date (conversion date occurs typically on a Friday in the middle of the month); please consult your Service Agent for more information
Class FI   None   None   None   0.25% of average daily net assets   Class FI shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
Class R   None   None   None   0.50% of average daily   Class R shares of funds sold by the   No
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

                net assets   Distributor*    
Class I  
  $1,000,000;
  Waived for certain Service Agents with arrangements with the Distributor, Omnibus Retirement Plans and certain individuals affiliated with Legg Mason;
  However, investors investing through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers will be subject to the following minimums:
(i)   if investing through a Systematic Investment Plan, $25;
(ii) if an individual investor, $1,000; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs
  None   None   None   Class I shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
Class IS  
  $1,000,000;
  Waived for certain Service Agents with arrangements with the Distributor and Omnibus Retirement Plans
  However, investors investing through a Service Agent acting as agent on behalf of its customers will be subject to the following minimums:
(i)   if investing through a Systematic Investment Plan, $25;
(ii) if an individual investor $1,000; and
(iii)  none for certain fee‑based programs
  None   None   None   Class IS shares of funds sold by the Distributor*   No
 
1 
Please note that the minimum initial investment amount must be met on a per class basis. In addition, your Service Agent may impose higher or lower investment minimums, or may impose no minimum investment requirement.
2
You or your Service Agent may instruct the fund to exchange shares of any class for shares of the same class of any other fund sold by the Distributor, provided that the fund shares to be acquired in the exchange are available to new investors in such other fund and that you are eligible to invest in such shares. For investors investing through retirement and benefit plans or fee‑based programs, you should contact your Service Agent that administers your plan or sponsors the fee‑based program to request an exchange. Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by the Distributor, remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. Please see the SAI for more details. In addition, you may exchange shares of the fund for another share class of the same fund if you meet the eligibility requirements of that particular class. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
* 
If this share class is not available, you may be eligible to exchange into a different share class of such fund; see “Exchanging shares — Exchangeability between funds without the same share class” below.
Share class availability
You may buy shares of the fund either directly from the fund or through a Service Agent. Please note that your Service Agent may not offer all classes of shares since each Service Agent determines which share class(es) to make available to its clients. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than for selling another class, which may depend on, among other things, the type of investor account and the practices adopted by your Service Agent. Each class of shares, except Class IS shares, is authorized to pay fees for recordkeeping services, account servicing, networking, or similar services to Service Agents. As a result, operating expenses of classes that incur new or additional recordkeeping fees may increase over time. Certain Service Agents may impose their own investment fees and maintain their own practices for purchasing and selling fund shares, including higher or lower investment minimums or none at all; these practices are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI and will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the Service Agent. Your Service Agent may provide shareholder services that differ from the services provided by other Service Agents. Services provided by your Service Agent may vary by class.
Plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and other Service Agents may choose to impose qualification requirements that differ from the fund’s share class eligibility standards as stated in this Prospectus. In certain cases, this could result in the selection of a share class with higher distribution and/or service fees than otherwise would have been incurred. The fund is not responsible for, and has no control over, the decision of any plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or Service Agent to impose such differing requirements. Please consult with your plan sponsor, plan fiduciary or Service Agent for more information about available share classes.
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
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Please contact your Service Agent about the availability of fund shares, the shareholder services it provides for each class, the compensation it receives in connection with the sale of each share class and the Service Agent’s practices and other information.
The following table provides information on the availability of each share class based on investor type, subject to the share class’ eligibility requirements. Your Service Agent can help you determine which share class is appropriate for you. The fund reserves the right to modify or waive the eligibility policies for share class availability at any time.
 
      A    C1    FI1    R    I    IS
Individual Investors                    2, 3     2 
Omnibus Retirement Plans             1       
Individual Retirement Plans                        
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries                4     4 
Institutional Investors                      
 
1 
Shares are not available for purchase through accounts where the Distributor is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”).
2 
Individual investors investing through a Service Agent may be eligible to invest in Class I or Class IS shares, if such Service Agent is acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor and such investor’s shares are held in an omnibus account on the books of the fund. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
3 
Class I shares may be purchased directly from the fund by the following persons: (i) current employees of the manager and its affiliates; (ii) former employees of the manager and its affiliates with existing accounts; (iii) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Franklin Resources; (iv) current and former board members of Franklin Resources; and (v) the “immediate families” of such persons. “Immediate families” are such person’s spouse (including the surviving spouse of a deceased board member), parents, grandparents, and children and grandchildren (including step-relationships). For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. Current employees may purchase additional Class I shares through a systematic investment plan.
4 
Investors who qualify as Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries or who participate in Eligible Investment Programs made available through their Service Agents (such as investors in fee‑based advisory or mutual fund “wrap” programs) are eligible to purchase, directly or via exchange, Class I or Class IS shares, among other share classes. In such cases your ability to hold Class I or Class IS shares may be premised on your continuing participation in a fee‑based advisory or mutual fund wrap program. Your Service Agent may reserve the right to redeem your Class I or Class IS shares or exchange your Class I or Class IS shares or exchange them for Class A shares of the same fund, as applicable, if you terminate your fee‑based advisory or mutual fund wrap program and are no longer eligible for Class I or Class IS shares. You may be subject to an initial sales charge in connection with such exchange, and you will be subject to the annual distribution and/or service fee applicable to Class A shares. Any redemption may generate a taxable gain or loss and significantly change the asset allocation of your account.
 
 
Omnibus Retirement Plans are retirement plans held on the books of the fund in a plan level or omnibus level account and include: (i) 401(k) plans; (ii) 457 plans; (iii) employer-sponsored 403(b) plans; (iv) profit-sharing plans; (v) non‑qualified deferred compensation plans; (vi) employer-sponsored benefit plans (including health savings accounts); (vii) defined benefit plans; (viii) other similar employer-sponsored retirement and benefit plans; (ix) individual retirement accounts that are administered on the same IRA recordkeeping platform and that invest in the fund through a single omnibus account pursuant to a special contractual arrangement with the fund or the Distributor; and (x) investors who rollover fund shares from a retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform. SIMPLE IRAs are considered Omnibus Retirement Plans if they are employer-sponsored and held at the plan level.
Individual Retirement Plans include: (i) retirement plans investing through brokerage accounts; (ii) certain retirement plans with direct relationships to the fund that are not Institutional Investors nor investing through omnibus accounts; and (iii) individual retirement vehicles not held through an omnibus account, such as: (a) traditional and Roth IRAs; (b) Coverdell education savings accounts; (c) individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts; (d) Keogh plans; (e) SEPs; (f) SARSEPs; and (g) SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts. Individual Retirement Plans include plans held at the individual participant level. Individual Retirement Plans are treated like individual investors for purposes of determining sales charges and any applicable sales charge reductions or waivers.
Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries include: investors who invest in the fund through Service Agents that (a) charge such investors an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (b) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Class A, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class I or Class IS shares through a no‑load network or platform (including college savings vehicles) (“Eligible Investment Programs”). These investors may include (i) investors who invest in the fund through the program of a Service Agent where the investor typically invests $10 million or more in assets under management in accounts with the Service Agent (“Management Accounts”); (ii) pension and profit sharing plans; (iii) other employee benefit trusts; (iv) endowments; (v) foundations; (vi) corporations; (vii) college savings vehicles such as Section 529 plans; and (viii) direct retail investment platforms through mutual fund “supermarkets,” where the sponsor links its client’s account (including IRA accounts on such platforms) to a master account in the sponsor’s name.
Institutional Investors may include: (i) corporations; (ii) banks; (iii) trust companies; (iv) insurance companies; (v) investment companies; (vi) foundations; (vii) endowments; and (viii) other similar entities. The Distributor or the Service Agent may impose additional eligibility requirements or criteria to determine if an investor, including the types of investors listed above, qualifies as an Institutional Investor.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

To visit the website, go to www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Additional information about each share class
Class A shares
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net asset value per share plus the applicable sales charge, unless you qualify for a sales charge waiver.
Sales charges
The following table shows the front‑end sales charge that you may pay, depending on the amount you purchase. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to certain levels called breakpoints. You do not pay a sales charge on the fund’s distributions or dividends that you reinvest in additional Class A shares.
It also shows the amount of compensation that will be paid to your Service Agent out of the sales charge if you buy shares from a Service Agent. As shown below, the sales charge may be allocated between your Service Agent and the Distributor. Service Agents will receive a distribution and/or service fee payable on Class A shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares serviced by them. The Distributor may not pay Service Agents selling Class A shares to Omnibus Retirement Plans a commission on the purchase price of Class A shares sold by them. However, for Omnibus Retirement Plans that are permitted to purchase shares at net asset value, the Distributor may pay Service Agents commissions of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class A shares that are purchased with regular ongoing plan contributions. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
 
Amount of investment      Sales charge
as a % of
offering price
       Sales charge
as a % of net
amount
invested
       Service Agent
commission as
a % of
offering price
 
Less than $25,000        5.50          5.82          5.00  
$25,000 but less than $50,000        5.25          5.54          4.75  
$50,000 but less than $100,000        4.50          4.71          4.00  
$100,000 but less than $250,000        3.50          3.63          3.00  
$250,000 but less than $500,000        2.50          2.56          2.25  
$500,000 but less than $750,000        2.00          2.04          1.75  
$750,000 but less than $1 million        1.50          1.52          1.25  
$1 million or more1        -0-          -0-          up to 1.00  
 
1 
The Distributor may pay a commission of up to 1.00% to a Service Agent for purchase amounts of $1 million or more. In such cases, starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, the Service Agent will also receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class A shares held by its clients. Prior to the thirteenth month, the Distributor will retain this fee. Where the Service Agent does not receive the payment of this commission, the Service Agent will instead receive the annual distribution and/or service fee starting immediately after purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information.
Reductions, waivers or elimination of sales charges for Class A shares
Larger purchases
You may reduce or eliminate your Class A front‑end sales charge by purchasing greater quantities. You pay a lower rate as the size of your investment increases to the breakpoint levels indicated in the chart above. You do not pay an initial sales charge when you buy $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares. However, if you redeem these Class A shares within 18 months of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Please see “Contingent deferred sales charges—Class A and Class C shares” below.
Letter of intent and accumulation privilege
There are several ways you can combine Eligible Purchases (as defined below) within Eligible Accounts (as defined below) to take advantage of the breakpoints in the Class A sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that may be available to you when you purchase fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or the fund if you believe you are eligible for a letter of intent or a right of accumulation. Whether you made Eligible Purchases through one or more Service Agents, directly from the fund or through a combination of the foregoing, it is your responsibility to inform your Service Agent or the fund if you own Eligible Purchases that you believe are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. If you do not do so, you may not receive all sales charge reductions for which you are eligible. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for a reduced sales charge.
Eligible Purchases include: (i) any class of shares of any other Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund other than shares of such funds offered through separately managed accounts that are managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton; and (ii) units of a Section 529 Plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton. For purposes of a letter of intent and the accumulation privilege, Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, and Western Asset funds. They do not include the funds in the
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
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Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust or Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust (except for shares held in Distributor Accounts). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Eligible Accounts include shares of Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds registered to (or held by a financial intermediary for):
 
   
You, individually;
   
Your “family member,” defined as your spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, or your children;
   
You jointly with one or more family members;
   
You jointly with one or more persons who are not family members if that other person has not included the value of the jointly-owned shares for purposes of the accumulation privilege (as described below) for that person’s separate investments in Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund shares;
   
A Coverdell Education Savings account for which you or a family member is the identified responsible person;
   
A trustee/custodian of an IRA (which includes a Roth IRA and an employer sponsored IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA) or your non‑ERISA covered 403(b) plan account, if the shares are registered/recorded under your or a family member’s Social Security number;
   
A 529 college savings plan over which you or a family member has investment discretion and control;
   
Any entity over which you or a family member has individual or shared authority, as principal, has investment discretion and control (for example, an UGMA/UTMA account for a child on which you or a family member is the custodian, a trust on which you or a family member is the trustee, a business account (not to include retirement plans) for your solely owned business (or the solely owned business of a family member) on which you or a family member is the authorized signer); or
   
A trust established by you or a family member as grantor.
Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton fund shares held through an administrator or trustee/custodian of an Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (see definition below) such as a 401(k) plan do not qualify for the accumulation privilege.
Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton fund assets held in multiple Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans (as defined below) may be combined in order to qualify for sales charge breakpoints at the plan level if the plans are sponsored by the same employer.
An “Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan” is a Qualified Retirement Plan (as defined below), ERISA covered 403(b) plan or certain non‑qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to a Qualified Retirement Plan, such as 457 plans and executive deferred compensation arrangements, but not including employer sponsored IRAs. A “Qualified Retirement Plan” is an employer sponsored pension or profit sharing plan that qualifies under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, including 401(k), money purchase pension, profit sharing and defined benefit plans.
Letter of intent. You may qualify for a reduced front‑end sales charge by signing a “Letter of Intent”. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the value that you intend to purchase within the next 13 months, which would, if bought all at once, qualify you for a reduced sales charge. In addition, current holdings under the accumulation privilege may be included in the Letter of Intent. Shares or units redeemed or sold prior to reaching the threshold for a reduced sales charge will not be counted for these purposes. The 13‑month period begins when the Letter of Intent is received by the fund or your Service Agent and you must inform your Service Agent or the fund that later purchases are subject to a Letter of Intent. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility. If you hold Eligible Purchases in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agent to determine which shares/units may be credited toward the Letter of Intent. Certain directors, trustees and fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.
During the term of the Letter of Intent, the fund will hold Class A shares representing up to 5% of the indicated amount in an escrow account for payment of the sales charge due if you do not meet the intended asset level goal during the 13‑month term of the Letter of Intent. If the full amount is not purchased during the 13‑month period, shares in the amount of any sales charge due, based on the amount of actual purchases will be redeemed from your account.
Accumulation privilege. The accumulation privilege allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the dollar amount of your next purchase of Class A shares in determining whether you qualify for a breakpoint and a reduced front‑end sales charge. The current value of shares is determined by multiplying the number of shares as of the day prior to your current purchase by their public offering price. The cost value of shares is determined by aggregating the amount of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation), less any withdrawals, as of the date prior to your current purchase. The cost value of Eligible Purchases in Eligible Accounts, however, may only be aggregated for share purchases that took place within 18 months of your current purchase or your letter of intent start date, if applicable. You must inform your Service Agent or the fund if you are eligible for the accumulation privilege and of the other Eligible Purchases you own that are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility. If you hold Eligible Purchases in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agent to determine which Eligible Purchases may be credited toward the accumulation privilege.
Waivers for certain Class A investors
Class A initial sales charges are waived for certain types of investors, including:
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

 
Shareholders investing in Class A shares through Distributor Accounts
 
Investors who redeemed at least the same amount of Class A shares of a fund sold by the Distributor in the past 90 days, if the investor’s Service Agent is notified
 
Directors and officers of any Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund
 
Employees of Franklin Resources and its subsidiaries
 
Investors investing through certain retirement plans
 
Investors who rollover fund shares from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform
If you qualify for a waiver of the Class A initial sales charge, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 at the time of purchase and provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the initial sales charge waiver.
Different Service Agents may impose different sales loads or offer different ways to reduce sales loads. These variations are described at the end of this Prospectus in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”
For additional information regarding waivers of Class A initial sales charges, contact your Service Agent or the fund, consult the SAI or visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Class C shares
You buy Class C shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your Class C shares within one year of purchase, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%. Omnibus Retirement Plans may not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
Except as noted below, the Distributor generally will pay Service Agents selling Class C shares a commission of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of the Class C shares they sell. The Distributor will retain the contingent deferred sales charges and an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by these Service Agents until the thirteenth month after purchase. Starting in the thirteenth month after purchase, these Service Agents will receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them. The Distributor may not pay Service Agents selling Class C shares to Omnibus Retirement Plans a commission on the purchase price of Class C shares sold by them. Instead, immediately after purchase, the Distributor may pay these Service Agents an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class C shares serviced by them.
Class C share conversion
Except as noted below, Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares after the shares have been held for 8 years from the purchase date; the shares will be converted in the month of, or the month following the 8‑year anniversary of purchase. The monthly conversion processing date typically occurs around the middle of every month and generally falls on a Friday. It is the responsibility of your Service Agent and not the fund or the Distributor to ensure that you are credited with the proper holding period. If your Service Agent does not have records verifying that your shares have been held for at least 8 years, your Service Agent may not convert your Class C shares to Class A shares. Group retirement plans held in an omnibus recordkeeping platform through a Service Agent that does not track participant-level share lot aging may not convert Class C shares to Class A shares. Customers of certain Service Agents may be subject to different terms or conditions, as set by their Service Agent, in connection with such conversions. Please refer to the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents” on page A‑1 of this Prospectus or contact your Service Agent for more information.
For Class C shares that have been acquired through an exchange from another fund sold by the Distributor, the purchase date is calculated from the date the shares were originally acquired in the other fund. When Class C shares that a shareholder acquired through a purchase or exchange convert, any other Class C shares that the shareholder acquired as reinvested dividends and distributions related to those shares also will convert into Class A shares on a pro rata basis.
All conversions from Class C shares to Class A shares will be based on the per share net asset value without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares is not considered a taxable event for federal income tax purposes.
Contingent deferred sales charges – Class A and Class C shares
The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the net asset value at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less, and therefore you do not pay a sales charge on amounts representing appreciation or depreciation.
In addition, you do not pay a contingent deferred sales charge:
 
 
When you exchange shares for shares of the same share class of another fund sold by the Distributor
 
On shares representing reinvested distributions and dividends
 
On shares no longer subject to the contingent deferred sales charge
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
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Each time you place a request to redeem shares, the fund will first redeem any shares in your account that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and then redeem the shares in your account that have been held the longest.
If you redeem shares of a fund sold by the Distributor and pay a contingent deferred sales charge, you may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 90 days in any other fund sold by the Distributor and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for additional information.
The Distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges as partial compensation for its expenses in selling shares, including the payment of compensation to your Service Agent.
Contingent deferred sales charge waivers
The contingent deferred sales charge for each share class will generally be waived:
 
 
On payments made through certain systematic withdrawal plans
 
On certain distributions from a retirement plan
 
For certain Omnibus Retirement Plans
 
For involuntary redemptions of small account balances
 
For 12 months following the death or disability of a shareholder
 
On redemptions with respect to investors where the Distributor did not pay the Service Agent a commission
To have your contingent deferred sales charge waived, you or your Service Agent must let the fund know at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver.
Different Service Agents may offer different contingent deferred sales charge waivers. These variations are described at the end of this Prospectus in the appendix titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”
For additional information regarding waivers of contingent deferred sales charges, contact your Service Agent or the fund, consult the SAI or visit the fund’s website, www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
Class FI shares
You buy Class FI shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed. Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class FI shares serviced by them.
Class R shares
You buy Class R shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed.
Service Agents receive an annual distribution and/or service fee of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets represented by the Class R shares serviced by them.
Class I and Class IS shares
You buy Class I or Class IS shares at net asset value with no initial sales charge, no contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed and no asset-based fee for sales or distribution. However, if you purchase Class I or Class IS shares through a Service Agent acting solely as an agent on behalf of its customers pursuant to an agreement with the Distributor, that Service Agent may charge you a commission in an amount determined and separately disclosed to you by the Service Agent.
Because the fund is not a party to any commission arrangement between you and your Service Agent, any purchases and redemptions of Class I or Class IS shares will be made by the fund at the applicable net asset value (before imposition of the sales commission). Any commissions charged by a Service Agent are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table or expense example in this Prospectus nor are they reflected in the performance in the bar chart and table in this Prospectus because these commissions are not charged by the fund.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Buying shares
 
   
Generally   
You may buy shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your purchase request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge.
 
The fund may not be available for sale in certain states. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether the fund is available for sale in their state of residence.
 
You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:
 
   Name of fund being bought
 
   Class of shares being bought
 
   Dollar amount or number of shares being bought (as applicable)
 
   Account number (if existing account)
Through a Service Agent   
You should contact your Service Agent to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.
Through the
fund
  
Investors should contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
For initial purchases, complete and send your account application to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
Subsequent purchases should be sent to the same address. Enclose a check to pay for the shares. The fund will accept checks from other fund families and investment companies as long as the registration name on your fund account is the same as that listed on the check.
Through a systematic investment plan   
You may authorize your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent to transfer funds automatically from (i) a regular bank account, (ii) cash held in a brokerage account with a Service Agent, (iii) another fund sold by the Distributor or (iv) certain money market funds, in order to buy shares on a regular basis.
 
   Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
   If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, you may be charged a fee
 
   For amounts transferred from other funds sold by the Distributor, please see the section titled “Exchanging shares—Through a systematic exchange plan” in such fund’s prospectus
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund, or consult the SAI.
Franklin Templeton
VIP Services®
   You may be eligible for Franklin Templeton VIP Services® if you currently have $500,000 or more invested in Franklin Templeton affiliated funds based solely on shares registered directly with the fund and excluding shares held indirectly through brokerage accounts. Franklin Templeton VIP Services® shareholders enjoy enhanced services and transaction capabilities. Please contact Shareholder Services at (800) 632‑2301 for additional information on this program.
Additional information about purchases
If you pay with a check or electronic transfer (ACH) that does not clear or if your payment is not received in a timely manner, your purchase may be cancelled and you may be liable for any loss to the fund. Please note that the fund will not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, pre‑paid
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
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debit cards, non‑bank money orders, traveler’s checks or checks drawn on foreign banks for purchase of fund shares. The fund and its agents have the right to reject or cancel any purchase due to nonpayment.
Account registration changes
Changes in registration or certain account options for accounts held directly with the fund must be made in writing. Medallion signature guarantees may be required. (See “Other things to know about transactions—Medallion signature guarantees” below.) All correspondence must include the account number and must be sent to one of the following addresses:
Regular Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Exchanging shares
 
   
Generally   
You or your Service Agent may instruct the fund to exchange shares of any class for shares of the same class of any other fund sold by the Distributor, provided that the fund shares to be acquired in the exchange are available to new investors in such other fund and you are eligible to invest in such shares. Additionally, if the fund into which you wish to exchange your shares does not offer the class of shares in which you are currently invested, you may be able to exchange for a different share class (see “Exchangeability between funds without the same share class” below).
 
In addition, you may exchange shares of a fund for a different share class of the same fund provided you meet the eligibility requirements of the share class into which you are exchanging. You may exchange shares of the fund for the same class of shares (or a different share class, if permitted) of other funds sold by the Distributor on any day that both the fund and the fund into which you are exchanging are open for business. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
 
An exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another fund is considered a sale and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax‑advantaged account. An exchange of shares of one class directly for shares of another class of the same fund normally should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should talk to your tax professional before making an exchange.
 
The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short-term trading. The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges.
Exchangeability between funds without the same share class   
If the fund you are exchanging into does not offer your share class, you may be able to exchange your shares for a different share class.
 
   Exchange from share class    Exchangeable for
 
   Class I    Class A shares of Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund, Advisor Class or Class Z
 
   Class IS    Advisor Class, Class Z or Class R6
 
   Class FI    Class R
 
   Class R    Class FI
 
           
Franklin Templeton offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of large and small investors   
You may exchange shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your exchange request in good order.
 
   If you bought shares through a Service Agent, contact your Service Agent to learn which funds your Service Agent makes available to you for exchanges
   If you bought shares directly from the fund, contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 to learn which funds are available to you for exchanges
   Generally, exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations, unless you send written instructions with a signature guarantee
   Not all funds offer all classes
   Some funds are offered only in a limited number of states. Your Service Agent or the fund will provide information about the funds offered in your state
 
Always be sure to read the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging shares.
Investment minimums, sales charges and other requirements   
   In most instances, your shares will not be subject to an initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. You may be charged an initial or contingent deferred sales charge if the shares being exchanged were not subject to a sales charge
 
   Except as noted above, your contingent deferred sales charge (if any) will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase of shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and you will be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge of the fund that you originally purchased
 
   You will generally be required to meet the minimum investment requirement for the class of shares of the fund or share class into which your exchange is made (except in the case of systematic exchange plans or in exchanges of an entire account balance)
 
   Your exchange will also be subject to any other requirements of the fund or share class into which you are exchanging shares
 
   The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges
 
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By telephone    Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 for information. Exchanges are priced at the net asset value next determined. Telephone exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations and may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
Through a systematic exchange plan   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic exchanges of shares of the fund for shares of other funds available for exchange. All requirements for exchanging shares described above apply to these exchanges. In addition:
 
   Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually
 
   Each exchange must meet the applicable investment minimums for systematic investment plans (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Redeeming shares
 
   
Generally   
You may redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent of your redemption request in good order, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Redemptions made through your Service Agent may be subject to transaction fees or other conditions as set by your Service Agent.
 
If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, partnership or similar entity, other documents may be required.
Redemption proceeds   
Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within 2 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)). If you make a redemption request before the fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares, the fund may delay your proceeds until payment is collected, for up to 10 days.
 
Your redemption proceeds may be delayed, or your right to receive redemption proceeds suspended beyond 7 days, if the NYSE is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
 
If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds may be sent to your Service Agent. Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire or electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account designated by you. To change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers, you will be required to deliver a new written authorization and may be asked to provide other documents. You may be charged a fee by your bank on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).
 
In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.
 
Under normal circumstances, the fund expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio and/or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. The fund also may pay redemption proceeds using cash obtained through borrowing arrangements that may be available from time to time.
 
The fund may pay all or a portion of your redemption proceeds by giving you securities (for example, if the fund reasonably believes that a cash redemption may have a substantial impact on the fund and its remaining shareholders). You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities, and you may receive less for them than the price at which they were valued for purposes of the redemption.
 
During periods of deteriorating or stressed market conditions, when an increased portion of the fund’s portfolio may be comprised of investments that have lower liquidity, or during extraordinary or emergency circumstances, the fund may be more likely to pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements (if available) or by giving you securities.
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
    
Your written request must provide the following:
 
   The fund name, the class of shares being redeemed and your account number
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered
 
   Medallion signature guarantees, as applicable (see “Other things to know about transactions”)
By telephone    If your account application permits, you may be eligible to redeem shares by telephone. Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 for more information. Please have the following information ready when you call:
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
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   Name of fund being redeemed
 
   Class of shares being redeemed
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Account number
Systematic withdrawal plans   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic redemptions of a portion of your shares. To qualify, you must own shares of the fund with a value of at least $5,000 and each automatic redemption must be at least $50 per transaction per month. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the minimum withdrawal amounts will not apply.
 
The following conditions apply:
 
   Redemptions may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Redemptions may be processed on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month, if no day is indicated, redemptions will be made on the 20th day of the month.
   If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be required to be paid upon redemption. However, the charge will be waived if your automatic redemptions do not exceed 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account’s net asset value, depending on the frequency of your plan.
   Your Service Agent may impose a lower minimum amount for each automatic redemption on a monthly and quarterly basis.
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Other things to know about transactions
When you buy, exchange or redeem shares, your request must be in good order. This means you have provided the following information, without which your request may not be processed:
 
 
Name of the fund
 
Your account number
 
In the case of a purchase (including a purchase as part of an exchange transaction), the class of shares being bought
 
In the case of an exchange or redemption, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed (if you own more than one class)
 
Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed
 
In certain circumstances, the signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (see “Redeeming shares”)
In certain circumstances, such as during periods of market volatility, severe weather and emergencies, shareholders may experience difficulties placing exchange or redemption orders by telephone. In that case, shareholders should consider using the fund’s other exchange and redemption procedures described under “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares.”
The transfer agent or the fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that any telephone, electronic or other exchange or redemption request is genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification information, employing identification numbers, sending you a written confirmation or requiring other confirmation procedures from time to time. If these procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions, subject to applicable law.
The fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or private delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such delivery services, or receipt at the fund’s post office box, of purchase requests or redemption orders, do not constitute receipt by the fund or its transfer agent.
The fund has the right to:
 
 
Suspend the offering of shares permanently or for a period of time
 
Waive or change minimum initial and additional investment amounts
 
Reject any purchase or exchange order
 
Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege
 
Suspend telephone transactions
 
Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted or as otherwise permitted by the SEC
 
Redeem shares if information provided in the application should prove to be incorrect in any manner judged by the fund to be material (e.g., in a manner such as to render the shareholder ineligible to purchase shares of that class)
 
Delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days if, in the judgment of the subadviser, the fund could be adversely affected by immediate payment. The fund may delay redemptions beyond seven days, or suspend redemptions, only as permitted by the SEC or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
 
Close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state
For your protection, the fund or your Service Agent may request additional information in connection with large redemptions, unusual activity in your account, or otherwise to ensure your redemption request is in good order. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Medallion signature guarantees
To be in good order, you may be asked to include a Medallion signature guarantee with your redemption request if you:
 
 
are redeeming shares and sending the proceeds to an address or bank account not currently on file or to an account in another fund sold by the Distributor with a different account registration
 
are redeeming more than $250,000 worth of shares
 
changed your account registration or your address within 15 calendar days
 
want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)
 
are transferring the redemption proceeds to an account with a different registration
For other types of transactions involving changes to your account registration information, please contact the fund or your Service Agent.
When a Medallion signature guarantee is called for, the shareholder should have a Medallion signature guarantee stamped under his or her signature. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings and loan institutions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations and clearing agencies (each an “Eligible Guarantor Institution”), but not from a notary public.
The fund and its agents reserve the right to reject any Medallion signature guarantee pursuant to written signature guarantee standards or procedures, which may be revised in the future to permit them to reject Medallion signature guarantees from Eligible Guarantor Institutions. The fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders.
Restrictions on the availability of the fund outside the United States
 
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The distribution of this Prospectus and the offering of shares of the fund are restricted in certain jurisdictions. This Prospectus is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful, where the person making an offer or solicitation is not authorized to make it or a person receiving an offer or solicitation may not lawfully receive it or may not lawfully invest in the fund. Investors should inform themselves as to the legal requirements within their own country before investing in the fund.
This Prospectus, and the offer of shares hereunder, are not directed at persons outside the United States. In particular, the fund is not intended to be marketed to prospective investors in any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (collectively, the “European Economic Area” or “EEA”). No notification or application has been made to the competent authority of any member state of the EEA under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (or any applicable legislation or regulations made thereunder) to market the fund to investors in the EEA and it is not intended that any such notification or application shall be made.
U.S. citizens with addresses in the United States, and non‑U.S. citizens who reside in the United States and have U.S. addresses, are permitted to establish accounts with the fund. For these purposes, the “United States” and “U.S.” include U.S. territories.
The fund generally does not permit persons who do not reside in the United States or who do not have U.S. addresses to establish accounts. Therefore, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, as well as non‑U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, generally will not be permitted to establish accounts with the fund.
For further information, you or your Service Agent may contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863.
Anti-money laundering
Federal anti-money laundering regulations require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you sign your account application, you may be asked to provide additional information in order for the fund to verify your identity in accordance with these regulations. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g. partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you may also be required to supply the identity of the beneficial owners and a control individual with management authority, prior to the opening of your account. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations.
Small account fees/Mandatory redemptions
Small accounts may be subject to a small account fee or to mandatory redemption, as described below. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for information on the policy applicable to your account.
Small account fees
To offset the relatively higher impact on fund expenses of servicing smaller accounts, the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by your Service Agent or by the Distributor for Distributor Accounts on the next‑to‑last business day of the quarter (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account) if the value of your account is below $1,000 (if applicable, $250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored) for any reason (including declines in net asset value). The small account fee will be charged by redeeming shares in your account. If the value of your account is $3.75 or less, the amount in the account may be exhausted to pay the small account fee. If your Service Agent or the Distributor assesses a small account fee, the small account fee will not be assessed on systematic investment plans until the end of the first quarter after the account has been established for 21 months. Payment of the small account fee through a redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
The small account fee will not be charged on, if applicable: (i) retirement plans (but will be charged on other plans that are not employer-sponsored such as traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts, Coverdell education savings accounts, individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, Keogh plans, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts); (ii) Legg Mason funds that have been closed to subsequent purchases for all classes; (iii) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents; (iv) Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shares; and (v) for new accounts (except for new accounts opened by way of an exchange), a small account fee will not be charged during the calendar quarter in which you open your account.
If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount (although you may exchange into existing accounts of other funds sold by the Distributor in which you hold the same share class, to the extent otherwise permitted by those funds and subject to any applicable sales charges).
The small account fee is calculated on a fund‑by‑fund basis. If you have accounts in multiple funds, they will not be aggregated for the purpose of calculating the small account fee.
Small account balance liquidations
The fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to a minimum investment amount determined by your Service Agent if your account has been open for more than one year and the aggregate value of the fund shares in your account is less than $500. You will be notified in writing and will have 30 days to make an additional investment to bring your account value up to the required level. If you choose not to do so within this 30‑day period, the fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. You will not be charged a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable, if your account is closed for this reason. If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount.
 
 
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    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

If your account is closed, you will not be eligible to have your account reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information. Any redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
This policy does not apply to: (i) certain broker-controlled accounts established through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Networking system; (ii) Class A accounts established pursuant to a conversion from Class C or C1, and any remaining Class C or C1 accounts involved in the conversion with a low balance due to the conversion; (iii) tax‑deferred retirement plan accounts; (iv) accounts with an active systematic investment plan; (v) accounts held through a 529 college saving program; (vi) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents, (vii) Coverdell Education Saving Plan accounts; and (viii) accounts identified to us by the applicable Service Agent as being fee‑based accounts.
General
The fund may, with prior notice, change the minimum size of accounts subject to mandatory redemption, which may vary by class, implement fees for other small accounts or change the amount of the fee for small direct accounts.
Subject to applicable law, the fund may, with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
Frequent trading of fund shares
The Board has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to frequent trading in fund shares (“Frequent Trading Policy”).
The fund does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares that may be detrimental to the fund. For example, this type of trading activity could interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio or materially increase the fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes.
In addition, since the fund invests in foreign securities, it may be vulnerable to a form of short-term trading that is sometimes referred to as “time-zone arbitrage.” Time-zone arbitrage occurs when an investor seeks to take advantage of delays between changes in the value of a mutual fund’s portfolio holdings and the reflection of those changes in the fund’s net asset value per share. These delays are more likely to occur in the case of foreign investments, due to differences between the times during which the fund’s international portfolio securities trade on foreign markets and the time as of which the fund’s net asset value is calculated (generally as of the close of the NYSE). Time-zone arbitrage traders seek to purchase or redeem shares of a fund based on events occurring after foreign market closing prices are established, but before calculation of the fund’s net asset value. This can result in the value of the fund’s shares being diluted. One of the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibility of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Since the fund may invest in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid (“relatively illiquid securities”), it may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage short-term trading. Such arbitrage traders may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the fund’s net asset value and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Through its transfer agent, the fund performs ongoing monitoring of shareholder trading in shares of the fund and other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds in order to try and identify shareholder trading patterns that suggest an ongoing short-term trading strategy. If shareholder trading patterns identified by the transfer agent through monitoring or from other information regarding the shareholder’s trading activity in non‑Franklin Templeton affiliated funds leads the transfer agent to reasonably conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the fund as described in this Frequent Trading Policy, the transfer agent, on behalf of 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 you 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 patterns, the fund may consider, among other factors, the investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the fund, in other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds, in non‑Franklin Templeton affiliated mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership. The transfer agent may also reject any purchase request, whether or not it represents part of any ongoing trading pattern, if the manager or the fund’s transfer agent reasonably concludes that the amount of the requested transaction may disrupt or otherwise interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio. In determining what actions should be taken, the fund’s transfer agent may consider a variety of factors, including the potential impact of such remedial actions on the fund and its shareholders. If the fund is a “fund of funds,” the fund’s transfer agent may consider the impact of the trading activity and of any proposed remedial action on both the fund and the affiliated underlying funds in which the fund invests.
Frequent trading through financial intermediaries. You are an investor subject to this Frequent Trading Policy whether you are a direct shareholder of the fund or you are investing indirectly in the fund through a financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, bank, trust company,
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
37
 

insurance company product such as an annuity contract, investment advisor, or an administrator or trustee of an IRS‑recognized tax‑deferred savings plan such as a 401(k) retirement plan and a 529 college savings plan.
Some financial intermediaries maintain master accounts with the fund on behalf of their customers (“omnibus accounts”). The fund has entered into “information sharing agreements” with these financial intermediaries, which permit the fund to obtain, upon request, information about the trading activity of the intermediary’s customers that invest in the fund. If the fund’s transfer agent identifies omnibus account level trading patterns that have the potential to be detrimental to the fund, the transfer agent may, in its sole discretion, request from the financial intermediary information concerning the trading activity of its customers. Based upon its review of the information, if the transfer agent determines that the trading activity of any customer may be detrimental to the fund, it may, in its sole discretion, request the financial intermediary to restrict or limit further trading in the fund by that customer. There can be no assurance that the transfer agent’s monitoring of omnibus account level trading patterns will enable it to identify all short-term trading by a financial intermediary’s customers.
Record ownership
If you hold shares through a Service Agent, your Service Agent may establish and maintain your account and be the shareholder of record. In the event that the fund holds a shareholder meeting, your Service Agent, as record holder, will be entitled to vote your shares and may seek voting instructions from you. If you do not give your Service Agent voting instructions, your Service Agent, under certain circumstances, may nonetheless be entitled to vote your shares.
Confirmations and account statements
If you bought shares directly from the fund, you will receive a confirmation from the fund after each transaction (except a reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, an investment made through the Systematic Investment Plan, exchanges made through a systematic exchange plan and withdrawals made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan). Shareholders will receive periodic account statements.
To assist you in the management of your account you may direct the transfer agent to send copies of your confirmations and/or periodic statements to another party whom you designate, at no charge.
 
 
38
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Dividends, other distributions and taxes
Dividends and other distributions
The fund generally pays dividends quarterly from its net investment income, if any, and from short-term capital gain (if any). Shares will generally begin to earn dividends on the settlement date of purchase. The fund generally distributes long-term capital gain, if any, once in December and at such other times as are necessary. The fund may pay additional distributions and dividends in order to avoid a federal tax.
You can elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash.
Unless you elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash, your dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in shares of the same class you hold, at the net asset value determined on the reinvestment date. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends.
If you hold shares directly with the fund and you elect to receive dividends and/or distributions in cash, you have the option to receive such dividends and/or distributions via a direct deposit to your bank account or by check.
If you hold Class A or Class C shares directly with the fund, you may instruct the fund to have your dividends and/or distributions invested in the corresponding class of shares of another fund sold by the Distributor (excluding Western Asset Government Reserves), subject to the following conditions:
 
 
You meet the minimum initial investment requirement of the other fund and
 
 
The other fund is available for sale in your state.
To change those instructions, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at least three days before the next distribution is to be paid.
Please contact your Service Agent or the fund to discuss what options are available to you for receiving your dividends and other distributions.
The Board reserves the right to revise the dividend policy or postpone the payment of dividends, if warranted in the Board’s judgment, due to unusual circumstances.
Taxes
The following discussion is very general, applies only to shareholders who are U.S. persons, and does not address shareholders subject to special rules, such as those who hold fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax‑advantaged account. Except as specifically noted, the discussion is limited to federal income tax matters, and does not address state, local, foreign or non‑income taxes. Further information regarding taxes, including certain federal income tax considerations relevant to non‑U.S. persons, is included in the SAI. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local and/or foreign tax considerations that may be relevant to your particular situation.
In general, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares or shares of another fund) are all taxable events. An exchange between classes of shares of the same fund normally is not taxable for federal income tax purposes, whether or not the shares are held in a taxable account.
The following table summarizes the tax status of certain transactions related to the fund.
 
Transaction   Federal income tax status
 
 
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares are owned more than one year
 
 
Dividends of investment income and distributions of net short-term capital gain   Ordinary income, or in certain cases qualified dividend income
 
 
Distributions of net capital gain (excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss)
  Long-term capital gain if reported as capital gain dividends by the fund
 
 
Distributions of investment income that the fund reports as qualified dividend income may be eligible to be taxed to noncorporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if certain requirements are satisfied. Distributions of net capital gain reported by the fund as capital gain dividends are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. Noncorporate shareholders ordinarily pay tax at reduced rates on long-term capital gain.
If the fund realizes capital gains in excess of realized capital losses in any fiscal year, it generally expects to make capital gain distributions to shareholders. You may receive distributions that are attributable to appreciation of portfolio securities that happened before you made your investment but had not been realized at the time you made your investment, or that are attributable to capital gains or other income that, although realized by the fund, had not yet been distributed at the time you made your investment. Unless you purchase shares through a tax‑advantaged account, these distributions will be taxable to you even though they economically represent a return of a portion of your investment. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a dividend or capital gain distribution. You should consult your tax professional before buying shares no matter when you are investing.
 
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39
 

A Medicare contribution tax is imposed at the rate of 3.8% on all or a portion of net investment income of U.S. individuals if their income exceeds specified thresholds and on all or a portion of undistributed net investment income of certain estates and trusts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the fund and gain on the redemption or exchange of fund shares.
A dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year will, in certain circumstances, be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.
If the fund meets certain requirements with respect to its holdings, it may elect to “pass through” to shareholders foreign taxes that it pays, in which case each shareholder will include the amount of such taxes in computing gross income, but will be eligible to claim a credit or deduction for such taxes, subject to generally applicable limitations on such deductions and credits. If the fund does not so elect, the foreign taxes paid or withheld will nonetheless reduce the fund’s taxable income. In addition, the fund’s investment in certain foreign securities, foreign currencies or foreign currency derivatives may affect the amount, timing, and character of fund distributions to shareholders.
After the end of each year, your Service Agent or the fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about your investment in the fund.
 
 
40
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Share price
You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order, adjusted for any applicable sales charge. The fund’s net asset value per share is the value of its assets minus its liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Net asset value is calculated separately for each class of shares.
The fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. The fund generally values its securities and other assets and calculates its net asset value as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at a time other than the scheduled closing time, the fund will calculate its net asset value as of the scheduled closing time. The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.
In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at a certain day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent before the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on that day to receive that day’s price. If the NYSE closes early on that day, you must place your order prior to the scheduled closing time. It is the responsibility of the Service Agent to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the fund transfer agent on a timely basis.
Valuation of the fund’s securities and other assets is performed in accordance with the valuation policy approved by the Board. As of the date of this Prospectus, the fund’s manager serves as the fund’s valuation designee for purposes of compliance with Rule 2a‑5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the valuation policy, assets are valued as follows:
 
 
Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price (which may be reported at a different time than the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated) or, if that price is unavailable or deemed by the manager not representative of market value, the last sale price. Where a security is traded on more than one exchange (as is often the case overseas), the security is generally valued at the price on the exchange considered by the manager to be the primary exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if exchange prices are not otherwise available, the prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services that use a variety of techniques and methodologies. Investments in mutual funds are valued at the net asset value per share of the class of the underlying fund held by the fund as determined on each business day.
 
The valuations for fixed income securities and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of fair valuation techniques and methodologies.
 
The valuations of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets in which they primarily trade. The prices of foreign equity securities typically are adjusted using a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to estimate the value of those securities at the time of closing of the NYSE. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Foreign markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.
 
If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the manager believes that they are unreliable, the manager may price securities in accordance with the valuation policy. The valuation policy permits, among other things, the use of a formula or other method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments to determine fair value. These determinations are subject to the Board’s oversight. Fair value of a security is the amount, as determined by the manager in good faith, that the fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the security. The fund may also use fair value procedures if the manager determines that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a market price is determined and the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated.
Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Moreover, valuing securities using fair value methodologies involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on market quotations. A fund that uses fair value methodologies may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its net asset value. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or higher or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different methodology.
 
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41
 

Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class for the past five years, unless otherwise noted. No financial highlights are presented for Class R shares because no Class R shares were outstanding for the periods shown. The returns for Class R shares will differ from those of the other classes to the extent that their expenses differ. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return represents the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. Unless otherwise noted, this information has been audited by the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is incorporated by reference into the fund’s SAI (see back cover) and is included in the fund’s annual report. The fund’s annual report is available upon request by calling toll-free 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 or via the following hyperlink: (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292447/d362874dncsr.htm).
 
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class A Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.09          $12.07          $12.88          $13.33          $12.50  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.32          0.39          0.26          0.32          0.31  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.43)          2.00          (0.53)          (0.20)          0.87  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.11)          2.39          (0.27)          0.12          1.18  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.32)          (0.37)          (0.28)          (0.25)          (0.33)  
Net realized gains
       (0.59)                   (0.26)          (0.32)          (0.02)  
Total distributions
       (0.91)          (0.37)          (0.54)          (0.57)          (0.35)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.07          $14.09          $12.07          $12.88          $13.33  
Total return2
       (8.63)        19.90        (2.24)        1.32        9.54
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $14,227          $12,096          $589          $563          $400  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       1.29        1.31        1.19        1.13        1.12
Net expenses3
       1.18 4          1.19 4          1.19 4          1.13          1.12  
Net investment income
       2.28          2.68          2.15          2.50          2.40  
Portfolio turnover rate        27        22 %5          21        30        14
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures, exclusive of sales charges, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, effective May 21, 2021, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class A shares did not exceed 1.18%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. Prior to May 21, 2021, the expense limitation was 1.30%.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
Excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in‑kind.
 
 
42
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class C Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.18          $12.12          $12.93          $13.36          $12.49  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.24          0.15          0.16          0.20          0.19  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.47)          2.13          (0.53)          (0.17)          0.91  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.23)          2.28          (0.37)          0.03          1.10  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.20)          (0.22)          (0.18)          (0.14)          (0.21)  
Net realized gains
       (0.59)                   (0.26)          (0.32)          (0.02)  
Total distributions
       (0.79)          (0.22)          (0.44)          (0.46)          (0.23)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.16          $14.18          $12.12          $12.93          $13.36  
Total return2
       (9.33)        18.77        (2.92)        0.57        8.82
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $401          $120          $149          $170          $418  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       1.94        2.11        1.98        1.83        1.82
Net expenses3
       1.94          2.05 4          1.98 4          1.83          1.82  
Net investment income
       1.71          1.08          1.31          1.57          1.48  
Portfolio turnover rate        27        22 %5          21        30        14
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures, exclusive of CDSC, may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class C shares did not exceed 2.05%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent.
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
Excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in‑kind.
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
43
 

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class FI Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.33          $12.26          $12.87          $13.32          $12.50  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.30          0.28          0.20          0.28          0.35  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.45)          2.14          (0.44)          (0.17)          0.83  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.15)          2.42          (0.24)          0.11          1.18  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.30)          (0.35)          (0.11)          (0.24)          (0.34)  
Net realized gains
       (0.59)                   (0.26)          (0.32)          (0.02)  
Total distributions
       (0.89)          (0.35)          (0.37)          (0.56)          (0.36)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.29          $14.33          $12.26          $12.87          $13.32  
Total return2
       (8.76)        19.78        (2.05)        1.24        9.48
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $35          $40          $28          $1,017          $2,111  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       1.40        1.83        1.14        1.14        1.18
Net expenses3
       1.30 4          1.30 4         1.14 4          1.14          1.18  
Net investment income
       2.11          2.00          1.55          2.24          2.67  
Portfolio turnover rate        27        22 %5          21        30        14
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class FI shares did not exceed 1.30%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
Excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in‑kind.
 
 
44
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class I Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.02          $12.00          $12.80          $13.25          $12.43  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.35          0.33          0.30          0.35          0.32  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.42)          2.09          (0.52)          (0.19)          0.88  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.07)          2.42          (0.22)          0.16          1.20  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.35)          (0.40)          (0.32)          (0.29)          (0.36)  
Net realized gains
       (0.59)                   (0.26)          (0.32)          (0.02)  
Total distributions
       (0.94)          (0.40)          (0.58)          (0.61)          (0.38)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.01          $14.02          $12.00          $12.80          $13.25  
Total return2
       (8.38)        20.26        (1.87)        1.60        9.71
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $1,851          $1,496          $1,378          $1,044          $301  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       0.94        0.89        0.86        0.85        0.90
Net expenses3
       0.94          0.89          0.86 4          0.85          0.90  
Net investment income
       2.51          2.38          2.51          2.83          2.51  
Portfolio turnover rate        27        22 %5          21        30        14
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class I shares did not exceed 0.95%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
Excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in‑kind.
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
45
 

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class IS Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $14.06          $12.03          $12.83          $13.28          $12.45  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.36          0.34          0.31          0.35          0.35  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (1.42)          2.11          (0.52)          (0.18)          0.88  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (1.06)          2.45          (0.21)          0.17          1.23  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.37)          (0.42)          (0.33)          (0.30)          (0.38)  
Net realized gains
       (0.59)                   (0.26)          (0.32)          (0.02)  
Total distributions
       (0.96)          (0.42)          (0.59)          (0.62)          (0.40)  
Net asset value, end of year        $12.04          $14.06          $12.03          $12.83          $13.28  
Total return2
       (8.32)        20.44        (1.74)        1.71        9.98
Net assets, end of year (millions)        $122          $168          $323          $347          $351  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       0.81        0.74        0.74        0.74        0.76
Net expenses3
       0.81          0.74          0.74 4          0.74          0.76  
Net investment income
       2.55          2.47          2.56          2.75          2.72  
Portfolio turnover rate        27        22 %5          21        30        14
 
1
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class IS shares did not exceed 0.85%. In addition, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class IS shares did not exceed the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses for Class I shares. These expense limitation arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent.
 
4
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
5
Excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in‑kind.
 
 
46
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents
The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the fund or through a financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front‑end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back‑end) sales load waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular financial intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another financial intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.
The information below has been provided by the named financial intermediaries. Please contact the applicable financial intermediary with any questions regarding how it applies the policies described below and for assistance in determining whether you may qualify for a particular sales charge waiver or discount.
MERRILL LYNCH
Effective June 30, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
 
Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529‑specific share classes or equivalents)
 
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
 
Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non‑advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
 
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
 
Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
 
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
 
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
 
Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
 
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
 
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only)
 
Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non‑advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
Front‑end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund’s Prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
  A-1  
 

 
purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
 
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13‑month period of time (if applicable)
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL
Class A Shares Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:
The following information applies to Class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:
Effective January 15, 2021, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front‑end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI:
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR‑SEPs.
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).
 
 
Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7‑year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversions of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.
 
Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
 
Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise Financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step‑son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
MORGAN STANLEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Front‑end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management:
Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front‑end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR‑SEPs or Keogh plans
 
Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
 
Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
 
Class C (i.e., level-load) and Class C2 shares, as applicable, that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days’ following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales charge.
 
Morgan Stanley, on your behalf, can convert Class P shares, as applicable, to Class A shares, generally on a tax‑free basis, without clients being subject to a front‑end sales charge.
In addition, effective November 12, 2021, for the purpose of calculating rights of accumulation and letters of intent with respect to purchases made in a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account, the following definition for “Eligible Purchases” applies. This definition may be more limited than the one contained in this Fund’s Prospectus or SAI. It is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Morgan Stanley at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for a discount. Morgan Stanley can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Morgan Stanley if they have questions.
 
 
  A-2  
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Eligible Purchases include:
 
 
Any class of shares of any Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason fund that is registered in the U.S.; and
 
Units of a Section 529 Plan where Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason is the program manager.
For purposes of this section, Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason funds also include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, Western Asset funds and certain other funds managed by affiliated investment advisers. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust or Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust.
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC., RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND EACH ENTITY’S AFFILIATES (“RAYMOND JAMES”)
Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, are eligible only for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares Available at Raymond James
 
 
Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
 
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
 
Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs with 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
 
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares Available at Raymond James
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder.
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front‑End Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of the fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family over a 13‑month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
EDWARD JONES
Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones:
Effective on or after January 1, 2021, the following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee‑based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund Prospectus or statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds (including holdings of 529 Plans where Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason serve as the primary distributor), or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
  A-3  
 

Breakpoints
 
 
Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the Prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)
 
 
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.
 
The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.
 
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (LOI)
 
 
Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13‑month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13‑month period to calculate the front‑end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13‑month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.
 
If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
 
 
Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate’s life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones’ policies and procedures.
 
Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee‑based program.
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non‑retirement account.
 
Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the Prospectus.
 
Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) Waivers
If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:
 
 
The death or disability of the shareholder.
 
Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
 
Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
 
Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.
 
Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee‑based program.
 
Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.
 
Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.
 
 
  A-4  
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones
1.1 Minimum Purchase Amounts
 
 
Initial purchase minimum: $250
 
Subsequent purchase minimum: none
1.2 Minimum Balances
 
 
Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
   
A fee‑based account held on an Edward Jones platform
   
A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
   
An account with an active systematic investment plan or letter of intent (LOI)
1.3 Exchanging Share Classes
 
 
At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder’s holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC (“JANNEY”)
Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back‑end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
 
 
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR‑SEPs or Keogh plans.
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.
CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney
 
 
Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 7012 as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
 
Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.
Front‑end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
 
Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13‑month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
  A-5  
 

OPPENHEIMER & CO. INC.
Effective May 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“OPCO”) platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.
Front‑end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO
 
 
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
 
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
 
Shares purchased through a OPCO affiliated investment advisory program
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
 
A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO
 
Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members
 
Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the Prospectus
 
Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front‑end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
BAIRD
Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI
Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A‑shares Available at Baird
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
 
Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another Legg Mason-sponsored fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
 
A shareholder in the funds’ Class C Shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
 
Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR‑SEPs
CDSC Waivers on Class A and C shares Available at Baird
 
 
Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus
 
 
  A-6  
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

 
Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
 
Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Front‑End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
 
Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Legg Mason-sponsored fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible Legg Mason-sponsored fund assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
 
Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of Legg Mason-sponsored funds through Baird, over a 13‑month period of time
WAIVERS SPECIFIC TO STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED (“STIFEL”)
Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.
Front‑end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares
 
 
Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in the fund’s Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) still apply.
PFS INVESTMENTS INC. (“PFSI”)
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases on the PSS Platform
The following information supersedes all prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares purchased through PFSI and held on the mutual fund platform of its affiliate, Primerica Shareholder Services (“PSS”). Clients of PFSI (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes, sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from share classes, discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this prospectus or the related statement of additional information (“SAI”) or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder’s responsibility to inform PFSI at the time of a purchase of all holdings of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds on the PSS platform, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. PFSI may request reasonable documentation of such facts and condition the granting of any discount or waiver on the timely receipt of such documents. Shareholders should contact PSS if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.
Share Classes
Shareholders purchasing fund shares on the PSS platform are eligible only for the following share classes:
 
 
Class A shares are available in non‑retirement accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRA), SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Keogh Plans, and all other account types.
 
Class A1 and Class C shares are available only in accounts that already hold such shares.
Breakpoints
 
 
Breakpoint pricing at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus of the fund you are purchasing.
Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”)
 
 
The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A or Class A1 shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any assets held in group retirement plans) of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder on the PSS platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying PFSI of such assets at the time of calculation. Shares of money market funds are included only if such shares were acquired in exchange for shares of another Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason Fund purchased with a sales charge. No shares of the Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds held by the shareholder away from the PSS platform, will be granted ROA with shares of any Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason Fund purchased on the PSS platform.
 
Any SEP IRA plan, any SIMPLE IRA plan or any Payroll Deduction Plan (“PDP”) on the PSS platform will be defaulted to plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, which allows each participating employee ROA with all other eligible shares held in plan accounts on the PSS platform. At any time, a participating employee may elect to exercise a one‑time option to change grouping for purposes of ROA to shareholder- level grouping, which allows the plan account of the electing employee ROA with her other eligible holdings on the PSS platform, but not with all other eligible
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
  A-7  
 

 
participant holdings in the plan. Eligible shares held in plan accounts electing shareholder-level grouping will not be available for purposes of ROA to plan accounts electing plan-level grouping.
 
ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or current market value (current shares x NAV).
Letter of Intent (“LOI”)
 
 
By executing a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13‑month period through PFSI, from the date PSS receives the LOI. The purchase price of the LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the dollar amount the shareholder intends to invest over a 13‑month period to arrive at total investment for purposes of determining any breakpoint discount and the applicable front‑end sales charge. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13‑month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the projected total investment.
 
Only holdings of Franklin Templeton and Legg Mason Funds on the PSS platform are eligible for inclusion in the LOI calculation and the shareholder must notify PFSI of all eligible assets at the time of calculation.
 
Purchases made before the LOI is received by PSS are not adjusted under the LOI, and the LOI will not reduce any sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be automatically adjusted if the total purchases required by the LOI are not met.
 
If an employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan, SIMPLE IRA or non‑IRA PDP plan on the PSS platform has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer. LOIs are not available to PDP IRA plans on the PSS platform with plan-level grouping for purposes of ROA, but are available to any participating employee that elects shareholder-level grouping for purposes of ROA.
Sales Charge Waivers
Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:
 
 
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
 
Shares purchased with the proceeds of redeemed shares of either the Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason fund families so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 90 days of the purchase, 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non‑retirement account, and 3) the redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales load. Automated transactions (i.e., systematic purchases and withdrawals), full or partial transfers or rollovers of retirement accounts, and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay account maintenance fees are not eligible for this sales charge waiver.
 
Shares exchanged into Class A or Class A1 shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of PFSI. PFSI is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
Policies Regarding Fund Purchases That Are Not Held on the PSS Platform
Class R shares are available through PFSI only in 401(k) plans covering a business owner with no employees, commonly referred to as a one‑participant 401(k) plan or solo 401(k) and which are not held on the PSS platform.
D.A. DAVIDSON
Effective September 1, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares including existing Fund shareholders through a D.A. Davidson &. Co. (“D.A. Davidson”) platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front‑end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back‑end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the Fund’s SAI.
Front‑End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at D.A. Davidson
 
 
Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
 
Employees and registered representatives of D.A. Davidson or its affiliates and their family members as designated by D.A. Davidson.
 
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front‑end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
 
A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A Shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with D.A. Davidson’s policies and procedures.
CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at D.A. Davidson
 
 
Death or disability of the shareholder.
 
 
  A-8  
    Franklin Global Dividend Fund

 
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
 
Return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
 
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA or other qualifying retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
Front‑end sales charge discounts available at D.A. Davidson: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent
 
 
Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
 
Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at D.A. Davidson. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13‑month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
 
Franklin Global Dividend Fund    
 
 
  A-9  
 

Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
 
Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Franklin Templeton* is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This notice is designed to provide you with a summary of the non‑public personal information Franklin Templeton may collect and maintain about current or former individual investors; our policy regarding the use of that information; and the measures we take to safeguard the information. We do not sell individual investors’ non‑public personal information to anyone and only share it as described in this notice.
Information We Collect
When you invest with us, you provide us with your non‑public personal information. We collect and use this information to service your accounts and respond to your requests. The non‑public personal information we may collect falls into the following categories:
 
 
Information we receive from you or your financial intermediary on applications or other forms, whether we receive the form in writing or electronically. For example, this information may include your name, address, tax identification number, birth date, investment selection, beneficiary information, and your personal bank account information and/or email address if you have provided that information.
 
Information about your transactions and account history with us, or with other companies that are part of Franklin Templeton, including transactions you request on our website or in our app. This category also includes your communications to us concerning your investments.
 
Information we receive from third parties (for example, to update your address if you move, obtain or verify your email address or obtain additional information to verify your identity).
 
Information collected from you online, such as your IP address or device ID and data gathered from your browsing activity and location. (For example, we may use cookies to collect device and browser information so our website recognizes your online preferences and device information.) Our website contains more information about cookies and similar technologies and ways you may limit them.
 
Other general information that we may obtain about you such as demographic information.
Disclosure Policy
To better service your accounts and process transactions or services you requested, we may share non‑public personal information with other Franklin Templeton companies. From time to time we may also send you information about products/services offered by other Franklin Templeton companies although we will not share your non‑public personal information with these companies without first offering you the opportunity to prevent that sharing.
We will only share non‑public personal information with outside parties in the limited circumstances permitted by law. For example, this includes situations where we need to share information with companies who work on our behalf to service or maintain your account or process transactions you requested, when the disclosure is to companies assisting us with our own marketing efforts, when the disclosure is to a party representing you, or when required by law (for example, in response to legal process). Additionally, we will ensure that any outside companies working on our behalf, or with whom we have joint marketing agreements, are under contractual obligations to protect the confidentiality of your information, and to use it only to provide the services we asked them to perform.
Confidentiality and Security
Our employees are required to follow procedures with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of our investors’ non‑public personal information. Additionally, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect the information. This includes performing ongoing evaluations of our systems containing investor information and making changes when appropriate.
At all times, you may view our current privacy notice on our website at franklintempleton.com or contact us for a copy at (800) 632‑2301.
*For purposes of this privacy notice Franklin Templeton shall refer to the following entities:
Fiduciary Trust International of the South (FTIOS), as custodian for individual retirement plans
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Franklin Distributors, LLC, including as program manager of the Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan and the NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series Funds
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC
Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., Canada
Franklin Templeton Investments Management, Limited UK
Franklin Templeton Portfolio Advisors, Inc.
Legg Mason Funds serviced by Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC
Templeton Asset Management, Limited
Templeton Global Advisors, Limited
Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC
If you are a customer of other Franklin Templeton affiliates and you receive notices from them, you will need to read those notices separately.
 
THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF THE PROSPECTUS
GOF LPR 10/22

Franklin
Global Dividend Fund
 
You may visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report.
Shareholder reports Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The independent registered public accounting firm’s report and financial statements in the fund’s Annual Report are incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of) this Prospectus.
The fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same last name and same address. Contact your Service Agent or the fund if you do not want this policy to apply to you.
Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about the fund and is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this Prospectus.
You can make inquiries about the fund or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, by calling the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863, or by writing to the fund at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained for a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following E‑mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
If someone makes a statement about the fund that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the fund nor the Distributor is offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.
 
(Investment Company Act
file no. 811‑06444)
BATX015349ST 01/23

LOGO
 
Prospectus   LOGO   January 30, 2023
 
Share class (Symbol): A (SBSPX), D (SBSDX)
 
 
FRANKLIN
S&P 500 INDEX FUND
 
 
 
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any statement to the contrary is a crime.
 
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
    

Contents       
Investment objective      2  
Fees and expenses of the fund      2  
Principal investment strategies      3  
Principal risks      3  
Performance      6  
Management      7  
Purchase and sale of fund shares      7  
Tax information      7  
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries      7  
More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks      8  
More on fund management      14  
Choosing a share class      17  
Share class features summary      18  
Buying shares      19  
Exchanging shares      21  
Redeeming shares      23  
Other things to know about transactions      25  
Dividends, other distributions and taxes      29  
Share price      31  
Financial highlights      32  
Investment objective
The fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”).
Fees and expenses of the fund
The accompanying table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.    
 
Shareholder fees          
(fees paid directly from your investment)          
      Class A    Class D
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price)    None    None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a % of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption)    None    None
Small account fee1    $15    None
     
Annual fund operating expenses (%)          
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)          
      Class A    Class D
Management fees    0.25    0.25
Distribution and/or service (12b‑1) fees    0.20    None
Other expenses    0.16    0.18
Total annual fund operating expenses    0.61    0.43
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed2    (0.07)    (0.09)
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses    0.54    0.34
 
1 
If the value of your account is below $1,000 ($250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored), the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by the fund or your Service Agent (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account). Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
2 
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 0.54% for Class A shares and 0.34% for Class D shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2024 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. The manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
 
 
2
    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes:
 
 
You invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated
 
 
Your investment has a 5% return each year and the fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that any applicable fee waiver or expense reimbursement is reflected only through its expiration date)
 
 
You reinvest all distributions and dividends without a sales charge
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
Number of years you own your shares ($)                            
       1 year      3 years      5 years      10 years
Class A (with or without redemption at end of period)      55      188      333      755
Class D (with or without redemption at end of period)      35      129      232      534
Portfolio turnover. The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 9% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal investment strategies
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity securities, or other investments with similar economic characteristics, included in the Index. The fund seeks to be fully invested in stocks included in the Index. The fund seeks to hold a portfolio of common stocks that is comparable to the Index in terms of economic sector weightings, market capitalization and liquidity. The Index is a well-known stock market index that includes common stocks of 500 companies from a number of sectors and that measures the performance of large capitalization companies of the U.S. equities market.
By seeking to track the Index, from time to time, the fund may be significantly invested in companies in a particular sector. In recent years, the Index, which is market capitalization-weighted, has become significantly more exposed to companies in the information technology sector relative to other sectors, as a result of the increased market capitalization of companies in this sector.    
The fund may also use derivatives to track the performance of the Index. The fund might do so, for example, in order to increase its investment exposure pending investment of cash in the stocks comprising the Index.
Principal risks
Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any bank or government agency. The following is a summary description of certain risks of investing in the fund. 
Index investing risk. As an index fund, the fund does not attempt to manage market volatility, use defensive strategies or reduce the effects of any periods of poor stock performance. The fund’s expenses, changes in securities markets, changes in the composition of the Index and the timing of purchases and redemptions of fund shares may affect the correlation between fund and Index performance. The fund may not perform as well as other investments if, among other things, the Index declines or performs poorly relative to other related indexes or individual securities or the securities issued by companies that comprise the Index fall out of favor with investors. Certain regulatory limitations, such as fund diversification requirements, may limit the fund’s ability to completely replicate the Index. The index used by the fund is weighted by market capitalization, which means that poor performance by one or a few stocks with large market capitalizations could adversely affect the fund’s performance relative to other investments.  
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.  
Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign  
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
3

central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. 
Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions. 
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID‑19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID‑19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID‑19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers. 
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. Historically, the prices of securities of small and medium capitalization companies have generally been more volatile than those of large capitalization companies. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.  
Industry or sector focus risk. The fund may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to events that adversely affect the fund’s investments more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the fund may, from time to time, have greater exposure to the securities of a particular issuer or issuers within the same industry or sector.  
Information technology sector risk. Companies in the rapidly changing field of information technology face special risks. Additionally, companies in this field are dependent upon consumer and business acceptance as new technologies evolve. Information technology companies face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence. They are also heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by the loss or impairment of, or inability to enforce, those rights.  
Derivatives risk. Using derivatives can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains, such as when market prices, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by the fund’s subadviser. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase fund volatility. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Derivatives may not be available at the time or price desired, may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the fund. Derivatives are generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying asset, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments have adopted and implemented or are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.  
Illiquidity risk. Some assets held by the fund may be or become impossible or difficult to sell, particularly during times of market turmoil. These illiquid assets may also be difficult to value. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets  
 
 
4
    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

for fixed income securities. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. 
Valuation risk. The sales price the fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The fund’s ability to value its investments may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.  
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub‑custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.  
Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time. 
These and other risks are discussed in more detail in the Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information. 
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
5

Performance
The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows the average annual total returns of each class of the fund that has been in operation for at least one full calendar year and also compares the fund’s performance with the average annual total returns of an index or other benchmark. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. The fund makes updated performance information, including its current net asset value, available at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (select fund and share class), or by calling the fund at (877) 6LM‑FUND/656‑3863.
The fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
  
LOGO
Best Quarter (06/30/2020): 20.37    Worst Quarter (03/31/2020): (19.68
 
Average annual total returns (%)  
(for periods ended December 31, 2022)                         
Class A      1 year          5 years          10 years  
Return before taxes      (18.41)          8.85          11.95  
Return after taxes on distributions      (19.18)          7.53          10.84  
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares      (10.36)          6.89          9.74  
Other Classes (Return before taxes only)                               
Class D      (18.26)          9.06          12.17  
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)      (18.11)          9.42          12.56  
The after‑tax returns are shown only for Class A shares, are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after‑tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After‑tax returns for classes other than Class A will vary from returns shown for Class A. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares are higher than returns before taxes for certain periods shown because they reflect the tax benefit of capital losses realized on the redemption of fund shares.
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Management
Investment manager: Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)
Subadviser: Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers”)
Portfolio managers: Primary responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers. At Franklin Advisers, all portfolios are managed on a collaborative basis using a systematic, rules based approach.
 
Portfolio manager    Title    Portfolio manager of the fund since
     
Christopher W. Floyd, CFA    Portfolio Manager    June 2022
 
Joseph S. Giroux    Portfolio Manager    June 2022
 
Jose Maldonado, CFA    Portfolio Manager    2021
Purchase and sale of fund shares
You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the fund each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the fund’s net asset value determined after receipt of your request in good order.
The fund does not, but your Service Agent may, impose a minimum initial or subsequent investment requirement. “Service Agents” include banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the fund’s distributor, Franklin Distributors LLC. (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”) to sell shares of the fund.
For more information about how to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, and to learn which classes of shares are available to you, you should contact your Service Agent, or, if you hold your shares or plan to purchase shares through the fund, you should contact the fund by phone at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863, by regular mail at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030 or by express, certified or registered mail at Legg Mason Funds, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205.
Tax information
The fund’s distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains.
Payments to broker/dealers and other financial intermediaries
The fund’s related companies pay Service Agents for the sale of fund shares, shareholder services and other purposes. These payments create a conflict of interest by influencing your Service Agent or its employees or associated persons to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or salesperson or visit your Service Agent’s or salesperson’s website for more information.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
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More on the fund’s investment strategies, investments and risks
Important information
The fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500® Index (the ”Index”).
The fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the ”Board”) without shareholder approval and on notice to shareholders. There is no assurance that the fund will meet its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity securities, or other investments with similar economic characteristics, included in the Index. The fund seeks to be fully invested in stocks included in the Index. The fund seeks to hold a portfolio of common stocks that is comparable to the Index in terms of economic sector weightings, market capitalization and liquidity.
The fund may also enter into repurchase agreements, lend portfolio securities and use certain types of derivative instruments to help implement its investment objective.
The fund’s 80% investment policy may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders.
The fund’s other investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
The Index
The Index is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance. As of December 30, 2022 the Index consisted of 503 stocks chosen for market capitalization, liquidity and industry group representation. The Index is market-value-weighted, so the larger of the 500 companies generally have a bigger impact on the performance of the Index. The Index does not show actual investment returns or reflect payment of management or brokerage fees, which would lower the Index’s performance. The Index is unmanaged and does not have to maintain liquidity to meet redemption requests or pay expenses. As of December 31, 2022, a significant portion of the Index and the fund were comprised of companies in the information technology sector, although this may change from time to time.
Indexing
The fund has a basic investment strategy. It is designed to track the performance of the Index.
This strategy distinguishes an index fund from an “actively managed” mutual fund. The fund’s portfolio managers look to the Index to determine which securities the fund should own. Instead of trying to outperform the market or segment it tracks, the fund tries to provide investment results that match, as closely as possible, the performance of the Index. If the securities contained in the Index are losing value or are downgraded by investment analysts, the fund will continue to purchase and hold those securities, even if the fund loses money as a result.
The fund may use replication or sampling techniques to track the performance of the Index. Replication involves the fund holding each security in the Index in the same proportion as the security appears in the Index. Sampling techniques involve investing in a smaller number of securities included in the Index that are selected to resemble the Index in terms of industry weightings, market capitalization, price/earnings ratio, dividend yield or other characteristics. The fund may also purchase and sell securities in anticipation of additions or deletions to the Index.
The fund attempts to achieve, in rising and falling markets, a correlation of at least 95% between the total return of its net assets, before fees and expenses, and the Index. Of course, like other index funds, there is no guarantee that the fund will be able to achieve or maintain this level of correlation. And, like other mutual funds, the fund will have operating expenses that affect the fund’s ability to track the Index.
The fund may use derivatives to track the performance of the Index. Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived, at least in part, from the prices of other securities or specified assets, indexes or rates. The fund might use derivatives to simulate full investment in the Index while maintaining sufficient liquidity to satisfy redemptions and operating expenses, to facilitate trading in the securities of companies that comprise the Index, to reduce transaction costs or to seek higher investment returns when a derivative is priced more attractively than the securities comprising the Index.
Because the composition of the Index tends to be comparatively stable, the fund historically has generally experienced lower portfolio turnover than actively managed funds.
Equity investments
Equity securities include exchange-traded and over‑the‑counter (“OTC”) common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, securities convertible into equity securities and securities of other investment companies and of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Securities of other investment companies
The fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including shares in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of an underlying equity index or a portion of an equity index.
Foreign investments
While the Index includes securities of companies listed on U.S. exchanges, these companies may have a global presence with assets and revenues from foreign countries. As such, the fund may be exposed to the risks of foreign markets.
Derivatives
Derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an asset, such as one or more underlying investments or indexes. The fund may engage in a variety of transactions using derivatives, such as futures and options on securities or securities indexes and options on these futures. Derivatives may be used by the fund for any of the following purposes:
 
 
To keep the fund’s composition in line with the Index and minimize deviations in performance between the fund and the Index
 
As a substitute for buying or selling securities
 
To enhance the fund’s return when a derivative is priced more attractively than the securities comprising the Index
 
As a cash flow management technique
Using derivatives, especially for non‑hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to the fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Certain derivative transactions may have a leveraging effect on the fund.
Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying asset, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders.
A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of one or more underlying investments or indexes.
Rule 18f‑4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which became effective August 19, 2022, governs the use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g. reverse repurchase agreements) by registered investment companies. Among other things, Rule 18f‑4 requires funds that invest in derivative instruments beyond a specified limited amount to apply a value‑at‑risk based limit to their use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. A fund that uses derivative instruments in a limited amount is not subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f‑4. Compliance with Rule 18f‑4 by the fund could, among other things, make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, or otherwise adversely affect their performance. Rule 18f‑4 may limit the fund’s ability to use derivatives as part of its investment strategy.
Lending of portfolio securities
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations meeting capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. Loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash. The fund typically invests cash collateral received in short-term investments. The fund would lend portfolio securities to earn income. Loans will be made to firms deemed by the subadviser or other lending agent for the fund to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in the judgment of the subadviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the risks.
Cash management
The fund may hold cash pending investment, may invest in money market instruments and may enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements (which have characteristics like borrowings) for cash management purposes. The fund may invest in money market funds, which may or may not be affiliated with the fund’s manager or the subadvisers. The amount of assets the fund may hold for cash management purposes will depend on market conditions and the need to meet expected redemption requests.
Other investments
The fund may also use other strategies and invest in other investments that are described, along with their risks, in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). However, the fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of investments described in this Prospectus or in the SAI.
Percentage and other limitations
The fund’s compliance with its investment limitations and requirements described in this Prospectus is usually determined at the time of investment. If such a percentage limitation is complied with at the time of an investment, any subsequent change resulting from a change in asset values or characteristics will not constitute a violation of that limitation.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
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Selection process
The fund is managed as a “pure” index fund. This means that the fund’s portfolio managers do not evaluate individual companies to identify attractive investment candidates. Instead, the portfolio managers attempt to mirror the investment performance of the Index as closely as possible. The fund’s portfolio is reviewed daily and adjusted when necessary to reflect the companies included in the Index and their weightings.
Like most index funds, the fund does not mirror the Index exactly because, unlike the Index, the fund must maintain a portion of its assets in cash and liquid short-term securities to meet redemption requests and pay the fund’s expenses. The fund’s returns may be below those of the Index because of the fund’s operating expenses.
The fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Index will depend to some extent on the size of cash flows into and out of the fund. The fund will make investment changes to accommodate these cash flows and to maximize the similarity of the fund’s assets to those of the Index.
More on risks of investing in the fund
Following is more information on the principal risks summarized above and additional risks of investing in the fund.
Index investing risk. The fund uses an indexing strategy and invests in securities included in or representative of its index regardless of their investment merit. The fund is not actively managed and it does not attempt to manage market volatility, use defensive strategies or reduce the effects of any periods of poor stock performance. The fund’s expenses, changes in securities markets, changes in the composition of the Index, the performance of the fund’s derivative positions, if any, and the timing of purchases and redemptions of fund shares may affect the correlation between fund and Index performance. The fund also may underperform the Index when Index stock prices rise after the close of the stock market and before the fund can invest cash from fund share purchases in these stocks. The fund may not perform as well as other investments if, among other things, the Index declines or performs poorly relative to other related indexes or individual securities or the securities issued by companies that comprise the Index fall out of favor with investors. Certain regulatory limitations, such as fund diversification requirements, may limit the fund’s ability to completely replicate the Index. The index used by the fund is weighted by market capitalization, which means that poor performance by one or a few stocks with large market capitalizations could adversely affect the fund’s performance relative to other investments.
Stock market and equity securities risk. The stock markets are volatile and the market prices of the fund’s equity securities may decline generally. Equity securities may include warrants, rights, exchange traded and over‑the‑counter common stocks, preferred stock, depositary receipts, trust certificates, limited partnership interests and shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Equity securities may have greater price volatility than other asset classes, such as fixed income securities, and may fluctuate in price based on actual or perceived changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions and perceptions. If the market prices of the equity securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline.
Issuer risk. The market price of a security can go up or down more than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, due to factors specifically relating to the security’s issuer, such as disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, changes in management, corporate actions, negative perception in the marketplace, or major litigation or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. An individual security may also be affected by factors relating to the industry or sector of the issuer. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual security. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer may adversely impact the industry or sector of the issuer or securities markets as a whole.
Illiquidity risk. Illiquidity risk exists when particular investments are impossible or difficult to sell. Although most of the fund’s investments must be liquid at the time of investment, investments may be or become illiquid after purchase by the fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Markets may become illiquid when, for instance, there are few, if any, interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers have been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. When the fund holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs, or to try to limit losses, the fund may be forced to sell at a substantial loss or may not be able to sell at all. The fund may experience heavy redemptions that could cause the fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain investments, the fund, due to limitations on illiquid investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.
Industry or sector focus risk. The fund may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to events that adversely affect the fund’s investments more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the fund may, from time to time, have greater exposure to the securities of a particular issuer or issuers within the same industry or sector.
Information technology sector risk. Companies in the rapidly changing field of information technology face special risks. Additionally, companies in this field are dependent upon consumer and business acceptance as new technologies evolve. Information technology companies face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence. They are also heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by the loss or impairment of, or inability to enforce, those rights.
Derivatives risk. Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund, even when used for hedging purposes. Using derivatives can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains, such as when market prices, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the fund’s subadviser, especially in abnormal market conditions. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect which may increase investment losses and increase the fund’s volatility, which is the degree to which the fund’s share price may
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

fluctuate within a short time period. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The other parties to certain derivatives transactions present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed income securities.
The fund’s counterparty to a derivative transaction may not honor its obligations in respect to the transaction. In certain cases, the fund may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivative instruments with a counterparty, which may result in additional losses.
Derivatives also tend to involve greater illiquidity risk and they may be difficult to value. The fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over‑the‑counter derivatives will not have liquidity except through the counterparty to the instrument. Derivatives are generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. Use of derivatives or similar instruments may have different tax consequences for the fund than an investment in the underlying asset, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. The fund’s use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. The U.S. government and non‑U.S. governments have adopted and implemented or are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin, and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets. The fund may be exposed to additional risks as a result of the additional regulations. The extent and impact of the additional regulations are not yet fully known and may not be for some time.
With respect to the fund’s cleared derivative transactions, the fund will be required to maintain its positions with a clearing organization through one or more clearing brokers. The clearing organization will require the fund to post margin and the broker may require the fund to post additional margin to secure the fund’s obligations. The amount of margin required may change from time to time. In addition, cleared transactions may be more expensive to maintain than over‑the‑counter transactions and may require the fund to deposit larger amounts of margin. The fund may not be able to recover margin amounts if the broker has financial difficulties. Also, the broker may require the fund to terminate a derivatives position under certain circumstances. This may cause the fund to lose money.
Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that an increased portion of the fund’s assets is committed to derivatives in general or is invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
Foreign market exposure risk. The fund’s investments in securities of issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets involve additional risk as compared to investment in U.S. securities or issuers with predominantly domestic exposure, such as less liquid, less regulated, less transparent and more volatile markets. The value of the fund’s investments may decline because of factors affecting the particular issuer as well as foreign markets and issuers generally, such as unfavorable or unsuccessful government actions, tariffs and trade disputes, economic sanctions, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards and auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements, lack of information, political, economic, financial or social instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events. Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation could even cause the loss of the fund’s entire investment in one or more countries. The value of the fund’s foreign investments may also be affected by foreign tax laws, special U.S. tax considerations and restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country. These issuers also have exposure to currency risk through foreign sales as the rates of exchange between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar fluctuate. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation.
Repurchase agreements risk. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including losses and possible delays or restrictions upon the fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities that the fund has purchased has decreased, the fund could experience a loss.
Securities lending risk. Lending securities involves the risk of delay in receiving or the failure to receive additional collateral and the risk of delay in recovering or the failure to recover securities when the loan is called should the borrower fail financially. The fund could also lose money if its short-term investment of the cash collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.
Investment in other investment companies risk. Investments in other investment companies are subject to market and portfolio selection risk, as well as portfolio management risk. If the fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by LMPFA or its affiliates through waivers).
Redemptions by affiliated funds and by other significant investors. The fund may be an investment option for mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by LMPFA and its affiliates, including Franklin Templeton investment managers, unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs and other investors with substantial investments in the fund. As a result, from time to time, the fund may experience relatively large redemptions and could be required to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.
Cash management risk. The value of the investments held by the fund for cash management purposes may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in credit ratings of the investments. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the cash will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash. If a significant amount of the fund’s assets are used for cash management purposes, the fund will be less likely to achieve its investment objective. The fund’s investments in money market instruments will likely cause the fund’s returns to differ from those of the Index.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
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Market events risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, armed conflicts, economic sanctions, major cybersecurity events, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, wars, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or markets directly affected, the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments may be negatively affected. Following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, Russian stocks lost all, or nearly all, of their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions.
For example, the ongoing impact of COVID‑19 and its subsequent variants have been rapidly evolving and have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel; significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. While in the process of gradually reversing, these circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained domestic or even global economic downturn or recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic as they may have less established health care systems and may be less able to control or mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID‑19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. Government actions to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic have resulted in a large expansion of government deficits and debt, the long term consequences of which are not known. Recently, inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. The COVID‑19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments, impair the fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the fund’s performance. In addition, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the fund by its service providers.
Capital gain risk. As of the date of this Prospectus, a substantial portion of the fund’s net asset value is attributable to net unrealized capital gains on portfolio securities. If the fund realizes capital gains in excess of realized capital losses in any fiscal year, it generally expects to make capital gain distributions to shareholders. You may receive distributions that are attributable to appreciation of portfolio securities that happened before you made your investment. Unless you purchase shares through a tax‑advantaged account (such as an IRA or 401(k) plan), these distributions will be taxable to you even though they economically represent a return of a portion of your investment. You should consult your tax adviser about your investment in the fund.
Risk of increase in expenses. Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual fund operating expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, expenses may be higher if the fund’s average net assets decrease, as a result of redemptions or otherwise, or if a fee limitation is changed or terminated. Net assets are more likely to decrease and the fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Valuation risk. Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value some investments, the fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair value methodologies. These differences may increase significantly and affect fund investments more broadly during periods of market volatility. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of non‑U.S. securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets in which they are traded, but before the fund determines its net asset value. The fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third party service providers. The valuation of the fund’s investments involves subjective judgment, which may prove to be incorrect.
Operational risk. Your ability to transact with the fund or the valuation of your investment may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology (including those due to cybersecurity incidents), changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the fund or to develop processes and controls that eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, whether intentionally caused by third parties or otherwise, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, fund or customer data (including private shareholder information) or proprietary information, cause the fund, the manager, the
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

subadvisers and/or their service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, sub‑custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality, or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares, receiving distributions or receiving timely information regarding the fund or their investment in the fund. The fund, the manager, and the subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the fund, the manager and/or the subadviser. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent or mitigate any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.
Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the fund, the manager, the subadvisers and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the SAI. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Portfolio holdings
A description of the fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI. The fund posts its complete portfolio holdings at www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds (click on the name of the fund) on a quarterly basis. The fund intends to post its complete portfolio holdings 14 calendar days following the quarter‑end. The fund intends to post partial information concerning the fund’s portfolio holdings (such as top 10 holdings or sector breakdowns, for example) on the fund’s website on a monthly basis. The fund intends to post this partial information 10 business days following each month‑end. Such information will remain available until the next month’s or quarter’s holdings are posted.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
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More on fund management
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA” or the “manager”) is the fund’s investment manager. LMPFA, with offices at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason-sponsored funds. LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the fund. As of September 30, 2022, LMPFA’s total assets under management were approximately $171.5 billion.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers” or the “subadviser”) provides the day‑to‑day portfolio management of the fund, except for any portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments that is allocated to Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”). Franklin Advisers has offices at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906. Franklin Advisers provides asset management services to numerous other investment companies and accounts.
Western Asset manages the portion of the fund’s cash and short-term instruments allocated to it. Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. As of September 30, 2022, the total assets under management of Western Asset and its supervised affiliates were approximately $371.7 billion.
LMPFA, Franklin Advisers and Western Asset are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin Resources”). Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as Franklin Templeton. As of September 30, 2022, Franklin Templeton’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.3 trillion.
Portfolio managers
Primary responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the fund lies with the following portfolio managers. Each is responsible for the strategic oversight of the fund’s investments. The portfolio managers focus on portfolio implementation and are primarily responsible for ensuring that the fund complies with its investment objective, guidelines and restrictions and Franklin Advisers’ current investment strategies.
 
Portfolio manager   Title and recent biography   Portfolio manager of the fund since
 
Christopher W. Floyd, CFA
 
Vice President, Portfolio Manager for Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (“FTIS”). Mr. Floyd was formerly a member of the Equity Portfolio Manager group at QS Investors, a quantitative multi-asset and equity manager. QS Investors combined with Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions in October 2020 to create FTIS. Previously, Mr. Floyd served as a developed markets senior portfolio manager at Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”), which merged with QS Investors in 2014. Prior to joining Batterymarch, he held positions at Cigna Investment Management, Urban & Associates, Inc. and Bay State Federal Savings Bank. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. in Management from Cornell University.
 
 
 
June 2022
 
Joseph S. Giroux
  Vice President, Portfolio Manager for Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (“FTIS”). Mr. Giroux was formerly a member of the Equity Portfolio Management group at QS Investors, a quantitative multi-asset and equity manager. QS Investors combined with Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions in October 2020 to create FTIS. Previously, he served as a portfolio manager at Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”), which merged with QS Investors in 2014. Prior to joining Batterymarch, Mr. Giroux was a portfolio manager at Wells Capital Management, Evergreen Investments, The Boston Company Asset Management and Standish Ayer & Wood. Mr. Giroux was also a quantitative analyst at Invesco. He has a B.S. in Computer Science and a M.S. in Information  
 
June 2022
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

   
Technology from New England Institute of Technology.
 
   
 
Jose Maldonado, CFA
 
Vice President, Portfolio Manager for Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (“FTIS”). Mr. Maldonado was formerly a member of the Portfolio Management group at QS Investors, a quantitative multi-asset and equity manager. QS Investors combined with Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions in 2020 to create FTIS. Previously, Mr. Maldonado served as a global equity trader at Arrowstreet Capital and as an investment management consultant at FactSet Research Systems. He entered the financial services industry in 2008. He holds a B.S. in Finance with an Economics minor from Providence College.
 
 
 
2021
The SAI provides information about the compensation of the portfolio managers, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and any fund shares held by the portfolio managers.
Management fee
The fund pays a management fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of its average daily net assets.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fund paid LMPFA an effective management fee of 0.21% of the fund’s average daily net assets for management services.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the fund’s management agreement and subadvisory agreements is available in the fund’s Annual Report for the period ended September 30, 2022.
Expense limitation
The manager has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses (other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses will not exceed 0.54% for Class A shares and 0.34% for Class D shares, subject to recapture as described below. These arrangements are expected to continue until December 31, 2024, may be terminated prior to that date by agreement of the manager and the Board, and may be terminated at any time after that date by the manager. These arrangements, however, may be modified by the manager to decrease total annual fund operating expenses at any time. The manager is also permitted to recapture amounts waived and/or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year in which the manager earned the fee or incurred the expense if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the limits described above. In no case will the manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding the applicable limits described above or any other lower limit then in effect.
Additional information
The fund enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the fund’s manager and the subadvisers, who provide services to the fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements.
This Prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the fund. The fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than rights conferred by federal or state securities laws.
Distribution
Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, serves as the fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.
The fund has adopted a shareholder services and distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b‑1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the plan, the fund pays distribution and/or service fees, based on annualized percentages of average daily net assets, of up to 0.20% for Class A shares. From time to time, the Distributor and/or financial intermediaries may agree to a reduction or waiver of these fees. These fees are an ongoing expense and, over time, will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than other types of sales charges. Class D shares are not subject to distribution and/or service fees under the plan.
 
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Additional payments
In addition to payments made to intermediaries under the fund’s shareholder services and distribution plan and other payments made by the fund for shareholder services and/or recordkeeping, the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates make payments for distribution, shareholder servicing, marketing and promotional activities and related expenses out of their profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the fund. These payments are not reflected as additional expenses in the fee table contained in this Prospectus. The recipients of these payments may include the Distributor and affiliates of the manager, as well as Service Agents through which investors may purchase shares of the fund, including your Service Agent. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities. The payments described in this paragraph are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments.” Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated between the Distributor, the manager and/or their affiliates, and the recipients of these payments.
Revenue sharing payments create an incentive for an intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the fund to you. Contact your Service Agent for details about revenue sharing payments it receives or may receive. Additional information about revenue sharing payments is available in the SAI. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments by the fund under the shareholder services and distribution plan or for recordkeeping and/or shareholder services, also benefit the manager, the Distributor and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the fund on which fees are being charged.
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Choosing a share class
Individual investors can generally invest in Class A and Class D shares.
You buy Class A shares at the offering price, which is the net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Class A shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and/or service fee.
You buy Class D shares at the offering price, which is the net asset value with no initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Class D shares are not subject to an ongoing distribution and/or service fee. Class D shares are currently offered to investors who invest in the fund through certain financial intermediary and retirement plan programs. Financial intermediaries selling Class D shares may in the future discontinue offering Class D shares to their clients.
When choosing which class of shares to buy, you should consider:
 
 
How much you plan to invest
 
How long you expect to own the shares
 
The expenses paid by each class detailed in the fee table and example at the front of this Prospectus
 
Availability of share classes
Each class of shares is authorized to pay fees for recordkeeping services to Service Agents. As a result, operating expenses of classes that incur new or additional recordkeeping fees may increase over time.
You may buy shares:
 
(i)
through a Service Agent or
 
(ii)
directly from the fund
Your Service Agent may provide shareholder services that differ from the services provided by other Service Agents. Services provided by your Service Agent may vary by class. You should ask your Service Agent to explain the shareholder services it provides for each class and the compensation it receives in connection with each class.
Your Service Agent may not offer all classes of shares. You should contact your Service Agent for further information.
More information about the fund’s classes of shares is available through the funds’ website.
To visit the website, go to www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, and click on the name of the fund. On the selected fund’s page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the disclosure labeled “Click here for funds sales charge and breakpoint information.”
 
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Share class features summary
The following table compares key features of the fund’s classes. You should also review the fee table and example at the front of this Prospectus carefully before choosing your share class. Your Service Agent can help you choose a class that may be appropriate for you. Your Service Agent may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose.
 
     Key features   Initial sales charge  
Contingent deferred
sales charge
 
Annual distribution
and/or service fees
  Exchange privilege1
Class A  
  No Initial or contingent deferred sales charge
  Generally higher annual expenses than Class D
  None   None  
0.20% of average daily
net assets
  Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor
Class D  
  No initial or contingent deferred sales charge
  Generally lower annual expenses than Class A
  Only offered to investors who invest in the fund through certain financial intermediary and retirement plan programs
  None   None   None   None
 
1 
Please contact your Service Agent or the fund about funds available for exchange.
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Buying shares
 
   
Generally   
You may buy shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your purchase request in good order, plus any applicable sales charge.
 
The fund may not be available for sale in certain states. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether the fund is available for sale in their state of residence.
 
You must provide the following information for your order to be processed:
 
   Name of fund being bought
 
   Class of shares being bought
 
   Dollar amount or number of shares being bought (as applicable)
 
   Account number (if existing account)
Through a Service Agent   
You should contact your Service Agent to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
Your Service Agent may charge an annual account maintenance fee.
Through the fund   
Investors should contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 to open an account and make arrangements to buy shares.
 
For initial purchases, complete and send your account application to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
Subsequent purchases should be sent to the same address. Enclose a check to pay for the shares. The fund will accept checks from other fund families and investment companies as long as the registration name on your fund account is the same as that listed on the check.
   
Through a systematic investment plan   
You may authorize your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent to transfer funds automatically from (i) a regular bank account, (ii) cash held in a brokerage account with a Service Agent, (iii) another fund sold by the Distributor or (iv) certain money market funds, in order to buy shares on a regular basis.
 
   Amounts transferred must meet the applicable minimums (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
   If you do not have sufficient funds in your account on a transfer date, you may be charged a fee
 
   For amounts transferred from other funds sold by the Distributor, please see the section titled “Exchanging shares—Through a systematic exchange plan” in such fund’s prospectus
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund, or consult the SAI.
   
Franklin Templeton
VIP Services®
   You may be eligible for Franklin Templeton VIP Services® if you currently have $500,000 or more invested in Franklin Templeton affiliated funds based solely on shares registered directly with the fund and excluding shares held indirectly through brokerage accounts. Franklin Templeton VIP Services® shareholders enjoy enhanced services and transaction capabilities. Please contact Shareholder Services at (800) 632‑2301 for additional information on this program.
Additional information about purchases
If you pay with a check or electronic transfer (ACH) that does not clear or if your payment is not received in a timely manner, your purchase may be cancelled and you may be liable for any loss to the fund. Please note that the fund will not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, pre-paid
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
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debit cards, non‑bank money orders, traveler’s checks or checks drawn on foreign banks for purchase of fund shares. The fund and its agents have the right to reject or cancel any purchase due to nonpayment.
Account registration changes
Changes in registration or certain account options for accounts held directly with the fund must be made in writing. Medallion signature guarantees may be required. (See “Other things to know about transactions—Medallion signature guarantees” below.) All correspondence must include the account number and must be sent to one of the following addresses:
Regular Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Exchanging shares
 
   
Generally   
You may exchange shares of the fund for the same class of shares of other funds sold by the Distributor on any day that both the fund and the fund into which you are exchanging are open for business. An exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another fund is considered a sale and generally results in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, unless you are investing through an IRA, 401(k) or other tax‑advantaged account. An exchange of shares of one class directly for shares of another class of the same fund normally should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. You should talk to your tax advisor before making an exchange.
 
The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short-term trading. The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges.
   
Franklin Templeton offers a distinctive family of funds tailored to help meet the varying needs of large and small investors   
You may exchange shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the transfer agent of your exchange request in good order.
 
   If you bought shares directly from the fund, contact the fund at (877) 6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 to learn which funds are available to you for exchanges
 
   If you bought shares through a Service Agent, contact your Service Agent to learn which funds and classes your Service Agent makes available to you for exchanges
 
   Generally, exchanges may be made only between accounts that have identical registrations, unless you send written instructions with a signature gurantee
 
   Not all funds offer all classes
 
   Some funds are offered only in a limited number of states. Your Service Agent or the fund will provide information about the funds offered in your state
 
Always be sure to read the prospectus of the fund into which you are exchanging shares.
   
Investment minimums, sales charges and other requirements   
   You may be charged an initial or contingent deferred sales charge if the shares being exchanged were not subject to a sales charge
 
   Your contingent deferred sales charge (if any) will continue to be measured from the date of your original purchase of shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, and you will be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge of the fund that you originally purchased
 
   You will generally be required to meet the minimum investment requirement for the class of shares of the fund into which your exchange is made (except in the case of systematic exchange plans or in exchanges of an entire account balance)
 
   Your exchange will also be subject to any other requirements of the fund into which you are exchanging shares
 
   The fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of excessive exchanges
   
By telephone    Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call the fund at (877) 6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 for information. Exchanges are priced at the net asset value next determined.
By mail   
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
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Through a systematic exchange plan   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic exchanges of shares of the fund for shares of other funds available for exchange. All requirements for exchanging shares described above apply to these exchanges. In addition:
 
   Exchanges may be made monthly, every alternate month, quarterly, semi-annually or annually
 
   Each exchange must meet the applicable investment minimums for systematic investment plans (see “Purchase and sale of fund shares”)
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Redeeming shares
 
   
Generally   
You may redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt by your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent of your redemption request in good order, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Redemptions made through your Service Agent may be subject to transaction fees or other conditions as set by your Service Agent.
 
If the shares are held by a fiduciary or corporation, partnership or similar entity, other documents may be required.
Redemption proceeds   
Your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within 2 business days after your request is received in good order, but in any event within 7 days, regardless of the method the fund uses to make such payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)). If you make a redemption request before the fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares, the fund may delay your proceeds until payment is collected, for up to 10 days.
 
Your redemption proceeds may be delayed, or your right to receive redemption proceeds suspended beyond 7 days, if the NYSE is closed (other than on weekends or holidays) or trading is restricted, if an emergency exists, or otherwise as permitted by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
 
If you have a brokerage account with a Service Agent, your redemption proceeds may be sent to your Service Agent. Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire or electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account designated by you. To change the bank account designated to receive wire or electronic transfers, you will be required to deliver a new written authorization and may be asked to provide other documents. You may be charged a fee by your bank on a wire or an electronic transfer (ACH).
 
In other cases, unless you direct otherwise, your proceeds will be paid by check mailed to your address of record.
 
Under normal circumstances, the fund expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio and/or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. The fund also may pay redemption proceeds using cash obtained through borrowing arrangements that may be available from time to time.
 
The fund may pay all or a portion of your redemption proceeds by giving you securities (for example, if the fund reasonably believes that a cash redemption may have a substantial impact on the fund and its remaining shareholders). You may pay transaction costs to dispose of the securities, and you may receive less for them than the price at which they were valued for purposes of the redemption.
 
During periods of deteriorating or stressed market conditions, when an increased portion of the fund’s portfolio may be comprised of investments that have lower liquidity, or during extraordinary or emergency circumstances, the fund may be more likely to pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements (if available) or by giving you securities.
By mail
  
Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, write to the fund at one of the following addresses:
 
Regular Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030
 
Express, Certified or Registered Mail:
 
Legg Mason Funds
100 Fountain Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
 
Your written request must provide the following:
 
   The fund name, the class of shares being redeemed and your account number
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered
 
   Medallion signature guarantees, as applicable (see “Other things to know about transactions”)
By telephone    If your account application permits, you may be eligible to redeem shares by telephone. Contact your Service Agent or, if you hold shares directly with the fund, call 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 for more information. Please have the following information ready when you call:
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
23

    
   Name of fund being redeemed
 
   Class of shares being redeemed
 
   The dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed
 
   Account number
Systematic withdrawal plans   
You may be permitted to schedule automatic redemptions of a portion of your shares. To qualify, you must own shares of the fund with a value of at least $5,000 and each automatic redemption must be at least $50 per transaction per month. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the minimum withdrawal amounts will not apply.
 
The following conditions apply:
 
   Redemptions may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Redemptions may be processed on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month, if no day is indicated, redemptions will be made on the 20th day of the month.
 
   If your shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the charge will be required to be paid upon redemption. However, the charge will be waived if your automatic redemptions do not exceed 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account’s net asset value, depending on the frequency of your plan.
 
   Your Service Agent may impose a lower minimum amount for each automatic redemption on a monthly and quarterly basis.
 
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Other things to know about transactions
When you buy, exchange or redeem shares, your request must be in good order. This means you have provided the following information, without which your request may not be processed:
 
 
Name of the fund
 
Your account number
 
In the case of a purchase (including a purchase as part of an exchange transaction), the class of shares being bought
 
In the case of an exchange or redemption, the class of shares being exchanged or redeemed (if you own more than one class)
 
Dollar amount or number of shares being bought, exchanged or redeemed
 
In certain circumstances, the signature of each owner exactly as the account is registered (see “Redeeming shares”)
In certain circumstances, such as during periods of market volatility, severe weather and emergencies, shareholders may experience difficulties placing exchange or redemption orders by telephone. In that case, shareholders should consider using the fund’s other exchange and redemption procedures described under “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares.”
The transfer agent or the fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that any telephone, electronic or other exchange or redemption request is genuine, which may include recording calls, asking the caller to provide certain personal identification information, employing identification numbers, sending you a written confirmation or requiring other confirmation procedures from time to time. If these procedures are followed, neither the fund nor its agents will bear any liability for these transactions, subject to applicable law.
The fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or private delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such delivery services, or receipt at the fund’s post office box, of purchase requests or redemption orders, do not constitute receipt by the fund or its transfer agent.
The fund has the right to:
 
 
Suspend the offering of shares permanently or for a period of time
 
Waive or change minimum initial and additional investment amounts
 
Reject any purchase or exchange order
 
Change, revoke or suspend the exchange privilege
 
Suspend telephone transactions
 
Suspend or postpone redemptions of shares on any day when trading on the NYSE is restricted or as otherwise permitted by the SEC
 
Redeem shares if information provided in the application should prove to be incorrect in any manner judged by the fund to be material (e.g., in a manner such as to render the shareholder ineligible to purchase shares of that class)
 
Delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days if, in the judgment of the subadviser, the fund could be adversely affected by immediate payment. The fund may delay redemptions beyond seven days, or suspend redemptions, only as permitted by the SEC or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
 
Close your account after a period of inactivity, as determined by state law, and transfer your shares to the appropriate state
For your protection, the fund or your Service Agent may request additional information in connection with large redemptions, unusual activity in your account, or otherwise to ensure your redemption request is in good order. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for more information.
Medallion signature guarantees
To be in good order, you may be asked to include a Medallion signature guarantee with your redemption request if you:
 
 
are redeeming shares and sending the proceeds to an address or bank account not currently on file or to an account in another fund sold by the Distributor with a different account registration
 
are redeeming more than $250,000 worth of shares
 
changed your account registration or your address within 15 calendar days
 
want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)
 
are transferring the redemption proceeds to an account with a different registration
For other types of transactions involving changes to your account registration information, please contact the fund or your Service Agent.
When a Medallion signature guarantee is called for, the shareholder should have a Medallion signature guarantee stamped under his or her signature. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings and loan institutions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations and clearing agencies (each an “Eligible Guarantor Institution”), but not from a notary public.
The fund and its agents reserve the right to reject any Medallion signature guarantee pursuant to written signature guarantee standards or procedures, which may be revised in the future to permit them to reject Medallion signature guarantees from Eligible Guarantor Institutions. The fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time without prior notice to shareholders.
Restrictions on the availability of the fund outside the United States
 
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The distribution of this Prospectus and the offering of shares of the fund are restricted in certain jurisdictions. This Prospectus is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful, where the person making an offer or solicitation is not authorized to make it or a person receiving an offer or solicitation may not lawfully receive it or may not lawfully invest in the fund. Investors should inform themselves as to the legal requirements within their own country before investing in the fund.
This Prospectus, and the offer of shares hereunder, are not directed at persons outside the United States. In particular, the fund is not intended to be marketed to prospective investors in any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (collectively, the “European Economic Area” or “EEA”). No notification or application has been made to the competent authority of any member state of the EEA under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (or any applicable legislation or regulations made thereunder) to market the fund to investors in the EEA and it is not intended that any such notification or application shall be made.
U.S. citizens with addresses in the United States, and non‑U.S. citizens who reside in the United States and have U.S. addresses, are permitted to establish accounts with the fund. For these purposes, the “United States” and “U.S.” include U.S. territories.
The fund generally does not permit persons who do not reside in the United States or who do not have U.S. addresses to establish accounts. Therefore, U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, as well as non‑U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries, generally will not be permitted to establish accounts with the fund.
For further information, you or your Service Agent may contact the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863.
Anti-money laundering
Federal anti-money laundering regulations require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you sign your account application, you may be asked to provide additional information in order for the fund to verify your identity in accordance with these regulations. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g. partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you may also be required to supply the identity of the beneficial owners and a control individual with management authority, prior to the opening of your account. Accounts may be restricted and/or closed, and the monies withheld, pending verification of this information or as otherwise required under these and other federal regulations.
Small account fees/Mandatory redemptions
Small accounts may be subject to a small account fee or to mandatory redemption, as described below. Please contact your Service Agent or the fund for information on the policy applicable to your account.
Small account fees
To offset the relatively higher impact on fund expenses of servicing smaller accounts, the fund may charge you a fee of $3.75 per account that is determined and assessed quarterly by your Service Agent or by the Distributor for Distributor Accounts on the next‑to‑last business day of the quarter (with an annual maximum of $15.00 per account) if the value of your account is below $1,000 (if applicable, $250 for retirement plans that are not employer-sponsored) for any reason (including declines in net asset value). The small account fee will be charged by redeeming shares in your account. If the value of your account is $3.75 or less, the amount in the account may be exhausted to pay the small account fee. If your Service Agent or the Distributor assesses a small account fee, the small account fee will not be assessed on systematic investment plans until the end of the first quarter after the account has been established for 21 months. Payment of the small account fee through a redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
The small account fee will not be charged on, if applicable: (i) retirement plans (but will be charged on other plans that are not employer-sponsored such as traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts, Coverdell education savings accounts, individual 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, Keogh plans, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs or similar accounts); (ii) Legg Mason funds that have been closed to subsequent purchases for all classes; (iii) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents; (iv) Class D shares; and (v) for new accounts (except for new accounts opened by way of an exchange), a small account fee will not be charged during the calendar quarter in which you open your account.
If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount (although you may exchange into existing accounts of other funds sold by the Distributor in which you hold the same share class, to the extent otherwise permitted by those funds and subject to any applicable sales charges).
The small account fee is calculated on a fund‑by‑fund basis. If you have accounts in multiple funds, they will not be aggregated for the purpose of calculating the small account fee.
Small account balance liquidations
The fund reserves the right to ask you to bring your account up to a minimum investment amount determined by your Service Agent if your account has been open for more than one year and the aggregate value of the fund shares in your account is less than $500. You will be notified in writing and will have 30 days to make an additional investment to bring your account value up to the required level. If you choose not to do so within this 30‑day period, the fund may close your account and send you the redemption proceeds. You will not be charged a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable, if your account is closed for this reason. If your share class is no longer offered, you may not be able to bring your account up to the minimum investment amount.
 
 
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    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

If your account is closed, you will not be eligible to have your account reinstated without imposition of any sales charges that may apply to your new purchase. Please contact your Service Agent for more information. Any redemption of fund shares may result in tax consequences to you (see “Taxes” for more information).
This policy does not apply to: (i) certain broker-controlled accounts established through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Networking system; (ii) Class A accounts established pursuant to a conversion from Class C or C1, and any remaining Class C or C1 accounts involved in the conversion with a low balance due to the conversion; (iii) tax‑deferred retirement plan accounts; (iv) accounts with an active systematic investment plan; (v) accounts held through a 529 college saving program; (vi) accounts that do not have a valid address as evidenced by mail being returned to the fund or its agents, (vii) Coverdell Education Saving Plan accounts; and (viii) accounts identified to us by the applicable Service Agent as being fee‑based accounts.
General
The fund may, with prior notice, change the minimum size of accounts subject to mandatory redemption, which may vary by class, implement fees for other small accounts or change the amount of the fee for small direct accounts.
Subject to applicable law, the fund may, with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.
For more information, please contact your Service Agent or the fund or consult the SAI.
Frequent trading of fund shares
The Board has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to frequent trading in fund shares (“Frequent Trading Policy”).
The fund does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares that may be detrimental to the fund. For example, this type of trading activity could interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio or materially increase the fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes.
Since the fund may invest in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid (“relatively illiquid securities”), it may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage short-term trading. Such arbitrage traders may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the fund’s net asset value and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of the objectives of the fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
Through its transfer agent, the fund performs ongoing monitoring of shareholder trading in shares of the fund and other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds in order to try and identify shareholder trading patterns that suggest an ongoing short-term trading strategy. If shareholder trading patterns identified by the transfer agent through monitoring or from other information regarding the shareholder’s trading activity in non‑Franklin Templeton affiliated funds leads the transfer agent to reasonably conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the fund as described in this Frequent Trading Policy, the transfer agent, on behalf of 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 you 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 patterns, the fund may consider, among other factors, the investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the fund, in other Franklin Templeton affiliated funds, in non‑Franklin Templeton affiliated mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership. The transfer agent may also reject any purchase request, whether or not it represents part of any ongoing trading pattern, if the manager or the fund’s transfer agent reasonably concludes that the amount of the requested transaction may disrupt or otherwise interfere with the efficient management of the fund’s portfolio. In determining what actions should be taken, the fund’s transfer agent may consider a variety of factors, including the potential impact of such remedial actions on the fund and its shareholders. If the fund is a “fund of funds,” the fund’s transfer agent may consider the impact of the trading activity and of any proposed remedial action on both the fund and the affiliated underlying funds in which the fund invests.
Frequent trading through financial intermediaries. You are an investor subject to this Frequent Trading Policy whether you are a direct shareholder of the fund or you are investing indirectly in the fund through a financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, bank, trust company, insurance company product such as an annuity contract, investment advisor, or an administrator or trustee of an IRS‑recognized tax‑deferred savings plan such as a 401(k) retirement plan and a 529 college savings plan.
Some financial intermediaries maintain master accounts with the fund on behalf of their customers (“omnibus accounts”). The fund has entered into “information sharing agreements” with these financial intermediaries, which permit the fund to obtain, upon request, information about the trading activity of the intermediary’s customers that invest in the fund. If the fund’s transfer agent identifies omnibus account level trading patterns that have the potential to be detrimental to the fund, the transfer agent may, in its sole discretion, request from the financial intermediary information concerning the trading activity of its customers. Based upon its review of the information, if the transfer agent determines that the trading activity of any customer may be detrimental to the fund, it may, in its sole discretion, request the financial intermediary to restrict or limit further trading in the
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
27

fund by that customer. There can be no assurance that the transfer agent’s monitoring of omnibus account level trading patterns will enable it to identify all short-term trading by a financial intermediary’s customers.
Record ownership
If you hold shares through a Service Agent, your Service Agent may establish and maintain your account and be the shareholder of record. In the event that the fund holds a shareholder meeting, your Service Agent, as record holder, will be entitled to vote your shares and may seek voting instructions from you. If you do not give your Service Agent voting instructions, your Service Agent, under certain circumstances, may nonetheless be entitled to vote your shares.
Confirmations and account statements
If you bought shares directly from the fund, you will receive a confirmation from the fund after each transaction (except a reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, an investment made through the Systematic Investment Plan, exchanges made through a systematic exchange plan and withdrawals made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan). Shareholders will receive periodic account statements.
To assist you in the management of your account you may direct the transfer agent to send copies of your confirmations and/or periodic statements to another party whom you designate, at no charge.
 
 
28
    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Dividends, other distributions and taxes
Dividends and other distributions
The fund generally pays dividends and distributes capital gain, if any, once in December and at such other times as are necessary. Shares will generally begin to earn dividends on the settlement date of purchase. The fund may pay additional distributions and dividends in order to avoid a federal tax.
You can elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash.
Unless you elect to receive dividends and/or other distributions in cash, your dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in shares of the same class you hold, at the net asset value determined on the reinvestment date. You do not pay a sales charge on reinvested distributions or dividends.
If you hold shares directly with the fund and you elect to receive dividends and/or distributions in cash, you have the option to receive such dividends and/or distributions via a direct deposit to your bank account or by check.
If you hold Class A shares directly with the fund, you may instruct the fund to have your dividends and/or distributions invested in the corresponding class of shares of another fund sold by the Distributor (excluding Western Asset Government Reserves), subject to the following conditions:
 
 
You meet the minimum initial investment requirement of the other fund and
 
 
The other fund is available for sale in your state.
To change those instructions, you must notify your Service Agent or the fund at least three days before the next distribution is to be paid.
Please contact your Service Agent or the fund to discuss what options are available to you for receiving your dividends and other distributions.
The Board reserves the right to revise the dividend policy or postpone the payment of dividends, if warranted in the Board’s judgment, due to unusual circumstances.
Taxes
The following discussion is very general, applies only to shareholders who are U.S. persons, and does not address shareholders subject to special rules, such as those who hold fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax‑advantaged account. Except as specifically noted, the discussion is limited to federal income tax matters, and does not address state, local, foreign or non‑income taxes. Further information regarding taxes, including certain federal income tax considerations relevant to non‑U.S. persons, is included in the SAI. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local and/or foreign tax considerations that may be relevant to your particular situation.
In general, redeeming shares, exchanging shares and receiving dividends and distributions (whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares or shares of another fund) are all taxable events. An exchange between classes of shares of the same fund normally is not taxable for federal income tax purposes, whether or not the shares are held in a taxable account.
The following table summarizes the tax status of certain transactions related to the fund.
 
Transaction   Federal income tax status
Redemption or exchange of shares   Usually capital gain or loss; long-term only if shares are owned more than one year
Dividends of investment income and distributions of net short-term capital gain   Ordinary income, or in certain cases qualified dividend income
Distributions of net capital gain (excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss)
  Long-term capital gain if reported as capital gain dividends by the fund
Distributions of investment income that the fund reports as qualified dividend income may be eligible to be taxed to noncorporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if certain requirements are satisfied. Distributions of net capital gain reported by the fund as capital gain dividends are taxable to you as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned your shares. Noncorporate shareholders ordinarily pay tax at reduced rates on long-term capital gain.
If the fund realizes capital gains in excess of realized capital losses in any fiscal year, it generally expects to make capital gain distributions to shareholders. You may receive distributions that are attributable to appreciation of portfolio securities that happened before you made your investment but had not been realized at the time you made your investment, or that are attributable to capital gains or other income that, although realized by the fund, had not yet been distributed at the time you made your investment. Unless you purchase shares through a tax‑advantaged account, these distributions will be taxable to you even though they economically represent a return of a portion of your investment. You may want to avoid buying shares when the fund is about to declare a dividend or capital gain distribution. You should consult your tax professional before buying shares no matter when you are investing.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
29

A Medicare contribution tax is imposed at the rate of 3.8% on all or a portion of net investment income of U.S. individuals if their income exceeds specified thresholds and on all or a portion of undistributed net investment income of certain estates and trusts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the fund and gain on the redemption or exchange of fund shares.
A dividend declared by the fund in October, November or December and paid during January of the following year will, in certain circumstances, be treated as paid in December for tax purposes.
After the end of each year, your Service Agent or the fund will provide you with information about the distributions and dividends you received and any redemptions of shares during the previous year. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax professional about your investment in the fund.
 
 
30
    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

Share price
You may buy, exchange or redeem shares at their net asset value next determined after receipt of your request in good order. The fund’s net asset value per share is the value of its assets minus its liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Net asset value is calculated separately for each class of shares.
The fund calculates its net asset value every day the NYSE is open. The fund generally values its securities and other assets and calculates its net asset value as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If the NYSE closes at a time other than the scheduled closing time, the fund will calculate its net asset value as of the scheduled closing time. The NYSE is closed on certain holidays listed in the SAI.
In order to buy, redeem or exchange shares at a certain day’s price, you must place your order with your Service Agent or the fund transfer agent before the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on that day to receive that day’s price. If the NYSE closes early on that day, you must place your order prior to the scheduled closing time. It is the responsibility of the Service Agent to transmit all orders to buy, exchange or redeem shares to the fund transfer agent on a timely basis.
Valuation of the fund’s securities and other assets is performed in accordance with the valuation policy approved by the Board. As of the date of this Prospectus, the fund’s manager serves as the fund’s valuation designee for purposes of compliance with Rule 2a‑5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under the valuation policy, assets are valued as follows:
 
 
Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued at the closing price (which may be reported at a different time than the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated) or, if that price is unavailable or deemed by the manager not representative of market value, the last sale price. Where a security is traded on more than one exchange (as is often the case overseas), the security is generally valued at the price on the exchange considered by the manager to be the primary exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if exchange prices are not otherwise available, the prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services that use a variety of techniques and methodologies. Investments in mutual funds are valued at the net asset value per share of the class of the underlying fund held by the fund as determined on each business day.
 
The valuations for fixed income securities and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of fair valuation techniques and methodologies.
 
The valuations of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets in which they primarily trade. The prices of foreign equity securities typically are adjusted using a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to estimate the value of those securities at the time of closing of the NYSE. When the fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Foreign markets are open for trading on weekends and other days when the fund does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of the fund’s shares may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund’s shares.
 
If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers. When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the manager believes that they are unreliable, the manager may price securities in accordance with the valuation policy. The valuation policy permits, among other things, the use of a formula or other method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments to determine fair value. These determinations are subject to the Board’s oversight. Fair value of a security is the amount, as determined by the manager in good faith, that the fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the security. The fund may also use fair value procedures if the manager determines that a significant event has occurred between the time at which a market price is determined and the time at which the fund’s net asset value is calculated.
Many factors may influence the price at which the fund could sell any particular portfolio investment. The sales price may well differ—higher or lower—from the fund’s last valuation, and such differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Moreover, valuing securities using fair value methodologies involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on market quotations. A fund that uses fair value methodologies may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the fund could obtain the value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its net asset value. Investors who purchase or redeem fund shares on days when the fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or higher or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different methodology.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
31

Financial highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each class for the past five years, unless otherwise noted. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return represents the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. Unless otherwise noted, this information has been audited by the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund’s financial statements, is incorporated by reference into the fund’s SAI (see back cover) and is included in the fund’s annual report. . The fund’s annual report is available upon request by calling toll-free 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863 or via the following hyperlink: (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292443/d392017dncsr.htm).
 
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class A Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $35.94          $29.50          $27.21          $27.71          $24.81  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.31          0.29          0.36          0.37          0.34  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (5.58)          8.02          3.47          0.48          3.78  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (5.27)          8.31          3.83          0.85          4.12  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.26)          (0.35)          (0.40)          (0.34)          (0.34)  
Net realized gains
       (1.67)          (1.52)          (1.14)          (1.01)          (0.88)  
Total distributions
       (1.93)          (1.87)          (1.54)          (1.35)          (1.22)  
Net asset value, end of year        $28.74          $35.94          $29.50          $27.21          $27.71  
Total return2
       (15.77)        29.24        14.55        3.64        17.19
Net assets, end of year (millions)        $260          $318          $263          $254          $265  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       0.61        0.59        0.61        0.61        0.62
Net expenses3,4
       0.57          0.59          0.59          0.59          0.59  
Net investment income
       0.91          0.86          1.31          1.43          1.30  
Portfolio turnover rate        9        3        3        3        2
 
1 
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3 
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
4
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, effective June 1, 2022, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class A shares did not exceed 0.54%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. Prior to June 1, 2022, the expense limitation was 0.59%.
 
 
32
    Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended September 30:  
Class D Shares1      2022        2021        2020        2019        2018  
Net asset value, beginning of year        $36.30          $29.77          $27.44          $27.94          $25.01  
Income (loss) from operations:                         
Net investment income
       0.39          0.36          0.41          0.42          0.39  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
       (5.65)          8.10          3.51          0.48          3.81  
Total income (loss) from operations
       (5.26)          8.46          3.92          0.90          4.20  
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income
       (0.32)          (0.41)          (0.45)          (0.39)          (0.39)  
Net realized gains
       (1.67)          (1.52)          (1.14)          (1.01)          (0.88)  
Total distributions
       (1.99)          (1.93)          (1.59)          (1.40)          (1.27)  
Net asset value, end of year        $29.05          $36.30          $29.77          $27.44          $27.94  
Total return2
       (15.60)        29.52        14.78        3.83        17.40
Net assets, end of year (000s)        $25,890          $29,592          $23,555          $19,833          $19,260  
Ratios to average net assets:                         
Gross expenses
       0.43        0.40        0.43        0.43        0.45
Net expenses3,4
       0.37          0.39          0.39          0.39          0.39  
Net investment income
       1.11          1.06          1.51          1.63          1.50  
Portfolio turnover rate        9        3        3        3        2
 
1 
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.
 
2
Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
 
3 
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.
 
4
As a result of an expense limitation arrangement, effective June 1, 2022, the ratio of total annual fund operating expenses, other than interest, brokerage, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, to average net assets of Class D shares did not exceed 0.34%. This expense limitation arrangement cannot be terminated prior to December 31, 2023 without the Board of Trustees’ consent. Prior to June 1, 2022, the expense limitation was 0.39%.
 
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund    
 
33

Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
 
Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Franklin Templeton* is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This notice is designed to provide you with a summary of the non‑public personal information Franklin Templeton may collect and maintain about current or former individual investors; our policy regarding the use of that information; and the measures we take to safeguard the information. We do not sell individual investors’ non‑public personal information to anyone and only share it as described in this notice.
Information We Collect
When you invest with us, you provide us with your non‑public personal information. We collect and use this information to service your accounts and respond to your requests. The non‑public personal information we may collect falls into the following categories:
 
 
Information we receive from you or your financial intermediary on applications or other forms, whether we receive the form in writing or electronically. For example, this information may include your name, address, tax identification number, birth date, investment selection, beneficiary information, and your personal bank account information and/or email address if you have provided that information.
 
Information about your transactions and account history with us, or with other companies that are part of Franklin Templeton, including transactions you request on our website or in our app. This category also includes your communications to us concerning your investments.
 
Information we receive from third parties (for example, to update your address if you move, obtain or verify your email address or obtain additional information to verify your identity).
 
Information collected from you online, such as your IP address or device ID and data gathered from your browsing activity and location. (For example, we may use cookies to collect device and browser information so our website recognizes your online preferences and device information.) Our website contains more information about cookies and similar technologies and ways you may limit them.
 
Other general information that we may obtain about you such as demographic information.
Disclosure Policy
To better service your accounts and process transactions or services you requested, we may share non‑public personal information with other Franklin Templeton companies. From time to time we may also send you information about products/services offered by other Franklin Templeton companies although we will not share your non‑public personal information with these companies without first offering you the opportunity to prevent that sharing.
We will only share non‑public personal information with outside parties in the limited circumstances permitted by law. For example, this includes situations where we need to share information with companies who work on our behalf to service or maintain your account or process transactions you requested, when the disclosure is to companies assisting us with our own marketing efforts, when the disclosure is to a party representing you, or when required by law (for example, in response to legal process). Additionally, we will ensure that any outside companies working on our behalf, or with whom we have joint marketing agreements, are under contractual obligations to protect the confidentiality of your information, and to use it only to provide the services we asked them to perform.
Confidentiality and Security
Our employees are required to follow procedures with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of our investors’ non‑public personal information. Additionally, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect the information. This includes performing ongoing evaluations of our systems containing investor information and making changes when appropriate.
At all times, you may view our current privacy notice on our website at franklintempleton.com or contact us for a copy at (800) 632‑2301.
*For purposes of this privacy notice Franklin Templeton shall refer to the following entities:
Fiduciary Trust International of the South (FTIOS), as custodian for individual retirement plans
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Franklin Distributors, LLC, including as program manager of the Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan and the NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series Funds
Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC
Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., Canada
Franklin Templeton Investments Management, Limited UK
Franklin Templeton Portfolio Advisors, Inc.
Legg Mason Funds serviced by Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC
Templeton Asset Management, Limited
Templeton Global Advisors, Limited
Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC
If you are a customer of other Franklin Templeton affiliates and you receive notices from them, you will need to read those notices separately.
 
THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF THE PROSPECTUS
GOF LPR 10/22

Franklin
S&P 500 Index Fund
 
You may visit www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature for a free copy of a Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report.
Shareholder reports Additional information about the fund’s investments is available in the fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The independent registered public accounting firm’s report and financial statements in the fund’s Annual Report are incorporated by reference into (are legally a part of) this Prospectus.
The fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same last name and same address. Contact your Service Agent or the fund if you do not want this policy to apply to you.
Statement of additional information The SAI provides more detailed information about the fund and is incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this Prospectus.
You can make inquiries about the fund or obtain shareholder reports or the SAI (without charge) by contacting your Service Agent, by calling the fund at 877‑6LM‑FUND/656‑3863, or by writing to the fund at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030,
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
Reports and other information about the fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained for a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following E‑mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
If someone makes a statement about the fund that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely upon that information. Neither the fund nor the Distributor is offering to sell shares of the fund to any person to whom the fund may not lawfully sell its shares.
 
(Investment Company Act
file no. 811‑06444)
FD01991ST 01/23


January 30, 2023

LEGG MASON PARTNERS INVESTMENT TRUST

 

Fund    Ticker Symbol
           Class A                Class C              Class R            Class I          Class IS  

CLEARBRIDGE ALL CAP VALUE FUND

(“All Cap Value Fund”)

   SHFVX    SFVCX       SFVYX    LSISX

CLEARBRIDGE SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

(“Small Cap Value Fund”)

   SBVAX    SBVLX       SMCYX    LCBIX

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10018

877-6LM-FUND/656-3863

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and is meant to be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Fund, dated January 30, 2023, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into each Prospectus. This SAI contains additional information about each fund listed above (references to the “Fund” mean each Fund listed on this cover page, unless otherwise noted).

Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The annual report contains financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292445/d392090dncsr.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292458/d393206dncsr.htm). The Fund’s Prospectus and copies of the annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained free of charge by contacting banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor to sell shares of the Fund (each called a “Service Agent”), by writing the Fund at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030, by calling the telephone number set forth above, by sending an e-mail request to prospectus@franklintempleton.com or by visiting www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature. Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc., serves as the Fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

THIS SAI IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in the Prospectus or this SAI in connection with the offering made by the Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. The Prospectus and this SAI do not constitute an offering by the Fund or by the Distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS      1  
INVESTMENT POLICIES      3  

Investment Objective and Strategies

     3  

Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Policies—General

     3  

Fundamental Investment Policies

     4  

Diversification

     6  

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

     6  

Commodity Exchange Act Regulation—Exclusion from Commodity Pool Operator Definition

     6  
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK FACTORS      7  
MANAGEMENT      48  

Trustees and Officers

     48  

Qualifications of Trustees, Board Leadership Structure and Oversight and Standing Committees

     52  

Trustee Ownership of Securities

     54  

Trustee Compensation

     55  
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE PROVIDER INFORMATION      56  

Manager

     56  

Subadviser

     57  

Expenses

     58  

Portfolio Managers

     60  

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

     60  

Portfolio Managers Securities Ownership

     61  

Potential Conflicts of Interest

     61  

Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure

     62  

Custodian and Transfer Agent

     63  

Fund Counsel

     64  

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     64  
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE      64  

Portfolio Transactions

     64  

Brokerage and Research Services

     65  

Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid

     65  

Securities of Regular Broker/Dealers

     66  

Portfolio Turnover

     66  
SHARE OWNERSHIP      67  

Principal Shareholders

     67  
DISTRIBUTOR      71  

Dealer Commissions and Concessions

     74  

Sales Charges

     75  

Initial Sales Charges

     75  

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

     75  

Services and Distribution Plan

     76  
PURCHASE OF SHARES      77  
REDEMPTION OF SHARES      85  
EXCHANGE OF SHARES      87  
VALUATION OF SHARES      88  
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES      88  
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS      89  

General Rules/Website Disclosure

     89  

Ongoing Arrangements

     89  

Release of Limited Portfolio Holdings Information

     91  

Exceptions to the Policy

     92  

Limitations of Policy

     92  
THE TRUST      92  
TAXES      95  
CODES OF ETHICS      106  


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      106  
APPENDIX A—PROXY VOTING POLICIES      A-1  
APPENDIX B—CREDIT RATINGS      B-1  


GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Because the following is a combined glossary of terms used for all the Legg Mason Funds, certain terms below may not apply to your fund. Any terms used but not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the applicable Fund’s prospectus.

“12b-1 Plans” means the Fund’s distribution and shareholder services plan.

“1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

“1940 Act Vote” means the vote of the lesser of: (a) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund; or (b) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a shareholders’ meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.

“Advisers Act” means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

“Board” means the Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable.

“CEA” means the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.

“CFTC” means the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Corporation” (if applicable) means the corporation listed on the cover page of this SAI.

“Directors” means the directors of the Corporation.

“Distributor” means the party that is responsible for the distribution or sale of the Fund’s shares. Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors”) is the Fund’s distributor.

“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

“Franklin Resources” means Franklin Resources, Inc.

“Fund” means the Fund or Funds listed on the cover of this SAI unless stated otherwise.

“Fundamental Investment Policy” means an investment policy of the Fund that may be changed only by a 1940 Act Vote. Only those policies expressly designated as such are fundamental investment policies. All other policies and restrictions may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

“Independent Director” or “Independent Trustee” (as applicable) means a Director of the Corporation or a Trustee of the Trust who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Corporation or Trust (as applicable).

“IRAs” means Individual Retirement Accounts.

“IRS” means Internal Revenue Service.

 

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“Legg Mason” means Legg Mason, Inc.

“Legg Mason Funds” means the funds managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC or an affiliate.

“Manager” or “LMPFA” means Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC.

“NAV” means net asset value.

“NRSROs” means nationally recognized (or non-U.S.) statistical rating organizations, including, but not limited to, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”).

“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

“Prospectus” means the prospectus of a Fund as referenced on the cover page of this SAI.

“SAI” means this Statement of Additional Information.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Service Agent” means each bank, broker, dealer, insurance company, investment adviser, financial consultant or adviser, mutual fund supermarket and any other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to sell shares of the Fund.

“Subadviser” means ClearBridge Investments, LLC and Western Asset Management Company, LLC, as applicable, and as referred to in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI.

“Trust” (if applicable) means the trust listed on the cover page of this SAI.

“Trustees” means the trustees of the Trust.

 

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INVESTMENT POLICIES

Investment Objective and Strategies

The Fund is registered under the 1940 Act, as an open-end management investment company. The Fund’s Prospectus discusses the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. The following is a summary of certain strategies and investment limitations of the Fund and supplements the description of the Fund’s investment strategies in its Prospectus. Additional information regarding investment practices and risk factors with respect to the Fund may also be found below in the section entitled Investment Practices and Risk Factors.

All Cap Value Fund

 

Investment objective. The Fund seeks long-term capital growth. Current income is a secondary consideration.

 

The Fund invests primarily in common stocks and common stock equivalents, such as preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, of companies the portfolio managers believe are undervalued in the marketplace.

 

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign issuers, either directly or through depositary receipts.

 

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in the securities of other investment companies, subject to the limits set forth in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund is authorized to borrow money in an amount up to 10% of its total assets for temporary or emergency purposes.

 

The Fund may hold no more than 25% of the Fund’s net assets (taken at the then-current market value) as required collateral for short sales at any one time.

Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

Investment objective. The Fund seeks long-term capital growth

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in common stocks and other equity securities of small capitalization U.S. companies or in other investments with similar economic characteristics. Small capitalization companies are those companies whose market capitalizations at the time of investment do not exceed (i) $3 billion or (ii) the highest month-end market capitalization value of any stock in the Russell 2000 Index for the previous 12 months, whichever is greater. Securities of companies whose market capitalizations no longer meet this definition after purchase by the Fund still will be considered to be securities of small capitalization companies for purposes of the Fund’s 80% investment policy.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in shares of companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets (at the time of investment) in foreign securities, either directly or through depositary receipts.

 

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in the securities of other investment companies, subject to the limits set forth in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may hold no more than 25% of the Fund’s net assets (taken at the then-current market value) as required collateral for short sales at any one time.

Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

General

The Fund has adopted the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies below for the protection of shareholders. Fundamental investment policies of the Fund may not be changed without a 1940 Act Vote. The Board may change non-fundamental investment policies at any time without shareholder approval and upon notice to shareholders.

If any percentage restriction described below (other than the limitation on borrowing) is complied with at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in asset values or characteristics will not constitute a violation of such restriction, unless otherwise noted below.

The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental.

 

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Fundamental Investment Policies

The Fund’s fundamental investment policies are as follows:

Borrowing. The Fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Underwriting. The Fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Lending. The Fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Commodities. The Fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Concentration. Except as permitted by exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, the Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (A fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires a fund to maintain an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings, provided that in the event that the fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings so that it meets the 300% asset coverage threshold within three days (not including Sundays and holidays). Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of a fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowing, and thus subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as “leveraging.” Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of the Fund’s shares to be more volatile than if the Fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the Fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the Fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate the Fund’s net investment income in any given period. Currently, the Fund does not contemplate borrowing money for leverage, but if the Fund does so, it will not likely do so to a substantial degree. The policy above will be interpreted to permit the Fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s investments in issuers

 

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where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to a fund investing in restricted securities. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause the Fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) While lending securities may be a source of income to the Fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. However, loans would be made only when the Fund’s Manager or a Subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. The Fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. The Fund would have to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC to make loans to other funds. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth above, “senior securities” are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities, except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the Fund’s net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the Fund’s gross assets. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, an SEC rule limits a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, an SEC rule limits a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If the Fund were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the Fund would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There also may be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The policy above will be interpreted to permit investments in exchange traded funds that invest in physical and/or financial commodities.

 

5


With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; securities of foreign governments; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the Fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries or groups of industries.

The Fund’s fundamental policies will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.

Diversification

The Fund is currently classified as a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. This means that the Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (a) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer or (b) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. With respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets, the Fund can invest more than 5% of its assets in one issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval.

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

The Fund’s non-fundamental investment policies are as follows:

 

 

The Fund may not invest in other registered open-end management investment companies and registered unit investment trusts in reliance upon the provisions of subparagraphs (G) or (F) of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. The foregoing investment policy does not restrict the Fund from (i) acquiring securities of other registered investment companies in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or acquisition of assets, or (ii) purchasing the securities of registered investment companies, to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are illiquid. The Fund monitors the portion of the Fund’s total assets that is invested in illiquid securities on an ongoing basis, not only at the time of investment in such securities.

Commodity Exchange Act Regulation- Exclusion from Commodity Pool Operator Definition

The Fund is operated by persons who have claimed an exclusion, granted to operators of registered investment companies like the Fund, from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund under the CEA and, therefore are not subject to registration or regulation with respect to the Fund under the CEA. As a result, the Fund is limited in its ability to trade instruments subject to the CFTC’s jurisdiction, including commodity futures (which include futures on broad-based securities indexes, interest rate futures and currency futures), options on commodity futures, and certain swaps or other investments, either directly or indirectly through investments in other investment vehicles (collectively, “Commodity Interests”).

Under this exclusion, the Fund must satisfy one of the following two trading limitations whenever it establishes a new Commodity Interest position: (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the Fund’s Commodity Interest positions does not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments); or (2) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s Commodity Interests, determined at the time the most recent position was established, does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s

 

6


portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). The Fund is not required to consider its exposure to such instruments if they are held for “bona fide hedging” purposes, as such term is defined in the rules of the CFTC. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the Fund may not be marketed as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the markets for Commodity Interests.

If the Fund’s operators were to lose their ability to claim this exclusion with respect to the Fund, such persons would be required to comply with certain CFTC rules regarding commodity pools that could impose additional regulatory requirements and compliance obligations.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK FACTORS

In addition to the investment strategies and the risks described in the Fund’s Prospectus and in this SAI under Investment Objective and Strategies, the Fund may employ other investment practices and may be subject to other risks, which are described below. The Fund may engage in the practices described below to the extent consistent with its investment objectives, strategies, policies and restrictions. However, as with any investment or investment technique, even when the Fund’s Prospectus or this discussion indicates that the Fund may engage in an activity, the Fund may not actually do so for a variety of reasons. In addition, new types of instruments and other securities may be developed and marketed from time to time. Consistent with its investment limitations, the Fund expects to invest in those new types of securities and instruments that its portfolio manager believes may assist the Fund in achieving its investment objective.

This discussion is not intended to limit the Fund’s investment flexibility, unless such a limitation is expressly stated, and therefore will be construed by the Fund as broadly as possible. Statements concerning what the Fund may do are not intended to limit any other activity.

Bank Obligations

The Fund may invest in all types of bank obligations, including certificates of deposit (“CDs”), time deposits and bankers’ acceptances. CDs are short-term negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers usually in connection with international transactions.

U.S. commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). U.S. banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities, but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state banks are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to the Fund, depending upon the principal amount of CDs of each bank held by the Fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, U.S. branches of U.S. banks are, among other things, generally required to maintain specified levels of reserves, and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

Obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks, such as CDs and time deposits, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks. These risks relate to foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign branches of foreign banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to U.S. banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or about a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.

Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank, in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as governmental action

 

7


in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A U.S. branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (“State Branches”) may or may not be required to: (a) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state; and (b) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of State Branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.

Commercial Paper

Commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes and funding agreements) consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations, partnerships, trusts and other entities to finance short-term credit needs.

Common Stock

Common stocks are shares of ownership in a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the profits of the corporation, if any, distributed as dividends to holders of common stock, without preference over any other shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of the entity’s preferred stock and other senior equity securities. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are fixed income securities (usually debt or preferred stock) that may be converted or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion or exchange, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield of nonconvertible debt. However, there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible debt or preferred stock, but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure.

The value of a convertible security is generally related to (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and/or (2) its worth, at market value, if converted or exchanged into the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the ultimate conversion or exchange value.

Convertible securities are subject to stock market and other risks associated with equity securities, as well as credit, interest rate and other risks associated with fixed income securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security falls, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. Investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.

Synthetic Convertible Securities

A synthetic convertible security is comprised of two distinct securities that together resemble convertible securities in certain respects. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible bonds or preferred shares with common stocks, warrants or stock call options. The options that will form elements of synthetic convertible securities will be listed on a securities exchange. The two components of a synthetic convertible security, which will be issued with respect to the same entity, generally are not offered as a unit, and may be purchased and sold by the Fund at different times. Synthetic convertible securities differ from convertible securities in certain respects, including that each component of a synthetic convertible security has a separate market value and responds differently to market fluctuations. Investing in synthetic convertible securities involves the risk normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic convertible security.

 

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Cybersecurity Risk

With the increased use of technologies such as mobile devices and Web-based or “cloud” applications, and the dependence on the Internet and computer systems to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events (arising from external or internal sources) that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, physical damage to a computer or network system or lose operational capacity. Cybersecurity attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by malicious software, such as malware or computer viruses or gaining unauthorized access to digital systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund’s operations (e.g., through “hacking,” “phishing” or malicious software coding) or other means for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cybersecurity attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on the Fund’s websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate cybersecurity attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund’s systems.

Cybersecurity incidents affecting the Fund’s Manager, the Subadviser, and other service providers to the Fund or its shareholders (including, but not limited to, Fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to both the Fund and its shareholders, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions (including fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions), violations of applicable privacy and other laws (including the release of private shareholder information) and attendant breach notification and credit monitoring costs, regulatory fines, penalties, litigation costs, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, forensic investigation and remediation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and other service providers) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to safeguard against and reduce the risk of any cybersecurity incidents in the future. In addition to administrative, technological and procedural safeguards, the Fund’s Manager and the Subadviser have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent or reduce the impact of, such cybersecurity incidents. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, as well as the rapid development of new threats. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund, the Manager and the Subadviser and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.

Debt and Fixed Income Securities

The Fund may invest in a variety of debt and fixed income securities, which may be issued by governmental, corporate or other issuers. Debt securities may pay fixed, floating or variable rates of interest or interest at a rate contingent upon some other factor. Variable rate securities reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the effect of market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that can produce an effect similar to leveraging; others may provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change.

These securities share principal risks. For example, the level of interest income generated by the Fund’s fixed income investments may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates. Thus, when fixed income securities mature or are sold, they may be replaced by lower-yielding investments. Also, their values fluctuate with changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of the Fund’s fixed income investments. Conversely, during periods of rising

 

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interest rates, the value of the Fund’s fixed income investments will generally decline. However, a change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed rate securities. For example, the magnitude of these fluctuations will generally be greater when the Fund’s duration or average maturity is longer. In addition, certain fixed income securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of securities will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is unable to pay. Recently, there have been inflationary price movements. As such, fixed income securities markets may experience heightened levels of interest rate volatility and liquidity risk.

Changing Interest Rates. In a low or negative interest rate environment, debt securities may trade at, or be issued with, negative yields, which means the purchaser of the security may receive at maturity less than the total amount invested. To the extent the Fund holds a negatively-yielding debt security, the Fund would generate a negative return on that investment. Cash positions may also subject the Fund to increased counterparty risk to the Fund’s bank. Debt market conditions are highly unpredictable and some parts of the market are subject to dislocations. In a low or negative interest rate environment, some investors may seek to reallocate assets to other income-producing assets. This may cause the price of such higher yielding instruments to rise, could further reduce the value of instruments with a negative yield, and may limit the Fund’s ability to locate fixed income instruments containing the desired risk/return profile. In the past, the U.S. government and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to stabilize markets by, among other things, reducing interest rates. In recent years, the U.S. government began implementing increases to the federal funds interest rate and there may be further rate increases. As interest rates rise, there is risk that rates across the financial system also may rise. To the extent rates increase substantially and/or rapidly, the Fund may be subject to significant losses. Changing interest rates could have unpredictable effects on the markets and may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility, increased redemptions, and potential illiquidity.

Fixed Income Securities Ratings. Securities rated in the fourth highest ratings category by a NRSRO, such as those rated BBB by S&P, or Baa by Moody’s, and unrated securities of comparable quality, are generally regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal but may have some speculative characteristics. Securities rated below the fourth highest ratings category by an NRSRO, including those rated below Baa by Moody’s or BBB by S&P, and unrated securities of comparable quality, are generally considered below “investment grade,” and may have speculative characteristics, including a greater possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities, market price volatility based upon interest rate sensitivity, questionable creditworthiness and relative liquidity of the secondary trading market. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity for lower rated securities to make principal and interest payments, including a greater possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuer, than is the case for high rated securities. Appendix B to this SAI contains further information concerning the rating categories of NRSROs and their significance.

Derivatives — Generally

A derivative is a financial instrument that has a value based on, or derived from, the value of one or more underlying reference instruments or measures of value or interest rates (“underlying instruments”), such as a security, a commodity, a currency, an index, an interest rate or a currency exchange rate. A derivative can also have a value based on the likelihood that an event will or will not occur. Derivatives include futures contracts, forward contracts, options and swaps.

The Fund may use derivatives for any purpose, including but not limited to, to attempt to enhance income, yield or return, as a substitute for investing directly in a security or asset, or as a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and no assurance can be given that any derivatives strategy employed will be successful. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by applicable law, availability or by policies adopted by the Board or Manager.

The Fund may utilize multiple derivative instruments and combinations of derivative instruments to seek to adjust the risk and return characteristics of its overall position. Combined positions will typically contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. It is possible that the combined position will not achieve its intended goal and will instead increase losses or risk to the Fund. Because combined positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

The Fund may enter into derivatives with standardized terms that have no or few special or unusual components, which are generally traded on an exchange, as well as derivatives with more complex features, singly or in combination. Non-standardized derivatives are generally traded over the counter (“OTC”). OTC derivatives may be standardized or have customized

 

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features and may have limited or no liquidity. The Fund’s derivatives contracts may be centrally cleared or settled bilaterally directly with a counterparty. The Fund’s derivatives contracts may be cash settled or physically settled.

In addition to the instruments and strategies discussed in this section, additional opportunities in connection with derivatives and other similar or related techniques may become available to the Fund as a result of the development of new techniques, the development of new derivative instruments or a regulatory authority broadening the range of permitted transactions. The Fund may utilize these opportunities and techniques to the extent that they are consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and permitted by its investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. These opportunities and techniques may involve risks different from or in addition to those summarized herein.

 

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Risks of Derivatives Generally. The use of derivatives involves special considerations and risks, certain of which are summarized below, and may result in losses to the Fund. In general, derivatives may increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk or exposure assumed. Even a small investment in derivatives may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to the Fund.

 

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Market risk. Derivatives can be complex, and their success depends in part upon the portfolio manager’s ability to forecast correctly future market or other trends or occurrences or other financial or economic factors or the value of the underlying instrument. Even if the portfolio manager’s forecasts are correct, other factors may cause distortions or dislocations in the markets that result in losses or otherwise unsuccessful transactions. Derivatives may behave in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal or volatile market conditions. The market value of the derivative itself or the market value of underlying instruments may change in a way that is adverse to the Fund’s interest. There is no assurance that the use of derivatives will be advantageous to the Fund or that the portfolio manager will use derivatives to hedge at an appropriate time.

 

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Illiquidity risk. The Fund’s ability to close out or unwind a derivative prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the other party to the transaction (the “counterparty”) to enter into a transaction closing out the position. If there is no market or the Fund is not successful in its negotiations, the Fund may not be able to sell or unwind the derivative position at an advantageous or anticipated time or price. This may also be the case if the counterparty becomes insolvent. The Fund may be required to make delivery of portfolio securities or other underlying instruments in order to settle a position or to sell portfolio securities or assets at a disadvantageous time or price in order to obtain cash to settle the position. While a position remains open, the Fund continues to be subject to investment risk on a derivative. The Fund may or may not be able to take other actions or enter into other transactions, including hedging transactions, to limit or reduce its exposure to the derivative. Illiquidity risk may be enhanced if a derivative transaction is particularly large. Certain derivatives, including certain OTC options and swaps, may be considered illiquid and therefore subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid investments.

 

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Leverage risk. Certain derivative transactions may have a leveraging effect on the Fund, meaning that the Fund can obtain significant investment exposure in return for meeting a relatively small margin or other investment requirement. An adverse change in the value of an underlying instrument can result in losses substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. When the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect, the value of the Fund is likely to be more volatile and certain other risks also are likely to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of an investment. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

 

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Margin risk. Certain derivatives require the Fund to make initial margin payments, a form of security deposit intended to protect against nonperformance of the derivative contract. The Fund may have to post additional margin (known as “variation margin”) if the value of the derivative position changes in a manner adverse to the Fund. Derivatives may be difficult to value, which may result in increased payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet additional margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a disadvantageous time.

 

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Speculation risk. Derivatives used for non-hedging purposes may result in losses which are not offset by increases in the value of portfolio holdings or declines in the cost of securities or other assets to be acquired. In the event that the Fund uses a derivative as an alternative to purchasing or selling other investments or in order to obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the Fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the other investments directly, as well as the risks of the derivative transaction itself, such as counterparty risk.

 

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Counterparty risk. Derivatives involve the risk of loss resulting from the actual or potential insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty (or its affiliates), the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, which may be limited by applicable law in the case of the counterparty’s (or its affiliates’) bankruptcy. The Fund may not be able to recover amounts owed to it by an insolvent counterparty.

 

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Operational risk. There may be incomplete or erroneous documentation or inadequate collateral or margin, or transactions may fail to settle. The Fund may have only contractual remedies in the event of a counterparty default, and there may be delays, costs or disagreements as to the meaning of contractual terms and litigation in enforcing those remedies.

 

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OTC risk. Derivative transactions that are traded OTC, such as options, swaps, forward contracts, and options on foreign currencies, are entered into directly with counterparties or financial institutions acting as market makers, rather than being traded on exchanges or centrally cleared. Because OTC derivatives and other transactions are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships, the Fund is subject to increased risk that its counterparty will not perform its obligations under the related contracts. Although the Fund intends to enter into transactions only with counterparties which the Fund believes to be creditworthy, there can be no assurance that a counterparty will not default and that the Fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result. Information available on counterparty creditworthiness may be incomplete or outdated, thus reducing the ability to anticipate counterparty defaults. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under an OTC derivative in the event of the default or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the OTC derivative. When a counterparty’s obligations are not fully secured by collateral, then the Fund is essentially an unsecured creditor of the counterparty. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies, but there is no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations pursuant to such contracts or that, in the event of default, the Fund will succeed in enforcing contractual remedies. Credit/counterparty risk still exists even if a counterparty’s obligations are secured by collateral because the Fund’s interest in collateral may not be perfected or additional collateral may not be promptly posted as required. Credit/counterparty risk also may be more pronounced if a counterparty’s obligations exceed the amount of collateral held by the Fund (if any), the Fund is unable to exercise its interest in collateral upon default by the counterparty, or the termination value of the instrument varies significantly from the marked-to-market value of the instrument.

 

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Non-U.S. derivatives risk. Derivative transactions may be conducted OTC outside of the United States or traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the price of, foreign securities or currencies. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (1) other foreign political, legal and economic factors, (2) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (3) delays in the Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (4) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms, procedures, margin requirements, fees, taxes or other charges than in the United States and (5) lesser trading volume. Counterparty risk and many of the risks of OTC derivatives transactions are also applicable to derivative transactions conducted outside the United States.

 

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Currency derivatives risk. Currency related transactions may be negatively affected by factors such as government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations. Exchange rates may be influenced by factors extrinsic to a country’s economy. Also, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to foreign currencies. As a result, the information on which trading in currency derivatives is based may not be as complete as, and may be delayed beyond, comparable data for other types of transactions.

 

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Turnover risk. Use of derivatives involves transaction costs, which may be significant. The Fund may be required to sell or purchase investments in connection with derivative transactions, potentially increasing the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs. Use of derivatives also may increase the amount of taxable income to shareholders.

Risks Associated with Hedging with Derivatives. If the portfolio manager uses a hedging strategy at the wrong time or judges market conditions incorrectly, hedging strategies may reduce the Fund’s return. Successful use of derivatives to hedge positions depends on the correlation between the price of the derivative and the price of the hedged asset.

The Fund may attempt to protect against declines in the value of the Fund’s portfolio assets by entering into a variety of derivatives transactions, including selling futures contracts, entering into swaps or purchasing puts on indices or futures contracts (short hedging). Short hedging involves the risk that the prices of the futures contracts or the value of the swap or the

 

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applicable index will correlate imperfectly with price movements in the Fund’s assets. If the value of the assets held in the Fund’s portfolio declines while the Fund has used derivative instruments in a short hedge, and the prices referenced in the short hedge do not also decline, the value of the Fund’s assets would decline, and the short hedge would not hedge or mitigate the loss in the value of the assets. With respect to a derivative transaction based on an index, the risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the Fund’s portfolio diverges from the assets included in the applicable index. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the portfolio securities being hedged and movements in the price of the hedging instruments, the Fund may use derivative instruments in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of portfolio assets being hedged. It might do so if the historical volatility of the prices of the portfolio assets being hedged is more than the historical volatility of the applicable index.

If the Fund has used derivatives to hedge or otherwise reduce the Fund’s risk exposure to a particular position and then disposes of that position at a time at which it cannot also settle, terminate or close out the corresponding hedge position, this may create short investment exposure. Certain “short” derivative positions involve investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund’s potential loss is theoretically unlimited.

The Fund can use derivative instruments to establish a position in the market as a temporary substitute for the purchase of individual securities or other assets (long hedging) by buying futures contracts and/or calls on such futures contracts, indices or on securities or other assets, or entering into swaps. It is possible that when the Fund does so the market might decline. If the Fund then decides not to invest in the assets because of concerns that the market might decline further or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the hedge position that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the asset the Fund had intended to purchase.

Risk of Government Regulation of Derivatives. The regulation of derivatives transactions and funds that engage in such transactions is an evolving area of law and is subject to modification by government, self-regulatory organization and judicial action. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, which became effective August 19, 2022, governs the use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g. reverse repurchase agreements) by registered investment companies. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 requires funds that invest in derivative instruments beyond a specified limited amount to apply a value-at-risk based limit to their use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. A fund that uses derivative instruments in a limited amount is not subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. Compliance with Rule 18f-4 could restrict the Fund’s ability to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the value or performance of the Fund.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) has caused broad changes to the OTC derivatives market and granted significant authority to the SEC and the CFTC to regulate OTC derivatives and market participants. Pursuant to such authority, rules have been enacted that currently require clearing of many OTC derivatives transactions and may require clearing of additional OTC derivatives transactions in the future and that impose minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared OTC derivatives transactions. Similar regulations have been or are being adopted in other jurisdictions around the world. The implementation of the clearing requirement has increased the costs of derivatives transactions since investors have to pay fees to clearing members and are typically required to post more margin for cleared derivatives than had historically been the case. While the new rules and regulations and central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (i.e., the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could cause them to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that they will achieve that result, and mandatory clearing of derivatives may expose the Fund to new kinds of costs and risks.

Additionally, new regulations may result in increased uncertainty about credit/counterparty risk and may limit the flexibility of the Fund to protect its interests in the event of an insolvency of a derivatives counterparty. In the event of a counterparty’s (or its affiliate’s) insolvency, the Fund’s ability to exercise remedies, such as the termination of transactions, netting of obligations and realization on collateral, could be stayed or eliminated under the rules of the applicable exchange or clearing corporation or under relatively new special resolution regimes adopted in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and various other jurisdictions. Such regimes provide government authorities with broad authority to intervene when a financial institution is experiencing financial difficulty. In particular, with respect to counterparties who are subject to such proceedings in the United Kingdom and the European Union, the liabilities of such counterparties to the Fund could be reduced, eliminated, or converted to equity in such counterparties (sometimes referred to as a “bail in”).

 

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Foreign Currency Instruments and Hedging Strategies

The Fund may use options and futures contracts on foreign currencies and forward currency contracts and currency swap agreements (collectively, “Currency Instruments”), deliverable and non-deliverable, to attempt to hedge against movements in the values of the foreign currencies in which the Fund’s securities are denominated or to attempt to enhance the Fund’s return or yield. The Fund may also use such investments to attempt to establish a short position or to gain exposure to a market that would be more costly or difficult to access with other types of investments, such as bonds or currency. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time of the transaction. The Fund may determine not to hedge, and the Fund may be completely unhedged at any point in time. In cases when a particular currency is difficult to hedge or difficult to hedge against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may seek to hedge against price movements in that currency by entering into transactions using Currency Instruments on another currency or a basket of currencies, the value of which the portfolio manager believes will have a high degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of the Currency Instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price of the currency subject to the hedging transaction is magnified when this strategy is used.

Currency Instruments Risks. In addition to the risks found under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” Currency Instruments are subject to the following risks:

The value of Currency Instruments depends on the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the Fund’s use of such Currency Instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the U.S. markets for the Currency Instruments until they reopen.

Settlement of hedging transactions involving foreign currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.

Forward Currency Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or another currency at a future date and at a price set by the parties to the forward currency contract. Forward currency contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers (such as the Fund).

The Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that the Fund intends to acquire (a long hedge). The Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security, dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency (a short hedge). A “position hedge” is when the Fund owns a security denominated in, for example, euros and to protect against a possible decline in the euro’s value, the Fund enters into a forward currency contract to sell euros in return for U.S. dollars. A “position hedge” tends to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. A “proxy hedge” is when the Fund owns a security denominated in, for example, euros and to protect against a possible decline in the euro’s value, the Fund enters into a forward currency contract to sell a currency expected to perform similarly to the euro in return for U.S. dollars. A “proxy hedge” could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a position hedge to the extent the proxy currency does not perform similarly to the targeted currency. The Fund could, in fact, lose money on both legs of the hedge, i.e., between the euro and proxy currency, and between the proxy currency and the dollar. The Fund also may use forward currency contracts to attempt to enhance return or yield. The Fund could use forward currency contracts to increase its exposure to foreign currencies that the portfolio manager believes might rise in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or shift its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. For example, if the Fund’s portfolio manager believes that the U.S. dollar will increase

 

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in value relative to the euro, the Fund could write a forward contract to buy U.S. dollars in three months at the current price in order to sell those U.S. dollars for a profit if the U.S. dollar does in fact appreciate in value relative to the euro. The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When the Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract or to otherwise fulfill its obligations in connection with settlement. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.

The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts, and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund may need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (i.e., cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward currency contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.

Successful use of forward currency contracts depends on the portfolio manager’s skill in analyzing and predicting currency values. Forward currency contracts may substantially change the Fund’s exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the portfolio manager anticipates. There is no assurance that the portfolio manager’s use of forward currency contracts will be advantageous to the Fund or that the portfolio manager will hedge at an appropriate time.

Non-deliverable Forwards. The consummation of a deliverable foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Forward currency contracts in which the Fund may engage also include non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”). NDFs are cash-settled, forward contracts on foreign currencies (each a “Reference Currency”) that are non-convertible and that may be thinly traded or illiquid. NDFs involve an obligation to pay an amount equal to the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate for the Reference Currency and the agreed upon exchange rate, with respect to an agreed notional amount. NDFs are subject to many of the risks associated with derivatives in general and forward currency transactions, including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency and the risk that the counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, NDFs are classified as “swaps” and are therefore subject to the full panoply of CFTC swap regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act. Although NDFs have historically been traded OTC, in the future, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, they may be subject to mandatory clearing. Non-centrally-cleared NDFs are subject to mandatory minimum margin requirements for uncleared swaps. Deliverable foreign exchange forwards that solely involve the exchange of two different currencies on a specific future date at a fixed rate agreed upon by the parties are not considered “swaps” and accordingly are not subject to many of the regulations that apply to NDFs. However, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act and set forth in CFTC regulations adopted thereunder, foreign exchange forwards must be reported to a swap data repository, and swap dealers and major swap participants who are party to such transactions remain subject to the business conduct standards pertaining to swaps in connection with such deliverable foreign exchange forwards.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts

Generally, a futures contract is an exchange-traded, standardized agreement that obligates the seller of the contract to deliver a specified quantity of an underlying instrument, such as a security, currency or commodity, to the purchaser of the contract, who has the obligation to take delivery of the underlying instrument, at a specified price and date. In the case of futures on indices, the two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the level of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the contract originally was written. Options on futures give the purchaser the right to assume a position in a futures contract at the specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option.

Futures contracts, by their terms, have stated expirations and, at a specified point in time prior to expiration, trading in a futures contract for the current delivery month will cease. As a result, an investor wishing to maintain exposure to a futures contract with the nearest expiration must close out the position in the expiring contract and establish a new position in the contract for the next delivery month, a process referred to as “rolling.” The process of rolling a futures contract can be profitable

 

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or unprofitable depending in large part on whether the futures price for the subsequent delivery month is less than or more than the price of the expiring contract.

Futures contracts may be used for hedging and non-hedging purposes, such as to simulate full investment in the underlying instrument while retaining a cash balance for portfolio management purposes, as a substitute for direct investment in the underlying instrument, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs, or to seek higher investment returns (e.g., when a futures contract or option is priced more attractively than the underlying instrument). In addition, futures strategies can be used to manage the average duration of the Fund’s fixed income portfolio, if applicable. The Fund may sell a debt futures contract or a call option thereon or purchase a put option on that futures contract to attempt to shorten the portfolio’s average duration. Alternatively, the Fund may buy a debt futures contract or a call option thereon or sell a put option thereon to attempt to lengthen the portfolio’s average duration.

At the inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) in an amount at least equal to the amount designated by the futures exchange (typically equal to 10% or less of the contract value). Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is required to be returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.

In addition to initial margin payments, during the life of the transaction “variation margin” payments are made to and from the FCM as the value of the margin and the underlying derivative transaction varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Variation margin is intended to represent a daily settlement of the Fund’s obligations to or from an FCM. When the Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, the premium paid plus transaction costs is all that is at risk. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Fund when the use of a futures contract would not, such as when there is no movement in the value of the securities or currencies being hedged. In that case, the Fund would lose the premium it paid for the option plus transaction costs. In contrast, when the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Although some futures and options on futures call for making or taking delivery of the underlying instrument, generally those contracts are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures or options (involving the same instrument and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. If an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The Fund will also bear transaction costs for each contract, which will be included in these calculations. Positions in futures and options on futures may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract or options position.

Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions. If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments.

Risks of Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. In addition to the risks found under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” futures contracts and options on futures contracts are subject to the following risks:

Successful use of futures contracts and related options depends upon the ability of the portfolio manager to assess movements in the direction of prices of securities, commodities, measures of value, or interest or exchange rates, which requires

 

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different skills and techniques than assessing the value of individual securities. Moreover, futures contracts relate not to the current price level of the underlying instrument, but to the anticipated price level at some point in the future; accordingly trading of stock index futures may not reflect the trading of the securities that are used to formulate the index or even actual fluctuations in the index itself. There is, in addition, the risk that movements in the price of the futures contract will not correlate with the movements in the prices of the securities being hedged. Price distortions in the marketplace, resulting from increased participation by speculators in the futures market (among other things), may also impair the correlation between movements in the prices of futures contracts and movements in the prices of the hedged securities. If the price of the futures contract moves less than the price of securities that are the subject of the hedge, the hedge will not be fully effective; but if the price of the securities being hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund would be in a better position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of the securities being hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage may be partially offset by losses on the futures position.

Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a market for such futures contracts. Although the Fund intends to purchase and sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid market, there is no assurance that such a market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures position and, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make variation margin payments. Options have a limited life and thus can be disposed of only within a specific time period.

Purchasers of options on futures contracts pay a premium in cash at the time of purchase which, in the event of adverse price movements, could be lost. Sellers of options on futures contracts must post initial margin and are subject to additional margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading involves a high degree of leverage; as a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, or gain, to the Fund. In addition, the Fund’s activities in the futures markets may result in a higher portfolio turnover rate (see “Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage”) and additional transaction costs in the form of added brokerage commissions.

As noted above, exchanges may impose limits on the amount by which the price of a futures contract or related option is permitted to change in a single day. If the price of a contract moves to the limit for several consecutive days, the Fund may be unable during that time to close its position in that contract and may have to continue making payments of variation margin. The CFTC and domestic exchanges have also established speculative position limits on the maximum speculative position that any person, or group of persons acting in concert, may hold or control in particular contracts. Under current regulations, other accounts managed by the Manager or, if applicable, Subadviser are combined with the positions held by the Fund under the Manager’s or, if applicable, Subadviser’s management for position limit purposes. This trading could preclude additional trading by the Fund in such contracts.

When the Fund engages in futures transactions, it will also be exposed to the credit risk of its FCM. If the Fund’s FCM becomes bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise defaults on its obligations to the Fund, the Fund may not receive all amounts owed to it in respect of its trading, even if the clearinghouse fully discharges all of its obligations. If an FCM were not to appropriately segregate client assets to the full extent required by the CEA, the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of an FCM. In the event of an FCM’s bankruptcy, the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of an FCM’s combined customer accounts, even if certain property held by an FCM is specifically traceable to the Fund (for example, U.S. Treasury bills deposited by the Fund). Such situations could arise due to various factors, or a combination of factors, including inadequate FCM capitalization, inadequate controls on customer trading and inadequate customer capital. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a clearinghouse, the Fund might experience a loss of funds deposited through its FCM as margin with the clearinghouse, a loss of unrealized profits on its open positions and the loss of funds owed to it as realized profits on closed positions. Such a bankruptcy or insolvency might also cause a substantial delay before the Fund could obtain the return of funds owed to it by an FCM who is a member of such clearinghouse.

Options

A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, an underlying investment (such as a specified security, commodity, currency, interest rate, currency exchange rate or index) at an agreed-upon price (“strike price”). A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, an underlying investment at an agreed-upon price. An American-style option may be exercised at any time during the term of the option, while a European-style option may

 

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be exercised only at the expiration of the option. Purchasers of options pay an amount, known as a premium, to the option writer in exchange for the right granted under the option contract.

The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the current market value of the underlying instrument, the time remaining until expiration, the relationship of the strike price to the market price of the underlying instrument, the historical price volatility of the underlying instrument and general market conditions. If the purchaser does not exercise the option, it will expire and the purchaser will have only lost the premium paid. If a secondary market exists, a purchaser or the writer may terminate a put option position prior to its exercise by selling it in the secondary market at its current price. The Fund will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells an option. Such commissions may be higher than those that would apply to direct purchases or sales of the underlying instrument.

Exchange-traded options in the United States are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed and are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size and strike price. In contrast, OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) are contracts between the Fund and a counterparty (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization guarantee. The terms of OTC options generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract (the counterparty). For a discussion on options on futures see “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts”.

Put Options. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer of a put option assumes the obligation to pay the strike price for the option’s underlying instrument if the buyer exercises the option. A put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received, if the underlying instrument’s price remains greater than or equal to the strike price. If the underlying instrument’s price falls below the strike price, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss. The buyer of a put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying instrument’s price falls enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option. Any losses suffered by the buyer would be limited to the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.

Optional delivery standby commitments are a type of put that gives the buyer of an underlying instrument the right to sell the underlying instrument back to the seller on specified terms to induce a purchase of the underlying instrument.

Call Options. In return for the receipt of the premium, the writer of a call option assumes the obligation to sell the underlying instrument at the strike price to the buyer upon exercise of the option. A call writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received, if the option goes unexercised, which typically occurs when the underlying instrument’s price remains less than or equal to the strike price. If the underlying instrument’s price were to rise above the strike price, the writer of the call option would generally expect to suffer a loss, which is theoretically unlimited. A call buyer’s maximum loss is the premium paid for the call option, whereas the buyer’s maximum profit is theoretically unlimited.

Straddles. A long straddle is the purchase of a call and a put option with the same expiration date and relating to the same underlying instrument where the strike price of the put is less than or equal to the strike price of the call. The Fund may enter into a long straddle when its portfolio manager believes that the underlying instrument’s price will move significantly during the term of the options. A short straddle is a combination of a call and a put written on the same underlying instrument with the same expiration date where the strike price of the put is less than or equal to the strike price of the call. In a covered short straddle, the underlying instrument is considered cover for both the put and the call that the Fund has written. The Fund may enter into a short straddle when the portfolio manager believes that it is unlikely that the underlying instrument’s prices will experience volatility during the term of the options.

Options on Indices. Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on other underlying instruments except that all settlements are in cash and gains or losses depend on changes in the level of the index rather than on price movements of individual underlying instruments. The writer of a call on an index receives a premium and the obligation to pay the purchaser an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and the strike price times a specified multiple (“multiplier”), if the closing level of the index is greater than the strike price of the call. The writer of a put on an index receives a premium and the obligation to deliver to the buyer an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and strike price times the multiplier if the closing level is less than the strike price.

Risks of Options – In addition to the risks described under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” options are also subject to the following risks:

 

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Options on Indices Risk. The risks of investment in options on indices may be greater than options on securities and other instruments. Because index options are settled in cash, when the Fund writes a call on an index it generally cannot provide in advance for other underlying instruments because it may not be practical for the call writer to hedge its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund can offset some of the risk of writing a call index option by holding a diversified portfolio of securities similar to those on which the underlying index is based. However, the Fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and hold a portfolio containing exactly the same securities as underlie the index and, as a result, bears a risk that the value of the securities held will vary from the value of the index.

If the Fund exercises an index option before the closing index value for that day is available, there is the risk that the level of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall out-of-the-money, the Fund will be required to pay the difference between the closing index value and the strike price of the option (times the applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.

Timing Risk. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying instrument are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying instrument, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value of the underlying instrument, changes in the dividend rates of the underlying securities, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying instrument and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the option’s expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate or other events affecting the underlying instrument, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Fund’s capital appreciation potential on an underlying instrument.

Swaps

Generally, a swap agreement involves the exchange between two parties of their respective commitments to pay or receive cash flows, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed-rate payments. Swaps may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC (OTC swaps) or, for certain types of swaps, must be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse (cleared swaps). Swaps include but are not limited to, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, index swaps, inflation indexed swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and options on swaps or “swaptions”.

OTC swap agreements can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments (such as individual securities, baskets of securities and securities indices) or market factors. The swapped returns are generally calculated with respect to a notional amount, that is, the nominal or face amount used to calculate the payments to be made between the parties to the OTC swap.

The Fund may enter into a swap agreement for hedging or non-hedging purposes, including but not limited to, to enhance returns, increase liquidity, protect against currency and security price fluctuations, manage duration and gain exposure to certain markets or securities in a more cost-efficient manner.

Risks of Swaps Generally. In addition to the risks found under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” swaps are subject to the following risks:

Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund’s investments and its share price and yield and may affect the Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign currency values, mortgage-backed security values, corporate borrowing rates or other market factors such as security prices or inflation rates.

Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange payments in U.S. dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the Fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates.

The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions.

Cleared Swaps. Relatively recent legislation and implementing regulation require certain swaps to be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally intended to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may result in swaps being more difficult to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the

 

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Fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The Fund also may not be able to find a clearing member and clearinghouse willing to accept a swap for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The Fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse and the clearing member through which the Fund holds its position may be unable to or otherwise fail to perform their obligations.

When the Fund enters into a cleared swap transaction, the Fund is subject to the credit and counterparty risk of the clearinghouse and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position. Credit/counterparty risk of market participants with respect to centrally cleared swaps is concentrated in a few clearinghouses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearinghouse would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearinghouse would have on the financial system. A clearing member is obligated by contract and by applicable regulation to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member’s proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers generally are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account by account class, and the clearing member may invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. The assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund’s clearing member, because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing broker’s customers for a relevant account class. Also, the clearing member is required to transfer to the clearing organization the amount of margin required by the clearing organization for cleared derivatives, which amounts generally are held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization for all customers of the clearing member. Regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearinghouse of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing organization that is attributable to each cleared swaps customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund is subject to the risk that a clearing organization will use the Fund’s assets held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. In addition, clearing members generally provide to the clearing organization the net amount of variation margin required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in the aggregate, rather than the gross amount of each customer. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk that a clearing organization will not make variation margin payments owed to the Fund if another customer of the clearing member has suffered a loss and is in default, and the risk that the Fund will be required to provide additional variation margin to the clearinghouse before the clearinghouse will move the Fund’s cleared derivatives transactions to another clearing member. In addition, if a clearing member does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Fund, or in the event of fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by a clearing member, the Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the clearing member with respect to the margin held by the clearing member.

In some ways, centrally cleared swaps arrangements are less favorable to the Fund than OTC swaps arrangements. For example, the Fund may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared swaps than for OTC swaps. Also, in contrast to OTC swaps, following a period of notice to the Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared swaps at any time or increases in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearinghouses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to terminate transactions at any time. Any increase in margin requirements or termination by the clearing member or the clearinghouse could interfere with the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Further, any increase in margin requirements by a clearing member could also expose the Fund to greater credit risk of its clearing member, because margin for cleared swaps in excess of clearinghouse margin requirements typically is held by the clearing member. While the documentation in place between the Fund and its clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for clearing that are within credit limits (specified in advance) for the Fund, the Fund is still subject to the risk that no clearing member will be willing or able to clear a transaction. In those cases, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and/or loss of hedging protection offered by the transaction. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Fund and its clearing members is developed by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Fund than typical OTC swap documentation. For example, this documentation generally includes a one-way indemnity by the Fund in favor of the clearing member, indemnifying the clearing member against losses it incurs in connection with acting as the Fund’s clearing member, and the documentation typically does not give the Fund any rights to exercise remedies if the clearing member defaults or becomes insolvent.

 

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Some types of cleared swaps are required to be executed on an exchange or on a swap execution facility (“SEF”). A SEF is a trading platform where multiple market participants can execute swaps by accepting bids and offers made by multiple other participants in the platform. While this execution requirement is designed to increase transparency and liquidity in the cleared swap market, trading on a SEF can create additional costs and risks for the Fund. For example, SEFs typically charge fees, and if the Fund executes swaps on a SEF through a broker intermediary, the intermediary may impose fees as well. Also, the Fund may indemnify a SEF, or a broker intermediary who executes cleared swaps on a SEF on the Fund’s behalf, against any losses or costs that may be incurred as a result of the Fund’s transactions on the SEF.

The Fund may enter into swap transactions with certain counterparties pursuant to master netting agreements. A master netting agreement provides that all swaps entered into between the Fund and that counterparty shall be regarded as parts of an integral agreement. If amounts are payable on a particular date in the same currency in respect of more than one swap transaction, the amount payable shall be the net amount. In addition, the master netting agreement may provide that if one party (or its affiliates) defaults generally or on any swap, the counterparty can terminate all outstanding swaps with that party. As a result, to the extent the Fund enters into master netting agreements with a counterparty, the Fund may be required to terminate a greater number of swap agreements than if it had not entered into such an agreement, which may result in losses to the Fund.

Interest Rate Swaps, Caps and Floors. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange interest rate payment obligations. Typically, one party’s obligation is based on a fixed interest rate while the other party’s obligation is based on an interest rate that fluctuates with changes in a designated benchmark. An interest rate cap transaction entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the cap. An interest rate floor transaction entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the floor. A collar combines elements of buying a cap and a floor. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Caps and floors typically have lower liquidity than swaps.

Options on Swaps (“Swaptions”). A swaption is a contract that gives the counterparty the right, but not the obligation to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. Swaptions are generally subject to the same risks involved in the use of options and swaps. Depending on the terms of the option agreement, the Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When the Fund purchases a swaption, only the amount of premium the Fund paid is at risk should the option expire unexercised. However, when the Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement, which may result in losses to the Fund in excess of the premium it received.

Credit Default Swaps and Related Investments. The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for investment purposes and to add leverage to its investment portfolio. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a debt-reference obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the swap. Credit default swap contracts involve special risks and may result in losses to the Fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the Fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. As there is no central exchange or market for certain credit default swap transactions, they may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including new or modified government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing credit default swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

The Fund may also purchase credit default swap contracts to attempt to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio, in which case the Fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment may expire worthless and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (or, as applicable, a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk—that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default.

 

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The Fund may invest in credit default swap index products that provide exposure to obligations of multiple issuers. The Fund can either buy the index (take on credit exposure) or sell the index (pass credit exposure to a counterparty). Such investments are subject to the associated risks with investments in credit default swaps discussed above.

Equity Securities

Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, and securities convertible into common stocks. Equity securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. The value of a particular security may decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as an increase in production costs, competitive conditions or labor shortages; or due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment. The value of an equity security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s equity securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment.

Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”)

ETFs are ownership interests in investment companies, unit investment trusts, depositary receipts and other pooled investment vehicles that are traded on an exchange and that hold a portfolio of securities or other financial instruments (the “Underlying Assets”). The Underlying Assets are typically selected to correspond to the securities that comprise a particular broad based sector or international index, or to provide exposure to a particular industry sector or asset class, including precious metals or other commodities. “Short ETFs” seek a return similar to the inverse, or a multiple of the inverse, of a reference index. Short ETFs carry additional risks because their Underlying Assets may include a variety of financial instruments, including futures and options on futures, options on securities and securities indexes, swap agreements and forward contracts, and a short ETF may engage in short sales. An ETF’s losses on short sales are potentially unlimited; however, the Fund’s risk would be limited to the amount it invested in the ETF. Certain ETFs are actively managed by a portfolio manager or management team that makes investment decisions on Underlying Assets without seeking to replicate the performance of a reference index or industry sector or asset class.

Unlike shares of typical open-end management investment companies or unit investment trusts, shares of ETFs are designed to be traded throughout the trading day and bought and sold based on market price rather than net asset value. Shares can trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. The portfolios held by ETFs are typically publicly disclosed on each trading day and an approximation of actual net asset value is disseminated throughout the trading day. An ETF will generally gain or lose value depending on the performance of the Underlying Assets. In the future, as new products become available, the Fund may invest in ETFs that do not have this same level of transparency and, therefore, may be more likely to trade at a larger discount or premium to actual net asset values.

Gains or losses on the Fund’s investment in ETFs will ultimately depend on the purchase and sale price of the ETF. An active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained and trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The performance of an ETF will be reduced by transaction and other expenses, including fees paid by the ETF to service providers. Investors in ETFs are eligible to receive their portion of income, if any, accumulated on the securities held in the portfolio, less fees and expenses of the ETF.

An investment in an ETF involves risks similar to investing directly in the Underlying Assets, including the risk that the value of the Underlying Assets may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of their issuers, the value of securities and other financial instruments generally, and other market factors.

If an ETF is a registered investment company (as defined in the 1940 Act), the limitations applicable to the Fund’s ability to purchase securities issued by other investment companies apply absent certain exemptive rules or other available exemptive relief. However, under Rule 12d1-4, the Fund may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, in excess of these limits, subject to certain conditions. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in ETFs to the extent desired. Some ETFs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act.

 

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Foreign Securities

The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the Fund’s portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain foreign countries, particularly emerging markets, are expected to undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries.

Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the Fund’s investments in such countries. The economies and securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurances that these economic and market disruptions will not continue.

Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the U.S. or other foreign countries. Accounting standards in other countries are also not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as U.S. accounting standards, it may be harder for the portfolio manager to completely and accurately determine a company’s financial condition. In addition, the U.S. Government has from time to time in the past imposed restrictions, through penalties and otherwise, on foreign investments by U.S. investors such as the Fund. Also, brokerage commissions and other costs of buying or selling securities often are higher in foreign countries than they are in the U.S. This reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments.

The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on the Fund’s ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank or depository or issuer of a security or any of their agents goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for the Fund to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the U.S. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.

Securities of some foreign companies have lower liquidity, and their prices are more volatile, than securities of comparable domestic companies. Certain foreign countries are known to experience long delays between the trade and settlement dates of securities purchased or sold resulting in increased exposure of the Fund to market and foreign exchange fluctuations brought about by such delays, and to the corresponding negative impact on Fund liquidity.

Foreign Currency Risks

The U.S. dollar value of securities denominated in a foreign currency will vary with changes in currency exchange rates, which can be volatile. Accordingly, changes in the value of the currency in which the Fund’s investments are denominated relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the Fund’s net asset value. Exchange rates are generally affected by the forces of supply and demand in the international currency markets, the relative merits of investing in different countries and the intervention or failure to intervene of U.S. or foreign governments and central banks. However, currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors intrinsic to a country’s economy. Some emerging market countries also may have managed currencies, which are not free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, emerging markets are subject to the risk of restrictions upon the free conversion of their currencies into other currencies. Any devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar in the currencies in which the Fund’s securities are quoted would reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share.

Investment in Emerging Markets

Investors are strongly advised to consider carefully the special risks involved in emerging markets, which are in addition to the usual risks of investing in developed foreign markets around the world.

The risks of investing in securities in emerging countries include: (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the markets for such securities and lower volume of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies that may restrict the 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 structures

 

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governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; and (vi) military unrest, war and terrorism.

Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes, the governments of a number of emerging market countries previously expropriated large quantities of real and personal property similar to the property which may be represented by the securities purchased by the Fund. The claims of property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated at some time in the future. If such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion or all of its investments in such countries. The Fund’s investments would similarly be adversely affected by exchange control regulation in any of those countries.

Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may have vocal groups that advocate radical religious or revolutionary philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on the part of such individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could cause the loss of the Fund’s investment in those countries.

Settlement mechanisms in emerging market securities may be less efficient and reliable than in more developed markets. In such emerging securities markets there may be delays and failures in share registration and delivery. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of the Fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise in respect of securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund. Furthermore, compensation schemes may be non-existent, limited or inadequate to meet the Fund’s claims in any of these events.

Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging markets. While some emerging market countries have sought to develop a number of corrective mechanisms to reduce inflation or mitigate its effects, inflation may continue to have significant effects both on emerging market economies and their securities markets. In addition, many of the currencies of emerging market countries have experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar and major devaluations have occurred in certain countries. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by economic conditions, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.

Because of the high levels of foreign-denominated debt owed by many emerging market countries, fluctuating exchange rates can significantly affect the debt service obligations of those countries. This could, in turn, affect local interest rates, profit margins and exports, which are a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

To the extent an emerging market country faces a liquidity crisis with respect to its foreign exchange reserves, it may increase restrictions on the outflow of any foreign exchange. Repatriation is ultimately dependent on the ability of the Fund to liquidate its investments and convert the local currency proceeds obtained from such liquidation into U.S. dollars. Where this conversion must be done through official channels (usually the central bank or certain authorized commercial banks), the ability to obtain U.S. dollars is dependent on the availability of such U.S. dollars through those channels and, if available, upon the willingness of those channels to allocate those U.S. dollars to the Fund. The Fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may be adversely affected by any increased restrictions imposed on the outflow of foreign exchange. If the Fund is unable to repatriate any amounts due to exchange controls, it may be required to accept an obligation payable at some future date by the central bank or other governmental entity of the jurisdiction involved. If such conversion can legally be done outside official channels, either directly or indirectly, the Fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may not be affected as much by any increased restrictions except to the extent of the price which may be required to be paid in U.S. dollars. Furthermore, repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some countries.

Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context. The Fund may

 

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encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain emerging market countries. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities.

Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging markets in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets; enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited. Additionally, accounting, auditing and financial reporting and recordkeeping standards in emerging markets may not provide the same degree of investor protection or information to investors as would generally apply in more developed markets. The Public Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign or emerging market countries.

Trading in the securities of emerging markets presents additional credit and financial risks. The Fund may have limited access to, or there may be a limited number of, potential counterparties that trade in the securities of emerging market issuers. Governmental regulations may restrict potential counterparties to certain financial institutions located or operating in the particular emerging market. Potential counterparties may not possess, adopt or implement creditworthiness standards, financial reporting standards or legal and contractual protections similar to those in developed markets. Currency hedging techniques may not be available or may be limited. The Fund may not be able to reduce or mitigate risks related to trading with emerging market counterparties.

The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be substantially curtailed and prices for the Fund’s portfolio securities in such markets may not be readily available. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act permits a registered investment company to suspend redemption of its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly, if the Fund believes that appropriate circumstances warrant, it may apply to the SEC for a determination that an emergency exists within the meaning of Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. During the period commencing from the Fund’s identification of such conditions until the date of SEC action, the portfolio securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value as determined by the Manager in accordance with the Fund’s valuation policy.

Although it might be theoretically possible to hedge for anticipated income and gains, the ongoing and indeterminate nature of the risks associated with emerging market investing (and the costs associated with hedging transactions) makes it very difficult to hedge effectively against such risks.

Europe — Recent Events

A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and outside of Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

In addition, the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the European Union passed into law in December 2020, was provisionally applied effective January 1, 2021, and formally entered into force on May 1, 2021. There is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications. The range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes cannot be fully known but could be significant, potentially resulting in increased volatility and illiquidity and lower economic growth for companies that rely significantly on Europe for their business activities and revenues. The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in Europe and is a major trading partner with the European Union countries and the United States. Brexit may create additional and substantial economic stresses for the United Kingdom, including a contraction of the United Kingdom’s economy, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, as

 

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well as a decrease in business and consumer spending and investment. The negative impact on not only the United Kingdom and other European economies but also the broader global economy could be significant. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa.

The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.

Risks Related to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict could increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and adversely affect regional and global economies. The United States and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia, certain Russian individuals, banking entities and corporations, and Belarus as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and may impose sanctions on other countries that provide military or economic support to Russia. The extent and duration of Russia’s military actions and the repercussions of such actions (including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by those subject to sanctions, including cyber attacks) are impossible to predict, but could result in significant market disruptions, including in certain industries or sectors, such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact the Fund’s performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, even if the Fund does not have direct exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.

Eurodollar or Yankee Obligations

Eurodollar bank obligations are U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations issued outside the U.S. capital markets by non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks and by non-U.S. banks. Yankee obligations are U.S. dollar denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by non-U.S. issuers. Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a non-U.S. government might prevent U.S. dollar denominated funds from flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse political and economic developments in a non-U.S. country; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of non-U.S. withholding taxes; and expropriation or nationalization of non-U.S. issuers.

Investing in the Greater China Region

Investing in the Greater China region, consisting of Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, among other locations, involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of armed conflict); (b) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; (c) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (d) increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets; (f) substantially less liquidity, particularly of certain share classes of Chinese securities; (g) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (h) higher rates of inflation; (i) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on the fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (j) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy; (k) uncertainty regarding the People’s Republic of China’s commitment to economic reforms; (l) the fact that Chinese companies may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized companies; (m) the differences in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; (n) the fact that statistical information regarding the economy of the Greater China region may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the U.S. or other economies; (o) less extensive, and still developing, legal systems and regulatory frameworks regarding the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (p) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer; (q) the fact that it may be more difficult, or impossible, to obtain and/or enforce a judgment than in other countries; (r) the rapid and erratic nature of growth, particularly in the People’s Republic of China, resulting in inefficiencies and dislocations; (s) economies characterized by over-extension of credit and rising unemployment; and (t) the risk that, because of the degree of interconnectivity between the economies and

 

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financial markets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, any sizable reduction in the demand for goods from China, or an economic downturn in China, could negatively affect the economies and financial markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well.

The People’s Republic of China is dominated by the one-party rule of the Communist Party. Investments in China involve the risk of greater control over the economy, political and legal uncertainties and currency fluctuations or blockage. The government of the People’s Republic of China exercises significant control over economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. For the last few decades, the government of the People’s Republic of China has been reforming economic and market practices and providing a larger sphere for private ownership of property. While currently contributing to growth and prosperity, the government may decide not to continue to support these economic reform programs and could possibly return to the completely centrally planned economy that existed prior to 1978.

As with all transition economies, China’s ability to develop and sustain a credible legal, regulatory, monetary, and socioeconomic system could influence the course of outside investment. The real estate market in China has been extremely volatile. Additionally, local government debt is high, and the level of that debt may pose a threat to the Chinese economy. Over the long term, China’s aging infrastructure, worsening environmental conditions, rapid and inequitable urbanization, and quickly widening urban and rural income gap, which all carry political and economic implications, are among the country’s major challenges.

China continues to exercise control over the value of its currency, rather than allowing the value of the currency to be determined by market forces. This type of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns.

While the Chinese economy has grown rapidly in past years, China’s growth rate has begun to decline and there is no assurance that past growth rates will be sustainable. China may experience substantial rates of inflation or economic recessions, causing a negative effect on the economy and the securities market. China’s economy is heavily dependent on export growth. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers by China or its trading partners, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the securities of Chinese issuers. China’s economy may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with China’s major trading partners, including the U.S.

The willingness and ability of the government of the People’s Republic of China to support the Greater China region markets is uncertain. Taiwan and Hong Kong do not exercise the same level of control over their economies as does the People’s Republic of China, but changes to their political and economic relationships with the People’s Republic of China could adversely impact investments in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China by the Communist Party in 1949, the Chinese government renounced various debt obligations incurred by China’s predecessor governments, which obligations remain in default, and expropriated assets without compensation. There can be no assurance that the Chinese government will not take similar action in the future. An investment in the Fund involves risk of a total loss. The political reunification of China and Taiwan is a highly problematic issue and is unlikely to be settled in the near future. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan’s economy and could negatively affect its stock market. Hong Kong is closely tied to China, economically and through China’s 1997 acquisition of the country as a Special Autonomous Region. China has committed by treaty to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, if China would exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. Hong Kong’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to retain the legal, financial, and monetary systems that allow economic freedom and market expansion. As demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, there continues to be a great deal of political unrest, which may result in economic disruption.

Military conflicts, either in response to internal social unrest or conflicts with other countries, could disrupt economic development. The Chinese economy is vulnerable to the long-running disagreements with Hong Kong related to integration and religious and nationalist disputes with Tibet and the Xinjiang region. China has a complex territorial dispute regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan that has included threats of invasion; Taiwan- based companies and individuals are significant investors in China. Military conflict between China and Taiwan may adversely affect securities of Chinese issuers. In addition, China has strained international relations with Japan, India, Russia and other neighbors due to territorial disputes, historical animosities

 

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and other defense concerns. China could be affected by military events on the Korean peninsula or internal instability within North Korea. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market and may adversely affect performance of the Chinese economy.

The Greater China region has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, floods and tsunamis and is economically sensitive to environmental events. Any such event could cause a significant impact on the economy of, or investments in, the Greater China region.

In addition, there may be restrictions on investments in Chinese companies. For example, recent Executive Orders signed by the President of the United States prohibit U.S. persons from purchasing or investing in publicly-traded securities of companies identified by the U.S. government as “Chinese Military Industrial Complex Companies.” The list of such companies can change from time to time, and as a result of forced selling or inability to participate in an investment the Subadviser otherwise believes is attractive, the Fund may incur losses.

Risks of Investments in China A-shares through the Stock Connect Program

The Fund may invest in China A-shares of certain Chinese companies through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and/or the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (“Connect Program”). The Connect Program is subject to quota limitations and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the ability to invest in China A-shares through the Connect Program and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai or Shenzhen market may be open at a time when the Connect Program is not trading, with the result that prices of China A-shares may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through the Connect Program. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Connect Program. The Connect Program is relatively new. Further developments are likely and there can be no assurance as to the Connect Program’s continued existence or whether future developments regarding the Connect Program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund’s investments or returns. In addition, there is no assurance that the necessary systems required to operate the Connect Program will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through the Connect Program could be disrupted.

The Connect Program is subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges and the authorities may promulgate further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, if they believe it necessary to assure orderly markets or for other reasons, which may adversely impact the Connect Program. There is no guarantee that the exchanges will continue to support the Connect Program in the future. Investments in China A-shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of an exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. In the event that the depository of an exchange defaults, the Fund may not be able to recover fully its losses from the depository or may be delayed in receiving proceeds as part of any recovery process. It is currently unclear whether applicable courts would consider that the Fund, rather than the nominee, is the beneficial owner of China A-shares purchased through the Connect Program. Therefore, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security. The Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting China A-shares held through the Connect Program due to time constraints or for other operational reasons. Similarly, the Fund may not be able to appoint proxies or participate in shareholders’ meetings due to current limitations on the use of multiple proxies in China. All trades on the Connect Program in respect of eligible China A-shares must be settled in Chinese currency, the Renminbi (“RMB”), which is currently restricted and not freely convertible. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to currency risk, and it cannot be guaranteed that investors will have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB.

Trades on the Connect Program are subject to certain requirements prior to trading. If these requirements are not completed prior to the market opening, the Fund cannot sell the shares on that trading day. In addition, these requirements may limit the number of brokers that the Fund may use to execute trades. If an investor holds 5% or more of the total shares issued by a China-A share issuer, the investor must return any profits obtained from the purchase and sale of those shares if both transactions occur within a six-month period. If the Fund holds 5% or more of the total shares of a China-A share issuer through its Connect Program investments, its profits may be subject to these limitations. In addition, it is not currently clear whether all accounts managed by an adviser and/or its affiliates will be aggregated for purposes of this limitation. If that is the case, it makes it more likely that the Fund’s profits may be subject to these limitations.

 

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The China A-shares market can have a higher propensity for trading suspensions than many other global equity markets. Trading suspensions in certain stocks could lead to greater market execution risk, valuation risks, illiquidity risks and costs for the Fund. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets currently apply a daily limit, set at 10%, of the amount of fluctuation permitted in the prices of A shares during a single trading day. The daily limit refers to price movements only and does not restrict trading within the relevant limit. There can be no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular China A share or for any particular time.

Investing in Japan

Investing in Japan may involve risks not typically associated with other markets. Japan may be subject to political, economic, nuclear, and labor risks, among others. Any of these risks, individually or in the aggregate, can impact an investment made in Japan.

Economic Risk. The growth of Japan’s economy has historically lagged that of its Asian neighbors and other major developed economies. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent on international trade and has been adversely affected by trade tariffs, other protectionist measures, competition from emerging economies and the economic conditions of its trading partners. Japan is also heavily dependent on oil imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the Japanese economy.

Political Risk. Historically, Japan has had unpredictable national politics and may experience frequent political turnover. Future political developments may lead to changes in policy that might adversely affect the Fund’s investments. Japan’s relations with its neighbors, particularly China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia, have at times been strained due to territorial disputes, historical animosities, and defense concerns. Should political tension increase, it could adversely affect the Japanese economy and destabilize the region as a whole.

Large Government Debt Risk. The Japanese economy faces several concerns, including a financial system with large levels of nonperforming loans, over-leveraged corporate balance sheets, extensive cross-ownership by major corporations, a changing corporate governance structure, and large government deficits. These issues may cause a slowdown of the Japanese economy.

Currency Risk. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely at times and any increase in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the Japanese economy. The Japanese government has, in the past, intervened in the currency markets to attempt to maintain or reduce the value of the yen. Japanese intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to fluctuate sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors.

Natural Disaster Risk. Japan has experienced earthquakes, tidal waves and tsunamis of varying degrees of severity, including the earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear power plant catastrophe in 2011. The risks of such phenomena continue to exist and could have a severe and negative impact on the Fund’s holdings in Japanese securities.

Labor Risk. Japan has an aging workforce and has experienced a significant population decline in recent years. Japan’s labor market appears to be undergoing fundamental structural changes, as a labor market traditionally accustomed to lifetime employment adjusts to meet the need for increased labor mobility, which may adversely affect Japan’s economic competitiveness.

Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt Obligations

The Fund may invest in all types of debt securities of governmental issuers in all countries, including emerging markets. These sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests issued for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; or debt securities issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank. A supranational entity is a bank, commission or company established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development. Included among these entities are the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Bank for

 

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Reconstruction and Development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal. There is no guarantee that one or more members of a supranational organization will continue to make capital contributions. If such contributions are not made, the organization may be unable to pay interest or repay principal on its debt securities, and the Fund may lose money on such investments. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income.

Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due. The debtor’s willingness or ability to repay in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign currency exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from non-U.S. governments or multinational agencies, the country’s access to trade and other international credits, and the country’s balance of trade. Assistance may be dependent on a country’s implementation of austerity measures and reforms, economic performance and/or the timely service of such debtor’s obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties’ commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely manner. Some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.

Depositary Receipts

Depositary receipts demonstrate ownership of shares of a foreign issuer and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign security. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored and include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and non-voting depositary receipts (“NVDRs”). ADRs in registered form are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, traded in U.S. dollars, and are designed for use in the domestic market. GDRs, EDRs, NVDRs and other similar instruments may be issued by a U.S. or non-U.S. entity and may be traded in other currencies. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. EDRs are issued in bearer form and are designed for use in European securities markets.

Depositary receipts in general are subject to many of the risks associated with foreign investing (e.g., increased market, illiquidity, currency, political, information and other risks), and even where traded in U.S. dollars are subject to currency risk if the underlying security is traded in a foreign currency. Unsponsored depositary receipts are issued without the participation of the issuer of the underlying foreign security and there may be less information available about such issuers than there is with respect to domestic companies and issuers of securities underlying sponsored depositary receipts. Even if there is information available, there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

High Yield (“Junk”) Bonds

High yield securities are medium or lower rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality, sometimes referred to as “high yield” or “junk” bonds. Generally, such securities offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the securities. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality bonds. In addition, medium and lower rated securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss because of default by issuers of these securities is significantly greater because medium and lower rated securities generally are unsecured and frequently subordinated to senior indebtedness. In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is generally more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which medium and lower rated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its securities and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.

 

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Lower rated debt obligations often have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund before it matures. If an issuer exercises that right, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the Fund and increasing the exposure of the Fund to the risks of lower rated securities. Investments in lower rated zero coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value because of changes in interest rates than lower rated bonds that pay interest currently.

Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund (if applicable). Neither event will require sale of these securities by the Fund, but the portfolio manager will consider the event in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid security is any security which the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the security. To the extent required by applicable law and SEC guidance, the Fund will not acquire an illiquid security if such acquisition would cause the aggregate value of illiquid securities to exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets. If at any time the portfolio manager determines that the value of illiquid securities held by the Fund exceeds 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the portfolio manager will take such steps as it considers appropriate to reduce the percentage within a reasonable period of time consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. Because illiquid investments may not be readily marketable, the Fund may not be able to dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Fund may be forced to hold illiquid investments while their price depreciates. Depreciation in the price of illiquid investments may cause the net asset value of the Fund to decline.

Restricted securities are securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale, such as private placements. Such restrictions might prevent the sale of restricted securities at a time when the sale would otherwise be desirable. Under SEC regulations, certain restricted securities acquired through private placements can be traded freely among qualified purchasers. While restricted securities are generally presumed to be illiquid, it may be determined that a particular restricted security is liquid. Investing in these restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the Fund’s illiquidity if qualified purchasers become, for a time, uninterested in buying these securities.

Restricted securities may be sold only (1) pursuant to SEC Rule 144A or another exemption, (2) in privately negotiated transactions or (3) in public offerings with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A securities, although not registered in the U.S., may be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. As noted above, the Fund may determine that some Rule 144A securities are liquid. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a restricted security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell.

Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly. The Fund does not consider non-U.S. securities to be restricted if they can be freely sold in the principal markets in which they are traded, even if they are not registered for sale in the U.S.

Liquidity Risk Management. Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act requires, among other things, that the Fund and other Legg Mason open-end funds establish a liquidity risk management program (“LRMP”) that is reasonably designed to assess and manage liquidity risk. Rule 22e-4 defines “liquidity risk” as the risk that a fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the fund. The Fund has implemented a LRMP to meet the relevant requirements. Additionally, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the designation of the Fund’s LRMP administrator to administer such program and will review no less frequently than annually a written report prepared by the LRMP administrator that addresses the operation of the LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation. Among other things, the LRMP provides for the classification of each Fund investment as a “highly liquid investment,” “moderately liquid investment,” “less liquid investment” or “illiquid investment.” The liquidity risk classifications of the Fund’s investments are determined after reasonable inquiry and taking into account relevant market, trading

 

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and investment-specific considerations. To the extent that a Fund investment is deemed to be an “illiquid investment” or a “less liquid investment,” the Fund can expect to be exposed to greater illiquidity risk. There is no guarantee the LRMP will be effective in its operations, and complying with Rule 22e-4, including bearing related costs, could impact the Fund’s performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.

Investments by Other Funds and by Other Significant Investors

Certain investment companies, including those that are affiliated with the Fund because they are managed by the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager, may invest in the Fund and may at times have substantial investments in one or more funds. Other investors also may at times have substantial investments in one or more funds.

From time to time, the Fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to transactions in Fund shares by a fund or other significant investor. The effects of these transactions could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, the Fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so. Such transactions may increase brokerage and/or other transaction costs of the Fund. A large redemption could cause the Fund’s expenses to increase and could result in the Fund becoming too small to be economically viable. Redemptions of Fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the Fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the Fund’s shares.

The Manager and the Subadviser are subject to potential conflicts of interest in connection with investments in the Fund by an affiliated fund due to their affiliation. For example, the Manager or the Subadviser could have the incentive to permit an affiliated fund to become a more significant shareholder (with the potential to cause greater disruption) than would be permitted for an unaffiliated investor. Investments by an affiliated fund may also give rise to conflicts in connection with the voting of fund shares. The Manager, the Subadviser and/or its advisory affiliates intend to seek to address these potential conflicts of interest in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders, although there can be no assurance that such efforts will be successful. The Manager and the Subadviser will consider how to minimize potential adverse impacts of affiliated fund investments, and, may take such actions as each deems appropriate to address potential adverse impacts, including redemption of shares in-kind, rather than in cash.

Investments in Other Investment Companies

Subject to applicable statutory and regulatory limitations described below, the Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including shares of open-end and closed-end investment companies affiliated or unaffiliated with the Fund, business development companies, exchange-traded funds and unregistered investment companies.

An investment in an investment company is subject to the risks associated with that investment company’s portfolio securities. Investments in closed-end funds may entail the additional risk that the market value of such investments may be substantially less than their net asset value. To the extent the Fund invests in shares of another investment company, the Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of that investment company’s advisory fees and other operating expenses. These fees are in addition to the advisory fees and other operational expenses incurred directly by the Fund. In addition, the Fund could incur a sales charge in connection with purchasing an investment company security or a redemption fee upon the redemption of such security.

Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act provides that a fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire the securities of other investment companies if, as a result of such purchase or acquisition, it would own: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired investment company; (ii) securities issued by any one investment company having a value in excess of 5% of the fund’s total assets; or (iii) securities issued by all investment companies having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the fund’s total assets. These limitations are subject to certain statutory and regulatory exemptions including Rule 12d1-4, which permits the Fund to invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits, subject to certain conditions. Among other conditions, the Rule prohibits a fund from acquiring control of another investment company (other than an investment company in the same group of investment companies), including by acquiring more than 25% of its voting securities. In addition, the Rule imposes certain voting requirements when a fund’s ownership of another investment company exceeds particular thresholds. If shares of a fund are acquired by another investment company, the “acquired” fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire the securities of an investment company or private fund if immediately after such purchase or acquisition, the securities of investment companies and private funds owned by that acquired fund have an aggregate value in excess of 10% of

 

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the value of the total assets of the acquired fund, subject to certain exceptions. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies to the extent desired. In addition, other unaffiliated investment companies may impose other investment limitations or redemption restrictions which may also limit the Fund’s flexibility with respect to making investments in those unaffiliated investment companies.

Investment in Money Market Funds

The Fund may invest in money market instruments, including money market funds managed by the Manager or its affiliates and money market funds managed by unaffiliated advisers. Money market funds invest in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term debt securities and must follow strict rules as to the credit quality, liquidity, diversification and maturity of their investments. The Fund may lose money on its investment in money market funds. If the Fund invests in money market funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of the management fees and other expenses that are charged by the money market fund in addition to the management fees and other expenses paid by the Fund. If the Fund invests in money market funds that are managed by the Manager or its affiliates, it is possible that a conflict of interest among the Fund and the affiliated funds could affect how the Fund’s Manager and its affiliates fulfill their fiduciary duty to the Fund and the affiliated funds.

Loans

Loans are negotiated and underwritten by a bank or syndicate of banks and other institutional investors. The Fund may acquire an interest in loans through the primary market by acting as one of a group of lenders of a loan. The primary risk in an investment in loans is that the borrower may be unable to meet its interest and/or principal payment obligations. The occurrence of such a default with regard to a loan in which the Fund had invested would have an adverse effect on the Fund’s net asset value. In addition, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may cause a decline in the value of these investments and in the Fund’s net asset value. Other factors, such as rating downgrades, credit deterioration, or large downward movement in stock prices, a disparity in supply and demand of certain securities or market conditions that reduce liquidity could reduce the value of loans, impairing the Fund’s net asset value. Loans may not be considered “securities” for certain purposes and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.

Loans in which the Fund may invest may be collateralized or uncollateralized and senior or subordinate. Investments in uncollateralized and/or subordinate loans entail a greater risk of nonpayment than do investments in loans which hold a more senior position in the borrower’s capital structure or that are secured with collateral. In the case of collateralized senior loans, however, there is no assurance that sale of the collateral would raise enough cash to satisfy the borrower’s payment obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated. As a result, the Fund might not receive payments to which it is entitled and thereby may experience a decline in the value of its investment and its net asset value. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation may not occur and the court may not give lenders the full benefit of their senior positions. If the terms of a senior loan do not require the borrower to pledge additional collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the borrower’s obligations under the senior loans. To the extent that a senior loan is collateralized by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of the borrower.

The Fund may also acquire an interest in loans by purchasing participations (“Participations”) in and/or assignments (“Assignments”) of portions of loans from third parties. By purchasing a Participation, the Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a borrower. Participations typically will result in the Fund’s having a contractual relationship only with the lender and not the borrower. The Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the Participation.

When the Fund purchases Assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. However, since Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and assignors, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the lender from which the Fund is purchasing the Assignments. Certain of the Participations or Assignments acquired by

 

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the Fund may involve unfunded commitments of the lenders or revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan documentation.

The Fund may acquire loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty, including loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Although loans in which the Fund will invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a senior loan.

In addition, the Fund may have difficulty disposing of its investments in loans. The liquidity of such securities is limited and the Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market could have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular loans or Assignments or Participations when necessary to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for loans may also make it more difficult for the Fund to assign a value to those securities for purposes of valuing the Fund’s investments and calculating its net asset value.

The issuer of a loan may offer to provide material, non-public information about the issuer to investors, such as the Fund. The Fund’s portfolio manager may avoid receiving this type of information about the issuer of a loan either held by or considered for investment by the Fund, because of prohibitions on trading in securities of issuers while in possession of such information. The decision not to receive material, non-public information may place the Fund at a disadvantage, relative to other loan investors, in assessing a loan or the loan’s issuer.

London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Replacement and Other Reference Rates Risk

Many debt securities, derivatives, and other financial instruments, including some of the Fund’s investments, utilize benchmark or reference rates such as LIBOR, Euro Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Index Average Rate (“SONIA”), and other similar types of reference rates for variable interest rate calculations. Instruments in which the Fund invests may pay interest at floating rates based on LIBOR or other similar types of reference rates or may be subject to interest caps or floors based on such reference rates. The Fund and issuers of instruments in which the Fund invests may also obtain financing at floating rates based on such reference rates. The elimination of a reference rate or any other changes to or reforms of the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for—or value of—any instruments or payments linked to those reference rates.

In 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced its intention to cease compelling banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR after 2021. ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis at the end of 2021 and is expected to cease publication of a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings on a representative basis after June 30, 2023. In addition, global regulators have announced that, with limited exceptions, no new LIBOR-based contracts should be entered into after 2021. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. Markets are developing in response to these new rates but questions around liquidity in these rates and how to appropriately adjust these rates to eliminate any economic value transfer at the time of transition remain a significant concern. The effect of any changes to—or discontinuation of—LIBOR on the Fund will vary depending on, among other things, existing fallback provisions in individual contracts and whether, how, and when industry participants develop and widely adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. In March 2022, the U.S. federal government enacted legislation to establish a process for replacing LIBOR in certain existing contracts that do not already provide for the use of a clearly defined or practicable replacement benchmark rate as described in the legislation. Generally speaking, for contracts that do not contain a fallback provision as described in the legislation, a benchmark replacement recommended by the Federal Reserve Board will effectively automatically replace the USD LIBOR benchmark in the contract after June 30, 2023. The recommended benchmark replacement will be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, including certain spread adjustments and benchmark replacement conforming changes. It is difficult to predict the full impact of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a reduction in the value of certain LIBOR-based investments held by the Fund or

 

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reduce the effectiveness of related transactions such as hedges. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses for the Fund. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark may deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur at any time.

Model Risk

Proprietary models that may be used to evaluate securities or securities markets are based on certain assumptions concerning the interplay of market factors and may not adequately take into account certain factors and may result in the Fund having a lower return than if the Fund were managed using another model or investment strategy. The markets or prices of individual securities may be affected by factors not foreseen in developing the models.

Money Market Instruments Generally

Money market instruments are short-term IOUs issued by banks or other non-governmental issuers, the U.S. or non-U.S. governments, or state or local governments. Money market instruments generally have maturity dates of 13 months or less, and may pay interest at fixed, floating or adjustable rates, or may be issued at a discount. Money market instruments may include certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, variable rate demand securities (where the interest rate is reset periodically and the holder may demand payment from the issuer or another obligor at any time), preferred shares, fixed-term obligations, commercial paper (short-term unsecured debt), asset-backed commercial paper, other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and repurchase agreements. Asset-backed commercial paper refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days that may be backed by residential and commercial mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities or other types of receivables. Payments due on asset-backed commercial paper are supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both.

Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities – Generally

An asset-backed security is a fixed income security that derives its value primarily from cash flows relating to a pool of assets. There are a number of different types of asset-backed and related securities, including mortgage-backed securities, securities backed by other pools of collateral (such as automobile loans, student loans, sub-prime mortgages, and credit card receivables), collateralized mortgage obligations, and collateralized debt obligations.

Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities differ from conventional bonds in that principal is paid over the life of the securities rather than at maturity. As a result, payments of principal of and interest on mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities are made more frequently than are payments on conventional debt securities. The average life of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of the underlying asset pools as a result of prepayments or foreclosures of mortgages, as applicable. In addition, holders of mortgage-backed securities and of certain asset-backed securities (such as asset-backed securities backed by home equity loans) may receive unscheduled payments of principal at any time representing prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or financial assets. When the holder of the security attempts to reinvest prepayments or even the scheduled payments of principal and interest, it may receive a rate of interest that is higher or lower than the rate on the mortgage-backed security or asset-backed security originally held. To the extent that mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities are purchased by the Fund at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. To the extent the loans underlying a security representing an interest in a pool of mortgages or other assets are prepaid, the Fund may experience a loss (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by the Fund was at a premium over par, which represents the price at which the security will be redeemed upon prepayment) or a gain (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by the Fund was at a discount from par). In addition, prepayments of such securities held by the Fund will reduce the share price of the Fund to the extent the market value of the securities at the time of prepayment exceeds their par value, and will increase the share price of the Fund to the extent the par value of the securities exceeds their market value at the time of prepayment. Prepayments may occur with greater frequency in periods of declining interest rates because, among other reasons, it may be possible for borrowers to refinance their outstanding obligation at lower interest rates. When market interest rates increase, the market values of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities decline. At the same time, however, refinancing slows, which lengthens the effective maturities of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of the rate increase on the market value of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of fixed income securities.

 

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Changes in the market’s perception of the mortgages or assets backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement, will all affect the value of an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security, as will the exhaustion of any credit enhancement.

The risks of investing in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities ultimately depend upon the payment of the underlying loans by the individual borrowers. In its capacity as purchaser of an asset-backed security or mortgage-backed security, the Fund would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the event of default by the borrower. The risk of non-payment is greater for asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities that are backed by pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting loan repayments may include a general economic turndown and high unemployment. Mortgage-backed securities may be adversely affected by a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate, or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.

Additional information regarding different types of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is provided below. Governmental, government-related or private entities may create pools of loan assets offering pass-through investments in addition to those described below. As new types of asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities are developed and offered to investors, the portfolio manager may, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, consider making investments in such new types of securities.

Mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) represent interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others, to finance purchases of homes, commercial buildings or other real estate. The individual mortgage loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as the Fund) by various governmental or government-related agencies and private organizations, such as dealers.

Government-sponsored MBS. Some government sponsored mortgage-related securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the principal guarantor of such securities, is a wholly-owned United States government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Other government-sponsored mortgage-related securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Issuers of such securities include Fannie Mae (formally known as the Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (formally known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation). Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation which is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned corporation chartered by Congress and subject to general regulation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Participation certificates representing interests in mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio are guaranteed as to the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal by Freddie Mac. The U.S. government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the past, but there can be no assurances that it will support these or other government-sponsored entities in the future.

Privately issued MBS. Unlike MBS issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or certain government-sponsored entities, MBS issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself.

In addition, MBS that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those MBS that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private MBS may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored MBS and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label MBS pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.

 

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Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-backed securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities. Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities (“ARMBS”) are pass-through securities collateralized by mortgages with adjustable rather than fixed rates. Adjustable rate mortgages eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a set number of scheduled monthly payments. After that schedule of payments has been completed, the interest rates of the adjustable rate mortgages are subject to periodic adjustment based on changes to a designated benchmark index.

Mortgages underlying most ARMBS may contain maximum and minimum rates beyond which the mortgage interest rate may not vary over the lifetime of the mortgage. In addition, certain adjustable rate mortgages provide for additional limitations on the maximum amount by which the mortgage interest rate may adjust for any single adjustment period. In the event that market rates of interest rise more rapidly to levels above that of the maximum rate for the adjustable rate mortgages underlying an ARMBS, the ARMBS’ coupon may represent a below market rate of interest. In these circumstances, the market value of the ARMBS will likely have fallen. During periods of declining interest rates, income to the Fund derived from adjustable rate mortgages that remain in the mortgage pool underlying the ARMBS may decrease in contrast to the income on fixed rate mortgages, which will remain constant. Adjustable rate mortgages also have less potential for appreciation in value as interest rates decline than do fixed rate investments. In addition, the current yields on ARMBS may be different than market yields during interim periods between coupon reset dates.

Stripped mortgage-backed securities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”) are structured with two or more classes of securities that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have at least one class receiving only a small portion of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (“IO” or interest-only class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (“PO” or principal-only class). The yield to maturity on IOs, POs and other mortgage-backed securities that are purchased at a substantial premium or discount generally are extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on such securities’ yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities even if the securities have received the highest rating by a NRSRO.

SMBS have greater volatility than other types of securities. Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, the market for such securities has not yet been fully developed. Accordingly, the secondary market for SMBS may be more volatile and have lower liquidity than that for other MBS, potentially limiting the Fund’s ability to buy or sell SMBS at any particular time.

Collateralized mortgage obligations. Another type of security representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans is known as a collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”). CMOs represent interests in a short-term, intermediate-term or long-term portion of a mortgage pool. Each portion of the pool receives monthly interest payments, but the principal repayments pass through to the short-term CMO first and to the long-term CMO last. A CMO permits an investor to more accurately predict the rate of principal repayments. CMOs are issued by private issuers, such as broker-dealers, and by government agencies, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Investments in CMOs are subject to the same risks as direct investments in the underlying mortgage-backed securities. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a broker that issued the CMO held by the Fund, the Fund could experience delays in liquidating both its position and losses. The Fund may invest in CMOs in any rating category of the recognized rating services and may invest in unrated CMOs. The Fund may also invest in “stripped” CMOs, which represent only the income portion or the principal portion of the CMO. The values of stripped CMOs are very sensitive to interest rate changes; accordingly, these instruments present a greater risk of loss than conventional mortgage-backed securities.

Tiered index bonds. Tiered index bonds are relatively new forms of mortgage-related securities. The interest rate on a tiered index bond is tied to a specified index or market rate. So long as this index or market rate is below a predetermined “strike” rate, the interest rate on the tiered index bond remains fixed. If, however, the specified index or market rate rises above the “strike” rate, the interest rate of the tiered index bond will decrease. Thus, under these circumstances, the interest rate on a

 

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tiered index bond, like an inverse floater, will move in the opposite direction of prevailing interest rates, with the result that the price of the tiered index bond would decline and may be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed-rate bond.

Other Asset-Backed Securities – Additional Information

Similar to mortgage-backed securities, other types of asset-backed securities may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government (including those whose securities are neither guaranteed nor insured by the U.S. government), foreign governments (or their agencies or instrumentalities), or non-governmental issuers. These securities include securities backed by pools of automobile loans, educational loans, home equity loans, and credit card receivables. The underlying pools of assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose entities. These securities may be subject to the risks described above under “Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities — Generally,” including risks associated with changes in interest rates and prepayment of underlying obligations.

Certain types of asset-backed securities present additional risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. In particular, certain types of asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in the related assets. For example, many securities backed by credit card receivables are unsecured. Even when security interests are present, the ability of an issuer of certain types of asset-backed securities to enforce those interests may be more limited than that of an issuer of mortgage-backed securities. For instance, automobile receivables generally are secured by automobiles rather than by real property. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying assets. In addition, because of the large number of underlying vehicles involved in a typical issue of asset-backed securities and technical requirements under state law, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the automobiles. Therefore, recoveries on repossessed automobiles may not be available to support payments on these securities.

In addition, certain types of asset-backed securities may experience losses on the underlying assets as a result of certain rights provided to consumer debtors under federal and state law. In the case of certain consumer debt, such as credit card debt, debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on their credit cards (or other debt), thereby reducing their balances due. For instance, a debtor may be able to offset certain damages for which a court has determined that the creditor is liable to the debtor against amounts owed to the creditor by the debtor on his or her credit card.

Additionally, an asset-backed security is subject to risks associated with the servicing agent’s or originator’s performance. For example, a servicing agent or originator’s mishandling of documentation related to the underlying collateral (e.g., failure to properly document a security interest in the underlying collateral) may affect the rights of the security holders in and to the underlying collateral.

Asset-backed commercial paper. The Fund may purchase commercial paper, including asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP, which may be included in revolving pools of assets with large numbers of obligors, include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduit’s underlying asset portfolio and the conduit’s ability to issue new ABCP. Therefore, there could be losses to the Fund investing in ABCP in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduit’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the conduit’s inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.

Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral and the Fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to

 

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repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A fund purchasing these subordinated notes will therefore have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.

Collateralized debt obligations. The Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”) which is typically backed by a diversified pool of fixed income securities (which may include high risk, below investment grade securities). A CLO is a trust or other SPE that is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect the Fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly, which entails the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of the Fund.

For both CBOs and CLOs, the cashflows from the SPE are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche, which bears the first loss from defaults from the bonds or loans in the SPE and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default (though such protection is not complete). Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO or CLO typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and may be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as investor aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.

The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which the Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities. However, an active dealer market may exist for CDOs, allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed income securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and the Prospectus (e.g., interest rate risk and credit risk), CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the collateral may decline in value or default or its credit rating may be downgraded, if rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; (iii) the Fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; and (v) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

In a mortgage dollar roll, also known as a forward roll transaction, the Fund sells MBS for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) MBS on a specified future date. The Fund may enter into a mortgage dollar roll commitment with the intention of entering into an offsetting transaction whereby, rather than accepting delivery of the security on the specified future date, the Fund sells the security and then agrees to repurchase a similar security at a later time. In this case, the Fund forgoes interest on the security during the roll period and is compensated by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale of the security and by the difference between the sale price and the lower repurchase price at the future date.

Mortgage dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a mortgage dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of proceeds of the dollar roll may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities.

Forward roll transactions may have a leveraging effect on the Fund, making the value of an investment in the Fund more volatile and increasing the Fund’s overall investment exposure. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend on the

 

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portfolio manager’s ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed.

Preferred Securities

There are two basic types of preferred securities: traditional and hybrid-preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities consist of preferred stock issued by an entity taxable as a corporation. Preferred stocks, which may offer fixed or floating rate dividends, are perpetual instruments and considered equity securities. Preferred stocks are subordinated to debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income and claim to corporate assets, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt instruments. Alternatively, hybrid-preferred securities may be issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated trust or partnership of the corporation, generally in the form of preferred interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The hybrid-preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates.

Traditional Preferred Securities. Traditional preferred securities pay fixed or floating dividends to investors and have “preference” over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of a company’s assets. This means that a company must pay dividends on preferred stock before paying any dividends on its common stock. In order to be payable, distributions on such preferred securities must be declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Income payments on preferred securities may be cumulative, causing dividends and distributions to accumulate even if not declared by the board of directors or otherwise made payable. In such a case, all accumulated dividends must be paid before any dividend on the common stock can be paid. However, many traditional preferred stocks are non-cumulative, in which case dividends do not accumulate and need not ever be paid. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on the traditional preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. Preferred securities may also contain provisions under which payments must be stopped (i.e., stoppage is compulsory, not discretionary). The conditions under which this occurs may relate to, for instance, capitalization levels. Hence, if a company incurs significant losses that deplete retained earnings automatic payment stoppage could occur. In some cases the terms of the preferred securities provide that the issuer would be obligated to attempt to issue common shares to raise funds for the purpose of making the preferred payments. However, there is no guarantee that the issuer would be successful in placing common shares.

Preferred stockholders usually have no right to vote for corporate directors or on other matters. Shares of traditional preferred securities have a liquidation preference that generally equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by, among other factors, favorable and unfavorable changes impacting the issuer or industries in which they operate, movements in interest rates and inflation, and the broader economic and credit environments, and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws, such as changes in corporate and individual income tax rates. Because the claim on an issuer’s earnings represented by traditional preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund’s holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced, and the Fund may be unable to acquire securities of comparable credit quality paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.

Hybrid-Preferred Securities. Hybrid-preferred securities are typically junior and fully subordinated liabilities of an issuer or the beneficiary of a guarantee that is junior and fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition, hybrid-preferred securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of income for eighteen months or more without triggering an event of default. Generally, the maximum deferral period is five years. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer payments for extended periods of time without default consequences to the issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when full cumulative payments on the hybrid preferred securities have not been made), these hybrid-preferred securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred securities, both by issuers and investors. Hybrid-preferred securities have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer’s capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows. Hybrid-preferred securities include, but are not limited to, trust preferred securities (TRUPS®); enhanced trust preferred securities (Enhanced TRUPS®); trust-originated preferred securities (TOPrS®); monthly-income preferred securities (MIPS®); quarterly-income bond securities (QUIBS®); quarterly-income debt securities (QUIDS®); quarterly-income preferred securities (QUIPSSM); corporate trust securities (CorTS®); public income notes (PINES®); and other hybrid-preferred securities. Hybrid-preferred

 

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securities are typically issued with a final maturity date. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer’s option for a specified time without default. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to whether all payments have been paid.

Many hybrid-preferred securities are issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies and are not a direct obligation of an operating company. At the time the trust or special purpose entity sells such preferred securities to investors, it purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), and the operating company deducts for tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. The trust or special purpose entity is generally required to be treated as transparent for U.S. federal income tax purposes such that the holders of the trust preferred securities are treated as owning beneficial interests in the underlying debt of the operating company. Accordingly, payments on the hybrid-preferred securities are generally treated as interest rather than dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate taxpayers or the reduced rates of tax that apply to qualified dividend income for non-corporate taxpayers. The trust or special purpose entity in turn is a holder of the operating company’s debt and has priority with respect to the operating company’s earnings and profits over the operating company’s common stockholders, but is typically subordinated to other classes of the operating company’s debt. Typically a preferred security has a credit rating that is lower than that of its corresponding operating company’s senior debt securities.

Within the category of hybrid-preferred securities are senior debt instruments that trade in the broader preferred securities market. These debt instruments, which are sources of long-term capital for the issuers, have structural features similar to other preferred securities such as maturities ranging from 30 years to perpetuity, call features, quarterly payments, exchange listings and the inclusion of accrued interest in the trading price. Preferred securities may be subject to changes in regulations and there can be no assurance that the current regulatory treatment of preferred securities will continue.

Premium Securities

Premium Securities are fixed income securities bearing coupon rates higher than prevailing market rates that are typically purchased at prices greater than the principal amounts payable on maturity. In such cases, the purchase of such securities provides a higher level of investment income distributable to Fund shareholders on a current basis than securities bearing current market rates of interest. If securities purchased by the Fund at a premium are called or sold prior to maturity, the Fund will recognize a capital loss to the extent the call or sale price is less than the purchase price. Additionally, the Fund will recognize a capital loss if it holds such securities to maturity.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Code. Debt securities issued by REITs, for the most part, are general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs. Like mutual funds, REITs have expenses, including advisory and administration fees paid by certain REITs and, as a result, the Fund is indirectly subject to those fees if the Fund invests in REITs.

Investing in REITs involves certain risks, including declines in the value of the underlying real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values and in the appeal of properties to tenants. Equity REITs may also be subject to property and casualty risks as their insurance policies may not completely recover repair or replacement of assets damaged by fires, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values. A rise in sea levels or an increase in flooding could cause certain properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Losses related to climate change could adversely affect the

 

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value of REITs. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as healthcare, are also subject to industry-related risks. Certain “special purpose” REITs may invest their assets in specific real estate sectors, such as hotels, nursing homes or warehouses, and are therefore subject to the risks associated with adverse developments in any such sectors.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed income obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate debt instruments the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations. However, REIT shares can be more volatile than, and perform differently from, larger company securities since REITs tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities.

REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are generally not diversified. REITs may be highly leveraged, and financial covenants may affect the ability of REITs to operate effectively. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings, to cover operating costs, and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees and borrowers. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. If REITs are net sellers of assets or do not reinvest principal, they are also subject to self-liquidation. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of net income and gains under the Code or to maintain their exemptions from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. In the event of any such failure to qualify as a REIT under the Code, the company would be subject to corporate level taxation, significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company.

Redemption Risk

The Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, particularly during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that the Fund has investors with large shareholdings, short investment horizons, or unpredictable cash flow needs. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of overall market turmoil. The redemption by one or more large shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could hurt performance and/or cause the remaining shareholders in the Fund to lose money. The Fund’s redemption risk is increased if one decision maker has control of fund shares owned by separate fund shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the Fund’s Manager. If the Fund is forced to liquidate its assets under unfavorable conditions or at inopportune times, the value of your investment could decline.

Repurchase Agreements

Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire one or more underlying debt securities from a counterparty (typically a bank or a broker-dealer), subject to the counterparty’s obligation to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the securities at an agreed-upon time and price. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements where the underlying collateral consists entirely of cash items and/or securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, its instrumentalities, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises. The Fund may also enter into repurchase agreements where the underlying collateral consists of other types of securities, including securities the Fund could not purchase directly. For such repurchase agreements, the underlying securities which serve as collateral may include, but are not limited to, U.S. government securities, municipal securities, corporate debt obligations, asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”)), convertible securities and common and preferred stock and may be of below investment grade quality. The repurchase price is typically greater than the purchase price paid by the Fund, thereby determining the Fund’s yield. A repurchase agreement is similar to, and may be treated as, a secured loan, where the Fund loans cash to the counterparty and the loan is secured by the underlying securities as collateral. All repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund are required to be collateralized so that at all times during the term of a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying securities is at least equal to the amount of the repurchase price. Also, the Fund or its custodian is required to have control of the collateral, which the portfolio manager believes will give the Fund a valid, perfected security interest in the collateral.

 

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Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the Fund seeks to assert its right to them, the risk that there may be a limited market or no market for disposition of such underlying securities, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement. The Fund will seek to mitigate these risks but there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful. If the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement involving securities the Fund could not purchase directly, and the counterparty defaults, the Fund may become the holder of such securities. Repurchase agreements collateralized by securities other than U.S. government securities may be subject to greater risks and are more likely to have a term to maturity of longer than seven days. Repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days are considered to be illiquid.

Repurchase agreements may be entered into or novated with a financial clearinghouse, which would become the Fund’s counterparty. The Fund would then become subject to the rules of the clearinghouse, which may limit the Fund’s rights and remedies (including recourse to collateral) or delay or restrict the rights and remedies, and expose the Fund to the risks of the clearinghouses’ insolvency.

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the Fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the Manager, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint accounts for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements secured by cash and U.S. government securities, subject to certain conditions.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement has the characteristics of a secured borrowing by the Fund and creates leverage in the Fund’s portfolio. In a reverse repurchase transaction, the Fund sells a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial institution or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time and at a price that is greater than the amount of cash that the Fund received when it sold the instrument, representing the equivalent of an interest payment by the Fund for the use of the cash. During the term of the transaction, the Fund will continue to receive any principal and interest payments (or the equivalent thereof) on the underlying instruments.

The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests or for other temporary or emergency purposes. Unless otherwise limited in the Fund’s Prospectus or this SAI, the Fund may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements to the extent permitted by its fundamental investment policies in order to raise additional cash to be invested by the Fund’s portfolio manager in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the Fund’s investment returns.

During the term of the transaction, the Fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement as if it had not entered into the transaction. When the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement in other securities, the Fund will also be at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested. Like other forms of leverage, this makes the value of an investment in the Fund more volatile and increases the Fund’s overall investment exposure. In addition, if the Fund’s return on its investment of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement does not equal or exceed the implied interest that it is obligated to pay under the reverse repurchase agreement, engaging in the transaction will lower the Fund’s return.

When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer under the agreement may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent or otherwise default on its obligations to the Fund. In the event of a default by the counterparty, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in the Fund’s exercising its rights under the agreement, or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.

In addition, the Fund may be unable to sell the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, or may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its obligations under a reverse repurchase agreement. This could adversely affect the Fund’s strategy and result in lower fund returns.

Whenever the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will either (i) be consistent with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and maintain asset coverage of at least 300% of the value of the repurchase agreement or (ii) treat the reverse

 

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repurchase agreement as a derivatives transaction for purposes of Rule 18f-4, including, as applicable, the value-at-risk based limit on leverage risk.

Securities Lending

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided that cash or equivalent collateral, equal to at least 100% of the market value of such securities, is continuously maintained by the other party with the Fund. During the pendency of the transaction, the other party will pay the Fund an amount equivalent to any dividends or interest paid on such securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn additional income, or it may receive an agreed upon amount of interest income from the other party who has delivered equivalent collateral. These transactions are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the other party. The Fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these transactions and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or equivalent collateral to the other party or placing agent or broker. Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the relevant securities generally pass to the other party, the Fund will make arrangements to vote or consent with respect to a material event affecting such securities. The risks in lending portfolio securities include possible delay in recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. The Fund runs the risk that the counterparty to a loan transaction will default on its obligation and that the value of the collateral received may decline before the Fund can dispose of it. If the Fund receives cash as collateral and invests that cash, the Fund is subject to the risk that the collateral will decline in value before the Fund must return it to the counterparty. Subject to the foregoing, loans of fund securities are effectively borrowings by the Fund and have economic characteristics similar to reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund does not currently intend to engage in securities lending, although it may engage in transactions (such as reverse repurchase agreements) which have similar characteristics.

Short Sales

Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security, also known as “naked” short sales. To make delivery to the buyer, the Fund must borrow the security. The Fund is then obligated to replace the borrowed security by purchasing the same security at market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. The lender of the security is entitled to retain the proceeds from the short sale and or other collateral until the Fund replaces the borrowed security. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender the amount of any dividends or interest paid on shares sold short. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold.

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed security, the Fund must segregate assets held by its custodian as collateral to such a level that the amount segregated plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short. To the extent that the liquid securities segregated by the Fund’s custodian are subject to gain or loss, and the securities sold short are subject to the possibility of gain or loss, leverage is created. The liquid securities utilized by the Fund in this respect will normally be primarily composed of cash or equity portfolio securities that are subject to gains or losses and, accordingly, when the Fund executes short sales leverage will normally be created.

The Fund will realize a gain if the price of a security declines between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases a security to replace the borrowed security. On the other hand, the Fund will incur a loss if the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased and the amount of any loss increased by any premium or interest that the Fund may be required to pay the lender. There is also a risk that a borrowed security will need to be returned to the lender on short notice. If the request for the return of a security occurs at a time when other short sellers of the security are receiving similar requests, a “short squeeze” can occur, meaning that the Fund might be compelled, at the most disadvantageous time, to replace the borrowed security with a security purchased on the open market, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received earlier.

Short selling is a technique that may be considered speculative and involves risks beyond the initial capital necessary to secure each transaction. It should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those losses that could arise from a cash investment in a security because losses from a short sale may be limitless, while the losses from a cash investment in a security cannot exceed the total amount of the investment in the security.

Short Sales Against the Box. The Fund may also make short sales “against the box,” meaning that at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns an equal amount of such securities or owns securities convertible into or exchangeable,

 

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without payment of further consideration, for securities of the same issues as, and in an amount equal to, the securities sold short. Short sales “against the box” result in a “constructive sale” and may require the Fund to recognize any gain unless an exception to the constructive sale rule applies.

Small and Mid Cap Companies

Investments in securities of companies with small and medium market capitalizations may offer greater opportunity for appreciation than larger companies, but involve special risks. The securities of those companies may be subject to more abrupt fluctuations in market price and may be more sensitive to economic conditions than larger, more established companies. Small and mid cap company stock prices may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stock prices, i.e., small and mid cap company stocks may decline in price as the prices of large company stocks rise or vice versa.

Small and mid cap companies may have newer or limited product lines, limited markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent upon a limited or inexperienced management group. In addition, securities of these companies are subject to the risk that, during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries will shrink or disappear with little forewarning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Securities of small and mid cap companies may not be widely traded and it may be difficult for the Fund to dispose of such securities, or receive an advantageous price.

Small and mid cap companies may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition, and may be susceptible to bankruptcy. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. There is typically less publicly available information about small cap companies.

Some small and mid cap companies also may be relatively new issuers, which carries risks in addition to the risks of other small and mid cap companies. New issuers may be more speculative because such companies are relatively unseasoned. These companies will often be involved in the development or marketing of a new product with no established market, which could lead to significant losses.

Temporary Defensive Investing

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions, including by investing in any type of investment grade, government, corporate and money market instruments and short-term debt securities or holding cash without regard to any percentage limitations. Although the portfolio manager has the ability to take defensive positions, they may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions.

U.S. Government Securities

U.S. Government securities include (1) U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (maturity of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury bonds (maturities generally greater than ten years); (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (such as certificates issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)); (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Government (such as obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks); (c) the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities (such as securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association); or (d) only the credit of the agency or instrumentality (such as securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation); and (3) obligations issued by non-governmental entities (like financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. government agencies as part of government initiatives in response to a market crisis or otherwise. Agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government include but are not limited to: Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Land Banks, Federal Financing Bank, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Farm Credit Bank System, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, United States Postal Service, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, Washington D.C. Armory Board and any other instrumentality established or sponsored by the U.S. Government.

 

45


In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the Fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Neither the U.S. Government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates and other factors. In addition, any downgrade of the credit rating of the securities issued by the U.S. Government may result in a downgrade of securities issued by its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-sponsored entities. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling could increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on certain U.S. government securities, cause the credit rating of the U.S. government to be downgraded, increase volatility in the stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates, reduce prices of U.S. Treasury securities, and/or increase the costs of various kinds of debt. If a U.S. Government-sponsored entity is negatively impacted by legislative or regulatory action (or lack thereof), is unable to meet its obligations, or its creditworthiness declines, the performance of a fund that holds securities of the entity will be adversely impacted.

U.S. Treasury Obligations

U.S. Treasury obligations are direct debt obligations issued by the U.S. government. Treasury bills, with maturities normally from 4 weeks to 52 weeks, are typically issued at a discount as they pay interest only upon maturity. Treasury bills are non-callable. Treasury notes have a maturity between two and ten years and typically pay interest semi-annually, while Treasury bonds have a maturity of over ten years and pay interest semi- annually. U.S. Treasury obligations also include STRIPS, TIPS, and FRNs. STRIPS are Treasury obligations with separately traded principal and interest component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system. The principal and interest components of U.S. Treasury bonds with remaining maturities of longer than ten years are eligible to be traded independently under the STRIPS program. Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are separately issued through depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts separately. Each interest payment and the principal payment becomes a separate zero-coupon security. STRIPS pay interest only at maturity. The interest component of STRIPS may be more volatile than that of U.S. Treasury bills with comparable maturities. TIPS are Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, the principal of which increases with inflation and decreases with deflation. The inflation adjustment is based on a three month-lagged value of the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). TIPS entitle the holder, upon maturity, to the adjusted principal or original principal, whichever is greater, thus providing a deflation floor. TIPS pay interest twice a year, at a fixed rate. The rate is applied to the adjusted principal; so, like the principal, interest payments rise with inflation and fall with deflation. However, because the interest rate is fixed, TIPS may lose value when market interest rates increase, particularly during periods of low inflation. FRNs are floating rate notes, the interest on which is indexed to the most recent 13-week Treasury bill auction High Rate, which is the highest accepted discount rate in a Treasury bill auction.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as based on a change in the prime rate.

The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a corporate bond index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters may provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rising interest rates, the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two bonds or other securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.

The Fund may also invest in inverse floating rate debt instruments (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality.

 

46


A floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in some floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values.

The Fund may also invest in variable amount master demand notes, which permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary in addition to providing for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. The absence of an active secondary market with respect to particular variable and floating rate instruments could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a variable or floating rate note if the issuer were to default on its payment obligation or during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise its demand rights, and the Fund could, for these or other reasons, suffer a loss with respect to such instruments. In determining average-weighted portfolio maturity, an instrument will be deemed to have a maturity equal to either the period remaining until the next interest rate adjustment or the time the Fund can recover payment of principal as specified in the instrument, depending on the type of instrument involved.

Warrants and Rights

Warrants are instruments that give the holder the right to purchase equity securities at a specific price valid for a specified time period. Warrants are typically issued with preferred stock or bonds but can often be traded separately from the securities with which they were initially sold. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indexes (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index. Rights are similar to warrants but typically have a shorter duration than warrants and are issued directly by an issuer to existing stockholders and provide those holders the right to purchase additional shares of stock at a later date.

Warrants and rights may be considered speculative in that they have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer. The prices of warrants and rights do not necessarily move with the prices of the underlying securities. If the market price of the underlying security does not exceed the exercise price of the warrant or right plus the cost thereof before the expiration date, the Fund could sustain losses despite advantageous changes in the market price of the underlying security. Warrants and rights not exercised before their expiration date cease to have value.

Low Exercise Price Call Warrants. Low exercise price call warrants, sometimes also referred to as equity-linked participation certificates, are used to gain exposure to stocks in difficult to access local markets. These warrants typically have a strike price set where the value of the warrants will be identical to the price of the underlying stock. The value of these warrants fluctuates in line with the value of the underlying stock price and therefore, the risk and return profile of the warrants is very similar to owning the underlying securities, but the Fund may also be exposed to the risk of the counterparty that issued the warrant. These warrants have no voting rights. Dividends issued to the warrant issuer by the underlying issuer will be distributed to the warrant holders, net of any taxes or commissions imposed by the local jurisdiction in respect of the receipt of such amount. In addition, these warrants are not exchangeable into the ordinary shares of the underlying stock. These warrants are typically sold in private placement transactions and may be classified as derivative instruments.

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments

Securities may be purchased on a “when-issued” or “to be announced” or “forward delivery” basis. The payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the “when-issued” securities are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment although settlement, i.e., delivery of and payment for the securities, takes place at a later date. In a “to be announced” transaction, the Fund commits to purchase securities for which all specific information is not known at the time of the trade.

Securities purchased on a “when-issued” or “forward delivery” basis are subject to changes in value based upon the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates. The value of these securities experiences appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. Purchasing securities on a “when-issued” or “forward delivery” basis can involve a risk that the yields available in the market on the settlement date may actually be higher or lower than those obtained in the transaction itself.

An increase in the percentage of the Fund’s assets committed to the purchase of securities on a “when-issued” basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.

 

47


Zero Coupon, Pay-In-Kind and Deferred Interest Securities

Zero Coupon Bond. A zero coupon bond is a security that makes no fixed interest payments but instead is sold at a discount from its face value. The bond is redeemed at its face value on the specified maturity date. Zero coupon bonds may be issued as such, or they may be created by a broker who strips the coupons from a bond and separately sells the rights to receive principal and interest. The prices of zero coupon bonds tend to fluctuate more in response to changes in market interest rates than do the prices of interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. Zero coupon bonds with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Generally, the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s income and required to be distributed by the Fund over the term of the bond, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the bond. The Fund may thus be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash the Fund actually received, and may have to dispose of other securities, including at times when it may be disadvantageous to do so, to generate the cash necessary for the distribution of income attributable to its zero coupon bonds.

Pay-In-Kind Securities. Pay-in-kind securities are bonds which pay interest through the issuance of additional debt or equity securities. Pay-in-kind securities have characteristics similar to those of zero coupon securities, but interest on such securities may be paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash. Similar to zero coupon obligations, pay-in-kind bonds also carry additional risk as holders of these types of securities realize no cash until the cash payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. The market price of pay-in-kind bonds is affected by interest rate changes to a greater extent, and therefore tends to be more volatile, than that of securities which pay interest in cash. Similar to zero coupon bonds, current Federal tax law requires the holder of pay-in-kind bonds to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. To maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for Federal income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.

Deferred Interest Bonds. Deferred interest bonds are debt obligations that generally provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins and that are issued at a significant discount from face value. The original discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until the first interest accrual date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Although this period of delay is different for each deferred interest bond, a typical period is approximately one-third of the bond’s term to maturity. Such investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its initial need for cash to meet debt service, but some also provide a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash.

Zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred interest securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at regular interest payment periods.

MANAGEMENT

Trustees and Officers

The business and affairs of the Fund are conducted by management under the supervision and subject to the direction of its Board. The business address of each Trustee (including each Independent Trustee) is c/o Jane Trust, Franklin Templeton, 100 International Drive, 11th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The tables below provide information about each of the Trustees and officers of the Trust.

Independent Trustees#:

 

Name and

 

Year of Birth

 

 

Position(s) with Trust

 

 

Term of Office*

 

and Length of

 

Time Served**

 

 

Principal Occupation(s)

During

 

the Past Five Years

 

 

Number of
Funds in the

Legg Mason

Funds

Complex

Overseen

 

by Trustee***

 

 

Other Board Memberships

Held by Trustee During the

Past Five Years

 

 

48


Paul R. Ades

Born 1940

  Trustee   Since 1983   Paul R. Ades, PLLC (law firm) (since 2000)   57   None

Andrew L. Breech

Born 1952

  Trustee   Since 1991   President, Dealer Operating Control Service, Inc. (automotive retail management) (since 1985)   57   None

Althea L. Duersten

Born 1951

 

Trustee and

Chair of the Board

 

Since 2014 (Chair

of the Board since

2021)

  Retired (since 2011); formerly, Chief Investment Officer, North America, JP Morgan Chase (investment bank) and member of JPMorgan Executive Committee (2007 to 2011)   57   Formerly, Non-Executive Director, Rokos Capital Management LLP (2019 to 2020)

Stephen R. Gross

Born 1947

  Trustee   Since 1986   Chairman Emeritus (since 2011) and formerly, Chairman, HLB Gross Collins, P.C. (accounting and consulting firm) (1979 to 2011); Executive Director of Business Builders Team, LLC (since 2005); Principal, Gross Consulting Group, LLC (since 2011); CEO, Gross Capital Partners, LLC (since 2014); CEO, Trusted CFO Solutions, LLC (since 2011)   57   None

Susan M. Heilbron

Born 1945

  Trustee   Since 1991   Retired; formerly, President, Lacey & Heilbron (communications consulting) (1990 to 2002); General Counsel and Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization (1986 to 1990); Senior Vice President, New York State Urban Development Corporation (1984 to 1986); Associate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP (1980 to 1984 and 1977 to 1979)   57   None

Arnold L. Lehman

Born 1944

  Trustee   Since 1982   Senior Advisor, Phillips (auction house) (since 2015); formerly, Fellow Ford Foundation (2015 to 2016); Director of the Brooklyn Museum (1997 to 2015)   57   Trustee of American Federation of Arts (since 2002)

Robin J.W. Masters

Born 1955

  Trustee   Since 2002   Retired; formerly, Chief Investment Officer of ACE Limited (insurance) (1986 to 2000)   57   Director of HSBC Managed Portfolios Limited and HSBC Specialist Funds Limited (since 2020); formerly, Director of Cheyne Capital International Limited (investment advisory firm) (2005 to 2020); Director/Trustee of Legg Mason Institutional Funds plc, Western Asset Fixed Income Funds plc and Western Asset Debt Securities Fund plc (2007 to 2011)

Ken Miller

Born 1942

  Trustee   Since 1983   Retired; formerly, President, Young Stuff Apparel Group, Inc. (apparel manufacturer), division of Li & Fung (1963 to 2012)   57   None

 

49


G. Peter O’Brien

Born 1945

  Trustee   Since 1999   Retired, Trustee Emeritus of Colgate University (since 2005); Board Member, Hill House, Inc. (residential home care) (since 1999); formerly, Board Member, Bridges School (pre-school) (2006 to 2017); Managing Director, Equity Capital Markets Group of Merrill Lynch & Co. (1971 to 1999)  

Trustee of Legg Mason Funds consisting of 57 portfolios; Director/

Trustee of the Royce Family Funds consisting of 16 portfolios

  Formerly, Director of TICC Capital Corp. (2003 to 2017)

Thomas F. Schlafly

Born 1948

  Trustee   Since 1983   Chairman, The Saint Louis Brewery, LLC (brewery) (since 2012); formerly, President, The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. (1989 to 2012); Senior Counsel (since 2017) and formerly, Partner (2009 to 2016), Thompson Coburn LLP (law firm)   57   Director, CNB St. Louis Bank (since 2020); formerly, Director, Citizens National Bank of Greater St. Louis (2006 to 2020)

Interested Trustee and Officer:

 

Name and

 

Year of Birth

 

 

Position(s) with Trust

 

 

Term of Office*

 

and Length of

 

Time Served**

 

 

Principal Occupation(s)

During

 

the Past Five Years

 

 

Number of
Funds in the
Legg Mason
Funds
Complex
Overseen

 

by Trustee***

 

 

Other Board Memberships

Held by Trustee During the

Past Five Years

 

Jane Trust, CFA†

Born 1962

 

Trustee, President and

Chief Executive Officer

  Since 2015   Senior Vice President, Fund Board Management, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Officer and/or Trustee/Director of 127 funds associated with LMPFA or its affiliates (since 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMPFA (since 2015); formerly, Senior Managing Director (2018 to 2020) and Managing Director (2016 to 2018) of Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (2015)   127   None

 

#

Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

*

Each Trustee serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.

**

Indicates the earliest year in which the Trustee became a board member for a fund in the Legg Mason Funds complex.

***

Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, except as otherwise noted.

Ms. Trust is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of her position with LMPFA and/or certain of its affiliates.

 

50


Additional Officers:

 

Name, Year of

Birth

 

and Address

  

Position(s) with Trust

 

  

Term of Office*

 

and Length of

 

Time Served**

 

  

Principal Occupation(s)

 

During the Past Five Years

 

Ted P. Becker

Born 1951

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Chief Compliance

Officer

  

Since 2007

   Vice President, Global Compliance of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (2006 to 2020); Managing Director of Compliance of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020)

Christopher Berarducci

Born 1974

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

  

Since 2014 and 2019

  

Vice President, Fund Administration and Reporting, Franklin Templeton (since 2020), Treasurer (since 2010) and Principal Financial Officer (since 2019) of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; formerly, Managing Director (2020), Director (2015 to 2020), and Vice President (2011 to 2015) of Legg Mason & Co.

    

    

Marc A. De Oliveira

Born 1971

Franklin Templeton

100 First Stamford Place

6th Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

  

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

  

Since 2020

  

Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Assistant Secretary of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Managing Director (2016 to 2020) and Associate General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020)

    

    

Jeanne Kelly

Born 1951

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Senior Vice President

  

Since 2007

  

U.S. Fund Board Team Manager, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Senior Vice President of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer of LM Asset Services, LLC (“LMAS”) and Legg Mason Fund Asset Management, Inc. (“LMFAM”) (formerly registered investment advisers) (since 2015); formerly, Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020), and Senior Vice President of LMFAM (2013 to 2015)

    

Susan Kerr

Born 1949

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Chief Anti-Money

Laundering

Compliance

Officer

  

Since 2013

  

Senior Compliance Analyst, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2013) and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (since 2012), Senior Compliance Officer (since 2011) and Assistant Vice President (since 2010) of the Distributor; formerly, Assistant Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (2010 to 2020)

    

Thomas C. Mandia

Born 1962

Franklin Templeton

100 First Stamford Place

6th Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

  

Senior Vice President

  

Since 2020

  

Senior Associate General Counsel to Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Secretary of LMPFA (since 2006); Assistant Secretary of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); Secretary of LMAS (since 2002) and LMFAM (formerly registered investment advisers) (since 2013); formerly, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020)

    

 

*

Each officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.

**

Indicates the earliest year in which the officer took such office.

 

51


Qualifications of Trustees, Board Leadership Structure and Oversight and Standing Committees

The Independent Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following as to each Trustee: character and integrity; service as a board member of predecessor funds and/or other funds in the Legg Mason Funds complex; willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; such person’s skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, intelligence, and common sense; their current or previous profit and non-profit board membership; such person’s considerable familiarity with the special regulatory requirements governing regulated investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company trustees; and the Trustee’s status as not being an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. Ms. Trust was selected to join the Board based upon her investment management and risk oversight experience as an executive and portfolio manager and leadership roles with Legg Mason and affiliated entities. The Board also considered her character and integrity, her willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee, her skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, intelligence, and common sense, her considerable familiarity with the special regulatory requirements governing regulated investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company trustees, and her status as a representative of Franklin Templeton. Ms. Trust is an interested person of the Fund. Ms. Duersten serves as Chair of the Board and is an Independent Trustee. Independent Trustees constitute more than 75% of the Board.

The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite attributes and skills. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Manager, the Subadviser(s), other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties support this conclusion. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply to each Trustee.

Each Trustee, except for Ms. Trust and Ms. Duersten, has served as a board member of the Fund and/or other funds in the Legg Mason Funds complex for at least eight years. Mr. Ades has substantial experience practicing law and advising clients with respect to various business transactions. Mr. Breech has substantial experience as the chief executive of a private corporation. Ms. Duersten has substantial experience as a global investment and trading manager in capital markets across multiple asset classes, including as the chief investment officer for the North American region of a major investment bank and service on its executive committee. Mr. Gross has a substantial accounting background and experience as an officer, trustee and board member of various organizations. Ms. Heilbron has substantial legal background and experience, business and consulting experience, and experience as a board member of public companies. Dr. Lehman has experience as chief executive officer of major museums and other entities involved in the arts, has previously served as a lead independent trustee and board chair for certain funds in the Legg Mason Funds complex and has experience as a founding director of the Legg Mason Funds. Ms. Masters has investment management experience as chief investment officer, as a director of an investment advisory firm and from her service on the boards of other investment companies. Mr. Miller has substantial experience as a senior executive of an operating company. Mr. O’Brien has experience at senior levels of a large financial services company and has experience from his service on the boards of academic institutions and a residential home care company. Mr. Schlafly has substantial experience practicing law and also serves as the non-executive Chairman of a private corporation and as director of a bank. Ms. Trust has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and other funds in the fund complex since 2015 and has investment management and risk oversight experience as an executive and portfolio manager and in leadership roles with Franklin Templeton (and before that, Legg Mason) and affiliated entities. References to the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board.

The Board has five standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Contract Committee, the Performance Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee (which is a sub-committee of the Governance Committee). Each Committee is chaired by an Independent Trustee. The Audit Committee and the Governance Committee are composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Contract Committee is composed of five Independent Trustees. The Performance Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. The Compensation and Nominating Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. Where deemed appropriate, the Board may constitute ad hoc committees.

The Chair of the Board and the chairs of the Audit and Performance Committees work with the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Chair of the Board also serves as a key point person for interaction between management and the other Independent Trustees. Through the committees the Independent Trustees

 

52


consider and address important matters involving the Fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that its committees help ensure that the Fund has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board also has determined that its leadership structure, in which the Chair of the Board is not affiliated with Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason, is appropriate. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information between the Independent Trustees and management, including the Fund’s Subadviser.

The Audit Committee oversees the scope of the Fund’s audit, the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the integrity of the Fund’s accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices, the qualifications and independence of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and the Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee approves, and recommends to the Board for ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Manager and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting.

The Contract Committee is charged with assisting the Board in requesting and evaluating such information from the Manager and the Subadviser as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of the Fund’s investment management agreement, subadvisory arrangements and distribution arrangements.

The Performance Committee is charged with assisting the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities over the Fund and fund management with respect to investment management, objectives, strategies, policies and procedures, performance and performance benchmarks, and the applicable risk management process.

The Governance Committee is charged with overseeing Board governance and related Trustee practices, including selecting and nominating persons for election or appointment by the Board as Trustees of the Trust. The Governance Committee has formed the Compensation and Nominating Committee, the function of which is to recommend to the Board the appropriate compensation for serving as a Trustee on the Board. In addition, the Compensation and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, selecting and recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Committee may consider nominees recommended by a shareholder. In evaluating potential nominees, including any nominees recommended by shareholders, the Committee takes into consideration various factors, including, among any others it may deem relevant, character and integrity, business and professional experience, and whether the committee believes the person has the ability to apply sound and independent business judgment and would act in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Trustees. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders.

Service providers to the Fund, primarily the Fund’s Manager, the Subadviser and, as appropriate, their affiliates, have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund, which includes responsibility for risk management. As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the Fund, the Board oversees risk management of the Fund’s investment program and business affairs. Oversight of the risk management process is part of the Board’s general oversight of the Fund and its service providers. The Board has emphasized to the Fund’s Manager and the Subadviser the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management. The Board exercises oversight of the risk management process primarily through the Audit Committee and the Performance Committee, and through oversight by the Board itself.

The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, cybersecurity risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Fund. The Fund’s Manager and the Subadviser, the affiliates of the Manager and the Subadviser, or various service providers to the Fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their

 

53


occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the Fund’s and the Manager’s Chief Compliance Officer and the Manager’s chief risk officer, as well as personnel of the Subadviser and other service providers, such as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee, the Performance Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management, as well as events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto. The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to inherent limitations.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Board met 6 times, the Audit Committee met 4 times, the Governance Committee met 4 times, the Performance Committee met 4 times, the Compensation and Nominating Committee met 1 time, and the Contract Committee met 1 time.

Trustee Ownership of Securities

The following tables show the dollar range of equity securities owned by the Trustees in the Fund and other investment companies in the Legg Mason Funds complex overseen by the Trustees as of December 31, 2022.

 

     Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund ($)
    

Name of Trustee

   All Cap Value Fund      Small Cap Value Fund      Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in All Registered
Investment Companies in Legg
Mason Funds Complex Overseen by
Trustee ($)

Independent Trustees:

        

Paul R. Ades

     None        None      Over 100,000

Andrew L. Breech

     None        None      Over 100,000

Althea L. Duersten

     None        None      Over 100,000

Stephen R. Gross

     None        None      Over 100,000

Susan M. Heilbron

     None        None      Over 100,000

Arnold L. Lehman

     None        None      Over 100,000

Robin J.W. Masters

     None        None      Over 100,000

Ken Miller

     None        None      Over 100,000

G. Peter O’Brien

     None        None      Over 100,000

Thomas F. Schlafly

     None        None      Over 100,000

Interested Trustee:

        

Jane Trust

     None        None      Over 100,000

As of December 31, 2022, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the Manager, the Subadviser, or the Distributor of the Fund, or of a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Manager, the Subadviser, or the Distributor of the Fund.

 

54


For serving as a Trustee of the Trust, each Independent Trustee receives an annual retainer plus fees for attending each regularly scheduled meeting and special Board meeting they attend in person or by telephone. Each Independent Trustee is also reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Those Independent Trustees who serve in leadership positions of the Board or Board committees, and members of the Contract Committee, the Performance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee, receive additional compensation. The Board reviews the level of Trustee compensation periodically and Trustee compensation may change from time to time. Ms. Trust, an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, does not receive compensation from the Fund for her service as Trustee. The Fund pays its pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the Trustees based upon asset size.

Officers of the Trust receive no compensation from the Fund, although they may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses for attending Board meetings.

Trustee Compensation

Information regarding compensation paid to the Trustees is shown below.

 

         Aggregate Compensation from the Fund*($)                    
Name of Trustee    All Cap Value Fund     

Small Cap Value Fund

    

Total Pension

or

Retirement

Benefits Paid

as Part of Fund
Expenses*

($)

    

Total

Compensation

from Legg Mason

Funds Complex

Paid to

Trustee**

($)

 

Independent Trustees:

           

Paul R. Ades

     8,202        665        None        446,000  

Andrew L. Breech

     8,524        691        None        463,000  

Althea L. Duersten

     9,890        802        None        541,000  

Stephen R. Gross

     8,221        667        None        448,500  

Susan M. Heilbron

     7,812        634        None        426,000  

Howard J. Johnson***,§

     8,202        665        None        446,000  

Arnold L. Lehman

     7,715        626        None        421,000  

Robin J.W. Masters

     8,202        665        None        446,000  

Jerome H. Miller***

     8,299        673        None        451,000  

Ken Miller

     8,299        673        None        451,000  

G. Peter O’Brien

     7,715        626        None        669,300  

Thomas F. Schlafly

     8,202        665        None        446,000  

Interested Trustee:

           

Jane Trust†

     None        None        None        None  

 

*

Information is for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

**

Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.

***

Messrs. Johnson and Miller retired from the Board effective December 31, 2022.

§

The total amount of deferred compensation accrued by the Trust (including earnings or depreciation in value of amounts deferred) through December 31, 2022 for Mr. Howard J. Johnson is $160,364.

Ms. Trust is not compensated by the Trust for her services as a Trustee because of her affiliations with the Manager.

 

55


INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE PROVIDER INFORMATION

Manager

The Manager, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, serves as investment manager to the Fund and provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund, pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Management Agreement”). The Manager has offices at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10017 and also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason Funds. The Manager is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, a Delaware corporation. Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as Franklin Templeton.

The Manager has agreed, under the Management Agreement, subject to the supervision of the Board, to provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision, furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, and place orders pursuant to its investment determinations. The Manager is permitted to enter into contracts with subadvisers or subadministrators, subject to the Board’s approval. The Manager has entered into subadvisory agreements, as described below.

As compensation for services performed, facilities furnished and expenses assumed by the Manager, the Fund pays the Manager a fee computed daily at an annual rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets as described below. The Manager also performs administrative and management services as reasonably requested by the Fund necessary for the operation of the Fund, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the Fund, including negotiation of contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and billings of, the Fund’s transfer agent, shareholder servicing agents, custodian and other independent contractors or agents; (ii) providing certain compliance, fund accounting, regulatory reporting and tax reporting services; (iii) preparing or participating in the preparation of Board materials, registration statements, proxy statements and reports and other communications to shareholders; (iv) maintaining the Fund’s existence; and (v) maintaining the registration or qualification of the Fund’s shares under federal and state laws.

The Management Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a 1940 Act Vote, and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees, with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.

The Management Agreement provides that the Manager may render services to others. The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the Manager, or by the Manager on not less than 90 days’ written notice to the Fund as applicable, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by the Manager. No Management Agreement is assignable by the Trust except with the consent of the Manager.

The Management Agreement provides that the Manager, its affiliates performing services contemplated by the Management Agreement, and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Manager and such affiliates, will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, for any loss arising out of any investment, or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, but the Manager is not protected against any liability to the Fund to which the Manager would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Management Agreement.

For its services under the Fund’s Management Agreement, the Manager receives an investment management fee that is calculated daily and payable monthly at an annual rate according to the following schedule:

 

  Fund

 

Average Daily Net Assets

 

Investment Management Fee Rate

(% of Average Daily Net Assets)

  All Cap Value Fund

  Up to and including $1.5 billion   0.70
  Over $1.5 billion and up to and including $2 billion   0.68

 

56


  Over $2 billion and up to and including $2.5 billion   0.65
  Over $2.5 billion and up to and including $3.5 billion   0.60
    Over $3.5 billion   0.50

Small Cap Value Fund

  N/A   0.75

The table below sets forth the management fees paid by the Fund to the Manager (waived/reimbursed amounts are in parentheses), with respect to the fiscal periods indicated:

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period Ended
September 30,
   Gross
Management
Fees ($)
   Management Fees
Waived/Expenses
Reimbursed ($)
  Net Management
Fees (After
Waivers/Expense
Reimbursements) ($)

All Cap Value Fund

   2022    10,950,776    (370,426)   10,580,350
   2021    10,656,998    (521,692)   10,135,306
   2020    9,462,505    (506,889)   8,955,616

Small Cap Value Fund

   2022    960,792    (52,997)   907,795
   2021    895,740    (49,962)   845,778
   2020    772,620    (103,982)   668,638

Any expense limitation arrangements in place during the Fund’s past three fiscal periods can be found in the Fund’s Prospectus in effect (as amended or supplemented from time to time) for such year.

Subadviser

ClearBridge Investments, LLC serves as the subadviser to the Fund (the “Subadviser”) pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between the Manager and the Subadviser (the “Subadvisory Agreement”). The Subadviser has offices at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. The Subadviser is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources.

As compensation for its services, the Manager pays to the Subadviser a fee equal to 70% of the management fee paid to the Manager by the Fund, net of any waivers and expense reimbursements.

Western Asset Management Company, LLC, organized under the laws of the State of California, (“Western Asset” and together with the Subadviser, the “Subadviser”) manages the portion of the Fund’s cash and short-term instruments allocated to it pursuant to a separate subadvisory agreement between the Manager and Western Asset (the “Western Asset Agreement” and together with the Subadvisory Agreement, the “Subadvisory Agreement”). Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. Western Asset is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources. Under the Western Asset Agreement, Western Asset is responsible, subject to the general supervision of the Manager and the Board, for the management of the portion of the Fund’s cash and short term instruments allocated to it. For Western Asset’s services to the Fund, the Manager, not the Fund, pays Western Asset 0.02% of the portion of the Fund’s average daily net assets that are allocated to Western Asset by the Manager, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.

Under the Subadvisory Agreement, subject to the supervision of the Board and the Manager, the Subadviser regularly provides with respect to the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to it by the Manager, investment research, advice,

 

57


management and supervision; furnishes a continuous investment program for the allocated assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and places orders pursuant to its investment determinations. The Subadviser may delegate to companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, certain of the Subadviser’s duties under a Subadvisory Agreement, subject to the Subadviser’s supervision, provided the Subadviser will not be relieved of its duties or obligations under the Subadvisory Agreement as a result of any delegation.

The Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) may terminate the Subadvisory Agreement without penalty, in each case on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The Subadviser may terminate the respective Subadvisory Agreement, on 90 days’ written notice to the Fund and the Manager. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. The Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by the applicable Subadviser, and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.

The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser, its affiliates performing services contemplated by the Subadvisory Agreement, and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment, or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, but the Subadviser is not protected against any liability to the Fund or the Manager to which the Subadviser would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Subadvisory Agreement.

Expenses

In addition to amounts payable under the Management Agreement and the 12b-1 Plan (as discussed in this SAI), the Fund is responsible for its own expenses, including, among other things: interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organizational costs of the Fund; costs (including interest, brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges or acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Fund’s securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to the issuance and redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Fund’s shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Fund’s shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, Trustees and employees of the Fund, if any; the Fund’s pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Trustees and employees; and litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and any legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Fund’s Trustees and officers with respect thereto.

Management may agree to implement an expense cap, waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses for one or more classes of shares. Any such expense caps, waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses are described in the Fund’s Prospectus. The expense caps, waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses do not cover extraordinary expenses, such as (a) any expenses or charges related to litigation, derivative actions, demands related to litigation, regulatory or other government investigations and proceedings, “for cause” regulatory inspections and indemnification or advancement of related expenses or costs, to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A as the same may be amended from time to time; (b) transaction costs (such as brokerage commissions and dealer and underwriter spreads) and taxes; (c) other extraordinary expenses as determined for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A, as the same may be amended from time to time; and (d) any other exclusions enumerated in the Fund’s particular expense cap. Without limiting the foregoing, extraordinary expenses are generally those that are unusual or expected to recur only infrequently, and may include such

 

58


expenses, by way of illustration, as (i) expenses of the reorganization, restructuring, redomiciling or merger of the Fund or class or the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of another fund or class; (ii) expenses of holding, and soliciting proxies for, a meeting of shareholders of the Fund or class (except to the extent relating to routine items such as the election of Trustees or the approval of the independent registered public accounting firm); and (iii) expenses of converting to a new custodian, transfer agent or other service provider, in each case to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A as the same may be amended from time to time. In order to implement an expense limitation, the Manager will, as necessary, waive management fees or reimburse operating expenses. However, the Manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the class’ expense limitation shown in the Fund’s Prospectus. In no case will the Manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the Fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding such expense limitation or any other lower limit then in effect. These arrangements may be reduced or terminated under certain circumstances.

 

59


Portfolio Managers

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

The table below identifies the portfolio managers, the number of accounts (other than the Fund) for which the portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance are also indicated, as applicable. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2022.

 

  Portfolio

  Managers

       Type of
Account
   Number of
Accounts
Managed
   Total
Assets
Managed
(Billions)
($)
   Number of
Accounts Managed
for which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based
  

Assets Managed for
which Advisory Fee is

Performance-Based

(Billions) ($)

  All Cap Value Fund

                

  Reed Cassady

     Registered Investment Companies    None   

None

   None    None
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles    None    None    None    None
     Other Accounts    5,618    2.47    None    None

  Albert Grosman

     Registered Investment Companies   

3

  

1.11

   None    None
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles    2    0.12    None    None
     Other Accounts    6,551    2.66    None    None

  Sam Peters

     Registered Investment Companies    1   

1.69

   None    None
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles    2    0.84    None    None
     Other Accounts    5,619    2.48    None    None

  Small Cap Value Fund

                

 

60


  Albert Grosman

     Registered Investment Companies   

3

  

2.32

   None    None
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles    2    0.12    None    None
     Other Accounts    6,551    2.66    None    None

  Brian Lund

     Registered Investment Companies   

2

   1.01    None    None
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles    2    0.12    None    None
     Other Accounts    932    0.19    None    None

Portfolio Managers Securities Ownership

The table below identifies ownership of equity securities of the Fund by the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund as of September 30, 2022. These holdings are in addition to the shares held for the benefit of the portfolio managers under the incentive compensation program of the Subadviser.

 

   Portfolio Managers

     

Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities ($)

  All Cap Value Fund

      

  Reed Cassady

  Albert Grosman

  Sam Peters

      

None

Over 100,000

Over 100,000

  Small Cap Value Fund

      

  Albert Grosman

  Brian Lund

      

Over 100,000

Over 100,000

Potential Conflicts of Interest

In this subsection and the next subsection titled “Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure”, “Subadviser” refers to ClearBridge Investments, LLC.

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when the Fund’s portfolio managers also have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the Fund’s portfolio managers.

The Subadviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Subadviser and the individuals that each employs. For example, the Subadviser seeks to minimize the effects of competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by assigning portfolio managers to manage funds and accounts that share a similar investment style. The Subadviser has also adopted trade allocation

 

61


procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair allocation of investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Subadviser and the Fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts include:

Allocation of Limited Time and Attention. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

Allocation of Investment Opportunities. If a portfolio manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit a fund’s ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity. The Subadviser has adopted policies and procedures to ensure that all accounts, including the Fund, are treated equitably.

Pursuit of Differing Strategies. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he or she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.

Selection of Broker/Dealers. In addition to executing trades, some broker/dealers provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. For this reason, the Subadviser has formed a brokerage committee that reviews, among other things, the allocation of brokerage to broker/dealers, best execution and soft dollar usage.

Variation in Compensation. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he or she manages. If the structure of the manager’s management fee (and the percentage paid to the Subadviser) differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain funds and/or accounts over others.

The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he or she has an interest or in which the manager and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager’s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager in affording preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.

Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure

The Subadviser’s portfolio managers participate in a competitive compensation program that is designed to attract and retain outstanding investment professionals and closely align the interests of its investment professionals with those of its clients and overall firm results. The total compensation program includes a significant incentive component that rewards high performance standards, integrity, and collaboration consistent with the firm’s values. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed and modified each year as appropriate to reflect changes in the market and to ensure the continued alignment with the goals stated above. The Subadviser’s portfolio managers and other investment professionals receive a combination of base compensation and discretionary compensation, comprising a cash incentive award and deferred incentive plans described below.

Base salary compensation. Base salary is fixed and primarily determined based on market factors and the experience and responsibilities of the investment professional within the firm.

Discretionary compensation. In addition to base compensation managers may receive discretionary compensation.

Discretionary compensation can include:

 

   

Cash Incentive Award

   

The Subadviser’s Deferred Incentive Plan (CDIP)—a mandatory program that typically defers 15% of discretionary year-end compensation into the Subadviser’s managed products. For portfolio managers, one-third of this deferral tracks the performance of their primary managed product, one-third tracks the performance of a composite portfolio of the firm’s

 

62


 

new product and one-third can be elected to track the performance of one or more of the Subadviser’s managed funds. Consequently, portfolio managers can have two-thirds of their CDIP award tracking the performance of their primary managed products. For centralized research analysts, two-thirds of their deferral is elected to track the performance of one of more of Subadviser’s managed funds, while one-third tracks the performance of the new product composite. The Subadviser then makes a company investment in the proprietary managed funds equal to the deferral amounts by fund. This investment is a company asset held on the balance sheet and paid out to the employees in the shares subject to vesting requirements.

   

Franklin Resources Restricted Stock Deferral—a mandatory program that typically defers 5% of discretionary year-end compensation into Franklin Resources restricted stock. The award is paid out to employees in shares subject to vesting requirements.

Several factors are considered by the Subadviser’s Senior Management when determining discretionary compensation for portfolio managers. These include but are not limited to:

 

   

Investment performance. A portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the fund/accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Investment performance is calculated for 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods measured against the applicable product benchmark (e.g., a securities index and, with respect to a fund, the benchmark set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus) and relative to applicable industry peer groups. The greatest weight is generally placed on 3- and 5-year performance.

   

Appropriate risk positioning that is consistent with the Subadviser’s investment philosophy and the Investment Committee/CIO approach to generation of alpha.

   

Overall firm profitability and performance.

   

Amount and nature of assets managed by the portfolio manager.

   

Contributions for asset retention, gathering and client satisfaction.

   

Contribution to mentoring, coaching and/or supervising.

   

Contribution and communication of investment ideas in the Subadviser’s Investment Committee meetings and on a day to day basis.

   

Market compensation survey research by independent third parties.

Custodian and Transfer Agent

The Fund has entered into an agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”), 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, to serve as custodian of the Fund. BNY Mellon, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of the Fund, receives and delivers all assets for the Fund upon purchase and upon sale or maturity, collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the Fund and makes disbursements on behalf of the Fund. BNY Mellon neither determines the Fund’s investment policies nor decides which securities the Fund will buy or sell. For its services, BNY Mellon receives a monthly fee based upon the daily average market value of securities held in custody and also receives securities transaction charges, including out-of-pocket expenses. The Fund may also periodically enter into arrangements with other qualified custodians with respect to certain types of securities or other transactions such as repurchase agreements or derivatives transactions. BNY Mellon may also act as the Fund’s securities lending agent and in that case would receive a share of the income generated by such activities.

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. Please send all correspondence to Investor Services at P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.

Investor Services receives 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.

In addition, Investor Services may make payments (or cause payments to be made) to financial intermediaries that provide administrative services to defined benefit plans. Investor Services does not seek reimbursement by the Fund for such payments.

 

63


For all classes of shares of the Fund, except for Class IS shares, Investor Services may also pay servicing fees, that will be reimbursed by the Fund, in varying amounts to certain financial institutions (to help offset their costs associated with client account maintenance support, statement preparation and transaction processing) that (i) maintain omnibus accounts with the Fund in the institution’s name on behalf of numerous beneficial owners of Fund shares who are either direct clients of the institution or are participants in an IRS-recognized tax-deferred savings plan (including Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans and Section 529 Plans) for which the institution, or its affiliate, provides participant level recordkeeping services (called “Beneficial Owners”); or (ii) provide support for Fund shareholder accounts by sharing account data with Investor Services through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) networking system. In addition to servicing fees received from the Fund, these financial institutions also may charge a fee for their services directly to their clients. Investor Services will also receive a fee from the Fund (other than for Class IS shares) for services provided in support of Beneficial Owners and NSCC networking system accounts.

Fund Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 100 East Pratt Street, Suite 2600, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Portfolio Transactions

Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement and subject to the general supervision of the Board and in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies, the Subadviser is responsible for the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions with respect to assets allocated to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized to place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it.

In certain instances, there may be securities that are suitable as an investment for the Fund as well as for one or more of the other clients of the Subadviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and for the Subadviser’s other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could adversely affect the price of or the size of the position obtainable in a security for the Fund. When purchases or sales of the same security for the Fund and for other portfolios managed by the Subadviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large volume purchases or sales.

Transactions on stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions by the Fund. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of brokerage commissions that may be higher than those in the United States. Fixed income securities are generally traded on a net basis (i.e., without a commission) through dealers acting as principal for their own account and not as brokers. This means that a dealer makes a market for securities by offering to buy at one price and selling the security at a slightly higher price. The difference between the prices is known as a “spread.” Other portfolio transactions may be executed through brokers acting as agents and the Fund will pay a spread or commission in connection with such transactions. The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriting commission, concession or a net price. The Fund may also purchase securities directly from the issuer. The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for the three most recent fiscal years or periods, as applicable, are set forth below under “Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid.”

 

64


Brokerage and Research Services

The general policy of the Subadviser in selecting brokers and dealers is to obtain the best results achievable in the context of a number of factors which are considered both in relation to individual trades and broader trading patterns. The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather, in placing orders on behalf of the Fund, the Subadviser also takes into account other factors bearing on the overall quality of execution, such as size of the order, difficulty of execution, the reliability of the broker/dealer, the competitiveness of the price and the commission, the research services received and whether the broker/dealer commits its own capital.

In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer that provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. Investment research services include information and analysis on particular companies and industries as well as market or economic trends and portfolio strategy, market quotations for portfolio evaluations, analytical software and similar products and services. If a research service also assists the Subadviser in a non-research capacity (such as bookkeeping or other administrative functions), then only the percentage or component that provides assistance to the Subadviser in the investment decision making process may be paid in commission dollars. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities that the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser may also have arrangements with brokers pursuant to which such brokers provide research services to the Subadviser in exchange for a certain volume of brokerage transactions to be executed by such brokers. While the payment of higher commissions increases the Fund’s costs, the Subadviser does not believe that the receipt of such brokerage and research services significantly reduces its expenses as Subadviser. Arrangements for the receipt of research services from brokers (so-called “soft dollar” arrangements) may create conflicts of interest. Although the Subadviser is authorized to use soft dollar arrangements in order to obtain research services, it is not required to do so, and the Subadviser may not be able or may choose not to use soft dollar arrangements because of regulatory restrictions, operational considerations or for other reasons.

Research services furnished to the Subadviser by brokers that effect securities transactions for the Fund may be used by the Subadviser in servicing other investment companies and accounts which the Subadviser manages. Similarly, research services furnished to the Subadviser by brokers that effect securities transactions for other investment companies and accounts which the Subadviser manages may be used by the Subadviser in servicing the Fund. Not all of these research services are used by the Subadviser in managing any particular account, including the Fund.

Firms that provide research and brokerage services to the Subadviser may also promote the sale of the Fund or other pooled investment vehicles advised by the Subadviser, and the Subadviser and/or its affiliates may separately compensate them for doing so. Such brokerage business is placed on the basis of brokerage and research services provided by the firm and is not based on any sales of the Fund or other pooled investment vehicles advised by the Subadviser.

The Fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best net results, brokerage transactions may be conducted through “affiliated broker/dealers,” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund’s Board has adopted procedures in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage commissions paid to such affiliates are reasonable and fair in the context of the market in which such affiliates operate. For the three most recent fiscal periods (as applicable), the Fund did not pay any brokerage commission to its affiliates.

Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid

The table below shows the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund during the periods indicated.

 

65


Fund

       For the Fiscal Period Ended    
September 30,
   Aggregate Brokerage
        Commissions Paid ($)        

All Cap Value Fund

   2022    701,797
   2021    492,368
   2020    434,722

Small Cap Value Fund

   2022    120,442
   2021    87,704
   2020    82,268

The table below shows the amount of transactions (if any) for the most recent fiscal period that were directed to firms that provided research services and the commissions paid on such transactions.

 

  Fund

   Total Amount of Brokerage
    Transactions Related to Research    
Services ($)
   Total Commissions Paid on
Transactions Related to Research
Services ($)

  All Cap Value Fund

   751,318,732    475,688

  Small Cap Value Fund

   96,354,630    73,382

Securities of Regular Broker/Dealers

As of September 30, 2022, Small Cap Value Fund did not hold securities issued by its regular broker/dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act).

Securities of Regular Broker/Dealers

As of September 30, 2022, the value of the Fund’s holdings of the securities of its regular broker/dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) were as follows:

 

Fund

                   Broker/Dealer                        Type of
Security
Owned
D=Debt
    E=Equity    
       Market Value    
(000’s) ($)

All Cap Value Fund

   Wells Fargo Securities LLC    E    50,275

Portfolio Turnover

For reporting purposes, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund’s investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year.

In the event that portfolio turnover increases, this increase necessarily results in correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be paid by the Fund. To the extent the portfolio trading results in recognition of net short-term capital gains, shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions of such gains at ordinary tax rates (except shareholders who invest through IRAs and other retirement plans which are not taxed currently on accumulations in their accounts).

 

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Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Subadviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

 

             For the Fiscal Period Ended                    For the Fiscal Period Ended        

Fund

   2022 (%)    2021 (%)

All Cap Value Fund

   28    28

Small Cap Value Fund

   44    53

SHARE OWNERSHIP

Principal Shareholders

As of January 4, 2023, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following shareholders owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the classes of the Fund as set forth below:

 

  Class

  

  Name and Address

     Percent of Class (%)                

All Cap Value Fund

     

A                                                            

  

BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING

(US) INC

FBO PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES

760 MOORE RD

KING OF PRUSSIA PA 19406-1212

   63.43

A

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   17.65

C

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   42.27

C

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

     9.72

C

  

WELLS FARGO CLEARING SVCS LLC

2801 MARKET STREET

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63103

     7.79

C

  

UBS WM USA FBO

SPEC CDY A/C EXL BEN CUSTOMERS

OF UBSFSI

1000 HARBOR BLVD

WEEHAWKEN, NJ 07086

     7.40

 

67


  Class

  

  Name and Address

     Percent of Class (%)                

C                                                            

  

AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC

707 2ND AVE S

MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405

     5.32

C

  

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC

SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

211 MAIN STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

     5.16

I

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   51.86

I

  

RAYMOND JAMES

OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS

880 CARILLON PKWY

ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100

     9.08

I

  

SAMUEL M PETERS

4214 GREENWAY

BALTIMORE MD 21218-1134

     6.35

IS

  

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC

SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO

CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

211 MAIN STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

   31.19

IS

  

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP

FBO EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUST

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR

499 WASHINGTON BLVD

JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-2010

   18.58

IS

  

GREAT-WEST TRUST COMPANY LLC TTEE F

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CLIENTS 401K

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111

   14.89

IS

  

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC

SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

211 MAIN STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

   13.86

 

68


  Class

  

  Name and Address

     Percent of Class (%)                

IS

  

STIFEL NICOLAUS & CO INC

EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS

501 N BROADWAY

ST LOUIS MO 63102-2188

     9.49

IS

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

     7.02

Small Cap Value Fund    

     

A                                                            

  

BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING

(US) INC

FBO PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES

760 MOORE RD

KING OF PRUSSIA PA 19406-1212

   35.09

A

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   28.03

C

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   28.90

C

  

BARBARA WOLF TTEE FBO

MEDICUS FORENSICS PA 401K PSP

C/O FASCORE LLC

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111

   11.09

C

  

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

DEPARTMENT 4TH FL

499 WASHINGTON BLVD

JERSEY CITY NJ 07310

     7.92

C

  

CAPITAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY TTEE F

OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF CORTLAND INC 40

8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2

GREENWOOD VLG CO 80111-5002

     5.41

 

69


  Class

  

  Name and Address

     Percent of Class (%)                

I                                                            

  

CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC

SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO

CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS

211 MAIN STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1905

   25.90

I

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   17.94

I

  

SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY

ATTN MUTUAL FUND ADMINISTRATOR

ONE FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE

OAKS PA 19456

   15.48

I

  

WELLS FARGO CLEARING SVCS LLC

2801 MARKET STREET

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63103

     6.23

I

  

MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

ATTN: FUND ADMINISTRATION

4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR

JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484

     5.06

IS

  

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP

FBO EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUST

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR

499 WASHINGTON BLVD

JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-2010

   40.08

IS

  

MORI & CO

922 WALNUT ST

MAILSTOP TBTS 2

KANSAS CITY MO 64106

   21.11

IS

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

   15.47

IS

  

MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

ATTN: FUND ADMINISTRATION

4800 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST 3RD FLOOR

JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484

   13.02

 

70


  Class

  

  Name and Address

     Percent of Class (%)                

IS                                                           

  

JP MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

OMNIBUS ACCOUNT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE

BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS

3RD FLOOR MUTUAL FUND DEPARTMENT

BROOKLYN NY 11245

     7.18

As of January 4, 2023, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following shareholders owned of record or beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as set forth below. Shareholders who beneficially own 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund or who are otherwise deemed to “control” the Fund may be able to determine or significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

  Fund

  

  Name and Address

     Percent of Fund (%)                

All Cap Value Fund

  

BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING

US INC

FBO PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES

760 MOORE RD

KING OF PRUSSIA PA 194061212

   61.89

Small Cap Value Fund

  

BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING

US INC

FBO PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES

760 MOORE RD

KING OF PRUSSIA PA 194061212

   30.30

Small Cap Value Fund            

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   26.84

As of January 4, 2023, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund.

DISTRIBUTOR

Franklin Distributors, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, located at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as the sole and exclusive distributor of the Fund pursuant to a written agreement (as amended, the “Distribution Agreement”).

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is appointed as principal underwriter and distributor in connection with the offering and sale of shares of the Fund. The Distributor offers the shares on an agency or “best efforts” basis under which the Fund issues only the number of shares actually sold. Shares of the Fund are continuously offered by the Distributor.

The Distribution Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund if approved (a) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose.

The Distribution Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or by the Distributor, on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other party (unless the notice period is waived by mutual consent). The Distribution Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment.

 

71


The Distributor may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act. Dealer reallowances, if any, are described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

The Distributor, the Manager, their affiliates and their personnel have interests in promoting sales of the Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton Funds, including remuneration, fees and profitability relating to services to and sales of the funds. Associated persons of the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates (including wholesalers registered with the Distributor) may receive additional compensation related to the sale of individual Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton Funds or categories of Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton Funds. The Manager, the Subadviser, and their advisory or other personnel may also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management.

Service Agents also may benefit from the sales of shares of funds sold by the Distributor. For example, in connection with such sales, Service Agents may receive compensation from the Fund (with respect to the Fund as a whole or a particular class of shares) and/or from the Manager, the Distributor, and/or their affiliates, as further described below. The structure of these compensation arrangements, as well as the amounts paid under such arrangements, vary and may change from time to time. In addition, new compensation arrangements may be negotiated at any time. The compensation arrangements described in this section are not mutually exclusive, and a single Service Agent may receive multiple types of compensation.

The Distributor has agreements in place with Service Agents defining how much each firm will be paid for the sale of the Fund from sales charges, if any, paid by Fund shareholders and from 12b-1 Plan fees, if any, paid to the Distributor by the Fund. These Service Agents then pay their employees or associated persons who sell such fund shares from the sales charges and/or fees they receive. The Service Agent, and/or its employees or associated persons may receive a payment when a sale is made and will, in most cases, continue to receive ongoing payments while you are invested in the Fund. In other cases, the Distributor may retain all or a portion of such fees and sales charges.

In addition, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates may make additional payments (which are often referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) to the Service Agents from their past profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the Fund. Revenue sharing payments are a form of compensation paid to a Service Agent in addition to the sales charges paid by Fund shareholders or 12b-1 Plan fees paid by the Fund. The Manager, the Distributor and/or certain of its affiliates may revise the terms of any existing revenue sharing arrangement and may enter into additional revenue sharing arrangements with other Service Agents.

Revenue sharing arrangements are intended, among other things, to foster the sale of Fund shares and/or to compensate financial services firms for assisting in marketing or promotional activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares. In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Manager and the Distributor generally expect to receive the opportunity for the Fund to be sold through the Service Agents’ sales forces or to have access to third-party platforms or other marketing programs, including but not limited to mutual fund “supermarket” platforms or other sales programs. To the extent that Service Agents receiving revenue sharing payments sell more shares of the Fund, the Manager and the Distributor and/or their affiliates benefit from the increase in Fund assets as a result of the fees they receive from the Fund. The Distributor, LMPFA or their affiliates consider revenue sharing arrangements based on a variety of factors and services to be provided.

Revenue sharing payments are usually calculated based on a percentage of Fund sales and/or Fund assets attributable to a particular Service Agent. Payments are at times based on other criteria or factors such as, for example, a fee per each transaction. Specific payment formulas are negotiated based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships and scope and quality of services provided. In addition, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates may pay flat fees on a one-time or irregular basis for the initial set-up of the Fund on a Service Agent’s systems, participation or attendance at a Service Agent’s meetings, or for other reasons. Furthermore, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates at times pay certain education and training costs of Service Agents (including, in some cases, travel expenses) to train and educate the personnel of the Service Agents. In addition, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates at times may provide access to technology and other tools and support services that facilitate the marketing and promotion of investment management portfolios sponsored by Legg Mason, Franklin Templeton and/or their affiliates. It is likely that Service Agents that execute portfolio transactions for the Fund will include those firms with which the Manager, the Distributor and/or certain of their affiliates have entered into revenue sharing arrangements.

 

72


The Fund generally pays the transfer agent for certain recordkeeping and administrative services. In addition, the Fund may pay Service Agents for certain recordkeeping, administrative, sub-accounting and networking services. These services include maintenance of shareholder accounts by the firms, such as recordkeeping and other activities that otherwise would be performed by the Fund’s transfer agent. Administrative fees may be paid to a firm that undertakes, for example, shareholder communications on behalf of the Fund. Networking services are services undertaken to support the electronic transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”). These payments are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a Service Agent or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by a Service Agent. The Distributor, the Manager and/or their affiliates may make all or a portion of these payments.

In addition, the Fund reimburses the Distributor for NSCC fees that are invoiced to the Distributor as the party to the agreement with NSCC for the administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These services include transaction processing and settlement through Fund/SERV, electronic networking services to support the transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders to and from Service Agents, and related recordkeeping provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders.

If your Fund shares are purchased through a retirement plan, the Distributor, the Manager or certain of their affiliates at times also make similar payments to those described in this section to the plan’s recordkeeper or an affiliate.

Revenue sharing payments, as well as the other types of compensation arrangements described in this section, create an incentive for Service Agents and their employees or associated persons to recommend the Fund over other investments or sell shares of the Fund to customers and in doing so may create conflicts of interest between the firms’ financial interests and the interests of their customers. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any Fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities.

As of December 31, 2022, the Distributor, the Manager or their affiliates made revenue sharing payments to the Service Agents listed below (or their affiliates or successors). It is possible that each Service Agent listed is not receiving payments with respect to each fund sold by the Distributor. This list of intermediaries will change over time, and any additions, modifications or deletions thereto that have occurred since December 31, 2022 are not reflected.

 

Acadia Life Limited    ADP Retirement Services
Advisor Group Inc.    Allianz
American Enterprise Investment Services, Inc.    American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc.
American United Life Insurance Company    Ascensus, Inc.
Aspire Financial Services, LLC    Avantax Wealth Management
AXA Advisors, LLC    Axos Financial, Inc
BBVA Securities, Inc.    Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc.
Benjamin F. Edwards & Company, Inc.    Brighthouse Financial
Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc.    CAIS Capital, LLC
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.    Cetera Advisor Networks LLC
Cetera Advisors LLC    Charles Schwab & Co.
Cetera Investment Services LLC    Cetera Financial Specialists LLC
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.    Citizens Securities, Inc.
Commonwealth Financial Network    CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
CUSO Financial Services, L.P.    Deutsche Bank
Digital Retirement Solutions    DWC-The 401(K) Experts
E*TRADE Securities LLC.    Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
Empower Retirement    ePlan Services, Inc.
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc.    First Allied Securities, Inc.
First Command Financial Planning, Inc.    FPS Services LLC.
FSC Securities Corporation    Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company
Goldman, Sachs & Co,    Group 4 Financial LLC.
Hantz Financial Services, Inc.    Investacorp, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC    Jefferson National Life Insurance Company

 

73


John Hancock Distributors LLC    JP Morgan Securities LLC
KMS Financial Services, Inc.    LaSalle St. Securities
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation    Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation
Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.    Lincoln Retirement Services Company LLC
Lombard International LLC    LPL Financial
M&T Securities, Inc.    Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Merrill Lynch    MetLife Insurance Company USA
Midland National Insurance Company    Minnesota Life Insurance Company
MML Investors Services, LLC    Morgan Stanley
MSCS Financial Services LLC    National Security Life and Annuity Company
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.    New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
Northwestern Mutual Investment Svcs LLC    Ohio National Financial Services
Pacific Life Insurance Company    Paychex Securities Corporation
Pershing, LLC    PFS Investments, Inc.
PNC Investments LLC    Principal Financial Group
Princor Financial Services    Protective Life Insurance
Prudential Insurance Company of America    Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets LLC    Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
Royal Alliance Associates    SagePoint Financial, Inc.
Sammons Financial Group, Inc.    Securities America, Inc.
Securities Service Network, Inc.    Sorrento Pacific Financial, LLC
Stifel Financial Corporation    Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (US)
TD Ameritrade Trust Company    TFS Securities, Inc.
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.    The Huntington Investment Company
The Investment Center, Inc.    TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC
TIFIN Wealth    Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company
U.S. Bancorp Investments    UBS Financial Services, Inc.
UnionBanc Investment Services, LLC    USI Advisors, Inc.
Valor Financial Securities, LLC    Vestwell Holdings, Inc.
Voya Financial Advisors, LLC    Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Western International Securities, Inc.    Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.

The Distributor, the Manager or their affiliates may also pay fees, from their own assets, to Service Agents for providing other distribution-related services as well as recordkeeping, administrative, subaccounting, and networking services (or portions thereof), and other shareholder or administrative services in connection with investments in the Fund. These payments may be considered revenue sharing payments. The Service Agents receiving such payments may not be listed above.

You should assume that your Service Agent receives revenue sharing payments and/or other compensation described in this SAI. Please contact your Service Agent for details about any payments it (and its employees) may receive from the Fund and/or from the Distributor, the Manager and/or their affiliates. You should review your Service Agent’s disclosure and/or talk to your Service Agent to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your Service Agent’s recommendation of the Fund.

Dealer Commissions and Concessions

From time to time, the Distributor or the Manager, at its expense, may provide compensation or promotional incentives (“concessions”) to dealers that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Fund or a managed account strategy of which the Fund is part. Such concessions provided by the Distributor or the Manager may include financial assistance to dealers in connection with preapproved conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred by registered representatives and other employees for such seminars or training programs, seminars for the public, advertising and sales campaigns regarding one or more funds, and/or other dealer-sponsored events. From time to time, the Distributor or the Manager may make expense reimbursements for special training of a dealer’s registered representatives and other employees in group meetings or to help pay the expenses of sales

 

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contests. Other concessions may be offered to the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as the FINRA.

Sales Charges

The following expenses were incurred during the fiscal periods indicated:

Initial Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amounts of initial sales charges received on Class A shares and the amounts retained by the Distributor were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period
Ended

            September 30,            
   Total
    Commissions ($)    
   Amounts
Retained by
    Distributor ($)    

All Cap Value Fund

   2022    1,324,931    332,845
   2021    1,294,480    212,251
   2020    1,433,770    225,471

Small Cap Value Fund

   2022    110,107    16,985
   2021    89,042    14,272
   2020    87,425    14,768

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amounts of contingent deferred sales charges on Class A and Class C shares received and retained by the Distributor were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

Fund

       For the Fiscal Period Ended    
September 30,
       Amounts Retained by    
Distributor ($)

All Cap Value Fund

   2022    1,223
   2021    491
   2020    678

Small Cap Value Fund

   2022    130
   2021    29
   2020    9

Class C Shares

 

Fund

       For the Fiscal Period Ended    
September 30,
       Amounts Retained by    
Distributor ($)

All Cap Value Fund

   2022    456
   2021    661
   2020    974

 

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Small Cap Value Fund

   2022    62
   2021    105
   2020    27

Services and Distribution Plan

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted a 12b-1 Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the 12b-1 Plan, the Fund may pay monthly fees to the Distributor at up to the annual rates set forth below (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the applicable share class).

 

  Fund/Class

               Rate (%)              

  All Cap Value Fund

  

Class A

     0.25  

Class C

     1.00  

Class R

     0.50  

  Small Cap Value Fund

  

Class A

     0.25  

Class C

     1.00  

Class R

     0.50  

The Fund will provide the Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Fees under the 12b-1 Plan may be used to make payments to the Distributor, Service Agents and other parties with respect to the sale of Fund shares for advertising, marketing or other promotional activity, and payments for preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than existing shareholders. The Fund also may make payments to the Distributor, Service Agents and others for providing personal service or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The amounts paid to each recipient may vary based upon certain factors, including, among other things, the levels of sales of shares and/or shareholder services; provided, however, that the fees paid to a recipient with respect to a particular class that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of that class, or that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended for personal service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts, may not exceed the maximum amounts, if any, as may from time to time be permitted for such services under FINRA Conduct Rule 2341 or any successor rule, in each case as amended or interpreted by FINRA.

Since fees paid under the 12b-1 Plan are not tied directly to expenses incurred by the Distributor (or others), the amount of the fees paid by a class of the Fund during any year may be more or less than actual expenses incurred by the Distributor (or others). This type of distribution fee arrangement is characterized by the staff of the SEC as being of the “compensation variety” (in contrast to “reimbursement” arrangements by which a distributor’s payments are directly linked to its expenses). Thus, even if the Distributor’s expenses exceed the fees provided for by the 12b-1 Plan, the Fund will not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if expenses incurred by the Distributor (or others) are less than the fees paid to the Distributor and others, they will realize a profit.

The 12b-1 Plan recognizes that various service providers to the Fund, such as the Manager, may make payments for distribution, marketing or sales-related expenses out of their own resources of any kind, including profits or payments received from the Fund for other purposes, such as management fees. The 12b-1 Plan provides that, to the extent that such payments might be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, the payments are deemed to be authorized by the 12b-1 Plan.

Under its terms, the 12b-1 Plan continues in effect for successive annual periods, provided continuance is specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreements related to it (“Qualified Trustees”). The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase the amount of the service and distribution fees without shareholder approval, and all amendments of

 

76


the 12b-1 Plan also must be approved by the Trustees, including the Qualified Trustees, in the manner described above. The 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to a class of the Fund at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The following service and distribution fees were incurred by the Fund pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan in effect during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022:

 

Fund/Class

       Service and Distribution Fees Incurred    
($)
         Service and Distribution Fees    
Waived/Reimbursed ($)
 

All Cap Value Fund

     

Class A

     3,816,496        141  

Class C

     77,046        0  

Small Cap Value Fund

     

Class A

     265,708        8  

Class C

     32,511        24  

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022, the Distributor incurred distribution expenses for advertising, printing and mailing prospectuses, support service and overhead expenses and compensation to Service Agents and third parties as expressed in the following table. The Distributor may have made revenue sharing payments in addition to the expenses shown here.

 

Fund/Class

   Third Party Fees
($)
   Financial
Consultant
Compensation
(Amortized) ($)
   Marketing ($)    Printing ($)    Total
Expenses ($)

All Cap Value Fund

              

Class A

   3,816,496    26,933    362,056    0    4,205,484

Class C

   77,046    7,960    5,347    0    90,352

Small Cap Value Fund

              

Class A

   265,708    5,596    35,357    0    306,662

Class C

   32,511    980    2,386    0    35,878

PURCHASE OF SHARES

Purchases of Fund shares are discussed under the “Buying shares” and “Exchanging shares” sections of the Fund’s Prospectus; this information is incorporated herein by reference. See the Fund’s Prospectus for a discussion of which share classes of the Fund are available for purchase, who is eligible to purchase shares of each class, and applicable investment minimums.

Investors may purchase shares from a Service Agent. However, Service Agents may not offer all classes of shares. In addition, certain investors, including retirement plans purchasing through certain Service Agents, may purchase shares directly from the Fund. When purchasing shares of the Fund, investors must specify the class of shares being purchased. Payment must be made with the purchase order. Service Agents may charge their customers an annual account maintenance fee in connection with a brokerage or other financial account through which an investor purchases or holds shares. Accounts held directly at the transfer agent are not subject to a maintenance fee.

 

77


Purchase orders received by the Fund prior to the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the Fund calculates its NAV are priced according to the NAV determined on that day (the “trade date”). Orders received by a Service Agent prior to the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the Fund calculates its NAV are priced according to the NAV determined on that day, provided the order is transmitted by the Service Agent to the Fund’s transfer agent in accordance with their agreed-upon procedures. See “Valuation of Shares” below for additional information about the NYSE’s holiday schedule. NAV is calculated separately for each share class.

Class A Shares. Class A shares are sold to investors at the public offering price, which is the NAV plus an initial sales charge, as described in the Fund’s Prospectus. The sales charge is waived for shareholders purchasing Class A shares through accounts where the Distributor is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”). Shareholders purchasing Class A shares through certain Service Agents or in certain types of accounts may be eligible for a waiver of the initial sales charge. For more information, see the appendix to the Prospectus titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”

The Distributor and Service Agents may receive a portion of the sales charge as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and may be deemed to be underwriters of the Fund as defined in the 1933 Act. Sales charges are calculated based on the aggregate of purchases of Class A shares of the Fund made at one time by any “person,” which includes an individual and his or her spouse and children, or a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or single fiduciary account. For additional information regarding sales charge reductions, see “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares” below.

Class A Shares. Purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more will be made at NAV without any initial sales charge on purchases but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions made within 18 months of purchase (except for purchases made through Distributor Accounts). The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in the same circumstances in which the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to Class C shares is waived. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions” and “Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge” below.

Class C Shares. Class C shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts. Class C shares are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge on purchases but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions.”

Class C1 Shares. Class C1 shares are not available for purchase by new or existing investors (except for certain retirement plan programs authorized by the Distributor prior to August 1, 2012). Class C1 shares will continue to be available for dividend reinvestment and incoming exchanges. Class C1 shares are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge on purchases but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions.”

Class D Shares. Class D shares are offered to a limited group of investors who invest in the Fund through certain financial intermediary and retirement plan programs. Service Agents selling Class D shares may in the future discontinue offering Class D shares to clients of financial intermediaries. A Service Agent or financial intermediary may impose investment minimums. For more information about these programs, contact a Service Agent.

Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS Shares. Class FI shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts. Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shares are sold at NAV with no initial sales charge on purchases and no contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption.

Class I shares may be purchased directly from the Fund by the following persons: (i) current employees of the Manager and its affiliates; (ii) former employees of the Manager and its affiliates with existing accounts; (iii) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Franklin Resources; (iv) current and former board members of Franklin Resources; and (v) the “immediate families” of such persons. “Immediate families” are such person’s spouse (including the surviving spouse of a deceased board member), parents, grandparents, and children and grandchildren (including step-relationships). For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. Current employees may purchase additional Class I shares through a systematic investment plan.

Class IS shares may be purchased only by retirement plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the Fund, certain rollover IRAs and Institutional Investors, Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries and other investors authorized by the Distributor. In order to purchase Class IS shares, an investor must hold its shares in an account that is not subject to payment of fees for recordkeeping services, account servicing, networking, or similar services to Service Agents.

 

78


Class 1 Shares. Class 1 shares are closed to all purchases and incoming exchanges. Investors owning Class 1 shares may continue to maintain their then-current Class 1 shares but are no longer permitted to add to their Class 1 share positions, except through reinvestments of dividends.

* * * * *

Under certain circumstances, an investor who purchases Fund shares pursuant to a fee-based advisory account program of an Eligible Financial Intermediary as authorized by the Distributor may be afforded an opportunity to make a conversion between one or more share classes owned by the investor in the same Fund to Class I shares of that Fund. Such a conversion in these particular circumstances does not cause the investor to realize taxable gain or loss.

For additional information regarding applicable investment minimums and eligibility requirements for purchases of Fund shares, please see the Fund’s Prospectus.

Systematic Investment Plan

Shareholders may make additions to their accounts at any time by purchasing shares through a service known as the Systematic Investment Plan. Under the Systematic Investment Plan, shareholders may arrange for automatic periodic investments of $25 or more in certain share classes by authorizing the Distributor or the transfer agent to charge the shareholder’s account held with a bank or other financial institution, as indicated by the shareholder, to provide for systematic additions to the shareholder’s Fund account. Shareholders have the option of selecting the frequency of the investment as long as the investment equals a minimum of $25 per month. Shareholders may terminate participation in the Systematic Investment Plan at any time without charge or penalty. Additional information is available from the Fund or your Service Agent.

Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares

Initial Sales Charge Waivers. Purchases of Class A shares may be made at NAV without an initial sales charge in the following circumstances:

 

      i.

sales to (a) current and retired board members, (b) current employees of Franklin Resources and its subsidiaries, (c) the “immediate families” of such persons, as defined above, and (d) a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons;

 

     ii.

sales to employees of certain Service Agents having dealer, service or other selling agreements with the Distributor or otherwise having an arrangement with any such Service Agent with respect to sales of Fund shares, and by the immediate families of such persons or by a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons (providing the purchase is made for investment purposes and such securities will not be resold except through redemption or repurchase);

 

    iii.

offers of Class A shares to any other investment company to effect the combination of such company with the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

 

    iv.

purchases by shareholders who have redeemed Class A shares in the Fund (or Class A shares of another fund sold by the Distributor that is offered with a sales charge) and who wish to reinvest their redemption proceeds in the Fund, provided the reinvestment is made within 90 calendar days of the redemption;

 

     v.

purchases by certain separate accounts used to fund unregistered variable annuity contracts;

 

    vi.

purchases by investors participating in “wrap fee” or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored by broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor;

 

   vii.

purchases by direct retail investment platforms through mutual fund “supermarkets,” where the sponsor links its client’s account (including IRA accounts on such platforms) to a master account in the sponsor’s name;

 

  viii.

sales through Service Agents who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee to their customers;

 

    ix.

purchases of Class A shares by shareholders investing through Distributor Accounts;

 

     x.

investors investing through certain retirement plans; and

 

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    xi.

investors who rollover Fund shares from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform.

In order to obtain such discounts, the purchaser must provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the elimination of the initial sales charge.

All existing retirement plan shareholders who purchased Class A shares at NAV prior to November 20, 2006, are permitted to purchase additional Class A shares at NAV. Certain existing programs for current and prospective retirement plan investors sponsored by Service Agents approved by the Distributor prior to November 20, 2006 will also remain eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV.

There are several ways you can combine multiple purchases of Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor or units of a Section 529 college savings plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton (a “Section 529 plan”), to take advantage of the breakpoints in the Class A shares sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that may be available to you when you purchase Fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or the Fund if you believe you are eligible for a Letter of Intent or a right of accumulation. Whether you purchased shares of funds and/or units of a Section 529 Plan through one or more Service Agents, directly from the Fund or through a combination of the foregoing, it is your responsibility to inform your Service Agent or the Fund if you own shares of other funds or units of a Section 529 plan that you believe are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. If you do not do so, you may not receive all sales charge reductions for which you are eligible. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for a reduced sales charge.

Accumulation Privilege. The accumulation privilege allows you to combine the dollar amount of your next purchase of Class A shares of the Fund, as applicable, with the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of shares of other funds sold by the Distributor held in Eligible Accounts (as defined below), for purposes of calculating the initial sales charges.

If you hold fund shares or units of a Section 529 plan in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine whether your shares or units may be combined.

Shares of certain money market funds sold by the Distributor may be combined for purposes of the accumulation privilege. Please contact your Service Agent or the Fund for additional information.

Certain trustees and other fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.

Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the value that you intend to purchase within the next 13-months, which would, if bought all at once, qualify you for a reduced Class A sales charge. In addition, current holdings under the accumulation privilege (as described above) may be included in the Letter of Intent. See the Fund’s Prospectus for the sales charges and breakpoints applicable to Class A shares of the Fund. Sales charges and breakpoints vary among the funds sold by the Distributor.

Purchases of Class A shares or units of a Section 529 plan may be aggregated for purposes of calculating each breakpoint. You may purchase Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor or units of a Section 529 plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge, if any, as if all shares or units had been purchased at once.

At the time you enter into a Letter of Intent, you select your asset goal amount. Each time you make a Class A purchase under a Letter of Intent, you will be entitled to pay the sales charge that is applicable to the amount of your asset goal amount. For example, if your asset goal amount is $100,000, any Class A investments you make under a Letter of Intent would be subject to the sales charge of the specific fund you are investing in for purchases of $100,000.

When you enter into a Letter of Intent, you agree to purchase in Eligible Accounts over a 13-month period Eligible Fund Purchases in an amount equal to the asset goal amount you have selected. You may also credit towards your asset goal amount any Eligible Fund Purchases made in Eligible Accounts at any time prior to entering into the Letter of Intent that have not been sold or redeemed, based on the current value or cost value, whichever is higher, of those shares as of the date of calculation. The current value of shares is determined by multiplying the number of shares as of the day prior to your current purchase by their public offering price. The cost value of shares is determined by aggregating the amount of Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation), less any withdrawals, as of the

 

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date prior to your current purchase. The cost value of Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts, however, may only be aggregated for share purchases that took place within 18 months of the Letter of Intent start date.

Your commitment will be met if at any time during the 13-month period the value, as so determined, of eligible holdings is at least equal to your asset goal amount. All reinvested dividends and distributions on shares acquired under the Letter of Intent will be credited towards your asset goal amount. You may include any Eligible Fund Purchases toward the asset goal amount, including shares of classes other than Class A shares. However, a Letter of Intent will not entitle you to a reduction in the sales charge payable on any shares other than Class A shares, and if any shares, including Class A shares, are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you will still be subject to that contingent deferred sales charge with respect to those shares. You must make reference to the Letter of Intent each time you make a purchase under the Letter of Intent.

Eligible Fund Purchases. Eligible Fund Purchases include: (i) any class of shares of any other Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund other than shares of such funds offered through separately managed accounts that are managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton; and (ii) units of a Section 529 Plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton. Shares of certain money market funds sold by the Distributor may be combined for purposes of the Letter of Intent. Eligible funds may change from time to time, investors should check with their Service Agent to see which funds or Section 529 plans may be eligible.

For purposes of a letter of intent and the accumulation privilege, Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, and Western Asset funds. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust or Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust (except for shares held in Distributor Accounts). Please contact your Service Agent or the Fund for more information.

Eligible Accounts. Eligible Accounts include shares of Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton funds registered to (or held by a financial intermediary for):

You, individually;

Your “family member” defined as your spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, or your children;

You jointly with one or more family members;

You jointly with one or more persons who are not family members if that other person has not included the value of the jointly-owned shares for purposes of the accumulation privilege for that person’s separate investments in Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund shares;

A Coverdell Education Savings account for which you or a family member is the identified responsible person;

A trustee/custodian of an IRA (which includes a Roth IRA and an employer sponsored IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA) or your non-ERISA covered 403(b) plan account, if the shares are registered/recorded under your or a family member’s Social Security number;

A 529 college savings plan over which you or a family member has investment discretion and control;

Any entity over which you or a family member has individual or shared authority, as principal, has investment discretion and control (for example, an UGMA/UTMA account for a child on which you or a family member is the custodian, a trust on which you or a family member is the trustee, a business account (not to include retirement plans) for your solely owned business (or the solely owned business of a family member) on which you or a family member is the authorized signer); or

A trust established by you or a family member as grantor.

You may need to provide certain records, such as account statements, in order to verify your eligibility for reduced sales charges. Contact your Service Agent to see which accounts may be credited toward your asset goal amount. A Letter of Intent is not available to Distributor Accounts.

Increasing the Amount of the Letter of Intent. You may at any time increase your asset goal amount. You must, however, contact your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, contact the transfer

 

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agent, prior to making any purchases in an amount in excess of your current asset goal amount. Upon such an increase, you will be credited by way of additional shares at the then-current offering price for the difference between:

 

   i.

the aggregate sales charges actually paid for shares already purchased under the Letter of Intent; and

 

  ii.

the aggregate applicable sales charges for the increased asset goal amount.

However, you must contact your Service Agent before purchasing shares in excess of the asset goal amount as no retroactive adjustments can be made. The 13-month period during which the asset goal amount must be achieved will remain unchanged.

Sales and Exchanges. Shares acquired pursuant to a Letter of Intent, other than Escrowed Shares as defined below, may be redeemed or exchanged at any time, although any shares that are redeemed prior to meeting your asset goal amount will no longer count towards meeting your asset goal amount. However, complete liquidation of purchases made under a Letter of Intent prior to meeting the asset goal amount will result in the cancellation of the Letter of Intent. See “Failure to Meet Asset Goal Amount” below. Exchanges in accordance with the Fund’s Prospectus are permitted, and shares so exchanged will continue to count towards your asset goal amount, as long as the exchange results in an Eligible Fund Purchase.

Cancellation of the Letter of Intent. You may cancel a Letter of Intent by notifying your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, by notifying the transfer agent. The Letter of Intent will be automatically cancelled if all shares are sold or redeemed as set forth above. See “Failure to Meet Asset Goal Amount” below.

Escrowed Shares. Shares equal in value to five percent (5%) of your asset goal amount as of the date your Letter of Intent (or the date of any increase in the amount of the Letter of Intent) is accepted will be held in escrow during the term of your Letter of Intent. The Escrowed Shares will be included in the total shares owned as reflected in your account statement and any dividends and capital gains distributions applicable to the Escrowed Shares will be credited to your account and counted towards your asset goal amount or paid in cash upon request. The Escrowed Shares will be released from escrow if all the terms of your Letter of Intent are met.

Failure to Meet Asset Goal Amount. If the total assets under your Letter of Intent within its 13-month term are less than your asset goal amount whether because you made insufficient Eligible Fund Purchases, redeemed all of your holdings or otherwise cancelled the Letter of Intent before reaching your asset goal amount, you will be liable for the difference between: (a) the sales charge actually paid and (b) the sales charge that would have applied if you had not entered into the Letter of Intent. You may, however, be entitled to any breakpoints that would have been available to you under the accumulation privilege. An appropriate number of shares in your account will be redeemed to realize the amount due. For these purposes, by entering into a Letter of Intent, you irrevocably appoint your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, the transfer agent, as your attorney-in-fact for the purposes of holding the Escrowed Shares and surrendering shares in your account for redemption. If there are insufficient assets in your account, you will be liable for the difference. Any Escrowed Shares remaining after such redemption will be released to your account.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions

Class A Shares.

 

 

Class A shares that were purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions of these shares. Class A shares that are contingent deferred sales charge shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

 

Class A shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. If Class A shares of the Fund are exchanged for shares of another fund sold by the Distributor that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge if the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

Class C Shares.

 

 

Class C shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

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Class C shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. If Class C shares of the Fund are exchanged for shares of another fund sold by the Distributor that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge if the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 12 months from the date of such exchange.

Class C1 Shares.

 

 

Class C1 shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. If Class C1 shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class C1 shares (or, if not available, Class C shares) of another fund sold by the Distributor, any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the Class C1 shares of the other fund will apply to the Class C1 shares (or Class C shares, as applicable) acquired in exchange for the Class C1 shares of the Fund, and that contingent deferred sales charge will be measured from the date the shares exchanged were initially acquired.

 

 

Class C1 shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class C1 shares of the Fund are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, but if Class C1 shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class C1 shares (or, if not available, Class C shares) of another fund sold by the Distributor that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the Class C1 shares of the other fund will apply to the Class C1 shares (or Class C shares, as applicable) acquired in exchange for the Class C1 shares of the Fund, and that contingent deferred sales charge will be measured from the date of such exchange.

Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed on the NAV at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less.

In determining the applicability of any contingent deferred sales charge, it will be assumed that a redemption is made first of shares representing capital appreciation, next of shares representing the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, next of shares that are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge and finally of other shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time. Unless otherwise noted above, the length of time that contingent deferred sales charge shares acquired through an exchange have been held will be calculated from the date the shares exchanged were initially acquired in one of the other funds sold by the Distributor. For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount realized on redemption. The Distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges in partial consideration for its expenses in selling shares.

Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived on:

 

      i.

exchanges (see “Exchange of Shares”);

     ii.

redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account’s net asset value depending on the frequency of your plan (see “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”);

    iii.

redemptions of shares within 12 months following the death or disability (as defined by the Code) of the shareholder;

    iv.

mandatory post-retirement distributions from retirement plans or IRAs commencing on or after attainment of a specific age required by law (except that shareholders of certain retirement plans or IRAs established prior to May 23, 2005 will be eligible to obtain a waiver of the contingent deferred sales charge on all funds held in those accounts at age 59 1/2 and may be required to demonstrate such eligibility at the time of redemption);

     v.

involuntary redemptions;

    vi.

redemptions of shares to effect a combination of the Fund with any investment company by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

   vii.

effective May 1, 2020, on redemptions with respect to investors where the Distributor did not pay the Service Agent a commission;

  viii.

tax-free returns of an excess contribution to any retirement plan;

    ix.

certain redemptions of shares of the Fund in connection with lump-sum or other distributions made by eligible retirement plans or redemption of shares by participants in certain “wrap fee” or asset allocation programs sponsored by broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor or the Manager; and

     x.

Class A shares held through Distributor Accounts.

 

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The contingent deferred sales charge is also waived on Class C and Class C1 shares purchased by retirement plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the Fund. Different Service Agents may offer different contingent deferred sales charge waivers. For more information, see the appendix to the Prospectus titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”

A shareholder who has redeemed shares from another fund sold by the Distributor may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 90 days in another fund sold by the Distributor and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption.

To have a contingent deferred sales charge waived, you or your Service Agent must let the Fund know at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver. Contingent deferred sales charge waivers will be granted subject to confirmation by the Distributor or the transfer agent of the shareholder’s status or holdings, as the case may be.

Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features

Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006 (collectively, the “Grandfathered Retirement Program”) that are authorized by the Distributor to offer eligible retirement plan investors the opportunity to exchange all of their Class C shares or Class C1 shares, if applicable, for Class A shares of an applicable Legg Mason fund, are permitted to maintain such share class exchange features for current and prospective retirement plan investors.

Under the Grandfathered Retirement Program, Class C shares and Class C1 shares of the Fund may be purchased by plans investing less than $3,000,000. Class C shares and Class C1 shares are eligible for exchange into Class A shares not later than eight years after the plan joins the program. They are eligible for exchange in the following circumstances: For participating plans established with the Fund or another fund in the Legg Mason family of funds (including funds for which LMPFA or any predecessor serves or has served as investment manager or administrator) prior to June 2, 2003, if such plan’s total Class C and Class C1 holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason funds equal at least $1,000,000 at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be permitted to exchange all of its Class C shares and Class C1 shares for Class A shares of the Fund. For participating plans established with the Fund or another fund in the Legg Mason family of funds (including funds for which LMPFA or any predecessor serves or has served as investment manager or administrator) on or after June 2, 2003, if such plan’s total Class C and Class C1 holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason funds equal at least $3,000,000 at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be permitted to exchange all of its Class C shares and Class C1 shares for Class A shares of the Fund.

Unless the exchange offer has been rejected in writing, the exchange will automatically occur within approximately 30 days after the fifth anniversary date. If the participating plan does not qualify for the five-year exchange to Class A shares, a review of the participating plan’s holdings will be performed each quarter until either the participating plan qualifies or the end of the eighth year.

Any participating plan that has not previously qualified for an exchange into Class A shares will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares and Class C1 shares for Class A shares of the same fund regardless of asset size at the end of the eighth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program. Unless the exchange has been rejected in writing, the exchange will automatically occur on or about the eighth anniversary date. Once an exchange has occurred, a participating plan will not be eligible to acquire additional Class C shares and Class C1 shares but instead may acquire Class A shares of the same fund. Any Class C shares and Class C1 shares not converted will continue to be subject to the distribution fee.

For further information regarding the Grandfathered Retirement Program, contact your Service Agent or the transfer agent. Participating plans that enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program prior to June 2, 2003 should contact the transfer agent for information regarding Class C shares and Class C1 shares exchange privileges applicable to their plan.

Determination of Public Offering Price

The Fund offers its shares to the public on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of the Fund is equal to the net asset value per share at the time of purchase, plus for Class A shares, an initial sales charge based on the aggregate amount of the investment.

 

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Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of the Class A shares of the Fund based on the net asset value of a share of the Fund as of September 30, 2022:

Class A

 

            All Cap Value Fund                    Small Cap Value Fund        
Net Asset Value Per Share ($)   11.78   15.52
Maximum Initial Sales Charge Percentage (%)   5.50   5.50

Offering Price ($)

  12.47   16.42

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

Redemptions of Fund shares are discussed under the “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares” sections of the Fund’s Prospectus; this information is incorporated herein by reference.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed:

 

    i.

for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings);

 

   ii.

when trading in the markets the Fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the Fund’s investments or determination of NAV is not reasonably practicable; or

 

  iii.

for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of the Fund’s shareholders.

In the case of any such suspension, you may either withdraw your request for redemption or receive payment based upon the NAV next determined after the suspension is lifted.

The Fund’s transfer agent, acting on behalf of the Fund, may place a temporary hold for up to 25 business days on the disbursement of redemption proceeds from an account held directly with the Fund if the transfer agent, in consultation with the Fund, reasonably believes that financial exploitation of a Specified Adult (as defined below) has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted, or will be attempted. In order to delay payment of redemption proceeds under these circumstances, the Fund and the transfer agent must adopt certain policies and procedures and otherwise comply with the terms and conditions of no-action relief provided by the SEC staff. Financial exploitation means: (i) the wrongful or unauthorized taking, withholding, appropriation, or use of a Specified Adult’s funds or securities; or (ii) any act or omission by a person, including through the use of a power of attorney, guardianship, or any other authority regarding a Specified Adult, to (a) obtain control, through deception, intimidation or undue influence, over the Specified Adult’s money, assets or property, or (b) convert the Specified Adult’s money, assets or property. The transfer agent and/or the Fund may not be aware of factors suggesting financial exploitation of a Specified Adult and may not be able to identify Specified Adults in all circumstances. Furthermore, the transfer agent is not required to delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds and does not assume any obligation to do so. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Specified Adult” refers to an individual who is a natural person (i) age 65 and older, or (ii) age 18 and older and whom the Fund’s transfer agent reasonably believes has a mental or physical impairment that renders the individual unable to protect his or her own interests.

Unless otherwise instructed, redemption proceeds will be mailed to an investor’s address of record. The transfer agent may require additional supporting documents for redemptions made by corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians. A redemption request will not be deemed properly received until the transfer agent receives all required documents in proper form.

If a shareholder holds shares in more than one class, any request for redemption must specify the class being redeemed. In the event of a failure to specify which class, or if the investor owns fewer shares of the class than specified, the redemption request will be delayed until the transfer agent receives further instructions. Redemption proceeds for shares

 

85


purchased by check, other than a certified or official bank check, will be remitted upon clearance of the check, which may take up to ten days. Each Service Agent is responsible for transmitting promptly orders for its customers.

The Service Agent may charge you a fee for executing your order. The amount and applicability of such a fee is determined and should be disclosed to its customers by each Service Agent.

The Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate telephonic, electronic or other redemption services described in the Prospectus and this SAI at any time.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

The Systematic Withdrawal Plan permits you to have a specified dollar amount automatically withdrawn from your account on a regular basis (i.e., on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis). The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available to those shareholders who own shares directly with the Fund. You should contact your Service Agent to determine if it offers a similar service.

Class A, Class C, Class C1 and Class D Shareholders. Class A, Class C, Class C1 and Class D shareholders having an account with a balance of $5,000 or more may elect to make withdrawals of a minimum of $50 per transaction per month. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the minimum withdrawal amounts will not apply. There are two ways to receive payment of proceeds of redemptions made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan: (1) Check mailed by the Fund’s transfer agent—Fund shares will be redeemed on the day of the month indicated on your account application, (or if no day is indicated, on the 20th day of the month) or the next business day and a check for the proceeds will be mailed within three business days. Available processing dates currently are the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month; or (2) electronic transfer (ACH) to checking or savings account—redemptions of Fund shares may occur on any business day of the month and the checking or savings account will be credited with the proceeds in approximately two business days. You may change the amount to be paid to you or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time, without charge or penalty, by contacting the Fund or your Service Agent. The Fund, its transfer agent, and the Distributor also reserve the right to modify or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time. See “Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge,” above, for information about application of the contingent deferred sales charge to withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.

Class FI, Class I and Class IS Shareholders. Certain shareholders of the Fund’s Class FI, Class I and Class IS shares with an initial NAV of $1,000,000 or more, or certain other shareholders authorized by the Distributor, may be eligible to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Receipt of payment of proceeds of redemptions made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan will be wired through electronic transfer (ACH) to your checking or savings account—redemptions of Fund shares may occur on any business day of the month and the checking or savings account will be credited with the proceeds in approximately two business days. Requests to change or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be made at the Fund’s website, www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, by calling the Fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863, or by writing to the Fund or your Service Agent. You may change the amount to be paid to you or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time, without charge or penalty, by notifying the Fund or your Service Agent. The Fund, its transfer agent, and the Distributor also reserve the right to modify or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time.

In General. The amounts paid to you each redemption period are obtained by redeeming sufficient shares from your account to provide the withdrawal amount that you have specified.

Redemptions will be made at the NAV per share, determined as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the day corresponding to the redemption option designated by the investor, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. If the NYSE is not open for business on that day, the shares will be redeemed at the per share NAV determined as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on the next day the NYSE is open, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. See “Valuation of Shares” below for additional information about the NYSE’s holiday schedule.

Withdrawal payments are treated as a sale of shares rather than as a dividend or other distribution. A payment is taxable to the extent that the total amount of the payment exceeds the tax basis in the shares deemed sold. Other taxes or tax-related consequences may apply, and you should consult your tax professional before establishing a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. If the periodic withdrawals exceed reinvested dividends and other distributions, the amount of your original investment may be correspondingly reduced.

 

86


Ordinarily, you should not purchase additional shares of a fund in which you have an account if you maintain a Systematic Withdrawal Plan because there are tax disadvantages associated with such purchases and withdrawals.

Redemptions In Kind

The Fund reserves the right, under certain conditions, to honor any request for a redemption by making payment in whole or in part by delivering securities valued in accordance with the procedures described under “Share price” in the Fund’s Prospectus. Because redemption in kind may be used at times of unusual illiquidity in the markets, these valuation methods may include fair value estimations. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder should expect to incur brokerage expenses in converting those securities into cash, and the market price of those securities will be subject to fluctuation until they are sold. The securities delivered may not be representative of the entire Fund portfolio, may represent only one issuer or a limited number of issuers and may be securities that the Fund would otherwise sell. The Fund will not use securities to pay redemptions by the Distributor or other affiliated persons of the Fund, except as permitted by law, SEC rules or orders, or interpretive guidance from the SEC staff or other proper authorities.

Shares Purchased and Redeemed Through Another Service Agent

The Fund has authorized certain Service Agents to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such Service Agents are authorized to designate plan administrator intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized Service Agent or, if applicable, a Service Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order. Orders will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are received by an authorized Service Agent or the Service Agent’s authorized designee and accepted by the Fund.

Transferring Fund Shares to Another Service Agent

You may transfer Fund shares only to a Service Agent that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor or one of its affiliates with respect to the Fund. Some Service Agents may have agreements with the Distributor or one of its affiliates with respect to some funds and not others. Depending on the Service Agent to which you transfer the shares, certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. After the transfer, you may purchase additional Fund shares. All future trading of Fund shares, including exchanges, is subject to the rules of the Service Agent and its continued agreement with the Distributor that permits such trading.

You should contact your Service Agent or the appropriate fund for further information on transferring Fund shares.

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

Exchanges of Fund shares are discussed under the “Buying shares,” “Exchanging shares,” and “Redeeming shares” sections of the Fund’s Prospectus; this information is incorporated herein by reference. The exchange privilege enables shareholders to acquire shares of the same class in another fund sold by the Distributor. If the fund into which you wish to exchange your shares does not offer the class of shares in which you are currently invested, you may be able to exchange for a different share class (see the Fund’s Prospectus for more information). This privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the Fund shares being acquired may legally be sold. Prior to any exchange, the shareholder should obtain and review a copy of the current prospectus of each fund into which an exchange is being considered. The Prospectus describes the requirements for exchanging shares of the Fund and may be obtained as described on the cover page of this SAI.

Upon receipt of proper instructions and all necessary supporting documents, shares submitted for exchange are redeemed at the then-current NAV, and the proceeds, net of any applicable sales charge, are immediately invested in shares of the fund being acquired at that fund’s then current NAV. The Distributor reserves the right to reject any exchange request. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time after written notice to shareholders.

Class A, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS Exchanges. Class A, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shareholders of the Fund who wish to exchange all or a portion of their shares for shares of the respective class in another fund may do so without imposition of any initial sales charge (if shares being exchanged were subject to an initial sales charge) but subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. An exchange of shares that were not subject to any sales charge will be subject to any applicable initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge upon exchange.

 

87


Class C Exchanges. Class C shares of the Fund may be exchanged for other Class C shares without imposition of any charge but subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. Upon an exchange, the new Class C shares will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the Class C shares of the Fund that have been exchanged.

Class C1 Exchanges. Investors that hold Class C1 shares may exchange those shares for Class C1 shares of other funds sold by the Distributor, or if a fund does not offer Class C1, for Class C shares, in each case without imposition of any charge but subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. However, once an investor exchanges Class C1 shares for Class C shares, the investor would not be permitted to exchange from Class C shares back to Class C1 shares.

Class D Exchanges. Class D shares of the Fund may not be exchanged.

Class 1 Exchanges. Class 1 shareholders who wish to exchange all or a portion of their shares may exchange Class 1 shares for Class A shares of certain funds available for exchange. Ask your Service Agent about the funds available for exchange.

Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by the Distributor, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares or Class C1 shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. See “Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features” for additional information.

Additional Information Regarding the Exchange Privilege

The Fund is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculation on short-term market movements. A pattern of frequent exchanges by investors can be disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to the Fund and its shareholders. See “Frequent trading of fund shares” in the Prospectus.

During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the Fund may suspend the exchange privilege temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests based on their separate components—redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund’s shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the Fund’s next determined NAV but the purchase order would be effective only at the NAV next determined after the fund being purchased formally accepts the order, which may result in the purchase being delayed.

Certain shareholders may be able to exchange shares by telephone. See the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information. Exchanges will be processed at the NAV next determined. Redemption procedures discussed above are also applicable for exchanging shares, and exchanges will be made upon receipt of all supporting documents in proper form. If the account registration of the shares of the fund being acquired is identical to the registration of the shares of the fund exchanged, no signature guarantee is required.

The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time and is available only in those jurisdictions where such exchanges legally may be made. An exchange is treated as a sale of the shares exchanged and could result in taxable gain or loss to the shareholder making the exchange. Other taxes or tax-related consequences may apply, and you should consult your tax professional before requesting an exchange.

VALUATION OF SHARES

The NAV per share of each class of the Fund is generally calculated as of the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day on which the NYSE is open. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE is normally open for trading every weekday except in the event of an emergency or for the following holidays (or the days on which they are observed): New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because of the differences in distribution fees and class specific expenses, the per share NAV of each class of the Fund will differ. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets.

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

The Manager delegates to the Subadviser the responsibility for voting proxies for the Fund through its contracts with the Subadviser. The Subadviser may use its own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies of the Fund if the Fund’s

 

88


Board reviews and approves the use of those policies and procedures. Accordingly, the Manager does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the Fund.

Should the Manager become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services, the Manager shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent Subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained and the use of its proxy voting policies and procedures is authorized by the Board. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of the Manager (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at the Manager) and any fund, the Board of Directors of the Manager shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. The Manager shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations.

The Manager shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from the Subadviser and providing them to the Fund as required for the Fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act. The Manager shall also be responsible for coordinating the provision of information to the Board with regard to the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Subadviser, including the actual proxy voting policies and procedures of the Subadviser, changes to such policies and procedures, and reports on the administration of such policies and procedures.

The Subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities are voted. A copy of the proxy voting policies and procedures is attached as Appendix A to this SAI. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863, (2) on www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature (click on the name of the Fund), and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund’s Board has adopted policies and procedures (the “policy”) developed by the Manager with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities for the Legg Mason Funds. The Manager believes the policy is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and that it strikes an appropriate balance between the desire of investors for information about fund portfolio holdings and the need to protect the Fund from potentially harmful disclosures.

General Rules/Website Disclosure

The policy provides that information regarding the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be shared at any time with employees of the Manager, the Fund’s Subadviser and other affiliated parties involved in the management, administration or operations of the Fund (referred to as fund-affiliated personnel). With respect to non-money market funds, the Fund’s complete list of holdings (including the size of each position) may be made available to investors, potential investors, third parties and Franklin Templeton personnel that are not fund-affiliated personnel (i) upon the filing of portfolio holdings reports in accordance with SEC rules, provided that such filings are not made until 15 calendar days following the end of the period covered by the applicable holdings report or (ii) no sooner than 8 business days after month end, provided that such information has been made available through public disclosure. Typically, public disclosure is achieved by required filings with the SEC and/or posting the information to the Fund’s Internet site that is accessible by the public, or through public release by a third party vendor.

The Fund currently discloses its complete portfolio holdings 14 calendar days after quarter-end. The Fund discloses this information on the Fund’s website: www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature (click on the name of the Fund).

Ongoing Arrangements

Under the policy, the Fund may release portfolio holdings information on a regular basis to a custodian, sub-custodian, fund accounting agent, proxy voting provider, rating agency or other vendor or service provider for a legitimate business purpose, where the party receiving the information is under a duty of confidentiality, including a duty to prohibit the sharing of non-public information with unauthorized sources and trading upon non-public information. The Fund may enter into other ongoing arrangements for the release of portfolio holdings information, but only if such arrangements serve a legitimate business purpose and are with a party who is subject to a confidentiality agreement and restrictions on trading upon non-public information. None of the Fund, Legg Mason or any other affiliated party may receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with

 

89


such arrangements. Ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities will be reviewed at least annually by the Fund’s Board.

Set forth below is a list, as of December 31, 2022, of those parties with whom the Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has authorized ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information in accordance with the policy, as well as the maximum frequency of the release under such arrangements, and the minimum length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The ongoing arrangements may vary for each party, and it is possible that not every party will receive information for the Fund. The parties identified below as recipients are service providers, fund rating agencies, consultants and analysts.

 

Recipient

  

Frequency                

  

Delay Before
Dissemination                  

1919 Investment Counsel, LLC    Daily    None
Barclays Bank PLC    Daily    None
Best Alternative Outsourcing Services LLP    Daily    None
Bloomberg AIM    Daily    None
Bloomberg L.P.    Daily    None
Bloomberg Portfolio Analysis    Daily    None
Brown Brothers Harriman    Daily    None
Charles River    Daily    None
Citco    Daily    None
Emerging Portfolio Fund Research, Inc. (EPFR), an Informa Company    Monthly    None
Enfusion Systems    Daily    None
ENSO LP    Daily    None
eVestment Alliance    Quarterly    8-10 Days
FactSet    Daily    None
HSBC Global Asset Management    Daily    None
Institutional Shareholder Services    Daily    None
ITG    Daily    None
Kailash Concepts    Monthly    None
Middle Office Solutions, LLC    Daily    None
Morgan Stanley Capital Inc.    Daily    None
Morningstar    Daily    None
NaviSite, Inc.    Daily    None
StarCompliance    Daily    None
State Street Bank and Trust Company    Daily    None
SunGard/Protegent (formerly Dataware)    Daily    None
The Bank of New York Mellon     Daily    None

 

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The Northern Trust Company    Daily    None
The Northern Trust Melbourne    Daily    None
Thomson    Semi-annually                None            
Thomson Reuters    Daily    None
VPD Financial Software Consulting    Daily    None

Portfolio holdings information for the Fund may also be released from time to time pursuant to ongoing arrangements with the following parties:

 

 Recipient

   Frequency                    Delay Before Dissemination
Broadridge    Daily    None
Deutsche Bank    Monthly    6-8 Business Days
DST International plc (DSTi)    Daily    None
Electra Information Systems    Daily    None
Fidelity    Quarterly    5 Business Days
Fitch    Monthly    6-8 Business Days
Frank Russell    Monthly    1 Day
Glass Lewis & Co.    Daily    None
Informa Investment Solutions    Quarterly    8-10 Days
Interactive Data Corp    Daily    None
Liberty Hampshire    Weekly and Month End    None
RBC Investor and Treasury Services    Daily    None
S&P (Rating Agency)    Weekly Tuesday Night    1 Business Day
SunTrust    Weekly and Month End    None

Excluded from the lists of ongoing arrangements set forth above are ongoing arrangements where either (i) the disclosure of portfolio holdings information occurs concurrently with or after the time at which the portfolio holdings information is included in a public filing with the SEC that is required to include the information, or (ii) the Fund’s portfolio holdings information is made available no earlier than the day next following the day on which the Fund makes the information available on its website, as disclosed in the Fund’s Prospectus. The approval of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained before entering into any new ongoing arrangement or altering any existing ongoing arrangement to make available portfolio holdings information, or with respect to any exceptions from the policy.

Release of Limited Portfolio Holdings Information

In addition to the ongoing arrangements described above, the Fund’s complete or partial list of holdings (including size of positions) may be released to another party on a one-time basis, provided the party receiving the information has executed a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement and provided that the specific release of information has been approved by the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer or designee as consistent with the policy. By way of illustration and not of limitation, release of non-public information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be made (i) to a proposed or potential adviser or Subadviser(s) or

 

91


other investment manager asked to provide investment management services to the Fund, or (ii) to a third party in connection with a program or similar trade.

In addition, the policy permits the release to investors, potential investors, third parties and Franklin Templeton personnel that are not fund-affiliated personnel of limited portfolio holdings information in other circumstances, including:

 

 

The Fund’s top ten securities, current as of month-end, and the individual size of each such security position may be released at any time following month-end with simultaneous public disclosure.

 

The Fund’s top ten securities positions (including the aggregate but not individual size of such positions) may be released at any time with simultaneous public disclosure.

 

A list of securities (that may include fund holdings together with other securities) followed by an investment professional (without position sizes or identification of particular funds) may be disclosed to sell-side brokers at any time for the purpose of obtaining research and/or market information from such brokers.

 

A trade in process may be discussed only with counterparties, potential counterparties and others involved in the transaction (i.e., brokers and custodians).

 

The Fund’s sector weightings, yield and duration (for fixed income and money market funds), performance attribution (e.g., analysis of the Fund’s out-performance or underperformance of its benchmark based on its portfolio holdings) and other summary and statistical information that does not include identification of specific portfolio holdings may be released, even if non-public, if such release is otherwise in accordance with the policy’s general principles.

 

A small number of the Fund’s portfolio holdings (including information that the Fund no longer holds a particular holding) may be released, but only if the release of the information could not reasonably be seen to interfere with current or future purchase or sales activities of the Fund and is not contrary to law.

 

The Fund’s portfolio holdings may be released on an as-needed basis to its legal counsel, counsel to its Independent Trustees and its independent public accounting firm, in required regulatory filings or otherwise to governmental agencies and authorities.

Exceptions to the Policy

The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, may, as is deemed appropriate, approve exceptions from the policy. Exceptions are granted only after a thorough examination and consultation with the Manager’s legal department, as necessary. Exceptions from the policy are reported annually to the Fund’s Board.

Limitations of Policy

The Fund’s portfolio holdings policy is designed to prevent sharing of portfolio information with third parties that have no legitimate business purpose for accessing the information. The policy may not be effective to limit access to portfolio holdings information in all circumstances, however. For example, the Manager or the Subadviser may manage accounts other than the Fund that have investment objectives and strategies similar to those of the Fund. Because these accounts, including the Fund, may be similarly managed, portfolio holdings may be similar across the accounts. In that case, an investor in another account managed by the Manager or the Subadviser may be able to infer the portfolio holdings of the Fund from the portfolio holdings in that investor’s account.

THE TRUST

The certificate of trust to establish the Trust was filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland on October 4, 2006. The Fund is a series of the Trust. As of April 16, 2007, each of All Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund was redomiciled as a series of the Trust. Prior thereto, each of All Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. Prior to the reorganization of each of All Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund as a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, All Cap Value Fund was a Maryland corporation and Small Cap Value Fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Funds, Inc., a Maryland corporation. Prior to October 5, 2009, All Cap Value Fund was named “Legg Mason Partners Fundamental Value Fund.” Prior to March 1, 2010, All Cap Value Fund was named “Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental Value Fund.” Prior to January 1, 2013, All Cap Value Fund was named “Legg Mason ClearBridge Fundamental All Cap Value Fund.” Prior to October 5, 2009, Small Cap Value Fund was named “Legg Mason Partners Small Cap Value Fund.” Prior to January 1, 2013, Small Cap Value Fund was named “Legg Mason ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund.” Prior to September 1, 2021, the Trust was named “Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust”.

 

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The Trust is a Maryland statutory trust. A Maryland statutory trust is an unincorporated business association that is established under, and governed by, Maryland law. Maryland law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and shareholders of a statutory trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and the shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in a trust’s declaration of trust. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”) provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and any other governing instrument of the Trust, such as the by-laws of the Trust, which contain additional rules governing the conduct of the business of the Trust.

Some of the more significant provisions of the Declaration are summarized below. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of the Declaration.

Shareholder Voting

Under the Declaration, the Trustees have broad authority to direct the business and affairs of the Trust. The Declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Maryland law, actions by the Trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Trustees are empowered to amend the Declaration or authorize the merger or consolidation of the Trust into another trust or entity, reorganize the Trust or any series or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any series or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, terminate the Trust or any series or class, or adopt or amend the by-laws of the Trust, in each case without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the Fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the Declaration. The Declaration provides for “dollar-weighted voting” which means that a shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she owns, but by the dollar value of those shares determined on the record date. All shareholders of record of all series and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares. There is no cumulative voting on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.

Election and Removal of Trustees

The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. When a vote of shareholders is required to elect Trustees, the Declaration provides that such Trustees shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the Trustees and that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

Amendments to the Declaration

The Trustees are authorized to amend the Declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the Declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, Trustees, officers or, employees of the Trust or that limits the rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance provided in the Declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance under the Declaration prior to the amendment.

Issuance and Redemption of Shares

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the Trustees may determine. All shares offered pursuant to the Prospectus of the Fund, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal rights with respect to their shares and, except as the Trustees may determine, shall have no preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights. The Fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the Trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the Fund with

 

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identification required by law, or if the Fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.

Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings

The Declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the Fund such information with respect to their ownership of shares of the Fund, whether direct or indirect, as the Trustees may deem necessary in order to comply with various laws or regulations or for such other purpose as the Trustees may decide. The Fund may disclose such ownership information if required by law or regulation, or as the Trustees otherwise decide.

Small Accounts

The Declaration provides that the Fund may close out a shareholder’s account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the Trustees from time to time. Alternately, the Declaration permits the Fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.

Series and Classes

The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and that the Trustees may determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The Trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the Trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into shares of another class.

Each share of the Fund, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the Fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust.

Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability

The Declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the Fund and requires the Fund to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense claimed solely because of the shareholder’s being or having been a shareholder. The Fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as a Trustee is not personally liable to any person, other than the Trust or its shareholders, in connection with the affairs of the Trust. Each Trustee is required to perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she believes to be in the best interests of the Trust. All actions and omissions of Trustees are presumed to be in accordance with the foregoing standard of performance, and any person alleging the contrary has the burden of proving that allegation.

The Declaration limits a Trustee’s liability to the Trust or any shareholder to the fullest extent permitted under current Maryland law by providing that a Trustee is liable to the Trust or its shareholders for monetary damages only (a) to the extent that it is proved that he or she actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services or (b) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Trustee is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Trustee’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and expenses in connection with any claim or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of having been a Trustee, officer or employee. Subject to applicable federal law, expenses related to the defense against any claim to which indemnification may apply shall be advanced by the Trust upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient of those expenses to repay the advanced amount if it is ultimately found that he or she is not entitled to indemnification. In making any determination as to whether a person has engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not available, or as to whether there is reason to believe that such person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, such person shall be afforded a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available.

 

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The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board, a member or chair of a committee of the Board, lead independent Trustee, audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

Derivative Actions

The Declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by no fewer than three unrelated shareholders must be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. The Trustees are not required to consider a demand that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements contained in the Declaration. The Declaration also requires that, in order to bring a derivative action, the complaining shareholders must be joined in the action by shareholders owning, at the time of the alleged wrongdoing, at the time of demand, and at the time the action is commenced, shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected funds. The Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended for an additional period not to exceed 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that a suit should be maintained, then the Trust will commence the suit and the suit will proceed directly and not derivatively. If a majority of the independent Trustees determines that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not consistent with the standard of performance required of the Trustees in performing their duties. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the consideration of the demand, if, in the judgment of the independent Trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the Declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund’s costs, including attorneys’ fees.

The Declaration further provides that the Fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the Fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The Declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the Trust or the Fund be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division), or if such action may not be brought in that court, then such action shall be brought in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and that the right to jury trial be waived to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Declaration further provides that no provision of the Declaration will be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or the 1940 Act, or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Commission thereunder.

TAXES

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal (and, where noted, state and local) income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. This discussion is very general and does not address all the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to the Fund or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special tax rules. This summary is based upon the Code, its legislative history, Treasury regulations (including temporary and proposed regulations), published rulings, and court decisions, each as of the date of this SAI and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, which could affect the continuing accuracy of this discussion. This discussion assumes that each shareholder holds its shares of the Fund as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Current and prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals with respect to the specific federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.

Tax Treatment of the Fund

The Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify each year, as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as such, the Fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other

 

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disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (i.e., partnerships (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derive less than 90% of their income from sources described in this subparagraph (a) other than qualified publicly traded partnerships); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets consists of cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, U.S. government securities, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or larger voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (y) in the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are treated as engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (z) in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” which generally include master limited partnerships.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership will be treated as qualifying income. In general, qualified publicly traded partnerships will be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes because they meet a passive income requirement under the Code. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships. The Fund’s investments in partnerships, if any, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local, or foreign income, franchise, or withholding tax liabilities.

For purposes of the diversification test described above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the diversification test.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes, provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. To satisfy the minimum distribution requirement, the Fund must distribute at least the sum of (i) 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (i.e., generally, its taxable income other than the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss, plus or minus certain other adjustments, and calculated without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at the regular corporate tax rate on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute.

If, for any taxable year, the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code or were to fail to meet the distribution requirement, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the Fund’s distributions, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. However, such dividends would be eligible, subject to any generally applicable limitations, (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Moreover, if the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it would be required to pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. If the Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification, or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Fund-level tax, paying interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets. In particular, if in the first instance, the Fund does not satisfy the diversification test as of a particular quarter end, it will have up to 30 days after that quarter end to adjust its holdings in order to comply with the test retroactively. Portfolio transactions executed by the Fund in order to comply with the diversification test will increase the

 

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Fund’s portfolio turnover and trading costs and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders to the extent any capital gains are realized as a result of such transactions. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund would generally be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

If the Fund were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for that year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of all gains from sales or exchanges of capital assets over the losses from such sales or exchanges) for the one-year period ending October 31 of that year (or November 30 or December 31 of that year if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) it would be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income that is retained by the Fund and subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year end. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. For purposes of the required excise tax distribution, a regulated investment company’s ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or November 30 of that year if the regulated investment company makes the election described above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year; in the case of a fund with a December 31 year end that makes the election described above, no such gains or losses will be so treated. The Fund anticipates that it will pay such dividends and will make such distributions as are necessary to avoid the application of this excise tax, but there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. In determining its net capital gain (i.e., net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses, including any capital loss carryforwards), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, a regulated investment company generally is permitted to elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, or if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion of the taxable year), or late-year ordinary loss (generally, the sum of its (i) net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31 and its (ii) other net ordinary loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

Tax Treatment of the Fund’s Investments

The Fund’s transactions in zero coupon securities, foreign currencies, forward contracts, options, and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on foreign currencies), if any, will be subject to special provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to “hedging transactions” and “straddles”) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund, and defer Fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount, and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the Fund to “mark to market” certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., require the Fund to treat all unrealized gains and losses with respect to those positions as though they were realized at the end of each year) and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income prior to or without receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to sell portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, if any, the Fund may make or receive periodic net payments. The Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps, the Fund may be required to recognize currently income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.

Any investments by the Fund in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market, and options on most stock indexes, are subject to special tax rules. Any section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain later dates as prescribed under the Code) are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on

 

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those positions will be included in the Fund’s income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were neither part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund.

In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying security, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund’s basis in the security. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying security. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Fund’s obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when the Fund closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in the Fund’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by the Fund to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the Fund. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by the Fund for more than one year.

The Fund may purchase debt obligations with original issue discount (“OID”), market discount, or acquisition discount. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and all zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued with OID. Generally, the amount of the OID is treated as interest income and is included in taxable income (and is accordingly required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. Periodic adjustments for inflation in the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds also may be treated as OID that is includible in the Fund’s gross income on a current basis.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Under the Code, (i) generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security, (ii) alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial of full repayment or disposition of the debt security, and (iii) the rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Fund may be treated as having OID or, in certain cases, “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price). The Fund will be required to include the OID or acquisition discount in income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which OID or acquisition discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

 

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Because the OID, market discount, or acquisition discount earned by the Fund in a taxable year may exceed the total amount of cash interest the Fund receives from the relevant debt obligations, the Fund may have to dispose of one or more of its investments, including at a time when it is not advantageous to do so, and use the proceeds thereof to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses from such dispositions, which would increase or decrease the Fund’s investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.

In addition, payment-in-kind securities held by the Fund, if any, will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Very generally, where the Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity (i.e., a premium), the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period. In the case of a tax-exempt bond, tax rules require the Fund to reduce its tax basis by the amount of amortized premium.

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as, and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

A portion of the interest paid or accrued on high yield obligations may not (and interest paid on debt obligations, if any, that are considered for tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not) be deductible to the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations is not deductible by the issuer, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.

The Fund may be required to treat amounts as taxable income or gain, subject to the distribution requirements referred to above, even though no corresponding amounts of cash are received concurrently, as a result of (1) mark-to-market rules, constructive sale rules or rules applicable to passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), to partnerships or trusts in which the Fund invests or to certain options, futures, or forward contracts, or “appreciated financial positions,” (2) the inability to obtain cash distributions or other amounts due to currency controls or restrictions on repatriation imposed by a foreign country with respect to the Fund’s investments (including through depositary receipts) in issuers in such country, or (3) tax rules applicable to debt obligations acquired with OID, including zero-coupon or deferred payment bonds and pay-in-kind debt obligations, or to market discount if the Fund elects to accrue such market discount currently. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the Fund, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. The Fund might also meet the distribution requirements by borrowing the necessary cash, thereby incurring interest expenses.

Foreign Investments

Dividends, interest or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Even if the Fund is entitled to seek a refund in respect of such taxes, it may choose not to. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. Each of All Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund does not expect to be eligible to elect to pass foreign taxes through to its shareholders, who therefore will not be entitled to credits or deductions on their own tax returns for foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Foreign taxes paid by the Fund may reduce the return from the Fund’s investments.

 

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Under certain circumstances, if the Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund’s foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, certain foreign currency options or futures contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss unless the Fund were to elect otherwise.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies. If the Fund purchases equity interests (including certain interests treated as equity interests) in foreign entities treated as PFICs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and does not timely make certain elections, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.

In general, a PFIC is any foreign corporation in which (i) 75% or more of the gross income for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income is at least 50%. Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, income from certain notional principal contracts, and foreign currency gains. Passive income for this purpose does not include certain types of passive income excepted by the Code and other guidance.

If the Fund were to invest in a PFIC and timely elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code for the first year of its holding period in the PFIC stock, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund would generally be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the qualified electing fund, even if not distributed to the Fund, and such amounts would be subject to the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. In order to make the “qualified electing fund” election, the Fund would be required to obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain.

If the Fund were to invest in a PFIC and make a mark-to-market election, the Fund would be treated as if it had sold and repurchased its stock in that PFIC at the end of each year. In such case, the Fund would report any such gains as ordinary income and would deduct any such losses as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. Such an election must be made separately for each PFIC owned by the Fund and, once made, would be effective for all subsequent taxable years of the Fund, unless revoked with the consent of the IRS. By making the election, the Fund could potentially ameliorate the adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year might be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund might have to distribute such excess income and gain to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss.

No Capital Loss Carryforwards

As of September 30, 2022, All Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund had no unused capital loss carryforwards.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

Dividends and Distributions. Dividends and other distributions by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, if any dividend or distribution is declared by the Fund in October, November, or December of any calendar year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but is actually paid during the following January, such dividend or distribution will be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

 

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The Fund intends to distribute annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction), and any net capital gain. However, if the Fund retains for investment an amount equal to all or a portion of its net capital gain, it will be subject to a corporate tax on the amount retained. In that event, the Fund may designate such retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to their share of the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their income over the income paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount. Organizations or persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by the Fund upon timely filing appropriate returns or claims for refund with the IRS.

Distributions of net investment income and of net realized short-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares, are taxable to a U.S. shareholder as ordinary income or, if certain conditions are met, as “qualified dividend income,” taxable to individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. Distributions of net capital gain, if any, that the Fund reports as capital gain dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the Fund. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued regulations that impose special reporting of capital gain dividends by the Fund in order to allow capital gain dividends to be taxable at reduced rates in the hands of certain noncorporate taxpayers who hold shares of the Fund through entities treated as partnerships.

In general, dividends may be reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from the Fund’s investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. corporations and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and the shareholders. If 95% or more of the Fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. PFICs are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.

A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of the Fund that is paid by the Fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the Fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The “ex-dividend” date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter.

Certain dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated

 

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above with respect to their Fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those shares. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax professional regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of “extraordinary dividends” received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.

For tax years beginning before January 1, 2026, a non-corporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer’s “qualified REIT dividends.” If the Fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of REIT shares, the Fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for the Fund’s dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a non-corporate shareholder, the Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the REIT shares on which the Fund received the eligible dividends, and the non-corporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Fund shares.

Under Section 163(j) of the Code, a taxpayer’s business interest expense is generally deductible to the extent of the taxpayer’s business interest income plus certain other amounts. If the Fund earns business interest income, it may report a portion of its dividends as “Section 163(j) interest dividends,” which its shareholders may be able to treat as business interest income for purposes of Section 163(j) of the Code. The Fund’s “Section 163(j) interest dividend” for a tax year will be limited to the excess of its business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. In general, the Fund’s shareholders may treat a distribution reported as a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income only to the extent the distribution exceeds the sum of the portions of the distribution reported as other types of tax-favored income. To be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income, a shareholder may need to meet certain holding period requirements in respect of the Fund shares and must not have hedged its position in the Fund shares in certain ways.

The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of U.S. individuals to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. The 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, “net investment income” generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Fund of net investment income and capital gains as described above, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Fund shares.

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Fund shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her shares of the Fund, and as a capital gain thereafter (if the shareholder holds his or her shares of the Fund as capital assets). One or more of the Fund’s distributions during the year may include such a return of capital distribution. Each shareholder who receives distributions in the form of additional shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the shareholder would have received if he or she had instead elected to receive cash distributions. The shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in shares of the Fund will be increased by such amount.

Investors considering buying shares just prior to a dividend or capital gain distribution should be aware that, although the price of shares purchased at that time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution, such dividend or distribution may nevertheless be taxable to them.

If Fund shares are held through a qualified retirement plan entitled to tax-advantaged treatment for federal income tax purposes, distributions will generally not be taxable currently. Special tax rules apply to such retirement plans. You should consult your tax professional regarding the tax treatment of distributions (which may include amounts attributable to Fund distributions) which may be taxable when distributed from the retirement plan.

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of Shares. Upon the sale or exchange of his or her shares, a shareholder will generally recognize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and his or her basis in the shares. A redemption of shares by the Fund will be treated as a sale for this purpose. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or

 

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loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder held such shares for more than one year and short-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder held such shares for one year or less. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including by reinvesting dividends or capital gains distributions in the Fund, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions or deemed distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder (including amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains) with respect to such shares during that six-month period.

If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of the Fund, disposes of those shares within 90 days and then by January 31 of the calendar year following the year of disposition acquires shares in a mutual fund for which the otherwise applicable sales charge is reduced by reason of a reinvestment right (e.g., an exchange privilege), the original sales charge will not be taken into account in computing gain or loss on the original shares to the extent the subsequent sales charge is reduced. Instead, the disregarded portion of the original sales charge will be added to the tax basis of the newly acquired shares. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to a disposition of the newly acquired shares made within 90 days of the second acquisition. This provision prevents a shareholder from immediately deducting the sales charge by shifting his or her investment within a family of mutual funds.

If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. The fact that a loss is so reportable does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper.

If a shareholder’s shares are redeemed to pay a fee because the shareholder’s account balance is less than a certain threshold, the redemption will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange of shares, as described above. Such a fee generally will not be deductible by a shareholder that is an individual for any taxable year beginning before January 1, 2026, and, for other taxable years, the deductibility of such a fee by a shareholder that is an individual may be subject to generally applicable limitations on miscellaneous itemized deductions.

Basis Reporting. The Fund, or, in the case of a shareholder holding shares through a Service Agent, the Service Agent, will report to the IRS the amount of proceeds that a shareholder receives from a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. For redemptions or exchanges of shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Fund will also report the shareholder’s basis in those shares and the character of any gain or loss that the shareholder realizes on the redemption or exchange (i.e., short-term or long-term), and certain related tax information. If a shareholder has a different basis for different shares of the Fund in the same account (e.g., if a shareholder purchased Fund shares held in the same account when the shares were at different prices), the Fund will by default report the basis of the shares redeemed or exchanged using the average basis method, under which the basis per share is the average of the bases of all the shareholder’s Fund shares in the account. For these purposes, shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 will generally be treated as held in separate accounts.

A shareholder may instruct the Fund to use a method other than average basis for an account. If redemptions, including in connection with payment of an account fee, or exchanges have occurred in an account to which the average basis method applied, the basis of the Fund shares remaining in the account will continue to reflect the average basis notwithstanding the shareholder’s subsequent election of a different method. For further assistance, shareholders who hold their shares directly with the Fund may call the Fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863. Shareholders who hold shares through a Service Agent should contact the Service Agent for further assistance or for information regarding the Service Agent’s default method for calculating basis and procedures for electing to use an alternative method. Shareholders should consult their tax professionals concerning the tax consequences of applying the average basis method or electing another method of basis calculation and should consider electing such other method prior to making redemptions or exchanges in their accounts.

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain circumstances to apply backup withholding on dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct

 

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taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Notices. Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of the Fund’s taxable year regarding the U.S. federal income tax status of certain dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds that were paid (or that are treated as having been paid) by the Fund during the preceding taxable year. In certain cases, the Fund may be required to amend the tax information reported to you with respect to a particular year. In this event, you may be required to file amended U.S. federal income or other tax returns with respect to such amended information and, if applicable, to pay additional taxes (including potentially interest and penalties) or to seek a tax refund and may incur other related costs.

Other Taxes

Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s particular situation. Generally, shareholders will have to pay state or local taxes on Fund dividends and other distributions, although distributions derived from interest on U.S. government obligations (but not distributions of gain from the sale of such obligations) may be exempt from certain state and local taxes.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders

Ordinary dividends and certain other payments made by the Fund to shareholders that are not “United States persons” within the meaning of the Code (“non-U.S. shareholders”) are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate (or a reduced rate under an applicable treaty). In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding under a treaty, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or similar form certifying its entitlement to benefits under the treaty. A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have already been subject to the 30% withholding tax.

The 30% withholding tax described in the preceding paragraph generally will not apply to redemption proceeds or to distributions to non-U.S. shareholders that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, and interest-related dividends, each as defined and subject to certain conditions described below.

In general, (1) “short-term capital gain dividends” are distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses and (2) “interest-related dividends” are distributions derived from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual non-U.S. shareholder, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders. The exceptions to withholding for capital gain dividends and short-term capital gain dividends do not apply to (A) distributions to an individual non-U.S. shareholder who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (B) distributions attributable to gain that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. shareholder of a trade or business within the United States, under special rules regarding the disposition of “United States real property interests” (“USRPIs”) as described below. The exception to withholding for interest-related dividends does not apply to distributions to a non-U.S. shareholder (A) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (B) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the non-U.S. shareholder is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (C) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (D) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the non-U.S. shareholder and the non-U.S. shareholder is a controlled foreign corporation.

If income from the Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted within the United States by a non-U.S. shareholder, the non-U.S. shareholder will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, as applicable, whether the income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund, and, in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder that is a foreign corporation, the non-U.S. shareholder may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a non-U.S. shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, its effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis only if the income or gain is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund for non-U.S. shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may be different from those described herein, and those shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors.

 

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A non-U.S. shareholder is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by the non-U.S. shareholder within the United States, (ii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder that is an individual, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale and certain other conditions are met or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of USRPIs apply to the non-U.S. shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund.

Special rules would apply if the Fund were a qualified investment entity (“QIE”) because it is either a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition of USRPIs described below. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USRPIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other trade or business assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or, very generally, an entity that has been a USRPHC in the last five years. A regulated investment company that holds, directly or indirectly, significant interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may be a USRPHC. Interests in domestically controlled QIEs, including REITs and regulated investment companies that are QIEs, not-greater-than-10% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in REITs and not-greater-than-5% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in regulated investment companies generally are not USRPIs, but these exceptions do not apply for purposes of determining whether the Fund is a QIE. If an interest in the Fund were a USRPI, the Fund would be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% non-U.S. shareholder, in which case such non-U.S. shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.

If the Fund were a QIE, under a special “look through” rule, any distributions by the Fund to a non-U.S. shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable directly or indirectly to (i) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands and (ii) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Fund would retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the non-U.S. shareholder and would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the non-U.S. shareholder being required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a non-U.S. shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the non-U.S. shareholder’s current and past ownership of the Fund.

Under legislation commonly known as “FATCA,” the Fund is required to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays to shareholders that fail to meet prescribed information reporting or certification requirements. In general, no such withholding will be required with respect to a U.S. person or non-U.S. individual that timely provides the certifications required by the Fund or its agent on a valid IRS Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8, respectively. Shareholders potentially subject to withholding include foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”), such as non-U.S. investment funds, and non-financial foreign entities (“NFFEs”). To avoid withholding under FATCA, an FFI generally must enter into an information sharing agreement with the IRS in which it agrees to report certain identifying information (including name, address, and taxpayer identification number) with respect to its U.S. account holders (which, in the case of an entity shareholder, may include its direct and indirect U.S. owners), and an NFFE generally must identify and provide other required information to the Fund or other withholding agent regarding its U.S. owners, if any. Such non-U.S. shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by regulations and other guidance. A non-U.S. shareholder in a country that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A non-U.S. entity that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding.

Non-U.S. investors should consult their own tax professionals regarding the impact of these requirements on their investment in the Fund.

 

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CODES OF ETHICS

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund, the Manager, the Subadviser and the Distributor each has adopted a code of ethics that permits its personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the codes of ethics. Copies of the codes of ethics applicable to personnel of the Fund, the Manager, the Subadviser, the Distributor and the Independent Trustees are on file with the SEC.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022, contains the Fund’s audited financial statements, accompanying notes and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, all of which are incorporated by reference into this SAI (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292445/d392090dncsr.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292458/d393206dncsr.htm). These audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request by calling the Fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863.

 

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Appendix A

Proxy Voting Policies

CLEARBRIDGE INVESTMENTS

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

AMENDED AS OF FEBRUARY 2022

 

  I.

Types of Accounts for Which ClearBridge Votes Proxies

 

 II.

General Guidelines

 

III.

How ClearBridge Votes

 

IV.

Conflicts of Interest

 

  a.

Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest

 

  b.

Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest and for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest

 

  c.

Third Party Proxy Voting Firm - Conflicts of Interest

 

 V.

Voting Policy

 

  a.

Election of Directors

 

  b.

Proxy Contests

 

  c.

Auditors

 

  d.

Proxy Contest Defenses

 

  e.

Tender Offer Defenses

 

  f.

Miscellaneous Governance Provisions

 

  g.

Capital Structure

 

  h.

Executive and Director Compensation

 

  i.

State/Country of Incorporation

 

  j.

Mergers and Corporate Restructuring

 

  k.

Social and Environmental Issues

 

  l.

Miscellaneous

 

VI.

Other Considerations

 

  a.

Share Blocking

 

  b.

Securities on Loan

 

VII.

Disclosure of Proxy Voting

 

VIII.

Recordkeeping and Oversight

 

A-1


CLEARBRIDGE INVESTMENTS

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

I.

TYPES OF ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH CLEARBRIDGE VOTES PROXIES

ClearBridge votes proxies for each client for which it has investment discretion unless the investment management agreement provides that the client or other authorized party (e.g., a trustee or named fiduciary of a plan) is responsible for voting proxies.

 

II.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

In voting proxies, we are guided by general fiduciary principles. Our goal is to act prudently, solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of the accounts we manage. We attempt to provide for the consideration of all factors that could affect the value of the investment and will vote proxies in the manner that we believe will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder values.

 

III.

HOW CLEARBRIDGE VOTES

Section V of these policies and procedures sets forth certain stated positions. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position, we generally vote in accordance with the stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a list of factors set forth in Section V that we consider in voting on such issue, we consider those factors and vote on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position or list of factors that we consider in voting on such issue, we vote on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. We may utilize an external service provider to provide us with information and/or a recommendation with regard to proxy votes but we are not required to follow any such recommendations. The use of an external service provider does not relieve us of our responsibility for the proxy vote.

For routine matters, we usually vote according to our policy or the external service provider’s recommendation, although we are not obligated to do so and each individual portfolio management team may vote contrary to our policy or the recommendation of the external service provider. If a matter is non-routine, e.g., management’s recommendation is different than that of the external service provider and ClearBridge is a significant holder or it is a significant holding for ClearBridge, the issues will be highlighted to the appropriate investment teams. Different investment teams may vote differently on the same issue, depending upon their assessment of clients’ best interests.

ClearBridge’s policies are reviewed annually and its proxy voting process is overseen and coordinated by its Proxy Committee.

 

IV.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

In furtherance of ClearBridge’s goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, ClearBridge follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between ClearBridge’s interests and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients.

 

  A.

Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest

ClearBridge relies on the following to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting:

 

  1.

ClearBridge’s employees are periodically reminded of their obligation (i) to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of ClearBridge with respect to voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of their personal relationships or personal or business relationships relating to another Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin”) business unit, and (ii) to bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of ClearBridge’s General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer.

 

A-2


  2.

ClearBridge’s finance area maintains and provides to ClearBridge Compliance and proxy voting personnel an up- to-date list of all client relationships that have historically accounted for or are projected to account for greater than 1% of ClearBridge’s net revenues.

 

  3.

As a general matter, ClearBridge takes the position that relationships between a non-ClearBridge Franklin unit and an issuer (e.g., investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-ClearBridge Franklin affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because ClearBridge operates as an independent business unit from other Franklin business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between ClearBridge and certain other Franklin business units. As noted above, ClearBridge employees are under an obligation to bring such conflicts of interest, including conflicts of interest which may arise because of an attempt by another Franklin business unit or non-ClearBridge Franklin officer or employee to influence proxy voting by ClearBridge to the attention of ClearBridge Compliance.

 

  4.

A list of issuers with respect to which ClearBridge has a potential conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of client accounts will be maintained by ClearBridge proxy voting personnel. ClearBridge will not vote proxies relating to such issuers until it has been determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method for resolving the conflict of interest has been agreed upon and implemented, as described in Section IV below.

 

  B.

Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest and for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest

 

  1.

ClearBridge maintains a Proxy Committee which, among other things, reviews and addresses conflicts of interest brought to its attention. The Proxy Committee is comprised of such ClearBridge personnel (and others, at ClearBridge’s request), as are designated from time to time. The current members of the Proxy Committee are set forth in the Proxy Committee’s Terms of Reference.

 

  2.

All conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section IV. A. must be brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee for resolution. A proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with a stated ClearBridge position on such issue or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party generally is not brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee for a conflict of interest review because ClearBridge’s position is that any conflict of interest issues are resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party.

 

  3.

The Proxy Committee will determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, ClearBridge’s decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. A written record of all materiality determinations made by the Proxy Committee will be maintained.

 

  4.

If it is determined by the Proxy Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, ClearBridge may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

 

  5.

If it is determined by the Proxy Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Proxy Committee will determine an appropriate method to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:

 

   

disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their consent before voting;

 

   

suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf;

 

   

in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee’s personal relationships, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote; or

 

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such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc.*

A written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest shall be maintained.

 

  C.

Third Party Proxy Voting Firm - Conflicts of Interest

With respect to a third-party proxy voting firm described herein, the Proxy Committee will periodically review and assess such firm’s policies, procedures and practices with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest.

 

V.

VOTING POLICY

These are policy guidelines that can always be superseded, subject to the duty to act solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of accounts, by the investment management professionals responsible for the account holding the shares being voted. There may be occasions when different investment teams vote differently on the same issue. In addition, in the case of Taft-Hartley clients, ClearBridge will comply with a client direction to vote proxies in accordance with Institutional Shareholder Services’ (ISS) PVS Proxy Voting Guidelines, which ISS represents to be fully consistent with AFL-CIO guidelines.

 

  A.

Election of Directors

 

  1.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections.

 

  a.

We withhold our vote from a director nominee who:

 

   

attended less than 75 percent of the company’s board and committee meetings without a valid excuse (illness, service to the nation/local government, work on behalf of the company);

 

   

received more than 50 percent withheld votes of the shares cast at the previous board election, and the company has failed to address the issue as to why;

 

   

is a member of the company’s audit committee, when excessive non-audit fees were paid to the auditor, or there are chronic control issues and an absence of established effective control mechanisms;

 

   

is a member of the company’s compensation committee if the compensation committee ignore a say on pay proposal that a majority of shareholders opposed;

 

   

is a member of the company’s nominating committee and there is no gender diversity on the board (or those currently proposed for election to the board do not meet that criterion).

 

   

is a member of the company’s nominating committee and there is no racial/ethnic diversity on the board (or those currently proposed for election to the board do not meet that criterion).1

 

  b.

We vote for all other director nominees.

 

  2.

Chairman and CEO is the Same Person.

 

 

* Especially in the case of an apparent, as opposed to actual, conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee may resolve such conflict of interest by satisfying itself that ClearBridge’s proposed vote on a proxy issue is in the best interest of client accounts and is not being influenced by the conflict of interest.

1. This position only applies to Anglo markets which is defined as US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

 

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We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals that would require the positions of the Chairman and CEO to be held by different persons. We would generally vote FOR such a proposal unless there are compelling reasons to vote against the proposal, including:

 

   

Designation of a lead director

 

   

Majority of independent directors (supermajority)

 

   

All independent key committees

 

   

Size of the company (based on market capitalization)

 

   

Established governance guidelines

 

   

Company performance

 

  3.

Majority of Independent Directors

 

  a.

We vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board be comprised of a majority of independent directors. Generally that would require that the director have no connection to the company other than the board seat. In determining whether an independent director is truly independent (e.g. when voting on a slate of director candidates), we consider certain factors including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: whether the director or his/her company provided professional services to the company or its affiliates either currently or in the past year; whether the director has any transactional relationship with the company; whether the director is a significant customer or supplier of the company; whether the director is employed by a foundation or university that received significant grants or endowments from the company or its affiliates; and whether there are interlocking directorships.

 

  b.

We vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.

 

  4.

Stock Ownership Requirements

We vote against shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain on the board.

 

  5.

Term of Office

We vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of independent directors.

 

  6.

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

  a.

Subject to subparagraphs 2, 3, and 4 below, we vote for proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals to limit and against proposals to eliminate entirely director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.

 

  c.

We vote against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.

 

  d.

We vote for only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage noted in subparagraph 3 above in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (2) if only the director’s legal expenses would be covered.

 

  7.

Director Qualifications

 

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  a.

We vote case-by-case on proposals that establish or amend director qualifications. Considerations include how reasonable the criteria are and to what degree they may preclude dissident nominees from joining the board.

 

  b.

We vote against shareholder proposals requiring two candidates per board seat.

 

  B.

Proxy Contests

 

  1.

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

We vote on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. Considerations include: chronology of events leading up to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (incumbents and dissidents); for incumbents, whether the board is comprised of a majority of outside directors; whether key committees (i.e.: nominating, audit, compensation) comprise solely of independent outsiders; discussion with the respective portfolio manager(s).

 

  2.

Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest. Considerations include: identity of persons who will pay solicitation expenses; cost of solicitation; percentage that will be paid to proxy solicitation firms.

 

  C.

Auditors

 

  1.

Ratifying Auditors

We vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position or there is reason to believe the independent auditor has not followed the highest level of ethical conduct. Specifically, we will vote to ratify auditors if the auditors only provide the company audit services and such other audit-related and non-audit services the provision of which will not cause such auditors to lose their independence under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

  2.

Financial Statements and Director and Auditor Reports

We generally vote for management proposals seeking approval of financial accounts and reports and the discharge of management and supervisory board members, unless there is concern about the past actions of the company’s auditors or directors.

 

  3.

Remuneration of Auditors

We vote for proposals to authorize the board or an audit committee of the board to determine the remuneration of auditors, unless there is evidence of excessive compensation relative to the size and nature of the company.

 

  4.

Indemnification of Auditors

We vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

  D.

Proxy Contest Defenses

 

  1.

Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

 

  a.

We vote against proposals to classify the board.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

 

  2.

Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors

 

  a.

We vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

 

A-6


  b.

We vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

 

  c.

We vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

 

  d.

We vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

 

  3.

Cumulative Voting

 

  a.

If plurality voting is in place for uncontested director elections, we vote for proposals to permit or restore cumulative voting.

 

  b.

If majority voting is in place for uncontested director elections, we vote against cumulative voting.

 

  c.

If plurality voting is in place for uncontested director elections, and proposals to adopt both cumulative voting and majority voting are on the same slate, we vote for majority voting and against cumulative voting.

 

  4.

Majority Voting

We vote for non-binding and/or binding resolutions requesting that the board amend a company’s by-laws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of the votes cast, provided that it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated. In addition, all resolutions need to provide for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats (i.e. contested election). In addition, ClearBridge strongly encourages companies to adopt a post-election director resignation policy setting guidelines for the company to follow to promptly address situations involving holdover directors.

 

  5.

Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

 

  a.

We vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings, taking into account a minimum ownership threshold of 10 percent (and investor ownership structure, depending on bylaws).

 

  6.

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

 

  a.

We vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

 

  7.

Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board

 

  a.

We vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

 

  b.

We vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

 

  8.

Advance Notice Proposals

We vote on advance notice proposals on a case-by-case basis, giving support to those proposals which allow shareholders to submit proposals as close to the meeting date as reasonably possible and within the broadest window possible.

 

  9.

Amendment of By-Laws

 

  a.

We vote against proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the by-laws.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals giving the board the ability to amend the by-laws in addition to shareholders.

 

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  10.

Article Amendments (not otherwise covered by ClearBridge Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures).

We review on a case-by-case basis all proposals seeking amendments to the articles of association.

We vote for article amendments if:

 

   

shareholder rights are protected;

 

   

there is negligible or positive impact on shareholder value;

 

   

management provides adequate reasons for the amendments; and

 

   

the company is required to do so by law (if applicable).

 

  E.

Tender Offer Defenses

 

  1.

Poison Pills

 

  a.

We vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.

 

  b.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill. Considerations include: when the plan was originally adopted; financial condition of the company; terms of the poison pill.

 

  c.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals to ratify a poison pill. Considerations include: sunset provision - poison pill is submitted to shareholders for ratification or rejection every 2 to 3 years; shareholder redemption feature -10% of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the rights plan.

 

  2.

Fair Price Provisions

 

  a.

We vote for fair price proposals, as long as the shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a majority of disinterested shares.

 

  b.

We vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

 

  3.

Greenmail

 

  a.

We vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 

  b.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on anti-greenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

  4.

Unequal Voting Rights

 

  a.

We vote against dual class exchange offers.

 

  b.

We vote against dual class re-capitalization.

 

  5.

Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

 

  a.

We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

 

  b.

We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.

 

  6.

Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

 

  a.

We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

A-8


  b.

We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

  7.

White Knight/Squire Placements

We vote for shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues.

 

  F.

Miscellaneous Governance Provisions

 

  1.

Confidential Voting

 

  a.

We vote for shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: in the case of a contested election, management is permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

  b.

We vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting subject to the proviso for contested elections set forth in sub-paragraph A.1. above.

 

  2.

Equal Access

We vote for shareholder proposals that would allow significant company shareholders equal access to management’s proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

 

  3.

Bundled Proposals

We vote on a case-by-case basis on bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, we examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders’ best interests and therefore not in the best interests of the beneficial owners of accounts, we vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we support such proposals.

 

  4.

Shareholder Advisory Committees

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee. Considerations include: rationale and cost to the firm to form such a committee. We generally vote against such proposals if the board and key nominating committees are comprised solely of independent/outside directors.

 

  5.

Other Business

We vote for proposals that seek to bring forth other business matters.

 

  6.

Adjourn Meeting

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals that seek to adjourn a shareholder meeting in order to solicit additional votes.

 

  7.

Lack of Information

We vote against proposals if a company fails to provide shareholders with adequate information upon which to base their voting decision.

 

  G.

Capital Structure

 

  1.

Common Stock Authorization

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue, except as described in paragraph 2 below.

 

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  b.

Subject to paragraph 3, below we vote for the approval requesting increases in authorized shares if the company meets certain criteria:

 

   

Company has already issued a certain percentage (i.e. greater than 50%) of the company’s allotment.

 

   

The proposed increase is reasonable (i.e. less than 150% of current inventory) based on an analysis of the company’s historical stock management or future growth outlook of the company.

 

  c.

We vote on a case-by-case basis, based on the input of affected portfolio managers, if holding is greater than 1% of an account.

 

  2.

Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the split does not result in an increase of authorized but unissued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for the split.

 

  3.

Reverse Stock Splits

We vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split, provided that the reverse split does not result in an increase of authorized but unissued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for the reverse split.

 

  4.

Blank Check Preferred Stock

 

  a.

We vote against proposals to create, authorize or increase the number of shares with regard to blank check preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution and other rights.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense).

 

  c.

We vote for proposals to authorize 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 appear reasonable.

 

  d.

We vote for proposals requiring a shareholder vote for blank check preferred stock issues.

 

  5.

Adjust Par Value of Common Stock

We vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

  6.

Preemptive Rights

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals seeking to establish them and consider the following factors:

 

   

Size of the Company.

 

   

Characteristics of the size of the holding (holder owning more than 1% of the outstanding shares).

 

   

Percentage of the rights offering (rule of thumb less than 5%).

 

  b.

We vote on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals seeking the elimination of pre-emptive rights.

 

  7.

Debt Restructuring

 

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We vote on a case-by-case basis for proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt-restructuring plan. Generally, we approve proposals that facilitate debt restructuring.

 

  8.

Share Repurchase Programs

We vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

 

  9.

Dual-Class Stock

We vote for proposals to create a new class of nonvoting or sub voting common stock if:

 

   

It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders

 

   

It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder

 

  10.

Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan

We vote against proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a shareholder rights plan (poison pill).

 

  11.

Debt Issuance Requests

When evaluating a debt issuance request, the issuing company’s present financial situation is examined. The main factor for analysis is the company’s current debt-to-equity ratio, or gearing level. A high gearing level may incline markets and financial analysts to downgrade the company’s bond rating, increasing its investment risk factor in the process. A gearing level up to 100 percent is considered acceptable.

We vote for debt issuances for companies when the gearing level is between zero and 100 percent.

We view on a case-by-case basis proposals where the issuance of debt will result in the gearing level being greater than 100 percent. Any proposed debt issuance is compared to industry and market standards.

 

  12.

Financing Plans

We generally vote for the adopting of financing plans if we believe they are in the best economic interests of shareholders.

 

  H.

Executive and Director Compensation

In general, we vote for executive and director compensation plans, with the view that viable compensation programs reward the creation of stockholder wealth by having high payout sensitivity to increases in shareholder value. Certain factors, however, such as repricing underwater stock options without shareholder approval, would cause us to vote against a plan. Additionally, in some cases we would vote against a plan deemed unnecessary.

 

  1.

OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals

 

  a.

Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grant or Amend Administrative Features

We vote for plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  b.

Amendments to Added Performance-Based Goals

We vote for amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  c.

Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions Under OBRA

 

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We vote for amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  d.

Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans

We vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  2.

Expensing of Options

We vote for proposals to expense stock options on financial statements.

 

  3.

Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on all shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information. Considerations include: cost and form of disclosure. We vote for such proposals if additional disclosure is relevant to shareholder’s needs and would not put the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its industry.

 

  b.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay.

 

  4.

Reports to Assess the Feasibility of Including Sustainability as a Performance Metric

We vote in favor of non-binding proposals for reports on the feasibility of including sustainability as a performance metric for senior executive compensation.

We have a policy of voting to reasonably limit the level of options and other equity-based compensation arrangements available to management to reasonably limit shareholder dilution and management compensation. For options and equity-based compensation arrangements, we vote FOR proposals or amendments that would result in the available awards being less than 10% of fully diluted outstanding shares (i.e. if the combined total of shares, common share equivalents and options available to be awarded under all current and proposed compensation plans is less than 10% of fully diluted shares). In the event the available awards exceed the 10% threshold, we would also consider the % relative to the common practice of its specific industry (e.g. technology firms). Other considerations would include, without limitation, the following:

 

   

Compensation committee comprised of independent outside directors

 

   

Maximum award limits

 

   

Repricing without shareholder approval prohibited

 

   

3-year average burn rate for company

 

   

Plan administrator has authority to accelerate the vesting of awards

 

   

Shares under the plan subject to performance criteria

 

  5.

Golden Parachutes

 

  a.

We vote for shareholder proposals to have golden parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification.

 

  b.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on all proposals to ratify or cancel golden parachutes. Considerations include: the amount should not exceed 3 times average base salary plus guaranteed benefits; golden parachute should be less attractive than an ongoing employment opportunity with the firm.

 

  6.

Golden Coffins

 

A-12


  a.

We vote for shareholder proposals that request a company not to make any death benefit payments to senior executives’ estates or beneficiaries, or pay premiums in respect to any life insurance policy covering a senior executive’s life (“golden coffin”). We carve out benefits provided under a plan, policy or arrangement applicable to a broader group of employees, such as offering group universal life insurance.

 

  b.

We vote for shareholder proposals that request shareholder approval of survivor benefits for future agreements that, following the death of a senior executive, would obligate the company to make payments or awards not earned.

 

  7.

Anti-Tax Gross-up Policy

 

  a.

We vote for proposals that ask a company to adopt a policy whereby it will not make, or promise to make, any tax gross-up payment to its senior executives, except for tax gross-ups provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company generally, such as relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy; we also vote for proposals that ask management to put gross-up payments to a shareholder vote.

 

  b.

We vote against proposals where a company will make, or promise to make, any tax gross-up payment to its senior executives without a shareholder vote, except for tax gross-ups provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company generally, such as relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy.

 

  8.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

We vote for proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is “excessive” (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares).

 

  9.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

  a.

We vote for qualified plans where all of the following apply:

 

   

The purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value

 

   

The offering period is 27 months or less

 

   

The number of shares allocated to the plan is five percent or less of outstanding shares

If the above do not apply, we vote on a case-by-case basis.

 

  b.

We vote for non-qualified plans where all of the following apply:

 

   

All employees of the company are eligible to participate (excluding 5 percent or more beneficial owners)

 

   

There are limits on employee contribution (ex: fixed dollar amount)

 

   

There is a company matching contribution with a maximum of 25 percent of an employee’s contribution

 

   

There is no discount on the stock price on purchase date (since there is a company match)

If the above do not apply, we vote against the non-qualified employee stock purchase plan.

 

  10.

401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

We vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

  11.

Stock Compensation Plans

 

  a.

We vote for stock compensation plans which provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange.

 

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  b.

We vote on a case-by-case basis for stock compensation plans which do not provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange using a quantitative model.

 

  12.

Directors Retirement Plans

 

  a.

We vote against retirement plans for non-employee directors.

 

  b.

We vote for shareholder proposals to eliminate retirement plans for non-employee directors.

 

  13.

Management Proposals to Reprice Options

We vote against management proposals seeking approval to reprice options.

 

  14.

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

 

  a.

We vote against shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or form of compensation.

 

  b.

We vote against shareholder proposals requiring director fees be paid in stock only.

 

  c.

We vote against shareholder proposals to eliminate vesting of options and restricted stock on change of control.

 

  d.

We vote for shareholder proposals to put option repricing to a shareholder vote.

 

  e.

We vote for shareholder proposals that call for a non-binding advisory vote on executive pay (“say-on-pay”). Company boards would adopt a policy giving shareholders the opportunity at each annual meeting to vote on an advisory resolution to ratify the compensation of the named executive officers set forth in the proxy statement’s summary compensation table.

 

  f.

We vote “annual” for the frequency of say-on-pay proposals rather than once every two or three years.

 

  g.

We vote on a case-by-case basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.

 

  15.

Management Proposals on Executive Compensation

For non-binding advisory votes on executive officer compensation, when management and the external service provider agree, we vote for the proposal. When management and the external service provider disagree, the proposal becomes a refer item. In the case of a Refer item, the factors under consideration will include the following:

 

   

Company performance over the last 1, 3, and 5-year periods on a total shareholder return basis

 

   

Performance metrics for short- and long-term incentive programs

 

   

CEO pay relative to company performance (is there a misalignment)

 

   

Tax gross-ups to senior executives

 

   

Change-in-control arrangements

 

   

Presence of a clawback provision, ownership guidelines, or stock holding requirements for senior executives

 

  16.

Stock Retention / Holding Period of Equity Awards

We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt policies requiring senior executives to retain all or a significant (>50 percent) portion of their shares acquired through equity compensation plans, either:

 

   

While employed and/or for one to two years following the termination of their employment; or

 

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For a substantial period following the lapse of all other vesting requirements for the award, with ratable release of a portion of the shares annually during the lock-up period

The following factors will be taken into consideration:

 

   

Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or named executive officer ownership requirements currently in place

 

   

Actual stock ownership of the company’s named executive officers

 

   

Policies aimed at mitigating risk taking by senior executives

 

   

Pay practices at the company that we deem problematic

 

  I.

State/Country of Incorporation

 

  1.

Voting on State Takeover Statutes

 

  a.

We vote for proposals to opt out of state freeze-out provisions.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals to opt out of state disgorgement provisions.

 

  2.

Voting on Re-incorporation Proposals

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to change a company’s state or country of incorporation. Considerations include: reasons for re-incorporation (i.e. financial, restructuring, etc); advantages/benefits for change (i.e. lower taxes); compare the differences in state/country laws governing the corporation.

 

  3.

Control Share Acquisition Provisions

 

  a.

We vote against proposals to amend the charter to include control share acquisition provisions.

 

  b.

We vote for proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes unless doing so would enable the completion of a takeover that would be detrimental to shareholders.

 

  c.

We vote for proposals to restore voting rights to the control shares.

 

  d.

We vote for proposals to opt out of control share cashout statutes.

 

  J.

Mergers and Corporate Restructuring

 

  1.

Mergers and Acquisitions

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on mergers and acquisitions. Considerations include: benefits/advantages of the combined companies (i.e. economies of scale, operating synergies, increase in market power/share, etc.); offer price (premium or discount); change in the capital structure; impact on shareholder rights.

 

  2.

Corporate Restructuring

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on corporate restructuring proposals involving minority squeeze outs and leveraged buyouts. Considerations include: offer price, other alternatives/offers considered and review of fairness opinions.

 

  3.

Spin-offs

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on spin-offs. Considerations include the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

 

  4.

Asset Sales

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on asset sales. Considerations include the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.

 

  5.

Liquidations

 

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  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on liquidations after reviewing management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

 

  6.

Appraisal Rights

 

  a.

We vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

 

  7.

Changing Corporate Name

 

  a.

We vote for proposals to change the “corporate name”, unless the proposed name change bears a negative connotation.

 

  8.

Conversion of Securities

 

  a.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals regarding conversion of securities. Considerations include the dilution to existing shareholders, the conversion price relative to market value, financial issues, control issues, termination penalties, and conflicts of interest.

 

  9.

Stakeholder Provisions

 

  a.

We vote against proposals that ask the board to consider non-shareholder constituencies or other non-financial effects when evaluating a merger or business combination.

 

  K.

Social and Environmental Issues

When considering environmental and social (E&S) proposals, we have an obligation to vote proxies in the best interest of our clients, considering both shareholder value as well as societal impact.

 

  1.

Sustainability Reporting

 

  a.

We vote for proposals seeking greater disclosure on the company’s environmental, social & governance policies and practices;

 

  b.

We vote for proposals that would require companies whose annual revenues are at least $5 billion to prepare a sustainability report. All others will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

 

  2.

Diversity & Equality

 

  a.

We vote for proposals supporting nomination of most qualified candidates, inclusive of a diverse pool of women and people of color, to the Board of Directors and senior management levels;

 

  b.

We vote for proposals requesting comprehensive disclosure on board diversity;

 

  c.

We vote for proposals requesting comprehensive disclosure on employee diversity;

 

  d.

We vote for proposals requesting comprehensive reports on gender and racial pay disparity;

 

  e.

We vote for proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

 

  3.

Climate Risk Disclosure

 

  a.

We vote for climate proposals seeking more disclosure on financial, physical or regulatory risks related to climate change and/or how the company measures and manages such risks;

 

  b.

We vote for climate proposals requesting a report/disclosure of goals on GHG emissions reduction targets from company operations and/or products;

 

  4.

Case-by-case E&S proposals (examples)

 

  a.

Animal welfare policies;

 

  b.

Human rights and company policies;

 

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  c.

Operations in high-risk or sensitive areas;

 

  d.

Product integrity and marketing.

 

  L.

Miscellaneous

 

  1.

Charitable Contributions

We vote against proposals to eliminate, direct or otherwise restrict charitable contributions.

 

  2.

Political Contributions

We will vote in favor of non-binding proposals for reports on corporate lobbying and political contributions.

In general, we vote on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals pertaining to political contributions. In determining our vote on political contribution proposals we consider, among other things, the following:

 

   

Does the company have a political contributions policy publicly available

 

   

How extensive is the disclosure on these documents

 

   

What oversight mechanisms the company has in place for approving/reviewing political contributions and expenditures

 

   

Does the company provide information on its trade association expenditures

 

   

Total amount of political expenditure by the company in recent history

 

  3.

Operational Items

 

  a.

We vote against proposals to provide management with the authority to adjourn an annual or special meeting absent compelling reasons to support the proposal.

 

  b.

We vote against proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal.

 

  c.

We vote for by-law or charter changes that are of a housekeeping nature (updates or corrections).

 

  d.

We vote for management proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable.

 

  e.

We vote against shareholder proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable.

 

  f.

We vote against proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item.

 

  4.

Routine Agenda Items

In some markets, shareholders are routinely asked to approve:

 

   

the opening of the shareholder meeting

 

   

that the meeting has been convened under local regulatory requirements

 

   

the presence of a quorum

 

   

the agenda for the shareholder meeting

 

   

the election of the chair of the meeting

 

   

regulatory filings

 

   

the allowance of questions

 

A-17


   

the publication of minutes

 

   

the closing of the shareholder meeting

We generally vote for these and similar routine management proposals.

 

  5.

Allocation of Income and Dividends

We generally vote for management proposals concerning allocation of income and the distribution of dividends, unless the amount of the distribution is consistently and unusually small or large.

 

  6.

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternatives

 

  a.

We vote for most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

 

  b.

We vote against proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

ClearBridge has determined that registered investment companies, particularly closed end investment companies, raise special policy issues making specific voting guidelines frequently inapplicable. To the extent that ClearBridge has proxy voting authority with respect to shares of registered investment companies, ClearBridge shall vote such shares in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth herein without regard to the specific voting guidelines set forth in Section V. A. through L.

The voting policy guidelines set forth herein will be reviewed annually and may be changed by ClearBridge in its sole discretion.

 

VI.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

In certain situations, ClearBridge may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client because ClearBridge believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations. Examples of situations in which ClearBridge may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client include:

 

  A.

Share Blocking

Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share blocking.” This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g. one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, ClearBridge will consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to clients of voting in relation to the detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.

 

  B.

Securities on Loan

Certain clients of ClearBridge, such as an institutional client or a mutual fund for which ClearBridge acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. ClearBridge typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, ClearBridge will request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if ClearBridge believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares (e.g., foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of ClearBridge and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.

 

A-18


VII.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING

ClearBridge employees may not disclose to others outside of ClearBridge (including employees of other Franklin business units) how ClearBridge intends to vote a proxy absent prior approval from ClearBridge’s General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer, except that a ClearBridge investment professional may disclose to a third party (other than an employee of another Franklin business unit) how s/he intends to vote without obtaining prior approval from ClearBridge’s General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer if (1) the disclosure is intended to facilitate a discussion of publicly available information by ClearBridge personnel with a representative of a company whose securities are the subject of the proxy, (2) the company’s market capitalization exceeds $1 billion and (3) ClearBridge has voting power with respect to less than 5% of the outstanding common stock of the company.

If a ClearBridge employee receives a request to disclose ClearBridge’s proxy voting intentions to, or is otherwise contacted by, another person outside of ClearBridge (including an employee of another Franklin business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, he/she should immediately notify ClearBridge’s General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer.

If a portfolio manager wants to take a public stance with regards to a proxy, s/he must consult with ClearBridge’s General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer before making or issuing a public statement.

 

VIII.

RECORDKEEPING AND OVERSIGHT

ClearBridge shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

 

   

a copy of these policies and procedures;

 

   

a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

 

   

a copy of each proxy solicitation (including proxy statements) and related materials with regard to each vote;

 

   

documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;

 

   

any documents created by ClearBridge that were material to a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for that decision; and

 

   

a copy of each written client request for information on how ClearBridge voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by ClearBridge to any (written or oral) client request for information on how ClearBridge voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.

Such records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of the ClearBridge adviser.

To the extent that ClearBridge is authorized to vote proxies for a United States Registered Investment Company, ClearBridge shall maintain such records as are necessary to allow such fund to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, ClearBridge may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements and votes cast if the third party provides an undertaking to provide the documents promptly upon request.

 

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Appendix B

Credit Ratings

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

The ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of various debt obligations. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, debt obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while debt obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. As described by the rating agencies, ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuances. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. Global Rating Scales

Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short- term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Moody’s defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual financial obligations1 addressed by Moody’s ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability, the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g., floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody’s rating addresses the issuer’s ability to obtain cash sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay.2 Moody’s ratings do not address non-standard sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating.3 Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of eleven months or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.4, 5 Moody’s issues ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long- term scale and the short-term scale. Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be assigned.6

Moody’s differentiates structured finance ratings from fundamental ratings (i.e., ratings on nonfinancial corporate, financial institution, and public sector entities) on the global long-term scale by adding (sf ) to all structured finance ratings.7 The addition of (sf ) to structured finance ratings should eliminate any presumption that such ratings and fundamental ratings at the same letter grade level will behave the same.

 

 

1

In the case of impairments, there can be a financial loss even when contractual obligations are met.

 

2

In some cases the relevant credit risk relates to a third party, in addition to, or instead of the issuer. Examples include credit-linked notes and guaranteed obligations.

 

3

Because the number of possible features or structures is limited only by the creativity of issuers, Moody’s cannot comprehensively catalogue all the types of non-standard variation affecting financial obligations, but examples include equity indexed principal values and cash flows, prepayment penalties, and an obligation to pay an amount that is not ascertainable at the inception of the transaction.

 

4

For certain preferred stock and hybrid securities in which payment default events are either not defined or do not match investors’ expectations for timely payment, long-term and short-term ratings reflect the likelihood of impairment and financial loss in the event of impairment.

 

5

Debts held on the balance sheets of official sector institutions – which include supranational institutions, central banks and certain government-owned or controlled banks – may not always be treated the same as debts held by private investors and lenders. When it is known that an obligation is held by official sector institutions as well as other investors, a rating (short-term or long-term) assigned to that obligation reflects only the credit risks faced by non-official sector investors.

 

6

For information on how to obtain a Moody’s credit rating, including private and unpublished credit ratings, please see Moody’s Investors Service Products. Please note that Moody’s always reserves the right to choose not to assign or maintain a credit rating for its own business reasons.

 

7

Like other global scale ratings, (sf) ratings reflect both the likelihood of a default and the expected loss suffered in the event of default. Ratings are assigned based on a rating committee’s assessment of a security’s expected loss rate (default probability multiplied by expected loss severity), and may be subject to the constraint that the final expected loss rating assigned would not be more than a certain number of notches, typically three to five notches, above the rating that would be assigned based on an assessment of default probability alone. The magnitude of this constraint may vary with the level of the rating, the seasoning of the transaction, and the uncertainty around the assessments of expected loss and probability of default.

 

B-1


The (sf) indicator for structured finance security ratings indicates that otherwise similarly rated structured finance and fundamental securities may have different risk characteristics. Through its current methodologies, however, Moody’s aspires to achieve broad expected equivalence in structured finance and fundamental rating performance when measured over a long period of time.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Global Long-Term Ratings:

Aaa—Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

Aa—Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A—Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa—Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba—Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B—Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa—Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca—Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C—Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect 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; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

* By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Global Short-Term Ratings:

P-1—Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.

P-2—Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term obligations.

P-3—Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

NP—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s US Municipal Ratings:

U.S. Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings:

Moody’s uses the global short-term Prime rating scale for commercial paper issued by US municipalities and nonprofits. These commercial paper programs may be backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities, or by an issuer’s self-liquidity.

For other short-term municipal obligations, Moody’s uses one of two other short-term rating scales, the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scales discussed below.

MIG Ratings:

Moody’s uses the MIG scale for US municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less. Under certain circumstances, Moody’s uses the MIG scale for bond anticipation notes with maturities of up to five years.

 

B-2


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 as 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.

SG—This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

VMIG Ratings:

For variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), Moody’s assigns both a long-term rating and a short-term payment obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer’s ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term payment obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to meet any purchase price payment obligations resulting from optional tenders (“on demand”) and/or mandatory tenders of the VRDO. The short-term payment obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. Transitions of VMIG ratings with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions of Prime ratings reflecting the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

For VRDOs, Moody’s typically assigns a VMIG rating if the frequency of the payment obligation is less than every three years. If the frequency of the payment obligation is less than three years, but the obligation is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the VMIG short-term rating is not assigned and it is denoted as “NR”. Industrial development bonds in the US where the obligor is a corporate may carry a VMIG rating that reflects Moody’s view of the relative likelihood of default and loss. In these cases, liquidity assessment is based on the liquidity of the corporate obligor.

VMIG 1—This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

VMIG 2—This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

VMIG 3—This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

SG—This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s National Scale Long-Term Ratings:

Moody’s long-term National Scale Ratings (NSRs) are opinions of the relative creditworthiness of issuers and financial obligations within a particular country. NSRs are not designed to be compared among countries; rather, they address relative credit risk within a given country. Moody’s assigns national scale ratings in certain local capital markets in which investors have found the global rating scale provides inadequate differentiation among credits or is inconsistent with a rating scale already in common use in the country.

In each specific country, the last two characters of the rating indicate the country in which the issuer is located or the financial obligation was issued (e.g., Aaa.ke for Kenya).

Long-Term NSR Scale

Aaa.n     Issuers or issues rated Aaa.n demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Aa.n       Issuers or issues rated Aa.n demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

 

B-3


A.n        Issuers or issues rated A.n present above-average creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Baa.n    Issuers or issues rated Baa.n represent average creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Ba.n      Issuers or issues rated Ba.n demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

B.n        Issuers or issues rated B.n demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Caa.n    Issuers or issues rated Caa.n demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Ca.n      Issuers or issues rated Ca.n demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

C.n      Issuers or issues rated C.n demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

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; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

 

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings’ analysis of the following considerations:

 

 

The likelihood of payment—the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitments on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

 

The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise S&P Global Ratings imputes; and

 

The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

An issue rating is an assessment of default risk but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

AAA—An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA—An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

BBB—An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, and 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. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

B-4


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 that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments on the obligation.

CC—An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

C—An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

D—An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

Ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

A-1—A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2—A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3—A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

B—A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C—A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

D—A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period.

 

B-5


However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings:

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

 

Amortization schedule—the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

 

Source of payment—the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

SP-1—Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

SP-2—Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

SP-3—Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

D—“D” is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings

 

  AAA

An obligor rated “AAA” has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. “AAA” is the highest issuer credit rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings.

 

  AA

An obligor rated “AA” has very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest- rated obligors only to a small degree.

 

  A

An obligor rated “A” has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments but is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in higher-rated categories.

 

  BBB

An obligor rated “BBB” has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments.

BB, B, CCC, and CC Obligors rated “BB”, “B”, “CCC”, and “CC” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “CC” the highest. While such obligors will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

  BB

An obligor rated “BB” is less vulnerable in the near term than other lower-rated obligors. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties and exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  B

An obligor rated “B” is more vulnerable than the obligors rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments.

 

  CCC

An obligor rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.

 

B-6


  CC

An obligor rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

SD and D An obligor is rated “SD” (selective default) or “D” if S&P Global Ratings considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long- or short-term, including rated and unrated obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in nonpayment according to terms. A “D” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An “SD” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. A rating on an obligor is lowered to “D” or “SD” if it is conducting a distressed debt restructuring.

Ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

Short-Term Issuer Credit Ratings

 

  A-1

An obligor rated “A-1” has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. Within this category, certain obligors are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments is extremely strong.

 

  A-2

An obligor rated “A-2” has satisfactory capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in the highest rating category.

 

  A-3

An obligor rated “A-3” has adequate capacity to meet its financial obligations. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  B

An obligor rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  C

An obligor rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment that would result in an “SD” or “D” issuer rating and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.

SD and D An obligor is rated “SD” (selective default) or “D” if S&P Global Ratings considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long- or short-term, including rated and unrated obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in nonpayment according to terms. A “D” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An “SD” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. A rating on an obligor is lowered to “D” or “SD” if it is conducting a distressed debt restructuring.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Dual Ratings:

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, “AAA/A-1+” or “A-1+/A-1”). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, “SP-1+/A-1+”).

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Active Qualifiers:

 

B-7


S&P Global Ratings uses the following qualifiers that limit the scope of a rating. The structure of the transaction can require the use of a qualifier such as a “p” qualifier, which indicates the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. A qualifier appears as a suffix and is part of the rating.

Federal deposit insurance limit: “L” qualifier. Ratings qualified with “L” apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.

Principal: “p” qualifier. This suffix is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The “p” suffix indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only and that the interest is not rated.

Preliminary ratings: “prelim” qualifier. Preliminary ratings, with the “prelim” suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P Global Ratings of appropriate documentation. S&P Global Ratings reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating.

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions.

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor’s emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization, based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation, and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s).

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P Global Ratings’ opinion, documentation is close to final. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligations of these entities.

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing, or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor, as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative event not occur, S&P Global Ratings would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings.

 

 

A preliminary recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating.

Termination structures: “t” qualifier. This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.

Counterparty instrument rating: “cir” qualifier. This symbol indicates a counterparty instrument rating (CIR), which is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an issuer in a securitization structure with respect to a specific financial obligation to a counterparty (including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and liquidity facilities). The CIR is determined on an ultimate payment basis; these opinions do not take into account timeliness of payment.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Corporate Finance Obligations:

Ratings of individual securities or financial obligations of a corporate issuer address relative vulnerability to default on an ordinal scale. In addition, for financial obligations in corporate finance, a measure of recovery given default on that liability is also included in the rating assessment. This notably applies to covered bonds ratings, which incorporate both an indication of the probability of default and of the recovery given a default of this debt instrument. On the contrary, ratings of debtor-in-possession (DIP) obligations incorporate the expectation of full repayment.

The relationship between the issuer scale and obligation scale assumes a generic historical average recovery. Individual obligations can be assigned ratings higher, lower, or the same as that entity’s issuer rating or Issuer Default Rating (IDR), based on their relative ranking, relative vulnerability to default or based on explicit Recovery Ratings.

 

B-8


As a result, individual obligations of entities, such as corporations, are assigned ratings higher, lower, or the same as that entity’s issuer rating or IDR, except DIP obligation ratings that are not based off an IDR. At the lower end of the ratings scale, Fitch publishes explicit Recovery Ratings in many cases to complement issuer and obligation ratings.

AAA: Highest Credit Quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

B: Highly Speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. “CCC” ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk. “CC” ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. “C” indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

The ratings of corporate finance obligations are linked to Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) (or sometimes Viability Ratings for banks and non-bank financial institutions) by i) recovery expectations, including as often indicated by Recovery Ratings assigned in the case of low speculative grade issuers and ii) for banks and non-bank financial institutions an assessment of non-performance risk relative to the risk captured in the IDR or Viability Rating (e.g. in respect of certain hybrid securities).

For performing obligations, the obligation rating represents the risk of default and including the effect of expected recoveries on the credit risk should a default occur.

If the obligation rating is higher than the rating of the issuer, this indicates above average recovery expectations in the event of default. If the obligations rating is lower than the rating of the issuer, this indicates low expected recoveries should default occur.

Ratings in the categories of “CCC”, “CC” and “C” can also relate to obligations or issuers that are in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Issuer Default Ratings:

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned IDRs. IDRs are also assigned to certain entities or enterprises in global infrastructure, project finance and public finance. IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default (including by way of a distressed debt exchange) on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.

 

B-9


AAA: Highest Credit Quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B: Highly Speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a “C” category rating for an issuer include:

 

 

The issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

 

 

The issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation;

 

 

The formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

 

 

A closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent

RD: Restricted Default. “RD” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced:

 

 

An uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

 

 

Has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include:

 

   

The selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

 

   

The uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

 

   

The extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

D: Default. “D” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

 

B-10


In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Structured Finance Long-Term Obligation Ratings:

Ratings of structured finance obligations on the long-term scale consider the obligations’ relative vulnerability to default. These ratings are typically assigned to an individual security or tranche in a transaction and not to an issuer.

AAA: Highest Credit Quality.

“AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality.

“AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality.

“A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality.

“BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative.

“BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time.

B: Highly Speculative.

“B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk.

Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk.

Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk.

Default appears imminent or inevitable.

D: Default.

Indicates a default. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

 

 

Failure to make payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the rated obligation;

 

bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of the business of an issuer/obligor; or

 

distressed exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation to avoid a probable payment default.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Country Ceilings Ratings:

 

B-11


Country Ceilings are expressed using the symbols of the long-term issuer primary credit rating scale and relate to sovereign jurisdictions also rated by Fitch on the IDR scale. They reflect the agency’s judgment regarding the risk of capital and exchange controls being imposed by the sovereign authorities that would prevent or materially impede the private sector’s ability to convert local currency into foreign currency and transfer to non-resident creditors — transfer and convertibility (T&C) risk. They are not ratings but expressions of a cap for the foreign currency issuer ratings of most, but not all, issuers in a given country. Given the close correlation between sovereign credit and T&C risks, the Country Ceiling may exhibit a greater degree of volatility than would normally be expected when it lies above the sovereign Foreign Currency Rating.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Sovereigns, Public Finance and Global Infrastructure Obligations:

Ratings of public finance obligations and ratings of infrastructure and project finance obligations on the long-term scale, including the financial obligations of sovereigns, consider the obligations’ relative vulnerability to default. These ratings are assigned to an individual security, instrument or tranche in a transaction. In some cases, considerations of recoveries can have an influence on obligation ratings in infrastructure and project finance. In limited cases in U.S. public finance, where Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code provides reliably superior prospects for ultimate recovery to local government obligations that benefit from a statutory lien on revenues, Fitch reflects this in a security rating with limited notching above the IDR. Recovery expectations can also be reflected in a security rating in the U.S. during the pendency of a bankruptcy proceeding under the Code if there is sufficient visibility on potential recovery prospects.

AAA: Highest Credit Quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time.

B: Highly Speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. Default appears imminent or inevitable.

D: Default. Indicates a default. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

 

 

Failure to make payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the rated obligation;

 

bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of the business of an issuer/obligor where payment default on an obligation is a virtual certainty; or

 

distressed exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation to avoid a probable payment default.

Notes: In U.S. public finance, obligations may be pre-refunded, where funds sufficient to meet the requirements of the respective obligations are placed in an escrow account. When obligation ratings are maintained based on the escrowed funds and their structural elements, the ratings carry the suffix “pre” (e.g. “AAApre”, “AA+pre”).

 

B-12


Structured Finance Defaults

Imminent default, categorized under “C”, typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation’s documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation will typically be rated in the “C” category.

Structured Finance Write-downs

Where an instrument has experienced an involuntary and, in the agency’s opinion, irreversible write-down of principal (i.e. other than through amortization, and resulting in a loss to the investor), a credit rating of “D” will be assigned to the instrument. Where the agency believes the write-down may prove to be temporary (and the loss may be written up again in future if and when performance improves), then a credit rating of “C” will typically be assigned. Should the write-down then later be reversed, the credit rating will be raised to an appropriate level for that instrument. Should the write-down later be deemed as irreversible, the credit rating will be lowered to “D”.

Notes:

In the case of structured finance, while the ratings do not address the loss severity given default of the rated liability, loss severity assumptions on the underlying assets are nonetheless typically included as part of the analysis. Loss severity assumptions are used to derive pool cash flows available to service the rated liability.

The suffix “sf” denotes an issue that is a structured finance transaction.

Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs) are corporate-structured hybrid debt securities that airlines typically use to finance aircraft equipment. Due to the hybrid characteristics of these bonds, Fitch’s rating approach incorporates elements of both the structured finance and corporate rating methodologies. Although rated as asset-backed securities, unlike other structured finance ratings, EETC ratings involve a measure of recovery given default akin to ratings of financial obligations in corporate finance, as described above.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations:

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention (a long-term rating can also be used to rate an issue with short maturity). Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

F1: Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2: Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3: Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

B: Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C: High Short-Term Default Risk. Default is a real possibility.

RD: Restricted Default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

D: Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

B-13


January 30, 2023

LEGG MASON PARTNERS INVESTMENT TRUST

 

Fund     
 
      Class A      Class C      Class D      Class FI      Class R      Class I      Class IS
 

FRANKLIN GLOBAL DIVIDEND FUND

(“Global Dividend Fund”)

   LGDAX    LGDCX    N/A    LDIGX       LTTMX    LDIFX
 

FRANKLIN S&P 500 INDEX FUND

(“S&P 500 Index Fund”)

   SBSPX    N/A    SBSDX    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10018

877-6LM-FUND/656-3863

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and is meant to be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Fund, dated January 30, 2023, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into each Prospectus. This SAI contains additional information about each fund listed above (references to the “Fund” mean each Fund listed on this cover page, unless otherwise noted).

Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The annual report contains financial statements that are incorporated herein by reference (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292447/d362874dncsr.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292443/d392017dncsr.htm). The Fund’s Prospectus and copies of the annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained free of charge by contacting banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, investment advisers, financial consultants or advisers, mutual fund supermarkets and other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor to sell shares of the Fund (each called a “Service Agent”), by writing the Fund at Legg Mason Funds, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030, by calling the telephone number set forth above, by sending an e-mail request to prospectus@franklintempleton.com or by visiting www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature. Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors” or the “Distributor”), an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc., serves as the Fund’s sole and exclusive distributor.

THIS SAI IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in the Prospectus or this SAI in connection with the offering made by the Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. The Prospectus and this SAI do not constitute an offering by the Fund or by the Distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

     1  

INVESTMENT POLICIES

     3  

Investment Objective and Strategies

     3  

Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Policies—General

     3  

Fundamental Investment Policies

     3  

Diversification

     6  

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

     6  

Commodity Exchange Act Regulation—Exclusion from Commodity Pool Operator Definition

     6  

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK FACTORS

     7  

MANAGEMENT

     44  

Trustees and Officers

     44  

Qualifications of Trustees, Board Leadership Structure and Oversight and Standing Committees

     49  

Trustee Ownership of Securities

     51  

Trustee Compensation

     52  

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE PROVIDER INFORMATION

     53  

Manager

     53  

Subadviser

     54  

Expenses

     55  

Portfolio Managers

     56  

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

     56  

Portfolio Managers Securities Ownership

     57  

Potential Conflicts of Interest

     57  

Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure

     58  

Custodian and Transfer Agent

     59  

Fund Counsel

     60  

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     60  

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     60  

Portfolio Transactions

     60  

Brokerage and Research Services

     60  

Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid

     61  

Securities of Regular Broker Dealers

     62  

Portfolio Turnover

     62  

SHARE OWNERSHIP

     62  

Principal Shareholders

     62  

DISTRIBUTOR

     66  

Dealer Commissions and Concessions

     69  

Sales Charges

     69  

Initial Sales Charges

     69  

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

     70  

Services and Distribution Plan

     70  

PURCHASE OF SHARES

     72  

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

     80  

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

     82  

VALUATION OF SHARES

     83  

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

     84  

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

     84  

General Rules/Website Disclosure

     84  

Ongoing Arrangements

     84  

Release of Limited Portfolio Holdings Information

     87  

Exceptions to the Policy

     87  

Limitations of Policy

     87  

THE TRUST

     87  

TAXES

     90  

CODES OF ETHICS

     101  


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     102  

APPENDIX A—PROXY VOTING POLICIES

     A-1  

APPENDIX B—CREDIT RATINGS

     B-1  

S&P 500 Index Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s only relationship to the Manager or its affiliates is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the Manager or its affiliates or the Fund. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Manager or its affiliates or the shareholders into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the shares of the Fund. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the Fund. S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. S&P makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained by the Manager, shareholders or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein.

S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.


GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Because the following is a combined glossary of terms used for all the Legg Mason Funds, certain terms below may not apply to your fund. Any terms used but not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the applicable Fund’s prospectus.

“12b-1 Plans” means the Fund’s distribution and shareholder services plan.

“1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

“1940 Act Vote” means the vote of the lesser of: (a) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund; or (b) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a shareholders’ meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.

“Advisers Act” means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

“Board” means the Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable.

“CEA” means the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.

“CFTC” means the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Corporation” (if applicable) means the corporation listed on the cover page of this SAI.

“Directors” means the directors of the Corporation.

“Distributor” means the party that is responsible for the distribution or sale of the Fund’s shares. Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors”) is the Fund’s distributor.

“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

“Franklin Resources” means Franklin Resources, Inc.

“Fund” means the Fund or Funds listed on the cover of this SAI unless stated otherwise.

“Fundamental Investment Policy” means an investment policy of the Fund that may be changed only by a 1940 Act Vote. Only those policies expressly designated as such are fundamental investment policies. All other policies and restrictions may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

“Independent Director” or “Independent Trustee” (as applicable) means a Director of the Corporation or a Trustee of the Trust who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Corporation or Trust (as applicable).

“IRAs” means Individual Retirement Accounts.

“IRS” means Internal Revenue Service.

 

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“Legg Mason” means Legg Mason, Inc.

“Legg Mason Funds” means the funds managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC or an affiliate.

“Manager” or “LMPFA” means Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC.

“NAV” means net asset value.

“NRSROs” means nationally recognized (or non-U.S.) statistical rating organizations, including, but not limited to, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”).

“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

“Prospectus” means the prospectus of a Fund as referenced on the cover page of this SAI.

“SAI” means this Statement of Additional Information.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Service Agent” means each bank, broker, dealer, insurance company, investment adviser, financial consultant or adviser, mutual fund supermarket and any other financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to sell shares of the Fund.

“Subadviser” means Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Western Asset Management Company, LLC, as applicable, and as referred to in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI.

“Trust” (if applicable) means the trust listed on the cover page of this SAI.

“Trustees” means the trustees of the Trust.

 

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INVESTMENT POLICIES

Investment Objective and Strategies

The Fund is registered under the 1940 Act, as an open-end management investment company. The Fund’s Prospectus discusses the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. The following is a summary of certain strategies and investment limitations of the Fund and supplements the description of the Fund’s investment strategies in its Prospectus. Additional information regarding investment practices and risk factors with respect to the Fund may also be found below in the section entitled Investment Practices and Risk Factors.

Global Dividend Fund

 

 

Investment objective. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation and income.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity and equity-related securities that provide investment income, dividend payments or other distributions or in other investments with similar economic characteristics.

 

The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”).

S&P 500 Index Fund

 

 

Investment objective. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”).

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, if any, in equity securities, or other investments with similar economic characteristics, included in the Index.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in corporate and government bonds and notes and money market instruments.

 

The Fund may enter into futures contracts, options and options on futures contracts, subject to the limitation that the value of these futures contracts and options will not exceed 20% of the Fund’s total assets. Also, the Fund will not purchase options to the extent that more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in premiums on open put option positions.

 

Index Investing- The Fund operates as a “pure” index fund and will not be actively managed; as such, adverse performance of a security ordinarily will not result in the elimination of the security from the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund will be reviewed daily and adjusted when necessary to maintain security weightings as close to those of the Index as possible, given the amount of assets in the Fund at that time.

Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

General

The Fund has adopted the fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies below for the protection of shareholders. Fundamental investment policies of the Fund may not be changed without a 1940 Act Vote. The Board may change non-fundamental investment policies at any time without shareholder approval and upon notice to shareholders.

If any percentage restriction described below (other than the limitation on borrowing) is complied with at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in asset values or characteristics will not constitute a violation of such restriction, unless otherwise noted below.

The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental.

Fundamental Investment Policies

The Fund’s fundamental investment policies are as follows:

Borrowing. The Fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

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Underwriting. The Fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Lending. The Fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Commodities. The Fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

Concentration. Except as permitted by exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, the Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth above, the 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (A fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires a fund to maintain an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings, provided that in the event that the fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings so that it meets the 300% asset coverage threshold within three days (not including Sundays and holidays). Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of a fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowing and thus subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as “leveraging.” Borrowing, especially when used for leverage, may cause the value of the Fund’s shares to be more volatile than if the Fund did not borrow. This is because borrowing tends to magnify the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Borrowed money thus creates an opportunity for greater gains, but also greater losses. To repay borrowings, the Fund may have to sell securities at a time and at a price that is unfavorable to the Fund. There also are costs associated with borrowing money, and these costs would offset and could eliminate the Fund’s net investment income in any given period. Currently, the Fund does not contemplate borrowing money for leverage but if the Fund does so, it will not likely do so to a substantial degree. The policy above will be interpreted to permit the Fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits a fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the fund’s investments in issuers where the fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could

 

4


apply to a fund investing in restricted securities. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause the Fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) While lending securities may be a source of income to the Fund, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the underlying securities should the borrower fail financially. However, loans would be made only when the Fund’s Manager or Subadviser believes the income justifies the attendant risks. The Fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. The Fund would have to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC to make loans to other funds. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth above, “senior securities” are defined as fund obligations that have a priority over the fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a fund from issuing senior securities except that the fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. A fund also may borrow up to 5% of the fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by a fund can increase the speculative character of the fund’s outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio through the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the Fund’s net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the Fund’s gross assets. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning real estate; however, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, an SEC rule limits a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. The policy above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from investing in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit a fund from owning commodities, whether physical commodities and contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies and, possibly, currency futures). However, a fund is limited in the amount of illiquid assets it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, an SEC rule limits a fund’s purchases of illiquid securities to 15% of net assets. If the Fund were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the Fund would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There may also be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The policy above will be interpreted to permit investments in exchange traded funds that invest in physical and/or financial commodities.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and

 

5


may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The policy above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; securities of foreign governments; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the Fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.

The Fund’s fundamental policies will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.

Diversification

The Fund is currently classified as a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. This means that the Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (a) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer or (b) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. With respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets, the Fund can invest more than 5% of its assets in one issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval.

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

The Fund’s non-fundamental investment policies are as follows:

 

 

The Fund may not invest in other registered open-end management investment companies and registered unit investment trusts in reliance upon the provisions of subparagraphs (G) or (F) of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. The foregoing investment policy does not restrict the Fund from (i) acquiring securities of other registered investment companies in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or acquisition of assets, or (ii) purchasing the securities of registered investment companies, to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities that are illiquid. The Fund monitors the portion of the Fund’s total assets that is invested in illiquid securities on an ongoing basis, not only at the time of investment in such securities.

Commodity Exchange Act Regulation- Exclusion from Commodity Pool Operator Definition

The Fund is operated by persons who have claimed an exclusion, granted to operators of registered investment companies like the Fund, from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund under the CEA and, therefore are not subject to registration or regulation with respect to the Fund under the CEA. As a result, the Fund is limited in its ability to trade instruments subject to the CFTC’s jurisdiction, including commodity futures (which include futures on broad-based securities indexes, interest rate futures and currency futures), options on commodity futures, and certain swaps or other investments, either directly or indirectly through investments in other investment vehicles (collectively, “Commodity Interests”).

Under this exclusion, the Fund must satisfy one of the following two trading limitations whenever it establishes a new Commodity Interest position: (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the Fund’s Commodity Interest positions does not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments); or (2) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s Commodity Interests, determined at the time the most recent position was established, does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). The Fund is not required to consider its exposure to such instruments if they are held for “bona fide hedging” purposes, as such term is defined in the rules of the CFTC. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the Fund may not be marketed as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the markets for Commodity Interests.

 

6


If the Fund’s operators were to lose their ability to claim this exclusion with respect to the Fund, such persons would be required to comply with certain CFTC rules regarding commodity pools that could impose additional regulatory requirements and compliance obligations.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK FACTORS

In addition to the investment strategies and the risks described in the Fund’s Prospectus and in this SAI under Investment Objective and Strategies, the Fund may employ other investment practices and may be subject to other risks, which are described below. The Fund may engage in the practices described below to the extent consistent with its investment objectives, strategies, policies and restrictions. However, as with any investment or investment technique, even when the Fund’s Prospectus or this discussion indicates that the Fund may engage in an activity, the Fund may not actually do so for a variety of reasons. In addition, new types of instruments and other securities may be developed and marketed from time to time. Consistent with its investment limitations, the Fund expects to invest in those new types of securities and instruments that its portfolio manager believes may assist the Fund in achieving its investment objective.

This discussion is not intended to limit the Fund’s investment flexibility, unless such a limitation is expressly stated, and therefore will be construed by the Fund as broadly as possible. Statements concerning what the Fund may do are not intended to limit any other activity.

Bank Obligations

The Fund may invest in all types of bank obligations, including certificates of deposit (“CDs”), time deposits and bankers’ acceptances. CDs are short-term negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers usually in connection with international transactions.

U.S. commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). U.S. banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities, but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state banks are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to the Fund, depending upon the principal amount of CDs of each bank held by the Fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, U.S. branches of U.S. banks are, among other things, generally required to maintain specified levels of reserves, and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

Obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks, such as CDs and time deposits, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks. These risks relate to foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign branches of foreign banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to U.S. banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or about a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.

Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank, in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A U.S. branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (“State Branches”) may or may not be required to: (a) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state; and (b) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the

 

7


aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of State Branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.

Commercial Paper

Commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes and funding agreements) consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations, partnerships, trusts and other entities to finance short-term credit needs.

Common Stock

Common stocks are shares of ownership in a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the profits of the corporation, if any, distributed as dividends to holders of common stock, without preference over any other shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of the entity’s preferred stock and other senior equity securities. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities are fixed income securities (usually debt or preferred stock) that may be converted or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion or exchange, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield of nonconvertible debt. However, there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible debt or preferred stock, but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure.

The value of a convertible security is generally related to (1) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and/or (2) its worth, at market value, if converted or exchanged into the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the ultimate conversion or exchange value.

Convertible securities are subject to stock market and other risks associated with equity securities, as well as credit, interest rate and other risks associated with fixed income securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible security falls, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. Investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.

Synthetic Convertible Securities

A synthetic convertible security is comprised of two distinct securities that together resemble convertible securities in certain respects. Synthetic convertible securities are created by combining non-convertible bonds or preferred shares with common stocks, warrants or stock call options. The options that will form elements of synthetic convertible securities will be listed on a securities exchange. The two components of a synthetic convertible security, which will be issued with respect to the same entity, generally are not offered as a unit, and may be purchased and sold by the Fund at different times. Synthetic convertible securities differ from convertible securities in certain respects, including that each component of a synthetic convertible security has a separate market value and responds differently to market fluctuations. Investing in synthetic convertible securities involves the risk normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic convertible security.

Cybersecurity Risk

With the increased use of technologies such as mobile devices and Web-based or “cloud” applications, and the dependence on the Internet and computer systems to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events (arising from external or internal sources) that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, physical

 

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damage to a computer or network system or lose operational capacity. Cybersecurity attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by malicious software, such as malware or computer viruses or gaining unauthorized access to digital systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund’s operations (e.g., through “hacking,” “phishing” or malicious software coding) or other means for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cybersecurity attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on the Fund’s websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate cybersecurity attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund’s systems.

Cybersecurity incidents affecting the Fund’s Manager, the Subadviser, and other service providers to the Fund or its shareholders (including, but not limited to, Fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to both the Fund and its shareholders, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions (including fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions), violations of applicable privacy and other laws (including the release of private shareholder information) and attendant breach notification and credit monitoring costs, regulatory fines, penalties, litigation costs, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, forensic investigation and remediation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and other service providers) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to safeguard against and reduce the risk of any cybersecurity incidents in the future. In addition to administrative, technological and procedural safeguards, the Fund’s Manager and the Subadviser have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent or reduce the impact of, such cybersecurity incidents. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, as well as the rapid development of new threats. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

Because technology is frequently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund, the Manager and the Subadviser and their service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.

Debt and Fixed Income Securities

The Fund may invest in a variety of debt and fixed income securities, which may be issued by governmental, corporate or other issuers. Debt securities may pay fixed, floating or variable rates of interest or interest at a rate contingent upon some other factor. Variable rate securities reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the effect of market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that can produce an effect similar to leveraging; others may provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change.

These securities share principal risks. For example, the level of interest income generated by the Fund’s fixed income investments may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates. Thus, when fixed income securities mature or are sold, they may be replaced by lower-yielding investments. Also, their values fluctuate with changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of the Fund’s fixed income investments. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of the Fund’s fixed income investments will generally decline. However, a change in interest rates will not have the same impact on all fixed rate securities. For example, the magnitude of these fluctuations will generally be greater when the Fund’s duration or average maturity is longer. In addition, certain fixed income securities are subject to credit risk, which is the risk that an issuer of securities will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the

 

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security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is unable to pay. Recently, there have been inflationary price movements. As such, fixed income securities markets may experience heightened levels of interest rate volatility and liquidity risk.

Changing Interest Rates. In a low or negative interest rate environment, debt securities may trade at, or be issued with, negative yields, which means the purchaser of the security may receive at maturity less than the total amount invested. To the extent the Fund holds a negatively-yielding debt security, the Fund would generate a negative return on that investment. Cash positions may also subject the Fund to increased counterparty risk to the Fund’s bank. Debt market conditions are highly unpredictable and some parts of the market are subject to dislocations. In a low or negative interest rate environment, some investors may seek to reallocate assets to other income-producing assets. This may cause the price of such higher yielding instruments to rise, could further reduce the value of instruments with a negative yield, and may limit the Fund’s ability to locate fixed income instruments containing the desired risk/return profile. In the past, the U.S. government and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to stabilize markets by, among other things, reducing interest rates. In recent years, the U.S. government began implementing increases to the federal funds interest rate and there may be further rate increases. As interest rates rise, there is risk that rates across the financial system also may rise. To the extent rates increase substantially and/or rapidly, the Fund may be subject to significant losses. Changing interest rates could have unpredictable effects on the markets and may expose fixed income markets to heightened volatility, increased redemptions, and potential illiquidity.

Fixed Income Securities Ratings. Securities rated in the fourth highest ratings category by a NRSRO, such as those rated BBB by S&P, or Baa by Moody’s, and unrated securities of comparable quality, are generally regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal but may have some speculative characteristics. Securities rated below the fourth highest ratings category by an NRSRO, including those rated below Baa by Moody’s or BBB by S&P, and unrated securities of comparable quality, are generally considered below “investment grade,” and may have speculative characteristics, including a greater possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities, market price volatility based upon interest rate sensitivity, questionable creditworthiness and relative liquidity of the secondary trading market. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity for lower rated securities to make principal and interest payments, including a greater possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuer, than is the case for high rated securities. Appendix B to this SAI contains further information concerning the rating categories of NRSROs and their significance.

Derivatives — Generally

A derivative is a financial instrument that has a value based on, or derived from, the value of one or more underlying reference instruments or measures of value or interest rates (“underlying instruments”), such as a security, a commodity, a currency, an index, an interest rate or a currency exchange rate. A derivative can also have a value based on the likelihood that an event will or will not occur. Derivatives include futures contracts, forward contracts, options and swaps.

The Fund may use derivatives for any purpose, including but not limited to, to attempt to enhance income, yield or return, as a substitute for investing directly in a security or asset, or as a hedging technique in an attempt to manage risk in the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and no assurance can be given that any derivatives strategy employed will be successful. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by applicable law, availability or by policies adopted by the Board or Manager.

The Fund may utilize multiple derivative instruments and combinations of derivative instruments to seek to adjust the risk and return characteristics of its overall position. Combined positions will typically contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. It is possible that the combined position will not achieve its intended goal and will instead increase losses or risk to the Fund. Because combined positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

The Fund may enter into derivatives with standardized terms that have no or few special or unusual components, which are generally traded on an exchange, as well as derivatives with more complex features, singly or in combination. Non-standardized derivatives are generally traded over the counter (“OTC”). OTC derivatives may be standardized or have customized features and may have limited or no liquidity. The Fund’s derivatives contracts may be centrally cleared or settled bilaterally directly with a counterparty. The Fund’s derivatives contracts may be cash settled or physically settled.

In addition to the instruments and strategies discussed in this section, additional opportunities in connection with derivatives and other similar or related techniques may become available to the Fund as a result of the development of new techniques, the development of new derivative instruments or a regulatory authority broadening the range of permitted

 

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transactions. The Fund may utilize these opportunities and techniques to the extent that they are consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and permitted by its investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. These opportunities and techniques may involve risks different from or in addition to those summarized herein.

 

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Risks of Derivatives Generally. The use of derivatives involves special considerations and risks, certain of which are summarized below, and may result in losses to the Fund. In general, derivatives may increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk or exposure assumed. Even a small investment in derivatives may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to the Fund.

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Market risk. Derivatives can be complex, and their success depends in part upon the portfolio manager’s ability to forecast correctly future market or other trends or occurrences or other financial or economic factors or the value of the underlying instrument. Even if the portfolio manager’s forecasts are correct, other factors may cause distortions or dislocations in the markets that result in losses or otherwise unsuccessful transactions. Derivatives may behave in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal or volatile market conditions. The market value of the derivative itself or the market value of underlying instruments may change in a way that is adverse to the Fund’s interest. There is no assurance that the use of derivatives will be advantageous to the Fund or that the portfolio manager will use derivatives to hedge at an appropriate time.

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Illiquidity risk. The Fund’s ability to close out or unwind a derivative prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a liquid market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the other party to the transaction (the “counterparty”) to enter into a transaction closing out the position. If there is no market or the Fund is not successful in its negotiations, the Fund may not be able to sell or unwind the derivative position at an advantageous or anticipated time or price. This may also be the case if the counterparty becomes insolvent. The Fund may be required to make delivery of portfolio securities or other underlying instruments in order to settle a position or to sell portfolio securities or assets at a disadvantageous time or price in order to obtain cash to settle the position. While a position remains open, the Fund continues to be subject to investment risk on a derivative. The Fund may or may not be able to take other actions or enter into other transactions, including hedging transactions, to limit or reduce its exposure to the derivative. Illiquidity risk may be enhanced if a derivative transaction is particularly large. Certain derivatives, including certain OTC options and swaps, may be considered illiquid and therefore subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid investments.

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Leverage risk. Certain derivative transactions may have a leveraging effect on the Fund, meaning that the Fund can obtain significant investment exposure in return for meeting a relatively small margin or other investment requirement. An adverse change in the value of an underlying instrument can result in losses substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. When the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect, the value of the Fund is likely to be more volatile and certain other risks also are likely to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of an investment. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

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Margin risk. Certain derivatives require the Fund to make initial margin payments, a form of security deposit intended to protect against nonperformance of the derivative contract. The Fund may have to post additional margin (known as “variation margin”) if the value of the derivative position changes in a manner adverse to the Fund. Derivatives may be difficult to value, which may result in increased payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet additional margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a disadvantageous time.

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Speculation risk. Derivatives used for non-hedging purposes may result in losses which are not offset by increases in the value of portfolio holdings or declines in the cost of securities or other assets to be acquired. In the event that the Fund uses a derivative as an alternative to purchasing or selling other investments or in order to obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the Fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the other investments directly, as well as the risks of the derivative transaction itself, such as counterparty risk.

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Counterparty risk. Derivatives involve the risk of loss resulting from the actual or potential insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty (or its affiliates), the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, which may be limited by applicable law in the case of the counterparty’s (or its affiliates’) bankruptcy. The Fund may not be able to recover amounts owed to it by an insolvent counterparty.

 

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Operational risk. There may be incomplete or erroneous documentation or inadequate collateral or margin, or transactions may fail to settle. The Fund may have only contractual remedies in the event of a counterparty default, and there may be delays, costs or disagreements as to the meaning of contractual terms and litigation in enforcing those remedies.

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OTC risk. Derivative transactions that are traded OTC, such as options, swaps, forward contracts, and options on foreign currencies, are entered into directly with counterparties or financial institutions acting as market makers, rather than being traded on exchanges or centrally cleared. Because OTC derivatives and other transactions are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships, the Fund is subject to increased risk that its counterparty will not perform its obligations under the related contracts. Although the Fund intends to enter into transactions only with counterparties which the Fund believes to be creditworthy, there can be no assurance that a counterparty will not default and that the Fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result. Information available on counterparty creditworthiness may be incomplete or outdated, thus reducing the ability to anticipate counterparty defaults. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under an OTC derivative in the event of the default or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the OTC derivative. When a counterparty’s obligations are not fully secured by collateral, then the Fund is essentially an unsecured creditor of the counterparty. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies, but there is no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations pursuant to such contracts or that, in the event of default, the Fund will succeed in enforcing contractual remedies. Credit/counterparty risk still exists even if a counterparty’s obligations are secured by collateral because the Fund’s interest in collateral may not be perfected or additional collateral may not be promptly posted as required. Credit/counterparty risk also may be more pronounced if a counterparty’s obligations exceed the amount of collateral held by the Fund (if any), the Fund is unable to exercise its interest in collateral upon default by the counterparty, or the termination value of the instrument varies significantly from the marked-to-market value of the instrument.

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Non-U.S. derivatives risk. Derivative transactions may be conducted OTC outside of the United States or traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the price of, foreign securities or currencies. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (1) other foreign political, legal and economic factors, (2) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (3) delays in the Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (4) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms, procedures, margin requirements, fees, taxes or other charges than in the United States and (5) lesser trading volume. Counterparty risk and many of the risks of OTC derivatives transactions are also applicable to derivative transactions conducted outside the United States.

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Currency derivatives risk. Currency related transactions may be negatively affected by factors such as government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations. Exchange rates may be influenced by factors extrinsic to a country’s economy. Also, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to foreign currencies. As a result, the information on which trading in currency derivatives is based may not be as complete as, and may be delayed beyond, comparable data for other types of transactions.

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Turnover risk. Use of derivatives involves transaction costs, which may be significant. The Fund may be required to sell or purchase investments in connection with derivative transactions, potentially increasing the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and transaction costs. Use of derivatives also may increase the amount of taxable income to shareholders.

Risks Associated with Hedging with Derivatives. If the portfolio manager uses a hedging strategy at the wrong time or judges market conditions incorrectly, hedging strategies may reduce the Fund’s return. Successful use of derivatives to hedge positions depends on the correlation between the price of the derivative and the price of the hedged asset.

The Fund may attempt to protect against declines in the value of the Fund’s portfolio assets by entering into a variety of derivatives transactions, including selling futures contracts, entering into swaps or purchasing puts on indices or futures contracts (short hedging). Short hedging involves the risk that the prices of the futures contracts or the value of the swap or the applicable index will correlate imperfectly with price movements in the Fund’s assets. If the value of the assets held in the Fund’s portfolio declines while the Fund has used derivative instruments in a short hedge, and the prices referenced in the short hedge do not also decline, the value of the Fund’s assets would decline, and the short hedge would not hedge or mitigate the loss in the value of the assets. With respect to a derivative transaction based on an index, the risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the Fund’s portfolio diverges from the assets included in the applicable index. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the portfolio securities being hedged and movements in the price of the hedging

 

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instruments, the Fund may use derivative instruments in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of portfolio assets being hedged. It might do so if the historical volatility of the prices of the portfolio assets being hedged is more than the historical volatility of the applicable index.

If the Fund has used derivatives to hedge or otherwise reduce the Fund’s risk exposure to a particular position and then disposes of that position at a time at which it cannot also settle, terminate or close out the corresponding hedge position, this may create short investment exposure. Certain “short” derivative positions involve investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund’s potential loss is theoretically unlimited.

The Fund can use derivative instruments to establish a position in the market as a temporary substitute for the purchase of individual securities or other assets (long hedging) by buying futures contracts and/or calls on such futures contracts, indices or on securities or other assets, or entering into swaps. It is possible that when the Fund does so the market might decline. If the Fund then decides not to invest in the assets because of concerns that the market might decline further or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the hedge position that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the asset the Fund had intended to purchase.

Risk of Government Regulation of Derivatives. The regulation of derivatives transactions and funds that engage in such transactions is an evolving area of law and is subject to modification by government, self-regulatory organization and judicial action. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, which became effective August 19, 2022, governs the use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g. reverse repurchase agreements) by registered investment companies. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 requires funds that invest in derivative instruments beyond a specified limited amount to apply a value-at-risk based limit to their use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. A fund that uses derivative instruments in a limited amount is not subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. Compliance with Rule 18f-4 could restrict the Fund’s ability to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the value or performance of the Fund.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) has caused broad changes to the OTC derivatives market and granted significant authority to the SEC and the CFTC to regulate OTC derivatives and market participants. Pursuant to such authority, rules have been enacted that currently require clearing of many OTC derivatives transactions and may require clearing of additional OTC derivatives transactions in the future and that impose minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared OTC derivatives transactions. Similar regulations have been or are being adopted in other jurisdictions around the world. The implementation of the clearing requirement has increased the costs of derivatives transactions since investors have to pay fees to clearing members and are typically required to post more margin for cleared derivatives than had historically been the case. While the new rules and regulations and central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (i.e., the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could cause them to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that they will achieve that result, and mandatory clearing of derivatives may expose the Fund to new kinds of costs and risks.

Additionally, new regulations may result in increased uncertainty about credit/counterparty risk and may limit the flexibility of the Fund to protect its interests in the event of an insolvency of a derivatives counterparty. In the event of a counterparty’s (or its affiliate’s) insolvency, the Fund’s ability to exercise remedies, such as the termination of transactions, netting of obligations and realization on collateral, could be stayed or eliminated under the rules of the applicable exchange or clearing corporation or under relatively new special resolution regimes adopted in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and various other jurisdictions. Such regimes provide government authorities with broad authority to intervene when a financial institution is experiencing financial difficulty. In particular, with respect to counterparties who are subject to such proceedings in the United Kingdom and the European Union, the liabilities of such counterparties to the Fund could be reduced, eliminated, or converted to equity in such counterparties (sometimes referred to as a “bail in”).

Foreign Currency Instruments and Hedging Strategies

The Fund may use options and futures contracts on foreign currencies and forward currency contracts and currency swap agreements (collectively, “Currency Instruments”), deliverable and non-deliverable, to attempt to hedge against movements in the values of the foreign currencies in which the Fund’s securities are denominated or to attempt to enhance the Fund’s return or yield. The Fund may also use such investments to attempt to establish a short position or to gain exposure to a market that would be more costly or difficult to access with other types of investments, such as bonds or currency. The Fund may also engage

 

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in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time of the transaction. The Fund may determine not to hedge, and the Fund may be completely unhedged at any point in time. In cases when a particular currency is difficult to hedge or difficult to hedge against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may seek to hedge against price movements in that currency by entering into transactions using Currency Instruments on another currency or a basket of currencies, the value of which the portfolio manager believes will have a high degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of the Currency Instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price of the currency subject to the hedging transaction is magnified when this strategy is used.

Currency Instruments Risks. In addition to the risks found under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” Currency Instruments are subject to the following risks:

The value of Currency Instruments depends on the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the Fund’s use of such Currency Instruments, the Fund could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or futures markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the U.S. markets for the Currency Instruments until they reopen.

Settlement of hedging transactions involving foreign currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.

Forward Currency Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or another currency at a future date and at a price set by the parties to the forward currency contract. Forward currency contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers (such as the Fund).

The Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that the Fund intends to acquire (a long hedge). The Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security, dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency (a short hedge). A “position hedge” is when the Fund owns a security denominated in, for example, euros and to protect against a possible decline in the euro’s value, the Fund enters into a forward currency contract to sell euros in return for U.S. dollars. A “position hedge” tends to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. A “proxy hedge” is when the Fund owns a security denominated in, for example, euros and to protect against a possible decline in the euro’s value, the Fund enters into a forward currency contract to sell a currency expected to perform similarly to the euro in return for U.S. dollars. A “proxy hedge” could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a position hedge to the extent the proxy currency does not perform similarly to the targeted currency. The Fund could, in fact, lose money on both legs of the hedge, i.e., between the euro and proxy currency, and between the proxy currency and the dollar. The Fund also may use forward currency contracts to attempt to enhance return or yield. The Fund could use forward currency contracts to increase its exposure to foreign currencies that the portfolio manager believes might rise in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or shift its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. For example, if the Fund’s portfolio manager believes that the U.S. dollar will increase in value relative to the euro, the Fund could write a forward contract to buy U.S. dollars in three months at the current price in order to sell those U.S. dollars for a profit if the U.S. dollar does in fact appreciate in value relative to the euro. The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When the Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract or to otherwise fulfill its obligations in

 

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connection with settlement. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.

The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts, and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund may need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (i.e., cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward currency contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.

Successful use of forward currency contracts depends on the portfolio manager’s skill in analyzing and predicting currency values. Forward currency contracts may substantially change the Fund’s exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the portfolio manager anticipates. There is no assurance that the portfolio manager’s use of forward currency contracts will be advantageous to the Fund or that the portfolio manager will hedge at an appropriate time.

Non-deliverable Forwards. The consummation of a deliverable foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Forward currency contracts in which the Fund may engage also include non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”). NDFs are cash-settled, forward contracts on foreign currencies (each a “Reference Currency”) that are non-convertible and that may be thinly traded or illiquid. NDFs involve an obligation to pay an amount equal to the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate for the Reference Currency and the agreed upon exchange rate, with respect to an agreed notional amount. NDFs are subject to many of the risks associated with derivatives in general and forward currency transactions, including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency and the risk that the counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, NDFs are classified as “swaps” and are therefore subject to the full panoply of CFTC swap regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act. Although NDFs have historically been traded OTC, in the future, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, they may be subject to mandatory clearing. Non-centrally-cleared NDFs are subject to mandatory minimum margin requirements for uncleared swaps. Deliverable foreign exchange forwards that solely involve the exchange of two different currencies on a specific future date at a fixed rate agreed upon by the parties are not considered “swaps” and accordingly are not subject to many of the regulations that apply to NDFs. However, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act and set forth in CFTC regulations adopted thereunder, foreign exchange forwards must be reported to a swap data repository, and swap dealers and major swap participants who are party to such transactions remain subject to the business conduct standards pertaining to swaps in connection with such deliverable foreign exchange forwards.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts

Generally, a futures contract is an exchange-traded, standardized agreement that obligates the seller of the contract to deliver a specified quantity of an underlying instrument, such as a security, currency or commodity, to the purchaser of the contract, who has the obligation to take delivery of the underlying instrument, at a specified price and date. In the case of futures on indices, the two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the level of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the contract originally was written. Options on futures give the purchaser the right to assume a position in a futures contract at the specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option.

Futures contracts, by their terms, have stated expirations and, at a specified point in time prior to expiration, trading in a futures contract for the current delivery month will cease. As a result, an investor wishing to maintain exposure to a futures contract with the nearest expiration must close out the position in the expiring contract and establish a new position in the contract for the next delivery month, a process referred to as “rolling.” The process of rolling a futures contract can be profitable or unprofitable depending in large part on whether the futures price for the subsequent delivery month is less than or more than the price of the expiring contract.

Futures contracts may be used for hedging and non-hedging purposes, such as to simulate full investment in the underlying instrument while retaining a cash balance for portfolio management purposes, as a substitute for direct investment in the underlying instrument, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs, or to seek higher investment returns (e.g., when a futures contract or option is priced more attractively than the underlying instrument). In addition, futures strategies can be used to manage the average duration of the Fund’s fixed income portfolio, if applicable. The Fund may sell a debt futures contract or a

 

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call option thereon or purchase a put option on that futures contract to attempt to shorten the portfolio’s average duration. Alternatively, the Fund may buy a debt futures contract or a call option thereon or sell a put option thereon to attempt to lengthen the portfolio’s average duration.

At the inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) in an amount at least equal to the amount designated by the futures exchange (typically equal to 10% or less of the contract value). Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is required to be returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.

In addition to initial margin payments, during the life of the transaction “variation margin” payments are made to and from the FCM as the value of the margin and the underlying derivative transaction varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Variation margin is intended to represent a daily settlement of the Fund’s obligations to or from an FCM. When the Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, the premium paid plus transaction costs is all that is at risk. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Fund when the use of a futures contract would not, such as when there is no movement in the value of the securities or currencies being hedged. In that case, the Fund would lose the premium it paid for the option plus transaction costs. In contrast, when the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Although some futures and options on futures call for making or taking delivery of the underlying instrument, generally those contracts are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures or options (involving the same instrument and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. If an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The Fund will also bear transaction costs for each contract, which will be included in these calculations. Positions in futures and options on futures may be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract or options position.

Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions. If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments.

Risks of Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. In addition to the risks found under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” futures contracts and options on futures contracts are subject to the following risks:

Successful use of futures contracts and related options depends upon the ability of the portfolio manager to assess movements in the direction of prices of securities, commodities, measures of value, or interest or exchange rates, which requires different skills and techniques than assessing the value of individual securities. Moreover, futures contracts relate not to the current price level of the underlying instrument, but to the anticipated price level at some point in the future; accordingly trading of stock index futures may not reflect the trading of the securities that are used to formulate the index or even actual fluctuations in the index itself. There is, in addition, the risk that movements in the price of the futures contract will not correlate with the movements in the prices of the securities being hedged. Price distortions in the marketplace, resulting from increased participation by speculators in the futures market (among other things), may also impair the correlation between movements in the prices of futures contracts and movements in the prices of the hedged securities. If the price of the futures contract moves less than the price of securities that are the subject of the hedge, the hedge will not be fully effective; but if the price of the

 

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securities being hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund would be in a better position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of the securities being hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage may be partially offset by losses on the futures position.

Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a market for such futures contracts. Although the Fund intends to purchase and sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid market, there is no assurance that such a market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures position and, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make variation margin payments. Options have a limited life and thus can be disposed of only within a specific time period.

Purchasers of options on futures contracts pay a premium in cash at the time of purchase which, in the event of adverse price movements, could be lost. Sellers of options on futures contracts must post initial margin and are subject to additional margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading involves a high degree of leverage; as a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, or gain, to the Fund. In addition, the Fund’s activities in the futures markets may result in a higher portfolio turnover rate (see “Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage”) and additional transaction costs in the form of added brokerage commissions.

As noted above, exchanges may impose limits on the amount by which the price of a futures contract or related option is permitted to change in a single day. If the price of a contract moves to the limit for several consecutive days, the Fund may be unable during that time to close its position in that contract and may have to continue making payments of variation margin. The CFTC and domestic exchanges have also established speculative position limits on the maximum speculative position that any person, or group of persons acting in concert, may hold or control in particular contracts. Under current regulations, other accounts managed by the Manager or, if applicable, Subadviser are combined with the positions held by the Fund under the Manager’s or, if applicable, Subadviser’s management for position limit purposes. This trading could preclude additional trading by the Fund in such contracts.

When the Fund engages in futures transactions, it will also be exposed to the credit risk of its FCM. If the Fund’s FCM becomes bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise defaults on its obligations to the Fund, the Fund may not receive all amounts owed to it in respect of its trading, even if the clearinghouse fully discharges all of its obligations. If an FCM were not to appropriately segregate client assets to the full extent required by the CEA, the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of an FCM. In the event of an FCM’s bankruptcy, the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of an FCM’s combined customer accounts, even if certain property held by an FCM is specifically traceable to the Fund (for example, U.S. Treasury bills deposited by the Fund). Such situations could arise due to various factors, or a combination of factors, including inadequate FCM capitalization, inadequate controls on customer trading and inadequate customer capital. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a clearinghouse, the Fund might experience a loss of funds deposited through its FCM as margin with the clearinghouse, a loss of unrealized profits on its open positions and the loss of funds owed to it as realized profits on closed positions. Such a bankruptcy or insolvency might also cause a substantial delay before the Fund could obtain the return of funds owed to it by an FCM who is a member of such clearinghouse.

Options

A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, an underlying investment (such as a specified security, commodity, currency, interest rate, currency exchange rate or index) at an agreed-upon price (“strike price”). A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, an underlying investment at an agreed-upon price. An American-style option may be exercised at any time during the term of the option, while a European-style option may be exercised only at the expiration of the option. Purchasers of options pay an amount, known as a premium, to the option writer in exchange for the right granted under the option contract.

The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the current market value of the underlying instrument, the time remaining until expiration, the relationship of the strike price to the market price of the underlying instrument, the historical price volatility of the underlying instrument and general market conditions. If the purchaser does not exercise the option, it will expire and the purchaser will have only lost the premium paid. If a secondary market exists, a purchaser or the writer may terminate a put option position prior to its exercise by selling it in the secondary market at its current price. The Fund

 

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will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells an option. Such commissions may be higher than those that would apply to direct purchases or sales of the underlying instrument.

Exchange-traded options in the United States are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed and are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size and strike price. In contrast, OTC options (options not traded on exchanges) are contracts between the Fund and a counterparty (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization guarantee. The terms of OTC options generally are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract (the counterparty). For a discussion on options on futures see “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts”.

Put Options. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer of a put option assumes the obligation to pay the strike price for the option’s underlying instrument if the buyer exercises the option. A put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received, if the underlying instrument’s price remains greater than or equal to the strike price. If the underlying instrument’s price falls below the strike price, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss. The buyer of a put option can expect to realize a gain if the underlying instrument’s price falls enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option. Any losses suffered by the buyer would be limited to the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.

Optional delivery standby commitments are a type of put that gives the buyer of an underlying instrument the right to sell the underlying instrument back to the seller on specified terms to induce a purchase of the underlying instrument.

Call Options. In return for the receipt of the premium, the writer of a call option assumes the obligation to sell the underlying instrument at the strike price to the buyer upon exercise of the option. A call writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received, if the option goes unexercised, which typically occurs when the underlying instrument’s price remains less than or equal to the strike price. If the underlying instrument’s price were to rise above the strike price, the writer of the call option would generally expect to suffer a loss, which is theoretically unlimited. A call buyer’s maximum loss is the premium paid for the call option, whereas the buyer’s maximum profit is theoretically unlimited.

Straddles. A long straddle is the purchase of a call and a put option with the same expiration date and relating to the same underlying instrument where the strike price of the put is less than or equal to the strike price of the call. The Fund may enter into a long straddle when its portfolio manager believes that the underlying instrument’s price will move significantly during the term of the options. A short straddle is a combination of a call and a put written on the same underlying instrument with the same expiration date where the strike price of the put is less than or equal to the strike price of the call. In a covered short straddle, the underlying instrument is considered cover for both the put and the call that the Fund has written. The Fund may enter into a short straddle when the portfolio manager believes that it is unlikely that the underlying instrument’s prices will experience volatility during the term of the options.

Options on Indices. Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on other underlying instruments except that all settlements are in cash and gains or losses depend on changes in the level of the index rather than on price movements of individual underlying instruments. The writer of a call on an index receives a premium and the obligation to pay the purchaser an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and the strike price times a specified multiple (“multiplier”), if the closing level of the index is greater than the strike price of the call. The writer of a put on an index receives a premium and the obligation to deliver to the buyer an amount of cash equal to the difference between the closing level of the index and strike price times the multiplier if the closing level is less than the strike price.

Risks of Options – In addition to the risks described under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” options are also subject to the following risks:

Options on Indices Risk. The risks of investment in options on indices may be greater than options on securities and other instruments. Because index options are settled in cash, when the Fund writes a call on an index it generally cannot provide in advance for other underlying instruments because it may not be practical for the call writer to hedge its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund can offset some of the risk of writing a call index option by holding a diversified portfolio of securities similar to those on which the underlying index is based. However, the Fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and hold a portfolio containing exactly the same securities as underlie the index and, as a result, bears a risk that the value of the securities held will vary from the value of the index.

 

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If the Fund exercises an index option before the closing index value for that day is available, there is the risk that the level of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall out-of-the-money, the Fund will be required to pay the difference between the closing index value and the strike price of the option (times the applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.

Timing Risk. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying instrument are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying instrument, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value of the underlying instrument, changes in the dividend rates of the underlying securities, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying instrument and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the option’s expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate or other events affecting the underlying instrument, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Fund’s capital appreciation potential on an underlying instrument.

Swaps

Generally, a swap agreement involves the exchange between two parties of their respective commitments to pay or receive cash flows, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed-rate payments. Swaps may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC (OTC swaps) or, for certain types of swaps, must be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse (cleared swaps). Swaps include but are not limited to, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, index swaps, inflation indexed swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and options on swaps or “swaptions”.

OTC swap agreements can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments (such as individual securities, baskets of securities and securities indices) or market factors. The swapped returns are generally calculated with respect to a notional amount, that is, the nominal or face amount used to calculate the payments to be made between the parties to the OTC swap.

The Fund may enter into a swap agreement for hedging or non-hedging purposes, including but not limited to, to enhance returns, increase liquidity, protect against currency and security price fluctuations, manage duration and gain exposure to certain markets or securities in a more cost-efficient manner.

Risks of Swaps Generally. In addition to the risks found under “Derivatives – Risks of Derivatives Generally,” swaps are subject to the following risks:

Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund’s investments and its share price and yield and may affect the Fund’s exposure to long- or short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign currency values, mortgage-backed security values, corporate borrowing rates or other market factors such as security prices or inflation rates.

Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange payments in U.S. dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the Fund’s exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates.

The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions may lead, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions.

Cleared Swaps. Relatively recent legislation and implementing regulation require certain swaps to be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. Although this clearing mechanism is generally intended to reduce counterparty credit risk, it may disrupt or limit the swap market and may result in swaps being more difficult to trade or value. As swaps become more standardized, the Fund may not be able to enter into swaps that meet its investment needs. The Fund also may not be able to find a clearing member and clearinghouse willing to accept a swap for clearing. In a cleared swap, a central clearing organization will be the counterparty to the transaction. The Fund will assume the risk that the clearinghouse and the clearing member through which the Fund holds its position may be unable to or otherwise fail to perform their obligations.

When the Fund enters into a cleared swap transaction, the Fund is subject to the credit and counterparty risk of the clearinghouse and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position. Credit/counterparty risk of market participants with respect to centrally cleared swaps is concentrated in a few clearinghouses, and it is not clear how an

 

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insolvency proceeding of a clearinghouse would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearinghouse would have on the financial system. A clearing member is obligated by contract and by applicable regulation to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member’s proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers generally are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account by account class, and the clearing member may invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. The assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund’s clearing member, because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing broker’s customers for a relevant account class. Also, the clearing member is required to transfer to the clearing organization the amount of margin required by the clearing organization for cleared derivatives, which amounts generally are held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization for all customers of the clearing member. Regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearinghouse of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing organization that is attributable to each cleared swaps customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund is subject to the risk that a clearing organization will use the Fund’s assets held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. In addition, clearing members generally provide to the clearing organization the net amount of variation margin required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in the aggregate, rather than the gross amount of each customer. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk that a clearing organization will not make variation margin payments owed to the Fund if another customer of the clearing member has suffered a loss and is in default, and the risk that the Fund will be required to provide additional variation margin to the clearinghouse before the clearinghouse will move the Fund’s cleared derivatives transactions to another clearing member. In addition, if a clearing member does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Fund, or in the event of fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by a clearing member, the Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the clearing member with respect to the margin held by the clearing member.

In some ways, centrally cleared swaps arrangements are less favorable to the Fund than OTC swaps arrangements. For example, the Fund may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared swaps than for OTC swaps. Also, in contrast to OTC swaps, following a period of notice to the Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared swaps at any time or increases in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearinghouses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to terminate transactions at any time. Any increase in margin requirements or termination by the clearing member or the clearinghouse could interfere with the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Further, any increase in margin requirements by a clearing member could also expose the Fund to greater credit risk of its clearing member, because margin for cleared swaps in excess of clearinghouse margin requirements typically is held by the clearing member. While the documentation in place between the Fund and its clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for clearing that are within credit limits (specified in advance) for the Fund, the Fund is still subject to the risk that no clearing member will be willing or able to clear a transaction. In those cases, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and/or loss of hedging protection offered by the transaction. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Fund and its clearing members is developed by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Fund than typical OTC swap documentation. For example, this documentation generally includes a one-way indemnity by the Fund in favor of the clearing member, indemnifying the clearing member against losses it incurs in connection with acting as the Fund’s clearing member, and the documentation typically does not give the Fund any rights to exercise remedies if the clearing member defaults or becomes insolvent.

Some types of cleared swaps are required to be executed on an exchange or on a swap execution facility (“SEF”). A SEF is a trading platform where multiple market participants can execute swaps by accepting bids and offers made by multiple other participants in the platform. While this execution requirement is designed to increase transparency and liquidity in the cleared swap market, trading on a SEF can create additional costs and risks for the Fund. For example, SEFs typically charge fees, and if the Fund executes swaps on a SEF through a broker intermediary, the intermediary may impose fees as well. Also, the Fund may indemnify a SEF, or a broker intermediary who executes cleared swaps on a SEF on the Fund’s behalf, against any losses or costs that may be incurred as a result of the Fund’s transactions on the SEF.

 

 

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The Fund may enter into swap transactions with certain counterparties pursuant to master netting agreements. A master netting agreement provides that all swaps entered into between the Fund and that counterparty shall be regarded as parts of an integral agreement. If amounts are payable on a particular date in the same currency in respect of more than one swap transaction, the amount payable shall be the net amount. In addition, the master netting agreement may provide that if one party (or its affiliates) defaults generally or on any swap, the counterparty can terminate all outstanding swaps with that party. As a result, to the extent the Fund enters into master netting agreements with a counterparty, the Fund may be required to terminate a greater number of swap agreements than if it had not entered into such an agreement, which may result in losses to the Fund.

Interest Rate Swaps, Caps and Floors. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange interest rate payment obligations. Typically, one party’s obligation is based on a fixed interest rate while the other party’s obligation is based on an interest rate that fluctuates with changes in a designated benchmark. An interest rate cap transaction entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the cap. An interest rate floor transaction entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined value, to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling the floor. A collar combines elements of buying a cap and a floor. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Caps and floors typically have lower liquidity than swaps.

Options on Swaps (“Swaptions”). A swaption is a contract that gives the counterparty the right, but not the obligation to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. Swaptions are generally subject to the same risks involved in the use of options and swaps. Depending on the terms of the option agreement, the Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When the Fund purchases a swaption, only the amount of premium the Fund paid is at risk should the option expire unexercised. However, when the Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement, which may result in losses to the Fund in excess of the premium it received.

Credit Default Swaps and Related Investments. The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for investment purposes and to add leverage to its investment portfolio. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a debt-reference obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the swap. Credit default swap contracts involve special risks and may result in losses to the Fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the Fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. As there is no central exchange or market for certain credit default swap transactions, they may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including new or modified government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing credit default swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

The Fund may also purchase credit default swap contracts to attempt to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio, in which case the Fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment may expire worthless and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (or, as applicable, a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk—that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default.

The Fund may invest in credit default swap index products that provide exposure to obligations of multiple issuers. The Fund can either buy the index (take on credit exposure) or sell the index (pass credit exposure to a counterparty). Such investments are subject to the associated risks with investments in credit default swaps discussed above.

Equity-Linked Notes (“ELNs”)

ELNs are securities that are valued based upon the performance of one or more equity securities, such as a stock index, a group of stocks or a single stock. ELNs offer the opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the underlying local equity

 

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securities where the Fund may not have established local market access. Investments in ELNs are subject to risk of loss of principal investment.

Equity Securities

Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants and rights, and securities convertible into common stocks. Equity securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. The value of a particular security may decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as an increase in production costs, competitive conditions or labor shortages; or due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment. The value of an equity security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of a company’s equity securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment.

Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”)

ETFs are ownership interests in investment companies, unit investment trusts, depositary receipts and other pooled investment vehicles that are traded on an exchange and that hold a portfolio of securities or other financial instruments (the “Underlying Assets”). The Underlying Assets are typically selected to correspond to the securities that comprise a particular broad based sector or international index, or to provide exposure to a particular industry sector or asset class, including precious metals or other commodities. “Short ETFs” seek a return similar to the inverse, or a multiple of the inverse, of a reference index. Short ETFs carry additional risks because their Underlying Assets may include a variety of financial instruments, including futures and options on futures, options on securities and securities indexes, swap agreements and forward contracts, and a short ETF may engage in short sales. An ETF’s losses on short sales are potentially unlimited; however, the Fund’s risk would be limited to the amount it invested in the ETF. Certain ETFs are actively managed by a portfolio manager or management team that makes investment decisions on Underlying Assets without seeking to replicate the performance of a reference index or industry sector or asset class.

Unlike shares of typical open-end management investment companies or unit investment trusts, shares of ETFs are designed to be traded throughout the trading day and bought and sold based on market price rather than net asset value. Shares can trade at either a premium or discount to net asset value. The portfolios held by ETFs are typically publicly disclosed on each trading day and an approximation of actual net asset value is disseminated throughout the trading day. An ETF will generally gain or lose value depending on the performance of the Underlying Assets. In the future, as new products become available, the Fund may invest in ETFs that do not have this same level of transparency and, therefore, may be more likely to trade at a larger discount or premium to actual net asset values.

Gains or losses on the Fund’s investment in ETFs will ultimately depend on the purchase and sale price of the ETF. An active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained and trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The performance of an ETF will be reduced by transaction and other expenses, including fees paid by the ETF to service providers. Investors in ETFs are eligible to receive their portion of income, if any, accumulated on the securities held in the portfolio, less fees and expenses of the ETF.

An investment in an ETF involves risks similar to investing directly in the Underlying Assets, including the risk that the value of the Underlying Assets may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of their issuers, the value of securities and other financial instruments generally, and other market factors.

If an ETF is a registered investment company (as defined in the 1940 Act), the limitations applicable to the Fund’s ability to purchase securities issued by other investment companies apply absent certain exemptive rules or other available exemptive relief. However, under Rule 12d1-4, the Fund may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, in excess of these limits, subject to certain conditions. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in ETFs to the extent desired. Some ETFs are not structured as investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act.

 

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Exchange Traded Notes (“ETNs”)

ETNs are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities issued by a bank or other financial institution whose returns are linked to the performance of one or more assets, reference rates or indexes, minus applicable fees. ETNs are publicly traded on a securities exchange but can also be held until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount linked to the performance of the specific asset, rate or index to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees.

ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. There may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its net asset value. When the Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. These fees and expenses generally reduce the return realized at maturity or upon redemption from an investment in an ETN; therefore, the value of the index underlying the ETN must increase significantly in order for an investor in an ETN to receive at least the principal amount of the investment at maturity or upon redemption. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market or restrictions on the right to redeem its investment in an ETN.

ETNs are also subject to tax risk. The tax rules are uncertain with respect to the treatment of income or gains arising in respect of commodity-linked ETNs and certain commodity-linked structured notes; also, the timing and character of income or gains arising from ETNs can be uncertain. An adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to the treatment of ETNs (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect the Fund’s ability to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and to avoid fund-level tax.

Foreign Securities

The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers or issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the Fund’s portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain foreign countries, particularly emerging markets, are expected to undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries.

Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the Fund’s investments in such countries. The economies and securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurances that these economic and market disruptions will not continue.

Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the U.S. or other foreign countries. Accounting standards in other countries are also not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as U.S. accounting standards, it may be harder for the portfolio manager to completely and accurately determine a company’s financial condition. In addition, the U.S. Government has from time to time in the past imposed restrictions, through penalties and otherwise, on foreign investments by U.S. investors such as the Fund. Also, brokerage commissions and other costs of buying or selling securities often are higher in foreign countries than they are in the U.S. This reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments.

The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on the Fund’s ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank or depository or issuer of a security or any of their agents goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for the Fund to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the U.S. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.

 

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Securities of some foreign companies have lower liquidity, and their prices are more volatile, than securities of comparable domestic companies. Certain foreign countries are known to experience long delays between the trade and settlement dates of securities purchased or sold resulting in increased exposure of the Fund to market and foreign exchange fluctuations brought about by such delays, and to the corresponding negative impact on Fund liquidity.

Foreign Currency Risks

The U.S. dollar value of securities denominated in a foreign currency will vary with changes in currency exchange rates, which can be volatile. Accordingly, changes in the value of the currency in which the Fund’s investments are denominated relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the Fund’s net asset value. Exchange rates are generally affected by the forces of supply and demand in the international currency markets, the relative merits of investing in different countries and the intervention or failure to intervene of U.S. or foreign governments and central banks. However, currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors intrinsic to a country’s economy. Some emerging market countries also may have managed currencies, which are not free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, emerging markets are subject to the risk of restrictions upon the free conversion of their currencies into other currencies. Any devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar in the currencies in which the Fund’s securities are quoted would reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share.

Investment in Emerging Markets

Investors are strongly advised to consider carefully the special risks involved in emerging markets, which are in addition to the usual risks of investing in developed foreign markets around the world.

The risks of investing in securities in emerging countries include: (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the markets for such securities and lower volume of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies that may restrict the 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 structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; and (vi) military unrest, war and terrorism.

Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes, the governments of a number of emerging market countries previously expropriated large quantities of real and personal property similar to the property which may be represented by the securities purchased by the Fund. The claims of property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated at some time in the future. If such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion or all of its investments in such countries. The Fund’s investments would similarly be adversely affected by exchange control regulation in any of those countries.

Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may have vocal groups that advocate radical religious or revolutionary philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on the part of such individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could cause the loss of the Fund’s investment in those countries.

Settlement mechanisms in emerging market securities may be less efficient and reliable than in more developed markets. In such emerging securities markets there may be delays and failures in share registration and delivery. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of the Fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise in respect of securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund. Furthermore, compensation schemes may be non-existent, limited or inadequate to meet the Fund’s claims in any of these events.

Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging markets. While some emerging market countries have sought to develop a number of corrective mechanisms to reduce inflation or mitigate its effects, inflation may continue to have significant effects

 

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both on emerging market economies and their securities markets. In addition, many of the currencies of emerging market countries have experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar and major devaluations have occurred in certain countries. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by economic conditions, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.

Because of the high levels of foreign-denominated debt owed by many emerging market countries, fluctuating exchange rates can significantly affect the debt service obligations of those countries. This could, in turn, affect local interest rates, profit margins and exports, which are a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

To the extent an emerging market country faces a liquidity crisis with respect to its foreign exchange reserves, it may increase restrictions on the outflow of any foreign exchange. Repatriation is ultimately dependent on the ability of the Fund to liquidate its investments and convert the local currency proceeds obtained from such liquidation into U.S. dollars. Where this conversion must be done through official channels (usually the central bank or certain authorized commercial banks), the ability to obtain U.S. dollars is dependent on the availability of such U.S. dollars through those channels and, if available, upon the willingness of those channels to allocate those U.S. dollars to the Fund. The Fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may be adversely affected by any increased restrictions imposed on the outflow of foreign exchange. If the Fund is unable to repatriate any amounts due to exchange controls, it may be required to accept an obligation payable at some future date by the central bank or other governmental entity of the jurisdiction involved. If such conversion can legally be done outside official channels, either directly or indirectly, the Fund’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars may not be affected as much by any increased restrictions except to the extent of the price which may be required to be paid in U.S. dollars. Furthermore, repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some countries.

Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context. The Fund may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain emerging market countries. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities.

Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging markets in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such markets; enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited. Additionally, accounting, auditing and financial reporting and recordkeeping standards in emerging markets may not provide the same degree of investor protection or information to investors as would generally apply in more developed markets. The Public Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain foreign or emerging market countries.

Trading in the securities of emerging markets presents additional credit and financial risks. The Fund may have limited access to, or there may be a limited number of, potential counterparties that trade in the securities of emerging market issuers. Governmental regulations may restrict potential counterparties to certain financial institutions located or operating in the particular emerging market. Potential counterparties may not possess, adopt or implement creditworthiness standards, financial reporting standards or legal and contractual protections similar to those in developed markets. Currency hedging techniques may not be available or may be limited. The Fund may not be able to reduce or mitigate risks related to trading with emerging market counterparties.

The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be substantially curtailed and prices for the Fund’s portfolio securities in such markets may not be readily available. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act permits a registered investment company to suspend redemption of its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly, if the Fund believes that appropriate circumstances warrant, it may apply to the SEC for a determination that an emergency exists within the meaning of Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. During the period commencing from the Fund’s identification of such conditions until the date of SEC action, the portfolio securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value as determined by the Manager in accordance with the Fund’s valuation policy.

 

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Although it might be theoretically possible to hedge for anticipated income and gains, the ongoing and indeterminate nature of the risks associated with emerging market investing (and the costs associated with hedging transactions) makes it very difficult to hedge effectively against such risks.

Europe — Recent Events

A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and outside of Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

In addition, the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the European Union passed into law in December 2020, was provisionally applied effective January 1, 2021, and formally entered into force on May 1, 2021. There is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications. The range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes cannot be fully known but could be significant, potentially resulting in increased volatility and illiquidity and lower economic growth for companies that rely significantly on Europe for their business activities and revenues. The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in Europe and is a major trading partner with the European Union countries and the United States. Brexit may create additional and substantial economic stresses for the United Kingdom, including a contraction of the United Kingdom’s economy, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, as well as a decrease in business and consumer spending and investment. The negative impact on not only the United Kingdom and other European economies but also the broader global economy could be significant. Moreover, other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa.

The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.

Eurodollar or Yankee Obligations

Eurodollar bank obligations are U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations issued outside the U.S. capital markets by non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks and by non-U.S. banks. Yankee obligations are U.S. dollar denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by non-U.S. issuers. Eurodollar (and to a limited extent, Yankee) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a non-U.S. government might prevent U.S. dollar denominated funds from flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse political and economic developments in a non-U.S. country; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of non-U.S. withholding taxes; and expropriation or nationalization of non-U.S. issuers.

Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt Obligations

The Fund may invest in all types of debt securities of governmental issuers in all countries, including emerging markets. These sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests issued for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness;

 

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participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; or debt securities issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank. A supranational entity is a bank, commission or company established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development. Included among these entities are the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal. There is no guarantee that one or more members of a supranational organization will continue to make capital contributions. If such contributions are not made, the organization may be unable to pay interest or repay principal on its debt securities, and the Fund may lose money on such investments. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income.

Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due. The debtor’s willingness or ability to repay in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign currency exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from non-U.S. governments or multinational agencies, the country’s access to trade and other international credits, and the country’s balance of trade. Assistance may be dependent on a country’s implementation of austerity measures and reforms, economic performance and/or the timely service of such debtor’s obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties’ commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely manner. Some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.

Depositary Receipts

Depositary receipts demonstrate ownership of shares of a foreign issuer and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign security. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored and include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and non-voting depositary receipts (“NVDRs”). ADRs in registered form are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, traded in U.S. dollars, and are designed for use in the domestic market. GDRs, EDRs, NVDRs and other similar instruments may be issued by a U.S. or non-U.S. entity and may be traded in other currencies. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. EDRs are issued in bearer form and are designed for use in European securities markets.

Depositary receipts in general are subject to many of the risks associated with foreign investing (e.g., increased market, illiquidity, currency, political, information and other risks), and even where traded in U.S. dollars are subject to currency risk if the underlying security is traded in a foreign currency. Unsponsored depositary receipts are issued without the participation of the issuer of the underlying foreign security and there may be less information available about such issuers than there is with respect to domestic companies and issuers of securities underlying sponsored depositary receipts. Even if there is information available, there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

High Yield (“Junk”) Bonds

High yield securities are medium or lower rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality, sometimes referred to as “high yield” or “junk” bonds. Generally, such securities offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the securities. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality bonds. In addition, medium and lower rated securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss because of default by issuers of these securities is significantly greater because medium and lower rated securities generally are unsecured and frequently subordinated to senior indebtedness. In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is generally more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which medium and lower rated securities are

 

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traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its securities and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.

Lower rated debt obligations often have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund before it matures. If an issuer exercises that right, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the Fund and increasing the exposure of the Fund to the risks of lower rated securities. Investments in lower rated zero coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value because of changes in interest rates than lower rated bonds that pay interest currently.

Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund (if applicable). Neither event will require sale of these securities by the Fund, but the portfolio manager will consider the event in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid security is any security which the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the security. To the extent required by applicable law and SEC guidance, the Fund will not acquire an illiquid security if such acquisition would cause the aggregate value of illiquid securities to exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets. If at any time the portfolio manager determines that the value of illiquid securities held by the Fund exceeds 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the portfolio manager will take such steps as it considers appropriate to reduce the percentage within a reasonable period of time consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. Because illiquid investments may not be readily marketable, the Fund may not be able to dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Fund may be forced to hold illiquid investments while their price depreciates. Depreciation in the price of illiquid investments may cause the net asset value of the Fund to decline.

Restricted securities are securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale, such as private placements. Such restrictions might prevent the sale of restricted securities at a time when the sale would otherwise be desirable. Under SEC regulations, certain restricted securities acquired through private placements can be traded freely among qualified purchasers. While restricted securities are generally presumed to be illiquid, it may be determined that a particular restricted security is liquid. Investing in these restricted securities could have the effect of increasing the Fund’s illiquidity if qualified purchasers become, for a time, uninterested in buying these securities.

Restricted securities may be sold only (1) pursuant to SEC Rule 144A or another exemption, (2) in privately negotiated transactions or (3) in public offerings with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A securities, although not registered in the U.S., may be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. As noted above, the Fund may determine that some Rule 144A securities are liquid. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a restricted security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell.

Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly. The Fund does not consider non-U.S. securities to be restricted if they can be freely sold in the principal markets in which they are traded, even if they are not registered for sale in the U.S.

Liquidity Risk Management. Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act requires, among other things, that the Fund and other Legg Mason open-end funds establish a liquidity risk management program (“LRMP”) that is reasonably designed to assess and manage liquidity risk. Rule 22e-4 defines “liquidity risk” as the risk that a fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the fund. The Fund has implemented a LRMP to meet the relevant requirements. Additionally, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the

 

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designation of the Fund’s LRMP administrator to administer such program and will review no less frequently than annually a written report prepared by the LRMP administrator that addresses the operation of the LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation. Among other things, the LRMP provides for the classification of each Fund investment as a “highly liquid investment,” “moderately liquid investment,” “less liquid investment” or “illiquid investment.” The liquidity risk classifications of the Fund’s investments are determined after reasonable inquiry and taking into account relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations. To the extent that a Fund investment is deemed to be an “illiquid investment” or a “less liquid investment,” the Fund can expect to be exposed to greater illiquidity risk. There is no guarantee the LRMP will be effective in its operations, and complying with Rule 22e-4, including bearing related costs, could impact the Fund’s performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.

Investments by Other Funds and by Other Significant Investors

Certain investment companies, including those that are affiliated with the Fund because they are managed by the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager, may invest in the Fund and may at times have substantial investments in one or more funds. Other investors also may at times have substantial investments in one or more funds.

From time to time, the Fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to transactions in Fund shares by a fund or other significant investor. The effects of these transactions could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, the Fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so. Such transactions may increase brokerage and/or other transaction costs of the Fund. A large redemption could cause the Fund’s expenses to increase and could result in the Fund becoming too small to be economically viable. Redemptions of Fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the Fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the Fund’s shares.

The Manager and the Subadviser are subject to potential conflicts of interest in connection with investments in the Fund by an affiliated fund due to their affiliation. For example, the Manager or the Subadviser could have the incentive to permit an affiliated fund to become a more significant shareholder (with the potential to cause greater disruption) than would be permitted for an unaffiliated investor. Investments by an affiliated fund may also give rise to conflicts in connection with the voting of fund shares. The Manager, the Subadviser and/or its advisory affiliates intend to seek to address these potential conflicts of interest in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders, although there can be no assurance that such efforts will be successful. The Manager and the Subadviser will consider how to minimize potential adverse impacts of affiliated fund investments, and, may take such actions as each deems appropriate to address potential adverse impacts, including redemption of shares in-kind, rather than in cash.

Investments in Other Investment Companies

Subject to applicable statutory and regulatory limitations described below, the Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including shares of open-end and closed-end investment companies affiliated or unaffiliated with the Fund, business development companies, exchange-traded funds and unregistered investment companies.

An investment in an investment company is subject to the risks associated with that investment company’s portfolio securities. Investments in closed-end funds may entail the additional risk that the market value of such investments may be substantially less than their net asset value. To the extent the Fund invests in shares of another investment company, the Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of that investment company’s advisory fees and other operating expenses. These fees are in addition to the advisory fees and other operational expenses incurred directly by the Fund. In addition, the Fund could incur a sales charge in connection with purchasing an investment company security or a redemption fee upon the redemption of such security.

Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act provides that a fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire the securities of other investment companies if, as a result of such purchase or acquisition, it would own: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired investment company; (ii) securities issued by any one investment company having a value in excess of 5% of the fund’s total assets; or (iii) securities issued by all investment companies having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the fund’s total assets. These limitations are subject to certain statutory and regulatory exemptions including Rule 12d1-4, which permits the Fund to invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits, subject to certain conditions. Among other conditions, the Rule prohibits a fund from acquiring control of another investment company (other than an

 

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investment company in the same group of investment companies), including by acquiring more than 25% of its voting securities. In addition, the Rule imposes certain voting requirements when a fund’s ownership of another investment company exceeds particular thresholds. If shares of a fund are acquired by another investment company, the “acquired” fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire the securities of an investment company or private fund if immediately after such purchase or acquisition, the securities of investment companies and private funds owned by that acquired fund have an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the acquired fund, subject to certain exceptions. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies to the extent desired. In addition, other unaffiliated investment companies may impose other investment limitations or redemption restrictions which may also limit the Fund’s flexibility with respect to making investments in those unaffiliated investment companies.

Investment in Money Market Funds

The Fund may invest in money market instruments, including money market funds managed by the Manager or its affiliates and money market funds managed by unaffiliated advisers. Money market funds invest in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term debt securities and must follow strict rules as to the credit quality, liquidity, diversification and maturity of their investments. The Fund may lose money on its investment in money market funds. If the Fund invests in money market funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of the management fees and other expenses that are charged by the money market fund in addition to the management fees and other expenses paid by the Fund. If the Fund invests in money market funds that are managed by the Manager or its affiliates, it is possible that a conflict of interest among the Fund and the affiliated funds could affect how the Fund’s Manager and its affiliates fulfill their fiduciary duty to the Fund and the affiliated funds.

London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) Replacement and Other Reference Rates Risk

Many debt securities, derivatives, and other financial instruments, including some of the Fund’s investments, utilize benchmark or reference rates such as LIBOR, Euro Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Index Average Rate (“SONIA”), and other similar types of reference rates for variable interest rate calculations. Instruments in which the Fund invests may pay interest at floating rates based on LIBOR or other similar types of reference rates or may be subject to interest caps or floors based on such reference rates. The Fund and issuers of instruments in which the Fund invests may also obtain financing at floating rates based on such reference rates. The elimination of a reference rate or any other changes to or reforms of the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for—or value of—any instruments or payments linked to those reference rates.

In 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced its intention to cease compelling banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR after 2021. ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis at the end of 2021 and is expected to cease publication of a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings on a representative basis after June 30, 2023. In addition, global regulators have announced that, with limited exceptions, no new LIBOR-based contracts should be entered into after 2021. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. Markets are developing in response to these new rates but questions around liquidity in these rates and how to appropriately adjust these rates to eliminate any economic value transfer at the time of transition remain a significant concern. The effect of any changes to—or discontinuation of—LIBOR on the Fund will vary depending on, among other things, existing fallback provisions in individual contracts and whether, how, and when industry participants develop and widely adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. In March 2022, the U.S. federal government enacted legislation to establish a process for replacing LIBOR in certain existing contracts that do not already provide for the use of a clearly defined or practicable replacement benchmark rate as described in the legislation. Generally speaking, for contracts that do not contain a fallback provision as described in the legislation, a benchmark replacement recommended by the Federal Reserve Board will effectively automatically replace the USD LIBOR benchmark in the contract after June 30, 2023. The recommended benchmark replacement will be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, including certain spread adjustments and benchmark replacement conforming changes. It is difficult to predict the full impact of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a reduction in the value of certain LIBOR-based investments held by the Fund or reduce the effectiveness of related transactions such as hedges. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses for the Fund. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark may deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur at any time.

 

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Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)

MLPs are limited partnerships or limited liability companies usually taxable as partnerships. MLPs may derive income and gains from, among other things, the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines transporting gas, oil, or products thereof), storage, or the marketing of, or the provision of infrastructure related services relating to, minerals or other natural resources. The value of an investment in some MLPs may be directly affected by the prices of natural resources. The volatility and interrelationships of commodity prices can also indirectly affect certain MLPs due to the potential impact on the volume of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed. The Fund’s investment in such an MLP may be adversely affected by market perceptions that the performance and distributions or dividends of MLPs are directly tied to commodity prices. In addition, MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments, and during periods of interest rate volatility, may not provide attractive returns.

MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner is typically owned by a major company (often an energy company), an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an equity interest of up to 2% in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.

MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the general partner can reach a tier where it receives 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unit holders. These incentive distributions encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase capital expenditures and acquire assets in order to increase the partnership’s cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results increase costs to the limited partners.

MLP common units represent a limited partnership interest in the MLP. Common units are listed and traded on U.S. securities exchanges, with their value fluctuating predominantly based on prevailing market conditions and the success of the MLP. Unlike owners of common stock of a corporation, owners of common units have limited voting rights and have no ability annually to elect directors. In the event of liquidation, common units have preference over subordinated units, but not over debt or preferred units, to the remaining assets of the MLP.

General partner interests of MLPs are typically retained by the original sponsors of an MLP, such as its founders, corporate partners and entities that sell assets to the MLP. The holder of the general partner interest can be liable in certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holder’s investment in the general partner. General partner interests often confer direct board participation rights in, and in many cases control over the operations of, the MLP. General partner interests can be privately held or owned by publicly traded entities.

Money Market Instruments Generally

Money market instruments are short-term IOUs issued by banks or other non-governmental issuers, the U.S. or non-U.S. governments, or state or local governments. Money market instruments generally have maturity dates of 13 months or less, and may pay interest at fixed, floating or adjustable rates, or may be issued at a discount. Money market instruments may include certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, variable rate demand securities (where the interest rate is reset periodically and the holder may demand payment from the issuer or another obligor at any time), preferred shares, fixed-term obligations, commercial paper (short-term unsecured debt), asset-backed commercial paper, other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and repurchase agreements. Asset-backed commercial paper refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days that may be backed by residential and commercial mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities or

 

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other types of receivables. Payments due on asset-backed commercial paper are supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both.

Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities – Generally

An asset-backed security is a fixed income security that derives its value primarily from cash flows relating to a pool of assets. There are a number of different types of asset-backed and related securities, including mortgage-backed securities, securities backed by other pools of collateral (such as automobile loans, student loans, sub-prime mortgages, and credit card receivables), collateralized mortgage obligations, and collateralized debt obligations.

Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities differ from conventional bonds in that principal is paid over the life of the securities rather than at maturity. As a result, payments of principal of and interest on mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities are made more frequently than are payments on conventional debt securities. The average life of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of the underlying asset pools as a result of prepayments or foreclosures of mortgages, as applicable. In addition, holders of mortgage-backed securities and of certain asset-backed securities (such as asset-backed securities backed by home equity loans) may receive unscheduled payments of principal at any time representing prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or financial assets. When the holder of the security attempts to reinvest prepayments or even the scheduled payments of principal and interest, it may receive a rate of interest that is higher or lower than the rate on the mortgage-backed security or asset-backed security originally held. To the extent that mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities are purchased by the Fund at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. To the extent the loans underlying a security representing an interest in a pool of mortgages or other assets are prepaid, the Fund may experience a loss (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by the Fund was at a premium over par, which represents the price at which the security will be redeemed upon prepayment) or a gain (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by the Fund was at a discount from par). In addition, prepayments of such securities held by the Fund will reduce the share price of the Fund to the extent the market value of the securities at the time of prepayment exceeds their par value, and will increase the share price of the Fund to the extent the par value of the securities exceeds their market value at the time of prepayment. Prepayments may occur with greater frequency in periods of declining interest rates because, among other reasons, it may be possible for borrowers to refinance their outstanding obligation at lower interest rates. When market interest rates increase, the market values of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities decline. At the same time, however, refinancing slows, which lengthens the effective maturities of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of the rate increase on the market value of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of fixed income securities.

Changes in the market’s perception of the mortgages or assets backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement, will all affect the value of an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security, as will the exhaustion of any credit enhancement.

The risks of investing in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities ultimately depend upon the payment of the underlying loans by the individual borrowers. In its capacity as purchaser of an asset-backed security or mortgage-backed security, the Fund would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the event of default by the borrower. The risk of non-payment is greater for asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities that are backed by pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting loan repayments may include a general economic turndown and high unemployment. Mortgage-backed securities may be adversely affected by a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate, or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.

Additional information regarding different types of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is provided below. Governmental, government-related or private entities may create pools of loan assets offering pass-through investments in addition to those described below. As new types of asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities are developed and offered to investors, the portfolio manager may, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, consider making investments in such new types of securities.

Mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) represent interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others, to finance purchases of

 

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homes, commercial buildings or other real estate. The individual mortgage loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as the Fund) by various governmental or government-related agencies and private organizations, such as dealers.

Government-sponsored MBS. Some government sponsored mortgage-related securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the principal guarantor of such securities, is a wholly-owned United States government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Other government-sponsored mortgage-related securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Issuers of such securities include Fannie Mae (formally known as the Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (formally known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation). Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation which is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned corporation chartered by Congress and subject to general regulation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Participation certificates representing interests in mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio are guaranteed as to the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal by Freddie Mac. The U.S. government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the past, but there can be no assurances that it will support these or other government-sponsored entities in the future.

Privately issued MBS. Unlike MBS issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or certain government-sponsored entities, MBS issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself.

In addition, MBS that are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those MBS that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying private MBS may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored MBS and have wider variances in a number of terms including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics. Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label MBS pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans. Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.

Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-backed securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.

Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities. Adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities (“ARMBS”) are pass-through securities collateralized by mortgages with adjustable rather than fixed rates. Adjustable rate mortgages eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a set number of scheduled monthly payments. After that schedule of payments has been completed, the interest rates of the adjustable rate mortgages are subject to periodic adjustment based on changes to a designated benchmark index.

Mortgages underlying most ARMBS may contain maximum and minimum rates beyond which the mortgage interest rate may not vary over the lifetime of the mortgage. In addition, certain adjustable rate mortgages provide for additional limitations on the maximum amount by which the mortgage interest rate may adjust for any single adjustment period. In the event that market rates of interest rise more rapidly to levels above that of the maximum rate for the adjustable rate mortgages underlying an ARMBS, the ARMBS’ coupon may represent a below market rate of interest. In these circumstances, the market value of the ARMBS will likely have fallen. During periods of declining interest rates, income to the Fund derived from adjustable rate mortgages that remain in the mortgage pool underlying the ARMBS may decrease in contrast to the income on fixed rate mortgages, which will remain constant. Adjustable rate mortgages also have less potential for appreciation in value as interest rates decline than do fixed rate investments. In addition, the current yields on ARMBS may be different than market yields during interim periods between coupon reset dates.

 

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Stripped mortgage-backed securities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”) are structured with two or more classes of securities that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have at least one class receiving only a small portion of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (“IO” or interest-only class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (“PO” or principal-only class). The yield to maturity on IOs, POs and other mortgage-backed securities that are purchased at a substantial premium or discount generally are extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on such securities’ yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities even if the securities have received the highest rating by a NRSRO.

SMBS have greater volatility than other types of securities. Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, the market for such securities has not yet been fully developed. Accordingly, the secondary market for SMBS may be more volatile and have lower liquidity than that for other MBS, potentially limiting the Fund’s ability to buy or sell SMBS at any particular time.

Collateralized mortgage obligations. Another type of security representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans is known as a collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”). CMOs represent interests in a short-term, intermediate-term or long-term portion of a mortgage pool. Each portion of the pool receives monthly interest payments, but the principal repayments pass through to the short-term CMO first and to the long-term CMO last. A CMO permits an investor to more accurately predict the rate of principal repayments. CMOs are issued by private issuers, such as broker-dealers, and by government agencies, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Investments in CMOs are subject to the same risks as direct investments in the underlying mortgage-backed securities. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a broker that issued the CMO held by the Fund, the Fund could experience delays in liquidating both its position and losses. The Fund may invest in CMOs in any rating category of the recognized rating services and may invest in unrated CMOs. The Fund may also invest in “stripped” CMOs, which represent only the income portion or the principal portion of the CMO. The values of stripped CMOs are very sensitive to interest rate changes; accordingly, these instruments present a greater risk of loss than conventional mortgage-backed securities.

Tiered index bonds. Tiered index bonds are relatively new forms of mortgage-related securities. The interest rate on a tiered index bond is tied to a specified index or market rate. So long as this index or market rate is below a predetermined “strike” rate, the interest rate on the tiered index bond remains fixed. If, however, the specified index or market rate rises above the “strike” rate, the interest rate of the tiered index bond will decrease. Thus, under these circumstances, the interest rate on a tiered index bond, like an inverse floater, will move in the opposite direction of prevailing interest rates, with the result that the price of the tiered index bond would decline and may be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed-rate bond.

Other Asset-Backed Securities – Additional Information

Similar to mortgage-backed securities, other types of asset-backed securities may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government (including those whose securities are neither guaranteed nor insured by the U.S. government), foreign governments (or their agencies or instrumentalities), or non-governmental issuers. These securities include securities backed by pools of automobile loans, educational loans, home equity loans, and credit card receivables. The underlying pools of assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose entities. These securities may be subject to the risks described above under “Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities — Generally,” including risks associated with changes in interest rates and prepayment of underlying obligations.

Certain types of asset-backed securities present additional risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. In particular, certain types of asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in the related assets. For example, many securities backed by credit card receivables are unsecured. Even when security interests are present, the ability of an issuer of certain types of asset-backed securities to enforce those interests may be more limited than that of an issuer of mortgage-backed securities. For instance, automobile receivables generally are secured by automobiles rather than by real property. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying assets. In addition, because of the large number of underlying vehicles involved in a typical issue of asset-backed securities and technical requirements under state law, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the automobiles. Therefore, recoveries on repossessed automobiles may not be available to support payments on these securities.

 

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In addition, certain types of asset-backed securities may experience losses on the underlying assets as a result of certain rights provided to consumer debtors under federal and state law. In the case of certain consumer debt, such as credit card debt, debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on their credit cards (or other debt), thereby reducing their balances due. For instance, a debtor may be able to offset certain damages for which a court has determined that the creditor is liable to the debtor against amounts owed to the creditor by the debtor on his or her credit card.

Additionally, an asset-backed security is subject to risks associated with the servicing agent’s or originator’s performance. For example, a servicing agent or originator’s mishandling of documentation related to the underlying collateral (e.g., failure to properly document a security interest in the underlying collateral) may affect the rights of the security holders in and to the underlying collateral.

Asset-backed commercial paper. The Fund may purchase commercial paper, including asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP, which may be included in revolving pools of assets with large numbers of obligors, include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduit’s underlying asset portfolio and the conduit’s ability to issue new ABCP. Therefore, there could be losses to the Fund investing in ABCP in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduit’s underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the conduit’s inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.

Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral and the Fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A fund purchasing these subordinated notes will therefore have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.

Collateralized debt obligations. The Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”) which is typically backed by a diversified pool of fixed income securities (which may include high risk, below investment grade securities). A CLO is a trust or other SPE that is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect the Fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly, which entails the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of the Fund.

For both CBOs and CLOs, the cashflows from the SPE are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche, which bears the first loss from defaults from the bonds or loans in the SPE and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default (though such protection is not complete). Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO or CLO typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and may be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as investor aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class. Interest

 

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on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.

The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which the Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities. However, an active dealer market may exist for CDOs, allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed income securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and the Prospectus (e.g., interest rate risk and credit risk), CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the collateral may decline in value or default or its credit rating may be downgraded, if rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; (iii) the Fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; and (v) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

In a mortgage dollar roll, also known as a forward roll transaction, the Fund sells MBS for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) MBS on a specified future date. The Fund may enter into a mortgage dollar roll commitment with the intention of entering into an offsetting transaction whereby, rather than accepting delivery of the security on the specified future date, the Fund sells the security and then agrees to repurchase a similar security at a later time. In this case, the Fund forgoes interest on the security during the roll period and is compensated by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale of the security and by the difference between the sale price and the lower repurchase price at the future date.

Mortgage dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a mortgage dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of proceeds of the dollar roll may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities.

Forward roll transactions may have a leveraging effect on the Fund, making the value of an investment in the Fund more volatile and increasing the Fund’s overall investment exposure. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend on the portfolio manager’s ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed.

Preferred Securities

There are two basic types of preferred securities: traditional and hybrid-preferred securities. Traditional preferred securities consist of preferred stock issued by an entity taxable as a corporation. Preferred stocks, which may offer fixed or floating rate dividends, are perpetual instruments and considered equity securities. Preferred stocks are subordinated to debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income and claim to corporate assets, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt instruments. Alternatively, hybrid-preferred securities may be issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated trust or partnership of the corporation, generally in the form of preferred interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The hybrid-preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates.

Traditional Preferred Securities. Traditional preferred securities pay fixed or floating dividends to investors and have “preference” over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of a company’s assets. This means that a company must pay dividends on preferred stock before paying any dividends on its common stock. In order to be payable, distributions on such preferred securities must be declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Income payments on preferred securities may be cumulative, causing dividends and distributions to accumulate even if not declared by the board of directors or otherwise made payable. In such a case, all accumulated dividends must be paid before any dividend on the common stock can be paid. However, many traditional preferred stocks are non-cumulative, in which case dividends do not accumulate and need not ever be paid. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on the traditional preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. Preferred securities may also contain provisions under which payments must be stopped (i.e., stoppage is compulsory, not discretionary). The conditions under which this occurs may relate to, for instance,

 

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capitalization levels. Hence, if a company incurs significant losses that deplete retained earnings automatic payment stoppage could occur. In some cases the terms of the preferred securities provide that the issuer would be obligated to attempt to issue common shares to raise funds for the purpose of making the preferred payments. However, there is no guarantee that the issuer would be successful in placing common shares.

Preferred stockholders usually have no right to vote for corporate directors or on other matters. Shares of traditional preferred securities have a liquidation preference that generally equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by, among other factors, favorable and unfavorable changes impacting the issuer or industries in which they operate, movements in interest rates and inflation, and the broader economic and credit environments, and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws, such as changes in corporate and individual income tax rates. Because the claim on an issuer’s earnings represented by traditional preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund’s holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced, and the Fund may be unable to acquire securities of comparable credit quality paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.

Hybrid-Preferred Securities. Hybrid-preferred securities are typically junior and fully subordinated liabilities of an issuer or the beneficiary of a guarantee that is junior and fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition, hybrid-preferred securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of income for eighteen months or more without triggering an event of default. Generally, the maximum deferral period is five years. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer payments for extended periods of time without default consequences to the issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when full cumulative payments on the hybrid preferred securities have not been made), these hybrid-preferred securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred securities, both by issuers and investors. Hybrid-preferred securities have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer’s capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows. Hybrid-preferred securities include, but are not limited to, trust preferred securities (TRUPS®); enhanced trust preferred securities (Enhanced TRUPS®); trust-originated preferred securities (TOPrS®); monthly-income preferred securities (MIPS®); quarterly-income bond securities (QUIBS®); quarterly-income debt securities (QUIDS®); quarterly-income preferred securities (QUIPSSM); corporate trust securities (CorTS®); public income notes (PINES®); and other hybrid-preferred securities. Hybrid-preferred securities are typically issued with a final maturity date. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer’s option for a specified time without default. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to whether all payments have been paid.

Many hybrid-preferred securities are issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies and are not a direct obligation of an operating company. At the time the trust or special purpose entity sells such preferred securities to investors, it purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), and the operating company deducts for tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. The trust or special purpose entity is generally required to be treated as transparent for U.S. federal income tax purposes such that the holders of the trust preferred securities are treated as owning beneficial interests in the underlying debt of the operating company. Accordingly, payments on the hybrid-preferred securities are generally treated as interest rather than dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate taxpayers or the reduced rates of tax that apply to qualified dividend income for non-corporate taxpayers. The trust or special purpose entity in turn is a holder of the operating company’s debt and has priority with respect to the operating company’s earnings and profits over the operating company’s common stockholders, but is typically subordinated to other classes of the operating company’s debt. Typically a preferred security has a credit rating that is lower than that of its corresponding operating company’s senior debt securities.

Within the category of hybrid-preferred securities are senior debt instruments that trade in the broader preferred securities market. These debt instruments, which are sources of long-term capital for the issuers, have structural features similar to other preferred securities such as maturities ranging from 30 years to perpetuity, call features, quarterly payments, exchange listings and the inclusion of accrued interest in the trading price. Preferred securities may be subject to changes in regulations and there can be no assurance that the current regulatory treatment of preferred securities will continue.

 

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Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Code. Debt securities issued by REITs, for the most part, are general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs. Like mutual funds, REITs have expenses, including advisory and administration fees paid by certain REITs and, as a result, the Fund is indirectly subject to those fees if the Fund invests in REITs.

Investing in REITs involves certain risks, including declines in the value of the underlying real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values and in the appeal of properties to tenants. Equity REITs may also be subject to property and casualty risks as their insurance policies may not completely recover repair or replacement of assets damaged by fires, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values. A rise in sea levels or an increase in flooding could cause certain properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Losses related to climate change could adversely affect the value of REITs. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as healthcare, are also subject to industry-related risks. Certain “special purpose” REITs may invest their assets in specific real estate sectors, such as hotels, nursing homes or warehouses, and are therefore subject to the risks associated with adverse developments in any such sectors.

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed income obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate debt instruments the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations. However, REIT shares can be more volatile than, and perform differently from, larger company securities since REITs tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities.

REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are generally not diversified. REITs may be highly leveraged, and financial covenants may affect the ability of REITs to operate effectively. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings, to cover operating costs, and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees and borrowers. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. If REITs are net sellers of assets or do not reinvest principal, they are also subject to self-liquidation. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of net income and gains under the Code or to maintain their exemptions from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. In the event of any such failure to qualify as a REIT under the Code, the company would be subject to corporate level taxation, significantly reducing the return to the Fund on its investment in such company.

Redemption Risk

The Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to liquidate its assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value, particularly during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that the Fund has investors with large shareholdings, short investment horizons, or unpredictable cash flow needs. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of overall market turmoil. The redemption by one or more large shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could hurt performance and/or cause the remaining shareholders in the Fund to lose money. The Fund’s redemption risk is increased if one decision maker has control of fund shares owned by separate fund

 

38


shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the Fund’s Manager. If the Fund is forced to liquidate its assets under unfavorable conditions or at inopportune times, the value of your investment could decline.

Repurchase Agreements

Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire one or more underlying debt securities from a counterparty (typically a bank or a broker-dealer), subject to the counterparty’s obligation to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the securities at an agreed-upon time and price. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements where the underlying collateral consists entirely of cash items and/or securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, its instrumentalities, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises. The Fund may also enter into repurchase agreements where the underlying collateral consists of other types of securities, including securities the Fund could not purchase directly. For such repurchase agreements, the underlying securities which serve as collateral may include, but are not limited to, U.S. government securities, municipal securities, corporate debt obligations, asset-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”)), convertible securities and common and preferred stock and may be of below investment grade quality. The repurchase price is typically greater than the purchase price paid by the Fund, thereby determining the Fund’s yield. A repurchase agreement is similar to, and may be treated as, a secured loan, where the Fund loans cash to the counterparty and the loan is secured by the underlying securities as collateral. All repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund are required to be collateralized so that at all times during the term of a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying securities is at least equal to the amount of the repurchase price. Also, the Fund or its custodian is required to have control of the collateral, which the portfolio manager believes will give the Fund a valid, perfected security interest in the collateral.

Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the Fund seeks to assert its right to them, the risk that there may be a limited market or no market for disposition of such underlying securities, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement. The Fund will seek to mitigate these risks but there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful. If the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement involving securities the Fund could not purchase directly, and the counterparty defaults, the Fund may become the holder of such securities. Repurchase agreements collateralized by securities other than U.S. government securities may be subject to greater risks and are more likely to have a term to maturity of longer than seven days. Repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days are considered to be illiquid.

Repurchase agreements may be entered into or novated with a financial clearinghouse, which would become the Fund’s counterparty. The Fund would then become subject to the rules of the clearinghouse, which may limit the Fund’s rights and remedies (including recourse to collateral) or delay or restrict the rights and remedies, and expose the Fund to the risks of the clearinghouses’ insolvency.

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, the Fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the Manager, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint accounts for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements secured by cash and U.S. government securities, subject to certain conditions.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement has the characteristics of a secured borrowing by the Fund and creates leverage in the Fund’s portfolio. In a reverse repurchase transaction, the Fund sells a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial institution or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed-upon time and at a price that is greater than the amount of cash that the Fund received when it sold the instrument, representing the equivalent of an interest payment by the Fund for the use of the cash. During the term of the transaction, the Fund will continue to receive any principal and interest payments (or the equivalent thereof) on the underlying instruments.

The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase agreements as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests or for other temporary or emergency purposes. Unless otherwise limited in the Fund’s Prospectus or this SAI, the Fund may also engage in reverse repurchase agreements to the extent permitted by its fundamental investment policies in order to raise additional cash to be invested by the Fund’s portfolio manager in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the Fund’s investment returns.

 

39


During the term of the transaction, the Fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement as if it had not entered into the transaction. When the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement in other securities, the Fund will also be at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested. Like other forms of leverage, this makes the value of an investment in the Fund more volatile and increases the Fund’s overall investment exposure. In addition, if the Fund’s return on its investment of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement does not equal or exceed the implied interest that it is obligated to pay under the reverse repurchase agreement, engaging in the transaction will lower the Fund’s return.

When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer under the agreement may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent or otherwise default on its obligations to the Fund. In the event of a default by the counterparty, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in the Fund’s exercising its rights under the agreement, or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.

In addition, the Fund may be unable to sell the instruments subject to the reverse repurchase agreement at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, or may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its obligations under a reverse repurchase agreement. This could adversely affect the Fund’s strategy and result in lower fund returns.

Whenever the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will either (i) be consistent with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and maintain asset coverage of at least 300% of the value of the repurchase agreement or (ii) treat the reverse repurchase agreement as a derivatives transaction for purposes of Rule 18f-4, including, as applicable, the value-at-risk based limit on leverage risk.

Securities Lending

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided that cash or equivalent collateral, equal to at least 100% of the market value of such securities, is continuously maintained by the other party with the Fund. During the pendency of the transaction, the other party will pay the Fund an amount equivalent to any dividends or interest paid on such securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn additional income, or it may receive an agreed upon amount of interest income from the other party who has delivered equivalent collateral. These transactions are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the other party. The Fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these transactions and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or equivalent collateral to the other party or placing agent or broker. Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the relevant securities generally pass to the other party, the Fund will make arrangements to vote or consent with respect to a material event affecting such securities. The risks in lending portfolio securities include possible delay in recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. The Fund runs the risk that the counterparty to a loan transaction will default on its obligation and that the value of the collateral received may decline before the Fund can dispose of it. If the Fund receives cash as collateral and invests that cash, the Fund is subject to the risk that the collateral will decline in value before the Fund must return it to the counterparty. Subject to the foregoing, loans of fund securities are effectively borrowings by the Fund and have economic characteristics similar to reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund does not currently intend to engage in securities lending, although it may engage in transactions (such as reverse repurchase agreements) which have similar characteristics.

Short Sales

Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security, also known as “naked” short sales. To make delivery to the buyer, the Fund must borrow the security. The Fund is then obligated to replace the borrowed security by purchasing the same security at market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. The lender of the security is entitled to retain the proceeds from the short sale and or other collateral until the Fund replaces the borrowed security. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender the amount of any dividends or interest paid on shares sold short. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold.

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed security, the Fund must segregate assets held by its custodian as collateral to such a level that the amount segregated plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short. To the extent that the liquid securities segregated by the Fund’s custodian are subject to gain or loss, and the

 

40


securities sold short are subject to the possibility of gain or loss, leverage is created. The liquid securities utilized by the Fund in this respect will normally be primarily composed of cash or equity portfolio securities that are subject to gains or losses and, accordingly, when the Fund executes short sales leverage will normally be created.

The Fund will realize a gain if the price of a security declines between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases a security to replace the borrowed security. On the other hand, the Fund will incur a loss if the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased and the amount of any loss increased by any premium or interest that the Fund may be required to pay the lender. There is also a risk that a borrowed security will need to be returned to the lender on short notice. If the request for the return of a security occurs at a time when other short sellers of the security are receiving similar requests, a “short squeeze” can occur, meaning that the Fund might be compelled, at the most disadvantageous time, to replace the borrowed security with a security purchased on the open market, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received earlier.

Short selling is a technique that may be considered speculative and involves risks beyond the initial capital necessary to secure each transaction. It should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those losses that could arise from a cash investment in a security because losses from a short sale may be limitless, while the losses from a cash investment in a security cannot exceed the total amount of the investment in the security.

Short Sales Against the Box. The Fund may also make short sales “against the box,” meaning that at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns an equal amount of such securities or owns securities convertible into or exchangeable, without payment of further consideration, for securities of the same issues as, and in an amount equal to, the securities sold short. Short sales “against the box” result in a “constructive sale” and may require the Fund to recognize any gain unless an exception to the constructive sale rule applies.

Subordinated Securities

Subordinated securities include securities which are subordinated or “junior” to more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include so-called “high yield” or “junk” bonds (i.e., bonds that are rated below investment grade by a rating agency or that are determined by the Fund’s portfolio manager to be of equivalent quality) and preferred stock. Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be made to their holders may be required to be made to the holders of more senior securities, and/or the subordinated or junior securities may have junior liens, if they have any rights at all, in any collateral (meaning proceeds of the collateral are required to be paid first to the holders of more senior securities). As a result, subordinated or junior securities will be disproportionately adversely affected by a default or even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer.

Temporary Defensive Investing

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions, including by investing in any type of investment grade, government, corporate and money market instruments and short-term debt securities or holding cash without regard to any percentage limitations. Although the portfolio manager has the ability to take defensive positions, they may choose not to do so for a variety of reasons, even during volatile market conditions.

U.S. Government Securities

U.S. Government securities include (1) U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (maturity of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury bonds (maturities generally greater than ten years); (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (such as certificates issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)); (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Government (such as obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks); (c) the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities (such as securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association); or (d) only the credit of the agency or instrumentality (such as securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation); and (3) obligations issued by non-governmental entities (like financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. government agencies as part of government initiatives in response to a market crisis or otherwise. Agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government include but are not limited to: Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing

 

41


Administration, Federal Land Banks, Federal Financing Bank, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Farm Credit Bank System, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, United States Postal Service, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, Washington D.C. Armory Board and any other instrumentality established or sponsored by the U.S. Government.

In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the Fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Neither the U.S. Government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates and other factors. In addition, any downgrade of the credit rating of the securities issued by the U.S. Government may result in a downgrade of securities issued by its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-sponsored entities. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling could increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on certain U.S. government securities, cause the credit rating of the U.S. government to be downgraded, increase volatility in the stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates, reduce prices of U.S. Treasury securities, and/or increase the costs of various kinds of debt. If a U.S. Government-sponsored entity is negatively impacted by legislative or regulatory action (or lack thereof), is unable to meet its obligations, or its creditworthiness declines, the performance of a fund that holds securities of the entity will be adversely impacted.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as based on a change in the prime rate.

The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a corporate bond index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters may provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rising interest rates, the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two bonds or other securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.

The Fund may also invest in inverse floating rate debt instruments (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality.

A floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in some floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values.

The Fund may also invest in variable amount master demand notes, which permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary in addition to providing for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. The absence of an active secondary market with respect to particular variable and floating rate instruments could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a variable or floating rate note if the issuer were to default on its payment obligation or during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise its demand rights, and the Fund could, for these or other reasons, suffer a loss with respect to such instruments. In determining average-weighted portfolio maturity, an instrument will be deemed to have a maturity equal to either the period remaining until the next interest rate adjustment or the time the Fund can recover payment of principal as specified in the instrument, depending on the type of instrument involved.

Warrants and Rights

Warrants are instruments that give the holder the right to purchase equity securities at a specific price valid for a specified time period. Warrants are typically issued with preferred stock or bonds but can often be traded separately from the securities with which they were initially sold. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in

 

42


value of one or more specified indexes (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index. Rights are similar to warrants but typically have a shorter duration than warrants and are issued directly by an issuer to existing stockholders and provide those holders the right to purchase additional shares of stock at a later date.

Warrants and rights may be considered speculative in that they have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer. The prices of warrants and rights do not necessarily move with the prices of the underlying securities. If the market price of the underlying security does not exceed the exercise price of the warrant or right plus the cost thereof before the expiration date, the Fund could sustain losses despite advantageous changes in the market price of the underlying security. Warrants and rights not exercised before their expiration date cease to have value.

Low Exercise Price Call Warrants. Low exercise price call warrants, sometimes also referred to as equity-linked participation certificates, are used to gain exposure to stocks in difficult to access local markets. These warrants typically have a strike price set where the value of the warrants will be identical to the price of the underlying stock. The value of these warrants fluctuates in line with the value of the underlying stock price and therefore, the risk and return profile of the warrants is very similar to owning the underlying securities, but the Fund may also be exposed to the risk of the counterparty that issued the warrant. These warrants have no voting rights. Dividends issued to the warrant issuer by the underlying issuer will be distributed to the warrant holders, net of any taxes or commissions imposed by the local jurisdiction in respect of the receipt of such amount. In addition, these warrants are not exchangeable into the ordinary shares of the underlying stock. These warrants are typically sold in private placement transactions and may be classified as derivative instruments.

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments

Securities may be purchased on a “when-issued” or “to be announced” or “forward delivery” basis. The payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the “when-issued” securities are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment although settlement, i.e., delivery of and payment for the securities, takes place at a later date. In a “to be announced” transaction, the Fund commits to purchase securities for which all specific information is not known at the time of the trade.

Securities purchased on a “when-issued” or “forward delivery” basis are subject to changes in value based upon the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates. The value of these securities experiences appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. Purchasing securities on a “when-issued” or “forward delivery” basis can involve a risk that the yields available in the market on the settlement date may actually be higher or lower than those obtained in the transaction itself.

An increase in the percentage of the Fund’s assets committed to the purchase of securities on a “when-issued” basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.

Zero Coupon, Pay-In-Kind and Deferred Interest Securities

Zero Coupon Bond. A zero coupon bond is a security that makes no fixed interest payments but instead is sold at a discount from its face value. The bond is redeemed at its face value on the specified maturity date. Zero coupon bonds may be issued as such, or they may be created by a broker who strips the coupons from a bond and separately sells the rights to receive principal and interest. The prices of zero coupon bonds tend to fluctuate more in response to changes in market interest rates than do the prices of interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. Zero coupon bonds with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Generally, the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s income and required to be distributed by the Fund over the term of the bond, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the bond. The Fund may thus be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash the Fund actually received, and may have to dispose of other securities, including at times when it may be disadvantageous to do so, to generate the cash necessary for the distribution of income attributable to its zero coupon bonds.

Pay-In-Kind Securities. Pay-in-kind securities are bonds which pay interest through the issuance of additional debt or equity securities. Pay-in-kind securities have characteristics similar to those of zero coupon securities, but interest on such

 

43


securities may be paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash. Similar to zero coupon obligations, pay-in-kind bonds also carry additional risk as holders of these types of securities realize no cash until the cash payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. The market price of pay-in-kind bonds is affected by interest rate changes to a greater extent, and therefore tends to be more volatile, than that of securities which pay interest in cash. Similar to zero coupon bonds, current Federal tax law requires the holder of pay-in-kind bonds to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. To maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for Federal income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.

Deferred Interest Bonds. Deferred interest bonds are debt obligations that generally provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins and that are issued at a significant discount from face value. The original discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until the first interest accrual date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Although this period of delay is different for each deferred interest bond, a typical period is approximately one-third of the bond’s term to maturity. Such investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its initial need for cash to meet debt service, but some also provide a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash.

Zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred interest securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash interest at regular interest payment periods.

MANAGEMENT

Trustees and Officers

The business and affairs of the Fund are conducted by management under the supervision and subject to the direction of its Board. The business address of each Trustee (including each Independent Trustee) is c/o Jane Trust, Franklin Templeton, 100 International Drive, 11th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The tables below provide information about each of the Trustees and officers of the Trust.

 

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Independent Trustees#:

 

Name and

Year of Birth

 

  

Position(s) with Trust

 

 

Term of Office*

and Length of

Time Served**

 

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During

the Past Five Years

 

  

Number of
Funds in the
Legg Mason
Funds
Complex
Overseen

by Trustee***

 

 

Other Board Memberships
Held by Trustee During the
Past Five Years

 

Paul R. Ades

Born 1940

  

Trustee

 

Since 1983

   Paul R. Ades, PLLC (law firm) (since 2000)    57   None

Andrew L. Breech

Born 1952

  

Trustee

 

Since 1991

   President, Dealer Operating Control Service, Inc. (automotive retail management) (since 1985)    57   None

Althea L. Duersten

Born 1951

  

Trustee and

Chair of the Board

 

Since 2014 (Chair

of the Board since

2021)

   Retired (since 2011); formerly, Chief Investment Officer, North America, JP Morgan Chase (investment bank) and member of JPMorgan Executive Committee (2007 to 2011)    57   Formerly, Non-Executive Director, Rokos Capital Management LLP (2019 to 2020)

Stephen R. Gross

Born 1947

  

Trustee

 

Since 1986

   Chairman Emeritus (since 2011) and formerly, Chairman, HLB Gross Collins, P.C. (accounting and consulting firm) (1979 to 2011); Executive Director of Business Builders Team, LLC (since 2005); Principal, Gross Consulting Group, LLC (since 2011); CEO, Gross Capital Partners, LLC (since 2014); CEO, Trusted CFO Solutions, LLC (since 2011)    57   None

Susan M. Heilbron

Born 1945

  

Trustee

 

Since 1991

   Retired; formerly, President, Lacey & Heilbron (communications consulting) (1990 to 2002); General Counsel and Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization (1986 to 1990); Senior Vice President, New York State Urban Development Corporation (1984 to 1986); Associate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP (1980 to 1984 and 1977 to 1979)    57   None

Arnold L. Lehman

Born 1944

  

Trustee

 

Since 1982

   Senior Advisor, Phillips (auction house) (since 2015); formerly, Fellow Ford Foundation (2015 to 2016); Director of the Brooklyn Museum (1997 to 2015)    57   Trustee of American Federation of Arts (since 2002)

 

45


Robin J.W. Masters

Born 1955

  

Trustee

 

Since 2002

   Retired; formerly, Chief Investment Officer of ACE Limited (insurance) (1986 to 2000)    57   Director of HSBC Managed Portfolios Limited and HSBC Specialist Funds Limited (since 2020); formerly, Director of Cheyne Capital International Limited (investment advisory firm) (2005 to 2020); Director/Trustee of Legg Mason Institutional Funds plc, Western Asset Fixed Income Funds plc and Western Asset Debt Securities Fund plc (2007 to 2011)

Ken Miller

Born 1942

  

Trustee

 

Since 1983

   Retired; formerly, President, Young Stuff Apparel Group, Inc. (apparel manufacturer), division of Li & Fung (1963 to 2012)    57   None

G. Peter O’Brien

Born 1945

  

Trustee

 

Since 1999

   Retired, Trustee Emeritus of Colgate University (since 2005); Board Member, Hill House, Inc. (residential home care) (since 1999); formerly, Board Member, Bridges School (pre-school) (2006 to 2017); Managing Director, Equity Capital Markets Group of Merrill Lynch & Co. (1971 to 1999)   

Trustee of Legg Mason Funds consisting of 57 portfolios; Director/

Trustee of the Royce Family Funds consisting of 16 portfolios

  Formerly, Director of TICC Capital Corp. (2003 to 2017)

Thomas F. Schlafly

Born 1948

  

Trustee

 

Since 1983

   Chairman, The Saint Louis Brewery, LLC (brewery) (since 2012); formerly, President, The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. (1989 to 2012); Senior Counsel (since 2017) and formerly, Partner (2009 to 2016), Thompson Coburn LLP (law firm)    57   Director, CNB St. Louis Bank (since 2020); formerly, Director, Citizens National Bank of Greater St. Louis (2006 to 2020)

 

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Interested Trustee and Officer:

 

Name and

Year of Birth

 

  

Position(s) with Trust

 

 

Term of Office*

and Length of

Time Served**

 

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During

the Past Five Years

 

  

Number of
Funds in the
Legg Mason
Funds
Complex
Overseen

by Trustee***

 

 

Other Board Memberships
Held by Trustee During the
Past Five Years

 

Jane Trust, CFA†

Born 1962

  

Trustee, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 

Since 2015

   Senior Vice President, Fund Board Management, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Officer and/or Trustee/Director of 127 funds associated with LMPFA or its affiliates (since 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMPFA (since 2015); formerly, Senior Managing Director (2018 to 2020) and Managing Director (2016 to 2018) of Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (2015)    127   None

 

#

Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

*

Each Trustee serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.

**

Indicates the earliest year in which the Trustee became a board member for a fund in the Legg Mason Funds complex.

***

Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, except as otherwise noted.

Ms. Trust is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of her position with LMPFA and/or certain of its affiliates.

 

47


Additional Officers:

 

Name, Year of

Birth

and Address

 

  

Position(s) with Trust

 

  

Term of Office*

and Length of

Time Served**

 

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During the Past Five Years

 

Ted P. Becker

Born 1951

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Chief Compliance

Officer

  

Since 2007

  

Vice President, Global Compliance of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (2006 to 2020); Managing Director of Compliance of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020)

 

Christopher Berarducci

Born 1974

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

  

Since 2014 and 2019

  

Vice President, Fund Administration and Reporting, Franklin Templeton (since 2020), Treasurer (since 2010) and Principal Financial Officer (since 2019) of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; formerly, Managing Director (2020), Director (2015 to 2020), and Vice President (2011 to 2015) of Legg Mason & Co.

 

Marc A. De Oliveira

Born 1971

Franklin Templeton

100 First Stamford Place

6th Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

  

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

  

Since 2020

  

Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Assistant Secretary of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Managing Director (2016 to 2020) and Associate General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020)

    

Jeanne Kelly

Born 1951

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Senior Vice President

  

Since 2007

  

U.S. Fund Board Team Manager, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Senior Vice President of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer of LM Asset Services, LLC (“LMAS”) and Legg Mason Fund Asset Management, Inc. (“LMFAM”) (formerly registered investment advisers) (since 2015); formerly, Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020), and Senior Vice President of LMFAM (2013 to 2015)

 

Susan Kerr

Born 1949

Franklin Templeton

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  

Chief Anti-Money

Laundering

Compliance

Officer

  

Since 2013

  

Senior Compliance Analyst, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2013) and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer (since 2012), Senior Compliance Officer (since 2011) and Assistant Vice President (since 2010) of the Distributor; formerly, Assistant Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (2010 to 2020)

 

Thomas C. Mandia

Born 1962

Franklin Templeton

100 First Stamford Place

6th Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

  

Senior Vice President

  

Since 2020

  

Senior Associate General Counsel to Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Secretary of LMPFA (since 2006); Assistant Secretary of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); Secretary of LMAS (since 2002) and LMFAM (formerly registered investment advisers) (since 2013); formerly, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020)

 

 

*

Each officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal.

**

Indicates the earliest year in which the officer took such office.

 

48


Qualifications of Trustees, Board Leadership Structure and Oversight and Standing Committees

The Independent Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following as to each Trustee: character and integrity; service as a board member of predecessor funds and/or other funds in the Legg Mason Funds complex; willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; such person’s skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, intelligence, and common sense; their current or previous profit and non-profit board membership; such person’s considerable familiarity with the special regulatory requirements governing regulated investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company trustees; and the Trustee’s status as not being an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. Ms. Trust was selected to join the Board based upon her investment management and risk oversight experience as an executive and portfolio manager and leadership roles with Legg Mason and affiliated entities. The Board also considered her character and integrity, her willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee, her skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, intelligence, and common sense, her considerable familiarity with the special regulatory requirements governing regulated investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company trustees, and her status as a representative of Franklin Templeton. Ms. Trust is an interested person of the Fund. Ms. Duersten serves as Chair of the Board and is an Independent Trustee. Independent Trustees constitute more than 75% of the Board.

The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite attributes and skills. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Manager, the Subadviser(s), other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties support this conclusion. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply to each Trustee.

Each Trustee, except for Ms. Trust and Ms. Duersten, has served as a board member of the Fund and/or other funds in the Legg Mason Funds complex for at least eight years. Mr. Ades has substantial experience practicing law and advising clients with respect to various business transactions. Mr. Breech has substantial experience as the chief executive of a private corporation. Ms. Duersten has substantial experience as a global investment and trading manager in capital markets across multiple asset classes, including as the chief investment officer for the North American region of a major investment bank and service on its executive committee. Mr. Gross has a substantial accounting background and experience as an officer, trustee and board member of various organizations. Ms. Heilbron has substantial legal background and experience, business and consulting experience, and experience as a board member of public companies. Dr. Lehman has experience as chief executive officer of major museums and other entities involved in the arts, has previously served as a lead independent trustee and board chair for certain funds in the Legg Mason Funds complex and has experience as a founding director of the Legg Mason Funds. Ms. Masters has investment management experience as chief investment officer, as a director of an investment advisory firm and from her service on the boards of other investment companies. Mr. Miller has substantial experience as a senior executive of an operating company. Mr. O’Brien has experience at senior levels of a large financial services company and has experience from his service on the boards of academic institutions and a residential home care company. Mr. Schlafly has substantial experience practicing law and also serves as the non-executive Chairman of a private corporation and as director of a bank. Ms. Trust has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and other funds in the fund complex since 2015 and has investment management and risk oversight experience as an executive and portfolio manager and in leadership roles with Franklin Templeton (and before that, Legg Mason) and affiliated entities. References to the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board.

The Board has five standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Contract Committee, the Performance Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee (which is a sub-committee of the Governance Committee). Each Committee is chaired by an Independent Trustee. The Audit Committee and the Governance Committee are composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Contract Committee is composed of five Independent Trustees. The Performance Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. The Compensation and Nominating Committee is composed of four Independent Trustees. Where deemed appropriate, the Board may constitute ad hoc committees.

The Chair of the Board and the chairs of the Audit and Performance Committees work with the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Chair of the Board also serves as a key point person for interaction between management and the other Independent Trustees. Through the committees the Independent Trustees

 

49


consider and address important matters involving the Fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that its committees help ensure that the Fund has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board also has determined that its leadership structure, in which the Chair of the Board is not affiliated with Franklin Templeton or Legg Mason, is appropriate. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information between the Independent Trustees and management, including the Fund’s Subadviser.

The Audit Committee oversees the scope of the Fund’s audit, the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the integrity of the Fund’s accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices, the qualifications and independence of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and the Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee approves, and recommends to the Board for ratification, the selection, appointment, retention or termination of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Manager and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting.

The Contract Committee is charged with assisting the Board in requesting and evaluating such information from the Manager and the Subadviser as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of the Fund’s investment management agreement, subadvisory arrangements and distribution arrangements.

The Performance Committee is charged with assisting the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities over the Fund and fund management with respect to investment management, objectives, strategies, policies and procedures, performance and performance benchmarks, and the applicable risk management process.

The Governance Committee is charged with overseeing Board governance and related Trustee practices, including selecting and nominating persons for election or appointment by the Board as Trustees of the Trust. The Governance Committee has formed the Compensation and Nominating Committee, the function of which is to recommend to the Board the appropriate compensation for serving as a Trustee on the Board. In addition, the Compensation and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, selecting and recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Board. The Committee may consider nominees recommended by a shareholder. In evaluating potential nominees, including any nominees recommended by shareholders, the Committee takes into consideration various factors, including, among any others it may deem relevant, character and integrity, business and professional experience, and whether the committee believes the person has the ability to apply sound and independent business judgment and would act in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trust’s Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Trustees. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders.

Service providers to the Fund, primarily the Fund’s Manager, the Subadviser and, as appropriate, their affiliates, have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund, which includes responsibility for risk management. As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the Fund, the Board oversees risk management of the Fund’s investment program and business affairs. Oversight of the risk management process is part of the Board’s general oversight of the Fund and its service providers. The Board has emphasized to the Fund’s Manager and the Subadviser the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management. The Board exercises oversight of the risk management process primarily through the Audit Committee and the Performance Committee, and through oversight by the Board itself.

The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, cybersecurity risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Fund. The Fund’s Manager and the Subadviser, the affiliates of the Manager and the Subadviser, or various service providers to the Fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their

 

50


occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the Fund’s and the Manager’s Chief Compliance Officer and the Manager’s chief risk officer, as well as personnel of the Subadviser and other service providers, such as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee, the Performance Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management, as well as events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto. The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to inherent limitations.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Board met 6 times, the Audit Committee met 4 times, the Governance Committee met 4 times, the Performance Committee met 4 times, the Compensation and Nominating Committee met 1 time, and the Contract Committee met 1 time.

Trustee Ownership of Securities

The following tables show the dollar range of equity securities owned by the Trustees in the Fund and other investment companies in the Legg Mason Funds complex overseen by the Trustees as of December 31, 2022.

 

     Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund ($)
        

Name of Trustee

    Global Dividend Fund        S&P 500 Index Fund       Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment
Companies in Legg Mason
 Funds Complex Overseen by 
Trustee ($)
 

Independent Trustees:

        

Paul R. Ades

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Andrew L. Breech

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Althea L. Duersten

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Stephen R. Gross

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Susan M. Heilbron

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Arnold L. Lehman

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Robin J.W. Masters

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Ken Miller

     None        None        Over 100,000  

G. Peter O’Brien

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Thomas F. Schlafly

     None        None        Over 100,000  

Interested Trustee:

        

Jane Trust

     None        None        Over 100,000  

As of December 31, 2022, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the Manager, the Subadviser, or the Distributor of the Fund, or of a person (other than a registered

 

51


investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Manager, the Subadviser, or the Distributor of the Fund.

For serving as a Trustee of the Trust, each Independent Trustee receives an annual retainer plus fees for attending each regularly scheduled meeting and special Board meeting they attend in person or by telephone. Each Independent Trustee is also reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Those Independent Trustees who serve in leadership positions of the Board or Board committees, and members of the Contract Committee, the Performance Committee, and the Compensation and Nominating Committee, receive additional compensation. The Board reviews the level of Trustee compensation periodically and Trustee compensation may change from time to time. Ms. Trust, an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, does not receive compensation from the Fund for her service as Trustee. The Fund pays its pro rata share of the fees and expenses of the Trustees based upon asset size.

Officers of the Trust receive no compensation from the Fund, although they may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses for attending Board meetings.

Trustee Compensation

Information regarding compensation paid to the Trustees is shown below.

 

     Aggregate Compensation from the Fund*($)          
Name of Trustee    Global Dividend Fund      S&P 500 Index Fund   

Total Pension
or

Retirement

Benefits Paid

as Part of Fund

Expenses*

($)

  

Total

Compensation

from Legg Mason
Funds Complex
Paid to
Trustee**
($)

Independent Trustees:

     

Paul R. Ades

     934      1,785    None    446,000

Andrew L. Breech

     971      1,855    None    463,000

Althea L. Duersten

     1,128      2,152    None    541,000

Stephen R. Gross

     936      1,789    None    448,500

Susan M. Heilbron

     890      1,701    None    426,000

Howard J. Johnson***,§

     934      1,785    None    446,000

Arnold L. Lehman

     878      1,680    None    421,000

Robin J.W. Masters

     934      1,785    None    446,000

Jerome H. Miller***

     945      1,806    None    451,000

Ken Miller

     945      1,806    None    451,000

G. Peter O’Brien

     878      1,680    None    669,300

Thomas F. Schlafly

     934      1,785    None    446,000

Interested Trustee:

           

Jane Trust†

     None      None    None    None

 

*

Information is for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

**

Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.

***

Messrs. Johnson and Miller retired from the Board effective December 31, 2022.

§

The total amount of deferred compensation accrued by the Trust (including earnings or depreciation in value of amounts deferred) through December 31, 2022 for Mr. Howard J. Johnson is $160,364.

Ms. Trust is not compensated by the Trust for her services as a Trustee because of her affiliations with the Manager.

 

52


INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE PROVIDER INFORMATION

Manager

The Manager, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, serves as investment manager to the Fund and provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund, pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Management Agreement”). The Manager has offices at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10017 and also serves as the investment manager of other Legg Mason Funds. The Manager is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, a Delaware corporation. Franklin Resources, whose principal executive offices are at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403, is a global investment management organization operating, together with its subsidiaries, as Franklin Templeton.

The Manager has agreed, under the Management Agreement, subject to the supervision of the Board, to provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision, furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, and place orders pursuant to its investment determinations. The Manager is permitted to enter into contracts with subadvisers or subadministrators, subject to the Board’s approval. The Manager has entered into subadvisory agreements, as described below.

As compensation for services performed, facilities furnished and expenses assumed by the Manager, the Fund pays the Manager a fee computed daily at an annual rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets as described below. The Manager also performs administrative and management services as reasonably requested by the Fund necessary for the operation of the Fund, such as (i) supervising the overall administration of the Fund, including negotiation of contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and billings of, the Fund’s transfer agent, shareholder servicing agents, custodian and other independent contractors or agents; (ii) providing certain compliance, fund accounting, regulatory reporting and tax reporting services; (iii) preparing or participating in the preparation of Board materials, registration statements, proxy statements and reports and other communications to shareholders; (iv) maintaining the Fund’s existence; and (v) maintaining the registration or qualification of the Fund’s shares under federal and state laws.

The Management Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year, provided continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a 1940 Act Vote, and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees, with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.

The Management Agreement provides that the Manager may render services to others. The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the Manager, or by the Manager on not less than 90 days’ written notice to the Fund as applicable, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by the Manager. No Management Agreement is assignable by the Trust except with the consent of the Manager.

The Management Agreement provides that the Manager, its affiliates performing services contemplated by the Management Agreement, and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Manager and such affiliates, will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, for any loss arising out of any investment, or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, but the Manager is not protected against any liability to the Fund to which the Manager would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Management Agreement.

For its services under the Fund’s Management Agreement, the Manager receives an investment management fee that is calculated daily and payable monthly at an annual rate according to the following schedule:

 

      Fund      

  

      Investment Management Fee Rate      

(% of Average Daily Net Assets)

    Global Dividend Fund

   0.65

 

53


   

    S&P 500 Index Fund

   0.25

The table below sets forth the management fees paid by the Fund to the Manager (waived/reimbursed amounts are in parentheses), with respect to the fiscal periods indicated:

 

Fund

       For the Fiscal Period Ended    
September 30,
       Gross    
    Management    
Fees ($)
   Management
Fees
Waived/Expenses
Reimbursed ($)
  Net Management
Fees (After
Waivers/Expense
Reimbursements) ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022    1,142,158    (15,339)   1,126,819
   2021    2,182,270    (5,001)   2,177,269
   2020    2,311,289    (2,345)   2,308,944

S&P 500 Index Fund

   2022    855,776    (133,980)   721,796
   2021    821,745    (2,094)   819,651
   2020    689,451    (74,088)   615,363

Any expense limitation arrangements in place during the Fund’s past three fiscal periods can be found in the Fund’s Prospectus in effect (as amended or supplemented from time to time) for such year.

Subadviser

Franklin Advisers, Inc. serves as the subadviser to the Fund (the “Subadviser”) pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between the Manager and the Subadviser (the “Subadvisory Agreement”). The Subadviser, with offices at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906, is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of California. The Subadviser provides asset management services to numerous other investment companies and accounts. The Subadviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources.

As compensation for its services, the Manager pays to the Subadviser a fee equal to 70% of the management fee paid to the Manager by the Fund, net of any waivers and expense reimbursements.

Western Asset Management Company, LLC, organized under the laws of the State of California, (“Western Asset” and together with the Subadviser, the “Subadviser”) manages the portion of the Fund’s cash and short-term instruments allocated to it pursuant to a separate subadvisory agreement between the Manager and Western Asset (the “Western Asset Agreement” and together with the Subadvisory Agreement, the “Subadvisory Agreement”). Western Asset, established in 1971, has offices at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101 and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. Western Asset acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. Western Asset is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources. Under the Western Asset Agreement, Western Asset is responsible, subject to the general supervision of the Manager and the Board, for the management of the portion of the Fund’s cash and short term instruments allocated to it. For Western Asset’s services to the Fund, the Manager, not the Fund, pays Western Asset 0.02% of the portion of the Fund’s average daily net assets that are allocated to Western Asset by the Manager, net of expense waivers and reimbursements.

Under the Subadvisory Agreement, subject to the supervision of the Board and the Manager, the Subadviser regularly provides with respect to the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to it by the Manager, investment research, advice, management and supervision; furnishes a continuous investment program for the allocated assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions; and places orders pursuant to its investment determinations. The Subadviser may delegate to companies that the Subadviser controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, certain of the Subadviser’s duties under a Subadvisory Agreement, subject to the Subadviser’s supervision, provided the Subadviser will not be relieved of its duties or obligations under the Subadvisory Agreement as a result of any delegation.

 

54


The Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect for its initial term and thereafter from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) may terminate the Subadvisory Agreement without penalty, in each case on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the Subadviser. The Subadviser may terminate the respective Subadvisory Agreement, on 90 days’ written notice to the Fund and the Manager. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated upon the mutual written consent of the Manager and the Subadviser. The Subadvisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) by the applicable Subadviser, and shall not be assignable by the Manager without the consent of the Subadviser.

The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Subadviser, its affiliates performing services contemplated by the Subadvisory Agreement, and the partners, shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the Subadviser and such affiliates will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment, or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the Fund, but the Subadviser is not protected against any liability to the Fund or the Manager to which the Subadviser would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Subadvisory Agreement.

Expenses

In addition to amounts payable under the Management Agreement and the 12b-1 Plan (as discussed in this SAI), the Fund is responsible for its own expenses, including, among other things: interest; taxes; governmental fees; voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; organizational costs of the Fund; costs (including interest, brokerage commissions, transaction fees or charges or acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) in connection with the purchase or sale of the Fund’s securities and other investments and any losses in connection therewith; fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents, registrars, independent pricing vendors or other agents; legal expenses; loan commitment fees; expenses relating to the issuance and redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares and servicing shareholder accounts; expenses of registering and qualifying the Fund’s shares for sale under applicable federal and state law; expenses of preparing, setting in print, printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and any supplements thereto, reports, proxy statements, notices and dividends to the Fund’s shareholders; costs of stationery; website costs; costs of meetings of the Board or any committee thereof, meetings of shareholders and other meetings of the Fund; Board fees; audit fees; travel expenses of officers, Trustees and employees of the Fund, if any; the Fund’s pro rata portion of premiums on any fidelity bond and other insurance covering the Fund and its officers, Trustees and employees; and litigation expenses and any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses as may arise, including, without limitation, those relating to actions, suits or proceedings to which the Fund is a party and any legal obligation which the Fund may have to indemnify the Fund’s Trustees and officers with respect thereto.

Management may agree to implement an expense cap, waive fees and/or reimburse operating expenses for one or more classes of shares. Any such expense caps, waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses are described in the Fund’s Prospectus. The expense caps, waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses do not cover extraordinary expenses, such as (a) any expenses or charges related to litigation, derivative actions, demands related to litigation, regulatory or other government investigations and proceedings, “for cause” regulatory inspections and indemnification or advancement of related expenses or costs, to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A as the same may be amended from time to time; (b) transaction costs (such as brokerage commissions and dealer and underwriter spreads) and taxes; (c) other extraordinary expenses as determined for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A, as the same may be amended from time to time; and (d) any other exclusions enumerated in the Fund’s particular expense cap. Without limiting the foregoing, extraordinary expenses are generally those that are unusual or expected to recur only infrequently, and may include such expenses, by way of illustration, as (i) expenses of the reorganization, restructuring, redomiciling or merger of the Fund or class or the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of another fund or class; (ii) expenses of holding, and soliciting proxies for, a meeting of shareholders of the Fund or class (except to the extent relating to routine items such as the election of Trustees or the approval of the independent registered public accounting firm); and (iii) expenses of converting to a new custodian, transfer agent or other service provider, in each case to the extent any such expenses are considered extraordinary expenses for the purposes of fee disclosure in Form N-1A as the same may be amended from time to time. In order to implement an expense

 

55


limitation, the Manager will, as necessary, waive management fees or reimburse operating expenses. However, the Manager is permitted to recapture amounts waived or reimbursed to a class during the same fiscal year if the class’ total annual fund operating expenses have fallen to a level below the class’ expense limitation shown in the Fund’s Prospectus. In no case will the Manager recapture any amount that would result, on any particular business day of the Fund, in the class’ total annual fund operating expenses exceeding such expense limitation or any other lower limit then in effect. These arrangements may be reduced or terminated under certain circumstances.

Portfolio Managers

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

The table below identifies the portfolio managers, the number of accounts (other than the Fund) for which the portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance are also indicated, as applicable. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2022.

 

    Portfolio

    Managers

       Type of
Account
   Number of
Accounts
Managed
   Total
Assets
Managed
(Billions)
($)
   Number of
Accounts Managed
for which Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based
   Assets Managed for
which Advisory Fee is
Performance-Based
(Billions) ($)

Global Dividend Fund

 

 

              

Christopher W. Floyd

    

Registered Investment Companies

  

15

  

2.44

   None    None
    

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   9    0.63    None    None
    

Other Accounts

   9    0.31    None    None

Joseph S. Giroux

    

Registered Investment Companies

  

13

   1.57    None    None
    

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

   8    0.53    None    None
    

Other Accounts

   5    0.04    None    None

S&P 500 Index Fund

                

Christopher W. Floyd

    

Registered Investment

Companies

  

15

  

2.29

   None    None

    

    

Other

   9    0.63    None    None

 

56


    

Pooled Investment Vehicles

           
    

Other Accounts

   9    0.31    None    None

Joseph S. Giroux

    

Registered Investment Companies

   13    1.42    None    None
    

Other

Pooled Investment Vehicles

   8    0.53    None    None
    

Other Accounts

   5    0.04    None    None

Jose Maldonado, CFA

    

Registered Investment Companies

  

5

   1.42    None    None
    

Other Pooled

Investment Vehicles

   1    0.10    None    None
    

Other Accounts

   3    0.25    None    None

Portfolio Managers Securities Ownership

The table below identifies ownership of equity securities of the Fund by the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund as of September 30, 2022.

 

      Portfolio Managers

           Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities ($)          

Global Dividend Fund

  

Christopher W. Floyd

     None  

Joseph S. Giroux

     None  

S&P 500 Index Fund

  

Christopher W. Floyd

     None  

Joseph S. Giroux

     None  

Jose Maldonado, CFA

     None  

Potential Conflicts of Interest

In this subsection and the next subsection titled “Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure” “Subadviser” refers to Franklin Advisers, Inc.

Portfolio managers that provide investment services to the Fund may also provide services to a variety of other investment

 

57


products, including other funds, institutional accounts and private accounts. The advisory fees for some of such other products and accounts may be different than that charged to the Fund and may include performance based compensation. This may result in fees that are higher (or lower) than the advisory fees paid by the Fund. 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 help to mitigate potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the portfolio managers managing accounts with different advisory fees.

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. The Subadviser 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 the 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. However, securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund. Moreover, if a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the 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 Subadviser 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.

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 Fund and the Subadviser have adopted a code of ethics which they believe contains provisions designed 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.

The Subadviser and the Fund have 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.

Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure

The Subadviser 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 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. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following three elements:

Base salary. Each 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 Subadviser. 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 Subadviser and/or other officers of the Subadviser, with responsibility for the Fund, have discretion in the granting of annual bonuses to

 

58


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 Subadviser’s business and the Subadviser’s 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 Subadviser’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. Awards of such deferred equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.

Benefits. Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of the Subadviser.

Custodian and Transfer Agent

The Fund has entered into an agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”), 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, to serve as custodian of the Fund. BNY Mellon, among other things, maintains a custody account or accounts in the name of the Fund, receives and delivers all assets for the Fund upon purchase and upon sale or maturity, collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the assets of the Fund and makes disbursements on behalf of the Fund. BNY Mellon neither determines the Fund’s investment policies nor decides which securities the Fund will buy or sell. For its services, BNY Mellon receives a monthly fee based upon the daily average market value of securities held in custody and also receives securities transaction charges, including out-of-pocket expenses. The Fund may also periodically enter into arrangements with other qualified custodians with respect to certain types of securities or other transactions such as repurchase agreements or derivatives transactions. BNY Mellon may also act as the Fund’s securities lending agent and in that case would receive a share of the income generated by such activities.

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. Please send all correspondence to Investor Services at P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.

Investor Services receives 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.

In addition, Investor Services may make payments (or cause payments to be made) to financial intermediaries that provide administrative services to defined benefit plans. Investor Services does not seek reimbursement by the Fund for such payments.

For all classes of shares of the Fund, except for Class IS shares, Investor Services may also pay servicing fees, that will be reimbursed by the Fund, in varying amounts to certain financial institutions (to help offset their costs associated with client account maintenance support, statement preparation and transaction processing) that (i) maintain omnibus accounts with the Fund in the institution’s name on behalf of numerous beneficial owners of Fund shares who are either direct clients of the institution or are participants in an IRS-recognized tax-deferred savings plan (including Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans and Section 529 Plans) for which the institution, or its affiliate, provides participant level recordkeeping services (called “Beneficial Owners”); or (ii) provide support for Fund shareholder accounts by sharing account data with Investor Services through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) networking system. In addition to servicing fees received from the Fund, these financial institutions also may charge a fee for their services directly to their clients. Investor Services will also receive a fee from the Fund (other than for Class IS shares) for services provided in support of Beneficial Owners and NSCC networking system accounts.

 

59


Fund Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 100 East Pratt Street, Suite 2600, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Portfolio Transactions

Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement and subject to the general supervision of the Board and in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies, the Subadviser is responsible for the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions with respect to assets allocated to the Subadviser. The Subadviser is authorized to place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it.

In certain instances, there may be securities that are suitable as an investment for the Fund as well as for one or more of the other clients of the Subadviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and for the Subadviser’s other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could adversely affect the price of or the size of the position obtainable in a security for the Fund. When purchases or sales of the same security for the Fund and for other portfolios managed by the Subadviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large volume purchases or sales.

Transactions on stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions by the Fund. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of brokerage commissions that may be higher than those in the United States. Fixed income securities are generally traded on a net basis (i.e., without a commission) through dealers acting as principal for their own account and not as brokers. This means that a dealer makes a market for securities by offering to buy at one price and selling the security at a slightly higher price. The difference between the prices is known as a “spread.” Other portfolio transactions may be executed through brokers acting as agents and the Fund will pay a spread or commission in connection with such transactions. The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriting commission, concession or a net price. The Fund may also purchase securities directly from the issuer. The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for the three most recent fiscal years or periods, as applicable, are set forth below under “Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid.”

Brokerage and Research Services

The general policy of the Subadviser in selecting brokers and dealers is to obtain the best results achievable in the context of a number of factors which are considered both in relation to individual trades and broader trading patterns. The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather, in placing orders on behalf of the Fund, the Subadviser also takes into account other factors bearing on the overall quality of execution, such as size of the order, difficulty of execution, the reliability of the broker/dealer, the competitiveness of the price and the commission, the research services received and whether the broker/dealer commits its own capital.

In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Subadviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer that provides such brokerage and research services a

 

60


commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. Investment research services include information and analysis on particular companies and industries as well as market or economic trends and portfolio strategy, market quotations for portfolio evaluations, analytical software and similar products and services. If a research service also assists the Subadviser in a non-research capacity (such as bookkeeping or other administrative functions), then only the percentage or component that provides assistance to the Subadviser in the investment decision making process may be paid in commission dollars. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities that the Subadviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Subadviser may also have arrangements with brokers pursuant to which such brokers provide research services to the Subadviser in exchange for a certain volume of brokerage transactions to be executed by such brokers. While the payment of higher commissions increases the Fund’s costs, the Subadviser does not believe that the receipt of such brokerage and research services significantly reduces its expenses as Subadviser. Arrangements for the receipt of research services from brokers (so-called “soft dollar” arrangements) may create conflicts of interest. Although the Subadviser is authorized to use soft dollar arrangements in order to obtain research services, it is not required to do so, and the Subadviser may not be able or may choose not to use soft dollar arrangements because of regulatory restrictions, operational considerations or for other reasons.

Research services furnished to the Subadviser by brokers that effect securities transactions for the Fund may be used by the Subadviser in servicing other investment companies and accounts which the Subadviser manages. Similarly, research services furnished to the Subadviser by brokers that effect securities transactions for other investment companies and accounts which the Subadviser manages may be used by the Subadviser in servicing the Fund. Not all of these research services are used by the Subadviser in managing any particular account, including the Fund.

Firms that provide research and brokerage services to the Subadviser may also promote the sale of the Fund or other pooled investment vehicles advised by the Subadviser, and the Subadviser and/or its affiliates may separately compensate them for doing so. Such brokerage business is placed on the basis of brokerage and research services provided by the firm and is not based on any sales of the Fund or other pooled investment vehicles advised by the Subadviser.

The Fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best net results, brokerage transactions may be conducted through “affiliated broker/dealers,” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund’s Board has adopted procedures in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage commissions paid to such affiliates are reasonable and fair in the context of the market in which such affiliates operate. For the three most recent fiscal periods (as applicable), the Fund did not pay any brokerage commission to its affiliates.

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022, the Fund did not direct any brokerage transactions related to research services and did not pay any brokerage commissions related to research services.

Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid

The table below shows the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund during the periods indicated.

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period Ended
September 30,
  Aggregate Brokerage
Commissions Paid ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022*   23,934
   2021    66,937
   2020    52,749

S&P 500 Index Fund

   2022      7,132
   2021      3,560
   2020      5,980

 

 

61


*

The decrease in aggregate brokerage commissions paid between the fiscal periods September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2022 was due to a decrease in assets under management, resulting in decreased trading activity.

Securities of Regular Broker/Dealers

As of September 30, 2022, the value of the Fund’s holdings of the securities of its regular broker/dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) were as follows:

 

Fund

  

Broker/Dealer

   Type of
Security
Owned
D=Debt
  E=Equity  
   Market
Value (000’s)
($)

S&P 500 Index Fund

   JPMorgan Chase & Co.    E    2,870
   Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC    E    991  
   Goldman Sachs & Co.    E    937  

Securities of Regular Broker/Dealers

As of September 30, 2022, Global Dividend Fund did not hold securities issued by its regular broker/dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act).

Portfolio Turnover

For reporting purposes, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund’s investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year.

In the event that portfolio turnover increases, this increase necessarily results in correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be paid by the Fund. To the extent the portfolio trading results in recognition of net short-term capital gains, shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions of such gains at ordinary tax rates (except shareholders who invest through IRAs and other retirement plans which are not taxed currently on accumulations in their accounts).

Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Subadviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period Ended
2022 (%)
   For the Fiscal Period Ended
2021 (%)

Global Dividend Fund

   27    22

S&P 500 Index Fund

   9    3

SHARE OWNERSHIP

Principal Shareholders

As of January 4, 2023, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following shareholders owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the classes of the Fund as set forth below:

 

62


    Class

       Name and Address        Percent of Class (%)              

Global Dividend Fund

     

A

  

BNY MELLON INVESTMENT SERVICING

(US) INC

FBO PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES

760 MOORE RD

KING OF PRUSSIA PA 19406-1212

     61.22  

A

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

     15.33  

C

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

     33.69  

C

  

MATTHEW M WOLF

T/O/D

PO BOX 1082

PALM HARBOR FL 34682-1082

     25.44  

C

  

TONY CHHUOR

10608 WILKINS AVE APT 201

LOS ANGELES CA 90024-6095

       8.48  

C

  

STIFEL NICOLAUS & CO INC

EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS

501 N BROADWAY

ST LOUIS MO 63102-2188

       7.93  

C

  

SHEN-KUANG LIANG

AND SHIN-YUN WEI

JT TEN T/O/D

4525 CORONA DR

SAN JOSE CA 95129-3302

       5.09  

C

  

SUSAN FINLEY

27 WOODLAND DR

FAIR HAVEN NJ 07704-3541

       5.04  

FI

  

LEGG MASON INC

100 INTERNATIONAL DR FL 10

BALTIMORE MD 21202-4673

     38.45  

FI

  

EDWARD D JONES & CO

FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS

12555 MANCHESTER RD

SAINT LOUIS MO 63131-3729

     35.93  

 

63


    Class        Name and Address        Percent of Class (%)            

FI

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

   16.23

FI

  

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP

FBO EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUST

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR

499 WASHINGTON BLVD

JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-2010

   9.39

I

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

   76.39

I

  

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP

FBO EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUST

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR

499 WASHINGTON BLVD

JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-2010

   17.28

IS

  

MAC & CO

FBO FT GROWTH FUND

ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPERATIONS

500 GRANT STREET

ROOM 151 1010

PITTSBURGH PA 15258

   49.41

IS

  

MAC & CO

FBO FT MODERATE GROWTH FUND

ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPERATIONS

500 GRANT STREET

ROOM 151 1010

PITTSBURGH PA 15258

   27.01

IS

  

MAC & CO

FBO FT CONSERVATIVE GROWTH FUND

ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPERATIONS

500 GRANT STREET

ROOM 151 1010

PITTSBURGH PA 15258

   12.05

IS

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

   6.87

 

64


    Class        Name and Address        Percent of Class (%)            

S&P 500 Index Fund

     

A

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   54.96

A

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

   9.10

A

  

NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF

OUR CUSTOMERS

ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPARTMENT 4TH FL

499 WASHINGTON BLVD

JERSEY CITY NJ 07310

   6.81

D

  

PERSHING LLC

1 PERSHING PLZ

JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001

   42.89

D

  

VOYA INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY

ONE ORANGE WAY

WINDSOR CT 06095-4773

   27.21

D

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   21.56

As of January 4, 2023, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following shareholders owned of record or beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as set forth below. Shareholders who beneficially own 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund or who are otherwise deemed to “control” the Fund may be able to determine or significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

    Fund

  

    Name and Address

       Percent of Fund (%)            

Global Dividend Fund

  

MAC & CO A C 745507

FBO FT GROWTH FUND

ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPERATIONS

500 GRANT STREET

ROOM 151 1010

PITTSBURGH PA 15258-0000

   41.09

S&P 500 Index Fund

  

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC

FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF ITS

CUSTOMERS

1 NEW YORK PLAZA FL 12

NEW YORK NY 10004-1901

   52.04

 

65


As of January 4, 2023, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund.

DISTRIBUTOR

Franklin Distributors, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned broker/dealer subsidiary of Franklin Resources, located at 100 International Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as the sole and exclusive distributor of the Fund pursuant to a written agreement (as amended, the “Distribution Agreement”).

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is appointed as principal underwriter and distributor in connection with the offering and sale of shares of the Fund. The Distributor offers the shares on an agency or “best efforts” basis under which the Fund issues only the number of shares actually sold. Shares of the Fund are continuously offered by the Distributor.

The Distribution Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund if approved (a) by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose.

The Distribution Agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or by the Distributor, on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other party (unless the notice period is waived by mutual consent). The Distribution Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment.

The Distributor may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act. Dealer reallowances, if any, are described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

The Distributor, the Manager, their affiliates and their personnel have interests in promoting sales of the Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton Funds, including remuneration, fees and profitability relating to services to and sales of the funds. Associated persons of the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates (including wholesalers registered with the Distributor) may receive additional compensation related to the sale of individual Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton Funds or categories of Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton Funds. The Manager, the Subadviser, and their advisory or other personnel may also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management.

Service Agents also may benefit from the sales of shares of funds sold by the Distributor. For example, in connection with such sales, Service Agents may receive compensation from the Fund (with respect to the Fund as a whole or a particular class of shares) and/or from the Manager, the Distributor, and/or their affiliates, as further described below. The structure of these compensation arrangements, as well as the amounts paid under such arrangements, vary and may change from time to time. In addition, new compensation arrangements may be negotiated at any time. The compensation arrangements described in this section are not mutually exclusive, and a single Service Agent may receive multiple types of compensation.

The Distributor has agreements in place with Service Agents defining how much each firm will be paid for the sale of the Fund from sales charges, if any, paid by Fund shareholders and from 12b-1 Plan fees, if any, paid to the Distributor by the Fund. These Service Agents then pay their employees or associated persons who sell such fund shares from the sales charges and/or fees they receive. The Service Agent, and/or its employees or associated persons may receive a payment when a sale is made and will, in most cases, continue to receive ongoing payments while you are invested in the Fund. In other cases, the Distributor may retain all or a portion of such fees and sales charges.

In addition, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates may make additional payments (which are often referred to as “revenue sharing” payments) to the Service Agents from their past profits and other available sources, including profits from their relationships with the Fund. Revenue sharing payments are a form of compensation paid to a Service Agent in addition to the sales charges paid by Fund shareholders or 12b-1 Plan fees paid by the Fund. The Manager, the Distributor and/or certain of its affiliates may revise the terms of any existing revenue sharing arrangement and may enter into additional revenue sharing arrangements with other Service Agents.

 

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Revenue sharing arrangements are intended, among other things, to foster the sale of Fund shares and/or to compensate financial services firms for assisting in marketing or promotional activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares. In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Manager and the Distributor generally expect to receive the opportunity for the Fund to be sold through the Service Agents’ sales forces or to have access to third-party platforms or other marketing programs, including but not limited to mutual fund “supermarket” platforms or other sales programs. To the extent that Service Agents receiving revenue sharing payments sell more shares of the Fund, the Manager and the Distributor and/or their affiliates benefit from the increase in Fund assets as a result of the fees they receive from the Fund. The Distributor, LMPFA or their affiliates consider revenue sharing arrangements based on a variety of factors and services to be provided.

Revenue sharing payments are usually calculated based on a percentage of Fund sales and/or Fund assets attributable to a particular Service Agent. Payments are at times based on other criteria or factors such as, for example, a fee per each transaction. Specific payment formulas are negotiated based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships and scope and quality of services provided. In addition, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates may pay flat fees on a one-time or irregular basis for the initial set-up of the Fund on a Service Agent’s systems, participation or attendance at a Service Agent’s meetings, or for other reasons. Furthermore, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates at times pay certain education and training costs of Service Agents (including, in some cases, travel expenses) to train and educate the personnel of the Service Agents. In addition, the Distributor, the Manager and/or certain of their affiliates at times may provide access to technology and other tools and support services that facilitate the marketing and promotion of investment management portfolios sponsored by Legg Mason, Franklin Templeton and/or their affiliates. It is likely that Service Agents that execute portfolio transactions for the Fund will include those firms with which the Manager, the Distributor and/or certain of their affiliates have entered into revenue sharing arrangements.

The Fund generally pays the transfer agent for certain recordkeeping and administrative services. In addition, the Fund may pay Service Agents for certain recordkeeping, administrative, sub-accounting and networking services. These services include maintenance of shareholder accounts by the firms, such as recordkeeping and other activities that otherwise would be performed by the Fund’s transfer agent. Administrative fees may be paid to a firm that undertakes, for example, shareholder communications on behalf of the Fund. Networking services are services undertaken to support the electronic transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”). These payments are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a Service Agent or (2) a fixed dollar amount for each account serviced by a Service Agent. The Distributor, the Manager and/or their affiliates may make all or a portion of these payments.

In addition, the Fund reimburses the Distributor for NSCC fees that are invoiced to the Distributor as the party to the agreement with NSCC for the administrative services provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders. These services include transaction processing and settlement through Fund/SERV, electronic networking services to support the transmission of shareholder purchase and redemption orders to and from Service Agents, and related recordkeeping provided by NSCC to the Fund and its shareholders.

If your Fund shares are purchased through a retirement plan, the Distributor, the Manager or certain of their affiliates at times also make similar payments to those described in this section to the plan’s recordkeeper or an affiliate.

Revenue sharing payments, as well as the other types of compensation arrangements described in this section, create an incentive for Service Agents and their employees or associated persons to recommend the Fund over other investments or sell shares of the Fund to customers and in doing so may create conflicts of interest between the firms’ financial interests and the interests of their customers. The total amount of these payments is substantial, may be substantial to any given recipient and may exceed the costs and expenses incurred by the recipient for any Fund-related marketing or shareholder servicing activities.

As of December 31, 2022, the Distributor, the Manager or their affiliates made revenue sharing payments to the Service Agents listed below (or their affiliates or successors). It is possible that each Service Agent listed is not receiving payments with respect to each fund sold by the Distributor. This list of intermediaries will change over time, and any additions, modifications or deletions thereto that have occurred since December 31, 2022 are not reflected.

 

Acadia Life Limited    ADP Retirement Services
Advisor Group Inc.    Allianz

 

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American Enterprise Investment Services, Inc.    American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc.
American United Life Insurance Company    Ascensus, Inc.
Aspire Financial Services, LLC    Avantax Wealth Management
AXA Advisors, LLC    Axos Financial, Inc
BBVA Securities, Inc.    Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc.
Benjamin F. Edwards & Company, Inc.    Brighthouse Financial
Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc.    CAIS Capital, LLC
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.    Cetera Advisor Networks LLC
Cetera Advisors LLC    Charles Schwab & Co.
Cetera Investment Services LLC    Cetera Financial Specialists LLC
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.    Citizens Securities, Inc.
Commonwealth Financial Network    CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.
CUSO Financial Services, L.P.    Deutsche Bank
Digital Retirement Solutions    DWC-The 401(K) Experts
E*TRADE Securities LLC.    Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
Empower Retirement    ePlan Services, Inc.
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc.    First Allied Securities, Inc.
First Command Financial Planning, Inc.    FPS Services LLC.
FSC Securities Corporation    Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company
Goldman, Sachs & Co,    Group 4 Financial LLC.
Hantz Financial Services, Inc.    Investacorp, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC    Jefferson National Life Insurance Company
John Hancock Distributors LLC    JP Morgan Securities LLC
KMS Financial Services, Inc.    LaSalle St. Securities
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation    Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation
Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.    Lincoln Retirement Services Company LLC
Lombard International LLC    LPL Financial
M&T Securities, Inc.    Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Merrill Lynch    MetLife Insurance Company USA
Midland National Insurance Company    Minnesota Life Insurance Company
MML Investors Services, LLC    Morgan Stanley
MSCS Financial Services LLC    National Security Life and Annuity Company
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.    New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
Northwestern Mutual Investment Svcs LLC    Ohio National Financial Services
Pacific Life Insurance Company    Paychex Securities Corporation
Pershing, LLC    PFS Investments, Inc.
PNC Investments LLC    Principal Financial Group
Princor Financial Services    Protective Life Insurance
Prudential Insurance Company of America    Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets LLC    Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
Royal Alliance Associates    SagePoint Financial, Inc.
Sammons Financial Group, Inc.    Securities America, Inc.
Securities Service Network, Inc.    Sorrento Pacific Financial, LLC
Stifel Financial Corporation    Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (US)
TD Ameritrade Trust Company    TFS Securities, Inc.
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.    The Huntington Investment Company
The Investment Center, Inc.    TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC
TIFIN Wealth    Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company
U.S. Bancorp Investments    UBS Financial Services, Inc.
UnionBanc Investment Services, LLC    USI Advisors, Inc.
Valor Financial Securities, LLC    Vestwell Holdings, Inc.
Voya Financial Advisors, LLC    Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

 

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Western International Securities, Inc.    Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.

The Distributor, the Manager or their affiliates may also pay fees, from their own assets, to Service Agents for providing other distribution-related services as well as recordkeeping, administrative, subaccounting, and networking services (or portions thereof), and other shareholder or administrative services in connection with investments in the Fund. These payments may be considered revenue sharing payments. The Service Agents receiving such payments may not be listed above.

You should assume that your Service Agent receives revenue sharing payments and/or other compensation described in this SAI. Please contact your Service Agent for details about any payments it (and its employees) may receive from the Fund and/or from the Distributor, the Manager and/or their affiliates. You should review your Service Agent’s disclosure and/or talk to your Service Agent to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your Service Agent’s recommendation of the Fund.

Dealer Commissions and Concessions

From time to time, the Distributor or the Manager, at its expense, may provide compensation or promotional incentives (“concessions”) to dealers that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Fund or a managed account strategy of which the Fund is part. Such concessions provided by the Distributor or the Manager may include financial assistance to dealers in connection with preapproved conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred by registered representatives and other employees for such seminars or training programs, seminars for the public, advertising and sales campaigns regarding one or more funds, and/or other dealer-sponsored events. From time to time, the Distributor or the Manager may make expense reimbursements for special training of a dealer’s registered representatives and other employees in group meetings or to help pay the expenses of sales contests. Other concessions may be offered to the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as the FINRA.

Sales Charges

The following expenses were incurred during the fiscal periods indicated:

Initial Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amounts of initial sales charges received on Class A and Class A2 shares and the amounts retained by the Distributor were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period Ended
September 30,
   Total
Commissions ($)
   Amounts
Retained by
Distributor ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022    67,330    15,575
   2021    16,344    2,909
   2020    808    104

Class A2 Shares*

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period
Ended
September 30,
   Total
Commissions ($)
   Amounts
Retained by
Distributor ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022    0    0
   2021    38,583    7,138
   2020    85,605    15,014

*Effective June 25, 2021, all Class A2 shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares.

 

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Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

The aggregate dollar amounts of contingent deferred sales charges on Class A, Class A2 and Class C shares received and retained by the Distributor were as follows:

Class A Shares

 

Fund

       For the Fiscal Period Ended    
September 30,
     Amounts Retained by  
Distributor ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022    0
   2021    353
   2020    0

Class A2 Shares*

 

Fund

   For the Fiscal Period Ended September 30,    Amounts
Retained by
Distributor ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022    0
   2021    0
   2020    0

*Effective June 25, 2021, all Class A2 shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares.

Class C Shares

 

Fund

       For the Fiscal Period Ended    
September 30,
     Amounts Retained by  
Distributor ($)

Global Dividend Fund

   2022    0
   2021    0
   2020    23

Services and Distribution Plan

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted a 12b-1 Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the 12b-1 Plan, the Fund may pay monthly fees to the Distributor at up to the annual rates set forth below (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the applicable share class).

 

 Fund/Class

               Rate (%)              

 Global Dividend Fund

  

Class A

     0.25      

Class C

     1.00      

Class FI

     0.25      

Class R

     0.50      

 S&P 500 Index Fund

  

Class A

     0.20      

 

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The Fund will provide the Board with periodic reports of amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Fees under the 12b-1 Plan may be used to make payments to the Distributor, Service Agents and other parties with respect to the sale of Fund shares for advertising, marketing or other promotional activity, and payments for preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than existing shareholders. The Fund also may make payments to the Distributor, Service Agents and others for providing personal service or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The amounts paid to each recipient may vary based upon certain factors, including, among other things, the levels of sales of shares and/or shareholder services; provided, however, that the fees paid to a recipient with respect to a particular class that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of that class, or that may be used to cover expenses primarily intended for personal service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts, may not exceed the maximum amounts, if any, as may from time to time be permitted for such services under FINRA Conduct Rule 2341 or any successor rule, in each case as amended or interpreted by FINRA.

Since fees paid under the 12b-1 Plan are not tied directly to expenses incurred by the Distributor (or others), the amount of the fees paid by a class of the Fund during any year may be more or less than actual expenses incurred by the Distributor (or others). This type of distribution fee arrangement is characterized by the staff of the SEC as being of the “compensation variety” (in contrast to “reimbursement” arrangements by which a distributor’s payments are directly linked to its expenses). Thus, even if the Distributor’s expenses exceed the fees provided for by the 12b-1 Plan, the Fund will not be obligated to pay more than those fees and, if expenses incurred by the Distributor (or others) are less than the fees paid to the Distributor and others, they will realize a profit.

The 12b-1 Plan recognizes that various service providers to the Fund, such as the Manager, may make payments for distribution, marketing or sales-related expenses out of their own resources of any kind, including profits or payments received from the Fund for other purposes, such as management fees. The 12b-1 Plan provides that, to the extent that such payments might be deemed to be indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, the payments are deemed to be authorized by the 12b-1 Plan.

Under its terms, the 12b-1 Plan continues in effect for successive annual periods, provided continuance is specifically approved at least annually by vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreements related to it (“Qualified Trustees”). The 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase the amount of the service and distribution fees without shareholder approval, and all amendments of the 12b-1 Plan also must be approved by the Trustees, including the Qualified Trustees, in the manner described above. The 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to a class of the Fund at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The following service and distribution fees were incurred by the Fund pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan in effect during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022:

 

Fund/Class

     

Service and Distribution Fees Incurred

($)

       

Service and Distribution Fees

Waived/Reimbursed ($)

Global Dividend Fund

       

Class A

    34,143     0

Class C

    1,850     0

Class FI

    101     0

S&P 500 Index Fund

       

Class A

    625,497     2

No information is presented for Class R shares of Global Dividend Fund because no Class R shares of the Fund were outstanding as of September 30, 2022.

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022, the Distributor incurred distribution expenses for advertising, printing and mailing prospectuses, support service and overhead expenses and compensation to Service Agents and third parties as

 

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expressed in the following table. The Distributor may have made revenue sharing payments in addition to the expenses shown here.

 

Fund/Class

  Third Party Fees
($)
    Financial
Consultant
Compensation
(Amortized) ($)
    Marketing ($)       Printing ($)       Total
  Expenses ($)  
 

Global Dividend Fund

         

Class A

    34,143       6,874       7,616       0       48,632  

Class C

    1,850       977       362       0       3,189  

Class FI

    101       0       204       0       306  

S&P 500 Index Fund

         

Class A

    625,497       0       81,452       0       706,949  

No information is presented for Class R shares of Global Dividend Fund because no Class R shares of the Fund were outstanding as of September 30, 2022.

PURCHASE OF SHARES

Purchases of Fund shares are discussed under the “Buying shares” and “Exchanging shares” sections of the Fund’s Prospectus; this information is incorporated herein by reference. See the Fund’s Prospectus for a discussion of which share classes of the Fund are available for purchase, who is eligible to purchase shares of each class, and applicable investment minimums.

Investors may purchase shares from a Service Agent. However, Service Agents may not offer all classes of shares. In addition, certain investors, including retirement plans purchasing through certain Service Agents, may purchase shares directly from the Fund. When purchasing shares of the Fund, investors must specify the class of shares being purchased. Payment must be made with the purchase order. Service Agents may charge their customers an annual account maintenance fee in connection with a brokerage or other financial account through which an investor purchases or holds shares. Accounts held directly at the transfer agent are not subject to a maintenance fee.

Purchase orders received by the Fund prior to the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the Fund calculates its NAV are priced according to the NAV determined on that day (the “trade date”). Orders received by a Service Agent prior to the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on any day the Fund calculates its NAV are priced according to the NAV determined on that day, provided the order is transmitted by the Service Agent to the Fund’s transfer agent in accordance with their agreed-upon procedures. See “Valuation of Shares” below for additional information about the NYSE’s holiday schedule. NAV is calculated separately for each share class.

Class A Shares. Class A shares are sold to investors at the public offering price, which is the NAV plus an initial sales charge, as described in the Fund’s Prospectus. The sales charge is waived for shareholders purchasing Class A shares through accounts where the Distributor is the broker-dealer of record (“Distributor Accounts”). Shareholders purchasing Class A shares through certain Service Agents or in certain types of accounts may be eligible for a waiver of the initial sales charge. For more information, see the appendix to the Prospectus titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”

The Distributor and Service Agents may receive a portion of the sales charge as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and may be deemed to be underwriters of the Fund as defined in the 1933 Act. Sales charges are calculated based on the aggregate of purchases of Class A shares of the Fund made at one time by any “person,” which includes an individual and his or her spouse and children, or a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or single fiduciary account. For additional information regarding sales charge reductions, see “Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares” below.

 

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Class A Shares (S&P 500 Index Fund). Class A are sold to investors at NAV with no initial sales charge and no contingent deferred sales charge.

Class A Shares (Global Dividend Fund). Purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more will be made at NAV without any initial sales charge on purchases but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions made within 18 months of purchase (except for purchases made through Distributor Accounts). The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in the same circumstances in which the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to Class C shares is waived. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions” and “Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge” below.

Class C Shares. Class C shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts. Class C shares are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge on purchases but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions.”

Class C1 Shares. Class C1 shares are not available for purchase by new or existing investors (except for certain retirement plan programs authorized by the Distributor prior to August 1, 2012). Class C1 shares will continue to be available for dividend reinvestment and incoming exchanges. Class C1 shares are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge on purchases but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions.”

Class D Shares. Class D shares are offered to a limited group of investors who invest in the Fund through certain financial intermediary and retirement plan programs. Service Agents selling Class D shares may in the future discontinue offering Class D shares to clients of financial intermediaries. A Service Agent or financial intermediary may impose investment minimums. For more information about these programs, contact a Service Agent.

Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS Shares. Class FI shares are not available for purchase through Distributor Accounts. Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shares are sold at NAV with no initial sales charge on purchases and no contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption.

Class I shares may be purchased directly from the Fund by the following persons: (i) current employees of the Manager and its affiliates; (ii) former employees of the Manager and its affiliates with existing accounts; (iii) current and former board members of investment companies managed by affiliates of Franklin Resources; (iv) current and former board members of Franklin Resources; and (v) the “immediate families” of such persons. “Immediate families” are such person’s spouse (including the surviving spouse of a deceased board member), parents, grandparents, and children and grandchildren (including step-relationships). For such investors, the minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. Current employees may purchase additional Class I shares through a systematic investment plan.

Class IS shares may be purchased only by retirement plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the Fund, certain rollover IRAs and Institutional Investors, Clients of Eligible Financial Intermediaries and other investors authorized by the Distributor. In order to purchase Class IS shares, an investor must hold its shares in an account that is not subject to payment of fees for recordkeeping services, account servicing, networking, or similar services to Service Agents.

Class 1 Shares. Class 1 shares are closed to all purchases and incoming exchanges. Investors owning Class 1 shares may continue to maintain their then-current Class 1 shares but are no longer permitted to add to their Class 1 share positions, except through reinvestments of dividends.

*  *  *  *  *

Under certain circumstances, an investor who purchases Fund shares pursuant to a fee-based advisory account program of an Eligible Financial Intermediary as authorized by the Distributor may be afforded an opportunity to make a conversion between one or more share classes owned by the investor in the same Fund to Class I shares of that Fund. Such a conversion in these particular circumstances does not cause the investor to realize taxable gain or loss.

For additional information regarding applicable investment minimums and eligibility requirements for purchases of Fund shares, please see the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

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Systematic Investment Plan

Shareholders may make additions to their accounts at any time by purchasing shares through a service known as the Systematic Investment Plan. Under the Systematic Investment Plan, shareholders may arrange for automatic periodic investments of $25 or more in certain share classes by authorizing the Distributor or the transfer agent to charge the shareholder’s account held with a bank or other financial institution, as indicated by the shareholder, to provide for systematic additions to the shareholder’s Fund account. Shareholders have the option of selecting the frequency of the investment as long as the investment equals a minimum of $25 per month. Shareholders may terminate participation in the Systematic Investment Plan at any time without charge or penalty. Additional information is available from the Fund or your Service Agent.

Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions for Class A Shares

Initial Sales Charge Waivers. Purchases of Class A shares may be made at NAV without an initial sales charge in the following circumstances:

 

      i.

sales to (a) current and retired board members, (b) current employees of Franklin Resources and its subsidiaries, (c) the “immediate families” of such persons, as defined above, and (d) a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons;

 

     ii.

sales to employees of certain Service Agents having dealer, service or other selling agreements with the Distributor or otherwise having an arrangement with any such Service Agent with respect to sales of Fund shares, and by the immediate families of such persons or by a pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons (providing the purchase is made for investment purposes and such securities will not be resold except through redemption or repurchase);

 

    iii.

offers of Class A shares to any other investment company to effect the combination of such company with the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

 

    iv.

purchases by shareholders who have redeemed Class A shares in the Fund (or Class A shares of another fund sold by the Distributor that is offered with a sales charge) and who wish to reinvest their redemption proceeds in the Fund, provided the reinvestment is made within 90 calendar days of the redemption;

 

     v.

purchases by certain separate accounts used to fund unregistered variable annuity contracts;

 

    vi.

purchases by investors participating in “wrap fee” or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored by broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor;

 

   vii.

purchases by direct retail investment platforms through mutual fund “supermarkets,” where the sponsor links its client’s account (including IRA accounts on such platforms) to a master account in the sponsor’s name;

 

  viii.

sales through Service Agents who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee to their customers;

 

    ix.

purchases of Class A shares by shareholders investing through Distributor Accounts;

 

     x.

investors investing through certain retirement plans; and

 

    xi.

investors who rollover Fund shares from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into an individual retirement account administered on the same retirement plan platform.

In order to obtain such discounts, the purchaser must provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the elimination of the initial sales charge.

All existing retirement plan shareholders who purchased Class A shares at NAV prior to November 20, 2006, are permitted to purchase additional Class A shares at NAV. Certain existing programs for current and prospective retirement plan investors sponsored by Service Agents approved by the Distributor prior to November 20, 2006 will also remain eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV.

There are several ways you can combine multiple purchases of Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor or units of a Section 529 college savings plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton (a “Section 529 plan”), to take advantage of the breakpoints in the Class A shares sales charge schedule. In order to take advantage of reductions in sales charges that

 

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may be available to you when you purchase Fund shares, you must inform your Service Agent or the Fund if you believe you are eligible for a Letter of Intent or a right of accumulation. Whether you purchased shares of funds and/or units of a Section 529 Plan through one or more Service Agents, directly from the Fund or through a combination of the foregoing, it is your responsibility to inform your Service Agent or the Fund if you own shares of other funds or units of a Section 529 plan that you believe are eligible to be aggregated with your purchases. If you do not do so, you may not receive all sales charge reductions for which you are eligible. Account statements may be necessary in order to verify your eligibility for a reduced sales charge.

Accumulation Privilege. The accumulation privilege allows you to combine the dollar amount of your next purchase of Class A shares of the Fund, as applicable, with the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of shares of other funds sold by the Distributor held in Eligible Accounts (as defined below), for purposes of calculating the initial sales charges.

If you hold fund shares or units of a Section 529 plan in accounts at two or more Service Agents, please contact your Service Agents to determine whether your shares or units may be combined.

Shares of certain money market funds sold by the Distributor may be combined for purposes of the accumulation privilege. Please contact your Service Agent or the Fund for additional information.

Certain trustees and other fiduciaries may be entitled to combine accounts in determining their sales charge.

Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent allows you to combine the current or cost value, whichever is higher, of Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts with the value that you intend to purchase within the next 13-months, which would, if bought all at once, qualify you for a reduced Class A sales charge. In addition, current holdings under the accumulation privilege (as described above) may be included in the Letter of Intent. See the Fund’s Prospectus for the sales charges and breakpoints applicable to Class A shares of the Fund. Sales charges and breakpoints vary among the funds sold by the Distributor.

Purchases of Class A shares or units of a Section 529 plan may be aggregated for purposes of calculating each breakpoint. You may purchase Class A shares of funds sold by the Distributor or units of a Section 529 plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton over a 13-month period and pay the same sales charge, if any, as if all shares or units had been purchased at once.

At the time you enter into a Letter of Intent, you select your asset goal amount. Each time you make a Class A purchase under a Letter of Intent, you will be entitled to pay the sales charge that is applicable to the amount of your asset goal amount. For example, if your asset goal amount is $100,000, any Class A investments you make under a Letter of Intent would be subject to the sales charge of the specific fund you are investing in for purchases of $100,000.

When you enter into a Letter of Intent, you agree to purchase in Eligible Accounts over a 13-month period Eligible Fund Purchases in an amount equal to the asset goal amount you have selected. You may also credit towards your asset goal amount any Eligible Fund Purchases made in Eligible Accounts at any time prior to entering into the Letter of Intent that have not been sold or redeemed, based on the current value or cost value, whichever is higher, of those shares as of the date of calculation. The current value of shares is determined by multiplying the number of shares as of the day prior to your current purchase by their public offering price. The cost value of shares is determined by aggregating the amount of Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation), less any withdrawals, as of the date prior to your current purchase. The cost value of Eligible Fund Purchases in Eligible Accounts, however, may only be aggregated for share purchases that took place within 18 months of the Letter of Intent start date.

Your commitment will be met if at any time during the 13-month period the value, as so determined, of eligible holdings is at least equal to your asset goal amount. All reinvested dividends and distributions on shares acquired under the Letter of Intent will be credited towards your asset goal amount. You may include any Eligible Fund Purchases toward the asset goal amount, including shares of classes other than Class A shares. However, a Letter of Intent will not entitle you to a reduction in the sales charge payable on any shares other than Class A shares, and if any shares, including Class A shares, are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you will still be subject to that contingent deferred sales charge with respect to those shares. You must make reference to the Letter of Intent each time you make a purchase under the Letter of Intent.

Eligible Fund Purchases. Eligible Fund Purchases include: (i) any class of shares of any other Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund other than shares of such funds offered through separately managed accounts that are managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton; and (ii) units of a Section 529 Plan managed by Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton. Shares of certain

 

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money market funds sold by the Distributor may be combined for purposes of the Letter of Intent. Eligible funds may change from time to time, investors should check with their Service Agent to see which funds or Section 529 plans may be eligible.

For purposes of a letter of intent and the accumulation privilege, Legg Mason and Franklin Templeton funds include BrandywineGLOBAL funds, ClearBridge Investments funds, Martin Currie funds, and Western Asset funds. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust, Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust or Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust (except for shares held in Distributor Accounts). Please contact your Service Agent or the Fund for more information.

Eligible Accounts. Eligible Accounts include shares of Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton funds registered to (or held by a financial intermediary for):

You, individually;

Your “family member” defined as your spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, or your children;

You jointly with one or more family members;

You jointly with one or more persons who are not family members if that other person has not included the value of the jointly-owned shares for purposes of the accumulation privilege for that person’s separate investments in Legg Mason or Franklin Templeton fund shares;

A Coverdell Education Savings account for which you or a family member is the identified responsible person;

A trustee/custodian of an IRA (which includes a Roth IRA and an employer sponsored IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA) or your non-ERISA covered 403(b) plan account, if the shares are registered/recorded under your or a family member’s Social Security number;

A 529 college savings plan over which you or a family member has investment discretion and control;

Any entity over which you or a family member has individual or shared authority, as principal, has investment discretion and control (for example, an UGMA/UTMA account for a child on which you or a family member is the custodian, a trust on which you or a family member is the trustee, a business account (not to include retirement plans) for your solely owned business (or the solely owned business of a family member) on which you or a family member is the authorized signer); or

A trust established by you or a family member as grantor.

You may need to provide certain records, such as account statements, in order to verify your eligibility for reduced sales charges. Contact your Service Agent to see which accounts may be credited toward your asset goal amount. A Letter of Intent is not available to Distributor Accounts.

Increasing the Amount of the Letter of Intent. You may at any time increase your asset goal amount. You must, however, contact your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, contact the transfer agent, prior to making any purchases in an amount in excess of your current asset goal amount. Upon such an increase, you will be credited by way of additional shares at the then-current offering price for the difference between:

 

   i.

the aggregate sales charges actually paid for shares already purchased under the Letter of Intent; and

 

  ii.

the aggregate applicable sales charges for the increased asset goal amount.

However, you must contact your Service Agent before purchasing shares in excess of the asset goal amount as no retroactive adjustments can be made. The 13-month period during which the asset goal amount must be achieved will remain unchanged.

Sales and Exchanges. Shares acquired pursuant to a Letter of Intent, other than Escrowed Shares as defined below, may be redeemed or exchanged at any time, although any shares that are redeemed prior to meeting your asset goal amount will no longer count towards meeting your asset goal amount. However, complete liquidation of purchases made under a Letter of Intent prior to meeting the asset goal amount will result in the cancellation of the Letter of Intent. See “Failure to Meet Asset

 

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Goal Amount” below. Exchanges in accordance with the Fund’s Prospectus are permitted, and shares so exchanged will continue to count towards your asset goal amount, as long as the exchange results in an Eligible Fund Purchase.

Cancellation of the Letter of Intent. You may cancel a Letter of Intent by notifying your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, by notifying the transfer agent. The Letter of Intent will be automatically cancelled if all shares are sold or redeemed as set forth above. See “Failure to Meet Asset Goal Amount” below.

Escrowed Shares. Shares equal in value to five percent (5%) of your asset goal amount as of the date your Letter of Intent (or the date of any increase in the amount of the Letter of Intent) is accepted will be held in escrow during the term of your Letter of Intent. The Escrowed Shares will be included in the total shares owned as reflected in your account statement and any dividends and capital gains distributions applicable to the Escrowed Shares will be credited to your account and counted towards your asset goal amount or paid in cash upon request. The Escrowed Shares will be released from escrow if all the terms of your Letter of Intent are met.

Failure to Meet Asset Goal Amount. If the total assets under your Letter of Intent within its 13-month term are less than your asset goal amount whether because you made insufficient Eligible Fund Purchases, redeemed all of your holdings or otherwise cancelled the Letter of Intent before reaching your asset goal amount, you will be liable for the difference between: (a) the sales charge actually paid and (b) the sales charge that would have applied if you had not entered into the Letter of Intent. You may, however, be entitled to any breakpoints that would have been available to you under the accumulation privilege. An appropriate number of shares in your account will be redeemed to realize the amount due. For these purposes, by entering into a Letter of Intent, you irrevocably appoint your Service Agent, or if you purchase your shares directly through the transfer agent, the transfer agent, as your attorney-in-fact for the purposes of holding the Escrowed Shares and surrendering shares in your account for redemption. If there are insufficient assets in your account, you will be liable for the difference. Any Escrowed Shares remaining after such redemption will be released to your account.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Provisions

Class A Shares.

 

 

Class A shares that were purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions of these shares. Class A shares that are contingent deferred sales charge shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

 

 

Class A shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. If Class A shares of the Fund are exchanged for shares of another fund sold by the Distributor that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge if the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 18 months of purchase.

Class C Shares.

 

 

Class C shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

 

Class C shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. If Class C shares of the Fund are exchanged for shares of another fund sold by the Distributor that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge if the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 12 months from the date of such exchange.

Class C1 Shares.

 

 

Class C1 shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. If Class C1 shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class C1 shares (or, if not available, Class C shares) of another fund sold by the Distributor, any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the Class C1 shares of the other fund will apply to the Class C1 shares (or Class C shares, as applicable) acquired in exchange for the Class C1 shares of the Fund, and that contingent deferred sales charge will be measured from the date the shares exchanged were initially acquired.

 

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Class C1 shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class C1 shares of the Fund are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, but if Class C1 shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class C1 shares (or, if not available, Class C shares) of another fund sold by the Distributor that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the Class C1 shares of the other fund will apply to the Class C1 shares (or Class C shares, as applicable) acquired in exchange for the Class C1 shares of the Fund, and that contingent deferred sales charge will be measured from the date of such exchange.

Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed on the NAV at the time of purchase or redemption, whichever is less.

In determining the applicability of any contingent deferred sales charge, it will be assumed that a redemption is made first of shares representing capital appreciation, next of shares representing the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, next of shares that are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge and finally of other shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time. Unless otherwise noted above, the length of time that contingent deferred sales charge shares acquired through an exchange have been held will be calculated from the date the shares exchanged were initially acquired in one of the other funds sold by the Distributor. For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount realized on redemption. The Distributor receives contingent deferred sales charges in partial consideration for its expenses in selling shares.

Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived on:

 

      i.

exchanges (see “Exchange of Shares”);

     ii.

redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account’s net asset value depending on the frequency of your plan (see “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”);

    iii.

redemptions of shares within 12 months following the death or disability (as defined by the Code) of the shareholder;

    iv.

mandatory post-retirement distributions from retirement plans or IRAs commencing on or after attainment of a specific age required by law (except that shareholders of certain retirement plans or IRAs established prior to May 23, 2005 will be eligible to obtain a waiver of the contingent deferred sales charge on all funds held in those accounts at age 59 1/2 and may be required to demonstrate such eligibility at the time of redemption);

     v.

involuntary redemptions;

    vi.

redemptions of shares to effect a combination of the Fund with any investment company by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

   vii.

effective May 1, 2020, on redemptions with respect to investors where the Distributor did not pay the Service Agent a commission;

  viii.

tax-free returns of an excess contribution to any retirement plan;

    ix.

certain redemptions of shares of the Fund in connection with lump-sum or other distributions made by eligible retirement plans or redemption of shares by participants in certain “wrap fee” or asset allocation programs sponsored by broker/dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor or the Manager; and

     x.

Class A shares held through Distributor Accounts.

The contingent deferred sales charge is also waived on Class C and Class C1 shares purchased by retirement plans with omnibus accounts held on the books of the Fund. Different Service Agents may offer different contingent deferred sales charge waivers. For more information, see the appendix to the Prospectus titled “Appendix: Waivers and Discounts Available from Certain Service Agents.”

A shareholder who has redeemed shares from another fund sold by the Distributor may, under certain circumstances, reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds within 90 days in another fund sold by the Distributor and receive pro rata credit for any contingent deferred sales charge imposed on the prior redemption.

To have a contingent deferred sales charge waived, you or your Service Agent must let the Fund know at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver. Contingent deferred sales charge waivers will be granted subject to confirmation by the Distributor or the transfer agent of the shareholder’s status or holdings, as the case may be.

 

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Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features

Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006 (collectively, the “Grandfathered Retirement Program”) that are authorized by the Distributor to offer eligible retirement plan investors the opportunity to exchange all of their Class C shares or Class C1 shares, if applicable, for Class A shares of an applicable Legg Mason fund, are permitted to maintain such share class exchange features for current and prospective retirement plan investors.

Under the Grandfathered Retirement Program, Class C shares and Class C1 shares of the Fund may be purchased by plans investing less than $3,000,000. Class C shares and Class C1 shares are eligible for exchange into Class A shares not later than eight years after the plan joins the program. They are eligible for exchange in the following circumstances: For participating plans established with the Fund or another fund in the Legg Mason family of funds (including funds for which LMPFA or any predecessor serves or has served as investment manager or administrator) prior to June 2, 2003, if such plan’s total Class C and Class C1 holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason funds equal at least $1,000,000 at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be permitted to exchange all of its Class C shares and Class C1 shares for Class A shares of the Fund. For participating plans established with the Fund or another fund in the Legg Mason family of funds (including funds for which LMPFA or any predecessor serves or has served as investment manager or administrator) on or after June 2, 2003, if such plan’s total Class C and Class C1 holdings in all non-money market Legg Mason funds equal at least $3,000,000 at the end of the fifth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program, the participating plan will be permitted to exchange all of its Class C shares and Class C1 shares for Class A shares of the Fund.

Unless the exchange offer has been rejected in writing, the exchange will automatically occur within approximately 30 days after the fifth anniversary date. If the participating plan does not qualify for the five-year exchange to Class A shares, a review of the participating plan’s holdings will be performed each quarter until either the participating plan qualifies or the end of the eighth year.

Any participating plan that has not previously qualified for an exchange into Class A shares will be offered the opportunity to exchange all of its Class C shares and Class C1 shares for Class A shares of the same fund regardless of asset size at the end of the eighth year after the date the participating plan enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program. Unless the exchange has been rejected in writing, the exchange will automatically occur on or about the eighth anniversary date. Once an exchange has occurred, a participating plan will not be eligible to acquire additional Class C shares and Class C1 shares but instead may acquire Class A shares of the same fund. Any Class C shares and Class C1 shares not converted will continue to be subject to the distribution fee.

For further information regarding the Grandfathered Retirement Program, contact your Service Agent or the transfer agent. Participating plans that enrolled in the Grandfathered Retirement Program prior to June 2, 2003 should contact the transfer agent for information regarding Class C shares and Class C1 shares exchange privileges applicable to their plan.

Determination of Public Offering Price: S&P 500 Index Fund

The Fund offers its shares to the public on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of the Fund is equal to the net asset value per share at the time of purchase.

Determination of Public Offering Price: Global Dividend Fund

The Fund offers its shares to the public on a continuous basis. The public offering price for each class of shares of the Fund is equal to the net asset value per share at the time of purchase, plus for Class A shares, an initial sales charge based on the aggregate amount of the investment.

Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of the Class A shares of the Fund based on the net asset value of a share of the Fund as of September 30, 2022:

Class A

 

   

                        Global Dividend Fund                        

Net Asset Value Per Share ($)

  12.07

Maximum Initial Sales Charge Percentage (%)

  5.50

 

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Offering Price ($)

                                  12.77                                

REDEMPTION OF SHARES

Redemptions of Fund shares are discussed under the “Exchanging shares” and “Redeeming shares” sections of the Fund’s Prospectus; this information is incorporated herein by reference.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed:

 

    i.

for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings);

 

   ii.

when trading in the markets the Fund normally utilizes is restricted, or an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, so that disposal of the Fund’s investments or determination of NAV is not reasonably practicable; or

 

  iii.

for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of the Fund’s shareholders.

In the case of any such suspension, you may either withdraw your request for redemption or receive payment based upon the NAV next determined after the suspension is lifted.

The Fund’s transfer agent, acting on behalf of the Fund, may place a temporary hold for up to 25 business days on the disbursement of redemption proceeds from an account held directly with the Fund if the transfer agent, in consultation with the Fund, reasonably believes that financial exploitation of a Specified Adult (as defined below) has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted, or will be attempted. In order to delay payment of redemption proceeds under these circumstances, the Fund and the transfer agent must adopt certain policies and procedures and otherwise comply with the terms and conditions of no-action relief provided by the SEC staff. Financial exploitation means: (i) the wrongful or unauthorized taking, withholding, appropriation, or use of a Specified Adult’s funds or securities; or (ii) any act or omission by a person, including through the use of a power of attorney, guardianship, or any other authority regarding a Specified Adult, to (a) obtain control, through deception, intimidation or undue influence, over the Specified Adult’s money, assets or property, or (b) convert the Specified Adult’s money, assets or property. The transfer agent and/or the Fund may not be aware of factors suggesting financial exploitation of a Specified Adult and may not be able to identify Specified Adults in all circumstances. Furthermore, the transfer agent is not required to delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds and does not assume any obligation to do so. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Specified Adult” refers to an individual who is a natural person (i) age 65 and older, or (ii) age 18 and older and whom the Fund’s transfer agent reasonably believes has a mental or physical impairment that renders the individual unable to protect his or her own interests.

Unless otherwise instructed, redemption proceeds will be mailed to an investor’s address of record. The transfer agent may require additional supporting documents for redemptions made by corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians. A redemption request will not be deemed properly received until the transfer agent receives all required documents in proper form.

If a shareholder holds shares in more than one class, any request for redemption must specify the class being redeemed. In the event of a failure to specify which class, or if the investor owns fewer shares of the class than specified, the redemption request will be delayed until the transfer agent receives further instructions. Redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check, other than a certified or official bank check, will be remitted upon clearance of the check, which may take up to ten days. Each Service Agent is responsible for transmitting promptly orders for its customers.

The Service Agent may charge you a fee for executing your order. The amount and applicability of such a fee is determined and should be disclosed to its customers by each Service Agent.

The Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate telephonic, electronic or other redemption services described in the Prospectus and this SAI at any time.

 

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Systematic Withdrawal Plan

The Systematic Withdrawal Plan permits you to have a specified dollar amount automatically withdrawn from your account on a regular basis (i.e., on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis). The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available to those shareholders who own shares directly with the Fund. You should contact your Service Agent to determine if it offers a similar service.

Class A, Class C, Class C1 and Class D Shareholders. Class A, Class C, Class C1 and Class D shareholders having an account with a balance of $5,000 or more may elect to make withdrawals of a minimum of $50 per transaction per month. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the minimum withdrawal amounts will not apply. There are two ways to receive payment of proceeds of redemptions made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan: (1) Check mailed by the Fund’s transfer agent—Fund shares will be redeemed on the day of the month indicated on your account application, (or if no day is indicated, on the 20th day of the month) or the next business day and a check for the proceeds will be mailed within three business days. Available processing dates currently are the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month; or (2) electronic transfer (ACH) to checking or savings account—redemptions of Fund shares may occur on any business day of the month and the checking or savings account will be credited with the proceeds in approximately two business days. You may change the amount to be paid to you or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time, without charge or penalty, by contacting the Fund or your Service Agent. The Fund, its transfer agent, and the Distributor also reserve the right to modify or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time. See “Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge,” above, for information about application of the contingent deferred sales charge to withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.

Class FI, Class I and Class IS Shareholders. Certain shareholders of the Fund’s Class FI, Class I and Class IS shares with an initial NAV of $1,000,000 or more, or certain other shareholders authorized by the Distributor, may be eligible to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Receipt of payment of proceeds of redemptions made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan will be wired through electronic transfer (ACH) to your checking or savings account—redemptions of Fund shares may occur on any business day of the month and the checking or savings account will be credited with the proceeds in approximately two business days. Requests to change or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be made at the Fund’s website, www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfunds, by calling the Fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863, or by writing to the Fund or your Service Agent. You may change the amount to be paid to you or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time, without charge or penalty, by notifying the Fund or your Service Agent. The Fund, its transfer agent, and the Distributor also reserve the right to modify or terminate the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time.

In General. The amounts paid to you each redemption period are obtained by redeeming sufficient shares from your account to provide the withdrawal amount that you have specified.

Redemptions will be made at the NAV per share, determined as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the day corresponding to the redemption option designated by the investor, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. If the NYSE is not open for business on that day, the shares will be redeemed at the per share NAV determined as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE on the next day the NYSE is open, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. See “Valuation of Shares” below for additional information about the NYSE’s holiday schedule.

Withdrawal payments are treated as a sale of shares rather than as a dividend or other distribution. A payment is taxable to the extent that the total amount of the payment exceeds the tax basis in the shares deemed sold. Other taxes or tax-related consequences may apply, and you should consult your tax professional before establishing a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. If the periodic withdrawals exceed reinvested dividends and other distributions, the amount of your original investment may be correspondingly reduced.

Ordinarily, you should not purchase additional shares of a fund in which you have an account if you maintain a Systematic Withdrawal Plan because there are tax disadvantages associated with such purchases and withdrawals.

Redemptions In Kind

The Fund reserves the right, under certain conditions, to honor any request for a redemption by making payment in whole or in part by delivering securities valued in accordance with the procedures described under “Share price” in the Fund’s Prospectus. Because redemption in kind may be used at times of unusual illiquidity in the markets, these valuation methods may include fair value estimations. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder should expect to incur brokerage expenses in

 

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converting those securities into cash, and the market price of those securities will be subject to fluctuation until they are sold. The securities delivered may not be representative of the entire Fund portfolio, may represent only one issuer or a limited number of issuers and may be securities that the Fund would otherwise sell. The Fund will not use securities to pay redemptions by the Distributor or other affiliated persons of the Fund, except as permitted by law, SEC rules or orders, or interpretive guidance from the SEC staff or other proper authorities.

Shares Purchased and Redeemed Through Another Service Agent

The Fund has authorized certain Service Agents to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such Service Agents are authorized to designate plan administrator intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized Service Agent or, if applicable, a Service Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order. Orders will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are received by an authorized Service Agent or the Service Agent’s authorized designee and accepted by the Fund.

Transferring Fund Shares to Another Service Agent

You may transfer Fund shares only to a Service Agent that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor or one of its affiliates with respect to the Fund. Some Service Agents may have agreements with the Distributor or one of its affiliates with respect to some funds and not others. Depending on the Service Agent to which you transfer the shares, certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. After the transfer, you may purchase additional Fund shares. All future trading of Fund shares, including exchanges, is subject to the rules of the Service Agent and its continued agreement with the Distributor that permits such trading.

You should contact your Service Agent or the appropriate fund for further information on transferring Fund shares.

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

Exchanges of Fund shares are discussed under the “Buying shares,” “Exchanging shares,” and “Redeeming shares” sections of the Fund’s Prospectus; this information is incorporated herein by reference. The exchange privilege enables shareholders to acquire shares of the same class in another fund sold by the Distributor. If the fund into which you wish to exchange your shares does not offer the class of shares in which you are currently invested, you may be able to exchange for a different share class (see the Fund’s Prospectus for more information). This privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the Fund shares being acquired may legally be sold. Prior to any exchange, the shareholder should obtain and review a copy of the current prospectus of each fund into which an exchange is being considered. The Prospectus describes the requirements for exchanging shares of the Fund and may be obtained as described on the cover page of this SAI.

Upon receipt of proper instructions and all necessary supporting documents, shares submitted for exchange are redeemed at the then-current NAV, and the proceeds, net of any applicable sales charge, are immediately invested in shares of the fund being acquired at that fund’s then current NAV. The Distributor reserves the right to reject any exchange request. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time after written notice to shareholders.

Class A, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS Exchanges. Class A, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shareholders of the Fund who wish to exchange all or a portion of their shares for shares of the respective class in another fund may do so without imposition of any initial sales charge (if shares being exchanged were subject to an initial sales charge) but subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. An exchange of shares that were not subject to any sales charge will be subject to any applicable initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge upon exchange.

Class C Exchanges. Class C shares of the Fund may be exchanged for other Class C shares without imposition of any charge but subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. Upon an exchange, the new Class C shares will be deemed to have been purchased on the same date as the Class C shares of the Fund that have been exchanged.

Class C1 Exchanges. Investors that hold Class C1 shares may exchange those shares for Class C1 shares of other funds sold by the Distributor, or if a fund does not offer Class C1, for Class C shares, in each case without imposition of any charge but subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. However, once an investor exchanges Class C1 shares for Class C shares, the investor would not be permitted to exchange from Class C shares back to Class C1 shares.

 

82


Class D Exchanges. Class D shares of the Fund may not be exchanged.

Class 1 Exchanges. Class 1 shareholders who wish to exchange all or a portion of their shares may exchange Class 1 shares for Class A shares of certain funds available for exchange. Ask your Service Agent about the funds available for exchange.

Certain retirement plan programs with exchange features in effect prior to November 20, 2006, as approved by the Distributor, will remain eligible for exchange from Class C shares or Class C1 shares to Class A shares in accordance with the program terms. See “Grandfathered Retirement Program with Exchange Features” for additional information.

Additional Information Regarding the Exchange Privilege

The Fund is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculation on short-term market movements. A pattern of frequent exchanges by investors can be disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be detrimental to the Fund and its shareholders. See “Frequent trading of fund shares” in the Prospectus.

During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the Fund may suspend the exchange privilege temporarily without notice and treat exchange requests based on their separate components—redemption orders with a simultaneous request to purchase the other fund’s shares. In such a case, the redemption request would be processed at the Fund’s next determined NAV but the purchase order would be effective only at the NAV next determined after the fund being purchased formally accepts the order, which may result in the purchase being delayed.

Certain shareholders may be able to exchange shares by telephone. See the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information. Exchanges will be processed at the NAV next determined. Redemption procedures discussed above are also applicable for exchanging shares, and exchanges will be made upon receipt of all supporting documents in proper form. If the account registration of the shares of the fund being acquired is identical to the registration of the shares of the fund exchanged, no signature guarantee is required.

The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time and is available only in those jurisdictions where such exchanges legally may be made. An exchange is treated as a sale of the shares exchanged and could result in taxable gain or loss to the shareholder making the exchange. Other taxes or tax-related consequences may apply, and you should consult your tax professional before requesting an exchange.

VALUATION OF SHARES

The NAV per share of each class of the Fund is generally calculated as of the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day on which the NYSE is open. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE is normally open for trading every weekday except in the event of an emergency or for the following holidays (or the days on which they are observed): New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because of the differences in distribution fees and class specific expenses, the per share NAV of each class of the Fund will differ. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets.

 

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PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

The Manager delegates to the Subadviser the responsibility for voting proxies for the Fund through its contracts with the Subadviser. The Subadviser may use its own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies of the Fund if the Fund’s Board reviews and approves the use of those policies and procedures. Accordingly, the Manager does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the Fund.

Should the Manager become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services, the Manager shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent Subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained and the use of its proxy voting policies and procedures is authorized by the Board. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of the Manager (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at the Manager) and any fund, the Board of Directors of the Manager shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. The Manager shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations.

The Manager shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from the Subadviser and providing them to the Fund as required for the Fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act. The Manager shall also be responsible for coordinating the provision of information to the Board with regard to the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Subadviser, including the actual proxy voting policies and procedures of the Subadviser, changes to such policies and procedures, and reports on the administration of such policies and procedures.

The Subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities are voted. A copy of the proxy voting policies and procedures is attached as Appendix A to this SAI. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863, (2) on www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature (click on the name of the Fund), and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund’s Board has adopted policies and procedures (the “policy”) developed by the Manager with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities and any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities for the Legg Mason Funds. The Manager believes the policy is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and that it strikes an appropriate balance between the desire of investors for information about fund portfolio holdings and the need to protect the Fund from potentially harmful disclosures.

General Rules/Website Disclosure

The policy provides that information regarding the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be shared at any time with employees of the Manager, the Fund’s Subadviser and other affiliated parties involved in the management, administration or operations of the Fund (referred to as fund-affiliated personnel). With respect to non-money market funds, the Fund’s complete list of holdings (including the size of each position) may be made available to investors, potential investors, third parties and Franklin Templeton personnel that are not fund-affiliated personnel (i) upon the filing of portfolio holdings reports in accordance with SEC rules, provided that such filings are not made until 15 calendar days following the end of the period covered by the applicable holdings report or (ii) no sooner than 8 business days after month end, provided that such information has been made available through public disclosure. Typically, public disclosure is achieved by required filings with the SEC and/or posting the information to the Fund’s Internet site that is accessible by the public, or through public release by a third party vendor.

The Fund currently discloses its complete portfolio holdings 14 calendar days after quarter-end. The Fund discloses this information on the Fund’s website: www.franklintempleton.com/mutualfundsliterature (click on the name of the Fund).

Ongoing Arrangements

Under the policy, the Fund may release portfolio holdings information on a regular basis to a custodian, sub-custodian, fund accounting agent, proxy voting provider, rating agency or other vendor or service provider for a legitimate business purpose,

 

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where the party receiving the information is under a duty of confidentiality, including a duty to prohibit the sharing of non-public information with unauthorized sources and trading upon non-public information. The Fund may enter into other ongoing arrangements for the release of portfolio holdings information, but only if such arrangements serve a legitimate business purpose and are with a party who is subject to a confidentiality agreement and restrictions on trading upon non-public information. None of the Fund, Legg Mason or any other affiliated party may receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with such arrangements. Ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities will be reviewed at least annually by the Fund’s Board.

Set forth below is a list, as of December 31, 2022, of those parties with whom the Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has authorized ongoing arrangements that include the release of portfolio holdings information in accordance with the policy, as well as the maximum frequency of the release under such arrangements, and the minimum length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The ongoing arrangements may vary for each party, and it is possible that not every party will receive information for the Fund. The parties identified below as recipients are service providers, fund rating agencies, consultants and analysts.

 

Recipient

  

Frequency                    

  

Delay Before

Dissemination                        

1919 Investment Counsel, LLC    Daily    None
Barclays Bank PLC    Daily    None
Best Alternative Outsourcing Services LLP    Daily    None
Bloomberg AIM    Daily    None
Bloomberg L.P.    Daily    None
Bloomberg Portfolio Analysis    Daily    None
Brown Brothers Harriman    Daily    None
Charles River    Daily    None
Citco    Daily    None
Emerging Portfolio Fund Research, Inc. (EPFR), an Informa Company    Monthly    None
Enfusion Systems    Daily    None
ENSO LP    Daily    None
eVestment Alliance    Quarterly    8-10 Days
FactSet    Daily    None
HSBC Global Asset Management    Daily    None
Institutional Shareholder Services    Daily    None
ITG    Daily    None
Kailash Concepts    Monthly    None
Middle Office Solutions, LLC    Daily    None
Morgan Stanley Capital Inc.    Daily    None
Morningstar    Daily    None
NaviSite, Inc.    Daily    None

 

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StarCompliance    Daily    None
State Street Bank and Trust Company    Daily    None
SunGard/Protegent (formerly Dataware)    Daily    None
The Bank of New York Mellon    Daily    None
The Northern Trust Company    Daily    None
The Northern Trust Melbourne    Daily    None
Thomson    Semi-annually    None
Thomson Reuters    Daily    None
VPD Financial Software Consulting    Daily    None

Portfolio holdings information for the Fund may also be released from time to time pursuant to ongoing arrangements with the following parties:

 

Recipient

  

Frequency

  

Delay Before Dissemination

Broadridge    Daily    None
Deutsche Bank    Monthly    6-8 Business Days
DST International plc (DSTi)    Daily    None
Electra Information Systems    Daily    None
Fidelity    Quarterly    5 Business Days
Fitch    Monthly    6-8 Business Days
Frank Russell    Monthly    1 Day
Glass Lewis & Co.    Daily    None
Informa Investment Solutions    Quarterly    8-10 Days
Interactive Data Corp    Daily    None
Liberty Hampshire    Weekly and Month End    None
RBC Investor and Treasury Services    Daily    None
S&P (Rating Agency)    Weekly Tuesday Night    1 Business Day
SunTrust    Weekly and Month End    None

Excluded from the lists of ongoing arrangements set forth above are ongoing arrangements where either (i) the disclosure of portfolio holdings information occurs concurrently with or after the time at which the portfolio holdings information is included in a public filing with the SEC that is required to include the information, or (ii) the Fund’s portfolio holdings information is made available no earlier than the day next following the day on which the Fund makes the information available on its website, as disclosed in the Fund’s Prospectus. The approval of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, must be obtained before entering into any new ongoing arrangement or altering any existing ongoing arrangement to make available portfolio holdings information, or with respect to any exceptions from the policy.

 

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Release of Limited Portfolio Holdings Information

In addition to the ongoing arrangements described above, the Fund’s complete or partial list of holdings (including size of positions) may be released to another party on a one-time basis, provided the party receiving the information has executed a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement and provided that the specific release of information has been approved by the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer or designee as consistent with the policy. By way of illustration and not of limitation, release of non-public information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be made (i) to a proposed or potential adviser or Subadviser(s) or other investment manager asked to provide investment management services to the Fund, or (ii) to a third party in connection with a program or similar trade.

In addition, the policy permits the release to investors, potential investors, third parties and Franklin Templeton personnel that are not fund-affiliated personnel of limited portfolio holdings information in other circumstances, including:

 

 

The Fund’s top ten securities, current as of month-end, and the individual size of each such security position may be released at any time following month-end with simultaneous public disclosure.

 

The Fund’s top ten securities positions (including the aggregate but not individual size of such positions) may be released at any time with simultaneous public disclosure.

 

A list of securities (that may include fund holdings together with other securities) followed by an investment professional (without position sizes or identification of particular funds) may be disclosed to sell-side brokers at any time for the purpose of obtaining research and/or market information from such brokers.

 

A trade in process may be discussed only with counterparties, potential counterparties and others involved in the transaction (i.e., brokers and custodians).

 

The Fund’s sector weightings, yield and duration (for fixed income and money market funds), performance attribution (e.g., analysis of the Fund’s out-performance or underperformance of its benchmark based on its portfolio holdings) and other summary and statistical information that does not include identification of specific portfolio holdings may be released, even if non-public, if such release is otherwise in accordance with the policy’s general principles.

 

A small number of the Fund’s portfolio holdings (including information that the Fund no longer holds a particular holding) may be released, but only if the release of the information could not reasonably be seen to interfere with current or future purchase or sales activities of the Fund and is not contrary to law.

 

The Fund’s portfolio holdings may be released on an as-needed basis to its legal counsel, counsel to its Independent Trustees and its independent public accounting firm, in required regulatory filings or otherwise to governmental agencies and authorities.

Exceptions to the Policy

The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, or designee, may, as is deemed appropriate, approve exceptions from the policy. Exceptions are granted only after a thorough examination and consultation with the Manager’s legal department, as necessary. Exceptions from the policy are reported annually to the Fund’s Board.

Limitations of Policy

The Fund’s portfolio holdings policy is designed to prevent sharing of portfolio information with third parties that have no legitimate business purpose for accessing the information. The policy may not be effective to limit access to portfolio holdings information in all circumstances, however. For example, the Manager or the Subadviser may manage accounts other than the Fund that have investment objectives and strategies similar to those of the Fund. Because these accounts, including the Fund, may be similarly managed, portfolio holdings may be similar across the accounts. In that case, an investor in another account managed by the Manager or the Subadviser may be able to infer the portfolio holdings of the Fund from the portfolio holdings in that investor’s account.

THE TRUST

The certificate of trust to establish the Trust was filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland on October 4, 2006. The Fund is a series of the Trust. As of April 16, 2007, S&P 500 Index Fund was redomiciled as a series of the Trust. Prior thereto, S&P 500 Index Fund was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. Prior to the reorganization of S&P 500 Index Fund as a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, such fund

 

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was a series of Legg Mason Partners Investment Funds, Inc., a Maryland corporation. Prior to August 7, 2021, Global Dividend Fund was named “QS Global Dividend Fund.” Prior to August 7, 2021, S&P 500 Index Fund was named “QS S&P 500 Index Fund.” Prior to April 1, 2016, Global Dividend Fund was named “QS Batterymarch Global Dividend Fund.” Prior to April 1, 2016, S&P 500 Index Fund was named “QS Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund”. Prior to June 30, 2014, S&P 500 Index Fund was named “Legg Mason Batterymarch S&P 500 Index Fund.” Prior to June 30, 2014, Global Dividend Fund was named “Legg Mason Batterymarch Managed Volatility Global Dividend Fund.” Prior to March 31, 2015, Global Dividend Fund was named “QS Batterymarch Managed Volatility Global Dividend Fund.” Prior to September 1, 2021, the Trust was named “Legg Mason Partners Equity Trust.”

The Trust is a Maryland statutory trust. A Maryland statutory trust is an unincorporated business association that is established under, and governed by, Maryland law. Maryland law provides a statutory framework for the powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and shareholders of a statutory trust, while the more specific powers, duties, rights and obligations of the Trustees and the shareholders are determined by the trustees as set forth in a trust’s declaration of trust. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”) provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and any other governing instrument of the Trust, such as the by-laws of the Trust, which contain additional rules governing the conduct of the business of the Trust.

Some of the more significant provisions of the Declaration are summarized below. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of the Declaration.

Shareholder Voting

Under the Declaration, the Trustees have broad authority to direct the business and affairs of the Trust. The Declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Maryland law, actions by the Trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Trustees are empowered to amend the Declaration or authorize the merger or consolidation of the Trust into another trust or entity, reorganize the Trust or any series or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or any series or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, terminate the Trust or any series or class, or adopt or amend the by-laws of the Trust, in each case without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Fund is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the Fund will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the Declaration. The Declaration provides for “dollar-weighted voting” which means that a shareholder’s voting power is determined, not by the number of shares he or she owns, but by the dollar value of those shares determined on the record date. All shareholders of record of all series and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by series or by class, or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more series or classes of shares. There is no cumulative voting on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders.

Election and Removal of Trustees

The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. When a vote of shareholders is required to elect Trustees, the Declaration provides that such Trustees shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of two-thirds of the Trustees and that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

Amendments to the Declaration

The Trustees are authorized to amend the Declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the Declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, Trustees, officers or, employees of the Trust or that limits the rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance provided in the Declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance under the Declaration prior to the amendment.

 

88


Issuance and Redemption of Shares

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the Trustees may determine. All shares offered pursuant to the Prospectus of the Fund, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal rights with respect to their shares and, except as the Trustees may determine, shall have no preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights. The Fund may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the Trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the Fund with identification required by law, or if the Fund is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.

Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings

The Declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the Fund such information with respect to their ownership of shares of the Fund, whether direct or indirect, as the Trustees may deem necessary in order to comply with various laws or regulations or for such other purpose as the Trustees may decide. The Fund may disclose such ownership information if required by law or regulation, or as the Trustees otherwise decide.

Small Accounts

The Declaration provides that the Fund may close out a shareholder’s account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the Trustees from time to time. Alternately, the Declaration permits the Fund to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.

Series and Classes

The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish series and classes in addition to those currently established and that the Trustees may determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the series and classes. The Trustees may change any of those features, terminate any series or class, combine series with other series in the Trust, combine one or more classes of a series with another class in that series or convert the shares of one class into shares of another class.

Each share of the Fund, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the Fund only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust.

Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability

The Declaration provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the Fund and requires the Fund to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense claimed solely because of the shareholder’s being or having been a shareholder. The Fund will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as a Trustee is not personally liable to any person, other than the Trust or its shareholders, in connection with the affairs of the Trust. Each Trustee is required to perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she believes to be in the best interests of the Trust. All actions and omissions of Trustees are presumed to be in accordance with the foregoing standard of performance, and any person alleging the contrary has the burden of proving that allegation.

The Declaration limits a Trustee’s liability to the Trust or any shareholder to the fullest extent permitted under current Maryland law by providing that a Trustee is liable to the Trust or its shareholders for monetary damages only (a) to the extent that it is proved that he or she actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services or (b) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Trustee is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Trustee’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and expenses in connection with any claim or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of having been a Trustee, officer or employee. Subject to applicable federal law, expenses related to the defense against any claim to which indemnification may apply shall be advanced by the Trust upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient of those expenses to repay the advanced amount if it

 

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is ultimately found that he or she is not entitled to indemnification. In making any determination as to whether a person has engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not available, or as to whether there is reason to believe that such person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, such person shall be afforded a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available.

The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board, a member or chair of a committee of the Board, lead independent Trustee, audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

Derivative Actions

The Declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by no fewer than three unrelated shareholders must be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. The Trustees are not required to consider a demand that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements contained in the Declaration. The Declaration also requires that, in order to bring a derivative action, the complaining shareholders must be joined in the action by shareholders owning, at the time of the alleged wrongdoing, at the time of demand, and at the time the action is commenced, shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected funds. The Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended for an additional period not to exceed 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that a suit should be maintained, then the Trust will commence the suit and the suit will proceed directly and not derivatively. If a majority of the independent Trustees determines that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not consistent with the standard of performance required of the Trustees in performing their duties. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the consideration of the demand, if, in the judgment of the independent Trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the Declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund’s costs, including attorneys’ fees.

The Declaration further provides that the Fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the Fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. The Declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against the Trust or the Fund be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division), or if such action may not be brought in that court, then such action shall be brought in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and that the right to jury trial be waived to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Declaration further provides that no provision of the Declaration will be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or the 1940 Act, or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Commission thereunder.

TAXES

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal (and, where noted, state and local) income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. This discussion is very general and does not address all the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to the Fund or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special tax rules. This summary is based upon the Code, its legislative history, Treasury regulations (including temporary and proposed regulations), published rulings, and court decisions, each as of the date of this SAI and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, which could affect the continuing accuracy of this discussion. This discussion assumes that each shareholder holds its shares of the Fund as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Current and prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals with respect to the specific federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.

 

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Tax Treatment of the Fund

The Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify each year, as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as such, the Fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (i.e., partnerships (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derive less than 90% of their income from sources described in this subparagraph (a) other than qualified publicly traded partnerships); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets consists of cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, U.S. government securities, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or larger voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (y) in the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are treated as engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (z) in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” which generally include master limited partnerships.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership will be treated as qualifying income. In general, qualified publicly traded partnerships will be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes because they meet a passive income requirement under the Code. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships. The Fund’s investments in partnerships, if any, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local, or foreign income, franchise, or withholding tax liabilities.

For purposes of the diversification test described above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the diversification test.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes, provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. To satisfy the minimum distribution requirement, the Fund must distribute at least the sum of (i) 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (i.e., generally, its taxable income other than the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss, plus or minus certain other adjustments, and calculated without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at the regular corporate tax rate on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute.

If, for any taxable year, the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code or were to fail to meet the distribution requirement, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the Fund’s distributions, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. However, such dividends would be eligible, subject to any generally applicable limitations, (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Moreover, if the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it would be required to pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. If the Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification, or distribution test described above,

 

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the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Fund-level tax, paying interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets. In particular, if in the first instance, the Fund does not satisfy the diversification test as of a particular quarter end, it will have up to 30 days after that quarter end to adjust its holdings in order to comply with the test retroactively. Portfolio transactions executed by the Fund in order to comply with the diversification test will increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover and trading costs and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders to the extent any capital gains are realized as a result of such transactions. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund would generally be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

If the Fund were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for that year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of all gains from sales or exchanges of capital assets over the losses from such sales or exchanges) for the one-year period ending October 31 of that year (or November 30 or December 31 of that year if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) it would be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income that is retained by the Fund and subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year end. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. For purposes of the required excise tax distribution, a regulated investment company’s ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or November 30 of that year if the regulated investment company makes the election described above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year; in the case of a fund with a December 31 year end that makes the election described above, no such gains or losses will be so treated. The Fund anticipates that it will pay such dividends and will make such distributions as are necessary to avoid the application of this excise tax, but there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. In determining its net capital gain (i.e., net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses, including any capital loss carryforwards), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, a regulated investment company generally is permitted to elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, or if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion of the taxable year), or late-year ordinary loss (generally, the sum of its (i) net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31 and its (ii) other net ordinary loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

Tax Treatment of the Fund’s Investments

The Fund’s transactions in zero coupon securities, foreign currencies, forward contracts, options, and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on foreign currencies), if any, will be subject to special provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to “hedging transactions” and “straddles”) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund, and defer Fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount, and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the Fund to “mark to market” certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., require the Fund to treat all unrealized gains and losses with respect to those positions as though they were realized at the end of each year) and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income prior to or without receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to sell portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, if any, the Fund may make or receive periodic net payments. The Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps, the Fund may be required to recognize currently income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.

 

 

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Any investments by the Fund in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market, and options on most stock indexes, are subject to special tax rules. Any section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain later dates as prescribed under the Code) are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund’s income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were neither part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund.

In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying security, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund’s basis in the security. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying security. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Fund’s obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when the Fund closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in the Fund’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by the Fund to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the Fund. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by the Fund for more than one year.

The Fund may purchase debt obligations with original issue discount (“OID”), market discount, or acquisition discount. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and all zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued with OID. Generally, the amount of the OID is treated as interest income and is included in taxable income (and is accordingly required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. Periodic adjustments for inflation in the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds also may be treated as OID that is includible in the Fund’s gross income on a current basis.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Under the Code, (i) generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security, (ii) alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial of full repayment or disposition of the debt security, and (iii) the rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Fund may be treated as having OID or, in certain cases, “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price). The Fund will be required to include the OID or acquisition discount in income (as

 

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ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which OID or acquisition discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

Because the OID, market discount, or acquisition discount earned by the Fund in a taxable year may exceed the total amount of cash interest the Fund receives from the relevant debt obligations, the Fund may have to dispose of one or more of its investments, including at a time when it is not advantageous to do so, and use the proceeds thereof to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses from such dispositions, which would increase or decrease the Fund’s investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.

In addition, payment-in-kind securities held by the Fund, if any, will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Very generally, where the Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity (i.e., a premium), the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period. In the case of a tax-exempt bond, tax rules require the Fund to reduce its tax basis by the amount of amortized premium.

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as, and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

A portion of the interest paid or accrued on high yield obligations may not (and interest paid on debt obligations, if any, that are considered for tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not) be deductible to the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations is not deductible by the issuer, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.

The Fund may be required to treat amounts as taxable income or gain, subject to the distribution requirements referred to above, even though no corresponding amounts of cash are received concurrently, as a result of (1) mark-to-market rules, constructive sale rules or rules applicable to passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), to partnerships or trusts in which the Fund invests or to certain options, futures, or forward contracts, or “appreciated financial positions,” (2) the inability to obtain cash distributions or other amounts due to currency controls or restrictions on repatriation imposed by a foreign country with respect to the Fund’s investments (including through depositary receipts) in issuers in such country, or (3) tax rules applicable to debt obligations acquired with OID, including zero-coupon or deferred payment bonds and pay-in-kind debt obligations, or to market discount if the Fund elects to accrue such market discount currently. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax on the Fund, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. The Fund might also meet the distribution requirements by borrowing the necessary cash, thereby incurring interest expenses.

Foreign Investments

Dividends, interest or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Even if the Fund is entitled to seek a refund in respect of such taxes, it may choose not to. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets at the close of any taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, which for this purpose may include obligations of foreign governmental

 

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issuers, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, if any, as paid by its shareholders. For any year that the Fund is eligible for and makes such an election, each shareholder of the Fund will be required to include in income an amount equal to his or her allocable share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, and shareholders will be entitled, subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations, to credit their portions of these amounts against their United States federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct their portions from their United States taxable income, if any. No deductions for foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be claimed, however, by non corporate shareholders who do not itemize deductions and no deductions for foreign taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. Even if the Fund qualifies to make this election, it may choose not to do so; in that case, foreign taxes that the Fund pays will nonetheless reduce the Fund’s taxable income. S&P 500 Index Fund does not expect to be eligible to elect to pass foreign taxes through to its shareholders, who therefore will not be entitled to credits or deductions on their own tax returns for foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Foreign taxes paid by the Fund may reduce the return from the Fund’s investments.

Under certain circumstances, if the Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund’s foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.

Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, certain foreign currency options or futures contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss unless the Fund were to elect otherwise.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies. If the Fund purchases equity interests (including certain interests treated as equity interests) in foreign entities treated as PFICs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and does not timely make certain elections, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.

In general, a PFIC is any foreign corporation in which (i) 75% or more of the gross income for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income is at least 50%. Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, income from certain notional principal contracts, and foreign currency gains. Passive income for this purpose does not include certain types of passive income excepted by the Code and other guidance.

If the Fund were to invest in a PFIC and timely elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code for the first year of its holding period in the PFIC stock, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund would generally be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the qualified electing fund, even if not distributed to the Fund, and such amounts would be subject to the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. In order to make the “qualified electing fund” election, the Fund would be required to obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain.

If the Fund were to invest in a PFIC and make a mark-to-market election, the Fund would be treated as if it had sold and repurchased its stock in that PFIC at the end of each year. In such case, the Fund would report any such gains as ordinary income and would deduct any such losses as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. Such an election must be made separately for each PFIC owned by the Fund and, once made, would be effective for all subsequent taxable years of the Fund, unless revoked with the consent of the IRS. By making the election, the Fund could potentially ameliorate the adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year might be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund might have to distribute such excess income and gain to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax.

 

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In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss.

MLPs (Global Dividend Fund)

MLPs are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not itself subject to U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. A change in current tax law, or a change in an MLP’s business, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income and its distributions being treated as dividends to the extent of earnings and profits, thereby reducing the value of the Fund’s investment.

If the Fund invests in an MLP, the Fund will be required to include in its taxable income the Fund’s allocable share of each item of the MLP’s income, gain, loss and deduction for each taxable year of the MLP ending with or within the Fund’s taxable year regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. The Fund must take such income into account in determining whether the Fund has satisfied the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code. The Fund may as a result be required to sell investments to satisfy its distribution requirements, including when it is not advantageous to do so.

A cash distribution from a partnership is not itself taxable to the extent it does not exceed the distributee partner’s basis in its partnership interest and is treated as capital gain to the extent any cash distributed to a partner exceeds the partner’s basis in the partnership. Cash distributions, if any, that the Fund receives with respect to its investments in equity securities of an MLP may exceed the net taxable income allocated to the Fund from such MLP because of tax deductions such as depreciation, amortization and depletion that are allocated to the Fund by the MLP.

Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to the Fund from investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the Fund’s current taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the Fund’s income in one or more subsequent years upon the Fund’s disposition of its interest in an MLP. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held shares in the Fund at the time the deductions were taken by the Fund, and even though those shareholders will not have corresponding economic gain on their shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, the Fund may need to sell investments, including when it may not be advantageous to do so, which may in return result in the recognition of additional recapture income or other taxable gain.

Non-corporate taxpayers are generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer’s “qualified publicly traded partnership income.” Subject to any future guidance to the contrary, the Fund will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of income allocated to it by any MLPs or other publicly traded partnerships in which it invests, and shareholders ostensibly will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of Fund dividends attributable to any such income.

No Capital Loss Carryforwards

As of September 30, 2022, the Fund had no unused capital loss carryforwards.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

Dividends and Distributions. Dividends and other distributions by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, if any dividend or distribution is declared by the Fund in October, November, or December of any calendar year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but is actually paid during the following January, such dividend or distribution will be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

The Fund intends to distribute annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction), and any net capital gain. However, if the Fund retains for investment an amount equal to all or a portion of its net capital gain, it will be subject to a corporate tax on the amount retained. In that event, the Fund may designate such retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount

 

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against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to their share of the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their income over the income paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount. Organizations or persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by the Fund upon timely filing appropriate returns or claims for refund with the IRS.

Distributions of net investment income and of net realized short-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares, are taxable to a U.S. shareholder as ordinary income or, if certain conditions are met, as “qualified dividend income,” taxable to individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. Distributions of net capital gain, if any, that the Fund reports as capital gain dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the Fund. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued regulations that impose special reporting of capital gain dividends by the Fund in order to allow capital gain dividends to be taxable at reduced rates in the hands of certain noncorporate taxpayers who hold shares of the Fund through entities treated as partnerships.

In general, dividends may be reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from the Fund’s investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. corporations and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and the shareholders. If 95% or more of the Fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. PFICs are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.

A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of the Fund that is paid by the Fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the Fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The “ex-dividend” date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter.

Certain dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those shares. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax professional regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of “extraordinary dividends” received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.

 

 

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For tax years beginning before January 1, 2026, a non-corporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer’s “qualified REIT dividends.” If the Fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of REIT shares, the Fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the Fund’s income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for the Fund’s dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a non-corporate shareholder, the Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the REIT shares on which the Fund received the eligible dividends, and the non-corporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Fund shares.

Under Section 163(j) of the Code, a taxpayer’s business interest expense is generally deductible to the extent of the taxpayer’s business interest income plus certain other amounts. If the Fund earns business interest income, it may report a portion of its dividends as “Section 163(j) interest dividends,” which its shareholders may be able to treat as business interest income for purposes of Section 163(j) of the Code. The Fund’s “Section 163(j) interest dividend” for a tax year will be limited to the excess of its business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. In general, the Fund’s shareholders may treat a distribution reported as a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income only to the extent the distribution exceeds the sum of the portions of the distribution reported as other types of tax-favored income. To be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income, a shareholder may need to meet certain holding period requirements in respect of the Fund shares and must not have hedged its position in the Fund shares in certain ways.

The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of U.S. individuals to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. The 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, “net investment income” generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Fund of net investment income and capital gains as described above, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Fund shares.

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Fund shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her shares of the Fund, and as a capital gain thereafter (if the shareholder holds his or her shares of the Fund as capital assets). One or more of the Fund’s distributions during the year may include such a return of capital distribution. Each shareholder who receives distributions in the form of additional shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the shareholder would have received if he or she had instead elected to receive cash distributions. The shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in shares of the Fund will be increased by such amount.

Investors considering buying shares just prior to a dividend or capital gain distribution should be aware that, although the price of shares purchased at that time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution, such dividend or distribution may nevertheless be taxable to them.

If Fund shares are held through a qualified retirement plan entitled to tax-advantaged treatment for federal income tax purposes, distributions will generally not be taxable currently. Special tax rules apply to such retirement plans. You should consult your tax professional regarding the tax treatment of distributions (which may include amounts attributable to Fund distributions) which may be taxable when distributed from the retirement plan.

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of Shares. Upon the sale or exchange of his or her shares, a shareholder will generally recognize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and his or her basis in the shares. A redemption of shares by the Fund will be treated as a sale for this purpose. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder held such shares for more than one year and short-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder held such shares for one year or less. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including by reinvesting dividends or capital gains distributions in the Fund, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will

 

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be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions or deemed distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder (including amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains) with respect to such shares during that six-month period.

If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of the Fund, disposes of those shares within 90 days and then by January 31 of the calendar year following the year of disposition acquires shares in a mutual fund for which the otherwise applicable sales charge is reduced by reason of a reinvestment right (e.g., an exchange privilege), the original sales charge will not be taken into account in computing gain or loss on the original shares to the extent the subsequent sales charge is reduced. Instead, the disregarded portion of the original sales charge will be added to the tax basis of the newly acquired shares. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to a disposition of the newly acquired shares made within 90 days of the second acquisition. This provision prevents a shareholder from immediately deducting the sales charge by shifting his or her investment within a family of mutual funds.

If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. The fact that a loss is so reportable does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper.

If a shareholder’s shares are redeemed to pay a fee because the shareholder’s account balance is less than a certain threshold, the redemption will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange of shares, as described above. Such a fee generally will not be deductible by a shareholder that is an individual for any taxable year beginning before January 1, 2026, and, for other taxable years, the deductibility of such a fee by a shareholder that is an individual may be subject to generally applicable limitations on miscellaneous itemized deductions.

Basis Reporting. The Fund, or, in the case of a shareholder holding shares through a Service Agent, the Service Agent, will report to the IRS the amount of proceeds that a shareholder receives from a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. For redemptions or exchanges of shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Fund will also report the shareholder’s basis in those shares and the character of any gain or loss that the shareholder realizes on the redemption or exchange (i.e., short-term or long-term), and certain related tax information. If a shareholder has a different basis for different shares of the Fund in the same account (e.g., if a shareholder purchased Fund shares held in the same account when the shares were at different prices), the Fund will by default report the basis of the shares redeemed or exchanged using the average basis method, under which the basis per share is the average of the bases of all the shareholder’s Fund shares in the account. For these purposes, shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012 and shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 will generally be treated as held in separate accounts.

A shareholder may instruct the Fund to use a method other than average basis for an account. If redemptions, including in connection with payment of an account fee, or exchanges have occurred in an account to which the average basis method applied, the basis of the Fund shares remaining in the account will continue to reflect the average basis notwithstanding the shareholder’s subsequent election of a different method. For further assistance, shareholders who hold their shares directly with the Fund may call the Fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863. Shareholders who hold shares through a Service Agent should contact the Service Agent for further assistance or for information regarding the Service Agent’s default method for calculating basis and procedures for electing to use an alternative method. Shareholders should consult their tax professionals concerning the tax consequences of applying the average basis method or electing another method of basis calculation and should consider electing such other method prior to making redemptions or exchanges in their accounts.

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain circumstances to apply backup withholding on dividends distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Notices. Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of the Fund’s taxable year regarding the U.S. federal income tax status of certain dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds that were paid (or that

 

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are treated as having been paid) by the Fund during the preceding taxable year. In certain cases, the Fund may be required to amend the tax information reported to you with respect to a particular year. In this event, you may be required to file amended U.S. federal income or other tax returns with respect to such amended information and, if applicable, to pay additional taxes (including potentially interest and penalties) or to seek a tax refund and may incur other related costs.

Other Taxes

Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s particular situation. Generally, shareholders will have to pay state or local taxes on Fund dividends and other distributions, although distributions derived from interest on U.S. government obligations (but not distributions of gain from the sale of such obligations) may be exempt from certain state and local taxes.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders

Ordinary dividends and certain other payments made by the Fund to shareholders that are not “United States persons” within the meaning of the Code (“non-U.S. shareholders”) are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate (or a reduced rate under an applicable treaty). In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding under a treaty, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or similar form certifying its entitlement to benefits under the treaty. A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have already been subject to the 30% withholding tax.

The 30% withholding tax described in the preceding paragraph generally will not apply to redemption proceeds or to distributions to non-U.S. shareholders that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, and interest-related dividends, each as defined and subject to certain conditions described below.

In general, (1) “short-term capital gain dividends” are distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses and (2) “interest-related dividends” are distributions derived from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual non-U.S. shareholder, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders. The exceptions to withholding for capital gain dividends and short-term capital gain dividends do not apply to (A) distributions to an individual non-U.S. shareholder who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (B) distributions attributable to gain that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. shareholder of a trade or business within the United States, under special rules regarding the disposition of “United States real property interests” (“USRPIs”) as described below. The exception to withholding for interest-related dividends does not apply to distributions to a non-U.S. shareholder (A) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (B) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the non-U.S. shareholder is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (C) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (D) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the non-U.S. shareholder and the non-U.S. shareholder is a controlled foreign corporation.

If income from the Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted within the United States by a non-U.S. shareholder, the non-U.S. shareholder will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, as applicable, whether the income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund, and, in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder that is a foreign corporation, the non-U.S. shareholder may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a non-U.S. shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, its effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis only if the income or gain is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund for non-U.S. shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may be different from those described herein, and those shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors.

A non-U.S. shareholder is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by the non-U.S. shareholder within the United States, (ii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder that is an individual, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the

 

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sale and certain other conditions are met or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of USRPIs apply to the non-U.S. shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund.

Special rules would apply if the Fund were a qualified investment entity (“QIE”) because it is either a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition of USRPIs described below. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USRPIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other trade or business assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or, very generally, an entity that has been a USRPHC in the last five years. A regulated investment company that holds, directly or indirectly, significant interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may be a USRPHC. Interests in domestically controlled QIEs, including REITs and regulated investment companies that are QIEs, not-greater-than-10% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in REITs and not-greater-than-5% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in regulated investment companies generally are not USRPIs, but these exceptions do not apply for purposes of determining whether the Fund is a QIE. If an interest in the Fund were a USRPI, the Fund would be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% non-U.S. shareholder, in which case such non-U.S. shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.

If the Fund were a QIE, under a special “look through” rule, any distributions by the Fund to a non-U.S. shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable directly or indirectly to (i) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands and (ii) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Fund would retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the non-U.S. shareholder and would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the non-U.S. shareholder being required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a non-U.S. shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the non-U.S. shareholder’s current and past ownership of the Fund.

Under legislation commonly known as “FATCA,” the Fund is required to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays to shareholders that fail to meet prescribed information reporting or certification requirements. In general, no such withholding will be required with respect to a U.S. person or non-U.S. individual that timely provides the certifications required by the Fund or its agent on a valid IRS Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8, respectively. Shareholders potentially subject to withholding include foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”), such as non-U.S. investment funds, and non-financial foreign entities (“NFFEs”). To avoid withholding under FATCA, an FFI generally must enter into an information sharing agreement with the IRS in which it agrees to report certain identifying information (including name, address, and taxpayer identification number) with respect to its U.S. account holders (which, in the case of an entity shareholder, may include its direct and indirect U.S. owners), and an NFFE generally must identify and provide other required information to the Fund or other withholding agent regarding its U.S. owners, if any. Such non-U.S. shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by regulations and other guidance. A non-U.S. shareholder in a country that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A non-U.S. entity that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding.

Non-U.S. investors should consult their own tax professionals regarding the impact of these requirements on their investment in the Fund.

CODES OF ETHICS

Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund, the Manager, the Subadviser and the Distributor each has adopted a code of ethics that permits its personnel to invest in securities for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. All personal securities transactions by employees must adhere to the requirements of the codes of ethics. Copies of the codes

 

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of ethics applicable to personnel of the Fund, the Manager, the Subadviser, the Distributor and the Independent Trustees are on file with the SEC.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022, contains the Fund’s audited financial statements, accompanying notes and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, all of which are incorporated by reference into this SAI (https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292447/d362874dncsr.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/880366/000119312522292443/d392017dncsr.htm). These audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request by calling the Fund at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863.

 

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Appendix A

Proxy Voting Policies

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

An SEC Compliance Rule Policy and Procedures

March 2022

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGER TO VOTE PROXIES

Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, a separate investment group within Franklin Templeton, comprised of investment personnel from the SEC-registered investment advisers listed on Appendix A (hereinafter individually an “Investment Manager” and collectively the “Investment Managers”) have delegated the administrative duties with respect to voting proxies for securities to the Franklin Templeton Proxy Group within Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC (the “Proxy Group”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC provides a variety of general corporate services to its affiliates, including, but not limited to, legal and compliance activities. Proxy duties consist of disseminating proxy materials and analyses of issuers whose stock is owned by any client (including both investment companies and any separate accounts managed by the Investment Managers) that has either delegated proxy voting administrative responsibility to the Investment Managers or has asked for information and/or recommendations on the issues to be voted. The Investment Managers will inform Advisory Clients that have not delegated the voting responsibility but that have requested voting advice about the Investment Managers’ views on such proxy votes. The Proxy Group also provides these services to other advisory affiliates of the Investment Managers.

The Proxy Group will process proxy votes on behalf of, and the Investment Managers vote proxies solely in the best interests of, separate account clients, the Investment Managers’-managed investment company shareholders, or shareholders of funds that have appointed Franklin Templeton International Services S.à.r.l. (“FTIS S.à.r.l.”) as the Management Company, provided such funds or clients have properly delegated such responsibility in writing, or, where employee benefit plan assets subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, are involved (“ERISA accounts”), in the best interests of the plan participants and beneficiaries (collectively, “Advisory Clients”), unless (i) the power to vote has been specifically retained by the named fiduciary in the documents in which the named fiduciary appointed the Investment Managers or (ii) the documents otherwise expressly prohibit the Investment Managers from voting proxies. The Investment Managers recognize that the exercise of voting rights on securities held by ERISA plans for which the Investment Managers have voting responsibility is a fiduciary duty that must be exercised with care, skill, prudence and diligence.

In certain circumstances, Advisory Clients are permitted to direct their votes in a solicitation pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement. An Advisory Client that wishes to direct its vote shall give reasonable prior written notice to the Investment Managers indicating such intention and provide written instructions directing the Investment Managers or the Proxy Group to vote regarding the solicitation. Where such prior written notice is received, the Proxy Group will vote proxies in accordance with such written notification received from the Advisory Client.

The Investment Managers have adopted and implemented Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Policies”) that they believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of Advisory Clients in accordance with their fiduciary duties and rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. To the extent that the Investment Managers have a subadvisory agreement with an affiliated investment manager (the “Affiliated Subadviser”) with respect to a particular Advisory Client, the Investment Managers may delegate proxy voting responsibility to the Affiliated Subadviser. The Investment Managers may also delegate proxy voting responsibility to a subadviser that is not an Affiliated Subadviser in certain limited situations as disclosed to fund shareholders (e.g., where an Investment Manager to a pooled investment vehicle has engaged a subadviser that is not an Affiliated Subadviser to manage all or a portion of the assets).

 

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HOW THE INVESTMENT MANAGERS VOTE PROXIES

Proxy Services

All proxies received by the Proxy Group will be voted based upon the Investment Managers’ instructions and/or policies. To assist it in analyzing proxies of equity securities, the Investment Managers subscribe to Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), an unaffiliated third-party corporate governance research service that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas and vote recommendations. In addition, the Investment Managers subscribe to ISS’s Proxy Voting Service and Vote Disclosure Service. These services include receipt of proxy ballots, custodian bank relations, account maintenance, vote execution, ballot reconciliation, vote record maintenance, comprehensive reporting capabilities, and vote disclosure services. Also, the Investment 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, as well as a limited subscription to its international research.

Although analyses provided by ISS, Glass Lewis, and/or another independent third-party proxy service provider (each a “Proxy Service”) are thoroughly reviewed and considered in making a final voting decision, the Investment Managers do not consider recommendations from a Proxy Service or any third-party to be determinative of the Investment Managers’ ultimate decision. Rather, the Investment Managers exercise their independent judgment in making voting decisions. As a matter of policy, the officers, directors and employees of the Investment Managers and the Proxy Group will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests conflict with the interests of Advisory Clients.

For ease of reference, the Proxy Policies often refer to all Advisory Clients. However, our processes and practices seek to ensure that proxy voting decisions are suitable for individual Advisory Clients. In some cases, the Investment Managers’ evaluation may result in an individual Advisory Client or Investment Manager voting differently, depending upon the nature and objective of the fund or account, the composition of its portfolio, whether the Investment Manager has adopted a specialty or custom voting policy, and other factors.

Conflicts of Interest

All conflicts of interest will be resolved in the best interests of the Advisory Clients. The Investment Managers are affiliates of a large, diverse financial services firm with many affiliates and makes its best efforts to mitigate conflicts of interest. However, as a general matter, the Investment Managers take the position that relationships between certain affiliates that do not use the “Franklin Templeton” name (“Independent Affiliates”) and an issuer (e.g., an investment management relationship between an issuer and an Independent Affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for an Investment Manager in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because: (i) the Investment Managers operate as an independent business unit from the Independent Affiliate business units, and (ii) informational barriers exist between the Investment Managers and the Independent Affiliate business units.

Material conflicts of interest could arise in a variety of situations, including as a result of the Investment Managers’ or an affiliate’s (other than an Independent Affiliate as described above): (i) material business relationship with an issuer or proponent, (ii) direct or indirect pecuniary interest in an issuer or proponent; or (iii) significant personal or family relationship with an issuer or proponent. Material conflicts of interest are identified by the Proxy Group based upon analyses of client, distributor, broker dealer, and vendor lists, information periodically gathered from directors and officers, and information derived from other sources, including public filings. The Proxy Group gathers and analyzes this information on a best-efforts basis, as much of this information is provided directly by individuals and groups other than the Proxy Group, and the Proxy Group relies on the accuracy of the information it receives from such parties.

Nonetheless, even though a potential conflict of interest between the Investment Managers or an affiliate (other than an Independent Affiliate as described above) and an issuer may exist: (1) the Investment Managers may vote in opposition to the recommendations of an issuer’s management even if contrary to the recommendations of a third-party proxy voting research provider; (2) if management has made no recommendations, the Proxy Group may defer to the voting instructions of the Investment Managers; and (3) with respect to shares held by Franklin Resources, Inc. or its affiliates for their own corporate accounts, such shares may be voted without regard to these conflict procedures.

Otherwise, in situations where a material conflict of interest is identified between the Investment Managers or one of its affiliates (other than Independent Affiliates) and an issuer, the Proxy Group may vote consistent with the voting

 

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recommendation of a Proxy Service or send the proxy directly to the relevant Advisory Clients with the Investment Managers’ recommendation regarding the vote for approval. To address certain affiliate conflict situations, the Investment Managers will employ pass-through voting or mirror voting when required pursuant to a fund’s governing documents or applicable law.

Where the Proxy Group refers a matter to an Advisory Client, it may rely upon the instructions of a representative of the Advisory Client, such as the board of directors or trustees, a committee of the board, or an appointed delegate in the case of a U.S. registered investment company, a conducting officer in the case of a fund that has appointed FTIS S.à.r.l as its Management Company, the Independent Review Committee for Canadian investment funds, or a plan administrator in the case of an employee benefit plan. A quorum of the board of directors or trustees or of a committee of the board can be reached by a majority of members, or a majority of non-recused members. The Proxy Group may determine to vote all shares held by Advisory Clients of the Investment Managers and affiliated Investment Managers (other than Independent Affiliates) in accordance with the instructions of one or more of the Advisory Clients.

The Investment Managers may also decide whether to vote proxies for securities deemed to present conflicts of interest that are sold following a record date, but before a shareholder meeting date. The Investment Managers may consider various factors in deciding whether to vote such proxies, including the Investment Managers’ long-term view of the issuer’s securities for investment, or it may defer the decision to vote to the applicable Advisory Client. The Investment Managers also may be unable to vote, or choose not to vote, a proxy for securities deemed to present a conflict of interest for any of the reasons outlined in the first paragraph of the section of these policies entitled “Proxy Procedures.”

Weight Given Management Recommendations

One of the primary factors the Investment Managers consider when determining the desirability of investing in a particular company is the quality and depth of that company’s management. Accordingly, the recommendation of management on any issue is a factor that the Investment Managers consider in determining how proxies should be voted. However, the Investment Managers do not consider recommendations from management to be determinative of the Investment Managers’ ultimate decision. Each issue is considered on its own merits, and the Investment Managers will not support the position of a company’s management in any situation where it determines that the ratification of management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning that company’s shares.

Engagement with Issuers

The Investment Managers believe that engagement with issuers is important to good corporate governance and to assist in making proxy voting decisions. The Investment Managers may engage with issuers to discuss specific ballot items to be voted on in advance of an annual or special meeting to obtain further information or clarification on the proposals. The Investment Managers may also engage with management on a range of environmental, social or corporate governance issues throughout the year.

THE PROXY GROUP

The Proxy Group is part of the Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC Legal Department and is overseen by legal counsel. Full-time staff members and support staff (which includes individuals that are employees of affiliates of Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC) are devoted to proxy voting administration and oversight and providing support and assistance where needed. On a daily basis, the Proxy Group will review each proxy upon receipt as well as any agendas, materials and recommendations that they receive from a Proxy Service or other sources. The Proxy Group maintains a record of all shareholder meetings that are scheduled for companies whose securities are held by the Investment Managers’ managed funds and accounts. For each shareholder meeting, a member of the Proxy Group will consult with the research analyst that follows the security and provide the analyst with the agenda, analyses of one or more Proxy Services, recommendations and any other information provided to the Proxy Group. Except in situations identified as presenting material conflicts of interest, the Investment Managers’ research analyst and relevant portfolio manager(s) are responsible for making the final voting decision based on their review of the agenda, analyses of one or more Proxy Services, proxy statements, their knowledge of the company and any other information publicly available.

In situations where the Investment Managers have not responded with vote recommendations to the Proxy Group by the deadline date, the Proxy Group may vote consistent with the vote recommendations of a Proxy Service. Except in cases where the Proxy Group is voting consistent with the voting recommendation of a Proxy Service, the Proxy Group must obtain voting

 

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instructions from the Investment Managers’ research analysts, relevant portfolio manager(s), legal counsel and/or the Advisory Client prior to submitting the vote. In the event that an account holds a security that an Investment Manager did not purchase on its behalf, and the Investment Manager does not normally consider the security as a potential investment for other accounts, the Proxy Group may vote consistent with the voting recommendations of a Proxy Service or take no action on the meeting.

PROXY PROCEDURES

The Proxy Group is fully cognizant of its responsibility to process proxies and maintain proxy records as may be required by relevant rules and regulations. In addition, the Investment Managers understand their fiduciary duty to vote proxies and that proxy voting decisions may affect the value of shareholdings. Therefore, the Investment Managers will generally attempt to process every proxy it receives for all domestic and foreign securities. However, there may be situations in which the Investment Managers may be unable to successfully vote a proxy, or may choose not to vote a proxy, such as where: (i) a proxy ballot was not received from the custodian bank; (ii) a meeting notice was received too late; (iii) there are fees imposed upon the exercise of a vote and it is determined that such fees outweigh the benefit of voting; (iv) there are legal encumbrances to voting, including blocking restrictions in certain markets that preclude the ability to dispose of a security if an Investment Manager votes a proxy or where the Investment Manager is prohibited from voting by applicable law, economic or other sanctions, or other regulatory or market requirements, including but not limited to, effective Powers of Attorney; (v) additional documentation or the disclosure of beneficial owner details is required; (vi) the Investment Managers held shares on the record date but has sold them prior to the meeting date; (vii) the Advisory Client held shares on the record date, but the Advisory Client closed the account prior to the meeting date; (viii) a proxy voting service is not offered by the custodian in the market; (ix) due to either system error or human error, the Investment Managers’ intended vote is not correctly submitted; (x) the Investment Managers believe it is not in the best interest of the Advisory Client to vote the proxy for any other reason not enumerated herein; or (xi) a security is subject to a securities lending or similar program that has transferred legal title to the security to another person.

Rejected Votes

Even if the Investment Managers use reasonable efforts to vote a proxy on behalf of its Advisory Clients, such vote or proxy may be rejected because of (a) operational or procedural issues experienced by one or more third parties involved in voting proxies in such jurisdictions; (b) changes in the process or agenda for the meeting by the issuer for which the Investment Managers do not have sufficient notice; or (c) the exercise by the issuer of its discretion to reject the vote of the Investment Managers. In addition, despite the best efforts of the Proxy Group and its agents, there may be situations where the Investment Managers’ votes are not received, or properly tabulated, by an issuer or the issuer’s agent.

Securities on Loan

The Investment Managers or their affiliates may, on behalf of one or more of the proprietary registered investment companies advised by the Investment Managers or their affiliates, make efforts to recall any security on loan where the Investment Manager or its affiliates (a) learn of a vote on an event that may materially affect a security on loan and (b) determine that it is in the best interests of such proprietary registered investment companies to recall the security for voting purposes. The ability to timely recall shares is not entirely within the control of the Investment Managers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates or other administrative considerations.

Split Voting

There may be instances in certain non-U.S. markets where split voting is not allowed. Split voting occurs when a position held within an account is voted in accordance with two differing instructions. Some markets and/or issuers only allow voting on an entire position and do not accept split voting. In certain cases, when more than one Franklin Templeton investment manager has accounts holding shares of an issuer that are held in an omnibus structure, the Proxy Group will seek direction from an appropriate representative of the Advisory Client with multiple Investment Managers (such as a conducting officer of the Management Company in the case of a SICAV), or the Proxy Group will submit the vote based on the voting instructions provided by the Investment Manager with accounts holding the greatest number of shares of the security within the omnibus structure.

 

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Bundled Items

If several issues are bundled together in a single voting item, the Investment Managers will assess the total benefit to shareholders and the extent that such issues should be subject to separate voting proposals.

PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS INVOLVING FIXED INCOME SECURITIES & PRIVATELY HELD ISSUERS

From time to time, certain custodians may process events for fixed income securities through their proxy voting channels rather than corporate action channels for administrative convenience. In such cases, the Proxy Group will receive ballots for such events on the ISS voting platform. The Proxy Group will solicit voting instructions from the Investment Managers for each account or fund involved. If the Proxy Group does not receive voting instructions from the Investment Managers, the Proxy Group will take no action on the event. The Investment Managers may be unable to vote a proxy for a fixed income security, or may choose not to vote a proxy, for the reasons described under the section entitled “Proxy Procedures.”

In the rare instance where there is a vote for a privately held issuer, the decision will generally be made by the relevant portfolio managers or research analysts.

The Proxy Group will monitor such meetings involving fixed income securities or privately held issuers for conflicts of interest in accordance with these procedures. If a fixed income or privately held issuer is flagged as a potential conflict of interest, the Investment Managers may nonetheless vote as it deems in the best interests of its Advisory Clients. The Investment Managers will report such decisions on an annual basis to Advisory Clients as may be required.

 

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Appendix A

These Proxy Policies apply to accounts managed by personnel within Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, which includes the following Investment Managers:

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (FAV)

Franklin Advisory Services, LLC (FASL)

Franklin Mutual Advisers LLC (FMA)

Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. (FTIC)

Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (FTIML)

Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML)

The following Proxy Policies apply to FAV, FMA, FTIC, FTIML, and TAML only:

HOW THE INVESTMENT MANAGERS VOTE PROXIES

Proxy Services

Certain of the Investment Managers’ separate accounts or funds (or a portion thereof) are included under Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (“FTIS”), a separate investment group within Franklin Templeton, and employ a quantitative strategy.

For such accounts, FTIS’s proprietary methodologies rely on a combination of quantitative, qualitative, and behavioral analysis rather than fundamental security research and analyst coverage that an actively managed portfolio would ordinarily employ. Accordingly, absent client direction, in light of the high number of positions held by such accounts and the considerable time and effort that would be required to review proxy statements and ISS or Glass Lewis recommendations, the Investment Manager may review ISS’s non-US Benchmark guidelines, ISS’s specialty guidelines (in particular, ISS’s Sustainability guidelines), or Glass Lewis’s US guidelines (the “the ISS and Glass Lewis Proxy Voting Guidelines”) and determine, consistent with the best interest of its clients, to provide standing instructions to the Proxy Group to vote proxies according to the recommendations of ISS or Glass Lewis.

The Investment Manager, however, retains the ability to vote a proxy differently than ISS or Glass Lewis recommends if the Investment Manager determines that it would be in the best interests of Advisory Clients (for example, where an issuer files additional solicitation materials after a Proxy Service has issued its voting recommendations but sufficiently before the vote submission deadline and these materials would reasonably be expected to affect the Investment Manager’s voting determination).

The following Proxy Policies apply to FASL only:

HOW THE INVESTMENT MANAGERS VOTE PROXIES

Proxy Services

The Franklin LibertyQ branded smart beta exchange traded funds and other passively managed exchange traded funds (collectively, “ETFs”), seek to track a particular securities index. As a result, each ETF may hold the securities of hundreds of issuers. Because the primary criteria for determining whether a security should be included (or continued to be included) in an ETF’s investment portfolio is whether such security is a representative component of the securities index that the ETF is seeking to track, the ETFs do not require the fundamental security research and analyst coverage that an actively managed portfolio would require. Accordingly, in light of the high number of positions held by an ETF and the considerable time and effort that would be required to review proxy statements and ISS or Glass Lewis recommendations, the Investment Manager may review ISS’s non-US Benchmark guidelines, ISS’s specialty guidelines (in particular, ISS’s Sustainability guidelines), or Glass Lewis’s US guidelines (the “ISS and Glass Lewis Proxy Voting Guidelines”) and determine, consistent with the best interest of its clients, to provide standing instructions to the Proxy Group to vote proxies according to the recommendations of ISS or Glass Lewis rather than analyze each individual proxy vote. Permitting the Investment Manager of the ETFs to defer its judgment for voting on a

 

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proxy to the recommendations of ISS or Glass Lewis may result in a proxy related to the securities of a particular issuer held by an ETF being voted differently from the same proxy that is voted on by other funds managed by the Investment Managers.

The following Proxy Policies apply to FTIC, FTIML, and TAML only:

HOW THE INVESTMENT MANAGERS VOTE PROXIES

Proxy Services

For accounts managed by the Templeton Global Equity Group (“TGEG”), in making voting decisions, the Investment Manager may consider Glass Lewis’s Proxy Voting Guidelines, ISS’s Benchmark Policies, ISS’s Sustainability Policy, and TGEG’s custom sustainability guidelines, which reflect what TGEG believes to be good environmental, social, and governance practices.

The following Proxy Policies apply to FTIC only:

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGERS TO VOTE PROXIES

To the extent that the Investment Manager has a subadvisory agreement with an affiliated investment manager (the “Affiliated Subadviser”) with respect to a particular Advisory Client or the Investment Manager chooses securities for an Advisory Client’s portfolios that are recommended by an Affiliated Subadviser, the Investment Manager may delegate proxy voting responsibility to the Affiliated Subadviser or vote proxies in accordance with the Affiliated Subadviser’s recommendations.

 

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Appendix B

Credit Ratings

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

The ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings represent their opinions as to the quality of various debt obligations. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, debt obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while debt obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. As described by the rating agencies, ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuances. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so.

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. Global Rating Scales

Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short- term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Moody’s defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual financial obligations1 addressed by Moody’s ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability, the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g., floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody’s rating addresses the issuer’s ability to obtain cash sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay.2 Moody’s ratings do not address non-standard sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating.3 Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of eleven months or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.4, 5 Moody’s issues ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long- term scale and the short-term scale. Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be assigned.6

Moody’s differentiates structured finance ratings from fundamental ratings (i.e., ratings on nonfinancial corporate, financial institution, and public sector entities) on the global long-term scale by adding (sf ) to all structured finance ratings.7 The addition of (sf ) to structured finance ratings should eliminate any presumption that such ratings and fundamental ratings at the same letter grade level will behave the same.

                   

1

In the case of impairments, there can be a financial loss even when contractual obligations are met.

2

In some cases the relevant credit risk relates to a third party, in addition to, or instead of the issuer. Examples include credit-linked notes and guaranteed obligations.

3

Because the number of possible features or structures is limited only by the creativity of issuers, Moody’s cannot comprehensively catalogue all the types of non-standard variation affecting financial obligations, but examples include equity indexed principal values and cash flows, prepayment penalties, and an obligation to pay an amount that is not ascertainable at the inception of the transaction.

4

For certain preferred stock and hybrid securities in which payment default events are either not defined or do not match investors’ expectations for timely payment, long-term and short-term ratings reflect the likelihood of impairment and financial loss in the event of impairment.

5

Debts held on the balance sheets of official sector institutions – which include supranational institutions, central banks and certain government-owned or controlled banks – may not always be treated the same as debts held by private investors and lenders. When it is known that an obligation is held by official sector institutions as well as other investors, a rating (short-term or long-term) assigned to that obligation reflects only the credit risks faced by non-official sector investors.

6

For information on how to obtain a Moody’s credit rating, including private and unpublished credit ratings, please see Moody’s Investors Service Products. Please note that Moody’s always reserves the right to choose not to assign or maintain a credit rating for its own business reasons.

7

Like other global scale ratings, (sf) ratings reflect both the likelihood of a default and the expected loss suffered in the event of default. Ratings are assigned based on a rating committee’s assessment of a security’s expected loss rate (default probability multiplied by expected loss severity), and may be subject to the constraint that the final expected loss rating assigned would not be more than a certain number of notches, typically three to five notches, above the rating that would be assigned based on an assessment of default probability alone. The magnitude of this constraint may vary with the level of the rating, the seasoning of the transaction, and the uncertainty around the assessments of expected loss and probability of default.

 

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The (sf) indicator for structured finance security ratings indicates that otherwise similarly rated structured finance and fundamental securities may have different risk characteristics. Through its current methodologies, however, Moody’s aspires to achieve broad expected equivalence in structured finance and fundamental rating performance when measured over a long period of time.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Global Long-Term Ratings:

Aaa—Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

Aa—Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A—Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa—Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba—Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B—Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa—Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca—Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C—Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect 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; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

* By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s Global Short-Term Ratings:

P-1—Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.

P-2—Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term obligations.

P-3—Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

NP—Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s US Municipal Ratings:

U.S. Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings:

Moody’s uses the global short-term Prime rating scale for commercial paper issued by US municipalities and nonprofits. These commercial paper programs may be backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities, or by an issuer’s self-liquidity.

For other short-term municipal obligations, Moody’s uses one of two other short-term rating scales, the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scales discussed below.

MIG Ratings:

Moody’s uses the MIG scale for US municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less. Under certain circumstances, Moody’s uses the MIG scale for bond anticipation notes with maturities of up to five years.

 

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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 as 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.

SG—This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

VMIG Ratings:

For variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), Moody’s assigns both a long-term rating and a short-term payment obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer’s ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term payment obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to meet any purchase price payment obligations resulting from optional tenders (“on demand”) and/or mandatory tenders of the VRDO. The short-term payment obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. Transitions of VMIG ratings with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions of Prime ratings reflecting the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

For VRDOs, Moody’s typically assigns a VMIG rating if the frequency of the payment obligation is less than every three years. If the frequency of the payment obligation is less than three years, but the obligation is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the VMIG short-term rating is not assigned and it is denoted as “NR”. Industrial development bonds in the US where the obligor is a corporate may carry a VMIG rating that reflects Moody’s view of the relative likelihood of default and loss. In these cases, liquidity assessment is based on the liquidity of the corporate obligor.

VMIG 1—This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

VMIG 2—This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short- term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

VMIG 3—This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

SG—This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

Description of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s National Scale Long-Term Ratings:

Moody’s long-term National Scale Ratings (NSRs) are opinions of the relative creditworthiness of issuers and financial obligations within a particular country. NSRs are not designed to be compared among countries; rather, they address relative credit risk within a given country. Moody’s assigns national scale ratings in certain local capital markets in which investors have found the global rating scale provides inadequate differentiation among credits or is inconsistent with a rating scale already in common use in the country.

In each specific country, the last two characters of the rating indicate the country in which the issuer is located or the financial obligation was issued (e.g., Aaa.ke for Kenya).

Long-Term NSR Scale

Aaa.n     Issuers or issues rated Aaa.n demonstrate the strongest creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Aa.n     Issuers or issues rated Aa.n demonstrate very strong creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

 

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A.n     Issuers or issues rated A.n present above-average creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Baa.n     Issuers or issues rated Baa.n represent average creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Ba.n     Issuers or issues rated Ba.n demonstrate below-average creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

B.n     Issuers or issues rated B.n demonstrate weak creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Caa.n     Issuers or issues rated Caa.n demonstrate very weak creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

Ca.n     Issuers or issues rated Ca.n demonstrate extremely weak creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

C.n     Issuers or issues rated C.n demonstrate the weakest creditworthiness relative to other domestic issuers and issuances.

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; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings’ analysis of the following considerations:

 

 

The likelihood of payment—the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitments on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

 

The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise S&P Global Ratings imputes; and

 

The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

An issue rating is an assessment of default risk but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

AAA—An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA—An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

BBB—An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, and 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. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

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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 that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments on the obligation.

CC—An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

C—An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

D—An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

Ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:

A-1—A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2—A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3—A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

B—A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C—A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

D—A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period.

 

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However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings:

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

 

Amortization schedule—the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

Source of payment—the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

SP-1—Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

SP-2—Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

SP-3—Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

D—“D” is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings

 

  AAA

An obligor rated “AAA” has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. “AAA” is the highest issuer credit rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings.

 

  AA

An obligor rated “AA” has very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest-rated obligors only to a small degree.

 

  A

An obligor rated “A” has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments but is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in higher-rated categories.

 

  BBB

An obligor rated “BBB” has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments.

BB, B, CCC, and CC Obligors rated “BB”, “B”, “CCC”, and “CC” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “CC” the highest. While such obligors will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

  BB

An obligor rated “BB” is less vulnerable in the near term than other lower-rated obligors. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties and exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  B

An obligor rated “B” is more vulnerable than the obligors rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments.

 

  CCC

An obligor rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.

 

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  CC

An obligor rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

SD and D An obligor is rated “SD” (selective default) or “D” if S&P Global Ratings considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long- or short-term, including rated and unrated obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in nonpayment according to terms. A “D” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An “SD” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. A rating on an obligor is lowered to “D” or “SD” if it is conducting a distressed debt restructuring.

Ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

Short-Term Issuer Credit Ratings

 

  A-1

An obligor rated “A-1” has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. Within this category, certain obligors are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments is extremely strong.

 

  A-2

An obligor rated “A-2” has satisfactory capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in the highest rating category.

 

  A-3

An obligor rated “A-3” has adequate capacity to meet its financial obligations. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  B

An obligor rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

  C

An obligor rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment that would result in an “SD” or “D” issuer rating and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.

SD and D An obligor is rated “SD” (selective default) or “D” if S&P Global Ratings considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long- or short-term, including rated and unrated obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in nonpayment according to terms. A “D” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An “SD” rating is assigned when S&P Global Ratings believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. A rating on an obligor is lowered to “D” or “SD” if it is conducting a distressed debt restructuring.

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Dual Ratings:

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, “AAA/A-1+” or “A-1+/A-1”). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, “SP-1+/A-1+”).

Description of S&P Global Ratings’ Active Qualifiers:

 

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S&P Global Ratings uses the following qualifiers that limit the scope of a rating. The structure of the transaction can require the use of a qualifier such as a “p” qualifier, which indicates the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. A qualifier appears as a suffix and is part of the rating.

Federal deposit insurance limit: “L” qualifier. Ratings qualified with “L” apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.

Principal: “p” qualifier. This suffix is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The “p” suffix indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only and that the interest is not rated.

Preliminary ratings: “prelim” qualifier. Preliminary ratings, with the “prelim” suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P Global Ratings of appropriate documentation. S&P Global Ratings reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating.

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions.

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor’s emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization, based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation, and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s).

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P Global Ratings’ opinion, documentation is close to final. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligations of these entities.

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing, or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor, as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative event not occur, S&P Global Ratings would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings.

 

A preliminary recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating.

Termination structures: “t” qualifier. This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.

Counterparty instrument rating: “cir” qualifier. This symbol indicates a counterparty instrument rating (CIR), which is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an issuer in a securitization structure with respect to a specific financial obligation to a counterparty (including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and liquidity facilities). The CIR is determined on an ultimate payment basis; these opinions do not take into account timeliness of payment.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Corporate Finance Obligations:

Ratings of individual securities or financial obligations of a corporate issuer address relative vulnerability to default on an ordinal scale. In addition, for financial obligations in corporate finance, a measure of recovery given default on that liability is also included in the rating assessment. This notably applies to covered bonds ratings, which incorporate both an indication of the probability of default and of the recovery given a default of this debt instrument. On the contrary, ratings of debtor-in-possession (DIP) obligations incorporate the expectation of full repayment.

The relationship between the issuer scale and obligation scale assumes a generic historical average recovery. Individual obligations can be assigned ratings higher, lower, or the same as that entity’s issuer rating or Issuer Default Rating (IDR), based on their relative ranking, relative vulnerability to default or based on explicit Recovery Ratings.

 

B-8


As a result, individual obligations of entities, such as corporations, are assigned ratings higher, lower, or the same as that entity’s issuer rating or IDR, except DIP obligation ratings that are not based off an IDR. At the lower end of the ratings scale, Fitch publishes explicit Recovery Ratings in many cases to complement issuer and obligation ratings.

AAA: Highest Credit Quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

B: Highly Speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. “CCC” ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk. “CC” ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. “C” indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

The ratings of corporate finance obligations are linked to Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) (or sometimes Viability Ratings for banks and non-bank financial institutions) by i) recovery expectations, including as often indicated by Recovery Ratings assigned in the case of low speculative grade issuers and ii) for banks and non-bank financial institutions an assessment of non-performance risk relative to the risk captured in the IDR or Viability Rating (e.g. in respect of certain hybrid securities).

For performing obligations, the obligation rating represents the risk of default and including the effect of expected recoveries on the credit risk should a default occur.

If the obligation rating is higher than the rating of the issuer, this indicates above average recovery expectations in the event of default. If the obligations rating is lower than the rating of the issuer, this indicates low expected recoveries should default occur.

Ratings in the categories of “CCC”, “CC” and “C” can also relate to obligations or issuers that are in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Issuer Default Ratings:

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned IDRs. IDRs are also assigned to certain entities or enterprises in global infrastructure, project finance and public finance. IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default (including by way of a distressed debt exchange) on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.

 

B-9


AAA: Highest Credit Quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B: Highly Speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a “C” category rating for an issuer include:

 

 

The issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

 

The issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation;

 

The formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

 

A closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent

RD: Restricted Default. “RD” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced:

 

 

An uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

 

Has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include:

   

The selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

   

The uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

   

The extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

D: Default. “D” ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

 

B-10


In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Structured Finance Long-Term Obligation Ratings:

Ratings of structured finance obligations on the long-term scale consider the obligations’ relative vulnerability to default. These ratings are typically assigned to an individual security or tranche in a transaction and not to an issuer.

AAA: Highest Credit Quality.

“AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality.

“AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality.

“A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality.

“BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative.

“BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time.

B: Highly Speculative.

“B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk.

Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk.

Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk.

Default appears imminent or inevitable.

D: Default.

Indicates a default. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

 

 

Failure to make payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the rated obligation;

 

bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of the business of an issuer/obligor; or

 

distressed exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation to avoid a probable payment default.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Country Ceilings Ratings:

 

B-11


Country Ceilings are expressed using the symbols of the long-term issuer primary credit rating scale and relate to sovereign jurisdictions also rated by Fitch on the IDR scale. They reflect the agency’s judgment regarding the risk of capital and exchange controls being imposed by the sovereign authorities that would prevent or materially impede the private sector’s ability to convert local currency into foreign currency and transfer to non-resident creditors — transfer and convertibility (T&C) risk. They are not ratings but expressions of a cap for the foreign currency issuer ratings of most, but not all, issuers in a given country. Given the close correlation between sovereign credit and T&C risks, the Country Ceiling may exhibit a greater degree of volatility than would normally be expected when it lies above the sovereign Foreign Currency Rating.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Sovereigns, Public Finance and Global Infrastructure Obligations:

Ratings of public finance obligations and ratings of infrastructure and project finance obligations on the long-term scale, including the financial obligations of sovereigns, consider the obligations’ relative vulnerability to default. These ratings are assigned to an individual security, instrument or tranche in a transaction. In some cases, considerations of recoveries can have an influence on obligation ratings in infrastructure and project finance. In limited cases in U.S. public finance, where Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code provides reliably superior prospects for ultimate recovery to local government obligations that benefit from a statutory lien on revenues, Fitch reflects this in a security rating with limited notching above the IDR. Recovery expectations can also be reflected in a security rating in the U.S. during the pendency of a bankruptcy proceeding under the Code if there is sufficient visibility on potential recovery prospects.

AAA: Highest Credit Quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time.

B: Highly Speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. Default appears imminent or inevitable.

D: Default. Indicates a default. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

 

 

Failure to make payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the rated obligation;

 

bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of the business of an issuer/obligor where payment default on an obligation is a virtual certainty; or

 

distressed exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation to avoid a probable payment default.

Notes: In U.S. public finance, obligations may be pre-refunded, where funds sufficient to meet the requirements of the respective obligations are placed in an escrow account. When obligation ratings are maintained based on the escrowed funds and their structural elements, the ratings carry the suffix “pre” (e.g. “AAApre”, “AA+pre”).

 

B-12


Structured Finance Defaults

Imminent default, categorized under “C”, typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation’s documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation will typically be rated in the “C” category.

Structured Finance Write-downs

Where an instrument has experienced an involuntary and, in the agency’s opinion, irreversible write-down of principal (i.e. other than through amortization, and resulting in a loss to the investor), a credit rating of “D” will be assigned to the instrument. Where the agency believes the write-down may prove to be temporary (and the loss may be written up again in future if and when performance improves), then a credit rating of “C” will typically be assigned. Should the write-down then later be reversed, the credit rating will be raised to an appropriate level for that instrument. Should the write-down later be deemed as irreversible, the credit rating will be lowered to “D”.

Notes:

In the case of structured finance, while the ratings do not address the loss severity given default of the rated liability, loss severity assumptions on the underlying assets are nonetheless typically included as part of the analysis. Loss severity assumptions are used to derive pool cash flows available to service the rated liability.

The suffix “sf” denotes an issue that is a structured finance transaction.

Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs) are corporate-structured hybrid debt securities that airlines typically use to finance aircraft equipment. Due to the hybrid characteristics of these bonds, Fitch’s rating approach incorporates elements of both the structured finance and corporate rating methodologies. Although rated as asset-backed securities, unlike other structured finance ratings, EETC ratings involve a measure of recovery given default akin to ratings of financial obligations in corporate finance, as described above.

Description of Fitch Ratings’ Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations:

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention (a long-term rating can also be used to rate an issue with short maturity). Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

F1: Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2: Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3: Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

B: Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C: High Short-Term Default Risk. Default is a real possibility.

RD: Restricted Default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

D: Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

B-13


Part C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28.  Exhibits

 

(a)

   The Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of September 1, 2021 (the “Declaration of Trust”), including Designation of Series of Shares of Beneficial Interests and Designation of Classes, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2021 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 499”).

(b)

   The Registrant’s By-Laws dated October 4, 2006 as amended and restated as of April 7, 2020 are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 476 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on May 22, 2020.

(c)

   Instruments defining rights of security holders of series of the Registrant are contained in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, each as amended to date, which are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits (a) and (b) of this Item 28.

(d)

   (1) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund, and Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 21, 2020 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 486”).
   (2) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (3) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (4) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (5) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge International Small Cap Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (6) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge International Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (7) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (8) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (9) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (10) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (11) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Select Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (12) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (13) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.


   (14) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (15) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (16) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Conservative Growth Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (17) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Defensive Growth Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (18) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Global Dividend Fund (formerly known as QS Global Dividend Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (19) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Global Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Global Equity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (20) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Growth Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (21) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Moderate Growth Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (22) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund (formerly known as QS S&P 500 Index Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (23) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as QS U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund), and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (24) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of BrandywineGLOBAL – Corporate Credit Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (25) Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of BrandywineGLOBAL – High Yield Fund, and LMPFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (26) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge”), with respect to ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (27) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“WAM”), with respect to ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (28) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (29) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (30) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.


   (31) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (32) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (33) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (34) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge International Small Cap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (35) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge International Small Cap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (36) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge International Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (37) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge International Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (38) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (39) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (40) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (41) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (42) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (43) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (44) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (45) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (46) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Select Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (47) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Select Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (48) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.


   (49) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (50) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (51) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (52) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (53) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (54) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and ClearBridge, with respect to ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (55) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (56) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers”), with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (57) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Conservative Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (58) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (59) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Defensive Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (60) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin Global Dividend Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (61) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin Global Dividend Fund (formerly known as QS Global Dividend Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (62) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin Global Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (63) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin Global Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Global Equity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (64) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (65) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.


   (66) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (67) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Moderate Growth Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (68) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (69) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund (formerly known as QS S&P 500 Index Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (70) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, with respect to Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (71) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and WAM, with respect to Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as QS U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (72) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Brandywine Global Asset Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”), with respect to BrandywineGLOBAL – Corporate Credit Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (73) Subadvisory Agreement between LMPFA and Brandywine Global, with respect to BrandywineGLOBAL – High Yield Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.

(e)

   (1) Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors”) dated July 31, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 486.
   (2) Amended Appendix A to the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Franklin Distributors dated as of May 5, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 504 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on May 24, 2022 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 504”).

(f)

   (1) Emeritus Retirement Plan relating to certain funds, established effective as of January 1, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 5, 2006.
   (2) Amended and Restated Trustee Retirement Plan relating to certain funds dated as of January 1, 2005 (the “General Retirement Plan”), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on January 8, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 61”).
   (3) Legg Mason Investment Series (formerly Smith Barney Investment Series) Amended and Restated Trustees Retirement Plan dated as of January 1, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
   (4) Amendment to the General Retirement Plan and the Legg Mason Partners Investment Series Amended and Restated Trustees Retirement Plan dated as of July 10, 2006 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.
   (5) Amended and Restated Emeritus Retirement Plan relating to certain funds, established effective as of January 1, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61.

(g)

   (1) Custodian Services Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 405 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on January 26, 2018 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 405”).
   (2) Amendment to Custodian Services Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated as of August 15, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on


   December 22, 2022 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 505”).
   (3) Fund Accounting Services Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated January 1, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 405.
   (4) Amendment to Fund Accounting Services Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, dated as of August 15, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505.

(h)

   (1) Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Agreement with Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC, dated as of February 18, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505.
   (2) Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement Resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505.
   (3) Form of Fund of Funds Investment Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 503 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the SEC on April 25, 2022.

(i)

   (1) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding the legality of shares being registered is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 16, 2007.
   (2) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%), Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%), Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%), and Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 75”).
   (3) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%), Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%), Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%), and Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75.
   (4) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R Shares of ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund and ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on November 30, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 76”).
   (5) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R Shares of ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund and ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.
   (6) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund and ClearBridge International Value Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International All Cap Opportunity Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 14, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 78”).
   (7) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund and ClearBridge International Value Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International All Cap Opportunity Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78.
   (8) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 28, 2007 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 79”).
   (9) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 79.


   (10) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Franklin Global Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch Global Equity Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 5, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 82”).
   (11) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class FI and Class R shares of Franklin Global Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch Global Equity Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 82.
   (12) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding the legality of Class A, C, FI, R, I and IS shares of Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 15, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 87”).
   (13) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class A, C, FI, R, I and IS shares of Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
   (14) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class IS shares of ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, Class FI and Class R Shares of ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Equity Income Fund), Class FI, Class R and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund, and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 90”).
   (15) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class IS shares of ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, Class FI and Class R Shares of ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Equity Income Fund), Class FI, Class R and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90.
   (16) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class IS Shares of ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund, ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund, ClearBridge International Value Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International All Cap Opportunity Fund), ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund and ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on May 5, 2008 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 103”).
   (17) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class IS Shares of ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund, ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund, ClearBridge International Value Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International All Cap Opportunity Fund), ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund and ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103.
   (18) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund, Franklin Global Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch Global Equity Fund) and ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 137”).
   (19) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Appreciation Fund, ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund, Franklin Global Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch Global Equity Fund) and ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137.
   (20) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class R1 Shares of ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on October 30, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 149”).
   (21) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class R1 Shares of ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149.
   (22) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund and ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 150 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on November 6, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 150”).


   (23) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund and ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-effective Amendment No. 150.
   (24) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund, ClearBridge International Value Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International All Cap Opportunity Fund) and ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 153 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on November 24, 2009 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 153”).
   (25) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund, ClearBridge International Value Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International All Cap Opportunity Fund) and ClearBridge Mid Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Mid Cap Core Fund) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 153.
   (26) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund and Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 155 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on January 6, 2010 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 155”).
   (27) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund and Franklin U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 155.
   (28) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class IS shares and Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Equity Income Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 16, 2010 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 159”).
   (29) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding legality of Class IS shares and Class R1 shares of ClearBridge Dividend Strategy Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge Equity Income Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159.
   (30) Opinion and Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regarding legality of Class R1 shares of Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 85%), Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 70%), Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 50%), and Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund (formerly known as QS Legg Mason Lifestyle Allocation 30%) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2010.
   (31) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class A, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1, Class I and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Mid Cap Growth Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on June 4, 2010.
   (32) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of shares of Class A, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class R1, Class I and Class IS shares of ClearBridge International Small Cap Fund (formerly known as ClearBridge International Small Cap Opportunity Fund and previous thereto Legg Mason Global Currents International Small Cap Opportunity Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on June 16, 2010.
   (33) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of shares of Class A, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Select Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 246 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on September 12, 2012.
   (34) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of shares of Class A, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shares of Franklin Global Dividend Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch Managed Volatility Global Dividend Fund) incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 251 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on December 12, 2012.
   (35) Opinion of and Consent Venable LLP regarding legality of Class IS shares of ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund and ClearBridge Tactical Dividend Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 265 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 21, 2013.


   (36) Opinion of and Consent Venable LLP regarding legality of Class 1 shares of ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 269 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2013.
   (37) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class A2 shares of Franklin Global Dividend Fund (formerly known as QS Batterymarch Managed Volatility Global Dividend Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 320 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 15, 2015.
   (38) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class A, Class A2, Class C, Class FI, Class R, Class I and Class IS shares of ClearBridge Sustainability Leaders Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 332 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 13, 2015.
   (39) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class IS shares of Franklin Global Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 383 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on February 17, 2017.
   (40) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class IS shares of Franklin Multi-Asset Growth Fund, Franklin Multi-Asset Moderate Growth Fund, Franklin Multi-Asset Conservative Growth Fund and Franklin Multi-Asset Defensive Growth Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 399 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on May 22, 2017.
   (41) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of Class A2 shares of ClearBridge Select Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 422 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on September 13, 2018.
   (42) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of shares of Legg Mason Adaptive Growth Fund, Legg Mason Defensive Fund, Legg Mason High Growth Fund, Legg Mason Income Fund and Legg Mason Low Volatility Fund is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 433 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on March 8, 2019.
   (43) Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP regarding the legality of shares of BrandywineGLOBAL - Corporate Credit Fund and BrandywineGLOBAL - High Yield Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 498 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on July 26, 2021 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 498”).

(j)

   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.

(k)

   Not Applicable.

(l)

   Not Applicable.

(m)

   Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Registrant dated February 8, 2007, as amended and restated as of April 27, 2017, October 31, 2017, May 5, 2020 and May 5, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 504.

(n)

   Rule 18f-3(d) Multiple Class Plan of the Registrant dated February 6, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76.

(o)

   (1) Powers of Attorney of Jane E. Trust and Christopher Berarducci, dated May 19, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505.
   (2) Powers of Attorney of Trustees, dated May 5, 2022, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505.

(p)

   (1) Code of Ethics of the Independent Trustees of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 347 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on September 18, 2015.
   (2) Code of Ethics of Franklin Distributors is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 499.
   (3) Code of Ethics of Franklin Resources, Inc. (adopted by LMPFA and Franklin Advisers, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 498.
   (4) Code of Ethics of ClearBridge is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 493 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the SEC on April 23, 2021 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 493”).


  (5) Code of Ethics of WAM is is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 505.
  (6) Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 500.

 

EX-101.INS XBRL    Instance Document
EX-101.SCH XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
EX-101.CAL XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
EX-101.DEF XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
EX-101.LAB XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
EX-101.PRE XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant

None

Item 30. Indemnification

Article IX of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust addresses the limitation of liability and indemnification of the Registrant’s Trustees, officers and others. Section 9.2(a) of the Declaration of Trust provides that no current or former Trustee, officer, or employee of the Registrant will be subject to any personal liability whatsoever to any person, other than the Registrant or its shareholders, in connection with the affairs of the Registrant. Further, Section 9.2(b) of the Declaration of Trust provides that, subject to applicable federal law, no current or former Trustee or officer of the Registrant will be liable to the Registrant or to any shareholder for money damages except:

 

   

to the extent that it is proved that the person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services, or

 

   

to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the person’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding.

Section 9.5 of the Declaration of Trust requires that, subject to certain exceptions and limitations expressed in the Declaration of Trust, each current and former Trustee, officer, or employee of the Registrant, including persons who serve at the request of the Registrant as directors, trustees, officers, employees, agents or independent contractors of another organization in which the Registrant has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (each, a “Covered Person”), be indemnified by the Registrant to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being (or having served) in such position and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof. Section 9.5 of the Declaration of Trust further provides that no indemnification shall be provided to the extent such indemnification is prohibited by applicable federal law. The Declaration of Trust also sets forth provisions outlining presumptions that may be made relating to a person’s standard of conduct and when expenses may be advanced.

In addition to the foregoing, the Registrant has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each of its Trustees that provides for indemnification consistent with the principles described above. These Indemnification Agreements set forth certain procedural aspects with respect to indemnification, including the advancement of expenses, and presumptions relating to the determination of whether the standard of conduct required for indemnification has been met, as well as remedies for the indemnitee in the event that, among other things, determinations as to entitlement to indemnification, advancement of expenses and indemnity payments are not made in accordance with the procedures specified therein.

The Trustees and officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the Registrant’s manager are insured under an errors and omissions liability insurance policy. The Registrant and its officers are also insured under the fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be provided to Trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant, pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC 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 Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding or payment pursuant to any insurance policy) is asserted against the Registrant by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is prohibited as against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Registrant agrees to indemnify Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors”) (formerly known as Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC), its officers, directors and employees and any person who controls Franklin Distributors within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which Franklin


Distributors, its officers, directors and employees or any such controlling person may incur, under the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the Registration Statement not misleading, provided that in no event shall anything contained in the Distribution Agreement be construed so as to protect Franklin Distributors or such other parties against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders to which Franklin Distributors or such other parties would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of their duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of their obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement.

The Registrant’s Management Agreements and Subadvisory Agreements provide that the manager or subadvisor, as applicable, assumes no responsibility under the Agreements other than to render the services called for under the Agreements in good faith. The Management Agreements and Subadvisory Agreements further provide that the manager or the subadvisor, as applicable, shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of securities transactions for the fund, provided that nothing in the Agreements protect with the manager or the subadvisor, as applicable, against any liability to the Fund to which the manager or subadvisor, as applicable, would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreements.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”)

LMPFA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Resources”) and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). During the last two fiscal years, the directors and officers of LMPFA have not been engaged in any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than as directors or officers of Resources, other Resources subsidiaries and/or other Resources affiliated investment companies. The names and titles of the officers and directors of LMPFA are listed in Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by LMPFA pursuant to the Advisers Act, the text of which Schedules are incorporated herein by reference (SEC File No. 801-66785). LMPFA is located at 280 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”)

Brandywine Global is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resources and is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. During the last two fiscal years, the directors and officers of Brandywine Global have not been engaged in any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than as directors or officers of Resources, other Resources subsidiaries and/or other Resources affiliated investment companies. The names and titles of the officers and directors of Brandywine Global are listed in Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by Brandywine Global pursuant to the Advisers Act, the text of which Schedules are incorporated herein by reference (SEC File No. 801-27797). Brandywine Global is located at 1735 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge”)

ClearBridge is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resources and is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. During the last two fiscal years, the directors and officers of ClearBridge have not been engaged in any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than as directors or officers of Resources, other Resources subsidiaries and/or other Resources affiliated investment companies. The names and titles of the officers and directors of ClearBridge are listed in Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by ClearBridge pursuant to the Advisers Act, the text of which Schedules are incorporated herein by reference (SEC File No. 801-64710). ClearBridge is located at 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018.

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers”)

The officers and directors of Franklin Advisers also serve as officers and/or directors for (1) Franklin Advisers’ corporate parent, 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 Franklin Advisers (SEC File 801-26292), incorporated herein by reference, which sets forth the officers and directors of Franklin 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.

Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”)

Western Asset is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resources and is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. With the exception of Andrew Bowden, who joined Western Asset in 2021 and previously served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Jackson Financial, Inc. and Courtney Hoffman, who joined Western Asset in 2022 and previously served as Deputy General Counsel of Jackson Financial, Inc., during the last two fiscal years, the directors and officers of Western Asset have not been engaged in any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature other than as directors or officers of Resources, other Resources subsidiaries and/or other Resources affiliated investment companies. The names and titles of the officers and directors of Western Asset are listed in Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by Western Asset pursuant to the Advisers Act, the text of which Schedules are incorporated herein by reference (SEC File No. 801-8162). Western Asset is located at 385 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters


(a) Franklin Distributors, LLC (“Franklin Distributors”) (formerly known as Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC ), the distributor of the Registrant, is also a distributor of funds that are series of the following registrants:

Franklin Alternative Strategies Funds

Franklin California Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin California Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Custodian Funds

Franklin ETF Trust

Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

Franklin Global Trust

Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund

Franklin High Income Trust

Franklin Investors Securities Trust

Franklin Managed Trust

Franklin Municipal Securities Trust

Franklin Mutual Series Funds

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-Free Trust

Franklin Templeton ETF Trust

Franklin Templeton Trust

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust

Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund

Franklin Value Investors Trust

Institutional Fiduciary Trust

Templeton China World Fund

Templeton Developing Markets Trust

Templeton Funds

Templeton Global Investment Trust

Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund

Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.

Templeton Income Trust

Templeton Institutional Funds

Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust

Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust II

Legg Mason Global Asset Management Trust

Legg Mason Partners Income Trust

Legg Mason Partners Institutional Trust

Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust

Legg Mason Partners Money Market Trust

Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust

Legg Mason Partners Variable Income Trust

Western Asset Funds, Inc.

Franklin Distributors is the placement agent for funds that are series of Master Portfolio Trust.

(b) The information required by this Item 32 with respect to each director and officer of Franklin Distributors is listed below:

 

NAME AND PRINCIPAL

BUSINESS ADDRESS

  

POSITION AND OFFICES

WITH UNDERWRITER – FRANKLIN DISTRIBUTORS

  

POSITIONS AND OFFICES

WITH REGISTRANT

Adam Spector    Chief Executive Officer    None
1735 Market Street, Suite 1800      


Philadelphia, PA 19103      
Jeffrey Masom    President    None
100 International Drive      
Baltimore, MD 21202      
Kenneth Cieprisz    Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer    None
280 Park Avenue      
New York, NY 10017      
David Paterson    Chief Financial Officer and Designated Financial Principal    None
47 West 200 South, 2nd Floor      
Salt Lake City, UT 84101      

(c) Not applicable.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

With respect to the Registrant:

Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

With respect to the Registrant’s Investment Advisers:

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC

280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

1735 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

ClearBridge Investments, LLC

620 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

Franklin Advisers, Inc.

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403

Western Asset Management Company, LLC

385 East Colorado Boulevard

Pasadena, CA 91101

With respect to the Registrant’s Custodian:

The Bank of New York Mellon

240 Greenwich Street

New York, NY 10286

With respect to the Registrant’s Transfer Agent:


Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC

3344 Quality Drive

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

With respect to the Registrant’s Distributor:

Franklin Distributors, LLC

100 International Drive

Baltimore, MD 21202

Item 34. Management Services

Not Applicable

Item 35. Undertakings

Not Applicable


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, LEGG MASON PARTNERS INVESTMENT TRUST, hereby 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 Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Baltimore, State of Maryland on this 24th day of January, 2023.

 

LEGG MASON PARTNERS INVESTMENT TRUST, on behalf of its series:
ClearBridge All Cap Value Fund
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Fund
Franklin Global Dividend Fund
Franklin S&P 500 Index Fund

 

By:  

/s/ Jane E. Trust

  Jane E. Trust
  President and Chief Executive Officer

WITNESS our hands on the date set forth below.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on this 24th day of January, 2023.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ Jane E. Trust

  
Jane E. Trust    President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee

/s/ Christopher Berarducci

   Treasurer and Principal Financial
Christopher Berarducci    Officer

/s/ Paul R. Ades*

   Trustee
Paul R. Ades   

/s/ Andrew L. Breech*

   Trustee
Andrew L. Breech   

/s/ Althea Duersten*

   Trustee
Althea Duersten   

/s/ Stephen R. Gross*

   Trustee
Stephen R. Gross   

/s/ Susan Heilbron*

   Trustee
Susan Heilbron   

/s/ Arnold L. Lehman*

   Trustee
Arnold L. Lehman   


/s/ Robin J.W. Masters*

   Trustee
Robin J.W. Masters   
   Trustee

/s/ Kenneth Miller*

  
Kenneth Miller   

/s/ G. Peter O’Brien*

   Trustee
G. Peter O’Brien   
   Trustee

/s/ Thomas F. Schlafly*

  
Thomas F. Schlafly   

 

*By:  

/s/ Jane E. Trust

  Jane E. Trust, as Agent

 

*

Attorney in Fact, pursuant to Power of Attorney.


Exhibit Index

 

(j)    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

EX-101.INS XBRL    Instance Document
EX-101.SCH XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
EX-101.CAL XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
EX-101.DEF XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
EX-101.LAB XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
EX-101.PRE XBRL    Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase