UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-07851

 

 

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

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

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: 12/31

Date of reporting period: 12/31/19

 

 

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


LOGO


 

Internet Delivery of Fund Reports Unless You Request Paper Copies: Effective January 1, 2021, as permitted by the SEC, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request them from the Fund or your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you have not signed up for electronic delivery, we would encourage you to join fellow shareholders who have. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications electronically from the Fund by calling (800) 632-2301 or by contacting your financial intermediary.

You may elect to continue to receive paper copies of all your future shareholder reports free of charge by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly with a Fund, calling (800) 632-2301 to let the Fund know of your request. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.


SHAREHOLDER LETTER

Dear Shareholder:

 

The U.S. economy, after moderating for two consecutive quarters, grew during the 12 months ended December 31, 2019, and the unemployment rate declined. In January 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) signaled the end of its tightening cycle and cut the federal funds rate by 0.25% at each of its July, September and October 2019 meetings, decreasing the rate from 2.50% to 1.75% by period-end. The Fed cited muted inflation pressures, some soft business indicators and the potential effects of global developments on the U.S. economy as rationale for its more accommodative monetary policy. Stocks responded positively to the interest-rate cuts, despite some volatility due to U.S.-China trade tensions, and stocks gained further in December 2019 after the Fed indicated it would likely leave interest rates unchanged in 2020.

In this environment, the prices of U.S. stocks, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index (S&P 500®), returned +28.88% (the index increasing from 2,506.85 to 3,230.78).1,3 The prices of stocks in global developed markets, as measured by the MSCI World Index, returned +25.19% (the index increasing from 1,883.901 to 2,358.468).2,3 Investment-grade bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (Bloomberg Index), posted a +8.72% total return (an index increase from 2,046.60 to 2,225.00), which includes reinvestment of income and distributions.4

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

We believe active, professional investment management serves investors well. We also recognize the important role

of financial advisors in today’s markets and encourage investors to continue to seek their advice. Amid changing markets and economic conditions, we are confident investors with a well-diversified portfolio and a patient, long-term outlook should be well positioned for the years ahead.

In addition, Franklin Fund Allocator Series’ annual report includes more detail about prevailing conditions and a discussion about investment decisions during the period. As you know, all securities markets fluctuate, as do mutual fund share prices.

We thank you for investing with Franklin, welcome your questions and comments, and look forward to assisting your future investment plans.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

Chairman

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

This letter reflects our analysis and opinions as of December 31, 2019, unless otherwise indicated. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

1. Source: Copyright © 2020, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. All rights reserved.

2. Source: MSCI.

3. Source: Morningstar. The changes in index prices shown for the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index do not include reinvestments of income and distributions, which are included in their total returns, which were: S&P 500 +31.49% (index total return resulting in an increase from 4,984.22 to 6,553.57) and MSCI World Index +28.40% (index total return resulting in an increase from 7,771.710 to 9,979.034).

4. Sources: Morningstar and Bloomberg Barclays Indices. For the Bloomberg Index, only total return as shown is available, not price change without the inclusion of reinvested income and distributions.

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

 

 

 

Not FDIC Insured  |  May Lose Value  |   No Bank Guarantee

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Not part of the annual report     

 

 

    1


Contents

 

 

 

Annual Report

  

Economic and Market Overview

     3  

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund

     4  

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

     10  

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

     16  

Financial Highlights and Statements of Investments

     22  

Financial Statements

     43  

Notes to Financial Statements

     49  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     65  

Tax Information

     66  

Board Members and Officers

     68  

Shareholder Information

     72  

 

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

 

     

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

Economic and Market Overview

 

Global developed and emerging market stocks, as measured by the MSCI All Country World Index, posted strong returns during the reporting period. Although global economic growth slowed from 2018, interest-rate cuts from many central banks and the easing of trade tensions near period-end contributed to the generally positive environment for equities worldwide. Reflecting investor optimism and slowing but resilient economic growth, stocks advanced in every major region of the globe.

In the U.S., solid economic growth also supported equities, as healthy consumer spending and a strong labor market kept the economy afloat. The unemployment rate fell during the year, reaching 3.5% in September, November and December 2019, the lowest recorded unemployment rate in 50 years.1 Wages also grew, albeit at a moderate pace, and inflation remained persistently low. In addition, deficit spending by the U.S. government boosted current growth at the expense of long-term debt. Despite the strength in the consumer sector, some parts of the economy struggled, particularly heavy industry. Annual industrial production contracted late in the reporting period, manufacturing output stalled and capital spending declined.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) provided a substantial boost to equity markets early in the reporting period as it shifted to a more accommodative monetary policy. In January 2019, the Fed signaled the end of its tightening cycle and cut the federal funds rate three times thereafter, lowering it to a range of 1.50%–1.75%. Stocks responded positively to the interest-rate cuts and gained further in December 2019 after the Fed indicated it would likely leave interest rates unchanged in 2020.

Growth slowed overall in the eurozone, particularly in Germany and Italy. Germany, which is heavily reliant on exports, was adversely affected by the trade conflict between the U.S. and China and the resulting slowdown in global trade. In Italy, political uncertainty and budget concerns caused the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth to stall in 2019’s first quarter before accelerating in the second quarter. Despite sluggish economic conditions, European developed market equities, as measured by the MSCI Europe Index, posted strong returns overall, as easing trade tensions buoyed investor optimism and an electoral victory by the Conservative Party in the U.K. alleviated uncertainty

surrounding Brexit. Although the European Central Bank left its headline refinancing rate unchanged, it lowered the deposit rate and restarted its bond-buying stimulus program, further supporting stocks.

Economic growth in Asia was relatively solid overall, despite slowdowns in several large emerging market countries, such as China and India. Japan’s economy grew amid the Bank of Japan’s sizable stimulus program. The trade war between the U.S. and China provided the backdrop for Asian stocks, which rose and fell in sync with investor sentiment regarding a trade deal. A phase one trade agreement reached between the two countries in December 2019 propelled Asian developed and emerging market stocks, which ultimately ended with strong returns over the 12-month period, as measured by the MSCI All Country Asia Index.

Emerging market stocks overall experienced several sharp selloffs and subsequent rebounds throughout the reporting period before ending with gains. In aggregate, economic growth slowed somewhat from 2018 but remained solid, although there was some variation among individual countries. Many central banks in emerging markets cut interest rates throughout the reporting period which, along with resilient GDP growth, provided a supportive environment for equities. Russian stocks posted the highest returns among emerging markets as the threat of further sanctions receded and a solid fiscal environment reassured investors. Overall, global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, posted robust returns for the period.

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis and opinions as of December 31, 2019. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

1. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report  

 

 

    3


 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return consistent with an acceptable level of risk.1

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +13.25% cumulative total return for the 12 months under review. In comparison, the Custom Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund Index (Blended Benchmark) posted a +15.03% cumulative total return.2 The Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.3 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.3 You can find the

Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 6.

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

Investment Strategy

Whenever possible, we attempt to hold the same underlying Franklin Templeton funds and other fund investments (collectively, “fund investments”) in each Allocation Fund’s portfolio and will vary the allocation percentages of the fund investments based upon each Allocation Fund’s risk/return level. Maintaining similarity of the fund investments across the Conservative, Moderate and Growth Allocation Funds is intended to increase the consistency of their results relative to one another. We allocate the Fund’s assets among the broad asset classes of equity and fixed-income investments by investing primarily in a distinctly-weighted combination of underlying funds, based on each underlying fund’s predominant asset class. When selecting equity funds, we consider the fund investments’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges and investment styles (growth versus value). When selecting fixed income funds, we focus primarily on maximizing income appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile.

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed to its allocation among equity and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments.

At period-end, Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund allocated 59.3% of total net assets to fixed income and 39.6% to equity. Domestic fixed income exposure was 89.7% of the total fixed income weighting, with the balance

 

 

1. The risk/reward potential is based on the Fund’s goal and level of risk. It is not indicative of the Fund’s actual or implied performance or portfolio composition, which may change on a continuous basis.

2. Source: FactSet. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark was calculated internally. Effective January 1, 2015, the Blended Benchmark changed to 40% MSCI ACWI and 60% Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 28% Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), 12% MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index and 60% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 28% S&P 500, 12% MSCI EAFE Index, 40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 20% Payden & Rygel 90 Day T-Bill Index.

3. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI which begins on page 27.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN CONSERVATIVE ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total 
Net Assets

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

   24.6%

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

   14.5%

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

   8.3%

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

   7.9%

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

   7.1%

Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF

   5.0%

Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6

   4.6%

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

   4.3%

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

   4.2%

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

   3.7%

represented by foreign fixed income. Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF was our largest fixed income fund weighting at 24.6% of the Fund’s total net assets. On the equity side, domestic exposure was 71.0% of the Fund’s total equity weighting, with the balance represented by foreign equity. The Portfolio was diversified across capitalization sizes and investment styles, and on December 31, 2019, we held shares in large-, mid- and small-capitalization equity funds, representing both growth and value styles. Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6 was our largest equity fund weighting at 8.3% of total net assets.

During the 12-month reporting period, our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF, outperformed the MSCI ACWI. Our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which was incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the MSCI ACWI for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our largest foreign fixed income holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index during the 12 months under review.

 

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

 

LOGO   LOGO
 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 
LOGO   LOGO
  May Tong, CFA
  Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report  

 

 

    5


FRANKLIN CONSERVATIVE ALLOCATION FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

     Cumulative                   Average Annual  

Share Class

     Total Return 2      Total Return 3  

 

 

A4

    

1-Year

     +13.25%       +6.99%  

 

 

5-Year

     +23.38%       +3.11%  

 

 

10-Year

     +66.02%       +4.61%  

 

 

Advisor

    

1-Year

     +13.53%       +13.53%  

 

 

5-Year

     +25.01%       +4.57%  

 

 

10-Year

     +70.33%       +5.47%  

 

 

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

See page 8 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN CONSERVATIVE ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

See page 8 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report  

 

 

    7


FRANKLIN CONSERVATIVE ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
       Short-Term
Capital Gain
       Long-Term
Capital Gain
       Total  

A

     $0.3318          $0.0004          $0.6738          $1.0060  

C

     $0.2224          $0.0004          $0.6738          $0.8966  

R

     $0.2943          $0.0004          $0.6738          $0.9685  

R6

     $0.3793          $0.0004          $0.6738          $1.0535  

Advisor

     $0.3680          $0.0004          $0.6738          $1.0422  

Total Annual Operating Expenses7

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
       Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     1.13%          1.13%  

Advisor

     0.88%          0.88%  

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

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because this Fund invests in underlying funds, it is subject to the same risks, and indirectly bears the fees and expenses, of the underlying funds. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds in a fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, that fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives and risk tolerance. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of 1/1/13, the Fund changed its target allocation, with short-term investments (formerly a targeted allocation of 20%) combined into the fixed income allocations; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: FactSet. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark was calculated internally. Effective January 1, 2015, the Blended Benchmark changed to 40% MSCI ACWI and 60% Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 28% S&P 500, 12% MSCI EAFE Index and 60% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 28% S&P 500, 12% MSCI EAFE Index, 40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 20% Payden & Rygel 90 Day T-Bill Index.

6. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high-yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN CONSERVATIVE ALLOCATION FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

            

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

      

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

        

  Share

  Class

  Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
      

Ending

Account
Value 12/31/19

   Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2
      

Ending

Account
Value 12/31/19

   Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2
      

Net

Annualized

Expense

Ratio2

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

A   $1,000      $1,035.40    $3.18      $1,022.08    $3.16      0.62%
C   $1,000      $1,031.20    $7.01      $1,018.30    $6.97      1.37%
R   $1,000      $1,034.10    $4.46      $1,020.82    $4.43      0.87%
R6   $1,000      $1,037.30    $1.54      $1,023.69    $1.53      0.30%
Advisor   $1,000      $1,036.80    $1.90      $1,023.34    $1.89      0.37%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements, for Class R6. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

 

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Annual Report  

 

 

    9


 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return consistent with an acceptable level of risk.1

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +17.40% cumulative total return for the 12 months under review. In comparison, the Custom Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund Index (Blended Benchmark) posted a +19.07% cumulative total return.2 The Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.3 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.3 You can find the

Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 12.

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

Investment Strategy

Whenever possible, we attempt to hold the same underlying Franklin Templeton funds and other fund investments (collectively, “fund investments”) in each Allocation Fund’s portfolio and will vary the allocation percentages of the fund investments based upon each Allocation Fund’s risk/return level. Maintaining similarity of the fund investments across the Conservative, Moderate and Growth Allocation Funds is intended to increase the consistency of their results relative to one another. We allocate the Fund’s assets among the broad asset classes of equity and fixed-income investments by investing primarily in a distinctly-weighted combination of underlying funds, based on each underlying fund’s predominant asset class. When selecting equity funds, we consider the fund investments’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges and investment styles (growth versus value). When selecting fixed income funds, we focus primarily on maximizing income appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile.

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed to its allocation among equity and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments.

At period-end, Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund allocated 59.8% of total net assets to equity and 39.4% to fixed income. Domestic equity exposure was 70.7% of the total equity weighting, with the balance represented by foreign

 

 

1. The risk/reward potential is based on the Fund’s goal and level of risk. It is not indicative of the Fund’s actual or implied performance or portfolio composition, which may change on a continuous basis.

2. Source: The Fund’s Blended Benchmark was calculated internally. Effective January 1, 2015, the Blended Benchmark changed to 60% MSCI ACWI and 40% Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 38.5% Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), 16.5% MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index and 45% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 38.5% S&P 500, 16.5% MSCI EAFE Index, 35% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 10% Payden & Rygel 90 Day T-Bill Index.

3. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 34.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN MODERATE ALLOCATION FUND

 

 

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total 
Net Assets
 

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     19.7%  

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     12.6%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     11.9%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     10.7%  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

     6.7%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     6.3%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5.7%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     4.4%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     3.3%  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6

     3.0%  

equity. The Portfolio was diversified across capitalization sizes and investment styles, and on December 31, 2019, we held shares in large-, mid- and small-capitalization equity funds, representing both growth and value styles. Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6 was our largest equity fund weighting at 12.6% of total net assets. On the fixed income side, domestic exposure was 89.6% of the Fund’s total fixed income weighting, with the balance represented by foreign fixed income. Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF was our largest fixed income fund weighting at 19.7% of total net assets.

During the 12-month reporting period, our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF, outperformed the MSCI ACWI. Our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which was incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the MSCI ACWI for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our largest foreign fixed income holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index during the 12 months under review.

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

 

LOGO   LOGO
 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 
LOGO   LOGO
  May Tong, CFA
  Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

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FRANKLIN MODERATE ALLOCATION FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

     Cumulative                   Average Annual  

Share Class

     Total Return 2      Total Return 3  

 

 

A4

    

1-Year

     +17.40%       +10.93%  

 

 

5-Year

     +32.28%       +4.57%  

 

 

10-Year

     +89.88%       +6.02%  

 

 

Advisor

    

1-Year

     +17.68%       +17.68%  

 

 

5-Year

     +33.92%       +6.02%  

 

 

10-Year

     +94.72%       +6.89%  

 

 

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

See page 14 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN MODERATE ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

See page 14 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN MODERATE ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
       Short-Term
Capital Gain
       Long-Term
Capital Gain
       Total  

A

     $0.2818          $0.0067          $1.1255          $1.4140  

C

     $0.1649          $0.0067          $1.1255          $1.2971  

R

     $0.2410          $0.0067          $1.1255          $1.3732  

R6

     $0.3356          $0.0067          $1.1255          $1.4678  

Advisor

     $0.3206          $0.0067          $1.1255          $1.4528  

Total Annual Operating Expenses7

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
       Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     1.14%          1.14%  

Advisor

     0.89%          0.89%  

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

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because this Fund invests in underlying funds, it is subject to the same risks, and indirectly bears the fees and expenses, of the underlying funds. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Smaller or relatively new or unseasoned companies can be particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their prospects for growth are less certain than those of larger, more established companies. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds in a fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, that fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives and risk tolerance. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of 1/1/13, the Fund changed its target allocation, with short-term investments (formerly a targeted allocation of 20%) combined into the fixed income allocations; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: The Fund’s Blended Benchmark was calculated internally. Effective January 1, 2015, the Blended Benchmark changed to 60% MSCI ACWI and 40% Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 38.5% S&P 500, 16.5% EAFE Index and 45% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 38.5% S&P 500, 16.5% MSCI EAFE Index, 35% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 10% Payden & Rygel 90 Day T-Bill Index.

6. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high-yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN MODERATE ALLOCATION FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual
(actual return after expenses)

      

Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)

        

  Share

  Class

   Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
      

Ending

Account
Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During

Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

      

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

A    $1,000      $1,048.40    $3.25      $1,022.03    $3.21      0.63%
C    $1,000      $1,044.90    $7.11      $1,018.25    $7.02      1.38%
R    $1,000      $1,047.00    $4.54      $1,020.77    $4.48      0.88%
R6    $1,000      $1,051.10    $1.50      $1,023.74    $1.48      0.29%
Advisor    $1,000      $1,049.80    $1.96      $1,023.29    $1.94      0.38%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements, for Class R6. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

 

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Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Growth Allocation Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return consistent with an acceptable level of risk.1

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +21.90% cumulative total return for the 12 months under review. In comparison, the Custom Franklin Growth Allocation Fund Index (Blended Benchmark) posted a +23.16% cumulative total return.2 The Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.3 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.3 You can find the Fund’s long-term

performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 64.

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

Investment Strategy

Whenever possible, we attempt to hold the same underlying Franklin Templeton funds and other fund investments (collectively, “fund investments”) in each Allocation Fund’s portfolio and will vary the allocation percentages of the fund investments based upon each Allocation Fund’s risk/return level. Maintaining similarity of the fund investments across the Conservative, Moderate and Growth Allocation Funds is intended to increase the consistency of their results relative to one another. We allocate the Fund’s assets among the broad asset classes of equity and fixed-income investments by investing primarily in a distinctly-weighted combination of underlying funds, based on each underlying fund’s predominant asset class. When selecting equity funds, we consider the fund investments’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges and investment styles (growth versus value). When selecting fixed income funds, we focus primarily on maximizing income appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile.

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed to its allocation among equity and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments.

At period-end, Franklin Growth Allocation Fund allocated 79.9% of total net assets to equity and 19.3% to fixed income. Domestic equity exposure was 70.5% of the total equity weighting, with the balance represented by foreign

 

 

1. The risk/reward potential is based on the Fund’s goal and level of risk. It is not indicative of the Fund’s actual or implied performance or portfolio composition, which may change on a continuous basis.

2. Source: FactSet. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark was calculated internally. Effective January 1, 2015, the Blended Benchmark changed to 80% MSCI ACWI and 20% Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 56% Standard & Poor’s Index (S&P 500), 24% MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Index and 20% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 56% S&P 500, 24% MSCI EAFE Index, 15% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 5% Payden & Rygel 90 Day T-Bill Index.

3. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI which begins on page 41.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

   16.9%

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

   15.7%

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

   14.1%

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

   8.8%

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

   8.5%

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

   7.5%

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

   4.3%

Templeton Foreign Fund – Class R6

   3.4%

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

   3.3%

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

   3.3%

equity. The portfolio was diversified across capitalization sizes and investment styles, and on December 31, 2019, we held shares in large-, mid- and small-capitalization equity funds, representing both growth and value styles. Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6 was our largest equity fund weighting at 16.9% of total net assets. On the fixed income side, domestic exposure was 89.6% of the Fund’s total fixed income weighting, with the balance represented by foreign fixed income. Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF was our largest fixed income fund weighting at 8.8% of total net assets.

During the 12-month reporting period, our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF, outperformed the MSCI ACWI. Our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which was incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the MSCI ACWI for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our largest foreign fixed income holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index during the 12 months under review.

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

 

LOGO   LOGO
 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 
LOGO   LOGO
  May Tong, CFA
  Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

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FRANKLIN GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative
Total Return2
     Average Annual
Total Return3
 

 

 

A4

     

1-Year

     +21.90%        +15.21%  

 

 

5-Year

     +41.14%        +5.93%  

 

 

10-Year

     +119.27%        +7.55%  

 

 

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +22.22%        +22.22%  

 

 

5-Year

     +42.90%        +7.40%  

 

 

10-Year

     +124.91%        +8.44%  

 

 

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

See page 20 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

See page 20 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
       Short-Term
Capital Gain
       Long-Term
Capital Gain
       Total  

A

     $0.2530          $0.0098          $1.7564          $2.0192  

C

     $0.0994          $0.0098          $1.7564          $1.8656  

R

     $0.1939          $0.0098          $1.7564          $1.9601  

R6

     $0.3236          $0.0098          $1.7564          $2.0898  

Advisor

     $0.3003          $0.0098          $1.7564          $2.0665  

Total Annual Operating Expenses7

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
       Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     1.18%          1.21%  

Advisor

     0.93%          0.96%  

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

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because this Fund invests in underlying funds, it is subject to the same risks, and indirectly bears the fees and expenses, of the underlying funds. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds in a fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, that fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can therefore fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. Value securities may not increase in price as anticipated or may decline further in value. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives and risk tolerance. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of 1/1/13, the Fund changed its target allocation, with short-term investments (formerly a targeted allocation of 20%) combined into the fixed income allocations; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: FactSet. The Fund’s Blended Benchmark was calculated internally. Effective January 1, 2015, the Blended Benchmark changed to 80% MSCI ACWI and 20% Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. From January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 56% S&P 500, 24% MSCI EAFE Index and 20% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Blended Benchmark was composed of 56% S&P 500, 24% MSCI EAFE Index, 15% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 5% Payden & Rygel 90 Day T-Bill Index.

6. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high-yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

     

 

20      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

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FRANKLIN GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

            

Actual
(actual return after expenses)

      

Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)

        
Share
Class
  Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
       Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses
Paid During

Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

      

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

A   $1,000      $1,063.50    $3.38      $1,021.93    $3.31      0.65%
C   $1,000      $1,059.70    $7.27      $1,018.15    $7.12      1.40%
R   $1,000      $1,062.30    $4.68      $1,020.67    $4.58      0.90%
R6   $1,000      $1,065.90    $1.41      $1,023.84    $1.38      0.27%
Advisor   $1,000      $1,065.20    $2.08      $1,023.19    $2.04      0.40%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

 

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      21


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $13.33       $14.86       $13.74       $13.40       $14.53  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.32       0.39       0.20       0.14       0.28  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.43       (0.90     1.25       0.45       (0.60

Total from investment operations

     1.75       (0.51     1.45       0.59       (0.32

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.33     (0.38     (0.24     (0.15     (0.28

Net realized gains

     (0.67     (0.64     (0.09     (0.10     (0.53

Total distributions

     (1.00     (1.02     (0.33     (0.25     (0.81

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.08       $13.33       $14.86       $13.74       $13.40  

Total returnd

     13.25%       (3.44)%       10.58%       4.39%       (2.26)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensese,f

     0.63% g       0.63% g       0.63%       0.63%       0.62%  

Net investment incomec

     2.25%       2.57%       1.37%       1.01%       1.97%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $839,134       $778,221       $800,141       $809,039       $905,537  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.76%       30.70%       17.99%       34.83%       17.69%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

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

fDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

gBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

22      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund (continued)

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $13.06       $14.57       $13.47       $13.15       $14.27  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.20       0.24       0.09       0.04       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.40       (0.84     1.23       0.43       (0.58

Total from investment operations

     1.60       (0.60     1.32       0.47       (0.41

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.22     (0.27     (0.13     (0.05     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.67     (0.64     (0.09     (0.10     (0.53

Total distributions

     (0.89     (0.91     (0.22     (0.15     (0.71

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.77       $13.06       $14.57       $13.47       $13.15  

Total returnd

     12.35%       (4.14)%       9.80%       3.55%       (2.96)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensese,f

     1.38% g       1.38% g       1.38%       1.37%       1.37%  

Net investment incomec

     1.50%       1.82%       0.62%       0.27%       1.22%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $252,407       $285,547       $423,890       $470,582       $536,548  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.76%       30.70%       17.99%       34.83%       17.69%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

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

fDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

gBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund (continued)

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $13.28       $14.80       $13.69       $13.35       $14.48  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.28       0.33       0.16       0.10       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.42       (0.87     1.24       0.45       (0.59

Total from investment operations

     1.70       (0.54     1.40       0.55       (0.35

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.29     (0.34     (0.20     (0.11     (0.25

Net realized gains

     (0.67     (0.64     (0.09     (0.10     (0.53

Total distributions

     (0.96     (0.98     (0.29     (0.21     (0.78

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.02       $13.28       $14.80       $13.69       $13.35  

Total return

     12.93%       (3.64)%       10.25%       4.15%       (2.52)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensesd,e

     0.88% f       0.88% f       0.88%       0.88%       0.87%  

Net investment incomec

     2.00%       2.32%       1.12%       0.76%       1.72%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $71,153       $80,338       $103,629       $124,018       $139,592  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.76%       30.70%       17.99%       34.83%       17.69%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund (continued)

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $13.31       $14.84       $13.72       $13.39       $14.52  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.36       0.44       0.25       0.18       0.36  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.44       (0.90     1.25       0.44       (0.63

Total from investment operations

     1.80       (0.46     1.50       0.62       (0.27

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.38     (0.43     (0.29     (0.19     (0.33

Net realized gains

     (0.67     (0.64     (0.09     (0.10     (0.53

Total distributions

     (1.05     (1.07     (0.38     (0.29     (0.86

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.06       $13.31       $14.84       $13.72       $13.39  

Total return

     13.64%       (3.11)%       10.99%       4.69%       (1.93)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.42%       0.40%       0.32%       0.30%       0.29%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.31% e       0.29% e       0.28%       0.28%       0.28%  

Net investment incomec

     2.57%       2.91%       1.72%       1.36%       2.31%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $2,364       $2,253       $2,149       $2,197       $2,282  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.76%       30.70%       17.99%       34.83%       17.69%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund (continued)

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $13.33       $14.86       $13.74       $13.39       $14.52  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.36       0.43       0.25       0.17       0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.43       (0.90     1.24       0.45       (0.60

Total from investment operations

     1.79       (0.47     1.49       0.62       (0.28

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.37     (0.42     (0.28     (0.17     (0.32

Net realized gains

     (0.67     (0.64     (0.09     (0.10     (0.53

Total distributions

     (1.04     (1.06     (0.37     (0.27     (0.85

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.08       $13.33       $14.86       $13.74       $13.39  

Total return

     13.53%       (3.19)%       10.88%       4.69%       (2.02)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensesd,e

     0.38% f       0.38% f       0.38%       0.38%       0.37%  

Net investment incomec

     2.50%       2.82%       1.62%       1.26%       2.22%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $44,022       $38,031       $38,934       $27,578       $82,234  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.76%       30.70%       17.99%       34.83%       17.69%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund

 

          Shares      Value  

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.9%

     

Domestic Equity 28.1%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     898,962      $ 100,953,428  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     2,727,638        95,440,054  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     726,394        50,520,703  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     7,946,208        85,739,586  

  Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     22,725        6,722,055  
     

 

 

 
        339,375,826  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 53.2%

     

a Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF

     2,344,650        60,127,611  

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     11,863,350        297,650,265  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     18,060,178        175,003,128  

  iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     254,642        28,614,121  

  Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     333,922        30,497,097  

  Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     921,287        52,126,419  
     

 

 

 
        644,018,641  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 11.5%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     2,393,786        26,164,081  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     386,855        9,768,089  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     186,957        4,888,926  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     3,978,178        44,157,780  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     1,118,367        18,620,806  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     552,274        16,448,929  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     2,640,670        18,827,976  
     

 

 

 
        138,876,587  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 6.1%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     712,969        18,669,307  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     5,007,975        55,538,436  
     

 

 

 
        74,207,743  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds before Short Term Investments (Cost $1,075,059,221)

        1,196,478,797  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.1%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $16,214) 0.0%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     16,214        16,214  
     

 

 

 

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
                     Value  

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $13,100,718) 1.1%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $13,101,836)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $7,184,261)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $2,325,445)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $3,592,130)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $13,370,145)

   $ 13,100,718      $ 13,100,718  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $1,088,176,153) 100.0%

        1,209,595,729  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.0)%

        (515,641
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 1,209,080,088  
     

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 64.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $14.06       $16.11       $14.86       $14.49       $15.71  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.28       0.34       0.20       0.14       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.15       (1.11     2.01       0.56       (0.51

Total from investment operations

     2.43       (0.77     2.21       0.70       (0.27

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.28     (0.33     (0.29     (0.12     (0.25

Net realized gains

     (1.13     (0.95     (0.67     (0.21     (0.70

Total distributions

     (1.41     (1.28     (0.96     (0.33     (0.95

Net asset value, end of year

     $15.08       $14.06       $16.11       $14.86       $14.49  

Total returnd

     17.40%       (4.82)%       14.98%       4.94%       (1.89)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.63%       0.63%       0.66%       0.63%       0.63%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.63% f,g       0.63% g       0.65%       0.63% g       0.63% g  

Net investment incomec

     1.78%       2.02%       1.23%       0.93%       1.52%  
Supplemental data           

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,456,531       $1,318,198       $1,407,956       $1,416,532       $1,594,882  

Portfolio turnover rate

     71.70%       33.65%       16.86%       29.22%       22.08%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.39% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

 

 

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    29


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $13.65       $15.66       $14.48       $14.12       $15.33  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.15       0.17       0.07       0.03       0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.09       (1.02     1.94       0.55       (0.49

Total from investment operations

     2.24       (0.85     2.01       0.58       (0.37

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.16     (0.21     (0.16     (0.01     (0.14

Net realized gains

     (1.13     (0.95     (0.67     (0.21     (0.70

Total distributions

     (1.29     (1.16     (0.83     (0.22     (0.84

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.60       $13.65       $15.66       $14.48       $14.12  

Total returnd

     16.52%       (5.54)%       14.10%       4.25%       (2.68)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.38%       1.38%       1.41%       1.37%       1.38%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.38% f,g       1.38% g       1.40%       1.37% g       1.38% g  

Net investment incomec

     1.03%       1.27%       0.48%       0.19%       0.77%  
Supplemental data           

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $339,845       $375,494       $568,280       $595,911       $692,872  

Portfolio turnover rate

     71.70%       33.65%       16.86%       29.22%       22.08%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.39% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

 

     

 

30      

 

 

    Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $14.04       $16.08       $14.82       $14.44       $15.66  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.23       0.27       0.14       0.10       0.19  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.15       (1.07     2.02       0.57       (0.51

Total from investment operations

     2.38       (0.80     2.16       0.67       (0.32

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.24     (0.29     (0.23     (0.08     (0.20

Net realized gains

     (1.13     (0.95     (0.67     (0.21     (0.70

Total distributions

     (1.37     (1.24     (0.90     (0.29     (0.90

Net asset value, end of year

     $15.05       $14.04       $16.08       $14.82       $14.44  

Total return

     17.05%       (5.04)%       14.69%       4.71%       (2.18)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.88%       0.88%       0.91%       0.88%       0.88%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.88% e,f      0.88% f       0.90%       0.88% f       0.88% f  

Net investment incomec

     1.53%       1.77%       0.98%       0.68%       1.27%  
Supplemental data           

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $78,999       $87,277       $119,920       $158,192       $202,854  

Portfolio turnover rate

     71.70%       33.65%       16.86%       29.22%       22.08%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.39% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

 

 

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      31


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $14.06       $16.11       $14.86       $14.49       $15.72  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.34       0.41       0.26       0.19       0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.15       (1.12     2.01       0.57       (0.54

Total from investment operations

     2.49       (0.71     2.27       0.76       (0.23

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.34     (0.39     (0.35     (0.18     (0.30

Net realized gains

     (1.13     (0.95     (0.67     (0.21     (0.70

Total distributions

     (1.47     (1.34     (1.02     (0.39     (1.00

Net asset value, end of year

     $15.08       $14.06       $16.11       $14.86       $14.49  

Total return

     17.81%       (4.49)%       15.40%       5.34%       (1.59)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.34%       0.35%       0.30%       0.28%       0.28%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.29% e       0.29%       0.28%       0.28% f       0.28% f  

Net investment incomec

     2.12%       2.36%       1.60%       1.28%       1.87%  
Supplemental data           

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $6,666       $5,141       $4,492       $5,106       $4,779  

Portfolio turnover rate

     71.70%       33.65%       16.86%       29.22%       22.08%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.39% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

 

     

 

32      

 

 

    Annual Report   |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $14.07       $16.12       $14.88       $14.50       $15.72  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.32       0.39       0.26       0.17       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.15       (1.11     1.98       0.58       (0.49

Total from investment operations

     2.47       (0.72     2.24       0.75       (0.24

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds.

     (0.32     (0.38     (0.33     (0.16     (0.28

Net realized gains

     (1.13     (0.95     (0.67     (0.21     (0.70

Total distributions

     (1.45     (1.33     (1.00     (0.37     (0.98

Net asset value, end of year

     $15.09       $14.07       $16.12       $14.88       $14.50  

Total return

     17.68%       (4.57)%       15.20%       5.26%       (1.66)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.38%       0.38%       0.41%       0.38%       0.38%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.38% e,f      0.38% f       0.40%       0.38% f       0.38% f  

Net investment incomec

     2.03%       2.27%       1.48%       1.18%       1.77%  
Supplemental data           

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $61,026       $55,052       $52,575       $39,052       $52,975  

Portfolio turnover rate

     71.70%       33.65%       16.86%       29.22%       22.08%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.39% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

 

 

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      33


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

 

      Shares      Value  

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 99.2%

     

Domestic Equity 42.3%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     2,183,666      $ 245,225,738  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     6,589,526        230,567,515  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     1,763,774        122,670,489  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     19,197,079        207,136,477  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     55,125        16,305,975  
     

 

 

 
        821,906,194  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 35.3%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     15,276,873        383,295,216  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     13,417,027        130,010,994  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     764,118        85,863,940  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     352,906        32,230,905  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     978,220        55,347,688  
     

 

 

 
        686,748,743  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 17.5%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5,769,854        63,064,506  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     915,287        23,110,997  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     429,602        11,234,092  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     9,873,914        109,600,441  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     2,791,060        46,471,153  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     1,339,065        39,882,712  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     6,612,032        47,143,784  
     

 

 

 
        340,507,685  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 4.1%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     753,489        19,730,336  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     5,316,691        58,962,107  
     

 

 

 
        78,692,443  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds before Short Term Investments (Cost $1,629,621,132)

        1,927,855,065  
     

 

 

 
     

Short Term Investments 1.0%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $26,056) 0.0%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     26,056        26,056  
     

 

 

 

 

     

 

34      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $18,831,074) 1.0%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $18,832,682)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $10,326,713)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $3,342,613)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $5,163,356)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%—2.75%, 9/30/20—10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes,

     

Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $19,218,352)

   $ 18,831,074      $ 18,831,074  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $1,648,478,262) 100.2%

        1,946,712,195  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.2)%

        (3,644,861
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 1,943,067,334  
     

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 64.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

      35


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $16.54       $19.34       $17.43       $17.01       $18.57  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.25       0.30       0.22       0.14       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     3.36       (1.54     3.12       0.75       (0.48

Total from investment operations

     3.61       (1.24     3.34       0.89       (0.27

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.25     (0.30     (0.32     (0.14     (0.21

Net realized gains

     (1.77     (1.26     (1.11     (0.33     (1.08

Total distributions

     (2.02     (1.56     (1.43     (0.47     (1.29

Net asset value, end of year

     $18.13       $16.54       $19.34       $17.43       $17.01  

Total returnd

     21.90%       (6.45)%       19.45%       5.36%       (1.66)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.68%       0.67%       0.70%       0.69%       0.67%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.65% f       0.65% f       0.65% f       0.65%       0.65%  

Net investment incomec

     1.32%       1.48%       1.14%       0.83%       1.10%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $974,391       $837,327       $873,011       $822,833       $888,096  

Portfolio turnover rate

     63.65%       30.79%       16.90%       30.19%       20.40%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.40% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

36      

 

 

    Annual Report   |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $16.12       $18.81       $16.99       $16.59       $18.15  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.10       0.10       0.07       0.02       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     3.27       (1.43     3.04       0.72       (0.47

Total from investment operations

     3.37       (1.33     3.11       0.74       (0.40

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.10     (0.10     (0.18     (0.01     (0.08

Net realized gains

     (1.77     (1.26     (1.11     (0.33     (1.08

Total distributions

     (1.87     (1.36     (1.29     (0.34     (1.16

Net asset value, end of year

     $17.62       $16.12       $18.81       $16.99       $16.59  

Total returnd

     20.95%       (7.13)%       18.56%       4.59%       (2.41)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.43%       1.42%       1.45%       1.43%       1.42%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.40% f       1.40% f       1.40% f       1.39%       1.40%  

Net investment incomec

     0.57%       0.73%       0.39%       0.09%       0.35%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $202,689       $206,933       $311,640       $308,736       $336,557  

Portfolio turnover rate

     63.65%       30.79%       16.90%       30.19%       20.40%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.40% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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      37


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $16.34       $19.10       $17.22       $16.80       $18.34  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.18       0.22       0.15       0.09       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     3.33       (1.49     3.11       0.75       (0.44

Total from investment operations

     3.51       (1.27     3.26       0.84       (0.30

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.19     (0.23     (0.27     (0.09     (0.16

Net realized gains

     (1.77     (1.26     (1.11     (0.33     (1.08

Total distributions

     (1.96     (1.49     (1.38     (0.42     (1.24

Net asset value, end of year

     $17.89       $16.34       $19.10       $17.22       $16.80  

Total return

     21.56%       (6.68)%       19.17%       5.12%       (1.93)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.93%       0.92%       0.95%       0.94%       0.92%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.90% e       0.90% e       0.90% e       0.90%       0.90%  

Net investment incomec

     1.07%       1.23%       0.89%       0.58%       0.85%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $62,973       $72,100       $100,258       $112,272       $147,426  

Portfolio turnover rate

     63.65%       30.79%       16.90%       30.19%       20.40%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.40% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

38      

 

 

      Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $16.60       $19.40       $17.48       $17.06       $18.61  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.32       0.40       0.31       0.22       0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     3.37       (1.57     3.12       0.74       (0.51

Total from investment operations

     3.69       (1.17     3.43       0.96       (0.19

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds.

     (0.32     (0.37     (0.40     (0.21     (0.28

Net realized gains

     (1.77     (1.26     (1.11     (0.33     (1.08

Total distributions

     (2.09     (1.63     (1.51     (0.54     (1.36

Net asset value, end of year

     $18.20       $16.60       $19.40       $17.48       $17.06  

Total return

     22.30%       (6.07)%       19.90%       5.77%       (1.27)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.37%       0.36%       0.31%       0.30%       0.29%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.27% e       0.28% e       0.25% e       0.26%       0.26%  

Net investment incomec

     1.70%       1.85%       1.54%       1.22%       1.49%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $4,806       $4,224       $3,364       $2,822       $2,549  

Portfolio turnover rate

     63.65%       30.79%       16.90%       30.19%       20.40%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.40% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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      39


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $16.61       $19.42       $17.49       $17.06       $18.62  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.30       0.36       0.26       0.18       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     3.38       (1.56     3.15       0.76       (0.47

Total from investment operations

     3.68       (1.20     3.41       0.94       (0.22

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.30     (0.35     (0.37     (0.18     (0.26

Net realized gains

     (1.77     (1.26     (1.11     (0.33     (1.08

Total distributions

     (2.07     (1.61     (1.48     (0.51     (1.34

Net asset value, end of year

     $18.22       $16.61       $19.42       $17.49       $17.06  

Total return

     22.22%       (6.23)%       19.77%       5.60%       (1.41)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.43%       0.42%       0.45%       0.44%       0.42%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.40% e       0.40% e       0.40% e       0.40%       0.40%  

Net investment incomec

     1.57%       1.73%       1.39%       1.08%       1.35%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $44,684       $38,685       $38,912       $39,211       $49,634  

Portfolio turnover rate

     63.65%       30.79%       16.90%       30.19%       20.40%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.40% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

40      

 

 

      Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

 

      Shares      Value  

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 99.2%

     

Domestic Equity 56.3%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     1,938,841      $ 217,731,867  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     5,793,581        202,717,399  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     1,572,908        109,395,743  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     16,878,335        182,117,237  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     49,250        14,568,150  
     

 

 

 
        726,530,396  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 17.3%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     4,519,525        113,394,431  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     4,351,944        42,170,338  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     343,119        38,556,282  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     114,455        10,453,175  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     317,698        17,975,353  
     

 

 

 
        222,549,579  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 23.6%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5,095,917        55,698,377  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     851,550        21,501,637  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     411,500        10,760,725  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     8,716,407        96,752,117  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     2,516,774        41,904,280  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     1,175,705        35,017,198  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     6,078,293        43,338,229  
     

 

 

 
        304,972,563  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 2.0%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     244,401        6,399,714  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     1,725,981        19,141,122  
     

 

 

 
        25,540,836  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds before Short Term Investments (Cost $1,021,230,223)

        1,279,593,374  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.1%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $18,251) 0.0%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     18,251        18,251  
     

 

 

 

 

 

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Annual Report      

 

 

      41


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $13,778,388) 1.1%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $13,779,564)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $7,555,886)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $2,445,735)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $3,777,943)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes,

     

Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $14,061,752)

   $ 13,778,388      $ 13,778,388  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $1,035,026,862) 100.3%

        1,293,390,013  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.3)%

        (3,847,688
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 1,289,542,325  
     

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 64.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

     

 

42      

 

 

    Annual Report   |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

     Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Assets:

        

Investments in securities:

        

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 118,124,824      $ 186,572,475      $ 79,450,705  

Cost - Controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     317,053,372        781,972,674        333,282,156  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     639,897,239        661,102,039        608,515,613  

Cost - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

     13,100,718        18,831,074        13,778,388  
  

 

 

 

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 117,959,692      $ 189,748,508      $ 81,552,960  

Value - Controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     316,319,572        805,937,973        356,069,368  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     762,215,747        932,194,640        841,989,297  

Value - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

     13,100,718        18,831,074        13,778,388  

Receivables:

        

Capital shares sold

     2,087,412        3,022,594        1,856,809  

Dividends

     1,529,209        1,549,844        490,786  

Other assets

     146        231        148  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,213,212,496        1,951,284,864        1,295,737,756  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Payables:

        

Capital shares redeemed

     3,178,497        6,703,614        5,211,853  

Asset allocation fees

     252,667        405,722        231,650  

Distribution fees

     420,706        626,699        400,539  

Transfer agent fees

     207,223        362,087        228,880  

Distributions to shareholders

                   32,628  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     73,315        119,408        89,881  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,132,408        8,217,530        6,195,431  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

   $ 1,209,080,088      $ 1,943,067,334      $ 1,289,542,325  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

        

Paid-in capital

   $ 1,081,922,052      $ 1,607,625,376      $ 993,522,699  

Total distributable earnings (losses)

     127,158,036        335,441,958        296,019,626  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

   $ 1,209,080,088      $ 1,943,067,334      $ 1,289,542,325  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report  

 

 

    43


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

Class A:

        

Net assets, at value

   $ 839,134,366      $ 1,456,530,882      $ 974,390,771  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     59,614,953        96,580,110        53,753,969  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

   $ 14.08      $ 15.08      $ 18.13  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.50%)

   $ 14.90      $ 15.96      $ 19.19  
  

 

 

 

Class C:

        

Net assets, at value

   $ 252,406,875      $ 339,844,964      $ 202,689,131  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     18,328,535        23,277,240        11,502,051  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

   $ 13.77      $ 14.60      $ 17.62  
  

 

 

 

Class R:

        

Net assets, at value

   $ 71,153,091      $ 78,999,482      $ 62,973,124  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     5,076,148        5,247,931        3,520,543  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

   $ 14.02      $ 15.05      $ 17.89  
  

 

 

 

Class R6:

        

Net assets, at value

   $ 2,364,222      $ 6,665,687      $ 4,805,671  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     168,198        442,083        264,052  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

   $ 14.06      $ 15.08      $ 18.20  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class:

        

Net assets, at value

   $ 44,021,534      $ 61,026,319      $ 44,683,628  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     3,127,468        4,042,961        2,452,834  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

   $ 14.08      $ 15.09      $ 18.22  
  

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

     

 

44      

 

 

      Annual Report   |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Operations

for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

Investment income:

      

Dividends:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 4,207,246     $ 5,344,571     $ 2,131,934  

Controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     2,097,878       6,784,666       3,179,850  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     28,441,165       34,441,096       19,454,964  

Interest:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     62,749       86,303       42,412  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     34,809,038       46,656,636       24,809,160  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Asset allocation fees (Note 3a)

     3,017,887       4,828,081       3,133,410  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

      

Class A

     2,042,171       3,533,729       2,315,168  

Class C

     2,719,941       3,633,385       2,093,140  

Class R

     386,594       431,031       345,183  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

      

Class A

     897,712       1,763,033       1,458,645  

Class C

     299,074       453,812       330,285  

Class R

     85,038       107,650       108,928  

Class R6

     3,682       4,806       4,065  

Advisor Class

     45,959       75,014       67,467  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     951       1,199       563  

Reports to shareholders

     72,829       139,942       110,772  

Registration and filing fees

     102,287       113,907       112,206  

Professional fees

     65,240       79,200       70,799  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     11,380       17,994       11,584  

Other

     27,949       35,459       28,599  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     9,778,694       15,218,242       10,190,814  

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (35     (64     (47

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g)

     (77,348     (119,660     (434,617
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     9,701,311       15,098,518       9,756,150  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     25,107,727       31,558,118       15,053,010  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Sale of investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     7,601,882       9,828,242       6,613,692  

Controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

           (22,417,347     (1,660,298

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     68,693,747       196,690,302       145,055,591  

Capital gain distributions from Underlying Funds:

      

Controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     365,023       463,593       507  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     6,313,825       14,934,838       13,265,346  
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

     82,974,477       199,499,628       163,274,838  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     (295,410     2,876,659       1,985,610  

Controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     (733,800     50,401,544       27,345,968  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     40,737,703       20,589,169       35,649,934  

 

 

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    45


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Operations (continued)

for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $  39,708,493        $  73,867,372        $  64,981,512  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     122,682,970        273,367,000        228,256,350  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $147,790,697        $304,925,118        $243,309,360  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

46      

 

 

    Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Franklin Conservative

Allocation Fund

   

Franklin Moderate

Allocation Fund

 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $     25,107,727       $   30,777,503       $       31,558,118       $     37,968,817  

Net realized gain (loss)

     82,974,477       46,558,045       199,499,628       109,263,916  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     39,708,493       (121,175,670     73,867,372       (241,567,079
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     147,790,697       (43,840,122     304,925,118       (94,334,346
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

        

Class A

     (57,057,141     (56,229,864     (127,472,477     (111,971,367

Class C

     (15,889,976     (20,364,459     (28,361,419     (31,437,636

Class R

     (4,845,238     (5,844,031     (6,940,804     (7,566,500

Class R6

     (171,894     (170,442     (596,547     (448,472

Advisor Class

     (3,083,117     (2,956,605     (5,530,382     (4,817,371
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (81,047,366     (85,565,401     (168,901,629     (156,241,346
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     17,443,983       61,562,778       41,588,899       87,813,396  

Class C

     (49,562,208     (105,523,223     (63,732,864     (139,902,883

Class R

     (13,811,072     (14,649,675     (15,013,845     (20,646,406

Class R6

     (29,922     349,050       1,178,267       1,363,772  

Advisor Class

     3,905,956       3,314,119       1,860,972       9,886,472  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     (42,053,263     (54,946,951     (34,118,571     (61,485,649
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     24,690,068       (184,352,474     101,904,918       (312,061,341

Net assets:

        

Beginning of year

     1,184,390,020       1,368,742,494       1,841,162,416       2,153,223,757  
  

 

 

 

End of year

     $1,209,080,088       $1,184,390,020       $1,943,067,334       $1,841,162,416  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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    47


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

 

    

Franklin Growth

Allocation Fund

 
     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

     $  15,053,010       $  17,070,481  

Net realized gain (loss)

     163,274,838       77,837,338  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     64,981,512       (176,409,620
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     243,309,360       (81,501,801
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

    

Class A

     (98,874,755     (72,770,211

Class C

     (19,758,707     (17,489,220

Class R

     (6,587,169     (6,388,754

Class R6

     (497,982     (373,760

Advisor Class

     (4,679,908     (3,455,507
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (130,398,521     (100,477,452
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

    

Class A

     55,726,659       94,771,993  

Class C

     (24,496,389     (71,389,287

Class R

     (16,283,716     (16,759,033

Class R6

     161,696       1,538,700  

Advisor Class

     2,253,086       5,901,218  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     17,361,336       14,063,591  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     130,272,175       (167,915,662

Net assets:

    

Beginning of year

     1,159,270,150       1,327,185,812  
  

 

 

 

End of year

     $1,289,542,325       $1,159,270,150  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

48      

 

 

    Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Franklin Fund Allocator Series (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of twenty-five separate funds, three of which are included in this report (Funds) and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The Funds invest primarily in mutual funds (Underlying Funds) and exchange traded funds (ETFs), including affiliated funds managed by Franklin Templeton (FT Underlying Funds). The Funds offer five classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R6, and Advisor Class. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares after they have been held for 10 years. Each class of shares may differ by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, voting rights on matters affecting a single class, its exchange privilege and fees due to differing arrangements for distribution and transfer agent fees.

The accounting policies of the Underlying Funds are outlined in their respective shareholder reports. A copy of the Underlying Funds’ shareholder reports, in which each Fund invests, is available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website at sec.gov. The Underlying Funds’ shareholder reports are not covered by this report.

The following summarizes the Funds’ significant accounting policies.

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation

The Funds’ investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Funds calculate the net asset value (NAV) per share each business day as of 4 p.m. Eastern time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), whichever is earlier. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Funds’ administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The Funds may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Investments in the Underlying Funds are valued at their closing NAV each trading day. ETFs listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively.

Investments in repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

b.  Joint Repurchase Agreement

Certain or all Funds enter into a joint repurchase agreement whereby their uninvested cash balance is deposited into a joint cash account with other funds managed by the investment manager or an affiliate of the investment manager and is used to invest in one or more repurchase agreements. The value and face amount of the joint repurchase agreement are allocated to the funds based on their pro-rata interest. A repurchase agreement is accounted for as a loan by the Fund to the seller, collateralized by securities which are delivered to the Funds’ custodian. The fair value, including accrued interest, of the initial collateralization is required to be at least 102% of the dollar amount invested by the funds, with the value of the underlying securities marked to market daily to maintain coverage of at least 100%. Repurchase agreements are subject to the terms of Master Repurchase Agreements (MRAs) with approved counterparties (sellers). The MRAs contain various provisions, including but not limited to events of default and maintenance of collateral for repurchase agreements. In the event of default by either the seller or the Funds, certain MRAs may permit the non-defaulting party to net and close-out all transactions, if any, traded under such agreements. The Funds may sell securities it holds as collateral and apply the proceeds towards the repurchase price and any other amounts owed by the seller to the Funds in the event of default by the seller. This could involve costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value falls below the repurchase price owed by the seller. The joint repurchase agreement held by the Funds at year end, as indicated in the Statements of Investments, had been entered into on December 31, 2019.

c.  Income Taxes

It is each Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.

 

 

 

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      49


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

c.  Income Taxes (continued)

Each Fund may recognize an income tax liability related to its uncertain tax positions under U.S. GAAP when the uncertain tax position has a less than 50% probability that it will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits. As of December 31, 2019, each Fund has determined that no tax liability is required in its financial statements related to uncertain tax positions for any open tax years (or expected to be taken in future tax years). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction in which the Fund invests.

d.  Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions

Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and realized gain distributions by Underlying Funds and ETFs are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributable earnings are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis) and may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.

Common expenses incurred by the Trust are allocated among the Funds based on the ratio of net assets of each Fund to the combined net assets of the Trust or based on the ratio of number of shareholders of each Fund to the combined number of shareholders of the Trust. Fund specific expenses are charged directly to the Fund that incurred the expense.

The Funds indirectly bear their proportionate share of expenses from the Underlying Funds and ETFs. Since the Underlying Funds and ETFs have varied expense levels and the Funds may own different proportions of the Underlying Funds and ETFs at different times, the amount of expenses incurred indirectly by the Funds will vary.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, excluding class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.

e.  Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

f.  Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Trust against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Trust expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

 

     

 

50      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest

At December 31, 2019, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). Transactions in the Funds’ shares were as follows:

 

    

Franklin Conservative

Allocation Fund

          

Franklin Moderate

Allocation Fund

 
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

Class A Shares:

           

Year ended December 31, 2019

           

Shares solda

     9,240,415     $ 132,372,358          11,595,147     $ 178,905,379  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,951,904       55,815,055          8,307,144       125,651,819  

Shares redeemed

     (11,945,088     (170,743,430        (17,069,619     (262,968,299)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     1,247,231     $ 17,443,983          2,832,672     $ 41,588,899  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

           

Shares solda

     12,081,764     $ 177,443,374          15,523,200     $ 248,179,398  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     4,034,542       55,016,697          7,649,537       110,163,010  

Shares redeemed

     (11,598,052     (170,897,293        (16,830,686     (270,529,012)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     4,518,254     $ 61,562,778          6,342,051     $ 87,813,396  
  

 

 

 

Class C Shares:

           

Year ended December 31, 2019

           

Shares sold

     2,306,121     $ 32,284,847          2,880,868     $ 43,190,637  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,119,382       15,451,899          1,903,555       27,852,917  

Shares redeemeda

     (6,958,708     (97,298,954        (9,018,336     (134,776,418)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (3,533,205   $ (49,562,208        (4,233,913   $ (63,732,864)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

           

Shares sold

     2,785,956     $ 40,367,570          4,101,280     $ 64,134,250  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,481,552       19,810,147          2,206,819       30,776,943  

Shares redeemeda

     (11,501,386     (165,700,940        (15,077,289     (234,814,076)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (7,233,878   $ (105,523,223        (8,769,190   $ (139,902,883)  
  

 

 

 

Class R Shares:

           

Year ended December 31, 2019

           

Shares sold

     810,137     $ 11,581,508          590,710     $ 9,051,968  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     340,829       4,792,738          452,084       6,824,543  

Shares redeemed

     (2,124,391     (30,185,318        (2,012,772     (30,890,356)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (973,425   $ (13,811,072)          (969,978   $ (15,013,845)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

           

Shares sold

     765,914     $ 11,297,144          749,501     $ 12,083,262  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     407,765       5,547,093          515,960       7,427,656  

Shares redeemed

     (2,125,473     (31,493,912        (2,507,518     (40,157,324)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (951,794   $ (14,649,675        (1,242,057   $ (20,646,406)  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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      51


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin Conservative
Allocation Fund
           Franklin Moderate
Allocation Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

           

Year ended December 31, 2019

           

Shares sold

     60,936     $ 868,835          125,617     $ 1,956,765  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     12,180       171,894          39,446       596,547  

Shares redeemed

     (74,119     (1,070,651        (88,644     (1,375,045
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,003   $ (29,922)          76,419     $ 1,178,267  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

           

Shares sold

     44,331     $ 662,423          82,180     $ 1,341,854  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     12,483       170,442          31,050       448,472  

Shares redeemed

     (32,381     (483,815        (26,491     (426,554
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     24,433     $ 349,050          86,739     $ 1,363,772  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

           

Year ended December 31, 2019

           

Shares sold

     1,226,806     $ 17,518,543          1,350,825     $ 20,876,845  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     194,739       2,751,084          325,037       4,922,110  

Shares redeemed

     (1,146,606     (16,363,671        (1,544,989     (23,937,983
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     274,939     $ 3,905,956          130,873     $ 1,860,972  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

           

Shares sold

     1,351,389     $ 19,964,830          2,127,729     $ 34,069,063  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     187,101       2,560,700          294,731       4,257,371  

Shares redeemed

     (1,306,194     (19,211,411        (1,771,687     (28,439,962
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     232,296     $ 3,314,119          650,773     $ 9,886,472  
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

 

     Franklin Growth  
     Allocation Fund  
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Class A Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares solda

     6,259,778     $ 116,026,941  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,381,223       97,592,988  

Shares redeemed

     (8,509,421     (157,893,270)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     3,131,580     $ 55,726,659  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares solda

     9,411,831     $ 181,419,633  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     4,261,084       71,799,771  

Shares redeemed

     (8,184,666     (158,447,411)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     5,488,249     $ 94,771,993  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

52      

 

 

      Annual Report  

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin Growth  
     Allocation Fund  
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Class C Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     1,388,707     $ 24,985,521  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,107,638       19,536,755  

Shares redeemeda

     (3,831,975     (69,018,665
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,335,630   $ (24,496,389
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     2,290,945     $ 43,225,242  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,040,994       17,275,116  

Shares redeemeda

     (7,057,658     (131,889,645
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (3,725,719   $ (71,389,287
  

 

 

 

Class R Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     361,071     $ 6,612,171  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     365,944       6,550,138  

Shares redeemed

     (1,619,946     (29,446,025
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (892,931   $ (16,283,716
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     469,006     $ 9,011,111  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     372,999       6,239,723  

Shares redeemed

     (1,677,731     (32,009,867
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (835,726   $ (16,759,033
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     27,196     $ 506,243  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     27,338       497,982  

Shares redeemed

     (45,001     (842,529
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     9,533     $ 161,696  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     71,669     $ 1,412,310  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     22,158       373,761  

Shares redeemed

     (12,701     (247,371
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     81,126     $ 1,538,700  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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      53


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin Growth  
     Allocation Fund  
  

 

 

 
     Shares      Amount  

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

     

Year ended December 31, 2019

     

Shares sold

     521,307      $ 9,751,537  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     211,955        3,863,038  

Shares redeemed

     (609,204      (11,361,489
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

         124,058      $ 2,253,086  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

     

Shares sold

     665,107      $ 12,993,054  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     169,710        2,869,802  

Shares redeemed

     (509,652      (9,961,638
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     325,165      $ 5,901,218  
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

3.  Transactions with Affiliates

Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton. Certain officers and trustees of the Funds are also officers and/or directors/trustees of certain of the FT Underlying Funds and of the following subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary    Affiliation

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

   Investment manager

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services)

   Administrative manager        

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors)

   Principal underwriter

Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services)

   Transfer agent

a.  Asset Allocation Fees

The Funds pay an asset allocation fee to Advisers of 0.25% per year of the average daily net assets of each of the Funds for investment advisory services, consisting principally of determining the allocation of assets of the Funds among the Underlying Funds and ETFs.

b.  Administrative Fees

Under an agreement with Advisers, FT Services provides administrative services to the Funds and is not paid by the Funds for the services.

c.  Distribution Fees

The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Funds’ Class A reimbursement distribution plans, the Funds reimburse Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plans, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Funds’ Class C and R compensation distribution plans, the

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Funds pay Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rates, is February 1 through January 31 for each Fund.

The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:

 

Class A

     0.25%  

Class C

     1.00%  

Class R

     0.50%  

d.  Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements

Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Funds. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has advised the Funds of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Funds’ shares for the year:

 

     Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

   $ 142,345      $ 237,377      $ 213,154  

CDSC retained

   $ 12,194      $ 20,387      $ 13,975  

e.  Transfer Agent Fees

Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. The fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds paid transfer agent fees as noted in the Statements of Operations of which the following amounts were retained by Investor Services:

 

     Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Transfer agent fees

   $ 668,108      $ 1,260,243      $ 1,080,632  

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds

The Funds invest primarily in FT Underlying Funds which are managed by Advisers (or by an affiliate of Advisers). The Funds do not invest in FT Underlying Funds for the purpose of exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. Asset allocation fees paid by the Funds are waived on assets invested in Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio (Sweep Money Fund), as noted in the Statements of Operations, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid directly or indirectly by the Sweep Money Fund.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

Investments in FT Underlying Funds for the year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     Value at
Beginning of
Year
     Purchases      Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
End of
Year
    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
     Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund
Controlled Affiliates

 

          

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

   $      $ 18,436,532      $     $     $ 232,775     $ 18,669,307       712,969      $ 308,591 a  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

            298,616,840                    (966,575     297,650,265       11,863,350        2,154,310 a  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

   $      $ 317,053,372      $     $     $ (733,800   $ 316,319,572        $ 2,462,901  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             

Franklin DynaTech Fund, Class R6

     56,915,523        302,942        (71,706,460     40,783,321       (26,295,326     b               

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

            25,040,066                    1,124,015       26,164,081       2,393,786        106,060 a  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

     37,597,752        11,711        (37,967,811     (3,544,417     3,902,765       b               

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

     41,605,935        1,296,080        (43,492,018     (1,527,178     2,117,181       b              148,347  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     10,800,877        6,176,470        (9,126,847     (863,618     2,781,207       9,768,089       386,855        401,818  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     11,525,783        59,088        (7,897,394     (1,423,984     2,625,433       4,888,926       186,957        134,107  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     119,464,184        8,737,619        (51,862,566     21,187,490       3,426,701       100,953,428       898,962        5,912,984 a  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

            40,809,398                    3,348,382       44,157,780       3,978,178        467,700  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

            18,357,272        (2,082,168     162,651       2,183,051       18,620,806       1,118,367        81,171  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

     25,613,745        2,793,031        (30,426,985     3,812,825       (1,792,616     b               

Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF

            60,157,857                    (30,246     60,127,611       2,344,650        438,449 a  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     33,210,679        11,749,528        (30,707,261     1,995,087       200,896       16,448,929       552,274        1,243,970  

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Purchases     Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund (continued)

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

         

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

  $ 62,074,238     $ 29,409,143     $ (14,827,272   $ (104,894   $ 18,888,839     $ 95,440,054       2,727,638     $ 1,704,661  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    182,843,581       134,871,178       (144,549,582     (3,818,761     5,656,712       175,003,128       18,060,178       7,991,281  

Franklin Mutual European Fund, Class R6

    20,039,889       679,506       (23,337,160     4,749,641       (2,131,876     b              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    58,924,603       3,217,645       (62,835,507     (11,254,126     11,947,385       b             373,425  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    64,774,725       3,212,295       (30,552,090     8,039,086       5,046,687       50,520,703       726,394       1,683,429 a  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    117,609,696       5,179,664       (126,654,877     497,142       3,368,375       b             2,168,323  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          80,146,619                   5,592,967       85,739,586       7,946,208       489,962  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    164,661,149       85,355,091       (256,765,100     (1,556,145     8,305,005       b             4,799,501  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    22,357,316       589,722       (26,168,402     11,513,252       (8,291,888     b             262,392  

Institutional Fiduciary

               

Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    35,798       223,660,619       (223,680,203                 16,214       16,214       562,849  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    35,923,843       1,617,478       (21,371,641     1,618,475       1,039,821       18,827,976       2,640,670       691,934  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    81,260,291       9,332,848       (31,206,836     (1,572,100     (2,275,767     55,538,436       5,007,975       5,092,627  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Non- Controlled Affiliates

  $ 1,147,239,607     $ 752,762,870     $ (1,247,218,180   $ 68,693,747     $ 40,737,703     $ 762,215,747       $ 34,754,990  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

  $ 1,147,239,607     $ 1,069,816,242     $ (1,247,218,180   $ 68,693,747     $ 40,003,903     $ 1,078,535,319       $ 37,217,891  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

 

         

Controlled Affiliates

 

           

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 60,354,251     $     $     $ 2,710,255     $ 63,064,506       5,769,854     $ 255,642 a  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    25,439,836       15,470,373       (22,384,679     (2,033,986     6,619,453       23,110,997       915,287       980,045  

 

 

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    57


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

f.   Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

    Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Purchases     Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
End of
Year
    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

         

Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

             

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 101,324,750     $     $     $ 8,275,691     $ 109,600,441       9,873,914     $ 1,161,275  

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          19,448,133                   282,203       19,730,336       753,489       320,480 a  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          385,715,021                   (2,419,805     383,295,216       15,276,873       2,736,196 a  

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    91,248,228       5,485,477       (97,672,147     (20,383,361     21,321,803       b             602,511  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          193,524,533                   13,611,944       207,136,477       19,197,079       1,192,110  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

  $ 116,688,064     $ 781,322,538     $ (120,056,826   $ (22,417,347   $ 50,401,544     $ 805,937,973       $ 7,248,259  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Franklin DynaTech Fund, Class R6

    131,830,259       660,207       (166,739,550     91,650,764       (57,401,680     b              

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    37,608,902             (37,969,118     (3,475,205     3,835,421       b              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    38,683,399       1,838,069       (41,068,817     (1,380,650     1,927,999       b             138,808  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    27,611,482       113,622       (19,393,153     (3,422,048     6,324,189       11,234,092       429,602       323,134  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    278,927,077       15,385,646       (108,118,235     46,324,687       12,706,563       245,225,738       2,183,666       14,289,473 a  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          46,185,181       (5,444,043     281,868       5,448,147       46,471,153       2,791,060       202,574  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    59,120,152       7,583,513       (71,171,969     7,699,190       (3,230,886     b              

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    74,846,213       30,272,651       (70,271,358     4,385,934       649,272       39,882,712       1,339,065       3,012,410  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    143,550,227       71,396,211       (29,594,334     87,589       45,127,822       230,567,515       6,589,526       4,158,791  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    178,021,586       63,632,532       (113,814,440     (2,545,370     4,716,686       130,010,994       13,417,027       7,450,014  

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Purchases     Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund (continued)

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

         

Franklin Mutual European Fund, Class R6

  $ 47,971,953     $ 519,608     $ (54,879,351   $ 11,089,927     $ (4,702,137   $ b           $  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    148,089,939       6,557,689       (63,006,387     16,435,288       14,593,960       122,670,489       1,763,774       4,083,989 a  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    111,626,569       8,997,435       (124,330,334     616,145       3,090,185       b             2,259,401  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    159,143,007       88,185,908       (254,061,424     (305,491     7,038,000       b             4,969,410  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    50,426,474       2,203,315       (60,223,729     27,547,794       (19,953,854     b             634,483  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    56,065       354,548,609       (354,578,618                 26,056       26,056       883,464  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    82,834,369       4,073,236       (45,899,957     3,199,727       2,936,409       47,143,784       6,612,032       1,732,548  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    79,180,477       13,586,071       (29,787,667     (1,499,847     (2,516,927     58,962,107       5,316,691       5,237,435  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Non- Controlled Affiliates

  $ 1,649,528,150     $ 715,739,503     $ (1,650,352,484   $ 196,690,302     $ 20,589,169     $ 932,194,640       $ 49,375,934  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

  $ 1,766,216,214     $ 1,497,062,041     $ (1,770,409,310   $ 174,272,955     $ 70,990,713     $ 1,738,132,613       $ 56,624,193  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

 

             

Controlled Affiliates

 

           

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 53,311,504     $     $     $ 2,386,873     $ 55,698,377       5,095,917     $ 225,782 a  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    21,922,080       13,555,985       (18,019,316     (1,660,298     5,703,186       21,501,637       851,550       881,777  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          89,460,128                   7,291,989       96,752,117       8,716,407       1,025,079  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          170,153,317                   11,963,920       182,117,237       16,878,335       1,047,719  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

  $ 21,922,080     $ 326,480,934     $ (18,019,316   $ (1,660,298   $ 27,345,968     $ 356,069,368       $ 3,180,357  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

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    59


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

f. Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

    Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Purchases     Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             

Franklin DynaTech Fund, Class R6

  $ 109,789,861     $ 308,723     $ (139,435,807   $ 78,324,490     $ (48,987,267   $ b           $  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    8,968,255             (9,055,121     (791,173     878,039       b              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    10,049,028       990,476       (11,180,602     (312,751     453,849       b             36,727  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    22,716,000       92,282       (14,538,886     (2,577,311     5,068,640       10,760,725       411,500       294,293  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    231,954,267       14,091,994       (78,772,527     24,981,722       25,476,411       217,731,867       1,938,841       12,559,618 a  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          40,908,494       (4,184,214     267,260       4,912,740       41,904,280       2,516,774       182,666  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    49,599,678       6,966,668       (60,212,427     5,401,081       (1,755,000     b              

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          6,318,746                   80,968       6,399,714       244,401       105,605 a  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          114,001,405                   (606,974     113,394,431       4,519,525       812,627 a  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    62,311,312       27,665,311       (59,228,412     3,567,863       701,124       35,017,198       1,175,705       2,634,249  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    119,744,604       63,892,120       (20,028,279     246,825       38,862,129       202,717,399       5,793,581       3,633,959  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    45,152,022       31,977,663       (35,477,976     (324,051     842,680       42,170,338       4,351,944       2,205,426  

Franklin Mutual European Fund, Class R6

    40,510,549       519,795       (46,524,241     10,107,032       (4,613,135     b              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    56,835,748       3,323,060       (60,640,902     (11,015,668     11,497,762       b             392,647  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    123,494,926       6,614,954       (47,383,810     11,285,277       15,384,396       109,395,743       1,572,908       3,578,274 a  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    26,754,417       5,935,823       (33,622,075     262,640       669,195       b             644,286  

 

     

 

60      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

   

Value at

Beginning

of Year

    Purchases     Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (continued)

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

             
Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6   $ 39,210,505     $ 39,734,690     $ (80,904,922   $ 1,037,394     $ 922,333     $ —   b           $ 1,394,051  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    41,286,615       2,341,509       (50,070,573     22,788,807       (16,346,358     b             550,477  
Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%     36,422       240,966,486       (240,984,657                 18,251       18,251       580,748  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    69,665,758       3,767,387       (35,357,968     2,156,096       3,106,956       43,338,229       6,078,293       1,592,693  
Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6     18,800,160       8,511,361       (6,921,903     (349,942     (898,554     19,141,122       1,725,981       1,521,964  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Non- Controlled Affiliates

  $ 1,076,880,127     $ 618,928,947     $ (1,034,525,302   $ 145,055,591     $ 35,649,934     $ 841,989,297       $ 32,720,310  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total Affiliated Securities   $ 1,098,802,207     $ 945,409,881     $ (1,052,544,618   $ 143,395,293     $ 62,995,902     $ 1,198,058,665       $ 35,900,667  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

aDividend income includes capital gain distributions received, if any, from underlying funds, and are presented in corresponding line item in the Statement of Operations. bAs of December 31, 2019, no longer held by the fund.

g.  Waiver and Expense Reimbursements

Advisers and Investor Services have contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit their respective fees and to assume as their own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by Franklin Growth Allocation Fund so that the expenses (excluding distribution fees, and acquired fund fees and expenses and certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations, and liquidations) for Class A, Class C, Class R, Advisor Class and for Class R6 of the Fund do not exceed 0.40% and 0.27%, respectively, based on the average net assets of each class until April 30, 2020. Total expenses waived or paid are not subject to recapture subsequent to the Funds’ fiscal year end.

Prior to May 1, 2019, expenses (excluding certain fees and expenses as previously disclosed) for Franklin Growth Allocation Fund for Class A, Class C, Class R and Advisor Class were limited to 0.40%, and expenses for Class R6 were limited to 0.28% based on the average net assets of each class.

Investor Services has contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees so that the Class R6 transfer agent fees do not exceed 0.03% based on the average net assets of the class until April 30, 2020.

4.  Expense Offset Arrangement

The Funds have entered into an arrangement with their custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Funds’ custodian expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statements of Operations.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

5.  Income Taxes

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was as follows:

 

     Franklin Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin Growth
Allocation Fund
 
     2019      2018      2019      2018      2019      2018  

 

 
Distributions paid from:                  

Ordinary income

   $ 25,683,084      $ 32,363,606      $ 32,803,976      $ 43,773,340      $ 15,530,614      $ 21,174,619  
Long term capital gain      55,364,282        53,201,795        136,097,653        112,468,006        114,867,907        79,302,833  
  

 

 

 
   $ 81,047,366      $ 85,565,401      $ 168,901,629      $ 156,241,346      $ 130,398,521      $ 100,477,452  
  

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), undistributed ordinary income and undistributed long term capital gains for income tax purposes were as follows:

 

     Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin Growth
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Cost of investments

   $ 1,097,262,858     $ 1,656,406,677      $ 1,037,156,965  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation

   $ 126,087,651     $ 304,489,539      $ 260,422,072  

Unrealized depreciation

     (13,754,780     (14,184,021)        (4,189,024)  
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   $ 112,332,871     $ 290,305,518      $ 256,233,048  
  

 

 

 

Distributable earnings:

       

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 847,663     $ 1,696,117      $ 1,299,082  

Undistributed long term capital gains

     13,977,490       43,440,322        38,520,130  
  

 

 

 

Total distributable earnings

       $     14,825,153         $     45,136,439          $     39,819,212  
  

 

 

 

Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatment of wash sales.

The Funds utilized a tax accounting practice to treat a portion of the proceeds from capital shares redeemed as a distribution from realized capital gains.

6.  Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of Underlying Funds and ETFs (excluding short term securities) for the year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Purchases

   $ 1,023,529,047      $ 1,348,752,030      $ 776,508,555  

Sales

   $ 1,140,942,897      $ 1,537,235,999      $ 878,255,474  

 

     

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

7.  Credit Facility

The Funds, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matured on February 7, 2020. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests. Effective February 7, 2020, the Borrowers renewed the Global Credit Facility for a one year term, maturing February 5, 2021, for a total of $2 billion.

Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Funds shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Funds and other costs incurred by the Funds, pay their share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon their relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds did not use the Global Credit Facility.

8.  Fair Value Measurements

The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

A summary of inputs used as of December 31, 2019, in valuing the Funds’ assets carried at fair value, is as follows:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds

       $ 1,196,478,797          $          $          $ 1,196,478,797  

Short Term Investments

     16,214        13,100,718               13,116,932  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $     1,196,495,011          $     13,100,718          $             —          $     1,209,595,729  
  

 

 

 

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds

       $ 1,927,855,065          $          $          $ 1,927,855,065  

Short Term Investments

     26,056        18,831,074               18,857,130  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $     1,927,881,121          $     18,831,074          $                 —          $     1,946,712,195  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

8.  Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds

       $ 1,279,593,374          $          $          $ 1,279,593,374  

Short Term Investments

     18,251        13,778,388               13,796,639  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $     1,279,611,625          $     13,778,388          $                 —          $     1,293,390,013  
  

 

 

 

aFor detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.

9.  Subsequent Events

The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure other than those already disclosed in the financial statements.

 

Abbreviations

 

Selected Portfolio

 

 

ETF    Exchange Traded Fund
FTSE    Financial Times Stock Exchange
 

 

     

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Franklin Fund Allocator Series and Shareholders of Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund, Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund and Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the statements of investments, of Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund, Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund and Franklin Growth Allocation Fund (the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2019, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California

February 20, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.

 

 

 

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Tax Information (unaudited)

Under Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than the following amounts as long term capital gain dividends for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 
  $62,860,586       $152,173,232       $126,621,590  

Under Section 871(k)(2)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than the following amounts as short term capital gain dividends for purposes of the tax imposed under Section 871(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 
  $29,942       $831,668       $659,661  

Under Section 854(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the following percentage amounts of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 
  13.23%       25.20%       46.51%  

Under Section 854(b)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than the following amounts as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
Conservative
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Moderate
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Growth
Allocation Fund
 
  $6,478,617       $15,815,013       $13,950,647  

Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2019 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV by mid-February 2020. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds, qualified fund of funds under Section 852(g)(2) of Internal Revenue Code, received an allocation of foreign taxes paid from one or more of their underlying funds. As shown in the table below, the Funds hereby report to shareholders the foreign source income and foreign taxes paid by underlying funds, pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code. This written statement will allow shareholders of record on December 27, 2019, to treat their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the underlying funds as having been paid directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.

 

     

 

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TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The following table provides a detailed analysis of foreign tax paid, foreign source income, and foreign source qualified dividends as reported by the Funds, to shareholders of record.

 

Class    Foreign Tax Paid
Per Share
     Foreign Source
Income Per Share
     Foreign Source Qualified
Dividends Per Share
 

Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund

        

Class A

     $0.0066        $0.1049        $0.0262  

Class C

     $0.0066        $0.1049        $0.0262  

Class R

     $0.0066        $0.1049        $0.0262  

Class R6

     $0.0066        $0.1049        $0.0262  

Advisor Class

     $0.0066        $0.1049        $0.0262  

Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund

        

Class A

     $0.0084        $0.1092        $0.0439  

Class C

     $0.0084        $0.1092        $0.0439  

Class R

     $0.0084        $0.1092        $0.0439  

Class R6

     $0.0084        $0.1092        $0.0439  

Advisor Class

     $0.0084        $0.1092        $0.0439  

Franklin Growth Allocation Fund

        

Class A

     $0.0118        $0.1262        $0.0719  

Class C

     $0.0118        $0.1262        $0.0719  

Class R

     $0.0118        $0.1262        $0.0719  

Class R6

     $0.0118        $0.1262        $0.0719  

Advisor Class

     $0.0118        $0.1262        $0.0719  

Foreign Tax Paid Per Share is the amount per share available to you, as a tax credit (assuming you held your shares in the Fund for a minimum of 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-dividend date of the Fund’s distribution to which the foreign taxes relate), or, as a tax deduction.

Foreign Source Income Per Share is the amount per share of income dividends attributable to foreign securities held by the Fund, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. The amounts reported include foreign source qualified dividends that have not been adjusted for the rate differential applicable to such dividend income.1

Foreign Source Qualified Dividends Per Share is the amount per share of foreign source qualified dividends plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. These amounts represent the portion of the Foreign Source Income Per Share that were derived from qualified foreign securities held by the Fund.1

At the beginning of each calendar year, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the prior calendar year. The Foreign Source Income reported on Form 1099-DIV has not been adjusted for the rate differential on foreign source qualified dividend income. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

1. Qualified dividends are taxed at reduced long term capital gains tax rates. In determining the amount of foreign tax credit that may be applied against the U.S. tax liability of individuals receiving foreign source qualified dividends, adjustments may be required to the foreign tax credit limitation calculation to reflect the rate differential applicable to such dividend income. The rules however permit certain individuals to elect not to apply the rate differential adjustments for capital gains and/or dividends for any taxable year. Please consult your tax advisor and the instructions to Form 1116 for more information.

 

 

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Board Members and Officers

The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Trust, principal occupations during at least the past five years and number of U.S. registered portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton fund complex, are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.

Independent Board Members

 

Name, Year of Birth

and Address

 

  

Position

 

  

Length of
Time Served

 

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*

 

  

Other Directorships Held

During at Least the Past 5 Years

 

Harris J. Ashton (1932)    Trustee    Since 1995    132    Bar-S Foods (meat packing company)
One Franklin Parkway             (1981-2010).
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906            
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998).
                     
Terrence J. Checki (1945)    Trustee    Since 2017    111    Hess Corporation (exploration of oil
One Franklin Parkway             and gas) (2014-present).
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906            
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present) and member of various other boards of trustees and advisory boards; and formerly, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014).
                     
Mary C. Choksi (1950)    Trustee    Since 2014    132    Avis Budget Group Inc. (car rental)
One Franklin Parkway             (2007-present), Omnicom Group Inc.
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906             (advertising and marketing
            communications services)
            (2011-present) and White Mountains
            Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding
            company) (2017-present).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director of various companies; and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987).
                     
Edith E. Holiday (1952)    Lead    Trustee since 1998    132    Hess Corporation (exploration of oil
One Franklin Parkway    Independent    and Lead       and gas) (1993-present), Canadian
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906    Trustee    Independent       National Railway (railroad)
      Trustee since       (2001-present), White Mountains
      March 2019       Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding
            company) (2004-present), Santander
            Consumer USA Holdings, Inc.
            (consumer finance) (2016-present),
            RTI International Metals, Inc.
            (manufacture and distribution of
            titanium) (1999-2015) and H.J. Heinz
            Company (processed foods and allied
            products) (1994-2013).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison–United States Treasury Department (1988-1989).
                     

 

     

 

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Independent Board Members (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth

and Address

 

  

Position

 

  

Length of
Time Served

 

  

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*

 

  

Other Directorships Held

During at Least the Past 5 Years

 

J. Michael Luttig (1954)    Trustee    Since 2009    132    Boeing Capital Corporation (aircraft
One Franklin Parkway             financing) (2006-2010).
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906            
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Private investor; and formerly, Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (May 2019-January 1, 2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).
                     
Larry D. Thompson (1945)    Trustee    Since 2007    132    The Southern Company (energy
One Franklin Parkway             company) (2014-present; previously
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906             2010-2012), Graham Holdings
            Company (education and media
            organization) (2011-present) and
            Cbeyond, Inc. (business
            communications provider)
            (2010-2012).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and formerly, Executive Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).
                     

Interested Board Members and Officers

 

    

Position

 

 

Length of
Time Served

 

 

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*

 

 

Other Directorships Held

During at Least the Past 5 Years

 

**Gregory E. Johnson (1961)   Trustee   Since 2007   144   None
One Franklin Parkway        
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906        
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Chairman of the Board, Member – Office of the Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 39 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and formerly, President, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2015).
                 
**Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (1940)   Chairman of   Since 2013   132   None
One Franklin Parkway   the Board      
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   and Trustee      
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Vice Chairman, Member – Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 37 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 
Alison E. Baur (1964)   Vice President   Since 2012   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway        
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906        
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Deputy General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

    

Position

 

 

Length of
Time Served

 

 

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*

 

 

Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

 

Breda M. Beckerle (1958)   Interim Chief   Since January   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
280 Park Avenue   Compliance   2009    
New York, NY 10017   Officer      
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Chief Compliance Officer, Fiduciary Investment Management International, Inc., Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 
Gaston Gardey (1967)   Treasurer,   Since 2009   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway   Chief Financial      
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   Officer and      
  Chief      
  Accounting      
  Officer      
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Treasurer, U.S. Fund Administration & Reporting, and officer of 24 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 
Steven J. Gray (1955)   Vice President   Vice President   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway   and   since 2009    
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   Co-Secretary   and Co-Secretary    
    since 2019    
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and FASA, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 
Matthew T. Hinkle (1971)   Chief Executive   Since 2017   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway   Officer –      
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   Finance and      
  Administration      
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton; and formerly,Vice President, Global Tax (2012-April 2017) and Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, Franklin Templeton (2009-2017).
                 
Robert Lim (1948)   Vice President   Since 2016   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway   –AML      
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   Compliance      
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Vice President, Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 
Edward D. Perks (1970)   President and   Since 2018   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway   Chief Executive      
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   Officer –      
  Investment      
  Management      
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; and officer of eight of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton (since December 2018).
                 
Navid J. Tofigh (1972)   Vice President   Since 2015   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway        
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906        
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Associate General Counsel, and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

    

Position

 

 

Length of
Time Served

 

 

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*

 

 

Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

 

Craig S. Tyle (1960)   Vice President   Since 2005   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
One Franklin Parkway        
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906        
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
General Counsel, Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 
Lori A. Weber (1964)   Vice President   Vice President   Not Applicable   Not Applicable
300 S.E. 2nd Street   and   since 2011    
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923   Co-Secretary   and Co-Secretary    
    since 2019    
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:    
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
                 

*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.

**Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Fund’s investment manager and distributor. Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director and major shareholder of Resources.

Note 1: Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson.

Note 2: Effective March 12, 2019, John B. Wilson ceased to be a trustee of the Trust.

Note 3: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Fund’s Audit Committee includes at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Fund’s Board has determined that there is at least one such financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated Mary C. Choksi as its audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that Ms. Choksi qualifies as such an expert in view of her extensive business background and experience. She currently serves as a director of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (2007-present) and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (1987 to 2017). Ms. Choksi has been a Member of the Fund’s Audit Committee since 2014. As a result of such background and experience, the Board believes that Ms. Choksi has acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Ms. Choksi is an independent Board member as that term is defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.

The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 to request the SAI.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Shareholder Information

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Trust’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Trust’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Trust’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Quarterly Statement of Investments

The Trust files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-PORT by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Householding of Reports and Prospectuses

You will receive each Fund’s financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated summary prospectus (prospectus available upon request). To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and summary prospectus. This process, called “householding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you prefer not to have these documents householded, please call us at (800) 632-2301. At any time you may view current prospectuses/summary prospectuses and financial reports on our website. If you choose, you may receive these documents through electronic delivery.

 

 

     

 

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Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.

To help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls to and from our service areas are monitored and/or recorded.

 

 

 

LOGO            

Annual Report and Shareholder Letter

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

  
   Investment Manager            Distributor    Shareholder Services
   Franklin Advisers, Inc.    Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.    (800) 632-2301
      (800) DIAL BEN® / 342-5236   
      franklintempleton.com   

 

© 2020 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.    FAS A 02/20


LOGO


 

Internet Delivery of Fund Reports Unless You Request Paper Copies: Effective January 1, 2021, as permitted by the SEC, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request them from the Fund or your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you have not signed up for electronic delivery, we would encourage you to join fellow shareholders who have. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications electronically from the Fund by calling (800) 632-2301 or by contacting your financial intermediary.

You may elect to continue to receive paper copies of all your future shareholder reports free of charge by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly with a Fund, calling (800) 632-2301 to let the Fund know of your request. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.


SHAREHOLDER LETTER

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The U.S. economy, after moderating for two consecutive quarters, grew during the 12 months ended December 31, 2019, and the unemployment rate declined. In January 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) signaled the end of its tightening cycle and cut the federal funds rate by 0.25% at each of its July, September and October 2019 meetings, decreasing the rate from 2.50% to 1.75% by period-end. The Fed cited muted inflation pressures, some soft business indicators and the potential effects of global developments on the U.S. economy as rationale for its more accommodative monetary policy. Stocks responded positively to the interest-rate cuts, despite some volatility due to U.S.-China trade tensions, and stocks gained further in December 2019 after the Fed indicated it would likely leave interest rates unchanged in 2020.

In this environment, the prices of U.S. stocks, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index (S&P 500®), returned +28.88% (the index increasing from 2,506.85 to 3,230.78).1,3 The prices of stocks in global developed markets, as measured by the MSCI World Index, returned +25.19% (the index increasing from 1,883.901 to 2,358.468).2,3 Investment-grade bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (Bloomberg Index), posted a +8.72% total return (an index increase from 2,046.60 to 2,225.00), which includes reinvestment of income and distributions.4

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

We believe active, professional investment management serves investors well. We also recognize the important role

of financial advisors in today’s markets and encourage investors to continue to seek their advice. Amid changing markets and economic conditions, we are confident investors with a well-diversified portfolio and a patient, long-term outlook should be well positioned for the years ahead.

In addition, Franklin Fund Allocator Series’ annual report includes more detail about prevailing conditions and a discussion about investment decisions during the period. As you know, all securities markets fluctuate, as do mutual fund share prices.

We thank you for investing with Franklin, welcome your questions and comments, and look forward to assisting your future investment plans.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

Chairman

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

This letter reflects our analysis and opinions as of December 31, 2019, unless otherwise indicated. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

1. Source: Copyright © 2020, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. All rights reserved.

2. Source: MSCI.

3. Source: Morningstar. The changes in index prices shown for the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index do not include reinvestments of income and distributions, which are included in their total returns, which were: S&P 500 +31.49% (index total return resulting in an increase from 4,984.22 to 6,553.57) and MSCI World Index +28.40% (index total return resulting in an increase from 7,771.710 to 9,979.034).

4. Sources: Morningstar and Bloomberg Barclays Indices. For the Bloomberg Index, only total return as shown is available, not price change without the inclusion of reinvested income and distributions.

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

 

 

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Annual Report      

 

 

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Contents

 

 

 

Annual Report

  

Economic and Market Overview

     3  

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund

     4  

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund

     10  

Financial Highlights and Statements of Investments

     16  

Financial Statements

     28  

Notes to Financial Statements

     32  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     40  

Tax Information

     41  

Board Members and Officers

     43  

Shareholder Information

     47  

 

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

 

     

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

Economic and Market Overview

 

Global developed and emerging market stocks, as measured by the MSCI All Country World Index, posted strong returns during the reporting period. Although global economic growth slowed from 2018, interest-rate cuts from many central banks and the easing of trade tensions near period-end contributed to the generally positive environment for equities worldwide. Reflecting investor optimism and slowing but resilient economic growth, stocks advanced in every major region of the globe.

In the U.S., solid economic growth also supported equities, as healthy consumer spending and a strong labor market kept the economy afloat. The unemployment rate fell during the year, reaching 3.5% in September, November and December 2019, the lowest recorded unemployment rate in 50 years.1 Wages also grew, albeit at a moderate pace, and inflation remained persistently low. In addition, deficit spending by the U.S. government boosted current growth at the expense of long-term debt. Despite the strength in the consumer sector, some parts of the economy struggled, particularly heavy industry. Annual industrial production contracted late in the reporting period, manufacturing output stalled and capital spending declined.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) provided a substantial boost to equity markets early in the reporting period as it shifted to a more accommodative monetary policy. In January 2019, the Fed signaled the end of its tightening cycle and cut the federal funds rate three times thereafter, lowering it to a range of 1.50%–1.75%. Stocks responded positively to the interest-rate cuts and gained further in December 2019 after the Fed indicated it would likely leave interest rates unchanged in 2020.

Growth slowed overall in the eurozone, particularly in Germany and Italy. Germany, which is heavily reliant on exports, was adversely affected by the trade conflict between the U.S. and China and the resulting slowdown in global trade. In Italy, political uncertainty and budget concerns caused the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth to stall in 2019’s first quarter before accelerating in the second quarter. Despite sluggish economic conditions, European developed market equities, as measured by the MSCI Europe Index, posted strong returns overall, as easing trade tensions buoyed investor optimism and an electoral victory by the Conservative Party in the U.K. alleviated uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Although the European Central Bank

left its headline refinancing rate unchanged, it lowered the deposit rate and restarted its bond-buying stimulus program, further supporting stocks.

Economic growth in Asia was relatively solid overall, despite slowdowns in several large emerging market countries, such as China and India. Japan’s economy grew amid the Bank of Japan’s sizable stimulus program. The trade war between the U.S. and China provided the backdrop for Asian stocks, which rose and fell in sync with investor sentiment regarding a trade deal. A phase one agreement reached in December 2019 propelled Asian developed and emerging market stocks, which ultimately ended with strong returns over the 12-month period, as measured by the MSCI All Country Asia Index.

Emerging market stocks overall experienced several sharp selloffs and subsequent rebounds throughout the reporting period before ending with gains. In aggregate, economic growth slowed somewhat from 2018 but remained solid, although there was some variation among individual countries. Many central banks in emerging markets cut interest rates throughout the reporting period which, along with resilient GDP growth, provided a supportive environment for equities. Russian stocks posted the highest returns among emerging markets as the threat of further sanctions receded and a solid fiscal environment reassured investors. Overall, global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, posted robust returns for the period.

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis and opinions as of December 31, 2019. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

 

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Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks capital appreciation through investments in a combination of Franklin Growth Fund, Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund and Templeton Growth Fund.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund into a broad asset class.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +25.79% cumulative total return for the 12 months under review. In comparison, the Fund’s benchmarks, the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index (S&P 500®), which is a broad measure of U.S. stock performance, posted a +31.49% cumulative total return, and the MSCI World Index, which tracks equity performance in global developed markets, posted a +28.40% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 6.

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

Investment Strategy

The Fund invests its assets allocated approximately 25% each in Franklin Growth Fund, Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund and Templeton Growth Fund. These underlying funds, in turn, invest primarily in U.S. and foreign equity securities and, to a lesser extent, fixed income and money market securities. As market conditions affect the underlying funds, we rebalance the Fund’s allocations to maintain the predetermined weightings in each underlying fund whenever the actual allocations exceed plus or minus 3% of the fixed allocation percentages.

Portfolio Review

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to maintaining a relatively static allocation among domestic and foreign equities, fixed income securities, and short-term investments and other net assets, and to the actual performance of the selected underlying funds.

During the period under review, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6 and Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund –Class R6 outperformed the S&P 500, while Franklin Mutual Shares Fund – Class R6 underperformed the index. Templeton Growth Fund – Class R6 underperformed the MSCI World Index.

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 21.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN COREFOLIO ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

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

 

LOGO  

LOGO

 

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

LOGO  

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.

 

 

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FRANKLIN COREFOLIO ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/19

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class

   Cumulative
Total Return1
     Average Annual
Total Return2
 

 

 

A3

     

1-Year

     +25.79%        +18.86%  

 

 

5-Year

     +49.23%        +7.11%  

 

 

10-Year

     +162.50%        +9.52%  

 

 

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +26.10%        +26.10%  

 

 

5-Year

     +51.14%        +8.61%  

 

 

10-Year

     +169.76%        +10.43%  

 

 

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

See page 8 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN COREFOLIO ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

 

LOGO

 

 

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FRANKLIN COREFOLIO ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
       Short-Term
Capital Gain
       Long-Term
Capital Gain
       Total  

A

     $0.2022          $0.0923          $1.3615          $1.6560  

C

     $0.0466          $0.0923          $1.3615          $1.5004  

R

     $0.1501          $0.0923          $1.3615          $1.6039  

R6

     $0.2732          $0.0923          $1.3615          $1.7270  

Advisor

     $0.2518          $0.0923          $1.3615          $1.7056  

Total Annual Operating Expenses5

 

Share Class        

A

     1.04%  

Advisor

     0.79%  

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

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, this fund of funds may be subject to those same risks. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can therefore fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. Value securities may not increase in price as anticipated or may decline further in value. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility, and political or social instability; risks that are heightened in developing countries. The Fund includes investments in specialized industry sectors such as the technology sector, which has been among the most volatile in the market. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

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

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

3. Prior to 9/10/18 these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

4. Source: Morningstar. The S&P 500 is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure total U.S. equity market performance. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed markets.

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

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

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN COREFOLIO ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         

  Share

  Class

 

Beginning

Account

Value 7/1/19

       

Ending

Account
Value 12/31/19

   Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2
       

Ending

Account
Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191,
2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A   $1,000       $1,073.10    $2.25       $1,023.04    $2.19       0.43%
C   $1,000       $1,069.40    $6.15       $1,019.26    $6.01       1.18%
R   $1,000       $1,072.50    $3.45       $1,021.88    $3.36       0.66%
R6   $1,000       $1,075.10    $0.47       $1,024.75    $0.46       0.09%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,074.40    $0.94       $1,024.30    $0.92       0.18%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

 

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    9


Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund’s principal investment goal is capital appreciation, with a secondary goal of income. The Fund invests in an equally weighted combination of Franklin Income Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund and Templeton Growth Fund.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

* The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund into a broad asset class.

** Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +17.81% cumulative total return for the 12 months under review. In comparison, the Fund’s benchmarks, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), which is a broad measure of U.S. stock performance, posted a +31.49% total return and the MSCI World Index, which tracks equity performance in global developed markets, posted a +28.40% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 12.

 

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

Investment Strategy

The Fund invests its assets in an equally weighted combination of Franklin Income Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund and Templeton Growth Fund. These underlying funds, in turn, invest primarily in U.S. and foreign equity securities and, to a lesser extent, fixed income and money market securities. As market conditions affect the underlying funds, we rebalance the Fund’s allocations to maintain the predetermined equal weightings of approximately 33% of total net assets in each underlying fund whenever the actual allocations exceed plus or minus 3% of the fixed allocation percentages.

Portfolio Review

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to maintaining a relatively static allocation among domestic and foreign equities, fixed income securities, and short-term investments and other net assets, and to the actual performance of the selected underlying funds.

During the period under review, Franklin Income Fund – Class R6 and Franklin Mutual Shares Fund – Class R6 underperformed the S&P 500. Templeton Growth Fund – Class R6 underperformed the MSCI World Index.

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 27.

 

     

 

10      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

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FRANKLIN FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

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

 

LOGO  

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

LOGO  

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

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    11


FRANKLIN FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/19

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative
Total Return1
                 Average Annual
Total Return2
 

 

 

A3

     

1-Year

     +17.81%        +11.29%  

 

 

5-Year

     +25.82%        +3.53%  

 

 

10-Year

     +102.76%        +6.72%  

 

 

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +18.06%        +18.06%  

 

 

5-Year

     +27.43%        +4.97%  

 

 

10-Year

     +107.87%        +7.59%  

 

 

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

See page 14 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

 

 

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    13


FRANKLIN FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
 

A

     $0.4358  

C

     $0.3215  

R

     $0.3995  

R6

     $0.4805  

Advisor

     $0.4711  

Total Annual Operating Expenses5

 

Share Class        

A

     0.99%  

Advisor

     0.74%  

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

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because the Fund invests in underlying funds that may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to these same risks. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bonds are affected by changes in interest rates and the creditworthiness of their issuers. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Higher-yielding, lower-rated corporate bonds entail a greater degree of credit risk compared to investment-grade securities. Value securities may not increase in price as anticipated or may decline further in value. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks that are heightened in developing countries. To the extent the Fund focuses on particular countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investments from time to time, it may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in a wider variety of countries, regions, industries, sectors or investments. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

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

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

3. Prior to 9/10/18 these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

4. Source: Morningstar. The S&P 500 is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure total U.S. equity market performance. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed markets.

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

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

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FOUNDING FUNDS ALLOCATION FUND

    

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         
Share
Class
  Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
   Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2
        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
   Expenses Paid
During Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2
       

Net
Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A   $1,000       $1,061.10    $2.08       $1,023.19    $2.04       0.40%
C   $1,000       $1,057.00    $5.96       $1,019.41    $5.85       1.15%
R   $1,000       $1,059.30    $3.37       $1,021.93    $3.31       0.65%
R6   $1,000       $1,062.40    $0.42       $1,024.80    $0.41       0.08%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,062.10    $0.78       $1,024.45    $0.77       0.15%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $17.32       $19.68       $17.06       $16.80       $18.00  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.20       0.17       0.17       0.14       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     4.17       (1.51     3.23       1.07       (0.32

Total from investment operations

     4.37       (1.34     3.40       1.21       (0.18

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds

     (0.20     (0.15     (0.18     (0.17     (0.16

Net realized gains

     (1.45     (0.87     (0.60     (0.78     (0.86

Total distributions

     (1.65     (1.02     (0.78     (0.95     (1.02

Net asset value, end of year

     $20.04       $17.32       $19.68       $17.06       $16.80  

Total returnd

     25.79%       (7.10)%       20.07%       7.64%       (1.20)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensese,f

     0.44%       0.41%       0.47%       0.45%       0.47%  

Net investment incomec

     1.02%       0.76%       0.90%       0.83%       0.80%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $717,806       $593,983       $579,707       $507,530       $523,540  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.12%       3.94%       0.71%       0.40%       0.53%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

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

fDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $17.10       $19.43       $16.85       $16.61       $17.81  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment income (loss)b,c

     0.04       (0.10     0.02       0.01       0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     4.12       (1.35     3.19       1.05       (0.33

Total from investment operations

     4.16       (1.45     3.21       1.06       (0.31

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds

     (0.05     (0.01     (0.03     (0.04     (0.03

Net realized gains

     (1.45     (0.87     (0.60     (0.78     (0.86

Total distributions

     (1.50     (0.88     (0.63     (0.82     (0.89

Net asset value, end of year

     $19.76       $17.10       $19.43       $16.85       $16.61  

Total returnd

     24.83%       (7.76)%       19.20%       6.82%       (1.92)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensese,f

     1.19%       1.16%       1.22%       1.20%       1.19%  

Net investment incomec

     0.27%       0.01%       0.15%       0.08%       0.08%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $75,745       $72,124       $170,218       $160,729       $172,116  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.12%       3.94%       0.71%       0.40%       0.53%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

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

fDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $17.34       $19.68       $17.06       $16.81       $18.01  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.14       0.10       0.12       0.10       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     4.19       (1.48     3.23       1.06       (0.32

Total from investment operations

     4.33       (1.38     3.35       1.16       (0.22

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds

     (0.15     (0.09     (0.13     (0.13     (0.12

Net realized gains

     (1.45     (0.87     (0.60     (0.78     (0.86

Total distributions

     (1.60     (0.96     (0.73     (0.91     (0.98

Net asset value, end of year

     $20.07       $17.34       $19.68       $17.06       $16.81  

Total return

     25.51%       (7.30)%       19.79%       7.33%       (1.43)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensesd,e

     0.67%       0.65%       0.72%       0.70%       0.69%  

Net investment incomec

     0.79%       0.52%       0.65%       0.58%       0.58%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,387       $1,412       $1,629       $1,461       $1,423  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.12%       3.94%       0.71%       0.40%       0.53%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

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

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017a  

Class R6

      

Per share operating performance

      

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

      

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $17.34       $19.67       $19.18  

Income from investment operationsb:

      

Net investment incomec,d

     0.70       0.27       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     3.75       (1.52     0.73  

Total from investment operations

     4.45       (1.25     0.99  

Less distributions from:

      

Net investment income

     (0.27     (0.21     (0.25

Net realized gains

     (1.45     (0.87     (0.25

Total distributions

     (1.72     (1.08     (0.50

Net asset value, end of year

     $20.07       $17.34       $19.67  

Total returne

     26.24%       (6.78)%       5.28%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

      

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.12%       0.23%       3.47%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.09%       0.09%       0.08%  

Net investment incomed

     1.37%       1.08%       1.29%  

Supplemental data

      

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $3,385       $75       $5  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.12%       3.94%       0.71%  

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to December 31, 2017.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $17.35       $19.71       $17.08       $16.82       $18.03  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.27       0.24       0.25       0.21       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     4.16       (1.53     3.21       1.04       (0.35

Total from investment operations

     4.43       (1.29     3.46       1.25       (0.14

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds

     (0.25     (0.20     (0.23     (0.21     (0.21

Net realized gains

     (1.45     (0.87     (0.60     (0.78     (0.86

Total distributions

     (1.70     (1.07     (0.83     (0.99     (1.07

Net asset value, end of year

     $20.08       $17.35       $19.71       $17.08       $16.82  

Total return

     26.10%       (6.85)%       20.40%       7.90%       (0.96)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensesd,e

     0.19%       0.16%       0.22%       0.20%       0.19%  

Net investment incomec

     1.27%       1.01%       1.15%       1.08%       1.08%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $52,512       $40,399       $33,607       $22,721       $19,396  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.12%       3.94%       0.71%       0.40%       0.53%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

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

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

20      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund

 

      Shares                      Value  

Investments in Underlying Funds 99.9%

     

Domestic Equity 74.8%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     1,911,755      $ 214,690,054  

a,b Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

     4,797,989        207,896,880  

a Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Class R6

     7,772,456        214,131,158  
     

 

 

 
        636,718,092  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 25.1%

     

a Templeton Growth Fund Inc., Class R6

     9,468,941        213,524,625  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds before Short Term Investments

    (Cost $595,973,271)

        850,242,717  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments (Cost $184) 0.0%

     

Money Market Funds 0.0%

     

a,c Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%.

     184        184  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds (Cost $595,973,455) 99.9%

        850,242,901  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.1%

        593,263  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 850,836,164  
     

 

 

 

 

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(e) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

bNon-income producing.

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

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.63       $14.54       $13.47       $12.14       $13.31  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.42       0.41       0.40       0.36       0.35  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.82       (1.82     1.10       1.26       (1.16

Total from investment operations

     2.24       (1.41     1.50       1.62       (0.81

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.44     (0.50     (0.43     (0.29     (0.36

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.43       $12.63       $14.54       $13.47       $12.14  

Total returnd

     17.81%       (9.82)%       11.20%       13.52%       (6.18)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensese,f

     0.40%       0.39%       0.43%       0.42%       0.41%  

Net investment incomec

     2.99%       2.66%       2.81%       2.87%       2.65%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $3,397,662       $3,209,751       $3,300,005       $3,310,397       $3,346,192  

Portfolio turnover rate

     0.29%       0.73%       0.48%       0.06%       —%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

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

fDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.61% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

22      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund (continued)

 

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.54       $14.33       $13.27       $11.96       $13.11  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.29       0.18       0.28       0.26       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.82       (1.67     1.10       1.25       (1.14

Total from investment operations

     2.11       (1.49     1.38       1.51       (0.89

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.32     (0.30     (0.32     (0.20     (0.26

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.33       $12.54       $14.33       $13.27       $11.96  

Total returnd

     16.91%       (10.54)%       10.43%       12.71%       (6.85)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensese,f

     1.15%       1.14%       1.18%       1.17%       1.16%  

Net investment incomec

     2.24%       1.91%       2.06%       2.12%       1.90%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $300,699       $362,833       $1,261,997       $1,402,623       $1,458,281  

Portfolio turnover rate

     0.29%       0.73%       0.48%       0.06%       —%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

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

fDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.61% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund (continued)

 

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.68       $14.58       $13.49       $12.16       $13.33  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.37       0.34       0.34       0.33       0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.83       (1.78     1.13       1.26       (1.16

Total from investment operations

     2.20       (1.44     1.47       1.59       (0.84

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.40     (0.46     (0.38     (0.26     (0.33

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.48       $12.68       $14.58       $13.49       $12.16  

Total return

     17.44%       (10.01)%       10.97%       13.22%       (6.40)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensesd,e

     0.65%       0.64%       0.68%       0.67%       0.66%  

Net investment incomec

     2.74%       2.41%       2.56%       2.62%       2.40%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $5,699       $5,513       $7,843       $10,776       $10,724  

Portfolio turnover rate

     0.29%       0.73%       0.48%       0.06%       —%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

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

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.61% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

24      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund (continued)

 

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017a  

Class R6

      

Per share operating performance

      

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

      

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.95       $14.62       $14.46  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

      

Net investment incomec,d

     0.46       0.37       0.30  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.88       (1.75     0.06  
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     2.34       (1.38     0.36  
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from:

      

Net investment income

     (0.48     (0.29     (0.20
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.81       $12.95       $14.62  
  

 

 

 

Total returne

     18.18%       (9.57)%       2.56%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

      

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     3.23%       0.08%       4.28%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.07%       0.07%       0.06%  

Net investment incomed

     3.32%       2.98%       3.18%  

Supplemental data

      

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $5       $4       $5  

Portfolio turnover rate

     0.29%       0.73%       0.48%  

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to December 31, 2017.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.61% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund (continued)

 

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.71       $14.63       $13.54       $12.20       $13.38  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.45       0.43       0.46       0.40       0.39  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.83       (1.81     1.10       1.26       (1.18

Total from investment operations

     2.28       (1.38     1.56       1.66       (0.79

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.47     (0.54     (0.47     (0.32     (0.39

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.52       $12.71       $14.63       $13.54       $12.20  

Total return

     18.06%       (9.60)%       11.58%       13.82%       (5.98)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expensesd,e

     0.15%       0.14%       0.18%       0.17%       0.16%  

Net investment incomec

     3.24%       2.91%       3.06%       3.12%       2.90%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $156,275       $145,522       $174,219       $131,368       $123,966  

Portfolio turnover rate

     0.29%       0.73%       0.48%       0.06%       —%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

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

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds was 0.61% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund

 

      Shares        Value  
  Investments in Underlying Funds 100.0%                
  Domestic Equity 33.4%                

a Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Class R6

     46,904,895        $ 1,292,229,850  
       

 

 

 
  Domestic Hybrid 33.2%                

a Franklin Income Fund, Class R6

     549,701,272          1,280,803,963  
       

 

 

 
  Foreign Equity 33.4%                

a Templeton Growth Fund Inc., Class R6

     57,160,167          1,288,961,776  
       

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Underlying Funds before Short Term Investments
(Cost $3,871,324,058)

          3,861,995,589  
       

 

 

 
  Short Term Investments (Cost $152) 0.0%                
  Money Market Funds 0.0%                

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     152          152  
       

 

 

 

  Total Investments in Underlying Funds (Cost $3,871,324,210) 100.0%

          3,861,995,741  

  Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.0)%

          (1,654,841
       

 

 

 

  Net Assets 100.0%.

        $ 3,860,340,900  
       

 

 

 

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

a See Note 3(e) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Founding
Funds
Allocation Fund
 

Assets:

     

Investments in securities:

     

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

   $ 595,973,455      $ 3,871,324,210  
  

 

 

 

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

   $ 850,242,901      $ 3,861,995,741  

Receivables:

     

Investment securities sold

     1,372,555        11,017,346  

Capital shares sold

     856,069        2,387,260  

Other assets

     93        476  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     852,471,618        3,875,400,823  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Payables:

     

Capital shares redeemed

     671,027        5,386,753  

Administrative fees

     21,399        97,594  

Distribution fees

     214,352        971,536  

Transfer agent fees

     121,998        680,202  

Funds advanced by custodian

     550,079        7,733,745  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities.

     56,599        190,093  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,635,454        15,059,923  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

   $ 850,836,164      $ 3,860,340,900  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

     

Paid-in capital

   $ 566,310,208      $ 3,720,277,567  

Total distributable earnings (losses)

     284,525,956        140,063,333  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

   $ 850,836,164      $ 3,860,340,900  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Founding
Funds
Allocation Fund
 

Class A:

     

Net assets, at value

   $ 717,806,493      $ 3,397,662,364  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     35,820,898        235,497,012  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

   $ 20.04      $ 14.43  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.50%)

   $ 21.21      $ 15.27  
  

 

 

 

Class C:

     

Net assets, at value

   $ 75,745,159      $ 300,699,421  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     3,833,588        20,986,370  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

   $ 19.76      $ 14.33  
  

 

 

 

Class R:

     

Net assets, at value

   $ 1,387,086      $ 5,699,352  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     69,121        393,645  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

   $ 20.07      $ 14.48  
  

 

 

 

Class R6:

     

Net assets, at value

   $ 3,385,079      $ 5,124  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     168,672        346  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

   $ 20.07      $ 14.81  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class:

     

Net assets, at value

   $ 52,512,347      $ 156,274,639  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     2,615,058        10,765,086  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

   $ 20.08      $ 14.52  
  

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Operations

for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Founding
Funds
Allocation Fund
 

Investment income:

    

Dividends:

    

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

     $11,623,441       $131,120,950  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Administrative fees (Note 3a)

     238,881       1,156,942  

Distribution fees: (Note 3b)

    

Class A

     1,677,554       8,395,100  

Class C

     760,552       3,363,681  

Class R

     6,633       28,976  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3d)

    

Class A

     841,312       3,852,922  

Class C

     95,348       387,055  

Class R

     1,734       6,689  

Class R6

     783       282  

Advisor Class

     58,330       176,638  

Reports to shareholders

     61,604       301,017  

Registration and filing fees

     104,237       137,197  

Professional fees

     39,028       58,780  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     7,265       36,241  

Other

     18,943       44,239  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,912,204       17,945,759  

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3e and 3f)

     (512     (354
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,911,692       17,945,405  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     7,711,749       113,175,545  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Sale of investments:

    

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

     11,574,911       30,970,894  

Capital gain distributions from Underlying Funds:

    

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

     43,948,383       109,228,899  
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

     55,523,294       140,199,793  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

    

Investments:

    

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

     115,385,770       371,362,001  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     170,909,064       511,561,794  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $178,620,813       $624,737,339  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

30      

 

 

    Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Franklin Corefolio

Allocation Fund

   

Franklin Founding Funds

Allocation Fund

 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 7,711,749     $ 4,964,970     $ 113,175,545     $ 109,824,974  

Net realized gain (loss)

     55,523,294       56,299,785       140,199,793       237,245,597  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     115,385,770       (115,422,185     371,362,001       (765,133,150
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     178,620,813       (54,157,430     624,737,339       (418,062,579
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

        

Class A

     (56,514,085     (31,429,597     (102,914,076     (116,621,060

Class C

     (5,786,775     (6,261,482     (7,191,749     (19,814,740

Class R

     (109,031     (76,122     (161,302     (206,016

Class R6

     (165,432     (4,072     (256     (300,471

Advisor Class

     (4,068,534     (2,113,981     (5,065,959     (5,943,055
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (66,643,857     (39,885,254     (115,333,342     (142,885,342
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     29,666,701       92,218,327       (253,837,338     368,804,104  

Class C

     (7,382,046     (87,999,400     (108,626,694     (821,039,175

Class R

     (237,087     (27,449     (559,910     (1,509,563

Class R6

     3,207,157       83,314       (424     1,869,543  

Advisor Class

     5,611,518       12,594,513       (9,661,948     (7,623,342
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     30,866,243       16,869,305       (372,686,314     (459,498,433

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     142,843,199       (77,173,379     136,717,683       (1,020,446,354
  

 

 

 

Net assets:

        

Beginning of year

     707,992,965       785,166,344       3,723,623,217       4,744,069,571  
  

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 850,836,164     $ 707,992,965     $ 3,860,340,900     $ 3,723,623,217  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

    31


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Franklin Fund Allocator Series (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of twenty-five separate funds, two of which are included in this report (Funds) and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The Funds invest in affiliated mutual funds managed by Franklin Templeton (Underlying Funds). The Funds offer five classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R6 and Advisor Class. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares after they have been held for 10 years. Each class of shares may differ by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, voting rights on matters affecting a single class, its exchange privilege and fees due to differing arrangements for distribution and transfer agent fees.

The accounting policies of the Underlying Funds are outlined in their respective shareholder reports. A copy of the Underlying Funds’ shareholder reports, in which each Fund invests, is available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website at sec.gov. The Underlying Funds’ shareholder reports are not covered by this report.

The following summarizes the Fund’s significant accounting polocies.

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation

The Funds’ investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Funds calculate the net asset value (NAV) per share each business day as of 4 p.m. Eastern time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), whichever is earlier. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Funds’ administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The Funds may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Investments in the Underlying Funds are valued at their closing NAV each trading day.

b.  Income Taxes

It is each Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.

Each Fund may recognize an income tax liability related to its uncertain tax positions under U.S. GAAP when the uncertain tax position has a less than 50% probability that it will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits. As of December 31, 2019, each Fund has determined that no tax liability is required in its financial statements related to uncertain tax positions for any open tax years (or expected to be taken in future tax years). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction in which the Fund invests.

c.  Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions

Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and capital gain distributions by Underlying Funds are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributable earnings are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis) and may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.

Common expenses incurred by the Trust are allocated among the Funds based on the ratio of net assets of each Fund to the combined net assets of the Trust or based on the ratio of number of shareholders of each Fund to the combined number of shareholders of the Trust. Fund specific expenses are charged directly to the Fund that incurred the expense.

The Funds indirectly bear their proportionate share of expenses from the Underlying Funds. Since the Underlying Funds have varied expense levels and the Funds may own

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

different proportions of the Underlying Funds at different times, the amount of expenses incurred indirectly by the Funds will vary.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, excluding class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.

d.   Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

e.   Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Trust against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Trust expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

2.   Shares of Beneficial Interest

At December 31, 2019, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). Transactions in the Funds’ shares were as follows:

 

     Franklin Corefolio
Allocation Fund
    Franklin Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares solda

     3,752,082     $ 72,858,466       12,695,529     $ 175,645,857  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     2,861,103       55,420,177       6,993,175       98,632,685  

Shares redeemed

     (5,084,593     (98,611,942     (38,238,202     (528,115,880)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     1,528,592     $ 29,666,701       (18,549,498   $ (253,837,338)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares solda

     7,627,736     $ 150,603,231       56,210,520     $ 790,491,720  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,661,540       30,730,226       8,380,784       111,330,439  

Shares redeemed

     (4,456,618     (89,115,130     (37,436,285     (533,018,055)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     4,832,658     $ 92,218,327       27,155,019     $ 368,804,104  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin Corefolio
Allocation Fund
    Franklin Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     676,110     $ 12,900,947       2,055,351     $ 28,136,207  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     297,765       5,652,670       497,845       6,965,116  

Shares redeemeda

     (1,358,405     (25,935,663     (10,494,806     (143,728,017)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (384,530   $ (7,382,046     (7,941,610   $ (108,626,694)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     1,105,173     $ 21,834,828       4,059,067     $ 56,982,121  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     327,572       6,166,942       1,422,319       19,460,023  

Shares redeemeda

     (5,975,628     (116,001,170     (64,640,423     (897,481,319)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (4,542,883   $ (87,999,400     (59,159,037   $ (821,039,175)  
  

 

 

 

Class R Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     3,112     $ 60,934       32,461     $ 449,584  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,635       109,031       11,274       159,460  

Shares redeemed

     (21,072     (407,052     (84,995     (1,168,954)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (12,325   $ (237,087)       (41,260   $ (559,910)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     6,220     $ 121,209       36,015     $ 515,730  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     4,080       76,122       15,217       204,363  

Shares redeemed

     (11,641     (224,780     (154,224     (2,229,656)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,341   $ (27,449)       (102,992   $ (1,509,563)  
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     177,781     $ 3,471,091       469     $ 6,585  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     8,382       165,160       6       90  

Shares redeemed

     (21,826     (429,094     (475     (7,099)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     164,337     $ 3,207,157           $ (424)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     3,868     $ 79,523       1,264,813     $ 18,906,774  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     206       3,791       21,242       300,369  

Shares redeemed

                 (1,286,055     (17,337,600)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     4,074     $ 83,314           $ 1,869,543  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin Corefolio
Allocation Fund
    Franklin Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     670,304     $ 12,943,164       2,558,679     $ 35,435,253  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     182,685       3,555,865       316,923       4,498,812  

Shares redeemed

     (566,172     (10,887,511     (3,560,226     (49,596,013)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     286,817     $ 5,611,518       (684,624   $ (9,661,948)  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     1,258,647     $ 25,392,315       3,576,234     $ 51,468,103  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     97,110       1,785,709       390,538       5,230,657  

Shares redeemed

     (732,501     (14,583,511     (4,427,603     (64,322,102)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     623,256     $ 12,594,513       (460,831   $ (7,623,342)  
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

3.   Transactions with Affiliates

Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton. Certain officers and trustees of the Funds are also officers, and/or directors trustees of certain of the Underlying Funds and of the following subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary    Affiliation

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services)

   Administrative manager        

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors)

   Principal underwriter

Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services)

   Transfer agent

a.   Administrative Fees

The Funds pay an administrative fee to FT Services of 0.03% per year of the average daily net assets of each of the Funds for administrative services including monitoring and rebalancing the percentage of each Fund’s investment in the Underlying Funds.

b.  Distribution Fees

The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Funds’ Class A reimbursement distribution plans, the Funds reimburse Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plans, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Funds’ Class C and R compensation distribution plans, the Funds pay Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rates, is February 1 through January 31 for each Fund.

 

 

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    35


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3. Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

b. Distribution Fees (continued)

The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:

 

Class A

     0.35%  

Class C

     1.00%  

Class R

     0.50%  

The Board has set the current rate at 0.25% per year for Class A shares until further notice and approval by the Board.

c.   Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements

Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Funds. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has advised the Funds of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Funds’ shares for the year:

 

     Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
    Franklin
Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

   $ 117,380     $ 206,330  

CDSC retained

   $ (703   $ 21,504  

d.   Transfer Agent Fees

Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. The fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds paid transfer agent fees as noted in the Statements of Operations of which the following amounts were retained by Investor Services:

 

     Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Transfer agent fees

     $626,931        $1,917,421  

e.   Investments in Underlying Funds

The Funds invest in Underlying Funds which are managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers), an affiliate of FT Services or an affiliate of Advisers). The Funds do not invest in Underlying Funds for the purpose of exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. Administrative fees paid by the Funds are waived on assets invested in Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio (Sweep Money Fund), as noted in the Statements of Operations, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid directly or indirectly by the Sweep Money Fund.

 

     

 

36      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds for the year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

    Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Purchases     Sales     Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund

 

       

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

  $ 176,634,458     $ 13,045,578     $ (18,043,708   $ 8,768,149     $ 34,285,577     $ 214,690,054       1,911,755     $ 12,445,578 a  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    177,449,161       15,205,500       (27,177,540     4,202,740       38,217,019       207,896,880       4,797,989       15,205,500 a  

Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Class R6

    176,217,841       17,097,844       (3,657,504     (88,689     24,561,666       214,131,158       7,772,456       16,495,071 a  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    1,566       24,897,209       (24,898,591                 184       184       6,098  

Templeton Growth Fund Inc., Class R6

    175,974,947       27,005,772       (6,470,313     (1,307,289     18,321,508       213,524,625       9,468,941       11,419,577 a  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

  $ 706,277,973     $ 97,251,903     $ (80,247,656   $ 11,574,911     $ 115,385,770     $ 850,242,901       $ 55,571,824  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund

 

 

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

 

Franklin Income Fund, Class R6

  $ 1,237,646,875     $ 69,792,153     $ (147,597,505   $ (3,800,871   $ 124,763,311     $ 1,280,803,963       549,701,272     $ 69,792,150  

Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Class R6

    1,248,713,107       100,853,451       (227,312,103     29,428,479       140,546,916       1,292,229,850       46,904,895       100,853,451 a  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    4,344       30,587,241       (30,591,433                 152       152       4,948  

Templeton Growth Fund Inc.,

               

Class R6

    1,242,448,619       80,699,300       (145,581,203     5,343,286       106,051,774       1,288,961,776       57,160,167       69,699,300 a  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

  $ 3,728,812,945     $ 281,932,145     $ (551,082,244   $ 30,970,894     $ 371,362,001     $ 3,861,995,741       $ 240,349,849  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

aDividend income includes capital gain distributions received, if any, from underlying funds, and are presented in corresponding line item in the Statement of Operations.

f.   Waiver and Expense Reimbursements

Investor Services has contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees so that the Class R6 transfer agent fees do not exceed 0.03% based on the average net assets of the class until April 30, 2020.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

4.   Income Taxes

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was as follows:

 

    

Franklin Corefolio

Allocation Fund

       Franklin Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     2019        2018        2019        2018  

 

 

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary income

   $ 11,702,399        $ 6,797,708        $ 115,333,342        $ 142,885,342  

Long term capital gain

     54,941,458          33,087,546                    
  

 

 

 
   $ 66,643,857        $ 39,885,254        $ 115,333,342        $ 142,885,342  
  

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), undistributed ordinary income and undistributed long term capital gains for income tax purposes were as follows:.

 

     Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
    Franklin Founding
Funds Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Cost of investments

   $ 601,466,798     $ 3,881,183,743  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation

   $ 254,269,446     $ 87,036,144  

Unrealized depreciation

     (5,493,343     (106,224,146)  
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   $ 248,776,103     $ (19,188,002
  

 

 

 

Distributable earnings:

    

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 1,280,092     $ 41,618,193  

Undistributed long term capital gains

     34,469,764       117,633,142  
  

 

 

 

Total distributable earnings

   $ 35,749,856     $ 159,251,335  
  

 

 

 

Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatments of short term capital gains distributions from Underlying Funds and wash sales.

Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund utilized a tax accounting practice to treat a portion of the proceeds from capital shares redeemed as a distribution from realized capital gains.

5.   Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of Underlying Funds (excluding short term securities) for the year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

     Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 

 

 

Purchases

   $ 16,788,968      $ 11,000,000  

Sales

   $ 55,349,066      $ 520,490,808  

 

     

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

6.   Credit Facility

The Funds, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matured on February 7, 2020. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests. Effective February 7, 2020, the Borrowers renewed the Global Credit Facility for a one year term, maturing February 5, 2021, for a total of $2 billion.

Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Funds shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Funds and other costs incurred by the Funds, pay their share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon their relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds did not use the Global Credit Facility.

7.   Fair Value Measurements

The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

At December 31, 2019, all of the Funds’ investments in financial instruments carried at fair value were valued using Level 1 inputs. For detailed categories, see the accompanying Statements of Investments.

8.   Subsequent Events

The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure other than those already disclosed in the financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of Franklin Fund Allocator Series and Shareholders of Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund and Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the statements of investments, of Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund and Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund (the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2019, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California

February 20, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.

 

     

 

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Tax Information (unaudited)

 

Under Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund hereby reports the maximum amount allowable but no less than $58,318,068 as long term capital gain dividend for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Under Section 871(k)(2)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than $3,813,959 as short term capital gain dividend for purposes of the tax imposed under Section 871(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

Under Section 854(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the following percentage amounts of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation Fund
     Franklin
Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 
  57.08%        38.15%  

Under Section 854(b)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than the following amounts as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
Corefolio
Allocation
Fund
     Franklin
Founding Funds
Allocation Fund
 
  $12,137,178        $83,167,771  

Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2019 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV by mid-February 2020. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds, qualified fund of funds under Section 852(g)(2) of Internal Revenue Code, received an allocation of foreign taxes paid from one or more of their underlying funds. As shown in the table below, the Funds hereby report to shareholders the foreign source income and foreign taxes paid by underlying funds, pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code. This written statement will allow shareholders of record on December 27, 2019, to treat their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the underlying funds as having been paid directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

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The following table provides a detailed analysis of foreign tax paid, foreign source income, and foreign source qualified dividends as reported by the Funds, to shareholders of record.

 

Class    Foreign Tax Paid
Per Share
    Foreign Source
Income Per Share
    Foreign Source Qualified
Dividends Per Share
 
Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund       

Class A

     $0.0124       $0.1151       $0.0911  

Class C

     $0.0124       $0.1151       $0.0911  

Class R

     $0.0124       $0.1151       $0.0911  

Class R6

     $0.0124       $0.1151       $0.0911  

Advisor Class

     $0.0124       $0.1151       $0.0911  
Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund       

Class A

     $0.0119       $0.1100       $0.0871  

Class C

     $0.0119       $0.1100       $0.0871  

Class R

     $0.0119       $0.1100       $0.0871  

Class R6

     $0.0119       $0.1100       $0.0871  

Advisor Class

     $0.0119       $0.1100       $0.0871  

Foreign Tax Paid Per Share is the amount per share available to you, as a tax credit (assuming you held your shares in the Fund for a minimum of 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-dividend date of the Fund’s distribution to which the foreign taxes relate), or, as a tax deduction.

Foreign Source Income Per Share is the amount per share of income dividends attributable to foreign securities held by the Fund, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. The amounts reported include foreign source qualified dividends that have not been adjusted for the rate differential applicable to such dividend income.1

Foreign Source Qualified Dividends Per Share is the amount per share of foreign source qualified dividends plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. These amounts represent the portion of the Foreign Source Income Per Share that were derived from qualified foreign securities held by the Fund.1

At the beginning of each calendar year, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the prior calendar year. The Foreign Source Income reported on Form 1099-DIV has not been adjusted for the rate differential on foreign source qualified dividend income. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

 

1Qualified dividends are taxed at reduced long term capital gains tax rates. In determining the amount of foreign tax credit that may be applied against the U.S. tax liability of individuals receiving foreign source qualified dividends, adjustments may be required to the foreign tax credit limitation calculation to reflect the rate differential applicable to such dividend income. The rules however permit certain individuals to elect not to apply the rate differential adjustments for capital gains and/or dividends for any taxable year. Please consult your tax advisor and the instructions to Form 1116 for more information.

 

     

 

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Board Members and Officers

The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Trust, principal occupations during at least the past five years and number of U.S. registered portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton fund complex, are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.

Independent Board Members

 

Name, Year of Birth
and Address
  Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years
Harris J. Ashton (1932)
One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
  Trustee    Since 1995    132    Bar-S Foods (meat packing company) (1981-2010).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998).
Terrence J. Checki (1945)
One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
  Trustee    Since 2017    111    Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (2014-present).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present) and member of various other boards of trustees and advisory boards; and formerly, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014).
Mary C. Choksi (1950)
One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
  Trustee    Since 2014    132    Avis Budget Group Inc. (car rental) (2007-present), Omnicom Group Inc. (advertising and marketing communications services) (2011-present) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2017-present).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director of various companies; and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987).
Edith E. Holiday (1952)
One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
  Lead Independent Trustee    Trustee since 1998 and Lead Independent Trustee since March 2019    132    Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (1993-present), Canadian National Railway (railroad) (2001-present), White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2004-present), Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc. (consumer finance) (2016-present), RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium) (1999-2015) and H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products) (1994-2013).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison–United States Treasury Department (1988-1989).

 

 

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Independent Board Members (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth
and Address
  Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

J. Michael Luttig (1954)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Trustee    Since 2009    132    Boeing Capital Corporation (aircraft financing) (2006-2010).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Private investor; and formerly, Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (May 2019-January 1, 2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).

Larry D. Thompson (1945)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Trustee    Since 2007    132    The Southern Company (energy company) (2014-present; previously 2010-2012), Graham Holdings Company (education and media organization) (2011-present) and Cbeyond, Inc. (business communications provider) (2010-2012).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and formerly, Executive Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).

Interested Board Members and Officers

     
     Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

**Gregory E. Johnson (1961)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Trustee    Since 2007    144    None
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Chairman of the Board, Member – Office of the Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 39 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and formerly, President, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2015).

**Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (1940)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Chairman of the Board and Trustee    Since 2013    132    None
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Vice Chairman, Member – Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 37 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

Alison E. Baur (1964)
One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2012    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Deputy General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
  

 

     

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

     Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Breda M. Beckerle (1958)
280 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

  Interim Chief Compliance Officer    Since January 2009    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Chief Compliance Officer, Fiduciary Investment Management International, Inc., Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

Gaston Gardey (1967)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer    Since 2009    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Treasurer, U.S. Fund Administration & Reporting, and officer of 24 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

Steven J. Gray (1955)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President and Co-Secretary    Vice President since 2009 and Co-Secretary since 2019    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and FASA, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

Matthew T. Hinkle (1971)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration    Since 2017    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton; and formerly,Vice President, Global Tax (2012-April 2017) and Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, Franklin Templeton (2009-2017).
Robert Lim (1948)
One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
  Vice President – AML Compliance    Since 2016    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Vice President, Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.
Edward D. Perks (1970)
One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
  President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management    Since 2018    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; and officer of eight of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton (since December 2018).

Navid J. Tofigh (1972)
One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2015    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Associate General Counsel, and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

     Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Craig S. Tyle (1960)
One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2005    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
General Counsel, Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

Lori A. Weber (1964)

300 S.E. 2nd Street

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923

  Vice President and Co-Secretary    Vice President since 2011 and Co-Secretary since 2019    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:      
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.

**Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Fund’s investment manager and distributor. Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director and major shareholder of Resources.

Note 1: Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson.

Note 2: Effective March 12, 2019, John B. Wilson ceased to be a trustee of the Trust.

Note 3: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Fund’s Audit Committee includes at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Fund’s Board has determined that there is at least one such financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated Mary C. Choksi as its audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that Ms. Choksi qualifies as such an expert in view of her extensive business background and experience. She currently serves as a director of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (2007-present) and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (1987 to 2017). Ms. Choksi has been a Member of the Fund’s Audit Committee since 2014. As a result of such background and experience, the Board believes that Ms. Choksi has acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Ms. Choksi is an independent Board member as that term is defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.

The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 to request the SAI.

 

     

 

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Shareholder Information

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Trust’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Trust’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Trust’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Quarterly Statement of Investments

The Trust files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-PORT by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Householding of Reports and Prospectuses

You will receive each Fund’s financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated summary prospectus (prospectus available upon request). To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and summary prospectus. This process, called “house- holding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you prefer not to have these documents householded, please call us at (800) 632-2301. At any time you may view current prospectuses/summary prospectuses and financial reports on our website. If you choose, you may receive these documents through electronic delivery.

 

 

 

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Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.

To help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls to and from our service areas are monitored and/or recorded.

 

 

 

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Internet Delivery of Fund Reports Unless You Request Paper Copies: Effective January 1, 2021, as permitted by the SEC, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request them from the Fund or your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you have not signed up for electronic delivery, we would encourage you to join fellow shareholders who have. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications electronically from the Fund by calling (800) 632-2301 or by contacting your financial intermediary.

You may elect to continue to receive paper copies of all your future shareholder reports free of charge by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly with a Fund, calling (800) 632-2301 to let the Fund know of your request. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.


SHAREHOLDER LETTER

Dear Shareholder:

 

The U.S. economy, after moderating for two consecutive quarters, grew during the 12 months ended December 31, 2019, and the unemployment rate declined. In January 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) signaled the end of its tightening cycle and cut the federal funds rate by 0.25% at each of its July, September and October 2019 meetings, decreasing the rate from 2.50% to 1.75% by period-end. The Fed cited muted inflation pressures, some soft business indicators and the potential effects of global developments on the U.S. economy as rationale for its more accommodative monetary policy. Stocks responded positively to the interest-rate cuts, despite some volatility due to U.S.-China trade tensions, and stocks gained further in December 2019 after the Fed indicated it would likely leave interest rates unchanged in 2020.

In this environment, the prices of U.S. stocks, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index (S&P 500®), returned +28.88% (the index increasing from 2,506.85 to 3,230.78).1,3 The prices of stocks in global developed markets, as measured by the MSCI World Index, returned +25.19% (the index increasing from 1,883.901 to 2,358.468).2,3 Investment-grade bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (Bloomberg Index), posted a +8.72% total return (an index increase from 2,046.60 to 2,225.00), which includes reinvestment of income and distributions.4

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

We believe active, professional investment management serves investors well. We also recognize the important role

 

of financial advisors in today’s markets and encourage investors to continue to seek their advice. Amid changing markets and economic conditions, we are confident investors with a well-diversified portfolio and a patient, long-term outlook should be well positioned for the years ahead.

In addition, Franklin Fund Allocator Series’ annual report includes more detail about prevailing conditions and a discussion about investment decisions during the period. As you know, all securities markets fluctuate, as do mutual fund share prices.

We thank you for investing with Franklin, welcome your questions and comments, and look forward to assisting your future investment plans.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

Chairman

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

This letter reflects our analysis and opinions as of December 31, 2019, unless otherwise indicated. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

1. Source: Copyright © 2020, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. All rights reserved.

2. Source: MSCI.

3. Source: Morningstar. The changes in index prices shown for the S&P 500 and MSCI World Index do not include reinvestments of income and distributions, which are included in their total returns, which were: S&P 500 +31.49% (index total return resulting in an increase from 4,984.22 to 6,553.57) and MSCI World Index +28.40% (index total return resulting in an increase from 7,771.710 to 9,979.034).

4. Sources: Morningstar and Bloomberg Barclays Indices. For the Bloomberg Index, only total return as shown is available, not price change without the inclusion of reinvested income and distributions.

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

 

 

Not FDIC Insured  |  May Lose Value  |   No Bank Guarantee

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Not part of the annual report       

 

 

    1


Contents

 

 

 

Annual Report

  

Economic and Market Overview

     3  

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund

     4  

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

     11  

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

     17  

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

     23  

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

     29  

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

     35  

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

     41  

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

     47  

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

     53  

Financial Highlights and Statements of Investments

     59  

Financial Statements

     120  

Notes to Financial Statements

     134  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     163  

Tax Information

     164  

Board Members and Officers

     168  

Shareholder Information

     172  

 

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

 

     

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

Economic and Market Overview

 

Global developed and emerging market stocks, as measured by the MSCI All Country World Index, posted strong returns during the reporting period. Although global economic growth slowed from 2018, interest-rate cuts from many central banks and the easing of trade tensions near period-end contributed to the generally positive environment for equities worldwide. Reflecting investor optimism and slowing but resilient economic growth, stocks advanced in every major region of the globe.

In the U.S., solid economic growth also supported equities, as healthy consumer spending and a strong labor market kept the economy afloat. The unemployment rate fell during the year, reaching 3.5% in September, November and December 2019, the lowest recorded unemployment rate in 50 years.1 Wages also grew, albeit at a moderate pace, and inflation remained persistently low. In addition, deficit spending by the U.S. government boosted current growth at the expense of long-term debt. Despite the strength in the consumer sector, some parts of the economy struggled, particularly heavy industry. Annual industrial production contracted late in the reporting period, manufacturing output stalled and capital spending declined.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) provided a substantial boost to equity markets early in the reporting period as it shifted to a more accommodative monetary policy. In January 2019, the Fed signaled the end of its tightening cycle and cut the federal funds rate three times thereafter, lowering it to a range of 1.50%–1.75%. Stocks responded positively to the interest-rate cuts and gained further in December 2019 after the Fed indicated it would likely leave interest rates unchanged in 2020.

Growth slowed overall in the eurozone, particularly in Germany and Italy. Germany, which is heavily reliant on exports, was adversely affected by the trade conflict between the U.S. and China and the resulting slowdown in global trade. In Italy, political uncertainty and budget concerns caused the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth to stall in 2019’s first quarter before accelerating in the second quarter. Despite sluggish economic conditions, European developed market equities, as measured by the MSCI Europe Index, posted strong returns overall, as easing trade tensions buoyed investor optimism and an electoral victory by the Conservative Party in the U.K. alleviated uncertainty

surrounding Brexit. Although the European Central Bank left its headline refinancing rate unchanged, it lowered the deposit rate and restarted its bond-buying stimulus program, further supporting stocks.

Economic growth in Asia was relatively solid overall, despite slowdowns in several large emerging market countries, such as China and India. Japan’s economy grew amid the Bank of Japan’s sizable stimulus program. The trade war between the U.S. and China provided the backdrop for Asian stocks, which rose and fell in sync with investor sentiment regarding a trade deal. A phase one trade agreement between the two countries reached in December 2019 propelled Asian developed and emerging market stocks, which ultimately ended with strong returns over the 12-month period, as measured by the MSCI All Country Asia Index.

Emerging market stocks overall experienced several sharp selloffs and subsequent rebounds throughout the reporting period before ending with gains. In aggregate, economic growth slowed somewhat from 2018 but remained solid, although there was some variation among individual countries. Many central banks in emerging markets cut interest rates throughout the reporting period which, along with resilient GDP growth, provided a supportive environment for equities. Russian stocks posted the highest returns among emerging markets as the threat of further sanctions receded and a solid fiscal environment reassured investors. Overall, global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, posted robust returns for the period.

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis and opinions as of December 31, 2019. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

1. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    3


Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to make monthly distributions, while preserving the investors’ capital over the long term. The Fund employs an asset allocation strategy, combined with an income generation strategy, designed for investors in retirement. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), based on each underlying fund’s predominant asset class and strategy.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +11.93% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All

Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 6.

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

Investment Strategy

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style (growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager focuses primarily on maximizing income, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios. Certain fixed-income funds may hold securities across the credit quality spectrum, including below investment grade or “junk” bonds. In evaluating the risk level of the underlying funds, including alternative investments funds, the investment manager analyzes such factors as: (a) relative and absolute performance, including correlations with other underlying funds as well as corresponding benchmarks, and (b) their volatility (the variability of returns from one period to the next).

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments.

At period-end, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund –Class R6, underperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. Our

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 64.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

 

 

Top Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Income Fund – Class R6

     20.2%  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund – Class R6

     20.0%  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     19.8%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     10.1%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     9.9%  

UBS AG London Branch – senior note

     5.1%  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     5.0%  

Credit Suisse AG – senior note

     4.8%  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6

     3.6%  

foreign fixed income fund holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. Our domestic equity fund holding, Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF, outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI. Our domestic hybrid fund holding, Franklin Income Fund – Class R6, underperformed the MSCI ACWI and outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. The index-linked note increased the level of income the Fund was able to generate.

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

 

LOGO       

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 
LOGO  

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.

 

 

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    5


FRANKLIN LIFESMART RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative
Total Return2
                 Average Annual
Total  Return3
 

A4

     

1-Year

     +11.93%        +5.79%  

5-Year

     +17.31%        +2.08%  

10-Year

     +65.78%        +4.59%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +12.16%        +12.16%  

5-Year

     +18.73%        +3.49%  

10-Year

     +70.39%        +5.47%  

 

     Distribution      30-Day Standardized Yield6  
Share Class    Rate5                      (with fee waiver)                      (without fee waiver)  

A

     3.55%        2.97%        2.32%  

Advisor

     3.99%        3.39%        2.71%  

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

See page 9 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 9 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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    7


FRANKLIN LIFESMART RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)    12/31/19                          12/31/18                          Change  

A (FTRAX)

     $11.15        $10.35        +$0.80  

C (FRTCX)

     $11.01        $10.23        +$0.78  

R (FBRLX)

     $11.11        $10.31        +$0.80  

R6 (FLMTX)

     $11.20        $10.40        +$0.80  

Advisor (FLRDX)

     $11.19        $10.39        +$0.80  

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
 

A

     $0.4185  

C

     $0.3369  

R

     $0.3909  

R6

     $0.4509  

Advisor

     $0.4461  

Total Annual Operating Expenses8

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
                       Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     0.71%        1.41%  

Advisor

     0.46%        1.16%  

 

See page 9 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

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

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. Investments in equity-linked notes (ELNs) often have risks similar to their underlying securities, which could include management, market, and, as applicable, foreign securities and currency risks. In addition, ELNs are subject to certain debt securities risks, such as interest rate and credit risks, as well as counterparty and liquidity risk. Investments in equity index-linked notes (ILNs) often have risks similar to securities in the underlying index, which could include management risk, market risk and, as applicable, foreign securities and currency risks. Investments in derivatives involve costs and can create economic leverage, which may result in significant volatility and cause the fund to participate in losses (as well as gains) that exceed the fund’s initial investment.

The Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment goal of preserving capital while making monthly distributions nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. In addition, some of its distributions may be treated in part as a return of capital which will decrease shareholders’ cost basis in the Fund and affect the amount of any capital gain or loss that shareholders realize when selling or exchanging Fund shares. The annual payout rate may be adjusted higher or lower from year to year, and could vary substantially over time. It is possible for the Fund to suffer substantial investment losses and simultaneously experience additional asset reductions as a result of its distributions to shareholders under the managed distribution policy. Investors who hold the Fund within a tax-advantaged retirement account should consult their tax advisors to discuss tax consequences of receiving cash distributions. In addition, use of the Fund or election of the option to receive distribution payments in cash may be restricted in certain retirement plans by the terms of the governing plan documents and/or the discretion of the plan administrator. Investors are strongly advised to consult with their financial advisor for assistance before selecting the appropriate fund, based on their goals and personal situations, including time horizon, retirement income needs, risk tolerance and tax bracket. These and other risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 1, 2016, the Fund changed its name from Franklin LifeSmart 2015 Retirement Target Date Fund in connection with changes to its strategies including, among other things, the addition of an income generation strategy to support the Fund’s managed distribution policy. Prior to that, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s December dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 12/31/19.

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

7. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    9


FRANKLIN LIFESMART RETIREMENT INCOME FUND

    

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual
(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         

  Share

  Class

  Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During

Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A   $1,000       $1,035.30    $1.54       $1,023.69    $1.53       0.30%
C   $1,000       $1,031.00    $5.38       $1,019.91    $5.35       1.05%
R   $1,000       $1,034.20    $2.56       $1,022.68    $2.55       0.50%
R6   $1,000       $1,036.70    $0.00       $1,025.21    $0.00       0.00%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,036.50    $0.26       $1,024.95    $0.26       0.05%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2020 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +13.43% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return. The Fund’s fixed income

benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find more of the Fund’s performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 13.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on

page 70.

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2020 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

(growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     21.4%  

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     9.7%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     9.4%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     9.0%  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

     8.6%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     8.3%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5.2%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     4.9%  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6

     3.8%  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     3.6%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6, outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our foreign fixed income fund holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO        

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

LOGO     

  

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

12      

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2020 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class   

Cumulative 

Total Return2

    

            Average Annual 

Total Return3

 

A4

     

1-Year

     +13.43%        +7.19%  

5-Year

     +22.69%        +3.00%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +42.36%        +4.67%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +13.77%        +13.77%  

5-Year

     +24.36%        +4.46%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +44.82%        +5.86%  

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

See page 15 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2020 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 15 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2020 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
 

A

     $0.2953  

C

     $0.2082  

R

     $0.2643  

R6

     $0.3306  

Advisor

     $0.3247  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
                         Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     0.70%        1.43%  

Advisor

     0.45%        1.18%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    15


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2020 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

                      Actual
(actual return after expenses)
        Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)
         

Share

Class

   Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

               Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

               Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A

   $1,000       $1,042.40    $2.01       $1,023.24    $1.99       0.39%

C

   $1,000       $1,037.70    $5.86       $1,019.46    $5.80       1.14%

R

   $1,000       $1,041.10    $3.29       $1,021.98    $3.26       0.64%

R6

   $1,000       $1,044.00    $0.46       $1,024.75    $0.46       0.09%

Advisor

   $1,000       $1,043.70    $0.72       $1,024.50    $0.71       0.14%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2025 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +16.85% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income

benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 19.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on

page 77.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    17


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2025 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

(growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

     

% of Total

Net Assets

 

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     17.3%  

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     11.9%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     11.0%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     9.9%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     7.6%  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

     6.8%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     6.0%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     6.0%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     3.5%  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6

     3.1%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6 outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our foreign fixed income fund holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO   

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

LOGO

  

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

18      

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2025 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class   

            Cumulative 

Total Return2

    

            Average Annual 

Total Return3

 

A4

     
1-Year      +16.85%        +10.43%  
5-Year      +28.03%        +3.88%  
10-Year      +96.42%        +6.38%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +17.09%        +17.09%  

5-Year

     +29.70%        +5.34%  

10-Year

     +101.86%        +7.28%  

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

 

See page 21 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2025 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 21 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2025 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class                        Net  Investment
Income
                          Long-Term
Capital Gain
                         Total  

A

     $0.2764        $0.1899        $0.4663  

C

     $0.1829        $0.1899        $0.3728  

R

     $0.2433        $0.1899        $0.4332  

R6

     $0.3149        $0.1899        $0.5048  

Advisor

     $0.3076        $0.1899        $0.4975  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
                         Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     0.70%        1.27%  

Advisor

     0.45%        1.02%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    21


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2025 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical (5% annual return
before expenses)

         

Share

Class

  Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A   $1,000            $1,049.50    $2.07            $1,023.19    $2.04            0.40%
C   $1,000       $1,045.30    $5.93       $1,019.41    $5.85       1.15%
R   $1,000       $1,048.30    $3.36       $1,021.93    $3.31       0.65%
R6   $1,000       $1,051.10    $0.52       $1,024.70    $0.51       0.10%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,050.80    $0.78       $1,024.45    $0.77       0.15%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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franklintempleton.com


Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2030 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +18.80% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income

benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find more of the Fund’s performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 25.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on

page 84.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2030 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

(growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

     

% of Total

Net Assets

 

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     14.1%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     13.1%  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     12.6%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     11.7%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     7.0%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     6.9%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     5.5%  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

     5.0%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     4.0%  

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

     3.1%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6, outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted

on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our foreign fixed income fund holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO        

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

  
LOGO   

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

24      

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2030 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

    

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class

  

Cumulative 

Total Return2

    

            Average Annual 

Total Return3

 

A4

     

1-Year

     +18.80%        +12.26%  

5-Year

     +31.38%        +4.42%  

Since Inception (7/1/13) 

     +55.18%        +6.07%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +19.22%        +19.22%  

5-Year

     +33.14%        +5.89%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +57.85%        +7.27%  

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

 

 

See page 27 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2030 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 27 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2030 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class

  

                    Net Investment

Income

    

                     Long-Term

Capital Gain

    

                    Total

 

A

     $0.2291        $0.1359        $0.3650  

C

      $0.1360        $0.1359        $0.2719  

R

     $0.1984        $0.1359        $0.3343  

R6

     $0.2667        $0.1359        $0.4026  

Advisor

     $0.2605        $0.1359        $0.3964  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class

  

            With Fee

Waiver

    

                  Without Fee

Waiver

 

A

     0.70%        1.49%  

Advisor

     0.45%        1.24%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    27


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2030 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         

Share

Class

  Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During

Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

        Ending
Account
Value 12/31/19
  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A   $1,000       $1,056.90    $1.92       $1,023.34    $1.89       0.37%
C   $1,000       $1,053.50    $5.80       $1,019.56    $5.70       1.12%
R   $1,000       $1,056.40    $3.21       $1,022.08    $3.16       0.62%
R6   $1,000       $1,059.10    $0.36       $1,024.85    $0.36       0.07%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,058.90    $0.62       $1,024.60    $0.61       0.12%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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franklintempleton.com


Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2035 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +20.36% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income

benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 31.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on

page 91.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    29


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2035 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

(growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     15.9%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     14.8%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     13.3%  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     9.0%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     7.9%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     7.7%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     4.5%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     4.0%  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund – Class R6

     3.6%  

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

     3.5%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund –Class R6 outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our foreign fixed income fund holding, Templeton Global Total Return Fund – Class R6, underperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO  

 

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 
LOGO  

 

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

30      

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2035 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class   

Cumulative 

Total Return2

                 Average 
Annual Total  Return3

A4

     

1-Year

     +20.36%      +13.74%

5-Year

     +33.58%      +4.76%

10-Year

     +110.29%      +7.11%

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +20.73%      +20.73%

5-Year

     +35.37%      +6.24%

10-Year

     +116.37%      +8.02%

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

 

See page 33 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2035 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 33 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2035 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
     Short-Term
Capital Gain
     Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Total

A

     $0.2416        $0.0007        $0.2785      $0.5208

C

     $0.1440        $0.0007        $0.2785      $0.4232

R

     $0.2080        $0.0007        $0.2785      $0.4872

R6

     $0.2818        $0.0007        $0.2785      $0.5610

Advisor

     $0.2748        $0.0007        $0.2785      $0.5540

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
           Without Fee
Waiver

A

     0.70%      1.33%

Advisor

     0.45%      1.08%

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    33


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2035 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

              

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         

Share

Class

  

Beginning
Account

Value 7/1/19

       

Ending

Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Ending

Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A    $1,000       $1,063.00    $1.98       $1,023.29    $1.94       0.38%
C    $1,000       $1,058.80    $5.86       $1,019.51    $5.75       1.13%
R    $1,000       $1,061.60    $3.22       $1,022.08    $3.16       0.62%
R6    $1,000       $1,065.00    $0.42       $1,024.80    $0.41       0.08%
Advisor    $1,000       $1,064.60    $0.68       $1,024.55    $0.66       0.13%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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franklintempleton.com


Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2040 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +21.50% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income

benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find more of the Fund’s performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 37.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on

page 98.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    35


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2040 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

(growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     17.7%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     16.6%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     14.7%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     8.9%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     8.3%  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     6.2%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     4.9%  

Templeton Foreign Fund – Class R6

     3.8%  

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

     3.7%  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     3.3%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6 outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019 outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. Our foreign fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO        

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

                               
LOGO   

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2040 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

    

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative 
Total Return2
                 Average Annual 
Total Return3
 

A4

     

1-Year

     +21.50%        +14.78%  

5-Year

     +35.11%        +5.02%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +61.21%        +6.69%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +21.68%        +21.68%  

5-Year

     +36.63%        +6.44%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +63.84%        +7.89%  

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

See page 39 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2040 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 39 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2040 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
     Long-Term
                    Capital  Gain
                         Total  

A

     $0.1839        $0.1436        $0.3275  

C

     $0.0918        $0.1436        $0.2354  

R

     $0.1510        $0.1436        $0.2946  

R6

     $0.2219        $0.1436        $0.3655  

Advisor

     $0.2163        $0.1436        $0.3599  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

     With Fee                          Without Fee  
Share Class    Waiver      Waiver  

A

     0.70%        1.68%  

Advisor

     0.45%        1.43%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    39


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2040 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

    

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

              

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         
  Share
  Class
   Beginning
Account
Value 7/1/19
       

Ending

Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Ending

Account
Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During

Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A    $1,000       $1,069.80    $1.88       $1,023.39    $1.84       0.36%
C    $1,000       $1,066.10    $5.78       $1,019.61    $5.65       1.11%
R    $1,000       $1,068.30    $3.18       $1,022.13    $3.11       0.61%
R6    $1,000       $1,071.70    $0.31       $1,024.90    $0.31       0.06%
Advisor    $1,000       $1,070.90    $0.57       $1,024.65    $0.56       0.11%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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franklintempleton.com


Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2045 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +22.33% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond

market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 43.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style (growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 105.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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    41


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2045 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

 

risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     19.1%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     17.9%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     15.9%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     9.6%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     8.8%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5.4%  

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

     4.0%  

Templeton Foreign Fund – Class R6

     3.9%  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     3.6%  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     3.3%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund –Class R6 outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index. The Fund did not have any foreign fixed income holdings at period-end.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO       

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

LOGO     

 

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2045 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

    

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative 
Total Return2
                 Average Annual 
Total Return3
 

A4

     

1-Year

     +22.33%        +15.61%  

5-Year

     +35.87%        +5.13%  

10-Year

     +118.67%        +7.53%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +22.53%        +22.53%  

5-Year

     +37.62%        +6.59%  

10-Year

     +124.54%        +8.42%  

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

 

See page 45 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2045 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

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Advisor Class (1/1/10–12/31/19)

 

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See page 45 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2045 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class

  

                    Net Investment

Income

    

                Long-Term

Capital Gain

    

                    Total

 

A

     $0.2096        $0.2173        $0.4269  

C

     $0.1113        $0.2173        $0.3286  

R

     $0.1751        $0.2173        $0.3924  

R6

     $0.2498        $0.2173        $0.4671  

Advisor

     $0.2431        $0.2173        $0.4604  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class

  

With Fee

Waiver

    

                Without Fee

Waiver

 

A

     0.70%        1.46%  

Advisor

     0.45%        1.21%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2045 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical (5% annual return
before expenses)

         
Share
Class
 

Beginning
Account

Value 7/1/19

       

Ending
Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Ending
Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

     

 

A   $1,000       $1,074.10    $1.93       $1,023.34    $1.89       0.37%
C   $1,000       $1,069.70    $5.84       $1,019.56    $5.70       1.12%
R   $1,000       $1,073.00    $3.24       $1,022.08    $3.16       0.62%
R6   $1,000       $1,076.00    $0.37       $1,024.85    $0.36       0.07%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,074.90    $0.63       $1,024.60    $0.61       0.12%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2050 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

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*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +22.00% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond

market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find more of the Fund’s performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 49.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style (growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 112.

 

 

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    47


FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2050 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     19.3%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     17.9%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     16.0%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     9.7%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     8.9%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5.3%  

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

     4.0%  

Templeton Foreign Fund – Class R6

     4.0%  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     3.6%  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     2.7%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund –Class R6 outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. The Fund did not have any foreign fixed income holdings at period-end.

 

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO

 

  

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

LOGO   

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund.

Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2050 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class   

Cumulative 

Total Return2

    

            Average Annual 

Total Return3

 

A4

     

1-Year

     +22.00%        +15.32%  

5-Year

     +36.42%        +5.20%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +63.30%        +6.90%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +22.44%        +22.44%  

5-Year

     +38.25%        +6.69%  

Since Inception (7/1/13)

     +66.32%        +8.14%  

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

See page 51 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2050 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (7/1/13–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 51 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2050 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class                        Net  Investment
Income
                          Long-Term
Capital Gain
                         Total  

A

     $0.1622        $0.1339        $0.2961  

C

     $0.0679        $0.1339        $0.2018  

R

     $0.1303        $0.1339        $0.2642  

R6

     $0.2014        $0.1339        $0.3353  

Advisor

     $0.1948        $0.1339        $0.3287  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
                         Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     0.70%        1.86%  

Advisor

     0.45%        1.61%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2050 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

              

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical (5% annual return
before expenses)

         

Share

Class

  

Beginning
Account

Value 7/1/19

       

Ending

Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Ending

Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period
7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A    $1,000       $1,071.30    $1.88       $1,023.39    $1.84       0.36%
C    $1,000       $1,067.80    $5.79       $1,019.61    $5.65       1.11%
R    $1,000       $1,070.80    $3.18       $1,022.13    $3.11       0.61%
R6    $1,000       $1,073.30    $0.31       $1,024.90    $0.31       0.06%
Advisor    $1,000       $1,073.10    $0.57       $1,024.65    $0.56       0.11%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund covers the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks the highest level of long-term total return, which consists of capital appreciation and income, consistent with the Fund’s asset allocation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund allocates its assets among the broad asset classes of equity, fixed income and alternative (non-traditional) investments by investing primarily in a distinctly weighted combination of underlying funds, predominantly other Franklin Templeton mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with an increasing emphasis on income as the target date of 2055 approaches. The target date is the approximate retirement year of the investor.

Asset Allocation*

Based on Total Net Assets as of 12/31/19

 

LOGO

*The asset allocation is based on the Statement of Investments (SOI), which classifies each underlying fund and other fund investments into a broad asset class based on its predominant investments under normal market conditions.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares posted a +22.39% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), which measures equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, posted a +27.30% total return.1 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond

market, posted a +7.13% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 55.

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

Investment Strategy

Under normal market conditions, the investment manager uses a predetermined glide path as a guide in allocating the Fund’s assets among underlying funds in the broad asset classes (the Neutral Glide Path). However, when the investment manager’s proprietary risk indicator model signals a sustained level of market turbulence or a prolonged down (or bear) market, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, employ a defensive glide path, which has higher fixed income and lower equity allocations than the Neutral Glide Path (the Defensive Glide Path). Then, if the market stabilizes, the investment manager may, in its sole discretion, shift the Fund’s portfolio back to the Neutral Glide Path. These glide path shifts are executed through purchases and sales of underlying funds and ETFs to increase or decrease the Funds’ equity and fixed income allocations.

The target asset allocations in the Neutral and Defensive Glide Paths change over time, reducing their exposure to equity investments and becoming increasingly conservative until five years after the stated target date. At approximately five years after the target date, the Fund’s final asset allocation mix will be 40% equity funds and 60% fixed-income funds under the Neutral Glide Path and 30% equity funds and 70% fixed-income funds under the Defensive Glide Path.

When selecting equity funds, the investment manager considers the underlying funds’ foreign and domestic exposure, market capitalization ranges, and investment style (growth vs. value). When selecting fixed-income funds, the investment manager considers the need for reduced market

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

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

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

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s SOI, which begins on page 119.

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2055 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

 

risks and lower volatility, appropriate to the Fund’s risk profile, and considers the credit quality, duration and maturity of the underlying funds’ portfolios.

Top 10 Fund Holdings

12/31/19

 

      % of Total
Net Assets
 

Franklin Growth Fund – Class R6

     19.2%  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     17.9%  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     16.0%  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6

     9.6%  

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     8.8%  

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     5.2%  

Franklin International Growth Fund – Class R6

     4.0%  

Templeton Foreign Fund – Class R6

     4.0%  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     3.6%  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     2.7%  

Manager’s Discussion

The Fund’s performance can be attributed largely to its allocation among equities and fixed income securities and to the actual performance of the fund investments. This allocation shifts every year, in accordance with the target date associated with the portfolio.

At period-end, our largest domestic value fund holding, Franklin Rising Dividends Fund – Class R6, and our largest domestic growth fund holding, Franklin Growth Fund –Class R6 outperformed the Fund’s equity benchmark, the MSCI ACWI, while our largest foreign equity fund holding, Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund, which incepted on August 9, 2019, outperformed the index for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. On the fixed income side, our largest domestic fixed income fund holding, Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF, which was incepted on September 17, 2019, outperformed the Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index, for the period since its inception through December 31, 2019. The Fund did not have any foreign fixed income holdings at period-end.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO       

LOGO

 

Thomas A. Nelson, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 
LOGO       

LOGO

 

May Tong, CFA

Co-Lead Portfolio Manager

 

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2019, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

     

 

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Performance Summary as of December 31, 2019

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

Performance as of 12/31/191

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.50% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.50% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative 
Total Return2
                 Average Annual 
Total Return3
 

A4

     

1-Year

     +22.39%        +15.60%  

3-Year

     +34.97%        +8.45%  

Since Inception (5/1/15)

     +31.68%        +4.80%  

Advisor

     

1-Year

     +22.67%        +22.67%  

3-Year

     +35.83%        +10.75%  

Since Inception (5/1/15)

     +32.97%        +6.29%  

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

See page 57 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2055 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Class A (5/1/15–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

Advisor Class (5/1/15–12/31/19)

 

LOGO

See page 57 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2055 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

 

 

Distributions (1/1/19–12/31/19)

 

Share Class                        Net  Investment
Income
                      Long-Term
Capital Gain
                     Total  

A

     $0.1174        $0.1008        $0.2182  

C

     $0.0412        $0.1008        $0.1420  

R

     $0.0917        $0.1008        $0.1925  

R6

     $0.1500        $0.1008        $0.2508  

Advisor

     $0.1457        $0.1008        $0.2465  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class    With Fee
Waiver
                     Without Fee
Waiver
 

A

     0.70%        3.12%  

Advisor

     0.45%        2.87%  

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

The Fund’s investment risk changes over time as its asset allocation changes. Since the Fund invests in underlying funds, including ETFs, which may engage in a variety of investment strategies involving certain risks, the Fund is subject to those same risks. All investments involve risks, including loss of principal. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after the Fund’s retirement target date; nor is there any guarantee that the Fund will provide sufficient income at or through the investor’s retirement. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the price of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Foreign investing carries additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political or social instability, risks which are heightened in developing countries. These risks are described more fully in the Fund’s prospectus. Investors should consult their financial advisor for help selecting the appropriate fund of funds, or fund combination, based on an evaluation of their investment objectives, retirement horizons and risk tolerance.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction and a fee waiver associated with any investments it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other underlying fund, contractually guaranteed through 4/30/20. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction and fee waiver; without these reductions, the results would have been lower. As of May 2019, the Fund’s predetermined asset allocation glide path was modified, and among other changes, establishes neutral and defensive glide paths, between which the Funds’ investment manager could shift depending on projected market volatility; such a change can impact performance. Previously, as of October 2013, the Fund’s glide path was modified, and among other changes, reflects a lower starting allocation to equity funds; such a change can impact performance.

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

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

4. Prior to 9/10/18, these shares were offered at a higher initial sales charge of 5.75%, thus actual returns (with sales charges) would have differed. Average annual total returns (with sales charges) have been restated to reflect the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.50%.

5. Source: Morningstar. The MSCI ACWI is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Multiverse Index provides a broad-based measure of the global fixed income bond market. The index represents the union of the Global Aggregate Index and the Global High Yield Index and captures investment-grade and high yield securities in all eligible currencies.

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

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

 

 

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FRANKLIN LIFESMART 2055 RETIREMENT TARGET FUND

 

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

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

Actual Fund Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

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

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

 

             

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         
Share
Class
 

Beginning
Account

Value 7/1/19

       

Ending
Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Ending
Account

Value 12/31/19

  

Expenses

Paid During
Period

7/1/19–12/31/191, 2

       

Net

Annualized
Expense

Ratio2

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

A   $1,000       $1,075.30    $1.94       $1,023.34    $1.89       0.37%
C   $1,000       $1,070.50    $5.85       $1,019.56    $5.70       1.12%
R   $1,000       $1,074.10    $3.24       $1,022.08    $3.16       0.62%
R6   $1,000       $1,075.90    $0.37       $1,024.85    $0.36       0.07%
Advisor   $1,000       $1,076.60    $0.63       $1,024.60    $0.61       0.12%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

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

 

     

 

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Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.35       $11.06       $10.96       $10.78       $11.67  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.43       0.50       0.43       0.27       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     0.79       (0.77     0.10       0.28       (0.55

Total from investment operations

     1.22       (0.27     0.53       0.55       (0.29

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.42     (0.44     (0.43     (0.28     (0.27

Net realized gains

                       (0.05     (0.33

Tax return of capital.

                       (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.42     (0.44     (0.43     (0.37     (0.60

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.15       $10.35       $11.06       $10.96       $10.78  

Total returnd

     11.93%       (2.48)%       4.84%       5.25%       (2.59)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.95%       0.90%       0.92%       0.90%       0.92%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.30% f       0.30% f       0.30% f       0.30%       0.33%  

Net investment incomec

     3.91%       4.63%       3.89%       2.50%       2.27%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $34,363       $31,461       $32,397       $39,713       $44,823  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82.72%       46.27%       28.12%       149.53%       38.48%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.33% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.23       $10.92       $10.83       $10.66       $11.55  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.34       0.42       0.34       0.19       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     0.78       (0.76     0.10       0.28       (0.55

Total from investment operations

     1.12       (0.34     0.44       0.47       (0.37

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.34     (0.35     (0.35     (0.22     (0.19

Net realized gains

                       (0.05     (0.33

Tax return of capital.

                       (0.03      

Total distributions

     (0.34     (0.35     (0.35     (0.30     (0.52

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.01       $10.23       $10.92       $10.83       $10.66  

Total returnd

     11.14%       (3.29)%       4.07%       4.50%       (3.32)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.69%       1.65%       1.67%       1.64%       1.64%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.04% f       1.05% f       1.05% f       1.04%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     3.17%       3.88%       3.14%       1.76%       1.55%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $10,568       $11,796       $16,070       $17,570       $20,858  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82.72%       46.27%       28.12%       149.53%       38.48%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.33% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.31       $11.01       $10.92       $10.74       $11.64  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.40       0.48       0.40       0.25       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     0.79       (0.77     0.09       0.28       (0.57

Total from investment operations

     1.19       (0.29     0.49       0.53       (0.32

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.39     (0.41     (0.40     (0.26     (0.25

Net realized gains

                       (0.05     (0.33

Tax return of capital

                       (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.39     (0.41     (0.40     (0.35     (0.58

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.11       $10.31       $11.01       $10.92       $10.74  

Total return

     11.69%       (2.67)%       4.57%       4.94%       (2.87)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.16%       1.11%       1.17%       1.15%       1.14%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.51% e       0.51% e       0.55% e       0.55%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     3.70%       4.42%       3.64%       2.25%       2.05%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $2,336       $2,876       $4,071       $4,920       $4,130  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82.72%       46.27%       28.12%       149.53%       38.48%  

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.33% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.40       $11.11       $11.01       $10.82       $11.72  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.47       0.54       0.47       0.30       0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     0.78       (0.78     0.10       0.29       (0.57

Total from investment operations

     1.25       (0.24     0.57       0.59       (0.26

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.45     (0.47     (0.47     (0.31     (0.31

Net realized gains

                       (0.05     (0.33

Tax return of capital

                       (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.45     (0.47     (0.47     (0.40     (0.64

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.20       $10.40       $11.11       $11.01       $10.82  

Total return

     12.20%       (2.16)%       5.14%       5.60%       (2.34)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.59%       0.54%       0.52%       0.55%       0.53%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     —% e       —% e       —% e       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     4.21%       4.93%       4.19%       2.80%       2.60%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $2,043       $1,798       $4,031       $3,930       $6,828  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82.72%       46.27%       28.12%       149.53%       38.48%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.33% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

62      

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.39       $11.10       $11.00       $10.81       $11.71  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.46       0.53       0.46       0.29       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     0.79       (0.77     0.10       0.29       (0.52

Total from investment operations

     1.25       (0.24     0.56       0.58       (0.27

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.45     (0.47     (0.46     (0.30     (0.30

Net realized gains

                       (0.05     (0.33

Tax return of capital

                       (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.45     (0.47     (0.46     (0.39     (0.63

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.19       $10.39       $11.10       $11.00       $10.81  

Total return

     12.16%       (2.21)%       5.09%       5.55%       (2.40)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.70%       0.65%       0.67%       0.65%       0.64%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.05% e       0.05% e       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     4.16%       4.88%       4.14%       2.75%       2.55%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,875       $1,409       $2,122       $1,696       $880  

Portfolio turnover rate

     82.72%       46.27%       28.12%       149.53%       38.48%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.33% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 88.6%

     

Domestic Equity 10.1%

     

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     148,348      $ 5,190,696  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 54.7%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     404,681        10,153,406  

a Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

     1,686,075        10,217,615  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     45,240        5,083,619  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     27,878        2,546,098  
     

 

 

 
        28,000,738  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Hybrid 20.2%

     

a Franklin Income Fund, Class R6

     4,438,264        10,341,156  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 3.6%

     

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     164,278        1,821,838  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
(Cost $43,615,035)

        45,354,428  
     

 

 

 
     Units         

b Index-Linked Notes 9.9%

     

c Credit Suisse AG, senior note, 8.16%, 2/08/21

     800        2,471,688  

c,d UBS AG London Branch, senior note, 144A, 7.008%, 5/07/21

     2,500        2,594,575  
     

 

 

 

Total Index-Linked Notes (Cost $4,911,640)

        5,066,263  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments before Short Term Investments (Cost $48,526,675)

        50,420,691  
     

 

 

 
     Shares         

Short Term Investments (Cost $870,194) 1.7%

     

Money Market Funds 1.7%

     

a,e Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     870,194        870,194  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $49,396,869) 100.2%

        51,290,885  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.2)%

        (106,102
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 51,184,783  
     

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

bSee Note 1(c) regarding index-linked notes.

cSecurity pays variable interest based on the distributions of the strategy index and proceeds earned from related equity derivatives. The coupon rate shown represents the combined rate at period end. Cash payment at maturity or upon early redemption is based on the performance of the strategy index.

dSecurity was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At December 31, 2019, the value of this security was $2,594,575, representing 5.1% of net assets.

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

 

     

 

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Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.00       $11.76       $10.68       $10.61       $11.14  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.29       0.35       0.18       0.13       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.18       (0.79     1.05       0.19       (0.48

Total from investment operations

     1.47       (0.44     1.23       0.32       (0.24

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.30     (0.32     (0.15     (0.17     (0.19

Net realized gains

                       (0.08     (0.10

Total distributions

     (0.30     (0.32     (0.15     (0.25     (0.29

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.17       $11.00       $11.76       $10.68       $10.61  

Total returnd

     13.43%       (3.78)%       11.53%       3.03%       (2.18)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.97%       0.94%       1.02%       0.98%       1.05%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.35%       0.30%       0.30%       0.30%       0.32%  

Net investment incomec

     2.47%       2.92%       1.58%       1.25%       2.06%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $27,016       $24,108       $20,289       $19,292       $19,895  

Portfolio turnover rate

     120.35%       57.42%       47.93%       87.38%       47.51%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.93       $11.69       $10.62       $10.56       $11.08  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.20       0.24       0.10       0.05       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.17       (0.76     1.03       0.18       (0.44

Total from investment operations

     1.37       (0.52     1.13       0.23       (0.30

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.21     (0.24     (0.06     (0.09     (0.12

Net realized gains

                       (0.08     (0.10

Total distributions

     (0.21     (0.24     (0.06     (0.17     (0.22

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.09       $10.93       $11.69       $10.62       $10.56  

Total returnd

     12.59%       (4.53)%       10.69%       2.29%       (2.84)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.72%       1.69%       1.77%       1.73%       1.78%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.10%       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.72%       2.17%       0.83%       0.50%       1.33%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $6,811       $6,364       $6,287       $5,138       $5,221  

Portfolio turnover rate

     120.35%       57.42%       47.93%       87.38%       47.51%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.99       $11.75       $10.66       $10.59       $11.12  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.26       0.29       0.12       0.10       0.35  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.17       (0.76     1.08       0.18       (0.61

Total from investment operations

     1.43       (0.47     1.20       0.28       (0.26

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.26     (0.29     (0.11     (0.13     (0.17

Net realized gains

                       (0.08     (0.10

Total distributions

     (0.26     (0.29     (0.11     (0.21     (0.27

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.16       $10.99       $11.75       $10.66       $10.59  

Total return

     13.25%       (4.14)%       11.26%       2.74%       (2.35)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.22%       1.19%       1.27%       1.23%       1.28%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.60%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     2.22%       2.67%       1.33%       1.00%       1.83%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $745       $767       $969       $3,145       $3,189  

Portfolio turnover rate

     120.35%       57.42%       47.93%       87.38%       47.51%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.02       $11.79       $10.70       $10.64       $11.15  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.32       0.37       0.21       0.17       0.23  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.19       (0.78     1.06       0.17       (0.42

Total from investment operations

     1.51       (0.41     1.27       0.34       (0.19

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.33     (0.36     (0.18     (0.20     (0.22

Net realized gains

                       (0.08     (0.10

Total distributions

     (0.33     (0.36     (0.18     (0.28     (0.32

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.20       $11.02       $11.79       $10.70       $10.64  

Total return

     13.83%       (3.57)%       11.93%       3.33%       (1.80)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.60%       0.58%       0.59%       0.57%       0.66%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.05%       —%       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     2.77%       3.22%       1.88%       1.55%       2.38%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $7,429       $8,562       $8,831       $6,670       $6,751  

Portfolio turnover rate

     120.35%       57.42%       47.93%       87.38%       47.51%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

     

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.03       $11.79       $10.70       $10.63       $11.15  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.32       0.35       0.23       0.16       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.17       (0.76     1.04       0.18       (0.45

Total from investment operations

     1.49       (0.41     1.27       0.34       (0.20

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income

     (0.32     (0.35     (0.18     (0.19     (0.22

Net realized gains

                       (0.08     (0.10

Total distributions

     (0.32     (0.35     (0.18     (0.27     (0.32

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.20       $11.03       $11.79       $10.70       $10.63  

Total return

     13.77%       (3.62)%       11.88%       3.28%       (1.85)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.72%       0.69%       0.77%       0.73%       0.78%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.10%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     2.72%       3.17%       1.83%       1.50%       2.33%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $745       $637       $691       $317       $290  

Portfolio turnover rate

     120.35%       57.42%       47.93%       87.38%       47.51%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.8%

     

Domestic Equity 32.5%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     36,835      $ 4,136,520  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     109,854        3,843,792  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     29,718        2,066,897  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     329,300        3,553,150  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     968        286,334  
     

 

 

 
        13,886,693  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 45.1%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     363,802        9,127,756  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     379,764        3,679,911  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     35,776        4,020,149  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     10,016        914,761  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     27,402        1,550,405  
     

 

 

 
        19,292,982  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 16.1%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     113,046        1,235,597  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     19,077        481,694  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     8,918        233,206  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     198,136        2,199,303  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     56,963        948,429  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     27,339        814,265  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     132,509        944,789  
     

 

 

 
        6,857,283  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 5.1%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     21,230        555,914  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     146,460        1,624,246  
     

 

 

 
        2,180,160  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds before Short Term Investments (Cost $38,686,914)

        42,217,118  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.0%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $272,558) 0.6%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     272,558        272,558  
     

 

 

 

 

     

 

70      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $172,955) 0.4%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $172,970)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $94,846)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $30,701)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $47,423)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $176,512)

   $ 172,955      $ 172,955  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $39,132,427) 99.8%

        42,662,631  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.2%

        84,853  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 42,747,484  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   |

 

 

  Annual Report      

 

 

    71


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.52       $12.97       $11.49       $11.44       $12.36  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.27       0.32       0.19       0.14       0.19  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.66       (1.02     1.52       0.19       (0.43

Total from investment operations

     1.93       (0.70     1.71       0.33       (0.24

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.28     (0.33     (0.23     (0.13     (0.19

Net realized gains

     (0.19     (0.42           (0.15     (0.49

Total distributions

     (0.47     (0.75     (0.23     (0.28     (0.68

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.98       $11.52       $12.97       $11.49       $11.44  

Total returnd

     16.85%       (5.46)%       14.95%       2.96%       (2.08)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.80%       0.77%       0.80%       0.76%       0.77%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.35%       0.30% f       0.30%       0.30%       0.33%  

Net investment incomec

     2.15%       2.41%       1.52%       1.18%       1.52%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $86,084       $76,050       $77,510       $74,746       $72,625  

Portfolio turnover rate

     84.18%       52.98%       34.08%       83.67%       36.22%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

72      

 

 

    Annual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.34       $12.77       $11.32       $11.27       $12.18  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.17       0.20       0.09       0.05       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.62       (0.97     1.50       0.20       (0.42

Total from investment operations

     1.79       (0.77     1.59       0.25       (0.32

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.18     (0.24     (0.14     (0.05     (0.10

Net realized gains

     (0.19     (0.42           (0.15     (0.49

Total distributions

     (0.37     (0.66     (0.14     (0.20     (0.59

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.76       $11.34       $12.77       $11.32       $11.27  

Total returnd

     15.90%       (6.12)%       14.06%       2.21%       (2.74)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.55%       1.51%       1.55%       1.51%       1.49%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.10%       1.04% f       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.40%       1.67%       0.77%       0.43%       0.80%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $23,450       $21,907       $27,301       $26,401       $29,425  

Portfolio turnover rate

     84.18%       52.98%       34.08%       83.67%       36.22%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.48       $12.93       $11.44       $11.40       $12.31  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.23       0.26       0.14       0.11       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.65       (0.99     1.54       0.19       (0.42

Total from investment operations

     1.88       (0.73     1.68       0.30       (0.25

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.24     (0.30     (0.19     (0.11     (0.17

Net realized gains

     (0.19     (0.42           (0.15     (0.49

Total distributions

     (0.43     (0.72     (0.19     (0.26     (0.66

Net asset value, end of year

     $12.93       $11.48       $12.93       $11.44       $11.40  

Total return

     16.52%       (5.73)%       14.73%       2.65%       (2.20)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.05%       1.02%       1.05%       1.01%       0.99%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.60%       0.55% e       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     1.90%       2.16%       1.27%       0.93%       1.30%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $3,930       $4,510       $6,166       $7,411       $6,062  

Portfolio turnover rate

     84.18%       52.98%       34.08%       83.67%       36.22%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

74      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.56       $13.01       $11.52       $11.47       $12.39  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.31       0.34       0.23       0.17       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.65       (1.00     1.53       0.20       (0.44

Total from investment operations

     1.96       (0.66     1.76       0.37       (0.20

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.31     (0.37     (0.27     (0.17     (0.23

Net realized gains

     (0.19     (0.42           (0.15     (0.49

Total distributions

     (0.50     (0.79     (0.27     (0.32     (0.72

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.02       $11.56       $13.01       $11.52       $11.47  

Total return

     17.14%       (5.15)%       15.34%       3.24%       (1.74)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.41%       0.38%       0.37%       0.37%       0.36%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.05%       —% e       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     2.45%       2.71%       1.82%       1.48%       1.85%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $14,717       $14,228       $17,009       $13,936       $17,129  

Portfolio turnover rate

     84.18%       52.98%       34.08%       83.67%       36.22%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.55       $13.00       $11.51       $11.46       $12.38  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.30       0.33       0.23       0.17       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.66       (1.00     1.52       0.19       (0.37

Total from investment operations

     1.96       (0.67     1.75       0.36       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.31     (0.36     (0.26     (0.16     (0.22

Net realized gains

     (0.19     (0.42           (0.15     (0.49

Total distributions

     (0.50     (0.78     (0.26     (0.31     (0.71

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.01       $11.55       $13.00       $11.51       $11.46  

Total return

     17.09%       (5.20)%       15.30%       3.20%       (1.80)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.55%       0.52%       0.55%       0.51%       0.49%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.10%       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     2.40%       2.66%       1.77%       1.43%       1.80%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,532       $1,449       $1,866       $1,381       $1,194  

Portfolio turnover rate

     84.18%       52.98%       34.08%       83.67%       36.22%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

76      

 

 

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Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 99.0%

     

Domestic Equity 39.6%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     137,936      $ 15,490,253  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     409,160        14,316,509  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     111,105        7,727,333  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     1,192,043        12,862,146  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     3,475        1,027,905  
     

 

 

 
        51,424,146  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 36.3%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     893,551        22,419,105  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     907,651        8,795,133  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     88,034        9,892,381  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     23,855        2,178,677  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     67,419        3,814,567  
     

 

 

 
        47,099,863  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 19.0%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     413,561        4,520,225  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     67,137        1,695,209  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     31,373        820,404  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     696,427        7,730,338  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     208,590        3,473,014  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     100,483        2,992,786  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     480,295        3,424,502  
     

 

 

 
        24,656,478  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 4.1%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     50,217        1,314,947  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     356,916        3,958,203  
     

 

 

 
        5,273,150  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
before Short Term Investments (Cost $111,503,956)

        128,453,637  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.0%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $1,981) 0.0%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%.

     1,981        1,981  
     

 

 

 

 

 

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Annual Report      

 

 

    77


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $1,299,292) 1.0%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $1,299,403)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $712,515)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $230,631)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $356,257)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $1,326,013)

   $ 1,299,292      $ 1,299,292  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $112,805,229) 100.0%

        129,754,910  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.0)%

        (41,386
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 129,713,524  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

†Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

     

 

78      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.50       $12.70       $11.08       $10.95       $11.45  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.25       0.29       0.19       0.13       0.20  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.90       (1.09     1.65       0.19       (0.39

Total from investment operations

     2.15       (0.80     1.84       0.32       (0.19

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.23     (0.32     (0.22     (0.09     (0.16

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.08           (0.10     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.37     (0.40     (0.22     (0.19     (0.31

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.28       $11.50       $12.70       $11.08       $10.95  

Total returnd

     18.80%       (6.32)%       16.73%       2.93%       (1.75)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.02%       0.98%       1.08%       1.02%       1.17%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.34% f       0.30% f       0.30%       0.30%       0.32%  

Net investment incomec

     1.96%       2.24%       1.60%       1.17%       1.55%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $27,248       $22,447       $19,270       $16,788       $13,631  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93.46%       47.37%       37.45%       81.66%       44.47%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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    79


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.37       $12.56       $10.97       $10.86       $11.38  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.15       0.18       0.11       0.05       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.89       (1.06     1.63       0.17       (0.38

Total from investment operations

     2.04       (0.88     1.74       0.22       (0.27

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.14     (0.23     (0.15     (0.01     (0.10

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.08           (0.10     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.28     (0.31     (0.15     (0.11     (0.25

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.13       $11.37       $12.56       $10.97       $10.86  

Total returnd

     17.98%       (7.02)%       15.89%       2.08%       (2.43)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.77%       1.73%       1.83%       1.77%       1.90%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.09% f       1.05% f       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.21%       1.49%       0.85%       0.42%       0.82%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $9,146       $7,460       $7,642       $5,127       $4,124  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93.46%       47.37%       37.45%       81.66%       44.47%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

80      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.48       $12.68       $11.06       $10.94       $11.44  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.22       0.23       0.15       0.10       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.91       (1.06     1.65       0.18       (0.39

Total from investment operations

     2.13       (0.83     1.80       0.28       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.20     (0.29     (0.18     (0.06     (0.14

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.08           (0.10     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.34     (0.37     (0.18     (0.16     (0.29

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.27       $11.48       $12.68       $11.06       $10.94  

Total return

     18.64%       (6.59)%       16.39%       2.60%       (1.89)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.27%       1.23%       1.33%       1.27%       1.40%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.59% e       0.55% e       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     1.71%       1.99%       1.35%       0.92%       1.32%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,058       $816       $1,148       $1,398       $870  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93.46%       47.37%       37.45%       81.66%       44.47%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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    81


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.54       $12.74       $11.12       $10.99       $11.47  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.29       0.32       0.23       0.16       0.20  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.92       (1.08     1.65       0.19       (0.35

Total from investment operations

     2.21       (0.76     1.88       0.35       (0.15

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.27     (0.36     (0.26     (0.12     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.08           (0.10     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.41     (0.44     (0.26     (0.22     (0.33

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.34       $11.54       $12.74       $11.12       $10.99  

Total return

     19.26%       (6.02)%       17.01%       3.20%       (1.34)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.53%       0.52%       0.54%       0.57%       0.68%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.04% e       —% e       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     2.26%       2.54%       1.90%       1.47%       1.87%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $22,064       $18,389       $18,260       $14,455       $13,041  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93.46%       47.37%       37.45%       81.66%       44.47%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

82      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.53       $12.73       $11.11       $10.98       $11.47  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.28       0.31       0.23       0.15       0.27  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.92       (1.08     1.64       0.19       (0.43

Total from investment operations

     2.20       (0.77     1.87       0.34       (0.16

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.26     (0.35     (0.25     (0.11     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.08           (0.10     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.40     (0.43     (0.25     (0.21     (0.33

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.33       $11.53       $12.73       $11.11       $10.98  

Total return

     19.22%       (6.08)%       16.97%       3.15%       (1.46)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.77%       0.73%       0.83%       0.77%       0.90%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.09% e       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     2.21%       2.49%       1.85%       1.42%       1.82%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $997       $785       $662       $332       $303  

Portfolio turnover rate

     93.46%       47.37%       37.45%       81.66%       44.47%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.0%

     

Domestic Equity 46.8%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     75,791      $ 8,511,403  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     226,883        7,938,636  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     61,187        4,255,533  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     652,684        7,042,457  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     1,900        562,020  
     

 

 

 
        28,310,049  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 26.5%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     302,882        7,599,279  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     314,399        3,046,531  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     29,732        3,340,985  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     8,302        758,221  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     22,587        1,277,972  
     

 

 

 
        16,022,988  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 21.9%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     219,496        2,399,088  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     36,005        909,126  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     17,565        459,325  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     373,564        4,146,561  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     111,884        1,862,871  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     54,647        1,627,606  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     257,637        1,836,950  
     

 

 

 
        13,241,527  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 2.8%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     17,353        454,394  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     115,392        1,279,699  
     

 

 

 
        1,734,093  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds before Short Term Investments (Cost $52,608,067)

        59,308,657  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.9%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $687,164) 1.2%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     687,164        687,164  
     

 

 

 

 

     

 

84      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $428,718) 0.7%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $428,755)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $235,103)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $76,100)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $117,552)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $437,535)

   $ 428,718      $ 428,718  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $53,723,949) 99.9%

        60,424,539  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.1%

        88,742  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 60,513,281  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.03       $13.70       $11.86       $11.78       $12.67  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.24       0.29       0.20       0.13       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.19       (1.21     1.92       0.23       (0.41

Total from investment operations

     2.43       (0.92     2.12       0.36       (0.24

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.24     (0.30     (0.28     (0.10     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.28     (0.45           (0.18     (0.47

Total distributions

     (0.52     (0.75     (0.28     (0.28     (0.65

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.94       $12.03       $13.70       $11.86       $11.78  

Total returnd

     20.36%       (6.87)%       17.93%       3.11%       (2.00)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.86%       0.81%       0.86%       0.82%       0.84%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.34%       0.30% f       0.30%       0.30%       0.33%  

Net investment incomec

     1.81%       2.04%       1.55%       1.15%       1.30%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $72,425       $60,087       $61,238       $56,650       $53,701  

Portfolio turnover rate

     79.04%       47.85%       31.98%       77.39%       33.86%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

86      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.75       $13.40       $11.61       $11.54       $12.43  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.14       0.16       0.10       0.04       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.13       (1.16     1.88       0.22       (0.40

Total from investment operations

     2.27       (1.00     1.98       0.26       (0.33

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.14     (0.20     (0.19     (0.01     (0.09

Net realized gains

     (0.28     (0.45           (0.18     (0.47

Total distributions

     (0.42     (0.65     (0.19     (0.19     (0.56

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.60       $11.75       $13.40       $11.61       $11.54  

Total returnd

     19.46%       (7.58)%       17.09%       2.34%       (2.76)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.61%       1.56%       1.60%       1.57%       1.56%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.09%       1.05% f       1.04%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.06%       1.29%       0.81%       0.40%       0.58%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $21,115       $18,350       $21,451       $18,781       $19,953  

Portfolio turnover rate

     79.04%       47.85%       31.98%       77.39%       33.86%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.01       $13.69       $11.84       $11.77       $12.66  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.20       0.24       0.15       0.12       0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.20       (1.20     1.94       0.21       (0.40

Total from investment operations

     2.40       (0.96     2.09       0.33       (0.27

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.21     (0.27     (0.24     (0.08     (0.15

Net realized gains

     (0.28     (0.45           (0.18     (0.47

Total distributions

     (0.49     (0.72     (0.24     (0.26     (0.62

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.92       $12.01       $13.69       $11.84       $11.77  

Total return

     20.10%       (7.18)%       17.71%       2.87%       (2.25)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.10%       1.05%       1.11%       1.07%       1.06%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.58%       0.54% e       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     1.57%       1.80%       1.30%       0.90%       1.08%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $4,966       $4,762       $5,745       $6,080       $4,688  

Portfolio turnover rate

     79.04%       47.85%       31.98%       77.39%       33.86%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

88      

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.12       $13.80       $11.94       $11.85       $12.75  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.29       0.31       0.25       0.17       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.20       (1.20     1.93       0.23       (0.43

Total from investment operations

     2.49       (0.89     2.18       0.40       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.28     (0.34     (0.32     (0.13     (0.22

Net realized gains

     (0.28     (0.45           (0.18     (0.47

Total distributions

     (0.56     (0.79     (0.32     (0.31     (0.69

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.05       $12.12       $13.80       $11.94       $11.85  

Total return

     20.73%       (6.63)%       18.31%       3.48%       (1.75)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.41%       0.39%       0.38%       0.39%       0.38%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.04%       —% e       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     2.11%       2.34%       1.85%       1.45%       1.63%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $28,513       $22,207       $26,497       $22,068       $20,244  

Portfolio turnover rate

     79.04%       47.85%       31.98%       77.39%       33.86%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.13       $13.81       $11.95       $11.86       $12.75  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.28       0.32       0.23       0.16       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.21       (1.22     1.94       0.23       (0.37

Total from investment operations

     2.49       (0.90     2.17       0.39       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.27     (0.33     (0.31     (0.12     (0.21

Net realized gains

     (0.28     (0.45           (0.18     (0.47

Total distributions

     (0.55     (0.78     (0.31     (0.30     (0.68

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.07       $12.13       $13.81       $11.95       $11.86  

Total return

     20.73%       (6.67)%       18.24%       3.42%       (1.76)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.61%       0.56%       0.61%       0.57%       0.56%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.09%       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     2.06%       2.29%       1.80%       1.40%       1.58%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $2,145       $1,723       $1,578       $1,451       $1,722  

Portfolio turnover rate

     79.04%       47.85%       31.98%       77.39%       33.86%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

90      

 

 

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Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.4%

     

Domestic Equity 53.0%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     182,602      $ 20,506,241  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     546,719        19,129,698  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     146,654        10,199,784  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     1,595,429        17,214,672  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     4,650        1,375,472  
     

 

 

 
        68,425,867  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 18.9%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     461,932        11,589,828  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     483,961        4,689,585  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     45,374        5,098,676  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     12,803        1,169,298  

Vanguard Total International Bond ETF

     32,476        1,837,492  
     

 

 

 
        24,384,879  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 24.5%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     534,433        5,841,353  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     86,135        2,174,909  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     40,257        1,052,721  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     893,622        9,919,205  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     267,691        4,457,050  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     130,689        3,892,441  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     616,315        4,394,327  
     

 

 

 
        31,732,006  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 2.0%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     26,515        694,303  

a Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

     173,528        1,924,420  
     

 

 

 
        2,618,723  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
before Short Term Investments (Cost $107,205,698)

        127,161,475  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.2%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $1,866) 0.0%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     1,866        1,866  
     

 

 

 

 

 

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    91


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $1,541,507) 1.2%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $1,541,639)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $845,342)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $273,626)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $422,671)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $1,573,210)

   $ 1,541,507      $ 1,541,507  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $108,749,071) 99.6%

        128,704,848  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.4%

        458,417  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 129,163,265  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

†Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

     

 

92      

 

 

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Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.61       $13.03       $11.20       $11.06       $11.58  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.22       0.27       0.18       0.14       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.25       (1.17     1.88       0.17       (0.40

Total from investment operations

     2.47       (0.90     2.06       0.31       (0.22

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.18     (0.30     (0.23     (0.08     (0.15

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.22           (0.09     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.32     (0.52     (0.23     (0.17     (0.30

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.76       $11.61       $13.03       $11.20       $11.06  

Total returnd

     21.50%       (7.00)%       18.50%       2.91%       (1.94)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.18%       1.14%       1.26%       1.19%       1.40%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.34% f       0.30% f       0.30%       0.30%       0.32%  

Net investment incomec

     1.67%       2.03%       1.55%       1.22%       1.410%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $19,322       $15,921       $14,001       $13,213       $8,177  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.08%       41.77%       39.11%       72.22%       41.55%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.42       $12.83       $11.05       $10.97       $11.52  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.12       0.16       0.11       0.05       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.21       (1.14     1.83       0.18       (0.41

Total from investment operations

     2.33       (0.98     1.94       0.23       (0.30

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.09     (0.21     (0.16     (0.06     (0.10

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.22           (0.09     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.23     (0.43     (0.16     (0.15     (0.25

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.52       $11.42       $12.83       $11.05       $10.97  

Total returnd

     20.56%       (7.71)%       17.63%       2.17%       (2.66)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.93%       1.89%       2.01%       1.94%       2.13%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.09% f       1.05% f       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     0.92%       1.28%       0.80%       0.47%       0.68%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $5,630       $4,286       $4,015       $2,686       $1,988  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.08%       41.77%       39.11%       72.22%       41.55%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

94      

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.60       $13.02       $11.17       $11.05       $11.58  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.18       0.22       0.13       0.13       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.25       (1.16     1.91       0.16       (0.41

Total from investment operations

     2.43       (0.94     2.04       0.29       (0.24

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.15     (0.26     (0.19     (0.08     (0.14

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.22           (0.09     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.29     (0.48     (0.19     (0.17     (0.29

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.74       $11.60       $13.02       $11.17       $11.05  

Total return

     21.13%       (7.27)%       18.31%       2.66%       (2.14)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.43%       1.39%       1.51%       1.43%       1.63%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.59% e       0.55% e       0.55%       0.54%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     1.42%       1.78%       1.30%       0.98%       1.18%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,528       $1,273       $1,519       $2,188       $1,009  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.08%       41.77%       39.11%       72.22%       41.55%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.69       $13.11       $11.26       $11.10       $11.61  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.25       0.30       0.23       0.16       0.19  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.27       (1.16     1.89       0.18       (0.37

Total from investment operations

     2.52       (0.86     2.12       0.34       (0.18

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.22     (0.34     (0.27     (0.09     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.22           (0.09     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.36     (0.56     (0.27     (0.18     (0.33

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.85       $11.69       $13.11       $11.26       $11.10  

Total return

     21.89%       (6.77)%       18.92%       3.16%       (1.62)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.58%       0.58%       0.61%       0.65%       0.82%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.04% e       —% e       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     1.97%       2.33%       1.85%       1.52%       1.73%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $22,250       $18,247       $17,521       $13,867       $12,037  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.08%       41.77%       39.11%       72.22%       41.55%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

96      

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.67       $13.10       $11.25       $11.09       $11.61  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.33       0.27       0.22       0.15       0.40  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.18       (1.15     1.89       0.19       (0.59

Total from investment operations

     2.51       (0.88     2.11       0.34       (0.19

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.22     (0.33     (0.26     (0.09     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.14     (0.22           (0.09     (0.15

Total distributions

     (0.36     (0.55     (0.26     (0.18     (0.33

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.82       $11.67       $13.10       $11.25       $11.09  

Total return

     21.68%       (6.82)%       18.88%       3.15%       (1.72)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.93%       0.89%       1.01%       0.94%       1.13%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.09% e       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.92%       2.28%       1.80%       1.47%       1.68%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $146       $165       $155       $141       $121  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.08%       41.77%       39.11%       72.22%       41.55%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.1%

     

Domestic Equity 59.1%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     77,144      $ 8,663,276  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     231,255        8,091,613  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     62,382        4,338,643  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     666,552        7,192,094  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     2,025        598,995  
     

 

 

 
        28,884,621  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 12.0%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     121,261        3,042,427  

a Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

     125,414        1,215,264  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     11,855        1,332,146  

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

     3,228        294,813  
     

 

 

 
        5,884,650  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 26.6%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     218,766        2,391,108  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     35,382        893,395  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     16,520        431,998  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     367,132        4,075,168  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     108,782        1,811,218  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     53,610        1,596,720  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     256,224        1,826,881  
     

 

 

 
        13,026,488  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Fixed Income 0.4%

     

a Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

     6,604        172,928  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
before Short Term Investments (Cost $41,696,657)

        47,968,687  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.8%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $800,528) 1.7%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     800,528        800,528  
     

 

 

 

 

     

 

98      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $66,841) 0.1%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $66,847)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $36,655)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $11,865)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $18,327)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $68,215)

   $ 66,841      $ 66,841  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $42,564,026) 99.9%

        48,836,056  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.1%

        40,721  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 48,876,777  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

 

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  Annual Report      

 

 

    99


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.04       $13.78       $11.86       $11.75       $12.70  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.21       0.27       0.20       0.14       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.45       (1.26     2.01       0.24       (0.42

Total from investment operations

     2.66       (0.99     2.21       0.38       (0.26

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.21     (0.27     (0.29     (0.10     (0.17

Net realized gains

     (0.22     (0.48           (0.17     (0.52

Total distributions

     (0.43     (0.75     (0.29     (0.27     (0.69

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.27       $12.04       $13.78       $11.86       $11.75  

Total returnd

     22.33%       (7.42)%       18.72%       3.29%       (2.17)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.98%       0.93%       1.01%       0.97%       1.01%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.34% f       0.30% f       0.30%       0.30%       0.33%  

Net investment incomec

     1.57%       1.91%       1.53%       1.15%       1.26%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $51,412       $44,978       $46,783       $44,521       $38,444  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.25%       43.20%       31.69%       75.72%       34.07%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

100      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.72       $13.44       $11.57       $11.48       $12.42  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.11       0.15       0.10       0.04       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.38       (1.22     1.96       0.23       (0.40

Total from investment operations

     2.49       (1.07     2.06       0.27       (0.33

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds

     (0.11     (0.17     (0.19     (0.01     (0.09

Net realized gains

     (0.22     (0.48           (0.17     (0.52

Total distributions

     (0.33     (0.65     (0.19     (0.18     (0.61

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.88       $11.72       $13.44       $11.57       $11.48  

Total returnd

     21.35%       (8.07)%       17.92%       2.43%       (2.82)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.73%       1.67%       1.75%       1.72%       1.73%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.09% f       1.04% f       1.04%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     0.82%       1.17%       0.79%       0.40%       0.54%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $13,333       $11,738       $13,190       $12,527       $12,850  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.25%       43.20%       31.69%       75.72%       34.07%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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    101


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.98       $13.72       $11.81       $11.71       $12.66  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.17       0.23       0.17       0.11       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.45       (1.25     2.00       0.23       (0.42

Total from investment operations

     2.62       (1.02     2.17       0.34       (0.28

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.18     (0.24     (0.26     (0.07     (0.15

Net realized gains

     (0.22     (0.48           (0.17     (0.52

Total distributions

     (0.40     (0.72     (0.26     (0.24     (0.67

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.20       $11.98       $13.72       $11.81       $11.71  

Total return

     21.95%       (7.61)%       18.43%       2.99%       (2.35)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.22%       1.17%       1.26%       1.22%       1.23%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.58% e       0.54% e       0.55%       0.55%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     1.33%       1.67%       1.28%       0.90%       1.04%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $4,838       $5,146       $5,464       $4,682       $4,327  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.25%       43.20%       31.69%       75.72%       34.07%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

102      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.12       $13.88       $11.94       $11.83       $12.77  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.27       0.30       0.25       0.17       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.46       (1.27     2.02       0.24       (0.42

Total from investment operations

     2.73       (0.97     2.27       0.41       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.25     (0.31     (0.33     (0.13     (0.21

Net realized gains

     (0.22     (0.48           (0.17     (0.52

Total distributions

     (0.47     (0.79     (0.33     (0.30     (0.73

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.38       $12.12       $13.88       $11.94       $11.83  

Total return

     22.69%       (7.16)%       19.10%       3.55%       (1.77)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.46%       0.46%       0.43%       0.44%       0.45%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.04% e       —% e       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     1.87%       2.21%       1.83%       1.45%       1.59%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $20,022       $12,681       $13,787       $10,912       $10,975  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.25%       43.20%       31.69%       75.72%       34.07%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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    103


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.13       $13.88       $11.94       $11.83       $12.76  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.25       0.31       0.23       0.15       0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.46       (1.28     2.03       0.25       (0.34

Total from investment operations

     2.71       (0.97     2.26       0.40       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.24     (0.30     (0.32     (0.12     (0.20

Net realized gains

     (0.22     (0.48           (0.17     (0.52

Total distributions

     (0.46     (0.78     (0.32     (0.29     (0.72

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.38       $12.13       $13.88       $11.94       $11.83  

Total return

     22.53%       (7.13)%       19.04%       3.49%       (1.82)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.73%       0.68%       0.76%       0.72%       0.73%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.09% e       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.82%       2.16%       1.78%       1.40%       1.54%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $819       $639       $602       $479       $532  

Portfolio turnover rate

     86.25%       43.20%       31.69%       75.72%       34.07%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

104      

 

 

    Annual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.9%

     

Domestic Equity 63.8%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     153,975      $ 17,291,424  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     461,440        16,145,786  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     124,504        8,659,213  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     1,330,664        14,357,868  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     3,975        1,175,806  
     

 

 

 
        57,630,097  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 6.5%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     117,400        2,945,554  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     26,271        2,952,072  
     

 

 

 
        5,897,626  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 28.6%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     443,002        4,842,006  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     69,484        1,754,471  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     32,473        849,169  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     720,809        8,000,985  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     215,967        3,595,852  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     109,601        3,264,356  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     497,170        3,544,825  
     

 

 

 
        25,851,664  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds before Short Term Investments (Cost $74,027,828)

        89,379,387  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.6%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $648,227) 0.7%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     648,227        648,227  
     

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    105


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $833,516) 0.9%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $833,587)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $457,089)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $147,953)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $228,545)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $850,658)

   $ 833,516      $ 833,516  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $75,509,571) 100.5%

        90,861,130  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.5)%

        (438,306
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 90,422,824  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

     

 

106      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.74       $13.19       $11.29       $11.11       $11.62  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.19       0.27       0.20       0.14       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.37       (1.23     1.93       0.23       (0.41

Total from investment operations

     2.56       (0.96     2.13       0.37       (0.19

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.16     (0.30     (0.23     (0.09     (0.16

Net realized gains

     (0.13     (0.19           (0.10     (0.16

Total distributions

     (0.29     (0.49     (0.23     (0.19     (0.32

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.01       $11.74       $13.19       $11.29       $11.11  

Total returnd

     22.00%       (7.40)%       18.96%       3.32%       (1.76)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.35%       1.30%       1.53%       1.47%       1.82%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.34% f       0.30% f       0.30%       0.30%       0.32%  

Net investment incomec

     1.55%       1.98%       1.62%       1.17%       1.47%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $16,729       $16,856       $13,823       $10,597       $6,762  

Portfolio turnover rate

     94.67%       43.18%       35.70%       89.82%       48.90%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.66       $13.11       $11.24       $11.07       $11.56  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.11       0.16       0.11       0.05       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.34       (1.22     1.91       0.23       (0.33

Total from investment operations

     2.45       (1.06     2.02       0.28       (0.26

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.07     (0.20     (0.15     (0.01     (0.07

Net realized gains

     (0.13     (0.19           (0.10     (0.16

Total distributions

     (0.20     (0.39     (0.15     (0.11     (0.23

Net asset value, end of year

     $13.91       $11.66       $13.11       $11.24       $11.07  

Total returnd

     21.13%       (8.12)%       18.03%       2.56%       (2.40)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatese

     2.10%       2.05%       2.28%       2.22%       2.55%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.09% f       1.05% f       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomec

     0.80%       1.23%       0.87%       0.42%       0.74%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $5,658       $4,167       $3,797       $2,675       $1,921  

Portfolio turnover rate

     94.67%       43.18%       35.70%       89.82%       48.90%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

eDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

108      

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.74       $13.19       $11.29       $11.12       $11.63  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.17       0.23       0.16       0.11       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.36       (1.22     1.94       0.22       (0.37

Total from investment operations

     2.53       (0.99     2.10       0.33       (0.21

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.13     (0.27     (0.20     (0.06     (0.14

Net realized gains

     (0.13     (0.19           (0.10     (0.16

Total distributions

     (0.26     (0.46     (0.20     (0.16     (0.30

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.01       $11.74       $13.19       $11.29       $11.12  

Total return

     21.72%       (7.62)%       18.67%       3.01%       (1.98)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.60%       1.55%       1.78%       1.71%       2.05%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.59% e       0.55% e       0.55%       0.54%       0.55%  

Net investment incomec

     1.30%       1.73%       1.37%       0.93%       1.24%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $2,364       $1,814       $1,608       $1,219       $747  

Portfolio turnover rate

     94.67%       43.18%       35.70%       89.82%       48.90%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.80       $13.26       $11.34       $11.16       $11.65  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.26       0.29       0.24       0.15       0.19  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.37       (1.23     1.94       0.24       (0.34

Total from investment operations

     2.63       (0.94     2.18       0.39       (0.15

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.20     (0.33     (0.26     (0.11     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.13     (0.19           (0.10     (0.16

Total distributions

     (0.33     (0.52     (0.26     (0.21     (0.34

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.10       $11.80       $13.26       $11.34       $11.16  

Total return

     22.50%       (7.18)%       19.36%       3.55%       (1.39)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.62%       0.65%       0.69%       0.75%       1.00%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.04% e       —% e       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomec

     1.85%       2.28%       1.92%       1.47%       1.79%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $17,560       $11,800       $12,099       $9,174       $8,012  

Portfolio turnover rate

     94.67%       43.18%       35.70%       89.82%       48.90%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

110      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.80       $13.26       $11.35       $11.16       $11.65  

Income from investment operationsa:

          

Net investment incomeb,c

     0.24       0.28       0.23       0.15       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.38       (1.22     1.94       0.25       (0.33

Total from investment operations

     2.62       (0.94     2.17       0.40       (0.15

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.19     (0.33     (0.26     (0.11     (0.18

Net realized gains

     (0.13     (0.19           (0.10     (0.16

Total distributions

     (0.32     (0.52     (0.26     (0.21     (0.34

Net asset value, end of year

     $14.10       $11.80       $13.26       $11.35       $11.16  

Total return

     22.44%       (7.23)%       19.20%       3.59%       (1.43)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     1.10%       1.05%       1.28%       1.22%       1.55%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesd

     0.09% e       0.05% e       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomec

     1.80%       2.23%       1.87%       1.42%       1.74%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $617       $468       $512       $395       $394  

Portfolio turnover rate

     94.67%       43.18%       35.70%       89.82%       48.90%  

 

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

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

dDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.1%

     

Domestic Equity 64.1%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     73,765      $ 8,283,790  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     220,197        7,704,693  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     59,576        4,143,530  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     636,270        6,865,361  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     1,841        544,569  
     

 

 

 
        27,541,943  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 5.3%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     45,557        1,143,020  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     10,159        1,141,567  
     

 

 

 
        2,284,587  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 28.7%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     207,673        2,269,867  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     33,243        839,386  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     15,536        406,266  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     344,993        3,829,422  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     103,371        1,721,122  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     51,861        1,544,628  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     237,966        1,696,698  
     

 

 

 
        12,307,389  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
before Short Term Investments (Cost $36,250,488)

        42,133,919  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 1.5%

     

Money Market Funds (Cost $508,225) 1.2%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     508,225        508,225  
     

 

 

 

 

     

 

112      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Short Term Investments (continued)

     

Repurchase Agreements (Cost $115,579) 0.3%

     

c Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.536%, 1/02/20 (Maturity Value $115,589)

     

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Maturity Value $63,382)

     

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (Maturity Value $20,516)

     

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (Maturity Value $31,691)

     

Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375% - 2.75%, 9/30/20 - 10/31/24; and U.S. Treasury Notes, Index Linked, 0.125%, 1/15/23 (valued at $117,956)

   $ 115,579      $ 115,579  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $36,874,292) 99.6%

        42,757,723  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.4%

        170,590  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 42,928,313  
     

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

cSee Note 1(b) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

 

 

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Financial Highlights

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015a  

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 9.88       $11.05       $ 9.47       $ 9.34       $10.00  

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec,d

     0.18       0.23       0.18       0.12       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.02       (1.03     1.62       0.17       (0.70

Total from investment operations

     2.20       (0.80     1.80       0.29       (0.54

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.12     (0.20     (0.19     (0.10     (0.12

Net realized gains

     (0.10     (0.17     (0.03     (0.06      

Total distributions

     (0.22     (0.37     (0.22     (0.16     (0.12

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.86       $ 9.88       $11.05       $ 9.47       $ 9.34  

Total returne

     22.39%       (7.37)%       19.06%       3.13%       (5.40)%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     2.50%       2.51%       3.18%       5.09%       9.66%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.34%       0.30% h       0.30%       0.32%       0.19%  

Net investment incomed

     1.65%       2.01%       1.75%       1.43%       2.62%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $8,254       $6,104       $4,684       $2,732       $1,817  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.64%       42.85%       31.85%       93.35%       78.16%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

hBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

114      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015a  

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 9.75       $10.92       $ 9.39       $ 9.30       $10.00  

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec,d

     0.09       0.15       0.12       0.08       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.99       (1.02     1.58       0.14       (0.84

Total from investment operations

     2.08       (0.87     1.70       0.22       (0.60

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.04     (0.13     (0.14     (0.07     (0.10

Net realized gains

     (0.10     (0.17     (0.03     (0.06      

Total distributions

     (0.14     (0.30     (0.17     (0.13     (0.10

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.69       $ 9.75       $10.92       $ 9.39       $ 9.30  

Total returne

     21.45%       (8.04)%       18.10%       2.36%       (5.99)%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     3.25%       3.26%       3.93%       5.82%       10.52%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     1.09%       1.05% h       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

Net investment incomed

     0.90%       1.26%       1.00%       0.70%       1.76%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $3,563       $2,338       $1,428       $572       $172  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.64%       42.85%       31.85%       93.35%       78.16%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

hBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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    115


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015a  

Class R

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 9.85       $11.01       $ 9.44       $ 9.33       $10.00  

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec,d

     0.15       0.19       0.13       0.12       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.01       (1.01     1.63       0.14       (0.74

Total from investment operations

     2.16       (0.82     1.76       0.26       (0.56

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.09     (0.17     (0.16     (0.09     (0.11

Net realized gains

     (0.10     (0.17     (0.03     (0.06      

Total distributions

     (0.19     (0.34     (0.19     (0.15     (0.11

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.82       $ 9.85       $11.01       $ 9.44       $ 9.33  

Total returne

     22.08%       (7.53)%       18.69%       2.84%       (5.61)%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     2.75%       2.76%       3.43%       5.32%       9.98%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.59%       0.55% h       0.55%       0.55%       0.51%  

Net investment incomed

     1.40%       1.76%       1.50%       1.20%       2.30%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $539       $425       $354       $357       $41  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.64%       42.85%       31.85%       93.35%       78.16%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

hBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

116      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015a  

Class R6

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 9.89       $11.06       $ 9.48       $ 9.34       $10.00  

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec,d

     0.22       0.24       0.22       0.21       0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2.01       (1.01     1.61       0.11       (0.85

Total from investment operations

     2.23       (0.77     1.83       0.32       (0.53

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.15     (0.23     (0.22     (0.12     (0.13

Net realized gains

     (0.10     (0.17     (0.03     (0.06      

Total distributions

     (0.25     (0.40     (0.25     (0.18     (0.13

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.87       $ 9.89       $11.06       $ 9.48       $ 9.34  

Total returne

     22.72%       (7.12)%       19.32%       3.49%       (5.33)%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     1.18%       1.35%       1.85%       4.21%       10.04%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.04%       —% h       —%       —%       —%  

Net investment incomed

     1.95%       2.31%       2.05%       1.75%       2.81%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $7,296       $3,573       $3,184       $1,618       $92  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.64%       42.85%       31.85%       93.35%       78.16%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

hBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

 

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    117


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017     2016     2015a  

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 9.90       $11.06       $ 9.48       $ 9.35       $10.00  

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec,d

     0.23       0.25       0.20       0.13       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.99       (1.02     1.62       0.18       (0.63

Total from investment operations

     2.22       (0.77     1.82       0.31       (0.53

Less distributions from:

          

Net investment income and short term gains received from Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds

     (0.15     (0.22     (0.21     (0.12     (0.12

Net realized gains

     (0.10     (0.17     (0.03     (0.06      

Total distributions

     (0.25     (0.39     (0.24     (0.18     (0.12

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.87       $ 9.90       $11.06       $ 9.48       $ 9.35  

Total returne

     22.67%       (7.16)%       19.27%       3.45%       (5.37)%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     2.25%       2.26%       2.93%       4.82%       9.52%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.09%       0.05% h       0.05%       0.05%       0.05%  

Net investment incomed

     1.90%       2.26%       2.00%       1.70%       2.76%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $134       $46       $32       $13       $11  

Portfolio turnover rate

     90.64%       42.85%       31.85%       93.35%       78.16%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015.

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

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dRecognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of declaration of dividends by the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests.

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

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.

gDoes not include expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The weighted average indirect expenses of the Underlying Funds and exchange traded funds was 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

hBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

     

 

118      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Statement of Investments, December 31, 2019

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

 

     

Shares

 

    

Value

 

 

Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds 98.0%

     

Domestic Equity 64.0%

     

a Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

     33,822      $ 3,798,188  

a Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

     101,183        3,540,393  

a Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

     27,296        1,898,474  

a Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

     292,996        3,161,422  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

     900        266,220  
     

 

 

 
        12,664,697  
     

 

 

 

Domestic Fixed Income 5.5%

     

a Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

     21,516        539,834  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     4,786        537,803  
     

 

 

 
        1,077,637  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Equity 28.5%

     

a Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

     94,824        1,036,424  

a Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

     15,382        388,396  

a Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

     7,469        195,314  

a Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

     157,471        1,747,933  

a Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

     46,898        780,860  

a Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

     23,818        709,395  

a Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

     109,312        779,392  
     

 

 

 
        5,637,714  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
before Short Term Investments (Cost $17,269,937)

        19,380,048  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments (Cost $396,974) 2.0%

     

Money Market Funds 2.0%

     

a,b Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

     396,974        396,974  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
(Cost $17,666,911) 100.0%

        19,777,022  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.0%

        7,735  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 19,784,757  
     

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 162.

†Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in FT Underlying Funds.

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

 

 

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    119


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

    

Franklin

LifeSmart

Retirement

Income Fund

   

Franklin

LifeSmart

2020 Retirement

Target Fund

    

Franklin

LifeSmart

2025 Retirement

Target Fund

 

 

 

Assets:

       

Investments in securities:

       

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

     $12,286,786       $  6,642,743        $  16,603,624  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     37,110,083       32,316,729        94,902,313  

Cost - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

           172,955        1,299,292  
  

 

 

 

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

     $12,695,980       $  6,771,649        $  16,913,530  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     38,594,905       35,718,027        111,542,088  

Value - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

           172,955        1,299,292  

Receivables:

       

Capital shares sold

     3,255       55,730        302,800  

Dividends and interest

     67,171       37,126        91,890  

Affiliates

     66,380       51,620        42,305  

Other assets.

     7       4        16  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     51,427,698       42,807,111        130,191,921  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

       

Payables:

       

Capital shares redeemed

     177,897       11,500        377,880  

Distribution fees

     17,275       11,753        39,605  

Transfer agent fees

     10,386       6,522        22,367  

Reports to shareholders

     7,427       4,138        8,703  

Professional fees

     29,437       25,536        26,132  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     493       178        3,710  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     242,915       59,627        478,397  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $51,184,783       $42,747,484        $129,713,524  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

       

Paid-in capital

     $51,263,544       $39,443,938        $111,101,873  

Total distributable earnings (losses)

     (78,761     3,303,546        18,611,651  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $51,184,783       $42,747,484        $129,713,524  
  

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

120      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Class A:

        

Net assets, at value

     $34,363,081        $27,016,207        $86,083,868  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     3,082,083        2,220,018        6,632,787  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

     $11.15        $12.17        $12.98  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.50%)

     $11.80        $12.88        $13.74  
  

 

 

 

Class C:

        

Net assets, at value

     $10,567,604        $  6,811,385        $23,450,434  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     959,807        563,162        1,837,886  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $11.01        $12.09        $12.76  
  

 

 

 

Class R:

        

Net assets, at value

     $  2,336,171        $     745,239        $  3,930,489  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     210,291        61,293        303,994  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.11        $12.16        $12.93  
  

 

 

 

Class R6:

        

Net assets, at value

     $  2,043,065        $  7,429,476        $14,717,189  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     182,380        608,984        1,130,378  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.20        $12.20        $13.02  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class:

        

Net assets, at value

     $  1,874,862        $     745,177        $  1,531,544  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     167,521        61,065        117,737  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.19        $12.20        $13.01  
  

 

 

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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    121


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

    

Franklin
LifeSmart

2030 Retirement
Target Fund

     Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Assets:

        

Investments in securities:

        

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

     $  5,822,036        $    9,252,352        $  2,133,546  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     47,473,195        97,955,212        40,363,639  

Cost - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

     428,718        1,541,507        66,841  
  

 

 

 

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

     $  5,939,198        $    9,480,938        $  2,225,954  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     54,056,623        117,682,403        46,543,261  

Value - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

     428,718        1,541,507        66,841  

Receivables:

        

Capital shares sold

     225,485        763,906        194,145  

Dividends

     31,744        50,090        13,628  

Affiliates

     63,404        69,338        71,292  

Other assets

     7        15        4  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     60,745,179        129,588,197        49,115,125  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Payables:

        

Investment securities purchased

     152,810               185,029  

Capital shares redeemed

     26,163        331,602        4,063  

Distribution fees

     13,691        34,920        9,270  

Transfer agent fees

     10,531        24,506        10,734  

Reports to shareholders

     5,088        8,542        4,803  

Professional fees

     23,244        24,573        24,109  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     371        789        340  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     231,898        424,932        238,348  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $60,513,281        $129,163,265        $48,876,777  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

        

Paid-in capital

     $53,389,206        $107,036,047        $41,914,414  

Total distributable earnings (losses)

     7,124,075        22,127,218        6,962,363  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $60,513,281        $129,163,265        $48,876,777  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

122      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Class A:

        

Net assets, at value

     $27,247,682        $72,424,677        $19,322,425  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     2,051,200        5,195,374        1,404,546  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

     $13.28        $13.94        $13.76  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.50%)

     $14.05        $14.75        $14.56  
  

 

 

 

Class C:

        

Net assets, at value

     $  9,146,169        $21,114,810        $  5,630,461  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     696,668        1,552,150        416,493  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $13.13        $13.60        $13.52  
  

 

 

 

Class R:

        

Net assets, at value

     $  1,058,480        $  4,965,985        $  1,528,421  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     79,792        356,669        111,226  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $13.27        $13.92        $13.74  
  

 

 

 

Class R6:

        

Net assets, at value

     $22,064,413        $28,512,949        $22,249,752  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     1,654,424        2,029,553        1,606,730  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $13.34        $14.05        $13.85  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class:

        

Net assets, at value

     $     996,537        $  2,144,844        $     145,718  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     74,786        152,486        10,543  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $13.33        $14.07        $13.82  
  

 

 

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

    123


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Assets:

        

Investments in securities:

        

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

     $  3,912,661        $    1,585,311        $     779,237  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     70,763,394        35,173,402        16,887,674  

Cost - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

     833,516        115,579         
  

 

 

 

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

     $  4,127,878        $    1,686,136        $     804,023  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     85,899,736        40,956,008        18,972,999  

Value - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

     833,516        115,579         

Receivables:

        

Capital shares sold

     358,450        138,172        60,971  

Dividends

     13,519        5,723        2,609  

Affiliates

     92,948        84,454        97,227  

Other assets

     8        4        3  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     91,326,055        42,986,076        19,937,832  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Payables:

        

Investment securities purchased

     330,024               82,389  

Capital shares redeemed

     489,022        3,246        26,394  

Distribution fees

     24,073        9,153        4,236  

Transfer agent fees

     24,037        15,754        10,817  

Reports to shareholders

     9,083        5,655        5,147  

Professional fees

     26,558        23,566        24,062  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     434        389        30  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     903,231        57,763        153,075  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $90,422,824        $42,928,313        $19,784,757  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

        

Paid-in capital

     $73,092,938        $36,544,869        $17,497,993  

Total distributable earnings (losses)

     17,329,886        6,383,444        2,286,764  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $90,422,824        $42,928,313        $19,784,757  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

124      

 

 

    Annual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

December 31, 2019

 

      Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Class A:

        

Net assets, at value

     $51,412,132        $16,728,919        $8,253,916  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     3,603,815        1,193,839        696,129  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

     $14.27        $14.01        $11.86  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.50%)

     $15.10        $14.83        $12.55  
  

 

 

 

Class C:

        

Net assets, at value

     $13,332,667        $  5,658,326        $3,562,780  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     960,540        406,703        304,788  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $13.88        $13.91        $11.69  
  

 

 

 

Class R:

        

Net assets, at value

     $  4,837,579        $  2,364,358        $   538,634  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     340,670        168,748        45,583  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $14.20        $14.01        $11.82  
  

 

 

 

Class R6:

        

Net assets, at value

     $20,021,921        $17,559,549        $7,295,613  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     1,392,706        1,245,664        614,450  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $14.38        $14.10        $11.87  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class:

        

Net assets, at value

     $     818,525        $     617,161        $   133,814  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     56,922        43,776        11,272  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $14.38        $14.10        $11.87  
  

 

 

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

    125


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES .

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Operations

for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Investment income:

      

Dividends:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     $   298,335       $   190,853       $     469,916  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     1,501,286       1,027,944       2,676,775  

Interest:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     363,972       2,592       5,565  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     2,163,593       1,221,389       3,152,256  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Management & Asset allocation fees (Note 3a)

     128,591       108,447       314,927  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

      

Class A

     83,329       67,799       206,020  

Class C

     114,105       65,985       232,614  

Class R

     11,968       3,562       21,486  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

      

Class A

     53,953       40,482       142,083  

Class C

     18,561       9,869       40,095  

Class R

     4,189       1,065       7,425  

Class R6

     1,140       2,397       3,936  

Advisor Class

     2,872       1,036       2,694  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     1,052       31       236  

Reports to shareholders

     16,217       12,676       27,852  

Registration and filing fees

     74,223       75,913       79,151  

Professional fees

     49,935       46,777       47,586  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     504             1,214  

Other

     4,816       3,955       5,112  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     565,455       439,994       1,132,431  

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (35            

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g)

     (331,450     (263,438     (554,795
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     233,970       176,556       577,636  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,929,623       1,044,833       2,574,620  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

      

Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Sale of investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     69,789       148,279       556,245  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     (105,699     180,625       4,557,587  

Capital gain distributions from Underlying Funds:

      

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     11,412       267,316       954,558  
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

     (24,498     596,220       6,068,390  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     1,173,448       129,604       311,518  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     2,590,040       3,587,109       10,234,802  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     3,763,488       3,716,713       10,546,320  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     3,738,990       4,312,933       16,614,710  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $5,668,613       $5,357,766       $19,189,330  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

126      

 

 

    Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Operations (continued)

 

 

for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Investment income:

      

Dividends:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     $   171,626       $     316,513       $     90,537  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     1,101,726       2,274,266       821,497  

Interest:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     1,887       3,596       1,252  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     1,275,239       2,594,375       913,286  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Asset allocation fees (Note 3a)

     138,251       301,441       113,891  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

      

Class A

     62,699       169,356       44,310  

Class C

     82,201       198,631       50,323  

Class R

     4,903       24,370       7,489  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

      

Class A

     66,980       153,098       67,275  

Class C

     21,951       44,994       19,101  

Class R

     2,620       11,214       5,686  

Class R6

     5,171       6,664       5,621  

Advisor Class

     2,432       4,506       297  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     32       67       22  

Reports to shareholders

     14,693       26,634       13,501  

Registration and filing fees

     75,241       78,296       75,053  

Professional fees

     44,561       46,087       45,257  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     519       1,135        

Other

     4,271       5,321       4,223  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     526,525       1,071,814       452,049  

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (6           (6

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g)

     (335,179     (583,781     (320,809
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     191,340       488,033       131,234  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,083,899       2,106,342       782,052  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

      

Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Sale of investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     248,122       607,623       221,229  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     380,003       3,332,283       469,982  

Capital gain distributions from Underlying Funds:

      

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     516,922       1,255,119       522,128  
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

     1,145,047       5,195,025       1,213,339  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     129,018       239,862       109,329  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     6,999,861       14,334,977       6,545,173  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     7,128,879       14,574,839       6,654,502  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     8,273,926       19,769,864       7,867,841  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $9,357,825       $21,876,206       $8,649,893  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

    127


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Operations (continued)

 

 

for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Investment income:

      

Dividends:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     $     194,550       $     88,524       $     33,438  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     1,420,941       684,811       285,934  

Interest:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     2,515       1,161        
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     1,618,006       774,496       319,372  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Asset allocation fees (Note 3a)

     211,178       102,482       39,968  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

      

Class A

     123,417       46,001       17,058  

Class C

     124,498       48,445       30,050  

Class R

     25,692       10,661       2,387  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

      

Class A

     150,217       93,077       76,328  

Class C

     38,008       24,501       33,613  

Class R

     15,824       10,792       5,345  

Class R6

     5,233       4,472       2,623  

Advisor Class

     2,251       2,779       937  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     41       19       4  

Reports to shareholders

     23,691       15,756       15,852  

Registration and filing fees

     75,809       76,023       76,593  

Professional fees

     47,969       44,886       44,982  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     810              

Other

     4,619       4,181       3,735  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     849,257       484,075       349,475  

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (13     (6      

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g)

     (507,425     (350,495     (287,749
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     341,819       133,574       61,726  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,276,187       640,922       257,646  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

      

Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Sale of investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     479,936       181,996       80,633  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     2,037,542       328,639       31,490  

Capital gain distributions from Underlying Funds:

      

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     1,038,187       496,181       224,148  
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

     3,555,665       1,006,816       336,271  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     225,197       125,582       42,004  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f)

     11,614,963       6,108,240       2,515,524  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     11,840,160       6,233,822       2,557,528  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     15,395,825       7,240,638       2,893,799  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $16,672,012       $7,881,560       $3,151,445  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

128      

 

 

    Annual Report |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    

Franklin LifeSmart

Retirement Income Fund

    Franklin LifeSmart 2020
Retirement Target Fund
 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 1,929,623     $ 2,460,093     $ 1,044,833     $ 1,140,201  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (24,498     (381,077     596,220       558,196  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     3,763,488       (3,393,694     3,716,713       (3,371,541
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     5,668,613       (1,314,678     5,357,766       (1,673,144
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

        

Class A

     (1,276,767     (1,265,546     (681,367     (659,797

Class C

     (354,915     (475,415     (117,703     (137,095

Class R

     (92,451     (133,884     (15,536     (20,875

Class R6

     (92,676     (164,232     (233,070     (270,527

Advisor Class

     (72,973     (69,736     (19,078     (20,098
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (1,889,782     (2,108,813     (1,066,754     (1,108,392
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     466,914       1,109,498       251,395       5,474,693  

Class C

     (2,093,619     (3,397,662     (203,456     519,765  

Class R

     (742,153     (983,295     (98,631     (149,570

Class R6

     87,827       (2,043,494     (1,970,403     318,551  

Advisor Class

     347,505       (613,612     39,851       (11,432
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     (1,933,526     (5,928,565     (1,981,244     6,152,007  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     1,845,305       (9,352,056     2,309,768       3,370,471  

Net assets:

        

Beginning of year

     49,339,478       58,691,534       40,437,716       37,067,245  
  

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 51,184,783     $ 49,339,478     $ 42,747,484     $ 40,437,716  
  

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com    

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |  Annual Report      

 

 

    129


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2025
Retirement Target Fund
    Franklin LifeSmart 2030
Retirement Target Fund
 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 2,574,620     $ 3,003,480     $ 1,083,899     $ 1,122,081  

Net realized gain (loss)

     6,068,390       3,812,211       1,145,047       1,119,123  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     10,546,320       (13,809,351     7,128,879       (5,595,596
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     19,189,330       (6,993,660     9,357,825       (3,354,392
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

        

Class A

     (3,045,510     (4,729,261     (731,665     (733,628

Class C

     (688,301     (1,271,613     (177,159     (200,814

Class R

     (142,497     (288,382     (26,329     (27,160

Class R6

     (562,509     (1,012,283     (639,478     (677,876

Advisor Class

     (59,263     (99,618     (28,917     (29,589
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (4,498,080     (7,401,157     (1,603,548     (1,669,067
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     486,785       7,682,847       1,275,501       5,393,551  

Class C

     (1,149,678     (2,660,758     524,197       590,557  

Class R

     (1,103,245     (1,104,813     107,214       (252,387

Class R6

     (1,254,003     (995,143     868,076       2,000,010  

Advisor Class

     (102,196     (235,402     86,613       206,579  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     (3,122,337     2,686,731       2,861,601       7,938,310  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     11,568,913       (11,708,086     10,615,878       2,914,851  

Net assets:

        

Beginning of year

     118,144,611       129,852,697       49,897,403       46,982,552  
  

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 129,713,524     $ 118,144,611     $ 60,513,281     $ 49,897,403  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

130      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2035
Retirement Target Fund
    Franklin LifeSmart 2040
Retirement Target Fund
 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 2,106,342     $ 2,293,282     $ 782,052     $ 847,776  

Net realized gain (loss)

     5,195,025       3,859,355       1,213,339       958,425  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     14,574,839       (14,177,765     6,654,502       (4,838,326
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     21,876,206       (8,025,128     8,649,893       (3,032,125
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

        

Class A

     (2,650,612     (3,502,326     (454,576     (672,314

Class C

     (642,691     (987,591     (94,774     (154,808

Class R

     (176,421     (279,358     (34,053     (52,003

Class R6

     (1,090,008     (1,429,713     (606,642     (835,051

Advisor Class

     (83,743     (106,260     (2,459     (6,715
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (4,643,475     (6,305,248     (1,192,504     (1,720,891
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     2,644,878       6,810,464       455,027       3,820,457  

Class C

     (109,181     (603,017     524,059       787,563  

Class R

     (515,294     (363,210     13,556       (95,889

Class R6

     2,641,808       (1,275,766     563,689       2,897,191  

Advisor Class

     138,806       381,299       (30,122     25,423  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     4,801,017       4,949,770       1,526,209       7,434,745  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     22,033,748       (9,380,606     8,983,598       2,681,729  

Net assets:

        

Beginning of year

     107,129,517       116,510,123       39,893,179       37,211,450  
  

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 129,163,265     $ 107,129,517     $ 48,876,777     $ 39,893,179  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    131


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2045
Retirement Target Fund
    Franklin LifeSmart 2050
Retirement Target Fund
 
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2019     2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 1,276,187     $ 1,500,972     $ 640,922     $ 694,632  

Net realized gain (loss)

     3,555,665       2,756,646       1,006,816       766,254  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     11,840,160       (10,314,331     6,233,822       (4,293,456
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     16,672,012       (6,056,713     7,881,560       (2,832,570
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

        

Class A

     (1,557,379     (2,653,305     (420,909     (643,844

Class C

     (310,595     (631,126     (75,423     (136,313

Class R

     (149,104     (290,065     (42,749     (65,856

Class R6

     (616,228     (816,627     (399,544     (502,397

Advisor Class

     (25,065     (38,954     (13,716     (20,381
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (2,658,371     (4,430,077     (952,341     (1,368,791
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     (1,767,654     4,433,504       (3,200,320     5,033,748  

Class C

     (516,518     213,125       654,068       883,885  

Class R

     (1,190,716     380,231       184,278       425,810  

Class R6

     4,646,121       682,622       3,204,608       1,110,776  

Advisor Class

     56,659       131,996       51,345       12,334  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     1,227,892       5,841,478       893,979       7,466,553  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     15,241,533       (4,645,312     7,823,198       3,265,192  

Net assets:

        

Beginning of year

     75,181,291       79,826,603       35,105,115       31,839,923  
  

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 90,422,824     $ 75,181,291     $ 42,928,313     $ 35,105,115  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

132      

 

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2055
Retirement Target Fund
 
     Year Ended December 31,  
      2019      2018  

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

     

Operations:

     

Net investment income

   $ 257,646      $ 233,963  

Net realized gain (loss)

     336,271        129,172  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     2,557,528        (1,392,034)  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     3,151,445        (1,028,899)  
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

     

Class A

     (134,928)        (205,410)  

Class C

     (39,940)        (64,563)  

Class R

     (8,843)        (13,634)  

Class R6

     (136,446)        (139,527)  

Advisor Class

     (2,359)        (1,790)  
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (322,516)        (424,924)  
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

     

Class A

     883,611        2,124,795  

Class C

     707,288        1,182,923  

Class R

     30,079        121,483  

Class R6

     2,775,929        808,786  

Advisor Class

     73,474        19,567  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     4,470,381        4,257,554  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     7,299,310        2,803,731  

Net assets:

     

Beginning of year

     12,485,447        9,681,716  
  

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 19,784,757      $ 12,485,447  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    133


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

    

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Franklin Fund Allocator Series (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of twenty-five separate funds, nine of which are included in this report (Funds) and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The Funds invest primarily in mutual funds (Underlying Funds) and exchange traded funds (ETFs), including affiliated funds managed by Franklin Templeton (FT Underlying Funds). The Funds offer five classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R6, and Advisor Class. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares after they have been held for 10 years. Each class of shares may differ by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, voting rights on matters affecting a single class, its exchange privilege and fees due to differing arrangements for distribution and transfer agent fees.

The accounting policies of the Underlying Funds are outlined in their respective shareholder reports. A copy of the Underlying Funds’ shareholder reports, in which each fund invests is available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website at sec.gov. The Underlying Funds’ shareholder reports are not covered by this report.

The following summarizes the Funds’ significant accounting policies.

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation

The Funds’ investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Funds calculate the net asset value (NAV) per share each business day as of 4 p.m. Eastern time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), whichever is earlier. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Funds’ administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The Funds may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Investments in the Underlying Funds are valued at their closing NAV each trading day. ETFs listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively.

Debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds’ pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.

Investments in repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

The Funds have procedures to determine the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the Funds primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.

b.  Joint Repurchase Agreement

Certain or all Funds enter into a joint repurchase agreement whereby their uninvested cash balance is deposited into a joint cash account with other funds managed by the investment manager or an affiliate of the investment manager and is used to invest in one or more repurchase agreements. The value and face amount of the joint repurchase agreement are allocated to the funds based on their pro-rata

 

 

     

 

134      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

interest. A repurchase agreement is accounted for as a loan by the Fund to the seller, collateralized by securities which are delivered to the Funds’ custodian. The fair value, including accrued interest, of the initial collateralization is required to be at least 102% of the dollar amount invested by the funds, with the value of the underlying securities marked to market daily to maintain coverage of at least 100%. Repurchase agreements are subject to the terms of Master Repurchase Agreements (MRAs) with approved counterparties (sellers). The MRAs contain various provisions, including but not limited to events of default and maintenance of collateral for repurchase agreements. In the event of default by either the seller or the Funds, certain MRAs may permit the non-defaulting party to net and close-out all transactions, if any, traded under such agreements. The Funds may sell securities it holds as collateral and apply the proceeds towards the repurchase price and any other amounts owed by the seller to the Funds in the event of default by the seller. This could involve costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value falls below the repurchase price owed by the seller. The joint repurchase agreement held by the Funds at year end, as indicated in the Statements of Investments, had been entered into on December 31, 2019.

c.  Index-Linked Notes

Certain or all Funds invest in index-linked notes. Index-linked notes are senior, unsecured, subordinated debt securities issued by a financial institution, and the value is based on the price movements of the underlying index. Index-linked notes are designed to provide investors access to the returns of various market benchmarks and intended to replicate the economic effects that would apply had the Fund directly purchased the underlying referenced asset or basket of assets. The risks of investing in index-linked notes include unfavorable price movements in the underlying index and the credit risk of the issuing financial institution. There may be no guarantee of a return of principal with index-linked notes and the appreciation potential may be limited. Index-linked notes may be more volatile and less liquid than other investments held by the Funds.

d.  Income Taxes

It is each Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its

taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.

Each Fund may recognize an income tax liability related to its uncertain tax positions under U.S. GAAP when the uncertain tax position has a less than 50% probability that it will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits. As of December 31, 2019, each Fund has determined that no tax liability is required in its financial statements related to uncertain tax positions for any open tax years (or expected to be taken in future tax years). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction in which the Fund invests.

e.  Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions

Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and realized capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund employs a managed distribution policy. Under this policy, the Fund will distribute level monthly distributions in any given year regardless of the performance of the Fund; however, the twelfth monthly payment may be greater than the initially anticipated amount if additional income or capital gains are required to be distributed. These distributions may include income and capital gains generated by the Underlying Funds, as well as a possible return of capital component, if necessary, to meet the annual distribution rate. The annual payout rate may be adjusted higher or lower from year to year in response to market conditions. Distributable earnings are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis) and may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.

Common expenses incurred by the Trust are allocated among the Funds based on the ratio of net assets of each Fund to the combined net assets of the Trust or based on the ratio of

 

 

 

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    135


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

e.  Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions (continued)

number of shareholders of each Fund to the combined number of shareholders of the Trust. Fund specific expenses are charged directly to the Fund that incurred the expense.

The Funds indirectly bear their proportionate share of expenses from the Underlying Funds and ETFs. Since the Underlying Funds and ETFs have varied expense levels and the Funds may own different proportions of the Underlying Funds and ETFs at different times, the amount of expenses incurred indirectly by the Funds will vary.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, excluding class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.

f.  Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

g.  Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Trust against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Trust expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

2.  Shares of Beneficial Interest

At December 31, 2019, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). Transactions in the Funds’ shares were as follows:

 

    

Franklin LifeSmart

Retirement Income Fund

  Franklin LifeSmart 2020
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares solda

     559,233       $  6,108,032       607,030       $  7,094,411  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     114,983       1,257,350       57,341       677,198  

Shares redeemed

     (631,790     (6,898,468     (636,674     (7,520,214
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     42,426       $     466,914       27,697       $     251,395  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares solda

     846,337       $  9,147,067       713,018       $  8,380,062  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     115,040       1,243,885       57,731       654,964  

Shares redeemed

     (852,099     (9,281,454     (303,410     (3,560,333
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     109,278       $  1,109,498       467,339       $  5,474,693  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

136      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin LifeSmart
Retirement Income Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2020
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold.

     205,376       $  2,214,834       199,052       $  2,321,159  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     31,448       339,465       10,032       117,703  

Shares redeemeda

     (430,570     (4,647,918     (228,092     (2,642,318
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (193,746     $ (2,093,619     (19,008     $   (203,456
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold.

     220,879       $  2,377,740       176,919       $  2,062,370  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     42,833       458,328       12,173       137,095  

Shares redeemeda

     (581,658     (6,233,730     (144,604     (1,679,700
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (317,946     $(3,397,662     44,488       $    519,765  
  

 

 

 

Class R Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold.

     26,806       $      291,111       19,468       $     227,258  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     6,150       66,979       1,315       15,536  

Shares redeemed

     (101,605     (1,100,243     (29,264     (341,425
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (68,649     $    (742,153     (8,481     $     (98,631
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold.

     35,545       $      385,385       28,612       $      336,125  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     8,763       94,564       1,840       20,875  

Shares redeemed

     (135,188     (1,463,244     (43,209     (506,570
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (90,880     $   (983,295     (12,757     $    (149,570
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold.

     130,363       $   1,418,631       151,042       $   1,772,745  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     197       2,137       50       576  

Shares redeemed

     (121,096     (1,332,941     (318,860     (3,743,724
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     9,464       $        87,827       (167,768     $(1,970,403
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold.

     88,955       $      975,848       213,073       $  2,487,718  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     7,584       82,764       206       2,361  

Shares redeemed

     (286,584     (3,102,106     (185,607     (2,171,528
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (190,045     $(2,043,494     27,672       $     318,551  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    137


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart
Retirement Income Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2020
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     41,829       $       456,585       7,814       $       93,111  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     6,437       70,687       1,609       19,078  

Shares redeemed

     (16,343     (179,767     (6,090     (72,338
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     31,923       $       347,505       3,333       $       39,851  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     36,625       $       397,388       34,183       $     400,016  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,558       60,364       1,759       20,098  

Shares redeemed

     (97,826     (1,071,364     (36,796     (431,546
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (55,643     $      (613,612     (854     $     (11,432
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

 

 

 
     Franklin LifeSmart 2025
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2030
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares solda

     1,094,603       $  13,746,669       602,484       $  7,611,523  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     238,365       3,036,346       57,127       731,551  

Shares redeemed

     (1,299,276     (16,296,230     (560,958     (7,067,573
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     33,692       $ 486,785       98,653       $  1,275,501  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares solda

     1,455,435       $  18,751,088       685,749       $  8,628,468  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     394,193       4,700,865       61,982       733,522  

Shares redeemed

     (1,224,459     (15,769,106     (312,616     (3,968,439
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     625,169       $    7,682,847       435,115       $  5,393,551  
  

 

 

 

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     357,759       $    4,413,141       240,212       $  2,967,689  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     52,237       655,098       13,930       176,408  

Shares redeemeda

     (504,442     (6,217,917     (213,721     (2,619,900
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (94,446     $   (1,149,678     40,421       $ 524,197  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     412,149       $    5,254,400       170,731       $  2,146,806  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     102,701       1,201,550       17,293       200,699  

Shares redeemeda

     (719,903     (9,116,708     (140,263     (1,756,948
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (205,053     $   (2,660,758     47,761       $     590,557  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

138      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2025
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2030
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class R Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     54,755       $       683,429       25,408       $     320,374  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     10,128       128,541       2,060       26,329  

Shares redeemed

     (153,741     (1,915,215     (18,780     (239,489
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (88,858     $  (1,103,245     8,688       $     107,214  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     76,323       $       979,523       36,922       $     459,743  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     19,202       228,866       2,295       27,161  

Shares redeemed

     (179,691     (2,313,202     (58,637     (739,291
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (84,166     $  (1,104,813     (19,420     $    (252,387
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     285,703       $    3,601,451       415,710       $  5,242,377  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     875       11,183       26       330  

Shares redeemed

     (387,125     (4,866,637     (355,006     (4,374,631
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

         (100,547     $  (1,254,003     60,730       $     868,076  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     365,683       $     4,675,425       314,750       $  3,960,684  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     8,162       103,814       239       2,873  

Shares redeemed

     (450,139     (5,774,382     (154,162     (1,963,547
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (76,294     $     (995,143     160,827       $  2,000,010  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     19,706       $        242,320       11,684       $     148,467  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     4,141       52,819       2,251       28,917  

Shares redeemed

     (31,572     (397,335     (7,240     (90,771
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (7,725     $     (102,196     6,695       $       86,613  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     33,277       $        431,821       23,692       $     302,878  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     7,451       89,544       2,476       29,588  

Shares redeemed

     (58,779     (756,767     (10,045     (125,887
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (18,051     $     (235,402     16,123       $     206,579  
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    139


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2035
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2040
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares solda

     952,514       $  12,623,647       424,447       $  5,488,272  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     193,791       2,637,056       34,671       454,570  

Shares redeemed

     (945,824     (12,615,825     (425,571     (5,487,815
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     200,481       $    2,644,878       33,547       $     455,027  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares solda

     942,846       $  12,872,991       433,108       $  5,637,921  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     278,830       3,485,432       55,620       672,314  

Shares redeemed

     (695,333     (9,547,959     (191,890     (2,489,778
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     526,343       $    6,810,464       296,838       $  3,820,457  
  

 

 

 

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     252,589       $    3,280,827       98,079       $  1,245,027  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     45,597       607,021       7,362       94,765  

Shares redeemeda

     (307,638     (3,997,029     (64,241     (815,733
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (9,452     $      (109,181     41,200       $     524,059  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     341,805       $    4,576,003       100,077       $  1,279,948  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     76,759       931,152       13,144       154,668  

Shares redeemeda

     (457,318     (6,110,172     (50,847     (647,053
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (38,754     $      (603,017     62,374       $     787,563  
  

 

 

 

Class R Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     75,334       $       997,069       29,039       $     379,133  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     11,988       162,960       2,605       34,053  

Shares redeemed

     (127,008     (1,675,323     (30,192     (399,630
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (39,686     $      (515,294     1,452       $       13,556  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     111,104       $    1,510,051       25,994       $     337,136  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     19,685       246,024       4,314       52,003  

Shares redeemed

     (154,125     (2,119,285     (37,246     (485,028
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (23,336     $      (363,210     (6,938     $      (95,889
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

140      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2035
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2040
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     419,754       $    5,648,454       434,017       $   5,617,339  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     707       9,518       570       7,487  

Shares redeemed

     (223,416     (3,016,164     (389,390     (5,061,137
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     197,045       $    2,641,808       45,197       $      563,689  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     414,595       $    5,606,519       375,889       $   4,871,182  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,525       74,275       971       11,876  

Shares redeemed

     (507,947     (6,956,560     (151,876     (1,985,867
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (87,827     $   (1,275,766     224,984       $   2,897,191  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     24,716       $       329,525       7,315       $        96,559  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,834       80,057       185       2,459  

Shares redeemed

     (20,087     (270,776     (11,116     (129,140
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     10,463       $       138,806       (3,616     $ (30,122
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     26,985       $       381,837       11,186       $      136,707  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     8,344       105,679       549       6,715  

Shares redeemed

     (7,561     (106,217     (9,424     (117,999
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     27,768       $       381,299       2,311       $        25,423  
  

 

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

 

 

   
     Franklin LifeSmart 2045
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2050
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares solda

     593,185       $    7,926,250       546,568       $   7,111,903  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     112,785       1,550,074       31,696       420,832  

Shares redeemed

     (839,331     (11,243,978     (820,620     (10,733,055
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (133,361     $   (1,767,654     (242,356     $  (3,200,320
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares solda

     743,394       $  10,204,029       629,521       $   8,264,139  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     210,172       2,638,382       52,624       643,113  

Shares redeemed

     (610,804     (8,408,907     (293,673     (3,873,504
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     342,762       $    4,433,504       388,472       $   5,033,748  
  

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    141


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2045
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2050
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     161,488       $   2,102,339       120,250       $   1,566,273  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     21,997       295,130       5,701       75,396  

Shares redeemeda

     (224,331     (2,913,987     (76,625     (987,601
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (40,846     $    (516,518     49,326       $      654,068  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     220,486       $   2,951,191       124,657       $   1,633,863  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     48,056       582,816       11,314       136,120  

Shares redeemeda

     (248,382     (3,320,882     (68,191     (886,098
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     20,160       $      213,125       67,780       $      883,885  
  

 

 

 

Class R Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     58,943       $      786,075       59,561       $      784,449  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     9,740       133,313       3,210       42,748  

Shares redeemed

     (157,555     (2,110,104     (48,603     (642,919
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (88,872     $  (1,190,716     14,168       $      184,278  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     98,581       $   1,331,338       48,484       $      634,521  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     20,329       253,154       5,403       65,857  

Shares redeemed

     (87,538     (1,204,261     (21,209     (274,568
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     31,372       $      380,231       32,678       $      425,810  
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     529,427       $   7,107,373       462,889       $   6,054,148  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     24       337       1       16  

Shares redeemed

     (182,629     (2,461,589     (216,990     (2,849,556
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     346,822       $   4,646,121       245,900       $   3,204,608  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     304,466       $   4,144,657       273,723       $   3,586,958  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,420       46,956       125       1,577  

Shares redeemed

     (255,441     (3,508,991     (186,424     (2,477,759
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     52,445       $      682,622       87,424       $   1,110,776  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

142      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2045
Retirement Target Fund
  Franklin LifeSmart 2050
Retirement Target Fund
 
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount      

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Year ended December 31, 2019

        

Shares sold

     10,884       $      146,062       9,846       $      126,331  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,807       25,066       1,023       13,716  

Shares redeemed

     (8,476     (114,469     (6,702     (88,702
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     4,215       $        56,659       4,167       $        51,345  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     20,410       $      277,144       5,799       $       77,912  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,070       38,933       1,645       20,381  

Shares redeemed

     (14,162     (184,081     (6,468     (85,959
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     9,318       $      131,996       976       $        12,334  
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2055
Retirement Target Fund
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount      

Class A Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares solda

     309,652       $  3,402,692  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     12,013       134,886  

Shares redeemed

     (243,462     (2,653,967
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     78,203       $883,611  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares solda

     271,042       $  2,986,319  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     17,370       179,191  

Shares redeemed

     (94,471     (1,040,715
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     193,941       $  2,124,795  
  

 

 

 

Class C Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     125,134       $  1,361,318  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,622       39,940  

Shares redeemeda

     (63,795     (693,970
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     64,961       $     707,288  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     135,717       $  1,480,176  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     6,397       64,562  

Shares redeemeda

     (33,053     (361,815
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     109,061       $  1,182,923  
  

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    143


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin LifeSmart 2055
Retirement Target Fund
  

 

 

 

      Shares   Amount      

Class R Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     23,437       $      257,833  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     793       8,843  

Shares redeemed

     (21,798     (236,597
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     2,432       $        30,079  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     18,477       $      202,630  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,327       13,635  

Shares redeemed

     (8,805     (94,782
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     10,999       $      121,483  
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     350,574       $   3,859,523  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     8       90  

Shares redeemed

     (97,304     (1,083,684
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     253,278       $   2,775,929  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     216,204       $   2,390,763  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     768       8,477  

Shares redeemed

     (143,727     (1,590,454
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     73,245       $      808,786  
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

    

Year ended December 31, 2019

    

Shares sold

     8,142       $        90,279  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     209       2,359  

Shares redeemed

     (1,751     (19,164
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     6,600       $        73,474  
  

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     2,160       $        23,911  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     134       1,397  

Shares redeemed

     (529     (5,741
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     1,765       $        19,567  
  

 

 

 

aMay include a portion of Class C shares that were automatically converted to Class A.

 

     

 

144      

 

 

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franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates

Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton. Certain officers and trustees of the Funds are also officers and/or directors/trustees of certain of the FT Underlying Funds and of the following subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary    Affiliation

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

   Investment manager

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services)

   Administrative manager        

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors)

   Principal underwriter

Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services)

   Transfer agent

a.  Management and Asset Allocation Fees

The Funds, except Franklin LifeSmartTM Retirement Income Fund, pay an asset allocation fee to Advisers of 0.25% per year of the average daily net assets of each of the Funds for investment advisory services, consisting principally of determining the allocation of assets of the Funds among the Underlying Funds and ETFs.

Franklin LifeSmartTM Retirement Income Fund pays an investment management fee to Advisers of 0.25% per year of the average daily net assets of the fund.

b.  Administrative Fees

Under an agreement with Advisers, FT Services provides administrative services to the Funds and is not paid by the Funds for the services.

c.  Distribution Fees

The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Funds’ Class A reimbursement distribution plans, the Funds reimburse Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plans, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Funds’ Class C and R compensation distribution plans, the Funds pay Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rates, is February 1 through January 31 for each Fund.

The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:

 

Class A

     0.35%  

Class C

     1.00%  

Class R

     0.50%  

The Board has set the current rate at 0.25% per year for Class A shares until further notice and approval by the Board.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

d.  Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements

Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Funds. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has advised the Funds of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Funds’ shares for the year:

 

    

Franklin

LifeSmart

Retirement

Income Fund

    

Franklin

LifeSmart

2020 Retirement

Target Fund

    

Franklin

LifeSmart

2025 Retirement

Target Fund

 

 

 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

     $6,973        $9,632        $20,994  

CDSC retained

     $   835        $2,618        $  1,957  
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

     $17,269        $26,096        $13,415  

CDSC retained

     $  1,526        $  4,225        $     816  
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

     $21,311        $14,409        $11,870  

CDSC retained

     $  2,083        $  1,338        $  1,157  

e.  Transfer Agent Fees

Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. The fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds paid transfer agent fees as noted in the Statements of Operations of which the following amounts were retained by Investor Services:

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Transfer agent fees

     $58,196        $39,836        $147,769  

 

     

 

146      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Transfer agent fees

     $80,254        $171,790        $79,655  
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Transfer agent fees

     $160,698        $104,933        $103,407  

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds

The Funds invest in FT Underlying Funds which are managed by Advisers (or an affiliate of Advisers). The Funds do not invest in FT Underlying Funds for the purpose of exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. Management and asset allocation fees paid by the Funds are waived on assets invested in Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio (Sweep Money Fund), as noted in the Statements of Operations, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid directly or indirectly by the Sweep Money Fund.

Investments in FT Underlying Funds for the year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

   

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 
Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income

 

             
Fund Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access

               

Fund, Class R6

  $ 11,365,789     $ 217,248     $ (11,624,674   $ (76,896   $ 118,533     $ —   a           $ 228,267  

Franklin Income Fund, Class R6

    10,261,062       1,305,896       (2,219,234     31,739       961,693       10,341,156       4,438,264       562,269  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          10,418,869       (203,488     (1,827     (60,148     10,153,406       404,681       72,636 b  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    4,515,870       5,443,444       (6,005,517     89,631       1,147,268       5,190,696       148,348       95,534  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    11,883,687       7,334,385       (9,350,453     (177,538     527,534       10,217,615       1,686,075       406,798  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    732,821       28,947,788       (28,810,415                 870,194       870,194       22,562  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    2,117,321       263,070       (482,905     29,192       (104,840     1,821,838       164,278       124,632  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

  $ 40,876,550     $ 53,930,700     $ (58,696,686   $ (105,699   $ 2,590,040     $ 38,594,905       $ 1,512,698  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 1,182,590     $     $     $ 53,007     $ 1,235,597       113,046     $ 5,008 b  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    1,232,957       95,412       (1,335,609     (114,808     122,048       a              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    1,396,370       167,099       (1,584,276     (44,454     65,261       a             5,317  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    404,167       646,196       (642,158     (33,785     107,274       481,694       19,077       19,471  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    147


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

    

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

         

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

             

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

   $ 743,220     $ 134,954     $ (712,114   $ (82,017   $ 149,163     $ 233,206       8,918      $       8,943

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    4,450,955       1,531,952       (2,774,105     118,883       808,835       4,136,520       36,835     245,056b

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    1,610,029       333,657       (2,299,984     402,290       (45,992     a          

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          2,037,931                   161,372       2,199,303       198,136     23,016

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          1,024,161       (181,195     3,857       101,606       948,429       56,963     4,306

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    913,595       213,393       (1,179,801     (46,528     99,341       a          

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          677,667       (126,236     (1,519     6,002       555,914       21,230     9,338b

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          12,699,051       (3,530,204     5,492       (46,583     9,127,756       363,802     64,698b

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    980,335       804,897       (1,037,876     32,832       34,077       814,265       27,339     56,330

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    2,269,894       2,099,059       (1,237,201     (12,282     724,322       3,843,792       109,854     73,763

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    5,987,285       3,327,517       (5,719,718     (43,425     128,252       3,679,911       379,764     220,067

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    687,321       155,644       (884,327     (13,315     54,677       a          

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    1,914,586       162,863       (2,093,729     (281,474     297,754       a           13,518

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    2,268,151       763,987       (1,446,427     (15,891     497,077       2,066,897       29,718     70,080b

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    3,937,748       1,369,799       (5,442,099     41,012       93,540       a           71,255

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          3,314,999       (2,940     53       241,038       3,553,150       329,300     21,251

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    5,451,640       4,885,711       (10,528,753     162,211       29,191       a           149,622

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    667,793       15,106       (757,705     144,122       (69,316     a           3,799

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    808,529       15,896,393       (16,432,364                 272,558       272,558     20,891

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    966,600       444,484       (535,910     (20,858     90,473       944,789       132,509     35,799

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    2,750,868       761,721       (1,753,262     (19,771     (115,310     1,624,246       146,460     173,732
 

 

 

     

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 39,442,043     $ 54,746,243     $ (62,237,993   $ 180,625     $ 3,587,109     $ 35,718,027        $1,295,260
 

 

 

     

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 4,326,569     $     $     $ 193,656     $ 4,520,225       413,561     $18,323b

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    2,438,564       114,260       (2,566,989     (227,566     241,731       a          

 

     

 

148      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

       

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

           

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

   $ 2,774,818     $ 229,480     $ (3,045,113   $ (87,240   $ 128,055     $ a            $     10,337

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    1,807,838       1,291,473       (1,727,003     (131,529     454,430       1,695,209       67,137     68,445

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    3,105,900       61,066       (2,631,860     (356,282     641,580       820,404       31,373     31,384

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    18,586,392       1,649,612       (8,641,745     1,449,659       2,446,335       15,490,253       137,936     887,048b

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    6,806,852       39,372       (8,404,389     2,811,542       (1,253,377     a          

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          7,172,044                   558,294       7,730,338       696,427     80,412

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          3,218,694       (132,230     3,994       382,556       3,473,014       208,590     15,139

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    3,692,282       321,379       (4,294,725     280,044       1,020       a          

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          1,294,815                   20,132       1,314,947       50,217     20,912b

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          22,564,318                   (145,213     22,419,105       893,551     157,064b

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    4,041,330       2,609,523       (3,944,701     187,859       98,775       2,992,786       100,483     199,337

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    9,441,234       4,798,457       (2,786,514     (16,120     2,879,452       14,316,509       409,160     265,258

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    11,751,793       4,211,783       (7,325,514     (62,581     219,652       8,795,133       907,651     474,161

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    2,694,573       82,079       (2,963,856     (127,769     314,973       a          

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    5,635,340       363,905       (6,047,255     (817,826     865,836       a           38,837

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    9,243,724       584,481       (4,055,672     94,900       1,859,900       7,727,333       111,105     256,378b

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    7,777,294       846,857       (8,892,056     92,554       175,351       a           147,520

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          12,181,526       (187,314     3,406       864,528       12,862,146       1,192,043     75,429

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    10,729,195       4,383,500       (15,542,777     398,561       31,521       a           312,001

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    2,660,327       22,827       (2,999,972     1,109,558       (792,740     a           16,578

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    3,164       31,405,811       (31,406,994                 1,981       1,981     60,201

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    3,901,532       787,329       (1,572,430     (11,982     320,053       3,424,502       480,295     125,851

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    5,374,162       2,019,220       (3,127,886     (35,595     (271,698     3,958,203       356,916     370,718
 

 

 

     

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 112,466,314     $ 106,580,380     $ (122,296,995   $ 4,557,587     $ 10,234,802     $ 111,542,088        $3,631,333
 

 

 

     

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 2,296,359     $     $     $ 102,729     $ 2,399,088       219,496     $     9,725b

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    744,004       64,783       (813,062     (65,709     69,984       a          

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    149


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

   

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

         

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

           

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

   $ 846,508     $ 165,958     $ (1,024,933   $ (25,326   $ 37,793     $ —   a            $        3,298  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    891,527       864,549       (1,009,418     (67,123     229,591       909,126       36,005       36,195  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    1,514,588       160,700       (1,359,518     (176,408     319,963       459,325       17,565       16,541  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    8,925,259       1,475,199       (3,814,878     114,792       1,811,031       8,511,403       75,791       485,683 b  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    3,328,470       178,033       (4,278,023     767,232       4,288       a              

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          3,846,188                   300,373       4,146,561       373,564       43,207  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          1,743,027       (88,676     2,064       206,456       1,862,871       111,884       8,121  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    1,798,267       293,219       (2,218,654     (90,433     217,601       a              

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          449,821                   4,573       454,394       17,353       7,288 b  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          8,862,100       (1,223,771     2,278       (41,328     7,599,279       302,882       52,294 b  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    1,970,405       1,551,779       (2,036,740     78,926       63,236       1,627,606       54,647       106,025  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    4,573,817       2,929,145       (1,033,128     (23,285     1,492,087       7,938,636       226,883       142,242  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    3,585,066       2,384,353       (2,969,174     (19,899     66,185       3,046,531       314,399       150,071  

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    1,337,308       172,784       (1,605,239     (54,874     150,021       a              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    2,331,348       239,307       (2,588,053     (370,944     388,342       a             17,264  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    4,506,529       629,289       (1,867,291     (25,441     1,012,447       4,255,533       61,187       138,206 b  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    2,391,535       720,056       (3,192,970     26,234       55,145       a             46,007  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          6,599,967       (29,243     532       471,201       7,042,457       652,684       40,977  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    3,273,247       2,980,486       (6,383,515     119,166       10,616       a             96,993  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    1,273,680       13,562       (1,441,152     265,312       (111,402     a             8,085  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    419,148       22,377,049       (22,109,033                 687,164       687,164       27,521  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    1,903,897       522,453       (744,271     (39,597     194,468       1,836,950       257,637       67,508  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    1,640,004       994,582       (1,261,854     (37,494     (55,539     1,279,699       115,392       115,397  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 47,254,607     $ 62,514,748     $ (63,092,596   $ 380,003     $ 6,999,861     $ 54,056,623        $ 1,618,648  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

150      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

   $     $ 5,591,636     $     $     $ 249,717     $ 5,841,353       534,433      $ 23,679 b  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    1,265,678             (1,272,789     (114,959     122,070       a              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    1,440,239       89,727       (1,550,474     (43,878     64,386       a             5,271  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    2,047,024       1,800,397       (2,063,597     (149,832     540,917       2,174,909       86,135       87,823  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    3,544,470       89,690       (2,924,030     (414,821     757,412       1,052,721       40,257       40,284  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    20,895,577       2,224,147       (7,255,352     547,700       4,094,169       20,506,241       182,602       1,187,211 b  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    7,654,993       368,944       (9,860,971     2,941,726       (1,104,692     a              

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          9,203,043                   716,162       9,919,205       893,622       103,264  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          3,950,649                   506,401       4,457,050       267,691       19,429  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    4,235,165       469,602       (5,010,285     120,461       185,057       a              

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          683,968                   10,335       694,303       26,515       10,921 b  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          11,664,911                   (75,083     11,589,828       461,932       81,245 b  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    4,595,317       3,426,129       (4,471,234     189,761       152,468       3,892,441       130,689       257,156  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    10,651,846       6,575,013       (1,638,097     (6,387     3,547,323       19,129,698       546,719       343,783  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    6,099,851       2,696,078       (4,185,868     (20,427     99,951       4,689,585       483,961       241,532  

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    3,242,553       38,766       (3,510,169     (285,251     514,101       a              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    5,097,035       490,861       (5,622,502     (768,129     802,735       a             37,485  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    10,549,442       1,076,182       (3,805,605     (16,619     2,396,384       10,199,784       146,654       337,285 b  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    4,088,574       422,196       (4,647,806     51,994       85,042       a             75,490  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          16,248,404       (187,874     3,416       1,150,726       17,214,672       1,595,429       99,545  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    5,567,467       2,956,801       (8,732,896     194,822       13,806       a             158,433  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    2,948,542       29,297       (3,349,906     1,159,020       (786,953     a             19,771  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    2,968       32,720,567       (32,721,669                 1,866       1,866       59,614  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    4,487,990       846,874       (1,309,592     (56,437     425,492       4,394,327       616,315       161,493  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    2,790,638       715,039       (1,448,431     123       (132,949     1,924,420       173,528       178,671  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 101,205,369     $ 104,378,921     $ (105,569,147   $ 3,332,283     $ 14,334,977     $ 117,682,403        $ 3,529,385  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    151


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

   

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

           

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

   $     $ 2,288,957     $     $     $ 102,151     $ 2,391,108       218,766      $ 9,693 b  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    394,014       3,371       (399,615     (35,000     37,230       a              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    461,225       33,320       (501,143     (13,710     20,308       a             1,693  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    776,847       798,939       (834,462     (57,689     209,760       893,395       35,382       36,732  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    1,373,085       121,960       (1,197,290     (156,450     290,693       431,998       16,520       16,904  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    8,094,450       1,777,887       (3,053,505     29,266       1,815,178       8,663,276       77,144       496,001 b  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    2,961,783       184,844       (3,862,457     839,686       (123,856     a              

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          3,775,928                   299,240       4,075,168       367,132       42,680  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          1,764,162       (156,805     1,132       202,729       1,811,218       108,782       7,830  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    1,638,447       325,246       (2,073,152     (88,018     197,477       a              

Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF

          201,670       (30,244     (396     1,898       172,928       6,604       2,955 b  

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          3,982,001       (924,945     1,722       (16,351     3,042,427       121,261       21,103 b  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    1,783,053       1,435,002       (1,753,445     63,641       68,469       1,596,720       53,610       107,591  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    4,093,008       3,514,765       (936,603     (8,100     1,428,543       8,091,613       231,255       143,884  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    1,924,994       1,386,633       (2,121,978     (6,096     31,711       1,215,264       125,414       64,793  

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    1,285,443       169,889       (1,538,294     (59,117     142,079       a              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    1,882,858       236,993       (2,131,277     (304,931     316,357       a             14,600  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    4,059,416       875,463       (1,539,489     (12,105     955,358       4,338,643       62,382       140,011 b  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    1,297,236       412,417       (1,751,313     12,992       28,668       a             21,003  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          6,792,557       (80,948     1,472       479,013       7,192,094       666,552       41,971  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    1,760,021       1,856,970       (3,667,415     44,535       5,889       a             44,445  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    1,130,327       14,643       (1,288,841     224,218       (80,347     a             7,725  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    1,362       19,079,944       (18,280,778                 800,528       800,528       22,286  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    1,733,501       577,279       (625,789     (42,416     184,306       1,826,881       256,224       67,138  

 

     

 

152      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

   

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

       

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

             

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

   $ 880,861     $ 189,907     $ (1,054,784   $ 35,346     $ (51,330   $ —   a            $      32,587  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 37,531,931     $ 51,800,747     $ (49,804,572   $ 469,982     $ 6,545,173     $ 46,543,261        $ 1,343,625  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

           

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

  $     $ 4,634,990     $     $     $ 207,016     $ 4,842,006       443,002     $    19,628 b  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    671,323       7,307       (682,422     (59,705     63,497       a              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    763,772       65,366       (840,009     (23,002     33,873       a             2,793  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    1,534,776       1,561,049       (1,639,613     (119,721     417,980       1,754,471       69,484       72,651  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    2,647,080       272,286       (2,329,614     (319,161     578,578       849,169       32,473       33,477  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    15,541,149       3,437,765       (5,251,688     109,709       3,454,489       17,291,424       153,975       990,192 b  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    5,713,486       632,745       (7,737,152     2,103,658       (712,737     a              

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          7,561,869       (137,728     (3,708     580,552       8,000,985       720,809       83,796  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          3,346,025       (159,964     927       408,864       3,595,852       215,967       15,675  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    3,180,029       674,452       (4,058,584     33,680       170,423       a              

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          3,122,913       (163,580     368       (14,147     2,945,554       117,400       20,283 b  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    3,446,396       2,684,874       (3,137,667     130,857       139,896       3,264,356       109,601       214,147  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    7,933,624       6,857,892       (1,418,040     (20,097     2,792,407       16,145,786       461,440       285,289  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    3,234,616       1,155,656       (4,442,220     7,302       44,646       a             47,295  

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    2,419,331       345,356       (2,925,362     (214,859     375,534       a              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    3,548,233       384,591       (3,956,680     (535,619     559,475       a             26,836  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    7,823,837       1,941,041       (2,943,111     (21,393     1,858,839       8,659,213       124,504       278,297 b  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    2,191,537       84,326       (2,343,080     24,333       42,884       a             20,210  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          13,515,733       (114,234     2,077       954,292       14,357,868       1,330,664       83,244  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    2,952,976       1,104,535       (4,087,149     22,103       7,535       a             42,429  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    2,180,567       112,695       (2,572,288     828,282       (549,256     a             14,847  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    2,076       28,983,048       (28,336,897                 648,227       648,227       41,160  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    3,364,292       980,778       (1,074,997     (39,088     313,840       3,544,825       497,170       130,273  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

 

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    153


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

    

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

       

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

           

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

   $ 1,479,762     $ 261,697     $ (1,758,541   $ 130,599     $ (113,517   $ —   a            $ 36,606  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 70,628,862     $ 83,728,989     $ (82,110,620   $ 2,037,542     $ 11,614,963     $ 85,899,736        $ 2,459,128  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

   $     $ 2,172,950     $     $     $ 96,917     $ 2,269,867       207,673      $ 9,202 b  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    273,492       5,035       (280,093     (22,745     24,311       a              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    333,526       68,761       (407,108     (8,990     13,811       a             1,293  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    705,135       902,318       (901,040     (59,079     192,052       839,386       33,243       35,714  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    1,249,853       220,907       (1,187,093     (141,035     263,634       406,266       15,536       16,537  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    7,409,696       2,460,374       (3,275,990     (6,990     1,696,700       8,283,790       73,765       473,466 b  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    2,704,428       499,826       (3,863,922     741,329       (81,661     a              

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          3,908,509       (346,971     (7,573     275,457       3,829,422       344,993       40,629  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          1,740,378       (213,081     (5,501     199,326       1,721,122       103,371       7,503  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    1,502,297       403,846       (1,996,938     (99,026     189,821       a              

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          1,287,561       (141,694     244       (3,091     1,143,020       45,557       8,124 b  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    1,622,255       1,601,511       (1,805,258     56,753       69,367       1,544,628       51,861       102,770  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    3,752,315       4,043,542       (1,411,528     (20,703     1,341,067       7,704,693       220,197       141,217  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    1,397,718       590,095       (2,010,963     5,710       17,440       a             21,287  

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    1,140,318       232,024       (1,449,481     (15,032     92,171       a              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    1,652,526       227,828       (1,887,764     (267,523     274,933       a             13,262  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    3,694,774       1,321,566       (1,751,139     (21,273     899,602       4,143,530       59,576       134,638 b  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    932,826       53,346       (1,015,489     9,226       20,091       a             9,063  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          6,932,499       (510,461     (11,427     454,750       6,865,361       636,270       40,795  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    1,249,416       580,581       (1,842,929     12,842       90       a             19,239  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    1,029,132       19,056       (1,179,119     199,110       (68,179     a             7,076  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    105,867       17,880,416       (17,478,058                 508,225       508,225       20,774  

 

     

 

154      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

         

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

           

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

   $ 1,589,329     $ 616,273     $ (631,464   $ (43,631   $ 166,191     $ 1,696,698       237,966      $ 62,354  

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

    626,122       141,630       (775,145     33,953       (26,560     a             16,049  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 32,971,025     $ 47,910,832     $ (46,362,728   $ 328,639     $ 6,108,240     $ 40,956,008        $ 1,180,992  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

 

         

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

           

Franklin Emerging Market Core Equity (IU) Fund

   $     $ 992,503     $     $     $ 43,921     $ 1,036,424       94,824     $ 4,087 b  

Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund

    97,766       1,922       (100,247     (7,770     8,329       a              

Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund, Class R6

    119,294       13,169       (134,184     (3,177     4,898       a             445  

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

    259,927       433,839       (358,549     (17,517     70,696       388,396       15,382       14,286  

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

    438,052       136,972       (425,779     (45,801     91,870       195,314       7,469       6,457  

Franklin Growth Fund, Class R6

    2,634,809       1,460,800       (935,288     (3,252     641,119       3,798,188       33,822       213,880 b  

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Class R6

    970,492       386,887       (1,598,983     210,198       31,406       a              

Franklin International Core Equity (IU) Fund

          1,626,093                   121,840       1,747,933       157,471       17,834  

Franklin International Growth Fund, Class R6

          697,032       (5,792     (7     89,627       780,860       46,898       3,404  

Franklin International Small Cap Fund, Class R6

    539,482       202,870       (774,136     (37,845     69,629       a              

Franklin Liberty U.S. Core Bond ETF

          1,086,568       (546,932     1,293       (1,095     539,834       21,516       3,665 b  

Franklin LibertyQ Emerging Markets ETF

    583,251       731,961       (655,751     12,502       37,432       709,395       23,818       45,427  

Franklin LibertyQ U.S. Equity ETF

    1,320,871       1,842,158       (154,730     (3,781     535,875       3,540,393       101,183       57,640  

Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund, Class R6

    500,061       255,656       (764,094     1,780       6,597       a             7,614  

Franklin Mutual International Fund, Class R6

    411,600       104,937       (544,571     (18,284     46,318       a              

Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Class R6

    583,838       118,604       (703,939     (103,402     104,899       a             4,967  

Franklin Rising Dividends Fund, Class R6

    1,310,030       741,667       (490,380     (7,641     344,798       1,898,474       27,296       57,691 b  

Franklin Strategic Income Fund, Class R6

    336,082       29,110       (375,716     1,730       8,794       a             3,169  

Franklin U.S. Core Equity (IU) Fund

          2,956,894                   204,528       3,161,422       292,996       17,426  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund, Class R6

    447,085       249,444       (701,256     4,842       (115     a             6,822  

Franklin Utilities Fund, Class R6

    367,091       25,262       (439,724     58,348       (10,977     a             2,449  

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.26%

    184,376       8,570,578       (8,357,980                 396,974       396,974       8,470  

Templeton Foreign Fund, Class R6

    567,208       323,997       (163,538     (17,124     68,849       779,392       109,312       28,643  

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

f.  Investments in FT Underlying Funds (continued)

 

    

Value at

Beginning
of Year

    Purchases     Sales    

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   

Value at

End of

Year

    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Year
    Dividend
Income
 
               

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund (continued)

 

           

Non-Controlled Affiliates (continued)

 

             

Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Class R6

   $ 223,894     $ 72,342     $ (298,920   $ 6,398     $ (3,714   $ —   a            $ 5,706  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Affiliated Securities

   $ 11,895,209     $ 23,061,265     $ (18,530,489   $ 31,490     $ 2,515,524     $ 18,972,999        $ 510,082  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

aAs of December 31, 2019, no longer held by the fund.

bDividend income includes capital gain distributions received, if any, from underlying funds, and are presented in corresponding line item in the Statement of Operations.

g.  Waiver and Expense Reimbursements

Advisers and Investor Services have contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit their fees and to assume as their own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund, so that the expenses (excluding distribution fees, acquired fund fees and expenses and certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations, and liquidations) for Class A, Class C, Class R and Advisor Class of the Fund do not exceed 0.05%, and for Class R6 do not exceed 0.00% based on the average net assets of each class until April 30, 2020. Total expenses waived or paid are not subject to recapture subsequent to the Fund’s fiscal year end.

Effective May 1, 2019, Advisers and Investor Services have contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit their fees and to assume as their own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by the Funds, except Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund, so that the expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses but excluding distribution fees and certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations, and liquidations) for Class A, Class C, Class R and Advisor Class of the Funds do not exceed 0.45%, and for Class R6 do not exceed 0.40% based on the average net assets of each class until April 30, 2020. Total expenses waived or paid are not subject to recapture subsequent to the Funds’ fiscal year end.

Prior to May 1, 2019, expenses (excluding certain fees and expenses as previously disclosed) for the Funds, except Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund, for Class A, Class C, Class R and Advisor Class were limited to 0.05%, and expenses for Class R6 were limited to 0.00% based on the average net assets of each class.

4.  Expense Offset Arrangement

The Funds have entered into an arrangement with their custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Funds’ custodian expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statements of Operations.

 

     

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

5. Income Taxes

For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. At December 31, 2019, the capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Capital loss carryforwards not subject to expiration:

     

Short term

     $    34,021        $  201  

Long term

     1,748,586         

Total capital loss carryforwards

     $1,782,607        $  201  

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund utilized $15,776 of capital loss carryforwards.

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was as follows:

 

    

Franklin LifeSmart

Retirement Income Fund

     Franklin LifeSmart 2020
Retirement Target Fund
     Franklin LifeSmart 2025
Retirement Target Fund
 
      2019      2018      2019      2018      2019      2018  

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary income

   $ 1,889,782      $ 2,108,813      $ 1,066,754      $ 1,108,392      $ 2,616,420      $ 3,271,280  

Long term capital gain

                                 1,881,660        4,129,877  
   $ 1,889,782      $ 2,108,813      $ 1,066,754      $ 1,108,392      $ 4,498,080      $ 7,401,157  
     Franklin LifeSmart 2030
Retirement Target Fund
     Franklin LifeSmart 2035
Retirement Target Fund
     Franklin LifeSmart 2040
Retirement Target Fund
 
      2019      2018      2019      2018      2019      2018  

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary income

   $ 1,013,916      $ 1,315,992      $  2,124,369      $  2,527,142      $ 675,712      $ 997,412  

Long term capital gain

     589,632        353,075        2,519,106        3,778,106        516,792        723,479  
   $ 1,603,548      $ 1,669,067      $ 4,643,475      $ 6,305,248      $ 1,192,504      $ 1,720,891  
     Franklin LifeSmart 2045
Retirement Target Fund
     Franklin LifeSmart 2050
Retirement Target Fund
     Franklin LifeSmart 2055
Retirement Target Fund
 
      2019      2018      2019      2018      2019      2018  

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary income

   $ 1,277,107      $ 1,560,787      $ 517,820      $ 831,581      $ 177,815      $ 253,549  

Long term capital gain

     1,381,264        2,869,290        434,521        537,210        144,701        171,375  
   $ 2,658,371      $ 4,430,077      $ 952,341      $ 1,368,791      $ 322,516      $ 424,924  

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    

 

 

5. Income Taxes (continued)

 

At December 31, 2019, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), undistributed ordinary income and undistributed long term capital gains for income tax purposes were as follows:

 

      Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Cost of investments

     $49,989,931       $39,515,338       $113,522,685  

Unrealized appreciation

     $  1,954,164       $ 3,639,093       $  17,244,457  

Unrealized depreciation

     (653,210     (491,800     (1,012,232

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $  1,300,954       $  3,147,293       $  16,232,225  

Distributable earnings:

      

Undistributed ordinary income

     $     402,881       $    156,461       $         60,130  

Undistributed long term capital gains

                 2,319,279  

Total distributable earnings

     $     402,881       $    156,461       $    2,379,409  
      Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Cost of investments

     $54,086,040       $109,319,873       $ 42,718,915  

Unrealized appreciation

     $  6,790,832       $20,104,772       $    6,288,381  

Unrealized depreciation

     (452,333     (719,797     (171,240

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $  6,338,499       $19,384,975       $    6,117,141  

Distributable earnings:

      

Undistributed ordinary income

     $       97,877       $      66,161       $       126,931  

Undistributed long term capital gains

     687,696       2,676,087       718,288  

Total distributable earnings

     $      785,573       $  2,742,248       $       845,219  

 

     

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

     Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

Cost of investments

     $75,805,688       $37,111,905       $17,779,257  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation

     $15,365,706       $  5,886,522       $  2,114,539  

Unrealized depreciation

     (310,264     (240,704     (116,774
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $15,055,442       $  5,645,818       $  1,997,765  
  

 

 

 

Distributable earnings:

      

Undistributed ordinary income

     $       45,755       $     138,151       $87,456  

Undistributed long term capital gains

     2,228,690       599,468       201,544  
  

 

 

 

Total distributable earnings

     $  2,274,445       $     737,619       $     289,000  
  

 

 

 

Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatment of wash sales.

The Funds, except Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund and Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund, utilized a tax accounting practice to treat a portion of the proceeds from capital shares redeemed as a distribution from realized capital gains.

6.  Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of Underlying Funds and ETFs (excluding short term securities) for the year ended December 31, 2019, were as follows:

 

      Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Purchases

     $41,640,844        $50,703,077        $103,050,255  

Sales

     $44,702,172        $53,000,241        $108,885,157  
      Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Purchases

     $51,887,778        $93,451,053        $40,444,628  

Sales

     $50,020,060        $92,432,804        $39,794,063  
      Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

Purchases

     $70,803,842        $37,978,976        $18,132,494  

Sales

     $71,018,366        $37,641,801        $13,973,963  

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

7.  Credit Facility

The Funds, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matured on February 7, 2020. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests. Effective February 7, 2020, the Borrowers renewed the Global Credit Facility for a one year term, maturing February 5, 2021, for a total of $2 billion.

Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Funds shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Funds and other costs incurred by the Funds, pay their share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon their relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds did not use the Global Credit Facility.

8.  Fair Value Measurements

The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

A summary of inputs used as of December 31, 2019, in valuing the Funds’ assets carried at fair value, is as follows:

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $     45,354,428      $                     —      $             —      $     45,354,428  

Index-Linked Notes

            5,066,263               5,066,263  

Short Term Investments

     870,194                      870,194  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 46,224,622      $ 5,066,263      $      $ 51,290,885  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds

       $ 42,217,118      $      $      $ 42,217,118  

Short Term Investments

     272,558        172,955               445,513  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 42,489,676      $ 172,955      $      $ 42,662,631  
  

 

 

 

 

     

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $     128,453,637      $                     —      $                 —      $     128,453,637  

Short Term Investments

     1,981        1,299,292               1,301,273  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 128,455,618      $ 1,299,292      $      $ 129,754,910  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

  

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

  

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $ 59,308,657      $      $      $ 59,308,657  

Short Term Investments

     687,164        428,718               1,115,882  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 59,995,821      $ 428,718      $      $ 60,424,539  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

  

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $ 127,161,475      $      $      $ 127,161,475  

Short Term Investments

     1,866        1,541,507               1,543,373  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 127,163,341      $ 1,541,507      $      $ 128,704,848  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $ 47,968,687      $      $      $ 47,968,687  

Short Term Investments

     800,528        66,841               867,369  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 48,769,215      $ 66,841      $      $ 48,836,056  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $ 89,379,387      $      $      $ 89,379,387  

Short Term Investments

     648,227        833,516               1,481,743  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 90,027,614      $ 833,516      $      $ 90,861,130  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $ 42,133,919      $      $      $ 42,133,919  

Short Term Investments

     508,225        115,579               623,804  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 42,642,144      $ 115,579      $      $ 42,757,723  
  

 

 

 

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Underlying Funds and Exchange Traded Funds .

       $ 19,380,048      $      $      $ 19,380,048  

Short Term Investments

     396,974                      396,974  
  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       $ 19,777,022      $      $      $ 19,777,022  
  

 

 

 

aFor detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

9.  Subsequent Events

The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure other than those already disclosed in the financial statements.

Abbreviations

Selected Portfolio

 

ETF Exchange Traded Fund

 

     

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Franklin Fund Allocator Series and Shareholders of Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund and Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the statements of investments, of Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund and Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund (the "Funds") as of December 31, 2019, the related statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2019, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California

February 20, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.

 

 

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Tax Information (unaudited)

Under Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than the following amounts as long term capital gain dividends for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
   

Franklin
LifeSmart

2030 Retirement

Target Fund

   

Franklin
LifeSmart

2035 Retiremen
Target Fund

     Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

 
  $2,274,063       $687,850       $2,843,679        $644,202  

 

Franklin
LifeSmart

2045 Retirement
Target Fund

    Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2055 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

 
  $1,657,949       $588,031        $182,659  

Under Section 871(k)(2)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund hereby reports the maximum amount allowable but no less than $5,559 as a short term capital gain dividend for purposes of the tax imposed under Section 871(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

Under Section 854(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the following percentage amounts of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

 
  10.01%       12.86%       19.19%        26.42%  
Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

 
  30.63%       40.01%       41.94%        50.65%  

 

Franklin

LifeSmart

    2055 Retirement

Target Fund

 

60.67%

Under Section 854(b)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report the maximum amount allowable but no less than the following amounts as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:

 

Franklin
LifeSmart
Retirement
Income Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2020 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2025 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2030 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

 
  $245,903       $293,733       $1,053,681        $562,672  

 

     

 

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TAX INFORMATION

 

 

Franklin
LifeSmart
2035 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2040 Retirement
Target Fund
    Franklin
LifeSmart
2045 Retirement
Target Fund
     Franklin
LifeSmart
2050 Retirement
Target Fund
 

 

 

 
  $1,362,956       $567,683       $1,122,920        $546,989  

 

Franklin

LifeSmart

    2055 Retirement

Target Fund

 

$230,548

Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2019 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV by mid-February 2020. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds, qualified fund of funds under Section 852(g)(2) of Internal Revenue Code, received an allocation of foreign taxes paid from one or more of their underlying funds. As shown in the table below, the Funds hereby report to shareholders the foreign source income and foreign taxes paid by underlying funds, pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code. This written statement will allow shareholders of record on December 24, 2019 for Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund and December 27, 2019 for the remaining funds, to treat their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the underlying funds as having been paid directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.

 

 

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TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The following table provides a detailed analysis of foreign tax paid, foreign source income, and foreign source qualified dividends as reported by the Funds, to shareholders of record.

 

Class    Foreign Tax Paid
Per Share
   Foreign Source
Income Per Share
   Foreign Source Qualified
Dividends Per Share

Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund

        

Class A

   0.0011    0.0296   

Class C

   0.0011    0.0296   

Class R

   0.0011    0.0296   

Class R6

   0.0011    0.0296   

Advisor Class

   0.0011    0.0296   

Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0063    0.0968    0.0285

Class C

   0.0063    0.0968    0.0285

Class R

   0.0063    0.0968    0.0285

Class R6

   0.0063    0.0968    0.0285

Advisor Class

   0.0063    0.0968    0.0285

Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0066    0.0881    0.0352

Class C

   0.0066    0.0881    0.0352

Class R

   0.0066    0.0881    0.0352

Class R6

   0.0066    0.0881    0.0352

Advisor Class

   0.0066    0.0881    0.0352

Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0070    0.0849    0.0406

Class C

   0.0070    0.0849    0.0406

Class R

   0.0070    0.0849    0.0406

Class R6

   0.0070    0.0849    0.0406

Advisor Class

   0.0070    0.0849    0.0406

Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0080    0.0906    0.0488

Class C

   0.0080    0.0906    0.0488

Class R

   0.0080    0.0906    0.0488

Class R6

   0.0080    0.0906    0.0488

Advisor Class

   0.0080    0.0906    0.0488

Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0085    0.0929    0.0531

Class C

   0.0085    0.0929    0.0531

Class R

   0.0085    0.0929    0.0531

Class R6

   0.0085    0.0929    0.0531

Advisor Class

   0.0085    0.0929    0.0531

Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0092    0.0996    0.0585

Class C

   0.0092    0.0996    0.0585

Class R

   0.0092    0.0996    0.0585

Class R6

   0.0092    0.0996    0.0585

Advisor Class

   0.0092    0.0996    0.0585

Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0093    0.1002    0.0600

Class C

   0.0093    0.1002    0.0600

Class R

   0.0093    0.1002    0.0600

Class R6

   0.0093    0.1002    0.0600

 

     

 

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TAX INFORMATION

 

 

Class    Foreign Tax Paid
Per Share
   Foreign Source
Income Per Share
   Foreign Source Qualified
Dividends Per Share

Advisor Class

   0.0093    0.1002    0.0600

Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund

        

Class A

   0.0067    0.0710    0.0431

Class C

   0.0067    0.0710    0.0431

Class R

   0.0067    0.0710    0.0431

Class R6

   0.0067    0.0710    0.0431

Advisor Class

   0.0067    0.0710    0.0431

Foreign Tax Paid Per Share is the amount per share available to you, as a tax credit (assuming you held your shares in the Fund for a minimum of 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-dividend date of the Fund’s distribution to which the foreign taxes relate), or, as a tax deduction.

Foreign Source Income Per Share is the amount per share of income dividends attributable to foreign securities held by the Fund, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. The amounts reported include foreign source qualified dividends that have not been adjusted for the rate differential applicable to such dividend income.1

Foreign Source Qualified Dividends Per Share is the amount per share of foreign source qualified dividends plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. These amounts represent the portion of the Foreign Source Income Per Share that were derived from qualified foreign securities held by the Fund.1

At the beginning of each calendar year, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the prior calendar year. The Foreign Source Income reported on Form 1099-DIV has not been adjusted for the rate differential on foreign source qualified dividend income. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

1Qualified dividends are taxed at reduced long term capital gains tax rates. In determining the amount of foreign tax credit that may be applied against the U.S. tax liability of individuals receiving foreign source qualified dividends, adjustments may be required to the foreign tax credit limitation calculation to reflect the rate differential applicable to such dividend income. The rules however permit certain individuals to elect not to apply the rate differential adjustments for capital gains and/or dividends for any taxable year. Please consult your tax advisor and the instructions to Form 1116 for more information.

 

 

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Board Members and Officers

The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Trust, principal occupations during at least the past five years and number of U.S. registered portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton fund complex, are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.

Independent Board Members

 

Name, Year of Birth

and Address

  Position   Length of
Time Served
  Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen by
Board Member*
 

Other Directorships Held

During at Least the Past 5 Years

Harris J. Ashton (1932)

 

Trustee

 

Since 1995

  132  

Bar-S Foods (meat packing company)

One Franklin Parkway

        (1981-2010).

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

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

 

Terrence J. Checki (1945)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2017

  111  

Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (2014-present).

One Franklin Parkway

     

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present) and member of various other boards of trustees and advisory boards; and formerly, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014).

 

Mary C. Choksi (1950)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2014

  132   Avis Budget Group Inc. (car rental) (2007-present),Omnicom Group Inc. (advertising and marketing communications services) (2011-present) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2017-present).

One Franklin Parkway

     

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

     
     
     
     
     

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Director of various companies; and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987).

 

Edith E. Holiday (1952)

 

Lead

 

Trustee since 1998

  132   Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (1993-present), Canadian National Railway (railroad) (2001-present), White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2004-present), Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc. (consumer finance) (2016-present), RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium) (1999-2015) and H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products) (1994-2013).

One Franklin Parkway

  Independent   and Lead  

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Trustee   Independent  
    Trustee since  
    March 2019  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

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

 

 

 

     

 

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Independent Board Members (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth and
Address
  Position  

Length of

Time Served

  Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
  Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

J. Michael Luttig (1954)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2009

  132  

Boeing Capital Corporation (aircraft

financing) (2006-2010).

One Franklin Parkway

     

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Private investor; and formerly, Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (May 2019-January 1, 2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).

 

Larry D. Thompson (1945)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2007

  132   The Southern Company (energy company) (2014-present; previously 2010-2012), Graham Holdings Company (education and media organization) (2011-present) and Cbeyond, Inc. (business communications provider) (2010-2012).

One Franklin Parkway

     

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

     
     
     
     
     
     

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and formerly, Executive Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).

 

 

Interested Board Members and Officers

 

     Position   Length of Time
Served
  Number of Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by Board
Member*
 

Other Directorships Held

During at Least the Past 5 Years

**Gregory E. Johnson (1961)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2007

  144  

None

One Franklin Parkway

       

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Chairman of the Board, Member – Office of the Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 39 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and formerly, President, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2015).

 

**Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (1940)

 

Chairman of

 

Since 2013

  132  

None

One Franklin Parkway

  the Board      

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  and Trustee      

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Vice Chairman, Member – Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 37 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

Alison E. Baur (1964)

 

Vice President

 

Since 2012

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

       

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Deputy General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

 

 

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

     Position   Length of
Time Served
  Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
  Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Breda M. Beckerle (1958)

 

Interim Chief

 

Since January

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

280 Park Avenue

  Compliance   2009    

New York, NY 10017

  Officer      

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Chief Compliance Officer, Fiduciary Investment Management International, Inc., Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

Gaston Gardey (1967)

 

Treasurer,

 

Since 2009

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

  Chief Financial      

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Officer and      
  Chief      
  Accounting      
  Officer      

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Treasurer, U.S. Fund Administration & Reporting, and officer of 24 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

Steven J. Gray (1955)

 

Vice President

 

Vice President

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

  and   since 2009    

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Co-Secretary   and Co-Secretary    
    since 2019    

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and FASA, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

Matthew T. Hinkle (1971)   Chief Executive  

Since 2017

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway   Officer –      
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906   Finance and      
  Administration      

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton; and formerly, Vice President, Global Tax (2012-April 2017) and Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, Franklin Templeton (2009-2017).

 

Robert Lim (1948)

 

Vice President

 

Since 2016

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

  – AML      

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Compliance      

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Vice President, Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

Edward D. Perks (1970)

 

President and

 

Since 2018

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

  Chief Executive      

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Officer –      
  Investment      
  Management      

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; and officer of eight of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton (since December 2018).

 

Navid J. Tofigh (1972)

 

Vice President

 

Since 2015

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

       

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Associate General Counsel, and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

 

 

     

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

     Position  

Length of

Time Served

 

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen

by Board Member*

  Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Craig S. Tyle (1960)

 

Vice President

 

Since 2005

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

One Franklin Parkway

       

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

       

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

General Counsel, Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

Lori A. Weber (1964)

 

Vice President

 

Vice President

  Not Applicable  

Not Applicable

300 S.E. 2nd Street

  and   since 2011    

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923

  Co-Secretary   and Co-Secretary    
    since 2019    

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; and officer of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton.

 

 

*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.

**Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Fund’s investment manager and distributor. Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director and major shareholder of Resources.

Note 1: Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson.

Note 2: Effective March 12, 2019, John B. Wilson ceased to be a trustee of the Trust.

Note 3: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Fund’s Audit Committee includes at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Fund’s Board has determined that there is at least one such financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated Mary C. Choksi as its audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that Ms. Choksi qualifies as such an expert in view of her extensive business background and experience. She currently serves as a director of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (2007-present) and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (1987 to 2017). Ms. Choksi has been a Member of the Fund’s Audit Committee since 2014. As a result of such background and experience, the Board believes that Ms. Choksi has acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Ms. Choksi is an independent Board member as that term is defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.

The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 to request the SAI.

 

 

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Shareholder Information

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Trust’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Trust’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Trust’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Quarterly Statement of Investments

The Trust files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-PORT by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Householding of Reports and Prospectuses

You will receive each Fund’s financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated summary prospectus (prospectus available upon request). To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and summary prospectus. This process, called “householding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you prefer not to have these documents householded, please call us at (800) 632-2301. At any time you may view current prospectuses/summary prospectuses and financial reports on our website. If you choose, you may receive these documents through electronic delivery.

 

 

     

 

172      

 

 

    Annual Report

 

 

franklintempleton.com


 

 

Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.

To help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls to and from our service areas are monitored and/or recorded.

 

 

 

LOGO            

Annual Report and Shareholder Letter

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

  
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      (800) DIAL BEN® / 342-5236   
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© 2020 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.    RTF A 02/20


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a) The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.

(c) N/A

(d) N/A

(f) Pursuant to Item 13(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

(2) The audit committee financial expert is Mary C. Choksi and she is “independent” as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.


Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a) Audit Fees

The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $387,483 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and $352,507 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

(b) Audit-Related Fees

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of Item 4.

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements.

(c) Tax Fees

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $20,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and $5,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The services for which these fees were paid included professional fees in connection with an Indonesia withholding tax refund claim, professional fees in connection with tax treatment of equipment lease transactions, and tax consulting services related to the operating agreement and term sheet for the launch of a new fund.

(d) All Other Fees

The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant not reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $0 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and $3,853 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process.

The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant not reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4


were $160,144 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and $16,500 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The services for which these fees were paid included benchmarking services in connection with the ICI TA Survey, valuation services related to Fair Value engagement, the issuance of an Auditor’s Certificate for South Korean regulatory shareholders disclosures, and assets under management certification.

(e) (1) The registrant’s audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including:

(i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services;

(ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors;

(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrant’s investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and

(iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.

(e) (2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs (b)-(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X.

(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $180,144 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and $25,353 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

(h) The registrant’s audit committee of the board has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. N/A

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.


(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Company. N/A

Item 13. Exhibits.

(a) (1) Code of Ethics

(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES
By  

S\ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

  Matthew T. Hinkle
  Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration

Date February 28, 2020

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By  

S\ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

  Matthew T. Hinkle
 

Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration

 

Date February 28, 2020


By  

S\ GASTON GARDEY

  Gaston Gardey
  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

 

Date February 28, 2020

Code of Ethics for Principal Executives & Senior Financial Officers

 

 
Procedures  

Revised December 10, 2018

 

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON FUNDS

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVES AND

SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

 

I.

Covered Officers and Purpose of the Code

This code of ethics (the “Code”) applies to the Principal Executive Officers, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (the “Covered Officers,” each of whom is set forth in Exhibit A) of each investment company advised by a Franklin Resources subsidiary and that is registered with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (collectively, “FT Funds”) for the purpose of promoting:

 

   

Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical resolution of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

   

Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by or on behalf of the FT Funds;

 

   

Compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations;

 

   

The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and

 

   

Accountability for adherence to the Code.

Each Covered Officer will be expected to adhere to a high standard of business ethics and must be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.

 

*

Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”) (together the “Compliance Rule”) require registered investment companies and registered investment advisers to, among other things, adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws (“Compliance Rule Policies and Procedures”).

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. This document is the proprietary product of Franklin Templeton Investments. It may NOT be distributed outside the company unless it is made subject to a non-disclosure agreement and/or such release receives authorization by an FTI Chief Compliance Officer. Any unauthorized use, reproduction or transfer of this document is strictly prohibited. Franklin Templeton Investments © 2014. All Rights Reserved.

 


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

II.

Other Policies and Procedures

This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder.

Franklin Resources, Inc. has separately adopted the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (“Business Conduct”), which is applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Franklin Resources, Inc., including Covered Officers. It summarizes the values, principles and business practices that guide the employee’s business conduct and also provides a set of basic principles to guide officers, directors and employees regarding the minimum ethical requirements expected of them. It supplements the values, principles and business conduct identified in the Code and other existing employee policies.

Additionally, the Franklin Templeton Funds have separately adopted the FTI Personal Investments and Insider Trading Policy governing personal securities trading and other related matters. The Code for Insider Trading provides for separate requirements that apply to the Covered Officers and others, and therefore is not part of this Code.

Insofar as other policies or procedures of Franklin Resources, Inc., the Funds, the Funds’ adviser, principal underwriter, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superceded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code. Please review these other documents or consult with the Legal Department if have questions regarding the applicability of these policies to you.

 

III.

Covered Officers Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest

Overview. A “conflict of interest” occurs when a Covered Officer’s private interest interferes with the interests of, or his or her service to, the FT Funds. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of apposition with the FT Funds.

Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the FT Funds and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”) and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Investment Advisers Act”). For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the FT Funds because of their status as “affiliated persons” of the FT Funds. The FT Funds’ and the investment advisers’ compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside of the parameters of this Code.

Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the FT Funds, the investment advisers and the fund administrator of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the FT Funds, for the adviser, the administrator, or

 

2


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

for all three), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the adviser, administrator and the FT Funds. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the FT Funds, the adviser, and the administrator and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the FT Funds. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the FT Funds’ Boards of Directors (“Boards”) that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other codes.

Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the FT Funds.

Each Covered Officer must:

 

   

Not use his or her personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the FT Funds whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally to the detriment of the FT Funds;

 

   

Not cause the FT Funds to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the benefit the FT Funds;

 

   

Not retaliate against any other Covered Officer or any employee of the FT Funds or their affiliated persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith;

 

   

Report at least annually the following affiliations or other relationships:1

 

   

all directorships for public companies and all companies that are required to file reports with the SEC;

 

   

any direct or indirect business relationship with any independent directors of the FT Funds;

 

   

any direct or indirect business relationship with any independent public accounting firm (which are not related to the routine issues related to the firm’s service as the Covered Persons accountant); and

 

   

any direct or indirect interest in any transaction with any FT Fund that will benefit the officer (not including benefits derived from the advisory, sub-advisory, distribution or service agreements with affiliates of Franklin Resources).

These reports will be reviewed by the Legal Department for compliance with the Code.

There are some conflict of interest situations that should always be approved in writing by Franklin Resources General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, if material. Examples of these include2:

 

   

Service as a director on the board of any public or private Company.

 

 

1 

Reporting of these affiliations or other relationships shall be made by completing the annual Directors and Officers Questionnaire and returning the questionnaire to Franklin Resources Inc, General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel.

2 

Any activity or relationship that would present a conflict for a Covered Officer may also present a conflict for the Covered Officer if a member of the Covered Officer’s immediate family engages in such an activity or has such a relationship. The Cover Person should also obtain written approval by FT’s General Counsel in such situations.

 

3


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

   

The receipt of any gifts in excess of $100 from any person, from any corporation or association.

 

   

The receipt of any entertainment from any Company with which the FT Funds has current or prospective business dealings unless such entertainment is business related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Covered Officers must obtain prior approval from the Franklin Resources General Counsel for any entertainment with a value in excess of $1000.

 

   

Any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the FT Fund’s service providers, other than an investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator or any affiliated person thereof.

 

   

A direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the FT Funds for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer’s employment, such as compensation or equity ownership.

 

   

Franklin Resources General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel will provide a report to the FT Funds Audit Committee of any approvals granted at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

IV.

Disclosure and Compliance

 

   

Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself with the disclosure requirements generally applicable to the FT Funds;

 

   

Each Covered Officer should not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the FT Funds to others, whether within or outside the FT Funds, including to the FT Funds’ directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations;

 

   

Each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the FT Funds, the FT Fund’s adviser and the administrator with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the FT Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the FT Funds; and

 

   

It is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

V.

Reporting and Accountability

Each Covered Officer must:

 

   

Upon becoming a covered officer affirm in writing to the Board that he or she has received, read, and understands the Code (see Exhibit B);

 

   

Annually thereafter affirm to the Board that he has complied with the requirements of the Code; and

 

   

Notify Franklin Resources’ General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel promptly if he or she knows of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself is a violation of this Code.

 

4


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

Franklin Resources’ General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel are responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and have the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation.3 However, the Independent Directors of the respective FT Funds will consider any approvals or waivers4 sought by any Chief Executive Officers of the Funds.

The FT Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code:

 

   

Franklin Resources General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported to the Legal Department;

 

   

If, after such investigation, the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel believes that no violation has occurred, The General Counsel is not required to take any further action;

 

   

Any matter that the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel believes is a violation will be reported to the Independent Directors of the appropriate FT Fund;

 

   

If the Independent Directors concur that a violation has occurred, it will inform and make a recommendation to the Board of the appropriate FT Fund or Funds, which will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer;

 

   

The Independent Directors will be responsible for granting waivers, as appropriate; and

 

   

Any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, are disclosed as provided by SEC rules.5

 

VI.

Other Policies and Procedures

This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the FT Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other policies or procedures of the FT Funds, the FT Funds’ advisers, principal underwriter, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code. The FTI Personal Investments and Insider Trading Policy, adopted by the FT Funds, FT investment advisers and FT Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and more detailed policies and procedures set forth in FT’s Employee Handbook are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code.

 

 

3 

Franklin Resources General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel are authorized to consult, as appropriate, with members of the Audit Committee, counsel to the FT Funds and counsel to the Independent Directors, and are encouraged to do so.

4 

Item 2 of Form N-CSR defines “waiver” as “the approval by the registrant of a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics” and “implicit waiver,” which must also be disclosed, as “the registrant’s failure to take action within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics that has been made known to an executive officer” of the registrant. See Part X.

5

See Part X.

 

5


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

VII.

Amendments

Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibit A, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the FT Funds’ Board including a majority of independent directors.

VIII. Confidentiality

All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the FT Funds’ Board and their counsel.

 

IX.

Internal Use

The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the FT Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any FT Funds, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.

 

X.

Disclosure on Form N-CSR

Item 2 of Form N-CSR requires a registered management investment company to disclose annually whether, as of the end of the period covered by the report, it has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these officers are employed by the registrant or a third party. If the registrant has not adopted such a code of ethics, it must explain why it has not done so.

The registrant must also: (1) file with the SEC a copy of the code as an exhibit to its annual report; (2) post the text of the code on its Internet website and disclose, in its most recent report on Form N-CSR, its Internet address and the fact that it has posted the code on its Internet website; or (3) undertake in its most recent report on Form N-CSR to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the code and explain the manner in which such request may be made. Disclosure is also required of amendments to, or waivers (including implicit waivers) from, a provision of the code in the registrant’s annual report on Form N-CSR or on its website. If the registrant intends to satisfy the requirement to disclose amendments and waivers by posting such information on its website, it will be required to disclose its Internet address and this intention.

The Legal Department shall be responsible for ensuring that:

 

   

a copy of the Code is filed with the SEC as an exhibit to each Fund’s annual report; and

 

   

any amendments to, or waivers (including implicit waivers) from, a provision of the Code is disclosed in the registrant’s annual report on Form N-CSR.

In the event that the foregoing disclosure is omitted or is determined to be incorrect, the Legal Department shall promptly file such information with the SEC as an amendment to Form N-CSR.

In such an event, the Fund Chief Compliance Officer shall review the Code and propose such changes to the Code as are necessary or appropriate to prevent reoccurrences.

 

6


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Persons Covered by the Franklin Templeton Funds

Code of Ethics

December 2018

FRANKLIN GROUP OF FUNDS

 

Edward Perks    President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.    Chairman of the Board and Vice President – Investment Management
Don Taylor    President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management
Sonal Desai)    President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management
Matthew Hinkle    Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration
Gaston R. Gardey    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

FRANKLIN MUTUAL SERIES FUNDS

 

Peter Langerman

  

Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management

Matthew Hinkle

  

Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration

Robert G. Kubilis

  

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

FRANKLIN ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES FUNDS

 

Mat S. Gulley

  

Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management

Matthew Hinkle

  

Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration

Robert G. Kubilis

  

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

TEMPLETON GROUP OF FUNDS

 

Manraj S. Sekhon

  

President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management

Michael Hasenstab, Ph.D.

  

President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management

Norman Boersma

  

President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management

Matthew Hinkle

  

Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration

Robert G. Kubilis

  

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

 

7


FTI Compliance Procedures    Standards of Business Conduct

 

 

 

Exhibit B

ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

Franklin Templeton Funds Code of Ethics

For Principal Executives and Senior Financial Officers

 

Instructions:

 

1.

Complete all sections of this form.

 

2.

Print the completed form, sign, and date.

 

3.

Submit completed form to FT’s General Counsel c/o Code of Ethics Administration within 10 days of becoming a Covered Officer and by February 15th of each subsequent year.

 

Inter-office mail:    Code of Ethics Administration, Global Compliance SM-920/2
Fax:    (650) 312-5646
E-mail:    Code of Ethics Inquiries & Requests (internal address);
   lpreclear@franklintempleton.com (external address)

 

   

Covered Officer’s Name:

 

    
   

Title:

 

    
   

Department:

 

    
   

Location:

 

    
Certification for Year Ending:     

 

To:

Franklin Resources General Counsel, Legal Department

I acknowledge receiving, reading and understanding the Franklin Templeton Fund’s Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officers and Senior Financial Officers (the “Code”). I will comply fully with all provisions of the Code to the extent they apply to me during the period of my employment. I further understand and acknowledge that any violation of the Code may subject me to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

 

 

 

    

 

 

Signature

   

Date signed

 

 

8

Exhibit 13 (a) (2)

I, Matthew T. Hinkle, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Franklin Fund Allocator Series;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

2/28/2020

 

S\ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

Matthew T. Hinkle

Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration


Exhibit 13 (a) (2)

I, Gaston Gardey, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Franklin Fund Allocator Series;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

2/28/2020

 

S\ GASTON GARDEY

Gaston Gardey

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

Exhibit 13 (b)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer of the Franklin Fund Allocator Series (the “Registrant”), certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

 

1.

The periodic report on Form N-CSR of the Registrant for the period ended 12/31/2019 (the “Form N-CSR”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

Dated: 2/28/2020

 

S\ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

Matthew T. Hinkle

Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration


Exhibit 13 (b)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer of the Franklin Fund Allocator Series (the “Registrant”), certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

 

1.

The periodic report on Form N-CSR of the Registrant for the period ended 12/31/2019 (the “Form N-CSR”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

Dated: 2/28/2020

 

S\ GASTON GARDEY

Gaston Gardey

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer