FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES (Form: 485APOS, Received: 06/28/2018 16:50:01)

Prospectus

Franklin
Strategic Series

September 1, 2018

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund	FGRAX	FKACX	FKARX	FOPPX	FRAAX
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund	FCEQX	FCEDX	FCERX	FEFCX	FCEZX
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	FSGRX	FCSGX	FSSRX	FSMLX	FSSAX
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund	FRSGX	FRSIX	FSMRX	FMGGX	FSGAX

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

FSS1 P 09/18

Contents

Fund Summaries Information about the Fund you should know before investing
		Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

Fund Details More information on investment policies, practices and risks/financial highlights
		Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Distributions and Taxes

Your Account Information about sales charges, qualified investors, account transactions and services
		Choosing a Share Class Buying Shares Investor Services Selling Shares Exchanging Shares Account Policies Questions

For More Information Where to learn more about the Fund
		Back Cover

Fund Summaries

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund

Investment Goal

Capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts in Class A if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Franklin Templeton funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and under “ Your Account ” on page 83 in the Fund's Prospectus and under “Buying and Selling Shares” on page 55 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information. In addition, more information about sales charge discounts and waivers for purchases of shares through specific financial intermediaries is set forth in Appendix A - "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" to the Fund's prospectus.

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

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) [TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as percentage of offering price)	5.75%	None	None	None	None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds)	None ¹	1.00%	None	None	None

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

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

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Management fees	0.56%	0.56%	0.56%	0.56%	0.56%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	0.25%	1.00%	0.50%	None	None
Other expenses	0.23%	0.23%	0.23%	0.02%	0.23%
Acquired fund fees and expenses ¹	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total annual Fund operating expenses ¹	1.05%	1.80%	1.30%	0.59%	0.80%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ²	-0.01%	-0.01%	-0.01%	-0.01%	-0.01%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ^1, ²	1.04%	1.79%	1.29%	0.58%	0.79%

1. Total annual Fund operating expenses differ from the ratio of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

2. The investment manager has contractually agreed in advance to reduce its fee as a result of the Fund's investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund (acquired fund) for the next 12-month period. The “Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement” and “Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement” line items have been restated to reflect the current fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund for the upcoming fiscal year. Consequently, the Fund’s “Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement” differ from the ratio of expenses to average net assets (net of waiver and payments by affiliates) shown in the Financial Highlights. Contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreements may not be changed or terminated during the time period set forth above.

Example

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

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	$ 675	$ 889	$ 1,120	$ 1,783
Class C	$ 282	$ 565	$ 974	$ 2,116
Class R	$ 131	$ 411	$ 712	$ 1,568
Class R6	$ 59	$ 188	$ 328	$ 737
Advisor Class	$ 81	$ 254	$ 443	$ 989
If you do not sell your shares:
Class C	$ 182	$ 565	$ 974	$ 2,116

Portfolio Turnover

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 47.75% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests predominantly in equity securities of companies demonstrating accelerating growth, increasing profitability, or above-average growth or growth potential as compared with the overall economy. The Fund normally invests predominantly in equity securities, primarily to predominantly common stock.

A portion to a significant amount of the Fund's investments may be in smaller and midsize companies. The Fund, from time to time, may have significant positions in particular sectors, such as technology, consumer discretionary and healthcare.

Principal Risks

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

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

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

Growth Style Investing Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. Prices of these companies’ securities may be more volatile than other securities, particularly over the short term.

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

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

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

Performance

The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1 year, 5 years, 10 years or since inception, as applicable, compared with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. You can obtain updated performance information at franklintempleton.com or by calling (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236.

The secondary index in the table below shows how the Fund's performance compares to a group of securities that reflects the broader equity markets universe.

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

Class A Annual Total Returns

[TO BE UPDATED INTHE 485(B) FILING]

Best Quarter:	Q3'10	16.91%
Worst Quarter:	Q4'08	-21.07%
As of June 30, 2017, the Fund's year-to-date return was 16.13%.

Average Annual Total Returns
(figures reflect sales charges)

For the periods ended December 31, 2017

	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A
Return Before Taxes	21.27%	13.40%	7.66%
Return After Taxes on Distributions	18.97%	12.49%	7.08%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	13.95%	10.66%	6.17%
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class C	26.70%	13.91%	7.52%
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class R	28.36%	14.49%	8.07%
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class R6	29.26%	13.98% ¹	—
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Advisor Class	29.02%	15.07%	8.61%
Russell 3000 ^® Growth Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	29.59%	17.16%	9.93%
S&P 500 ^® Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%	15.79%	8.50%

1. Since inception May 1, 2013.

No one index is representative of the Fund's portfolio.

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

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

Portfolio Managers

Grant Bowers Vice President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2007.

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

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

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

Taxes

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

Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries

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

Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund

Investment Goal

Capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) [TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as percentage of offering price)	5.75%	None	None	None	None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds)	None ¹	1.00%	None	None	None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

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

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Management fees	0.95%	0.95%	0.95%	0.95%	0.95%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	0.25%	1.00%	0.42%	None	None
Other expenses	0.27%	0.27%	0.27%	0.11%	0.27%
Total annual Fund operating expenses	1.47%	2.22%	1.64%	1.06%	1.22%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ¹	-0.22%	-0.22%	-0.22%	-0.22%	-0.22%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ¹	1.25%	2.00%	1.42%	0.84%	1.00%

1. The investment manager has contractually agreed to waive or assume certain expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, acquired Fund fees and expenses and certain non-routine expenses) for each class of the Fund do not exceed 1.00% until August 31, 2018. The “Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement” and “Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement” line items have been restated to reflect the current fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements for the Fund for the upcoming fiscal year. Consequently, the Fund’s “Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement” differ from the ratio of expenses to average net assets (net of waiver and payments by affiliates) shown in the Financial Highlights. Contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreements may not be changed or terminated during the time periods set forth above.

Example

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	$ 695	$ 993	$ 1,312	$ 2,214
Class C	$ 303	$ 673	$ 1,170	$ 2,537
Class R	$ 145	$ 496	$ 871	$ 1,925
Class R6	$ 86	$ 315	$ 563	$ 1,274
Advisor Class	$ 102	$ 365	$ 649	$ 1,458
If you do not sell your shares:
Class C	$ 203	$ 673	$ 1,170	$ 2,537

Portfolio Turnover

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. equity securities. The Fund invests primarily to predominantly in equity securities of large capitalization companies, which are companies similar in size to those in the S&P 500 ^® Index. The equity securities in which the Fund invests are predominantly common stock.

The Fund generally seeks to maintain a portfolio consisting of securities of approximately 20-50 companies. Although the Fund seeks investments across a number of sectors, from time to time, based on economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in articular sectors such as information technology, healthcare and industrials. The Fund also may invest a portion of its total assets in foreign securities.

The investment manager is a research-driven, “bottom-up” fundamental investor seeking companies that exhibit a combination of growth potential, quality, and reasonable valuation. The investment manager assesses growth potential by considering companies that it believes are positioned for growth in revenue, earnings or assets. In assessing valuation, the investment manager considers whether security prices fully reflect the balance of the long-term growth prospects relative to business and financial risks. The investment manager places a particular emphasis on quality and assessing downside risk, believing that important attributes of quality include experienced and talented management teams, favorable competitive positioning, and financial strength reflected in metrics including profitability, free cash generation, and returns on capital employed.

Principal Risks

Core Style Investing The Fund may have investments in both growth and value stocks, or in stocks with characteristics of both. Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. A value stock may not increase in price as anticipated by the investment manager if other investors fail to recognize the company's value and bid up the price, the markets favor faster-growing companies, or the factors that the investment manager believes will increase the price of the security do not occur. In addition, since the Fund has a fairly concentrated portfolio and invests in a relatively smaller number of companies, the Fund is subject to additional risks such as the risk that poor performance by several companies could adversely affect Fund performance more than would be the case for a fund that holds a larger number of companies.

Foreign Securities (non-U.S.) Investing in foreign securities typically involves more risks than investing in U.S. securities, including risks related to currency exchange rates and policies, country or government specific issues, less favorable trading practices or regulation and greater price volatility. Certain of these risks also may apply to securities of U.S. companies with significant foreign operations.

Performance

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

Class A Annual Total Returns

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Best Quarter:	Q2'09	20.89%
Worst Quarter:	Q4'08	-26.92%
As of June 30, 2017, the Fund's year-to-date return was 5.55%.

Average Annual Total Returns
(figures reflect sales charges)

For the periods ended December 31, 2017

	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class A
Return Before Taxes	5.62%	11.55%	5.95%
Return After Taxes on Distributions	5.62%	11.17%	5.59%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	3.18%	9.14%	4.70%
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class C	10.26%	12.08%	5.83%
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class R	11.93%	12.66%	6.35%
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class R6	12.51%	11.83% ¹	—
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Advisor Class	12.41%	13.20%	6.87%
S&P 500 ^® Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%	15.79%	8.50%

1. Since inception May 1, 2013.

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

Portfolio Managers

Serena Perin Vinton, CFA Senior Vice President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since December 2017.

Chris Anderson Portfolio Manager of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2013.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Taxes

Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries

Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund

The Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund is currently closed to new investors, except for certain types of investors. Effective April 28, 2017, the Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund opened Class R6 shares to new investors who are eligible to purchase Class R6 shares. Please see "Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund" under “Fund Details" for further information.

Investment Goal

Long-term capital growth.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) [TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as percentage of offering price)	5.75%	None	None	None	None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds)	None ¹	1.00%	None	None	None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

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

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Management fees	0.61%	0.61%	0.61%	0.61%	0.61%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	0.25%	1.00%	0.50%	None	None
Other expenses	0.24%	0.24%	0.24%	0.02%	0.24%
Acquired fund fees and expenses ¹	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%
Total annual Fund operating expenses ¹	1.12%	1.87%	1.37%	0.65%	0.87%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ²	-0.02%	-0.02%	-0.02%	-0.02%	-0.02%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ^1, ²	1.10%	1.85%	1.35%	0.63%	0.85%

2. The investment manager has contractually agreed in advance to reduce its fee as a result of the Fund's investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund (acquired fund) for the next 12-month period. Contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreements may not be changed or terminated during the time period set forth above.

Example

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	$ 681	$ 909	$ 1,155	$ 1,859
Class C	$ 288	$ 586	$ 1,009	$ 2,191
Class R	$ 137	$ 432	$ 748	$ 1,646
Class R6	$ 64	$ 206	$ 360	$ 809
Advisor Class	$ 87	$ 276	$ 480	$ 1,072
If you do not sell your shares:
Class C	$ 188	$ 586	$ 1,009	$ 2,191

Portfolio Turnover

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of small cap companies. The equity securities in which the Fund invests are predominantly common stock. For this Fund, small cap companies are companies with market capitalizations not exceeding (i) $1.5 billion or (ii) the highest market capitalization in the Russell 2000 ^® Index, whichever is greater, at the time of purchase.

In addition to the Fund's main investments, the Fund may invest in equity securities of larger companies. The Fund, from time to time, may have significant positions in particular sectors such as information technology (including electronic technology, technology services, software and internet services), industrials, consumer discretionary and healthcare.

Principal Risks

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

Liquidity From time to time, the trading market for a particular security or type of security or other investments in which the Fund invests may become less liquid or even illiquid. Reduced liquidity will have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to sell such securities or other investments when necessary to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs, which may arise or increase in response to a specific economic event or because the investment manager wishes to purchase particular investments or believes that a higher level of liquidity would be advantageous. Reduced liquidity will also generally lower the value of such securities or other investments. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be relatively volatile.

Performance

The secondary index in the table below shows how the Fund's performance compares to a group of securities that reflects the broader equity markets universe.

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

Class A Annual Total Returns

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Best Quarter:	Q2'09	25.76%
Worst Quarter:	Q4'08	-25.33%
As of June 30, 2017, the Fund's year-to-date return was 7.39%.

Average Annual Total Returns
(figures reflect sales charges)

For the periods ended December 31, 2017

	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Return Before Taxes	13.99%	13.48%	9.02%
Return After Taxes on Distributions	13.48%	12.68%	8.55%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	8.33%	10.55%	7.25%
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class C	19.07%	14.00%	8.89%
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class R	20.69%	14.59%	9.44%
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class R6	21.51%	13.70% ¹	—
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Advisor Class	21.28%	15.17%	9.98%
Russell 2000 ^® Growth Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	22.17%	15.21%	9.19%
S&P 500 ^® Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%	15.79%	8.50%

1. Since inception May 1, 2013.

No one index is representative of the Fund's portfolio.

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

Portfolio Managers

Michael McCarthy, CFA Executive Vice President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since inception (2000).

Bradley T. Carris, CFA Portfolio Manager of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2004.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Taxes

Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries

Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

Investment Goal

Long-term capital growth.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) [TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as percentage of offering price)	5.75%	None	None	None	None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds)	None ¹	1.00%	None	None	None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses
[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

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

	Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Management fees	0.46%	0.46%	0.46%	0.46%	0.46%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees	0.25%	1.00%	0.50%	None	None
Other expenses	0.24%	0.24%	0.24%	0.02%	0.24%
Acquired fund fees and expenses ¹	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total annual Fund operating expenses ¹	0.96%	1.71%	1.21%	0.49%	0.71%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ²	-0.01%	-0.01%	-0.01%	-0.01%	-0.01%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement ^1, ²	0.95%	1.70%	1.20%	0.48%	0.70%

2. The investment manager has contractually agreed in advance to reduce its fee as a result of the Fund's investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund (acquired fund) for the next 12-month period. Contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreements may not be changed or terminated during the time period set forth above.

Example

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	$ 666	$ 862	$ 1,075	$ 1,685
Class C	$ 273	$ 538	$ 927	$ 2,019
Class R	$ 122	$ 383	$ 664	$ 1,466
Class R6	$ 49	$ 156	$ 273	$ 615
Advisor Class	$ 72	$ 226	$ 394	$ 882
If you do not sell your shares:
Class C	$ 173	$ 538	$ 927	$ 2,019

Portfolio Turnover

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of small-capitalization (small-cap) and mid-capitalization (mid-cap) companies. For this Fund, small-cap companies are companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell 2500™ Index, at the time of purchase, and mid-cap companies are companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell Midcap ^® Index, at the time of purchase. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests predominantly in equity securities, predominantly in common stock.

The Fund, from time to time, may have significant positions in particular sectors such as information technology (including healthcare technology, technology services and electronic technology), consumer discretionary and healthcare.

Principal Risks

Performance

The secondary index in the table below shows how the Fund's performance compares to a group of securities that reflects the broader equity markets universe.

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

Class A Annual Total Returns

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Best Quarter:	Q2'09	17.32%
Worst Quarter:	Q4'08	-26.27%
As of June 30, 2017, the Fund's year-to-date return was 10.97%.

Average Annual Total Returns
(figures reflect sales charges)

For the periods ended December 31, 2017

	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Return Before Taxes	14.54%	11.79%	6.87%
Return After Taxes on Distributions	12.29%	8.78%	5.20%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	10.00%	8.83%	5.27%
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class C	19.57%	12.26%	6.70%
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class R	21.25%	12.84%	7.24%
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class R6	22.21%	12.29% ¹	—
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Advisor Class	21.82%	13.41%	7.78%
Russell Midcap ^® Growth Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	25.27%	15.31%	9.10%
S&P 500 ^® Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.83%	15.79%	8.50%

1. Since inception May 1, 2013.

No one index is representative of the Fund's portfolio.

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

Portfolio Managers

Edward B. Jamieson President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since inception (1992).

John P. Scandalios, CFA Vice President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2016.

Michael McCarthy, CFA Executive Vice President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 1993.

James Cross, CFA Portfolio Manager of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2005.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Taxes

Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries

Fund Details

Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund

Investment Goal

The Fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.

Principal Investment Policies and Practices

An equity security represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company; its value is based on the success or failure of the company’s business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets and general market conditions. Common stocks and preferred stocks are examples of equity securities.

A portion to a significant amount of the Fund's investments may be in smaller and midsize companies. In addition, a small portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in foreign securities.

The Fund, from time to time, may have significant positions in particular sectors such as technology, consumer discretionary and healthcare.

Portfolio Selection

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

Temporary Investments

When the investment manager believes market or economic conditions are unfavorable for investors, the investment manager may invest up to 100% of the Fund's assets in a temporary defensive manner by holding all or a substantial portion of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments. Temporary defensive investments generally may include short-term U.S. government securities, money market fund shares (including shares of an affiliated money market fund), high-grade commercial paper, bank obligations, repurchase agreements and other money market instruments. The investment manager also may invest in these types of securities or hold cash while looking for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain liquidity. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment goal.

Principal Risks

Market

The market values of securities or other investments owned by the Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Securities or other investments may decline in value due to factors affecting individual issuers, markets generally or sectors within the markets. The value of a security or other investment may go up or down due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest rates or exchange rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The value may also go up or down due to factors that affect an individual issuer or a particular sector. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that securities or other investments held by the Fund will participate in or otherwise benefit from the advance.

Growth Style Investing

Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. Growth stocks may be more expensive relative to their current earnings or assets compared to value or other stocks, and if earnings growth expectations moderate, their valuations may return to more typical norms, causing their stock prices to fall. Prices of these companies’ securities may be more volatile than other securities, particularly over the short term.

Focus

The greater the Fund's exposure to any single type of investment – including investment in a given industry, sector, region, country, issuer, or type of security – the greater the losses the Fund may experience upon any single economic, business, political, regulatory, or other occurrence. As a result, there may be more fluctuation in the price of the Fund's shares.

Technology companies. Technology company stocks can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements, especially over the short term, due to the rapid pace of product change and development affecting such companies. Technology companies are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as new market entrants, aggressive pricing, and tight profit margins. Prices of technology company stocks often change collectively without regard to the merits of individual companies. Electronic technology and technology services companies face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. The biotechnology and health technology industries are subject to extensive government regulation. These industries will be affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters.

Consumer discretionary companies. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector could be affected by, among other things, overall economic conditions, interest rates, consumer confidence, and disposable income.

Healthcare companies. The activities of healthcare companies may be funded or subsidized by federal and state governments. If government funding and subsidies are reduced or discontinued, the profitability of these companies could be adversely affected. Healthcare companies may also be affected by government policies on healthcare reimbursements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, and similar matters. They are also subject to legislative risk, i.e., the risks associated with the reform of the healthcare system through legislation.

Smaller and Midsize Companies

While smaller and midsize companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth, they also involve substantial risks and should be considered speculative. Historically, smaller and midsize company securities have been more volatile in price than larger company securities, especially over the short term. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects of smaller and midsize companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller and midsize companies to changing economic conditions.

In addition, smaller and midsize companies may lack depth of management, be unable to generate funds necessary for growth or development, have limited product lines or be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established. Smaller and midsize companies may be particularly affected by interest rate increases, as they may find it more difficult to borrow money to continue or expand operations, or may have difficulty in repaying loans, particularly those with floating interest rates.

Foreign Securities (non-U.S.)

Investing in foreign securities typically involves more risks than investing in U.S. securities. Certain of these risks also may apply to securities of U.S. companies with significant foreign operations. These risks can increase the potential for investment loss in the Fund and may include, among others, currency risks (such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates and currency devaluations); country risks (such as political, diplomatic, or regional conflicts, terrorism or war, social and economic instability, and internal or external policies or economic sanctions limiting or restricting foreign investment, the movement of assets or other economic activity); and risks associated with the state of a country's financial markets and legal institutions. Other foreign securities risks may include unfavorable trading, settlement or custodial practices, unfavorable tax policies, less government supervision, less publicly available information, less stringent investor protection standards, limited legal redress for violations of law, limited trading markets and greater illiquidity and greater price volatility.

The risks of investing in foreign securities typically are greater in less developed or emerging market countries.

Management

The Fund is actively managed and could experience losses (realized and unrealized) if the investment manager's judgment about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund's portfolio prove to be incorrect. There can be no guarantee that these techniques or the investment manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investment techniques available to the investment manager in connection with managing the Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment goal.

More detailed information about the Fund and its policies and risks can be found in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

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

Management

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers), One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906, is the Fund's investment manager. Together, Advisers and its affiliates manage, as of May 31, 2018, over $732 billion in assets, and have been in the investment management business since 1947.

The Fund is managed by a team of dedicated professionals focused on investments in equity securities of companies demonstrating accelerating growth, increasing profitability, or above average growth or growth potential as compared with the overall economy. The portfolio managers of the team are as follows:

Grant Bowers Vice President of Advisers

Mr. Bowers has been the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since 2007. He has primary responsibility for the investments of the Fund. He has final authority over all aspects of the Fund's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities, portfolio risk assessment, and the management of daily cash balances in accordance with anticipated investment management requirements. The degree to which he may perform these functions, and the nature of these functions, may change from time to time. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1993.

Sara Araghi, CFA Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst of Advisers

Ms. Araghi has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2016, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. She joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2003.

CFA ^® and Chartered Financial Analyst ^® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts that they manage and their ownership of Fund shares.

TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING
The Fund pays Advisers a fee for managing the Fund's assets. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, Advisers agreed to reduce its fees to reflect reduced services resulting from the Fund's investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund. In addition, Advisers had contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment management fee to the extent necessary to limit the effective management fee rate paid by the Fund to 0.46% through August 31, 2017. This fee waiver was not extended. The management fees before and after such waivers were 0.56% and 0.48%, respectively.

A discussion regarding the basis for the board of trustees' approving the investment management contract of the Fund is available in the Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended April 30.

Manager of Managers Structure

The investment manager and the Trust have received an exemptive order from the SEC that allows the Fund to operate in a “manager of managers” structure whereby the investment manager can appoint and replace both wholly-owned and unaffiliated sub-advisors, and enter into, amend and terminate sub-advisory agreements with such sub-advisors, each subject to board approval but without obtaining prior shareholder approval (Manager of Managers Structure). The Fund will, however, inform shareholders of the hiring of any new sub-advisor within 90 days after the hiring. The SEC exemptive order provides the Fund with greater flexibility and efficiency by preventing the Fund from incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of such sub-advisory agreements.

The use of the Manager of Managers Structure with respect to the Fund is subject to certain conditions that are set forth in the SEC exemptive order. Under the Manager of Managers Structure, the investment manager has the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Fund’s board of trustees, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The investment manager will also, subject to the review and approval of the Fund’s board of trustees: set the Fund’s overall investment strategy; evaluate, select and recommend sub-advisors to manage all or a portion of the Fund’s assets; and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that each sub-advisor complies with the Fund’s investment goal, policies and restrictions. Subject to review by the Fund’s board of trustees, the investment manager will allocate and, when appropriate, reallocate the Fund’s assets among sub-advisors and monitor and evaluate the sub-advisors’ performance.

Financial Highlights

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485B FILING]

The Financial Highlights present the Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since its inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the annual report, which is available upon request.

Class A		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 34.81	$ 30.40	$ 33.13	$ 28.48	$ 24.29
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.10	-0.09	-0.19	-0.19	-0.19
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	7.03	5.14	-1.88	5.50	5.11
Total from investment operations	6.93	5.05	-2.07	5.31	4.92
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.16	-0.64	-0.66	-0.66	-0.73
Net asset value, end of year	$ 38.58	$ 34.81	$ 30.40	$ 33.13	$ 28.48
Total return ^c	20.43%	16.88%	-6.36%	18.87%	20.26%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.02%	1.05%	1.11%	1.18%	1.17%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.99% ^d	0.97% ^d	1.10%	1.18% ^e	1.17% ^d, ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-0.27%	-0.30%	-0.58%	-0.59%	-0.70%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 2,428,175	$ 2,272,831	$ 548,871	$ 457,619	$ 349,343
Portfolio turnover rate	22.68%	47.75%	25.56%	40.64%	36.64%

a. The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations in the annual report 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.

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

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

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class C		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 30.12	$ 26.59	$ 29.27	$ 25.41	$ 21.89
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.33	-0.29	-0.37	-0.36	-0.35
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	6.04	4.46	-1.65	4.88	4.60
Total from investment operations	5.71	4.17	-2.02	4.52	4.25
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.16	-0.64	-0.66	-0.66	-0.73
Net asset value, end of year	$ 32.67	$ 30.12	$ 26.59	$ 29.27	$ 25.41
Total return ^c	19.53%	15.98%	-7.03%	18.04%	19.42%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.77%	1.80%	1.85%	1.88%	1.87%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.74% ^d	1.72% ^d	1.84%	1.88% ^e	1.87% ^d, ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-1.02%	-1.05%	-1.32%	-1.29%	-1.40%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 400,295	$ 390,123	$ 137,882	$ 110,513	$ 85,883
Portfolio turnover rate	22.68%	47.75%	25.56%	40.64%	36.64%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

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

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class R		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 33.52	$ 29.37	$ 32.10	$ 27.67	$ 23.67
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.18	-0.17	-0.26	-0.24	-0.24
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	6.75	4.96	-1.81	5.33	4.97
Total from investment operations	6.57	4.79	-2.07	5.09	4.73
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.16	-0.64	-0.66	-0.66	-0.73
Net asset value, end of year	$ 36.93	$ 33.52	$ 29.37	$ 32.10	$ 27.67
Total return	20.14%	16.62%	-6.60%	18.63%	19.99%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.27%	1.30%	1.35%	1.38%	1.37%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.24% ^c	1.22% ^c	1.34%	1.38% ^d	1.37% ^c, ^d
Net investment income (loss)	-0.52%	-0.55%	-0.82%	-0.79%	-0.90%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 36,582	$ 50,429	$ 39,786	$ 48,266	$ 42,953
Portfolio turnover rate	22.68%	47.75%	25.56%	40.64%	36.64%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class R6		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014 ^a
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 37.30	$ 32.39	$ 35.09	$ 29.98	$ 24.99
Income from investment operations: ^b
Net investment income (loss) ^c	0.07	0.05	-0.05	-0.03	-0.07
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	7.57	5.50	-1.99	5.80	5.79
Total from investment operations	7.64	5.55	-2.04	5.77	5.72
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.16	-0.64	-0.66	-0.66	-0.73
Net asset value, end of year	$ 41.78	$ 37.30	$ 32.39	$ 35.09	$ 29.98
Total return	20.98%	17.42%	-5.94%	19.47%	22.90%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	0.58%	0.59%	0.67%	0.68%	0.71%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.55% ^d	0.51% ^d	0.66%	0.68% ^e	0.71% ^d, ^e
Net investment income (loss)	0.17%	0.16%	-0.14%	-0.09%	-0.24%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 369,688	$ 291,825	$ 235,620	$ 246,911	$ 180,843
Portfolio turnover rate	22.68%	47.75%	25.56%	40.64%	36.64%

a. For the year May 1, 2013 (effective date) to April 30, 2014.

b. The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations in the annual report 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.

c. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Advisor Class		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 37.02	$ 32.20	$ 34.96	$ 29.93	$ 25.43
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.01	-0.02	-0.11	-0.10	-0.13
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	7.49	5.48	-1.99	5.79	5.36
Total from investment operations	7.48	5.46	-2.10	5.69	5.23
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.16	-0.64	-0.66	-0.66	-0.73
Net asset value, end of year	$ 41.34	$ 37.02	$ 32.20	$ 34.96	$ 29.93
Total return	20.71%	17.21%	-6.11%	19.23%	20.58%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	0.77%	0.80%	0.85%	0.88%	0.87%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.74% ^c	0.72% ^c	0.84%	0.88% ^d	0.87% ^c, ^d
Net investment income (loss)	-0.02%	-0.05%	-0.32%	-0.29%	-0.40%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 583,509	$ 537,193	$ 256,377	$ 269,887	$ 224,469
Portfolio turnover rate	22.68%	47.75%	25.56%	40.64%	36.64%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund

Investment Goal

The Fund's investment goal is capital appreciation. The Fund's investment goal is non-fundamental and therefore may be changed by the Fund's board of trustees without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days' advance notice of any change to the Fund's investment goal.

Principal Investment Policies and Practices

TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. equity securities. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days’ advance notice of any change to the 80% policy. The Fund invests primarily to predominantly in equity securities of large capitalization companies, which are companies similar in size to those in the S&P 500 ^® Index. That index consists of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy, with a median market capitalization in excess of $20.741 billion as of March 29, 2018. The equity securities in which the Fund invests are predominantly common stock.

The Fund generally seeks to maintain a portfolio consisting of securities of approximately 20-50 companies. Although the Fund seeks investments across a number of sectors, from time to time, based on economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in particular sectors such as information technology healthcare and industrials. The Fund also may invest a portion of its total assets in foreign securities.

An equity security represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company; its value is based on the success or failure of the company's business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets and general market conditions. Common stocks and preferred stocks are examples of equity securities.

Portfolio Selection

The investment manager generally uses a team of analysts to help provide in-depth industry expertise and uses both qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate companies.

Temporary Investments

When the investment manager believes market or economic conditions are unfavorable for investors, the investment manager may invest up to 100% of the Fund's assets in a temporary defensive manner by holding all or a substantial portion of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments. Temporary defensive investments generally may include short-term U.S. government securities, high grade commercial paper, bank obligations, repurchase agreements, money market fund shares (including shares of an affiliated money market fund) and other money market instruments. The investment manager also may invest in these types of securities or hold cash while looking for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain liquidity. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment goal.

Principal Risks

Market

Focus

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

Industrials. The stock prices of companies in the industrials sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrials sector products in general. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, these companies are at risk for environmental damage and product liability claims. Companies in this sector could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of export or import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources, technological developments and labor relations.

Core Style Investing

The Fund may have investments in both growth and value stocks, or in stocks with characteristics of both. Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. Value stock prices are considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often out of favor with other investors. However, if other investors fail to recognize the company's value (and do not become buyers, or become sellers), or favor investing in faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the investment manager or may decline even further.

There is additional risk with this Fund because it has a fairly concentrated portfolio and invests in a relatively smaller number of companies. Thus, for example, poor performance by several Fund holdings could adversely affect Fund performance more than a fund that holds a larger number of companies.

Management

Foreign Securities (non-U.S.)

More detailed information about the Fund and its policies and risks can be found in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

Management

The Fund is managed by a team of dedicated professionals. The portfolio managers of the team are as follows:

Serena Perin Vinton, CFA Senior Vice President of Advisers

Ms. Vinton has been the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since December 2017. She has primary responsibility for the investments of the Fund. She has final authority over all aspects of the Fund's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities, portfolio risk assessment, and the management of daily cash balances in accordance with anticipated investment management requirements. The degree to which she may perform these functions, and the nature of these functions, may change from time to time. She joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1991.

Chris Anderson Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst of Advisers

Mr. Anderson has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2013, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2012. Prior to joining Franklin Templeton Investments, he was an investment associate at Blum Capital Partners, an investment associate at Fox Paine & Company, and an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs.

CFA ^® and Chartered Financial Analyst ^® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts that they manage and their ownership of Fund shares.

TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING
The Fund pays Advisors a fee for managing the Fund's assets. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, Advisors agreed to reduce its fees to reflect reduced services resulting from the Fund's investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund. However, this fee reduction was less than 0.01% of the Fund's average net assets. In addition, Advisers and other affiliated service providers for the Fund have agreed to waive fees or to assume as their own certain expenses otherwise payable by the Fund so that the expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees and acquired fund fees and expenses) for each class of the Fund do not exceed (and could be less than) 1.00% (other than certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations and liquidations) until August 31, 2018. Under this fee and expense waiver, common fees and expenses of the Fund (including management, administration and other fees) will be waived equally among all classes and, to the extent necessary, transfer agency fees will be waived equally among all classes, except with respect to Class R6, for which its class-specific transfer agency fees may be waived in a different amount. The management fees before and after such waiver were 0.95% and 0.73%, respectively.

Manager of Managers Structure

Financial Highlights

Class A		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 15.20	$ 13.12	$ 15.29	$ 13.38	$ 10.63
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.04	-0.01	0.07 ^c	-0.01	0.03
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	1.16	2.09	-1.83	2.23	2.92
Total from investment operations	1.12	2.08	-1.76	2.22	2.95
Less distributions from:
Net investment income	—	—	-0.06	—	-0.07
Net realized gains	—	—	-0.35	-0.31	-0.13
Total distributions	—	—	-0.41	-0.31	-0.20
Net asset value, end of year	$ 16.32	$ 15.20	$ 13.12	$ 15.29	$ 13.38
Total return ^d	7.37%	15.85%	-11.70%	16.84%	28.00%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.54%	1.47%	1.46%	1.54%	1.73%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.25% ^e	1.24% ^e	1.25%	1.28%	1.22%
Net investment income (loss)	-0.25%	-0.04%	0.48% ^c	-0.07%	0.23%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 65,565	$ 77,733	$ 100,483	$ 92,612	$ 40,372
Portfolio turnover rate	93.43%	17.45%	35.56%	25.55%	43.30%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Net investment income per share includes approximately $0.06 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.02%.

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

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

Class C		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 14.46	$ 12.58	$ 14.73	$ 12.98	$ 10.36
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.15	-0.10	-0.04 ^c	-0.11	-0.06
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	1.11	1.98	-1.76	2.17	2.84
Total from investment operations	0.96	1.88	-1.80	2.06	2.78
Less distributions from:
Net investment income	—	—	—	—	-0.03
Net realized gains	—	—	-0.35	-0.31	-0.13
Total distributions	—	—	-0.35	-0.31	-0.16
Net asset value, end of year	$ 15.42	$ 14.46	$ 12.58	$ 14.73	$ 12.98
Total return ^d	6.64%	14.94%	-12.31%	16.12%	26.99%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	2.29%	2.21%	2.20%	2.24%	2.43%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	2.00% ^e	1.98% ^e	1.99%	1.98%	1.92%
Net investment income (loss)	-1.00%	-0.78%	-0.26% ^c	-0.77%	-0.47%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 18,103	$ 20,341	$ 25,119	$ 18,758	$ 6,666
Portfolio turnover rate	93.43%	17.45%	35.56%	25.55%	43.30%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

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

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

Class R		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 15.01	$ 12.98	$ 15.15	$ 13.28	$ 10.56
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.06	-0.03	0.03 ^c	-0.04	0.01
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	1.13	2.06	-1.81	2.22	2.90
Total from investment operations	1.07	2.03	-1.78	2.18	2.91
Less distributions from:
Net investment income	—	—	-0.04	—	-0.06
Net realized gains	—	—	-0.35	-0.31	-0.13
Total distributions	—	—	-0.39	-0.31	-0.19
Net asset value, end of year	$ 16.08	$ 15.01	$ 12.98	$ 15.15	$ 13.28
Total return	7.13%	15.64%	-11.91%	16.66%	27.70%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.70%	1.64%	1.69%	1.74%	1.93%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.41% ^d	1.41% ^d	1.48%	1.48%	1.42%
Net investment income (loss)	-0.41%	-0.21%	0.25% ^c	-0.27%	0.03%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 137	$ 166	$ 273	$ 169	$ 124
Portfolio turnover rate	93.43%	17.45%	35.56%	25.55%	43.30%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

Class R6		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014 ^a
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 15.44	$ 13.27	$ 15.46	$ 13.49	$ 10.54
Income from investment operations: ^b
Net investment income ^c	0.11	0.05	0.12 ^d	0.05	0.07
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	1.09	2.12	-1.85	2.27	3.11
Total from investment operations	1.20	2.17	-1.73	2.32	3.18
Less distributions from:
Net investment income	—	—	-0.11	-0.04	-0.10
Net realized gains	—	—	-0.35	-0.31	-0.13
Total distributions	—	—	-0.46	-0.35	-0.23
Net asset value, end of year	$ 16.64	$ 15.44	$ 13.27	$ 15.46	$ 13.49
Total return	7.77%	16.35%	-11.32%	17.45%	30.43%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.12%	1.06%	1.04%	1.09%	2.28%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.84% ^e	0.84% ^e	0.85%	0.83%	0.77%
Net investment income	0.16%	0.36%	0.88% ^d	0.38%	0.68%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 939	$ 20,401	$ 33,640	$ 25,739	$ 14
Portfolio turnover rate	93.43%	17.45%	35.56%	25.55%	43.30%

a. For the year May 1, 2013 (effective date) to April 30, 2014.

c. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Net investment income per share includes approximately $0.06 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.42%.

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

Advisor Class		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 15.39	$ 13.25	$ 15.44	$ 13.48	$ 10.70
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income ^b	— ^c	0.03	0.10 ^d	0.04	0.07
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	1.18	2.11	-1.85	2.25	2.93
Total from investment operations	1.18	2.14	-1.75	2.29	3.00
Less distributions from:
Net investment income	—	—	-0.09	-0.02	-0.09
Net realized gains	—	—	-0.35	-0.31	-0.13
Total distributions	—	—	-0.44	-0.33	-0.22
Net asset value, end of year	$ 16.57	$ 15.39	$ 13.25	$ 15.44	$ 13.48
Total return	7.67%	16.15%	-11.45%	17.25%	28.27%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.29%	1.22%	1.20%	1.24%	1.43%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.00% ^e	0.99% ^e	0.99%	0.98%	0.92%
Net investment income	—% ^f	0.21%	0.74% ^d	0.23%	0.53%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 10,450	$ 13,077	$ 10,736	$ 9,914	$ 6,990
Portfolio turnover rate	93.43%	17.45%	35.56%	25.55%	43.30%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

f. Rounds to less than 0.01%.

Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund

The Fund is closed to most new investors, except that: (1) existing shareholders who had an open and funded account on February 12, 2015 can continue to invest through exchanges and additional purchases; and (2) effective April 28, 2017, Class R6 shares of the Fund opened to new investors who are eligible to purchase Class R6 shares. In addition, the following categories of investors may continue to open new accounts in the Fund: (1) clients of discretionary investment allocation programs where such programs had investments in the Fund prior to the close of the NYSE on February 12, 2015; (2) employer sponsored retirement plans or benefit plans and their participants where the Fund was available to participants prior to the close of the NYSE on February 12, 2015; (3) employer sponsored retirement plans or benefit plans that approved the Fund as an investment option prior to the close of the NYSE on February 12, 2015, but had not opened an account as of that date, provided that the initial account was opened with the Fund on or prior to June 12, 2015; (4) other Franklin Templeton Funds and funds for which Franklin Templeton investment managers provide advisory or sub-advisory services upon prior approval by the Fund’s investment manager; (5) trustees and officers of the Trust; and (6) members of the Fund’s portfolio management team. The Fund reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

Investment Goal

The Fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.

Principal Investment Policies and Practices

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of small cap companies. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days' advance notice of any change to this policy. The equity securities in which the Fund invests are predominantly common stock.

TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING
For this Fund, small cap companies are companies with market capitalizations not exceeding (i) $1.5 billion or (ii) the highest market capitalization in the Russell 2000 ^® Index, whichever is greater, at the time of purchase. That index consists of 2,000 small companies that have publicly traded securities, and its largest company had a market capitalization of $5.9 billion as of June 30, 2017. Market capitalization is defined as share price multiplied by the number of common stock shares outstanding. The investment manager may continue to hold an investment for further capital growth opportunities even if, through market appreciation, the company's market capitalization exceeds these small cap measures.

In addition to the Fund's main investments, the Fund may invest in equity securities of larger companies. An equity security represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company; its value is based on the success of the company's business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets, and general market conditions. Common stocks and preferred stocks are examples of equity securities. When suitable opportunities are available, the Fund may invest in initial public offerings of securities.

The Fund, from time to time, may have significant positions in particular sectors such as information technology (including electronic technology, technology services, software and internet services), industrials, consumer discretionary and healthcare.

Portfolio Selection

The investment manager uses fundamental, "bottom-up" research to seek companies meeting its criteria of growth potential, quality and valuation. In seeking sustainable growth characteristics, the investment manager looks for companies it believes can produce sustainable earnings and cash flow growth, evaluating the long-term market opportunity and competitive structure of an industry. The investment manager defines quality companies as those with strong and improving competitive positions in attractive markets. The investment manager also believes important attributes of quality are experienced and talented management teams as well as financial strength reflected in the capital structure, gross and operating margins, free cash flow generation and returns on capital employed. The investment manager’s valuation analysis includes a range of potential outcomes based on an assessment of multiple scenarios. In assessing value, the investment manager considers whether security prices fully reflect the balance of the sustainable growth opportunities relative to business and financial risks.

Temporary Investments

Principal Risks

Market

Smaller Companies

While investments in smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth, they also involve substantial risks and should be considered speculative. Historically, securities issued by smaller companies have been more volatile in price than larger company securities, especially over the short term. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects of smaller companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller companies to changing economic conditions.

In addition, smaller companies may lack depth of management, be unable to generate funds necessary for growth or development, have limited product lines or be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established. Smaller companies may be particularly affected by interest rate increases, as they may find it more difficult to borrow money to continue or expand operations, or may have difficulty in repaying loans, particularly those with floating interest rates.

Growth Style Investing

Liquidity

Liquidity risk exists when the markets for particular securities or types of securities or other investments are or become relatively illiquid so that the Fund is unable, or it becomes more difficult for the Fund, to sell the security or other investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the security. Illiquidity may result from political, economic or issuer specific events; supply/demand imbalances; changes in a specific market’s size or structure, including the number of participants; or overall market disruptions. Securities or other investments with reduced liquidity or that become illiquid may involve greater risk than securities with more liquid markets. Market prices or quotations for illiquid securities may be volatile, and there may be large spreads between bid and ask prices. Reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and the Fund's ability to sell particular securities when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs, which may arise or increase in response to a specific economic event or because the investment manager wishes to purchase particular investments or believes that a higher level of liquidity would be advantageous. To the extent that the Fund and its affiliates hold a significant portion of an issuer's outstanding securities, the Fund may be subject to greater liquidity risk than if the issuer's securities were more widely held.

Focus

Healthcare technology companies. These companies will be affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters. In addition, this industry is characterized by competition and rapid technological developments that may make a company’s products or services obsolete in a short period of time.

Management

More detailed information about the Fund and its policies and risks can be found in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

Management

Michael McCarthy, CFA Executive Vice President of Advisers

Mr. McCarthy has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception and assumed duties of lead portfolio manager of the Fund in 2004. He has primary responsibility for the investments of the Fund and has final authority over all aspects of the Fund's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities, portfolio risk assessment, and the management of daily cash balances in accordance with anticipated investment management requirements. The degree to which he may perform these functions, and the nature of these functions, may change from time to time. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1992.

Bradley T. Carris, CFA Portfolio Manager of Advisers

Mr. Carris has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2004, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2001.

CFA ^® and Chartered Financial Analyst ^® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts that they manage and their ownership of Fund shares.

Manager of Managers Structure

Financial Highlights

Class A		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 19.60	$ 16.37	$ 18.83	$ 18.20	$ 14.26
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.13	-0.11	-0.08	-0.12	-0.15
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	3.96	3.34	-2.03	1.57	4.75
Total from investment operations	3.83	3.23	-2.11	1.45	4.60
Less distributions from net realized gains	-0.42	—	-0.35	-0.82	-0.66
Net asset value, end of year	$ 23.01	$ 19.60	$ 16.37	$ 18.83	$ 18.20
Total return ^c	19.71%	19.73%	-11.28%	8.34%	32.40%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.11%	1.10%	1.13%	1.16%	1.20%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.10% ^d	1.08% ^d	1.11% ^d	1.16% ^e	1.20% ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-0.61%	-0.61%	-0.44%	-0.66%	-0.85%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 665,251	$ 719,752	$ 792,072	$ 1,164,218	$ 851,317
Portfolio turnover rate	29.82%	29.93%	43.99%	30.15%	40.35%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

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

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class C		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 16.71	$ 14.07	$ 16.36	$ 16.03	$ 12.70
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.25	-0.21	-0.18	-0.22	-0.24
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	3.37	2.85	-1.76	1.37	4.23
Total from investment operations	3.12	2.64	-1.94	1.15	3.99
Less distributions from net realized gains	-0.42	—	-0.35	-0.82	-0.66
Net asset value, end of year	$ 19.41	$ 16.71	$ 14.07	$ 16.36	$ 16.03
Total return ^c	18.79%	18.76%	-11.95%	7.58%	31.57%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.86%	1.85%	1.88%	1.87%	1.90%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.85% ^d	1.83% ^d	1.86% ^d	1.87% ^e	1.90% ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-1.36%	-1.36%	-1.19%	-1.37%	-1.55%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 132,116	$ 142,539	$ 157,175	$ 225,105	$ 187,271
Portfolio turnover rate	29.82%	29.93%	43.99%	30.15%	40.35%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

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

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class R		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 18.74	$ 15.70	$ 18.11	$ 17.57	$ 13.81
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.17	-0.15	-0.12	-0.16	-0.18
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	3.78	3.19	-1.94	1.52	4.60
Total from investment operations	3.61	3.04	-2.06	1.36	4.42
Less distributions from net realized gains	-0.42	—	-0.35	-0.82	-0.66
Net asset value, end of year	$ 21.93	$ 18.74	$ 15.70	$ 18.11	$ 17.57
Total return	19.37%	19.36%	-11.46%	8.12%	32.15%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.36%	1.35%	1.38%	1.37%	1.40%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.35% ^c	1.33% ^c	1.36% ^c	1.37% ^d	1.40% ^d
Net investment income (loss)	-0.86%	-0.86%	-0.69%	-0.87%	-1.05%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 71,398	$ 79,995	$ 79,929	$ 92,455	$ 51,190
Portfolio turnover rate	29.82%	29.93%	43.99%	30.15%	40.35%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class R6		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014 ^a
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 21.06	$ 17.52	$ 20.02	$ 19.21	$ 14.64
Income from investment operations: ^b
Net investment income (loss) ^c	-0.03	-0.03	0.01	-0.03	-0.06
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	4.27	3.57	-2.16	1.66	5.29
Total from investment operations	4.24	3.54	-2.15	1.63	5.23
Less distributions from net realized gains	-0.42	—	-0.35	-0.82	-0.66
Net asset value, end of year	$ 24.88	$ 21.06	$ 17.52	$ 20.02	$ 19.21
Total return	20.23%	20.21%	-10.81%	8.91%	35.80%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	0.65%	0.63%	0.63%	0.66%	0.72%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.63% ^d	0.61% ^d	0.61% ^d	0.66% ^e	0.72% ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-0.14%	-0.14%	0.06%	-0.16%	-0.37%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 935,509	$ 858,972	$ 846,724	$ 844,293	$ 87,777
Portfolio turnover rate	29.82%	29.93%	43.99%	30.15%	40.35%

a. For the year May 1, 2013 (effective date) to April 30, 2014.

c. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Advisor Class		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 20.88	$ 17.41	$ 19.94	$ 19.17	$ 14.94
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.08	-0.07	-0.04	-0.07	-0.11
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	4.23	3.54	-2.14	1.66	5.00
Total from investment operations	4.15	3.47	-2.18	1.59	4.89
Less distributions from net realized gains	-0.42	—	-0.35	-0.82	-0.66
Net asset value, end of year	$ 24.61	$ 20.88	$ 17.41	$ 19.94	$ 19.17
Total return	19.97%	19.93%	-11.06%	8.65%	32.87%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	0.86%	0.85%	0.88%	0.87%	0.90%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.85% ^c	0.83% ^c	0.86% ^c	0.87% ^d	0.90% ^d
Net investment income (loss)	-0.36%	-0.36%	-0.19%	-0.37%	-0.55%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 713,135	$ 805,661	$ 850,975	$ 1,077,822	$ 427,406
Portfolio turnover rate	29.82%	29.93%	43.99%	30.15%	40.35%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

Investment Goal

The Fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.

Principal Investment Policies and Practices

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of small cap and mid cap companies. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days' advance notice of any change to this policy. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests predominantly in equity securities, predominantly in common stock.

TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING
For this Fund, small-cap companies are companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell 2500™ Index, at the time of purchase, and mid-cap companies are companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell Midcap ^® Index, at the time of purchase. As of June 30, 2017, the Russell 2500™ Index largest company had a market capitalization of $11.8 billion and the largest company for the Russell Midcap ^® Index had a market capitalization of $31.1 billion. Market capitalization is defined as share price multiplied by the number of common stock shares outstanding. In most instances, the investment manager intends to continue to hold an investment for further capital growth opportunities even if, through market appreciation, the company's market capitalization exceeds the small or mid cap measures described above.

In addition to the Fund's main investments, the Fund may invest in equity securities of larger companies. An equity security represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company; its value is based on the success or failure of the company's business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets, and general market conditions. Common stocks and preferred stocks are examples of equity securities.

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in foreign securities.

Portfolio Selection

Temporary Investments

Principal Risks

Market

Growth Style Investing

Smaller and Midsize Companies

Focus

Liquidity

Foreign Securities (non-U.S.)

Management

More detailed information about the Fund and its policies and risks can be found in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

Management

Edward B. Jamieson President of Advisers

Mr. Jamieson has been the lead portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception. He has primary responsibility for the investments of the Fund. He has final authority over all aspects of the Fund's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities, portfolio risk assessment, and the management of daily cash balances in accordance with anticipated investment management requirements. The degree to which he may perform these functions, and the nature of these functions, may change from time to time. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1987.

John P. Scandalios, CFA Vice President of Advisers

Mr. Scandalios has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2016, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1996.

Michael McCarthy, CFA Executive Vice President of Advisers

Mr. McCarthy has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 1993, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1992.

James Cross, CFA Portfolio Manager of Advisers

Mr. Cross has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2005, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1998.

CFA ^® and Chartered Financial Analyst ^® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts that they manage and their ownership of Fund shares.

Financial Highlights

Class A		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 34.35	$ 31.84	$ 38.38	$ 40.42	$ 38.01
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.15	-0.11	-0.03 ^c	-0.14	-0.20
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	4.97	4.73	-3.37	5.71	8.39
Total from investment operations	4.82	4.62	-3.40	5.57	8.19
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.10	-2.11	-3.14	-7.61	-5.78
Net asset value, end of year	$ 36.07	$ 34.35	$ 31.84	$ 38.38	$ 40.42
Total return ^d	14.28%	15.01%	-9.02%	15.78%	21.99%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.02%	0.95%	0.96%	0.94%	0.96%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.00% ^e	0.94% ^e	0.95% ^e	0.94% ^f	0.96% ^e, ^f
Net investment income (loss)	-0.41%	-0.34%	-0.08% ^c	-0.35%	-0.48%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 2,262,471	$ 2,303,113	$ 2,231,822	$ 2,535,853	$ 2,371,448
Portfolio turnover rate	38.35%	35.46%	38.72%	47.98%	40.82%

a. The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations in the annual report 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.

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

c. Net investment income per share includes approximately $0.11 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been (0.38)%.

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

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class C		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 25.59	$ 24.40	$ 30.43	$ 33.78	$ 32.80
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.31	-0.27	-0.23 ^c	-0.36	-0.43
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	3.66	3.57	-2.66	4.62	7.19
Total from investment operations	3.35	3.30	-2.89	4.26	6.76
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.10	-2.11	-3.14	-7.61	-5.78
Net asset value, end of year	$ 25.84	$ 25.59	$ 24.40	$ 30.43	$ 33.78
Total return ^d	13.39%	14.15%	-9.72%	14.96%	21.04%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.77%	1.70%	1.71%	1.69%	1.71%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.75% ^e	1.69% ^e	1.70% ^e	1.69% ^f	1.71% ^e, ^f
Net investment income (loss)	-1.16%	-1.09%	-0.83% ^c	-1.10%	-1.23%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 334,769	$ 371,262	$ 377,024	$ 448,722	$ 404,923
Portfolio turnover rate	38.35%	35.46%	38.72%	47.98%	40.82%

a. The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations in the annual report 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.

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

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

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class R		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 31.87	$ 29.75	$ 36.18	$ 38.61	$ 36.61
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.22	-0.18	-0.11 ^c	-0.23	-0.29
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	4.60	4.41	-3.18	5.41	8.07
Total from investment operations	4.38	4.23	-3.29	5.18	7.78
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.10	-2.11	-3.14	-7.61	-5.78
Net asset value, end of year	$ 33.15	$ 31.87	$ 29.75	$ 36.18	$ 38.61
Total return	14.00%	14.70%	-9.24%	15.52%	21.66%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	1.26%	1.19%	1.21%	1.19%	1.21%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	1.24% ^d	1.18% ^d	1.20% ^d	1.19% ^e	1.21% ^d, ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-0.65%	-0.58%	-0.33% ^c	-0.60%	-0.73%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 70,692	$ 81,864	$ 86,989	$ 96,593	$ 85,921
Portfolio turnover rate	38.35%	35.46%	38.72%	47.98%	40.82%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Class R6		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014 ^a
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 37.51	$ 34.43	$ 41.04	$ 42.53	$ 38.96
Income from investment operations: ^b
Net investment income ^c	0.05	0.05	0.15 ^d	0.05	0.01
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	5.45	5.14	-3.62	6.07	9.34
Total from investment operations	5.50	5.19	-3.47	6.12	9.35
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.10	-2.11	-3.14	-7.61	-5.78
Net asset value, end of year	$ 39.91	$ 37.51	$ 34.43	$ 41.04	$ 42.53
Total return	14.90%	15.51%	-8.54%	16.32%	24.43%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	0.50%	0.48%	0.48%	0.48%	0.47%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.47% ^e	0.47% ^e	0.47% ^e	0.48% ^f	0.47% ^e, ^f
Net investment income	0.12%	0.13%	0.40% ^d	0.11%	0.01%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 275,835	$ 222,577	$ 242,237	$ 206,548	$ 157,153
Portfolio turnover rate	38.35%	35.46%	38.72%	47.98%	40.82%

a. For the year May 1, 2013 (effective date) to April 30, 2014.

c. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Net investment income per share includes approximately $0.11 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.10%.

e. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Advisor Class		Year Ended April 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year	$ 37.11	$ 34.15	$ 40.83	$ 42.44	$ 39.56
Income from investment operations: ^a
Net investment income (loss) ^b	-0.06	-0.03	0.06 ^c	-0.04	-0.10
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)	5.38	5.10	-3.60	6.04	8.76
Total from investment operations	5.32	5.07	-3.54	6.00	8.66
Less distributions from net realized gains	-3.10	-2.11	-3.14	-7.61	-5.78
Net asset value, end of year	$ 39.33	$ 37.11	$ 34.15	$ 40.83	$ 42.44
Total return	14.57%	15.28%	-8.79%	16.09%	22.30%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates	0.77%	0.70%	0.71%	0.69%	0.71%
Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates	0.75% ^d	0.69% ^d	0.70% ^d	0.69% ^e	0.71% ^d, ^e
Net investment income (loss)	-0.16%	-0.09%	0.17% ^c	-0.10%	-0.23%
Supplemental data
Net assets, end of year (000’s)	$ 520,842	$ 584,840	$ 551,176	$ 708,617	$ 650,426
Portfolio turnover rate	38.35%	35.46%	38.72%	47.98%	40.82%

b. Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d. Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

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

Distributions and Taxes

The information is provided with respect to each Fund (hereafter "the Fund").

Income and Capital Gain Distributions

As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to you. The Fund intends to pay income dividends at least annually from its net investment income. Capital gains, if any, may be paid at least annually. The Fund may distribute income dividends and capital gains more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on the Fund. The amount of any distribution will vary, and there is no guarantee the Fund will pay either income dividends or capital gain distributions. Your income dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares at net asset value (NAV) unless you elect to receive them in cash.

Annual statements. After the close of each calendar year, you will receive tax information from the Fund with respect to the federal income tax treatment of the Fund’s distributions and any taxable sales or exchanges of Fund shares occurring during the prior calendar year. If the Fund finds it necessary to reclassify its distributions or adjust the cost basis of any covered shares sold or exchanged after you receive your tax information, the Fund will send you revised tax information. Distributions declared in December to shareholders of record in such month and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid in December. Additional tax information about the Fund’s distributions is available at franklintempleton.com.

Avoid "buying a dividend." At the time you purchase your Fund shares, the Fund’s net asset value may reflect undistributed income, undistributed capital gains, or net unrealized appreciation in the value of the portfolio securities held by the Fund. For taxable investors, a subsequent distribution to you of such amounts, although constituting a return of your investment, would be taxable. Buying shares in the Fund just before it declares an income dividend or capital gain distribution is sometimes known as “buying a dividend.”

Tax Considerations

If you are a taxable investor, Fund distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income, capital gains or some combination of both. This is the case whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash.

Dividend income. Income dividends are generally subject to tax at ordinary rates. Income dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders as qualified dividend income may be subject to tax by individuals at reduced long-term capital gains tax rates provided certain holding period requirements are met. A return-of-capital distribution is generally not taxable but will reduce the cost basis of your shares, and will result in a higher capital gain or a lower capital loss when you later sell your shares.

Capital gains. Fund distributions of short-term capital gains are also subject to tax at ordinary rates. Fund distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains rates no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. For single individuals with taxable income not in excess of $38,600 in 2018 ($77,200 for married individuals filing jointly), the long-term capital gains tax rate is 0%. For single individuals and joint filers with taxable income in excess of these amounts but not more than $425,800 or $479,000, respectively, the long-term capital gains tax rate is 15%. The rate is 20% for single individuals with taxable income in excess of $425,800 and married individuals filing jointly with taxable income in excess of $479,000. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax may also be imposed as discussed below.

Sales of Fund shares. When you sell your shares in the Fund, or exchange them for shares of a different Franklin Templeton fund, you will generally recognize a taxable capital gain or loss. If you have owned your Fund shares for more than one year, any net long-term capital gains may qualify for the reduced rates of taxation on long-term capital gains. An exchange of your shares in one class of the Fund for shares of another class of the same Fund is not taxable and no gain or loss will be reported on the transaction.

Cost basis reporting. If you acquire shares in the Fund on or after January 1, 2012, generally referred to as “covered shares," and sell or exchange them after that date, the Fund is generally required to report cost basis information to you and the IRS annually. The Fund will compute the cost basis of your covered shares using the average cost method, the Fund’s “default method,” unless you contact the Fund to select a different method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your financial advisor or other broker-dealer, that firm may select a different default method. In these cases, please contact the firm to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. Shareholders should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal and state income tax returns. Additional information about cost basis reporting is available at franklintempleton.com/costbasis.

Medicare tax. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds a threshold amount. Any liability for this additional Medicare tax is reported on, and paid with, your federal income tax return.

Backup withholding. A shareholder may be subject to backup withholding on any distributions of income, capital gains, or proceeds from the sale or exchange of Fund shares if the shareholder has provided either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, has failed to certify that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or has not certified that the shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. State backup withholding may also apply.

State and local taxes. Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains, and gains from the sale of your Fund shares, are generally subject to state and local taxes.

Non-U.S. investors. Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at 30% or a lower treaty rate on Fund dividends of ordinary income. Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S. estate tax on the value of their shares. They are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements to avoid backup withholding, claim any exemptions from withholding and claim any treaty benefits. Exemptions from U.S. withholding tax are generally provided for capital gains realized on the sale of Fund shares, capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from net long-term capital gains, short-term capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from net short-term capital gains and interest-related dividends paid by the Fund from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources. However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding tax at source, any such dividends and distributions of income and capital gains will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 24% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person.

Other reporting and withholding requirements. Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution or a non-financial foreign entity within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on income dividends, and, after December 31, 2018, certain capital gain distributions, return-of-capital distributions and the gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares. The FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided by such foreign entity if it provides the Fund, and in some cases, the IRS, information concerning the ownership of certain foreign financial accounts or other appropriate certifications or documentation concerning its status under FATCA. The Fund may be required to report certain shareholder account information to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties to comply with FATCA.

Other tax information. This discussion of "Distributions and Taxes" is for general information only and is not tax advice. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding your particular circumstances, and about any federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences before making an investment in the Fund. Additional information about the tax consequences of investing in the Fund may be found in the SAI.

Your Account

Notice of Automatic Conversion of Class C Shares to Class A Shares after 10-Year Holding Period

At Board meetings held on February 26 and 27, 2018, the Board of Trustees approved an automatic conversion feature for the Fund’s Class C shares (which includes Class C1 shares as applicable) that will automatically convert shareholders’ Class C shares into Class A shares of the same Fund after they have been held for 10 years. After conversion, your new shares will be subject to Class A shares’ lower Rule 12b-1 fees. The conversion feature will become effective on or about October 5, 2018. Later that month Class C shares of the Fund that have been outstanding for 10 years or more will automatically convert to Class A shares of such Fund on the basis of the relative net asset values of the two classes. Thereafter, Class C shares of the Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares of such Fund on a monthly basis in the month of, or the month following, the 10-year anniversary of the Class C shares’ purchase date. Class C shares of the Fund acquired through automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions will convert to Class A shares of the Fund on the conversion date pro rata with the converting Class C shares of the Fund that were not acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions.

Shareholders will not pay a sales charge, including a contingent deferred sales charge, upon the conversion of their Class C shares to Class A shares pursuant to this conversion feature. The automatic conversion of the Fund’s Class C shares into Class A shares after the 10-year holding period is not expected to be a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisor regarding the state and local tax consequences of such conversions.

Class C shares held through a financial intermediary in an omnibus account will be converted into Class A shares only if the intermediary can document that the shareholder has met the required holding period. In certain circumstances, when shares are invested through retirement plans, omnibus accounts, and in certain other instances, the Fund and its agents may not have transparency into how long a shareholder has held Class C shares for purposes of determining whether such Class C shares are eligible for automatic conversion into Class A shares and the financial intermediary may not have the ability to track purchases to credit individual shareholders’ holding periods. This primarily occurs when shares are invested through certain record keepers for group retirement plans, where the intermediary cannot track share aging at the participant level. In these circumstances, the Fund will not be able to automatically convert Class C shares into Class A shares as described above. In order to determine eligibility for conversion in these circumstances, it is the responsibility of the shareholder or their financial intermediary to notify the Fund that the shareholder is eligible for the conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares, and the shareholder or their financial intermediary may be required to maintain and provide the Fund with records that substantiate the holding period of Class C shares. It is the financial intermediary’s (and not the Fund’s) responsibility to keep records and to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period. Please consult with your financial intermediary about your shares’ eligibility for this conversion feature.

Also effective October 5, 2018, new accounts or plans may not be eligible to purchase Class C shares of the Fund if it is determined that the intermediary cannot track shareholder holding periods to determine whether a shareholder’s Class C shares are eligible for conversion to Class A shares. Accounts or plans (and their successor, related and affiliated plans) that have Class C shares of the Fund available to participants on or before October 5, 2018, may continue to open accounts for new participants in such share class and purchase additional shares in existing participant accounts. The Fund has no responsibility for overseeing, monitoring or implementing a financial intermediary’s process for determining whether a shareholder meets the required holding period for conversion.

A financial intermediary may sponsor and/or control accounts, programs or platforms that impose a different conversion schedule or different eligibility requirements for the conversion of Class C shares into Class A shares. In these cases, Class C shareholders may convert to Class A shares under the policies of the financial intermediary and the conversion may be structured as an exchange of Class C shares for Class A shares of the same Fund. Financial intermediaries will be responsible for making such exchanges in those circumstances. Please consult with your financial intermediary if you have any questions regarding your shares’ conversion from Class C shares to Class A shares.

Choosing a Share Class

Each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your situation. Your investment representative (financial advisor) can help you decide. Investors may purchase Class C or Class R shares only for Fund accounts on which they have appointed an investment representative (financial advisor) of record. Investors who have not appointed an investment representative (financial advisor) to existing Class C or Class R share Fund accounts may not make additional purchases to those accounts but may exchange their shares for shares of a Franklin Templeton fund that offers Class C or Class R shares. Dividend and capital gain distributions may continue to be reinvested in existing Class C or Class R share Fund accounts. These provisions do not apply to Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans.

Class A	Class C	Class R	Class R6	Advisor Class
Initial sales charge of 5.75% or less	No initial sales charge	No initial sales charge	See "Qualified Investors - Class R6" below	See "Qualified Investors - Advisor Class" below
Deferred sales charge of 1% on purchases of $1 million or more sold within 18 months	Deferred sales charge of 1% on shares you sell within 12 months	Deferred sales charge is not applicable
Lower annual expenses than Class C or R due to lower distribution fees	Higher annual expenses than Class A due to higher distribution fees	Higher annual expenses than Class A due to higher distribution fees (lower than Class C)

Class A, C & R

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary. Different intermediaries may impose different sales charges (including potential reductions in or waivers of sales charges) other than those listed below. Such intermediary-specific sales charge variations are described in Appendix A to this prospectus, entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers." Appendix A is incorporated herein by reference (is legally a part of this prospectus).

In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.

Sales Charges - Class A
when you invest this amount	the sales charge makes up this % of the offering price ¹	which equals this % of your net investment ¹
Under $50,000	5.75	6.10
$50,000 but under $100,000	4.50	4.71
$100,000 but under $250,000	3.50	3.63
$250,000 but under $500,000	2.50	2.56
$500,000 but under $1 million	2.00	2.04

1. The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the offering price of the shares purchased (which factors in the applicable sales charge in this table) and the net asset value of those shares. Since the offering price is calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding criteria, the number of shares purchased and the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and of your net investment may be higher or lower depending on whether there was a downward or upward rounding.

Sales Charge Reductions

Quantity discounts. We offer two ways for you to combine your current purchase of Class A Fund shares with other existing Franklin Templeton fund share holdings that might enable you to qualify for a lower sales charge with your current purchase. You can qualify for a lower sales charge when you reach certain "sales charge breakpoints." This quantity discount information is also available free of charge at franklintempleton.com/quantity-discounts. This web page can also be reached at franklintempleton.com by clicking the "Products & Planning" tab and then choosing "Quantity Discounts for Class A Shares" under "Fund Resources."

1. Cumulative quantity discount - lets you combine certain existing holdings of Franklin Templeton fund shares - referred to as "cumulative quantity discount eligible shares" - with your current purchase of Class A shares to determine if you qualify for a sales charge breakpoint.

Cumulative quantity discount eligible shares are Franklin Templeton fund shares registered to (or held by a financial intermediary for):

You, individually;
Your "family member," defined as your spouse or domestic partner, as recognized by applicable state law, and your children under the age of 21;
You jointly with one or more family members;
You jointly with another person(s) who is (are) not family members if that other person has not included the value of the jointly-owned shares as cumulative quantity discount eligible shares for purposes of that person’s separate investments in Franklin Templeton fund shares;
A Coverdell Education Savings account for which you or a family member is the identified responsible person;
A trustee/custodian of an IRA (which includes a Roth IRA and an employer sponsored IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA) or your non-ERISA covered 403(b) plan account, if the shares are registered/recorded under your or a family member's Social Security number;
A 529 college savings plan over which you or a family member has investment discretion and control;
Any entity over which you or a family member has (have) individual or shared authority, as principal, has investment discretion and control (for example, an UGMA/UTMA account for a child on which you or a family member is the custodian, a trust on which you or a family member is the trustee, a business account [not to include retirement plans] for your solely owned business [or the solely owned business of a family member] on which you or a family member is the authorized signer);
A trust established by you or a family member as grantor.

Franklin Templeton fund shares held through an administrator or trustee/custodian of an Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (see definition below) such as a 401(k) plan do not qualify for a cumulative quantity discount.

Franklin Templeton fund assets held in multiple Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans may be combined in order to qualify for sales charge breakpoints at the plan level if the plans are sponsored by the same employer.

If you believe there are cumulative quantity discount eligible shares that can be combined with your current purchase to achieve a sales charge breakpoint (for example, shares held in a different broker-dealer’s brokerage account or with a bank or an investment advisor), it is your responsibility to specifically identify those shares to your financial advisor at the time of your purchase (including at the time of any future purchase). It may be necessary for you to provide your financial advisor with information and records (including account statements) of all relevant accounts invested in the Franklin Templeton funds. If you have not designated a financial advisor associated with your Franklin Templeton fund shares , it is your responsibility to specifically identify any cumulative quantity discount eligible shares to the Fund’s transfer agent at the time of any purchase.

If there are cumulative quantity discount eligible shares that would qualify for combining with your current purchase and you do not tell your financial advisor or the Franklin Templeton funds’ transfer agent at the time of any purchase, you may not receive the benefit of a reduced sales charge that might otherwise be available since your financial advisor and the Fund generally will not have that information.

The value of cumulative quantity discount eligible shares equals the current or cost value of those shares, whichever is higher. The current value of shares is determined by multiplying the number of shares as of the day prior to your current purchase by their public offering price on the day of your current purchase. The cost value of shares is determined by aggregating the amount you invested in cumulative quantity discount eligible shares (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation), less any withdrawals, as of the date prior to your current purchase. It is your responsibility to retain any records necessary to substantiate historical share costs because neither your current financial advisor nor the Franklin Templeton funds may have or maintain this information.

An "Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan" is a Qualified Retirement Plan, ERISA covered 403(b) plan and certain non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to a Qualified Retirement Plan, such as 457 plans and executive deferred compensation arrangements, but not including employer sponsored IRAs. A "Qualified Retirement Plan" is an employer sponsored pension or profit sharing plan that qualifies under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, including 401(k), money purchase pension, profit sharing and defined benefit plans.

2. Letter of intent (LOI) - expresses your intent to buy a stated dollar amount of "cumulative quantity discount eligible shares" (as defined in the "Cumulative quantity discount" section above) over a 13-month period and lets you receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been purchased at one time; however, purchases made under a right of reinvestment, appreciation of your holdings, and reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during the LOI period. We will reserve 5% of your total intended purchase in Class A shares registered in your name until you fulfill your LOI to cover any additional sales charge that may apply if you do not buy the amount stated in your LOI. It is your responsibility to tell your financial advisor when you believe you have fulfilled your LOI with sufficient cumulative quantity discount eligible shares. The value of your cumulative quantity discount eligible shares (as calculated in the “Cumulative quantity discount” section above) as of the day prior to your LOI start date may be counted toward fulfillment of your LOI. The cost value of cumulative quantity discount eligible shares, however, may only be aggregated for share purchases that took place within 18 months of the LOI start date.

To sign up for these programs, complete the appropriate section of your account application.

Franklin Templeton funds include all of the U.S. registered mutual funds of Franklin Templeton. They do not include the funds in the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust.

Sales Charge Waivers

Class A shares may be purchased without an initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) by certain investors. If you would like information about available sales charge waivers, call your investment representative or call Shareholder Services at (800) 632-2301.

Waivers for certain investors. The following investors or investments qualify to buy Class A shares without an initial sales charge or CDSC due to anticipated economies in sales efforts and expenses, including:

Current employees of securities dealers that have executed a selling agreement with Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) and their affiliates and their family members, as allowed by the internal policies of their employer.
Assets held in accounts managed by a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.: (1) under an advisory agreement (including sub-advisory agreements); and/or (2) as trustee of an inter vivos or testamentary trust.
Group annuity separate accounts offered to retirement plans.
Purchases by a bank, trust company or thrift institution that is acting as a fiduciary exercising investment discretion.
Advisory Fee Programs. Shares acquired by an investor in connection with a comprehensive fee or other advisory fee arrangement between the investor and a registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, trust company, bank, or other financial intermediary (referred to as the “Sponsor”) in which the investor pays that Sponsor a fee for investment advisory services and the Sponsor or a broker-dealer through whom the shares are acquired has an agreement with Distributors authorizing the sale of Fund shares. No minimum initial investment.
Clients of financial intermediaries who have entered into an agreement with Distributors and have been approved by Distributors to offer Fund shares through a network, platform or self-directed investment brokerage account that may charge a transaction or other fee to customers.
Shareholders who purchase directly from the Funds and not through any financial intermediary (i.e., Distributors is the broker of record).

Class C shares of Small-Mid Cap Fund may be purchased without limit or CDSC by the Franklin Charitable Giving Program.

Retirement plans. Provided that Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC is notified, Class A shares at NAV are available for:

Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans (“Plans” or individually, “Plan”) that invest through a record-keeper platform or third party retirement platform; or
Any investors who purchases shares with proceeds from an IRA for which Fiduciary Trust International of the South (FTIOS) is custodian.

Investments of $1 Million or More

If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or through our cumulative quantity discount or letter of intent programs, you can buy Class A shares without an initial sales charge. However, there is a 1% CDSC on any shares you sell within 18 months of purchase. The way we calculate the CDSC is the same for each class (please see “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) - Class A & C”).

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

Class A has a distribution plan, sometimes known as a Rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the Select U.S. Equity Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund and Small Cap Fund to pay distribution fees of up to 0.35% per year and Small-Mid Cap Fund to pay distribution fees of up to 0.25% per year, to those who sell and distribute Class A shares and provide other services to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of Class A's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. As set by the board of trustees (until further notice), the Select U.S. Equity, Growth Opportunities and Small Cap Fund's currently may pay up to 0.25% under the Class A plan.

We calculate the amount of these fees over a 12-month period that may differ from the Fund's fiscal year. Therefore, the amount shown from time to time in the Fund's fee table (which is based upon the Fund's fiscal year) may differ from the amount set forth in the Rule 12b-1 plan due to timing differences.

Sales Charges - Class C

With Class C shares, there is no initial sales charge.

We place any investment of $1 million or more in Class A shares, since Class A's annual expenses are lower.

CDSC

There is a 1% CDSC on any Class C shares you sell within 12 months of purchase. The way we calculate the CDSC is the same for each class (please see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) - Class A & C").

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

Class C has a distribution plan, sometimes known as a Rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the Fund to pay distribution and other fees of up to 1% per year for the sale of Class C shares and for services provided to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of Class C's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Sales Charges - Class R

With Class R shares, there is no initial sales charge.

Retirement Plans

Class R shares are available to the following investors:

Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans
Health Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts, either as a direct investment or as a separate or managed account.
IRAs on financial intermediary platforms approved by Distributors
Non-ERISA 403(b) plans
Certain other retirement accounts held through financial intermediaries that have been approved by Distributors.

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

Class R has a distribution plan, sometimes known as a Rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the Fund to pay distribution and other fees of up to 0.50% per year for the sale of Class R shares and for services provided to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of Class R's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) - Class A & C

The CDSC for each class is based on the current value of the shares being sold or their net asset value when purchased, whichever is less. There is no CDSC on shares you acquire by reinvesting your dividends or capital gain distributions.

To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares we will first sell any shares in your account that are not subject to a CDSC. If there are not enough of these to meet your request, we will sell the shares in the order they were purchased. We will use this same method if you exchange your shares into another Franklin Templeton fund (please see “Exchanging Shares”).

The holding period for the CDSC begins on the day you buy your shares. Your shares will age one month on that same date the next month and each following month. For example, if you buy shares on the 18th of the month, they will age one month on the 18th day of the next month and each following month.

Reinstatement Privilege

If you sell any class of shares of a Franklin Templeton Investments fund, you may reinvest all or a portion of the proceeds from that sale within 90 days within the same share class without an initial sales charge. If at the time of investment your shares are registered directly with the Fund’s transfer agent: Class C or Class R shares will be reinvested in Class A shares if the account does not have an investment representative of record; and, proceeds from the earlier sale of Class Z shares from another fund may also be reinvested in Class A shares.

This reinstatement privilege does not apply to: (i) a purchase of Fund shares made through a regularly scheduled automatic investment plan such as a purchase by a regularly scheduled payroll deduction or transfer from a bank account, or (ii) a purchase of Fund shares with proceeds from the sale of Franklin Templeton fund shares that were held indirectly through a non-Franklin Templeton individual or employer sponsored IRA.

In order to take advantage of this reinstatement privilege, you must inform your investment representative or the Fund's transfer agent of this privilege at the time of your investment.

Generally, if you paid a CDSC when you sold your Class A or Class C shares, Distributors will credit back to you the CDSC paid on the amount you are reinvesting within 90 days of the sale by adding it to the amount of your reinvestment. For Class A shares reinvested with a CDSC credit, a new CDSC will apply and the CDSC holding period will begin again. For Class C shares reinvested with a CDSC credit in Class A shares, you will not receive a CDSC credit in the new Class A shares and your reinvestment will not be subject to any otherwise applicable CDSC.

Qualified Investors - Class R6

Class R6 shares are available to the following investors:

Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of Franklin Templeton Investor Services.
Endowments; foundations; local, city and state governmental institutions; corporations; non-profit organizations that are organized as corporations; and insurance companies, (collectively “institutional investors”) when purchasing directly from a Fund. The minimum initial investment for institutional investors is $1,000,000 per Fund.
Unaffiliated U.S. registered mutual funds, including those that operate as "fund of funds."
Other Franklin Templeton funds and funds for which Franklin Templeton investment managers provide advisory or subadvisory services.
Intermediaries that execute an addendum to their selling agreement acknowledging that they are acting exclusively as agents of their clients in transacting in Class R6 shares.
Advisory Fee Programs. A registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, trust company, bank, or other financial intermediary (referred to as a “Sponsor”) that has an agreement with Distributors authorizing the sale of Fund shares and that acquires shares of the Fund for its clients in connection with a comprehensive fee or other advisory fee arrangement for which the client pays the Sponsor a fee for investment advisory services. No minimum initial investment.

Qualified Investors - Advisor Class

The following investors or investments qualify to buy Advisor Class shares of the Fund:

Advisory Fee Programs. Shares acquired by an investor in connection with a comprehensive fee or other advisory fee arrangement between the investor and a registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, trust company, bank, or other financial intermediary (referred to as the “Sponsor”) in which the investor pays that Sponsor a fee for investment advisory services and the Sponsor or a broker-dealer through whom the shares are acquired has an agreement with Distributors authorizing the sale of Fund shares. No minimum initial investment.
Governments, municipalities, and tax-exempt entities that meet the requirements for qualification under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code when purchasing direct from the Fund.
Current employees of securities dealers that have executed a selling agreement with Distributors and their affiliates and their family members, as allowed by the internal policies of their employer.
Current and former officers, trustees, directors, and full-time employees (and, in each case, their family members) of Franklin Templeton Investments or Franklin Templeton funds (including any foundation, trust or benefit plan maintained, owned, controlled, or established by or for any such person), consistent with our then-current policies. Minimum initial investment: $1,000 ($25 for accounts with an automatic investment plan).
Assets held in accounts managed by a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.: (1) under an advisory agreement (including sub-advisory agreements); and/or (2) as trustee of an inter vivos or testamentary trust.
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans (“Plans” or individually, “Plan”) that invest through a record-keeper or third party retirement platform.
Plans with aggregate plan assets of $1 million or more invested directly with Franklin Templeton Investments funds.
Purchases by a bank, trust company or thrift institution that is acting as a fiduciary exercising investment discretion.
Any trust or plan established as part of a qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.
An individual or entity associated with a current customer of Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC (FTI, LLC) if approved by FTI, LLC in consultation with its customers.
Unaffiliated U.S. registered mutual funds, including those that operate as "fund of funds."
Assets held in accounts under the recommendation of an investment consultant provided that (1) assets are held with a firm unaffiliated with the investment consultant’s firm; (2) the investment consultant is under a retainer or other similar fee arrangement with its clients; (3) the client is not an individual; and (4) a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. approves the investment.
Clients of financial intermediaries who have entered into an agreement with Distributors and have been approved by Distributors to offer Fund shares through a network, platform, or self-directed investment brokerage account that may charge a transaction or other fee to customers. Minimum initial investment $100,000.

Waivers for Exchanges between Classes of the Same Fund

Financial Intermediary Exchanges between Classes of the Same Fund. Exchanges between Classes of the same Fund as described below generally will be tax-free for federal income tax purposes. You should also consult with your tax advisor regarding the state and local tax consequences of such an exchange of Fund shares. These exchange privileges are subject to termination and may be amended from time to time.

Advisory Programs Eligible for Advisor Class or Class Z shares. Class A and Class C shares purchased by accounts participating in certain programs sponsored by and/or controlled by financial intermediaries (“Advisory Programs”) may be exchanged by the financial intermediary on behalf of the shareholder for Advisor Class shares of the same Fund under certain circumstances, including such Advisory Program’s eligibility to purchase Advisor Class shares of the Fund. Such exchange will be on the basis of each Class’ NAV per share, without the imposition of any sales charge, fee or other charge. Unless otherwise permitted, any CDSC owed must be paid on Class A and Class C shares that you wish to exchange.

Financial Intermediary Exchanges from Class C Shares to Class A Shares. Class C shares purchased through financial intermediaries may be exchanged by the financial intermediary on behalf of the shareholder for Class A shares of the same Fund under certain circumstances. Such exchange will be on the basis of each Class’ NAV per share, without the imposition of any sales charge, fee or other charge.

Buying Shares

Minimum Investments - Class A, C & R

	Initial
Regular accounts, UGMA/UTMA accounts, current and former full-time employees, officers, trustees and directors of Franklin Templeton entities, and their family members	$ 1,000
Automatic investment plans	$ 25
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans, SIMPLE-IRAs, SEP-IRAs, SARSEPs or 403(b) plan accounts	no minimum
IRAs, IRA rollovers, Coverdell Education Savings Plans or Roth IRAs	$ 250
Broker-dealer sponsored wrap account programs	no minimum

Please note that you may only buy shares (including the purchase side of an exchange) of a fund eligible for sale in your state or jurisdiction. The Fund and other Franklin Templeton funds are intended for sale to residents of the United States, and, with very limited exceptions, are not registered or otherwise offered for sale in other jurisdictions.

In particular, the Fund is not registered in any provincial or territorial jurisdiction in Canada, and shares of the Fund have not been qualified for sale in any Canadian jurisdiction. The shares offered by this prospectus may not be directly or indirectly offered or sold in any provincial or territorial jurisdiction in Canada or to or for the benefit of residents thereof. Prospective investors may be required to declare that they are not Canadian residents and are not acquiring shares on behalf of any Canadian residents. Similarly, the Fund is not registered, and shares of the Fund have not been qualified for distribution, in any member country of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), and may not be directly or indirectly offered or distributed in any such country. If an investor becomes a Canadian, EU or EEA resident after purchasing shares of the Fund, the investor will not be able to purchase any additional shares of the Fund (other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains) or exchange shares of the Fund for other U.S. registered Franklin Templeton funds.

Account Application

If you are opening a new account, please complete and sign the enclosed account application. Make sure you indicate the share class you have chosen. If you do not indicate a class, we will place your purchase in Class A shares. To save time, you can sign up now for services you may want on your account by completing the appropriate sections of the application (see "Investor Services"). For example, if you would like to link one of your bank accounts to your Fund account so that you may use electronic funds transfer to and from your bank account to buy and sell shares, please complete the bank information section of the application. We will keep your bank information on file for future purchases and redemptions. We do not accept cash, credit card convenience checks, non-bank money orders, travelers checks or checks drawn on foreign banks as forms of payment to purchase shares.

Buying Shares

	Opening an account	Adding to an account
Through your investment representative	Contact your investment representative	Contact your investment representative
By Phone/Online (800) 632-2301 franklintempleton.com Note: certain account types are not available for online account access.	If you have another Franklin Templeton fund account with your bank account information on file, you may open a new identically registered account by phone. To make a same day investment, your phone order must be received and accepted by us prior to 1 p.m. Pacific time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier. You may open certain new accounts online at franklintempleton.com.	Before requesting a telephone or online purchase into an existing account, please make sure we have your bank account information on file. If we do not have this information, you will need to send written instructions with your bank’s name and address and a voided check or savings account deposit slip. All bank and Fund account owners must sign the request. If the bank and Fund accounts do not have at least one common owner, each individual must also have his or her signature notarized. To make a same day investment, your phone or online order must be received and accepted by us prior to 1 p.m. Pacific time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier.
By Mail	Make your check payable to the Fund. Mail the check and your signed application to Investor Services.	Make your check payable to the Fund. Include your account number on the check. Fill out the deposit slip from your account statement. If you do not have a slip, include a note with your name, the Fund name, and your account number. Mail the check and deposit slip or note to Investor Services.
By Wire (800) 632-2301 or (650) 312-2000 collect	Call to receive a wire control number and wire instructions. Wire the funds and mail your signed application to Investor Services. Please include the wire control number or your new account number on the application. To make a same day wire investment, the wired funds must be received and accepted by us prior to 1 p.m. Pacific time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier.	Call to receive a wire control number and wire instructions. To make a same day wire investment, the wired funds must be received and accepted by us prior to 1 p.m. Pacific time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier.
By Exchange franklintempleton.com	Call Shareholder Services at (800) 632-2301, or send signed written instructions. You also may place an online exchange order. (Please see “Exchanging Shares” for more information on exchanges.)	Call Shareholder Services at (800) 632-2301, or send signed written instructions. You also may place an online exchange order. (Please see “Exchanging Shares” for more information on exchanges.)

Franklin Templeton Investor Services
P.O. Box 997151
Sacramento, CA 95899-7151
Call toll-free: (800) 632-2301
or visit us online 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, at franklintempleton.com

Investor Services

Automatic Investment Plan

This plan offers a convenient way for you to invest in the Fund by automatically transferring money from your checking or savings account each month to buy shares. To sign up, visit us online at franklintempleton.com or complete the appropriate section of your account application and mail it to Investor Services. If you are opening a new account, please include your minimum initial investment with your application. The Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund is currently closed to new investors. Please see first page of the “Fund Details” section for Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund for further information.

Automated Telephone System

Our automated system offers around-the-clock access to information about your account or any Franklin Templeton fund. This service is available by dialing any of the following numbers from a touch-tone phone:

Shareholder Services

(800) 632-2301

Advisor Services

(800) 524-4040

Retirement Services

(800) 527-2020

Distribution Options

You may reinvest distributions you receive from the Fund in an existing account in the same share class* of the Fund or another Franklin Templeton fund. Initial sales charges and CDSCs will not apply to reinvested distributions. You also can have your distributions deposited in a bank account, or mailed by check. Deposits to a bank account may be made by electronic funds transfer.

* Class C shareholders may reinvest their distributions in Class A shares of any Franklin Templeton money fund. Advisor Class shareholders may reinvest in Advisor Class or Class A shares of another Franklin Templeton fund. To reinvest your distributions in Advisor Class shares of another Franklin Templeton fund, you must be a current shareholder in Advisor Class or otherwise qualify to buy that fund's Advisor Class shares.

If you received a distribution and chose to return it to purchase additional shares in Class A shares of another Franklin Templeton fund, you will not be charged an initial sales charge if you invest the distribution within 90 days of the distribution date.

Please indicate on your application the distribution option you have chosen, otherwise we will reinvest your distributions in the same share class of the Fund.

Retirement Plans

Franklin Templeton Investments offers a variety of retirement plans for individuals and businesses. These plans require separate applications, may require special forms for redemptions, and their policies and procedures may be different than those described in this prospectus. For more information, including a free retirement plan brochure or application, please call Retirement Services at (800) 527-2020.

Telephone/Online Privileges

You will automatically receive telephone/online privileges when you open your account, allowing you to obtain or view your account information, and conduct a number of transactions by phone or online, including: buy, sell, or exchange shares of most funds; use electronic funds transfer to buy or sell shares of most funds; change your address; and add or change account services (including distribution options, systematic withdrawal plans and automatic investment plans).

To view your account information or request online transactions, you will first need to register for these services at the shareholder section of our website at franklintempleton.com. You will be asked to accept the terms of an online agreement(s) and establish a password for online services. If you are registered for online services, you may enroll online in Franklin Templeton’s electronic delivery program for your shareholder documents. This will allow you to receive electronic delivery (through our website) of most Franklin Templeton funds’ prospectuses, annual/semiannual reports to shareholders, and proxy statements, as well as your account(s) statements and trade confirmations, and discontinue receiving your paper copies through the U.S. mail. Using our shareholder website means you are consenting to sending and receiving personal financial information over the Internet, so you should be sure you are comfortable with the risks.

As long as we follow reasonable security procedures and act on instructions we reasonably believe are genuine, we will not be responsible for any losses that may occur from unauthorized requests. We will request passwords or other information, and also may record calls. We have the right (but have no obligation) to refuse a telephone request if the caller is unable to provide the requested information or if we reasonably believe the caller is not an individual authorized to act on the account. To help safeguard your account, keep your password confidential, and verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately after you receive them. Contact us immediately if you believe someone has obtained unauthorized access to your account or password. For transactions done over the Internet, we recommend the use of an Internet browser with 128-bit encryption. Certain methods of contacting us (such as by phone or by Internet) may be unavailable or delayed during periods of unusual market activity. Of course, you can choose not to register for online privileges. Additionally, if you don’t want telephone privileges, or want to discontinue telephone/online privileges at any time please contact us for instructions. You may reinstate these privileges at any time in writing, including online registration with respect to online privileges.

Note: We discourage you from including confidential or sensitive information in any Internet communication to us. If you do choose to send email (encrypted or not) to us over the Internet, you are accepting the associated risks of lack of confidentiality (such as the possibility that your personal information may be stolen or sold to others by third parties).

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

This plan allows you to automatically sell your shares and receive regular payments from your account. A CDSC may apply to withdrawals that exceed certain amounts. Certain terms and minimums apply. To sign up, visit us online at franklintempleton.com or contact us for instructions.

Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^®

You may be eligible for Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^® if you are currently eligible for the $500,000 sales charge breakpoint based solely on shares registered directly with the Franklin Templeton funds' transfer agent and excluding shares held indirectly through brokerage accounts. Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^® shareholders enjoy enhanced service and transaction capabilities. Please contact Shareholder Services at (800) 632-2301 for additional information on this program.

Selling Shares

You can sell your shares at any time. Please keep in mind that a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) may apply. Except for certain investors as previously described in “Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund” under “Fund Details” please keep in mind that if you sell all the shares in your Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund account, your account will be closed and you will not be able to buy additional Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund shares or to reopen your Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund account until the Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund reopens to new investors. The Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund reserves the right to modify these policies at any time.

Selling Shares in Writing

Generally, requests to sell $100,000 or less can be made over the phone, online, or with a simple letter. Sometimes, however, to protect you and the Fund we will need written instructions signed by all registered owners, with a signature guarantee for each owner, if:

you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares
you want your proceeds paid to someone who is not a registered owner
you want to send your proceeds somewhere other than the address of record, or preauthorized bank or brokerage firm account

We also may require a signature guarantee when: we receive instructions from an agent, not the registered owners; you want to send your proceeds to a bank account that was added or changed on your account without a signature guarantee within the last 15 days; you want to send proceeds to your address that was changed without a signature guarantee within the last 15 days; or we believe it would protect the Fund against potential claims based on the instructions received.

The amount may be higher for members of Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^® . Please see “Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^® ” above for more information regarding eligibility.

A signature guarantee helps protect your account against fraud. You can obtain a signature guarantee at most banks and securities dealers.

A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.

Selling Recently Purchased Shares

If you sell shares recently purchased, we may delay sending you the proceeds until your check, draft or wire/electronic funds transfer has cleared, which may take seven business days.

Redemption Proceeds

Your redemption check will be sent within seven days after we receive your request in proper form. We are not able to receive or pay out cash in the form of currency.

Retirement Plans

You may need to complete additional forms to sell shares in a FTIOS retirement plan. For participants under the age of 59 1/2, tax penalties may apply. Call Retirement Services at (800) 527-2020 for details.

Selling Shares

To sell some or all of your shares

Through your investment representative

Contact your investment representative

By Mail

Send written instructions and endorsed share certificates (if you hold share certificates) to Investor Services. Corporate, partnership or trust accounts may need to send additional documents.

Specify the Fund, the account number and the dollar value or number of shares you wish to sell. Be sure to include all necessary signatures and any additional documents, as well as signature guarantees if required.

A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address on the account, or otherwise according to your written instructions.

By Phone/Online

(800) 632-2301
franklintempleton.com

As long as your transaction is for $100,000 or less and you do not hold share certificates, you can sell your shares by phone or online. The amount may be higher for members of Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^® . Please see “Franklin Templeton VIP Services ^® ” above for more information regarding eligibility.

A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address on the account, or a pre-authorized secondary address. Written instructions, with a signature guarantee, are required to send the check to another address or to make it payable to another person.

If you have changed your address within the last 15 days without a signature guarantee, requests to sell your shares and mail the check to the name(s) and address on the account must be in writing and we may require a signature guarantee. Requests to sell your shares and send the proceeds to a pre-authorized secondary address may be requested by phone or online.

By Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH)

You can call, write, or visit us online to have redemption proceeds sent to a bank account. See the policies at left for selling shares by mail, phone, or online.

Before requesting to have redemption proceeds sent to a bank account, please make sure we have your bank account information on file. If we do not have this information, you will need to send written instructions with your bank’s name and a voided check or savings account deposit slip. All bank and Fund account owners must sign the request. If the bank and Fund accounts do not have at least one common owner, each individual must also have his or her signature notarized.

If the bank account was added or changed without a signature guarantee within the last 15 days, you may be required to provide written instructions signed by all Fund account owners, with a signature guarantee for each Fund account owner.

If we receive your request in proper form prior to 1 p.m. Pacific time, or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier, proceeds sent by ACH generally will be available within two to three business days.

By Exchange

Obtain a current prospectus for the fund you are considering. Prospectuses are available online at franklintempleton.com.

Call Shareholder Services at the number below or send signed written instructions. You also may place an exchange order online. See the policies at left for selling shares by mail, phone, or online.

If you hold share certificates, you will need to return them to the Fund before your exchange can be processed.

Franklin Templeton Investor Services
P.O. Box 997151
Sacramento, CA 95899-7151
Call toll-free: (800) 632-2301
or visit us online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at franklintempleton.com

Exchanging Shares

Exchange Privilege

Class A, C & R

You can exchange shares between most Franklin Templeton funds within the same class,* generally without paying any additional sales charges. If you exchange shares from a money fund and those shares were not charged a sales charge previously, however, a sales charge may apply.

* Class Z shareholders of Franklin Mutual Series Funds may exchange into Class A without any sales charge. Advisor Class shareholders of another Franklin Templeton fund also may exchange into Class A without any sales charge. If you exchange into Class A shares and you later decide you would like to exchange into a fund that offers an Advisor Class or Class Z, you may exchange your Class A shares for Advisor Class or Class Z shares if you are a current shareholder in Advisor Class or Class Z or you otherwise qualify to buy the fund's Advisor Class or Class Z shares.

Any CDSC will continue to be calculated from the date of your initial investment and will not be charged at the time of the exchange. The purchase price for determining a CDSC on exchanged shares will be the price you paid for the original shares.

Class R6

You can exchange your Class R6 shares for Class R6 shares of other Franklin Templeton funds. You also may exchange your Class R6 shares for Advisor Class shares of a fund that does not currently offer Class R6 shares.

Advisor Class

You can exchange your Advisor Class shares for Advisor Class shares of other Franklin Templeton funds. You also may exchange your Advisor Class shares for Class A shares of a fund that does not currently offer an Advisor Class (without any sales charge)* or for Class Z shares of Franklin Mutual Series Funds.

* If you exchange into Class A shares and you later decide you would like to exchange into a fund that offers an Advisor Class, you may exchange your Class A shares for Advisor Class shares if you are a current shareholder in Advisor Class or you otherwise qualify to buy the fund's Advisor Class shares.

All Classes

The remainder of the “Exchanging Shares” section applies to all classes.

Generally exchanges may only be made between identically registered accounts, unless you send written instructions with a signature guarantee.

An exchange is really two transactions: a sale of one fund and the purchase of another. In general, the same policies that apply to purchases and sales also apply to exchanges, including minimum investment amounts (except exchanges of an entire account balance). Exchanges also generally have the same tax consequences as ordinary sales and purchases.

Rejected exchanges. If the Fund rejects an exchange request involving the sale of Fund shares, the rejected exchange request will also mean rejection of the request to purchase shares of another fund with the proceeds of the sale. Of course, you may generally redeem shares of the Fund at any time.

Exchanges through financial intermediaries. If you are investing indirectly in the Fund through a financial intermediary such as a broker-dealer, a bank, an insurance company separate account, an investment advisor, an administrator or trustee of an IRS-recognized tax-deferred savings plan such as a 401(k) retirement plan and a 529 college savings plan that maintains a master account (an Omnibus Account) with the Fund for trading on behalf of its customers, different exchange and/or transfer limit guidelines and restrictions may apply. The financial intermediary through whom you are investing may choose to adopt different trading restrictions designed to discourage short-term or excessive trading. Consult with your financial intermediary (or in the case of a 401(k) retirement plan, your plan sponsor) to determine what trading restrictions, including exchange/transfer limitations, may be applicable to you.

Fund exchange privilege changes/waiver. The Fund may terminate or modify (temporarily or permanently) this exchange privilege in the future. You will receive at least 60 days' notice of any material changes, unless otherwise provided by law.

Other funds' exchange privileges. If there is a conflict between the exchange privileges of two funds involved in an exchange transaction, the stricter policy will apply to the transaction. Other Franklin Templeton funds may have different exchange restrictions. Check each fund's prospectus for details.

Exchange of shares into shares of the same Fund. The exchange of shares of one class into another class of the same Fund is not taxable for federal income tax purposes. However, shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the state and local tax consequences of a conversion or exchange of shares.

Frequent Trading Policy

The Fund's board of trustees has adopted the following policies and procedures with respect to frequent trading in Fund shares (Frequent Trading Policy).

The Fund does not intend to accommodate short-term or frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares that may be detrimental to the Fund. For example, this type of trading activity could interfere with the efficient management of the Fund's portfolio or materially increase the Fund's transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes.

Since the Fund may invest in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid ("relatively illiquid securities"), it may be particularly vulnerable to arbitrage short-term trading. Such arbitrage traders may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the Fund’s NAV and the latest indications of market values for those securities. One of the objectives of the Fund’s fair value pricing procedures is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage (please see "Account Policies - Fair Valuation - Individual Securities"); however, there can be no assurance that the Fund’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.

Through its transfer agent, the Fund performs ongoing monitoring of shareholder trading in shares of the Fund and other Franklin Templeton funds in order to try and identify shareholder trading patterns that suggest an ongoing short-term trading strategy. If shareholder trading patterns identified by the transfer agent through monitoring or from other information regarding the shareholder’s trading activity in non-Franklin Templeton funds leads the transfer agent to reasonably conclude that such trading may be detrimental to the Fund as described in this Frequent Trading Policy, the transfer agent, on behalf of the Fund, may temporarily or permanently bar future purchases into the Fund or, alternatively, may limit the amount, number or frequency of any future purchases and/or the method by which you may request future purchases and redemptions (including purchases and/or redemptions by an exchange or transfer between the Fund and any other mutual fund).

In considering an investor’s trading patterns, the Fund may consider, among other factors, the investor’s trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the Fund, in other Franklin Templeton funds, in non-Franklin Templeton mutual funds, or in accounts under common control or ownership (see, for example, “Buying and Selling Shares - Investment by asset allocators and large shareholders” in the SAI). The transfer agent may also reject any purchase or redemption request, whether or not it represents part of any ongoing trading pattern, if the Fund's investment manager or transfer agent reasonably concludes that the amount of the requested transaction may disrupt or otherwise interfere with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio. In determining what actions should be taken, the Fund's transfer agent may consider a variety of factors, including the potential impact of such remedial actions on the Fund and its shareholders. If the Fund is a "fund of funds," the Fund's transfer agent may take into account the impact of the trading activity and of any proposed remedial action on both the Fund and the affiliated underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

Frequent trading through financial intermediaries. You are an investor subject to this Frequent Trading Policy whether you are a direct shareholder of the Fund or you are investing indirectly in the Fund through a financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, bank, trust company, insurance company product such as an annuity contract, investment advisor, or an administrator or trustee of an IRS-recognized tax-deferred savings plan such as a 401(k) retirement plan and a 529 college savings plan.

Some financial intermediaries maintain master accounts with the Fund on behalf of their customers (“omnibus accounts”). The Fund has entered into “information sharing agreements” with these financial intermediaries, which permit the Fund to obtain, upon request, information about the trading activity of the intermediary’s customers that invest in the Fund. If the Fund’s transfer agent identifies omnibus account level trading patterns that have the potential to be detrimental to the Fund, the transfer agent may, in its sole discretion, request from the financial intermediary information concerning the trading activity of its customers. Based upon its review of the information, if the transfer agent determines that the trading activity of any customer may be detrimental to the Fund, it may, in its sole discretion, request the financial intermediary to restrict or limit further trading in the Fund by that customer. There can be no assurance that the transfer agent’s monitoring of omnibus account level trading patterns will enable it to identify all short-term trading by a financial intermediary’s customers.

Revocation of trades. While the Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order for any reason, the Fund may also revoke executed purchase orders that the transfer agent reasonably concludes in its sole discretion may have been contrary to the objectives of the Fund's Frequent Trading Policy.

Account Policies

Calculating Share Price

Class A & C

When you buy shares, you pay the "offering price" for the shares. The "offering price" is determined by dividing the NAV per share by an amount equal to 1 minus the sales charge applicable to the purchase (expressed in decimals), calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding criteria. The number of Fund shares you will be issued will equal the amount invested divided by the applicable offering price for those shares, calculated to three decimal places using standard rounding criteria. For example, if the NAV per share is $10.25 and the applicable sales charge for the purchase is 5.75%, the offering price would be calculated as follows: 10.25 divided by 1.00 minus 0.0575 [10.25/0.9425] equals 10.87533, which, when rounded to two decimal points, equals 10.88. The offering price per share would be $10.88.

When you sell shares, you receive the NAV minus any applicable CDSC.

All Classes

The value of a mutual fund is determined by deducting the fund’s liabilities from the total assets of the portfolio. The NAV per share is determined by dividing the total net asset value of each fund’s share class by the applicable number of shares outstanding per share class.

The Fund calculates the NAV per share each business day as of 1 p.m. Pacific time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), whichever is earlier. The Fund does not calculate the NAV on days the NYSE is closed for trading, which include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If the NYSE has a scheduled early close, the Fund’s share price would be determined as of the time of the close of the NYSE. If, due to weather or other special or unexpected circumstances, the NYSE has an unscheduled early close on a day that it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to consider that day as a regular business day and accept purchase and redemption orders and calculate its share price as of the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE. The Fund’s NAV per share for each class is readily available online at www.franklintempleton.com/performance.

Requests to buy and sell shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after we or an approved financial intermediary receive your request in proper form.

When determining its NAV, the Fund values cash and receivables at their realizable amounts, and records interest as accrued and dividends on the ex-dividend date. The Fund generally utilizes two independent pricing services to assist in determining a current market value for each security. If market quotations are readily available for portfolio securities listed on a securities exchange, the Fund values those securities at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively, or, if there is no reported sale, within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. The Fund values over-the-counter portfolio securities within the range of the most recent bid and ask prices. If portfolio securities trade both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange, the Fund values them according to the broadest and most representative market. Prices received by the Fund for securities may be based on institutional “round lot” sizes, but the Fund may hold smaller, “odd lot” sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than round lots.

Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times before 1 p.m. Pacific time. The value of these securities used in computing the NAV is determined as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the values of these securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and 1 p.m. Pacific time that will not be reflected in the computation of the NAV. The Fund relies on third-party pricing vendors to provide evaluated prices that reflect current fair market value at 1 p.m. Pacific time.

Fair Valuation – Individual Securities

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

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

Security Valuation – Foreign Securities – Computation of U.S. Equivalent Value

The Fund generally determines the value of a foreign security as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or as of 1 p.m. Pacific time. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at 1 p.m. Pacific time on the day that the value of the foreign security is determined. If no sale is reported at that time, the foreign security will be valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Occasionally events (such as repatriation limits or restrictions) may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using procedures established and approved by the board of trustees.

Accounts with Low Balances

If your account has been open for more than one year and its value falls below $500, we will mail you a notice asking you to bring the account back up to its applicable minimum investment amount. If you choose not to do so within 30 days, we will close your account and mail the proceeds to the address of record. You will not be charged a CDSC if your account is closed for this reason. This policy does not apply to: (1) certain broker-controlled accounts established through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Networking system; (2) Class A accounts established pursuant to a conversion from Class B; (3) tax-deferred retirement plan accounts; (4) active automatic investment plan accounts; (5) broker-dealer sponsored separately managed accounts (wrap accounts); (6) accounts held through a 529 college savings program; and (7) Coverdell Education Savings Plan accounts.

Redemptions

Typically, the Fund uses cash and cash equivalents held in its portfolio or sells portfolio assets to meet all redemption needs. In unusual circumstances or under stressed market conditions, the Fund may use other methods to meet redemptions, such as the use of lines of credit or interfund lending in reliance on exemptive relief from the SEC. Also, see “Account Policies – Redemptions in Kind” for information regarding redemption requests that exceed $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund’s assets, whichever is less.

Redemptions in Kind

If your redemption requests during any 90-day period exceed $250,000 (or 1% of the value of the Fund’s net assets, if less), the Fund reserves the right to make payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the Fund. You should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in the distribution. In addition, you will bear the market risk of the securities you hold until the securities are sold.

Statements, Reports and Prospectuses

You will receive quarterly account statements that show all your account transactions during the quarter. You also will receive written notification after each transaction affecting your account (except for distributions and transactions made through automatic investment or withdrawal programs, which will be reported on your quarterly statement). Upon receipt, review all account statements and written notifications after each transaction affecting your account and notify us immediately if there is a discrepancy.

You also will receive the Fund's financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated prospectus. To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and 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 and financial reports on our website.

If you choose, you may receive your statements, financial reports and prospectuses through electronic delivery (please see "Investor Services - Telephone/Online Privileges").

Investment Representative Account Access

If there is a dealer or other investment representative of record on your account, he or she will be able to obtain your account information, conduct transactions for your account, and also will receive copies of all notifications and statements and other information about your account directly from the Fund.

Street or Nominee Accounts

You may transfer your shares from the street or nominee name account of one dealer to another, as long as both dealers have an agreement with Distributors. We will process the transfer after we receive authorization in proper form from your delivering securities dealer.

Joint Accounts

Unless you specify a different registration, shares issued to two or more owners are registered as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (shown as "Jt Ten" on your account statement). To make any ownership changes to jointly owned shares, or to sever a joint tenancy in jointly owned shares, all owners must agree in writing.

Joint Account Risk with Telephone/Online Privileges

You will automatically receive telephone/online privileges when you open your account. If your account has more than one registered owner, telephone/online privileges allow the Fund to accept online registration for online services (including electronic delivery of shareholder documents) and transaction instructions online or by telephone from only one registered owner. This means that any one registered owner on your account, acting alone and without the consent of any other registered owner , may give the Fund instructions by telephone, online or in writing (subject to any limitations in telephone or online privileges) to:

Exchange shares from a jointly registered Fund account requiring all registered owner signatures into an identically registered money fund account that only requires one registered owner’s signature to redeem shares;
Redeem Fund shares and direct the redemption proceeds to a pre-established bank account that may or may not be owned by you and, if owned by you jointly with someone else, only requires one person to withdraw funds by check or otherwise; and
Purchase Fund shares by debiting a pre-established bank account that may be owned by you.

If you do NOT want another registered owner on your account to be able to issue these kinds of instructions to the Fund without your consent, you must instruct the Fund to deny/terminate online privileges and the ability to issue such instructions by telephone so that these types of instructions will only be accepted in writing signed by all account owners. This decision will apply to any other fund into which you may exchange your jointly owned Fund shares. Any later decision to permit these types of instructions by telephone and/or online will need to be given to the Fund in a written instruction signed by all registered owners.

Additional Policies

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

The Fund may restrict, reject or cancel any purchase orders, including an exchange request.
Typically, redemptions are processed by the next business day provided the redemption request is received in proper form and good order, but may take up to seven days to be processed if making immediate payment would adversely affect the Fund or there is another cause for delay (for example, if you sell shares recently purchased, proceeds may be delayed until your check, draft or wire/electronic funds transfer has cleared).
The Fund may modify, suspend, or terminate telephone/online privileges at any time.
The Fund may make material changes to or discontinue the exchange privilege on 60 days' notice or as otherwise provided by law.
The Fund may stop offering shares completely or may offer shares only on a limited basis, for a period of time or permanently.
In unusual circumstances, we may temporarily suspend redemptions or postpone the payment of proceeds, as allowed by federal securities laws.
For redemptions over a certain amount, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds in securities or other assets rather than cash if the investment manager determines it is in the best interest of the Fund, consistent with applicable law. Investors should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in the distribution.
You may only buy shares of a fund (including the purchase side of an exchange) eligible for sale in your state or jurisdiction.
To permit investors to obtain the current price, dealers are responsible for transmitting all orders to the Fund promptly.
For non-retirement accounts, if you are receiving a dividend, capital gains or a systematic withdrawal plan payment in cash, and at least three consecutive checks remain uncashed for at least six months, the Fund reserves the right to change your distribution option to reinvest future distributions or discontinue your systematic withdrawal plan.

Dealer Compensation

Class A, C & R

Qualifying dealers who sell Fund shares may receive sales commissions and other payments. These are paid by Distributors from sales charges received from purchasing or redeeming shareholders, from distribution and service (12b-1) fees from the Fund and from Distributors' other financial resources. Dealers may also receive shareholder servicing fees for servicing investors who indirectly hold Franklin Templeton fund shares through dealer-maintained brokerage accounts as more fully described under "Shareholder servicing and transfer agent" of the "Management and Other Services" section in the SAI. These fees are paid by the Fund's transfer agent from payments it receives under its agreement with the Fund.

No dealer commission will be paid on Class A NAV purchases by Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans.

If any dealer commissions are paid in connection with a purchase which is subsequently rejected or results in any trading restriction placed on the purchaser as a result of a determination by the Fund's investment manager or transfer agent that the purchase may be connected with trading activity that may be detrimental to the Fund as described in the Fund's "Frequent Trading Policy," the dealer shall, upon demand, refund such commissions to Distributors.

	Class A	Class C	Class R
Commission (%)	--	1.00 ¹	--
Investment under $50,000	5.00	--	--
$50,000 but under $100,000	3.75	--	--
$100,000 but under $250,000	2.80	--	--
$250,000 but under $500,000	2.00	--	--
$500,000 but under $1 million	1.60	--	--
$1 million or more	up to 1.00	--	--
12b-1 fee to dealer	0.25 ^2, ³	1.00 ⁴	0.50

1. Commission includes advance of the first year's 0.25% 12b-1 service fee. Distributors may pay a prepaid commission. However, Distributors does not pay a prepaid commission on any purchases by Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans.

2. For purchases at NAV where Distributors paid a prepaid commission, dealers may start to receive the 12b-1 fee in the 13th month after purchase. For purchases at NAV where Distributors did not pay a prepaid commission, dealers may start to receive the 12b-1 fee at the time of purchase.

3. Under the Distribution Plan for Class A, the Select U.S. Equity Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund and Small Cap Fund may pay up to 0.35% to Distributors or others, out of which 0.10% generally will be retained by Distributors for its distribution expenses. As set by the board of trustees (until further notice) currently the Select U.S. Equity, Growth Opportunities and Small Cap Fund's may pay up to 0.25% under the plan.

4. Dealers may be eligible to receive up to 0.25% at the time of purchase and may be eligible to receive 1% starting in the 13th month. During the first 12 months, the full 12b-1 fee will be paid to Distributors to partially offset the commission and the prepaid service fee paid at the time of purchase. For purchases at NAV where Distributors did not pay a prepaid commission, dealers may start to receive the 12b-1 fee at the time of purchase.

Purchases of Certain Share Classes through Financial Intermediaries (Class R6 and Advisor Class) There are no associated sales charges or Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees for the purchase of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares. However, pursuant to SEC guidance, certain financial intermediaries acting as agents on behalf of their customers may directly impose on shareholders sales charges or transaction fees determined by the financial intermediary related to the purchase of these shares. These charges and fees are not disclosed in this prospectus. You should consult with your financial advisor or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

The Fund’s service providers also may pay financial intermediaries for marketing support and other related services as disclosed below for Advisor Class shares, but not for Class R6 shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend one share class over another. There is some uncertainty concerning whether marketing support or other similar payments may be made or received in connection with Advisor Class shares where a financial intermediary has imposed its own sales charges or transaction fees. Based on future regulatory developments, such payments may be terminated.

Other financial intermediary compensation Except with respect to Class R6 shares, Distributors may make marketing support payments (a portion of which may be reimbursable under the terms of the Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution plans) to certain dealers and other financial intermediaries, such as banks, insurance companies, or plan administrators, in connection with their efforts to educate financial advisors or provide other services which may facilitate, directly or indirectly, investment in Franklin Templeton mutual funds. In the case of any one intermediary, marketing support payments will generally not exceed 0.05% of the total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds attributable to that intermediary, on an annual basis. For an intermediary exceeding $15 billion in total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds, Distributors may agree to make annual marketing support payments exceeding 0.05% of such assets. For an intermediary exceeding $50 billion in total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds, Distributors may agree to make annual marketing support payments up to a limit of 0.06% of such assets. Marketing support payments made to organizations located outside the U.S., with respect to investments in the Fund by non-U.S. persons, may exceed this limitation. Any assets held on behalf of Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans for which payment is made to a financial intermediary pursuant to the following paragraph will be excluded from the calculation of marketing support payments pursuant to this paragraph.

Except with respect to Class R6 shares, Distributors and/or its affiliates may also make payments (a portion of which may be reimbursable under the terms of the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 distribution plans) to certain financial intermediaries in connection with their activities that are intended to assist in the sale of shares of Franklin Templeton mutual funds, directly or indirectly, to certain Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans. In the case of any one financial intermediary, such payments will not exceed 0.10% of the total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds held, directly or indirectly, by such Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans, on an annual basis.

A number of factors will be considered in determining these payments, including the qualifying financial intermediary’s sales, assets and redemption rates, the nature and quality of any servicing provided by the financial intermediary, and the quality of the financial intermediary’s relationship with Distributors. Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing these payments. These payments may be in addition to any shareholder servicing fees paid by the Fund’s transfer agent from payments it receives under its agreement with the Fund.

To the extent permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and regulations, Distributors may, in addition to marketing support payments, pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments to financial intermediaries, such as payments related to transaction support, various financial intermediary-sponsored events intended to educate financial advisers and their clients about the Franklin Templeton mutual funds, and data analytics and support.

Sales of Fund shares, as well as shares of other mutual funds in Franklin Templeton Investments, is not considered a factor in the selection of financial intermediaries to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions. Accordingly, the allocation of portfolio transactions for execution by financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares is not considered marketing support payments to such financial intermediaries.

You can find further details in the SAI about the payments made by Distributors and the services provided by your financial advisor. Your financial advisor may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. You should ask your financial advisor for information about any payments it receives from Distributors and any services it provides, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.

Questions

If you have any questions about the Fund or your account, you can write to us at P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-7151. You also can call us at one of the following numbers. For your protection and to help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls may be monitored or recorded.

Department Name	Telephone Number
Shareholder Services	(800) 632-2301
Fund Information	(800) DIAL BEN (800) 342-5236
Retirement Services	(800) 527-2020
Advisor Services	(800) 524-4040
Hearing Impaired Assistance	For hearing impaired assistance, please contact us via a Relay Service.
Automated Telephone System	(800) 632-2301 (800) 524-4040 (800) 527-2020

For More Information

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

Annual/Semiannual Report to Shareholders

Includes a discussion of recent market conditions and Fund strategies that significantly affected Fund performance during its last fiscal year, financial statements, detailed performance information, portfolio holdings and, in the annual report only, the independent registered public accounting firm’s report.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

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

For a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or the SAI, please contact your investment representative or call us at the number below. You also can view the current annual/semiannual report and the SAI online through franklintempleton.com.

Appendix A to the Prospectus -- Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers
Contains more information about specific sales charge discounts and waivers available for shareholders who purchase Fund shares through a specific financial intermediary. Appendix A is a separate document and is incorporated herein by reference (is legally a part of this prospectus).

You also can obtain information about the Fund by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (phone (202) 551-8090) or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You can obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520 or by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

	One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 (800) DIAL BEN ^® /342-5236 franklintempleton.com	For hearing impaired assistance, please contact us via a Relay Service.
	Investment Company Act file #811-06243
	© 2018 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.

Appendix A

Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers

Specific intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load (charge) waivers or CDSC waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund or through another intermediary to receive such waivers or discounts. Please see the section entitled “Fund Details – Your Account – Choosing a Share Class – Class A, & C” for more information on sales charges and waivers available for different classes.

The information in this Appendix is part of, and incorporated into, the Fund’s prospectus.

CLASS A AND CLASS C PURCHASES THROUGH MERRILL LYNCH

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch

Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan

Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan

Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program

Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform

Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)

Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date

Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members

Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)

CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch

Death or disability of the shareholder

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70 1/2

Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms

Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch:

Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.

Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)

CLASS A PURCHASES THROUGH MORGAN STANLEY

Effective July 1, 2018 shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

• Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley's account linking rules

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund

• Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account

• Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's share class conversion program

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.

CLASS A AND CLASS C PURCHASES THROUGH AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL

Automatic exchange of Class C shares. Class C shares will automatically exchange to Class A shares in the month of the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date.

Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial:

The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:

Effective June 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial platform or account will be eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI:

• Shares purchased through an Ameriprise Financial investment advisory program (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).

• Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Ameriprise Financial’s platform (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).

• Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to such shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply to exchanges following such shorter period. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares for load waived shares, that waiver will also apply to such exchanges.

• Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.

• Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).

Statement of Additional Information

Franklin Strategic Series

September 1, 2018

	Class
	A	C	R	R6	Advisor
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund	FGRAX	FKACX	FKARX	FOPPX	FRAAX
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund	FCEQX	FCEDX	FCERX	FEFCX	FCEZX
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	FSGRX	FCSGX	FSSRX	FSMLX	FSSAX
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund	FRSGX	FRSIX	FSMRX	FMGGX	FSGAX

This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It contains information in addition to the information in the Funds' (hereafter "the Fund") prospectus. The Fund’s prospectus, dated September 1, 2018, which we may amend from time to time, contains the basic information you should know before investing in the Fund. You should read this SAI together with the Fund’s prospectus.

The audited financial statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders, for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, are incorporated by reference (are legally a part of this SAI).

For a free copy of the current prospectus or annual report, contact your investment representative or call (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236.

CONTENTS
Goals, Strategies and Risks
Officers and Trustees
Fair Valuation and Liquidity
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Management and Other Services
Portfolio Transactions
Distributions and Taxes
Organization, Voting Rights and Principal Holders
Buying and Selling Shares
The Underwriter
Performance
Miscellaneous Information
Description of Ratings

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

P.O. Box 997151
Sacramento, CA 95899-7151
(800) DIAL BEN ^® /342-5236

FSS1 SAI 09/18

Goals, Strategies and Risks

The following information provided with respect to the Fund is in addition to that included in the Fund’s prospectus.

In addition to the main types of investments and strategies undertaken by the Fund as described in the prospectus, the Fund also may invest in other types of instruments and engage in and pursue other investment strategies, which are described in this SAI. Investments and investment strategies with respect to the Fund are discussed in greater detail in the section below entitled " Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks ."

Generally, the policies and restrictions discussed in this SAI and in the prospectus apply when the Fund makes an investment. In most cases, the Fund is not required to sell an investment because circumstances change and the investment no longer meets one or more of the Fund's policies or restrictions. If a percentage restriction or limitation is met at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage due to a change in the value or liquidity of portfolio investments will not be considered a violation of the restriction or limitation, with the exception of the Fund's limitations on borrowing as described herein or unless otherwise noted herein.

Incidental to the Fund’s other investment activities, including in connection with a bankruptcy, restructuring, workout, or other extraordinary events concerning a particular investment the Fund owns, the Fund may receive securities (including convertible securities, warrants and rights), real estate or other investments that the Fund normally would not, or could not, buy. If this happens, the Fund may, although it is not required to, sell such investments as soon as practicable while seeking to maximize the return to shareholders.

The Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions as fundamental and non-fundamental policies. A fundamental policy may only be changed if the change is approved by (i) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares or (ii) 67% or more of the Fund's shares present at a shareholder meeting if more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, whichever is less. A non-fundamental policy may be changed without the approval of shareholders.

For more information about the restrictions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) on the Fund with respect to borrowing and senior securities, see “ Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks - Borrowing” below.

Fundamental Investment Policies

The investment goal of the Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund (Growth Opportunities Fund) is capital appreciation.

The investment goal of the Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (Small Cap Fund) is long-term capital growth.

The investment goal of the Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (Small-Mid Cap Fund) is long-term capital growth.

Each Fund may not:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other than the Small Cap Fund, each Fund may not:

1. Purchase or sell commodities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the SEC.

The Small Cap Fund may not:

1. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from (i) engaging in transactions involving currencies and futures contracts and options thereon or (ii) investing in securities or other instruments that are secured by physical commodities.

Non-Fundamental Investment Policies

Select U.S. Equity Fund

1. The investment goal of the Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (Select U.S. Equity Fund) is capital appreciation.

2. The Fund may invest in debt securities that the Fund’s manager believes present an opportunity for capital appreciation as a result of improvement in the creditworthiness of the issuer.

3. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities.

4. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S equity securities.

Growth Opportunities Fund

1. Borrowings under fundamental investment restriction number 1 above may not exceed 15% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed).

2. When suitable opportunities are available, the Fund may invest in initial public offerings of securities and in private or illiquid securities, such as late stage venture capital financings.

Small Cap Fund

1. The Fund may invest in foreign securities, including those of developing or emerging markets.

2. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in REITs.

3. The Fund will not invest in securities issued without stock certificates or comparable stock documents.

4. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in securities of issuers with less than three years continuous operation, including the operation of predecessor companies.

5. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in corporate debt securities that the manager believes have the potential for capital appreciation as a result of improvement in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The Fund may buy both rated and unrated debt securities. The Fund will invest in securities rated B or better by Moody’s or S&P or unrated securities the manager deems to be of comparable quality.

6. When suitable opportunities are available, the Fund may invest a small portion of its assets in private or illiquid securities, such as late stage venture capital financings.

Small-Mid Cap Fund

1. The Fund may invest in REITs.

2. The Fund will not invest in securities issued without stock certificates or comparable stock documents.

3. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in securities of issuers with less than three years continuous operation.

4. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in corporate debt securities that the manager believes have the potential for capital appreciation as a result of improvement in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The Fund may buy both rated and unrated debt securities. The Fund will invest in securities rated B or better by Moody’s or S&P or unrated securities the investment manager deems to be of comparable quality.

5. When suitable opportunities are available, the Fund may invest in initial public offerings of securities and in private or illiquid securities, such as late stage venture capital financings.

Additional Strategies

In trying to achieve its investment goal, the Fund may invest in the types of instruments or engage in the types of transactions identified below and in the section “ Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks ,” which also describes the risks associated with these investment policies. The Fund may or may not use all of these techniques at any one time.

Select U.S. Equity Fund

The Fund may:

Lend portfolio securities up to 33 1/3% of its total assets.
Invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Buy and sell put and call options on securities or securities indices.

Growth Opportunities Fund

The Fund may:

Invest in convertible securities, without regard to the ratings assigned by the rating service.
Invest in debt securities.
Invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Lend portfolio securities up to 33 1/3% of its total assets.

Small Cap Fund

The Fund may:

Invest in convertible securities including enhanced convertible securities.
Invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Lend portfolio securities up to 20% of its total assets.
Enter into reverse repurchase agreements.

Small-Mid Cap Fund

The Fund may:

Invest in convertible securities including enhanced convertible securities.
Invest in developing or emerging markets.
Invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Lend portfolio securities up to 20% of its total assets.
Enter into reverse repurchase agreements.

Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks

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

"small portion"	less than 10%
"portion"	10% to 25%
"significant"	25% to 50%
"substantial"	50% to 66%
"primary"	66% to 80%
"predominant"	80% or more

If the Fund intends to limit particular investments or strategies to no more than specific percentages of Fund assets, the prospectus or SAI will clearly identify such limitations. The percentages above are not limitations unless specifically stated as such in the Fund's prospectus or elsewhere in this SAI.

The Fund may invest in securities that are rated by various rating agencies such as Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) and Standard & Poor's Financial Services (S&P ^® ), as well as securities that are unrated.

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

The following is a description of various types of securities, instruments and techniques that may be purchased and/or used by the Fund:

Asset-backed securities Asset-backed securities represent interests in a pool of loans, leases or other receivables. The assets underlying asset-backed securities may include receivables on home equity loans, credit card loans, and automobile, mobile home and recreational vehicle loans and leases and other assets. Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties and may have adjustable interest rates that reset at periodic intervals.

The credit quality of most asset-backed securities depends primarily on the credit quality of the underlying assets, how well the issuers of the securities are insulated from the credit risk of the originator or affiliated entities, and the amount of credit support (if any) provided to the securities. Credit support for asset-backed securities is intended to lessen the effect of failures by obligors (such as individual borrowers or leasers) on the underlying assets to make payments. Credit support generally falls into two categories: (i) liquidity protection; and (ii) protection against losses from the default by an obligor on the underlying assets.

Liquidity protection refers to advances, generally provided by the entity administering the pool of assets, intended to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying pool is timely. Protection against losses from the default by an obligor can enhance the likelihood of payments of the obligations on at least some of the assets in the pool. Protection against losses from default may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties. Alternatively, this protection may be provided through various means of structuring the transaction, or through a combination of these approaches.

Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include "senior subordinated securities" (securities with one or more classes that are subordinate to the other classes with respect to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying assets should be borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of "reserve funds" (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against future losses), and "over-collateralization" (where the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceeds that required to make payments on the securities and pay any servicing or other fees).

The degree of credit support provided is generally based on historical information about the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Historical information may not adequately reflect present or future credit risk. Delinquencies or losses in excess of those anticipated could occur and could adversely affect the return on an investment in the securities. There is no guarantee that the type of credit support selected will be effective at reducing the illiquidity or losses to investors in the event of certain defaults. Where credit support is provided by a third party, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of that third party in addition to the credit risk of the issuer or sponsor of the asset-backed security and the underlying obligors.

Asset-backed securities also have risk due to a characteristic known as early amortization, or early payout, risk. Built into the structure of certain asset-backed securities are triggers for early payout, designed to protect investors from losses. These triggers are unique to each transaction and can include, among other things: a significant rise in defaults on the underlying loans, a sharp drop in the credit enhancement level, or the bankruptcy of the issuer or sponsor. Once early amortization begins, all incoming loan payments are used to pay investors as quickly as possible. Prepayment risk also arises when the underlying obligations may be satisfied or "prepaid" before due. Certain asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables may be affected by such early prepayment of principal on the underlying vehicle sales contract. When amortization or prepayment occurs, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the existing asset-backed security. In addition, the Fund may suffer a loss if it paid a premium for the asset-backed security as cash flows from the early amortization reduce the value of the premium paid.

Alternatively, if prepayments occur at a slower rate than the investment manager expected, or if payment on the underlying assets is delayed or defaulted upon, the Fund will experience extension risk.

The income received by the Fund on an asset-backed security generally fluctuates more than the income on fixed income debt securities. This is because asset-backed securities are usually structured as pass-through or pay-through securities (similar to mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations). Cash flow generated by payments on the underlying obligations in these structures is shared with the investor as it is received. The rate of payment on asset-backed securities generally depends on the rate of principal and interest payments received on the underlying assets. Payments on underlying assets will be affected by various economic and other factors that shape the market for those underlying assets. Therefore, the income on asset-backed securities will be difficult to predict, and actual yield to maturity will be more or less than the anticipated yield to maturity.

Asset-backed securities have certain risks that stem from the characteristics of the underlying assets. For example, asset-backed securities do not have the benefit of the same type of security interests in the underlying collateral that mortgage-backed securities have, and there may be a limited ability to enforce any security interests that exist. Credit enhancements provided to support asset-backed securities, if any, may be inadequate to protect investors in the event of default. For example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured and a number of state and federal consumer credit laws give debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the outstanding balance, which can negatively affect the yield and/or value of related asset-backed securities. Issuers of asset-backed securities for which automobile receivables are the underlying assets may be prevented from realizing the full amount due on an automobile sales contract because of state law requirements and restrictions relating to sales of vehicles following their repossession and the obtaining of deficiency judgments following such sales or because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle, the application of bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other factors. The absence of, or difficulty enforcing, such security interests in the underlying assets may result in additional expenses, delays and losses to the Fund. The Fund's exposure to the credit risk of the credit support provider will also be greater if recourse is limited to the credit support provider in the event of widespread defaults on the underlying obligations.

Bank obligations Bank obligations include fixed, floating or variable rate certificates of deposit (CDs), letters of credit, time and savings deposits, bank notes and bankers' acceptances. CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits that are held in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Savings deposits are deposits that do not have a specified maturity and may be withdrawn by the depositor at any time. Bankers' acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise. When a bank "accepts" a bankers' acceptance, the bank, in effect, unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument upon maturity. The full amount of the Fund's investment in time and savings deposits or CDs may not be guaranteed against losses resulting from the default of the commercial or savings bank or other institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Bank obligations are exempt from registration with the SEC if issued by U.S. banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks. As a result, the Fund will not receive the same investor protections when investing in bank obligations as opposed to registered securities. Bank notes and other unsecured bank obligations are not guaranteed by the FDIC, so the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of the bank or institution. In the event of liquidation, bank notes and unsecured bank obligations generally rank behind time deposits, savings deposits and CDs, resulting in a greater potential for losses to the Fund.

The Fund’s investments in bank obligations may be negatively impacted if adverse economic conditions prevail in the banking industry (such as substantial losses on loans, increases in non-performing assets and charge-offs and declines in total deposits). The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

Biotechnology companies The biotechnology industry is subject to extensive government regulation. The industry is affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters.

Due to the nature of the biotechnology industry, investors may be quick to react to developments that affect the industry. In the past, biotechnology securities have exhibited considerable volatility in reaction to research and other developments. In comparison to more developed industries, there may be a thin trading market in biotechnology securities, and adverse developments in the biotechnology industry may be more likely to result in decreases in the value of biotechnology stocks.

Biotechnology companies are often small, start-up ventures whose products are only in the research stage. The success of investments in the biotechnology industry is often based upon speculation and expectations about future products, research progress, and new product filings with regulatory authorities. Such investments are speculative and may drop sharply in value in response to regulatory or research setbacks.

Borrowing The 1940 Act and the SEC's current rules, exemptions and interpretations thereunder, permit the Fund to borrow up to one-third of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed, but less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) from banks. The Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to such borrowings and to reduce the amount of its borrowings (within three days excluding Sundays and holidays) to restore such coverage if it should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or otherwise. In the event that the Fund is required to reduce its borrowings, it may have to sell portfolio holdings, even if such sale of the Fund's holdings would be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint.

If the Fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage. Leveraging by means of borrowing may exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of portfolio securities on the Fund's net asset value, and money borrowed will be subject to interest and other costs (which may include commitment fees and/or the cost of maintaining minimum average balances), which may or may not exceed the income or gains received from the securities purchased with borrowed funds.

In addition to borrowings that are subject to 300% asset coverage and are considered by the SEC to be permitted "senior securities," the Fund is also permitted under the 1940 Act to borrow for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of its total assets at the time when the loan is made. A loan will be presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed.

Segregation of assets. Consistent with SEC staff guidance, financial instruments that involve the Fund's obligation to make future payments to third parties will not be viewed as creating any senior security provided that the Fund covers its obligations as described below. Those financial instruments can include, among others, (i) securities purchased or sold on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or to be announced basis, (ii) futures contracts, (iii) forward currency contracts, (iv) swaps, (v) written options, (vi) unfunded commitments, (vii) securities sold short, and (viii) reverse repurchase agreements.

Consistent with SEC staff guidance, the Fund will consider its obligations involving such a financial instrument as “covered” when the Fund (1) maintains an offsetting financial position, or (2) segregates liquid assets (constituting cash, cash equivalents or other liquid portfolio securities) equal to the Fund’s exposures relating to the financial instrument, as determined on a daily basis. Dedicated Fund compliance policies and procedures, which the Fund's board has approved, govern the kinds of transactions that can be deemed to be offsetting positions for purposes of (1) above, and the amounts of assets that need to be segregated for purposes of (2) above (Asset Segregation Policies).

In the case of forward currency contracts, the Fund may offset the contracts for purposes of (1) above when the counterparties, terms and amounts match; otherwise an appropriate amount of assets will be segregated consistent with (2) above. Segregated assets for purposes of (2) above are not required to be physically segregated from other Fund assets, but are segregated through appropriate notation on the books of the Fund or the Fund’s custodian.

The Fund’s Asset Segregation Policies may require the Fund to sell a portfolio security or exit a transaction, including a transaction in a financial instrument, at a disadvantageous time or price in order for the Fund to be able to segregate the required amount of assets. If segregated assets decline in value, the Fund will need to segregate additional assets or reduce its position in the financial instruments. In addition, segregated assets may not be available to satisfy redemptions or for other purposes, until the Fund’s obligations under the financial instruments have been satisfied. In addition, the Fund’s ability to use the financial instruments identified above may under some circumstances depend on the nature of the instrument and amount of assets that the Asset Segregation Policies require the Fund to segregate.

The Asset Segregation Policies provide, consistent with current SEC staff positions, that for futures and forward contracts that require only cash settlement, and swap agreements that call for periodic netting between the Fund and its counterparty, the segregated amount is the net amount due under the contract, as determined daily on a mark-to-market basis. For other kinds of futures, forwards and swaps, the Fund must segregate a larger amount of assets to cover its obligations, which essentially limits the Fund’s ability to use these instruments. If the SEC staff changes its positions concerning the segregation of the net amount due under certain forwards, futures and swap contracts, the ability of the Fund to use the financial instruments could be negatively affected.

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

Although less than an investment in the underlying stock, the potential for gain on an investment in a convertible security is greater than for similar non-convertible securities. As a result, a lower yield is generally offered on convertible securities than on otherwise equivalent non-convertible securities. There is no guarantee that the Fund will realize gains on a convertible security in excess of the foregone yield it accepts to invest in such convertible security.

A convertible security is usually issued either by an operating company or by an investment bank. When issued by an operating company, a convertible security tends to be senior to the company's common stock, but may be subordinate to other types of fixed-income securities issued by that company. When a convertible security issued by an operating company is "converted," the operating company often issues new stock to the holder of the convertible security. However, if the convertible security is redeemable and the parity price of the convertible security is less than the call price, the operating company may pay out cash instead of common stock.

If the convertible security is issued by an investment bank or other sponsor, the security is an obligation of and is convertible through, the issuing investment bank. However, the common stock received upon conversion is of a company other than the investment bank or sponsor. The issuer of a convertible security may be important in determining the security's true value. This is because the holder of a convertible security will have recourse only to the issuer.

Convertible preferred stock. A convertible preferred stock is usually treated like a preferred stock for the Fund's financial reporting, credit rating and investment policies and limitations purposes. A preferred stock is subordinated to all debt obligations in the event of insolvency, and an issuer's failure to make a dividend payment is generally not an event of default entitling the preferred shareholder to take action. A preferred stock generally has no maturity date, so that its market value is dependent on the issuer's business prospects for an indefinite period of time. Distributions from preferred stock are dividends, rather than interest payments, and are usually treated as such for tax purposes. Investments in convertible preferred stock, as compared to the debt obligations of an issuer, generally increase the Fund's exposure to the credit risk of the issuer and market risk generally, because convertible preferred stock will fare more poorly if the issuer defaults or markets suffer.

Enhanced convertible securities. In addition to "plain vanilla" convertible securities, a number of different structures have been created to fit the characteristics of specific investors and issuers. Examples of these features include yield enhancement, increased equity exposure or enhanced downside protection. From an issuer's perspective, enhanced structures are designed to meet balance sheet criteria, maximize interest/dividend payment deductibility and reduce equity dilution. Examples of enhanced convertible securities include mandatory convertible securities, convertible trust preferred securities, exchangeable securities, and zero coupon and deep discount convertible bonds.

Risks. An investment in a convertible security may involve risks. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities because there may be a thin trading market for a particular security at any given time. Reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and the Fund's ability to dispose of a security when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as the deterioration in the creditworthiness of an issuer. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Although the Fund intends to acquire convertible securities that the investment manager considers to be liquid (i.e., those securities that the investment manager determines may be sold on an exchange, or an institutional or other substantial market), there can be no assurances that this will be achieved. Certain securities and markets can become illiquid quickly, resulting in liquidity risk for the Fund. The Fund will also encounter difficulty valuing convertible securities due to illiquidity or other circumstances that make it difficult for the Fund to obtain timely market quotations based on actual trades for convertible securities. Convertible securities may have low credit ratings, which generally correspond with higher credit risk to an investor like the Fund.

Synthetic convertible securities. A synthetic convertible is created by combining distinct securities that together possess the two principal characteristics of a true convertible security, i.e., fixed income payments in the form of interest or dividends and the right to acquire the underlying equity security. This combination is achieved by investing in nonconvertible debt securities and in warrants or stock or stock index call options which grant the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of securities within a specified period of time at a specified price (or to receive cash, in the case of stock index options). Synthetic convertibles are typically offered by financial institutions and investment banks in private placement transactions. Upon conversion, the Fund generally receives an amount in cash equal to the difference between the conversion price and the then-current value of the underlying security. Synthetic convertible instruments may also include structured notes, equity-linked notes, mandatory convertibles and combinations of securities and instruments.

In addition to the general risks of convertible securities and the special risks of enhanced convertible securities, there are risks unique to synthetic convertible securities. Synthetic convertible securities differ from true convertible securities in several respects. The value of a synthetic convertible security is the sum of the values of its debt security component and its convertibility component. Thus, the values of a synthetic convertible and a true convertible security will respond differently to market fluctuations. Although the investment manager expects normally to create synthetic convertible securities whose two components provide exposure to the same issuer, the character of a synthetic convertible allows the Fund to combine components representing distinct issuers, or to combine a debt security with a call option on a stock index. In addition, the component parts of a synthetic convertible security may be purchased simultaneously or separately; and the holder of a synthetic convertible faces the risk that the price of the stock, or the level of the market index underlying the convertibility component will decline. Exposure to more than one issuer or participant will increase the number of parties upon which the investment depends and the complexity of that investment and, as a result, increase the Fund's credit risk and valuation risk.

Debt securities - general description In general, a debt security represents a loan of money to the issuer by the purchaser of the security. A debt security typically has a fixed payment schedule that obligates the issuer to pay interest to the lender and to return the lender's money over a certain time period. A company typically meets its payment obligations associated with its outstanding debt securities before it declares and pays any dividend to holders of its equity securities. Bonds, notes and commercial paper are examples of debt securities and differ in the length of the issuer's principal repayment schedule, with bonds carrying the longest repayment schedule and commercial paper the shortest:

Bonds. A bond is a debt security in which investors lend money to an entity that borrows for a defined period of time, usually a period of more than five years, at a specified interest rate.

Commercial paper. Commercial paper is an unsecured, short-term loan to a corporation, typically for financing accounts receivable and inventory with maturities of up to 270 days.

Debentures. A debenture is an unsecured debt security backed only by the creditworthiness of the borrower, not by collateral.

Bills. A bill is a short-term debt instrument, usually with a maturity of two years or less.

Notes. A note is a debt security usually with a maturity of up to ten years.

For purposes of the discussion in this SAI of the risks of investing in debt securities generally, loans or other short-term instruments, which otherwise may not technically be considered securities, are included.

Debt securities are all generally subject to interest rate, credit, income and prepayment risks and, like all investments, are subject to liquidity and market risks to varying degrees depending upon the specific terms and type of security. The Fund's investment manager attempts to reduce credit and market risk through diversification of the Fund's portfolio and ongoing credit analysis of each issuer, as well as by monitoring economic developments, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful at doing so.

Defaulted debt securities If the issuer of a debt security in the Fund's portfolio defaults, the Fund may have unrealized losses on the security, which may lower or increase the Fund's net asset value. Defaulted securities may lose much of their value before they default. Thus, the Fund's net asset value may be adversely affected before an issuer defaults. The Fund may incur additional expenses if it tries to recover principal or interest payments on a defaulted security. Defaulted debt securities often are illiquid. An investment in defaulted debt securities is generally considered speculative and may expose the Fund to similar risks as an investment in high-yield debt.

Depositary receipts Many securities of foreign issuers are represented by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), and European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) (collectively, depositary receipts). Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities market and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S.

ADRs evidence ownership of, and represent the right to receive, securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank or trust company or a foreign correspondent bank. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars, and ADRs are traded in the U.S. on exchanges or over-the-counter. While ADRs do not eliminate all the risks associated with foreign investments, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in the stock of foreign issuers, the Fund will avoid currency and certain foreign market trading risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. In general, there is a large, liquid market in the U.S. for ADRs quoted on a national securities exchange. The information available for ADRs is subject to the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards of the U.S. market or exchange on which they are traded, which standards are generally more uniform and more exacting than those to which many foreign issuers may be subject.

EDRs and GDRs are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. corporation. EDRs and GDRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. If the issuer's home country does not have developed financial markets, the Fund could be exposed to the credit risk of the custodian or financial institution and greater market risk. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest, and processing corporate actions. The Fund would be expected to pay a share of the additional fees, which it would not pay if investing directly in the foreign securities. The Fund may experience delays in receiving its dividend and interest payments or exercising rights as a shareholder.

Depositary receipts may reduce some but not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers. Depositary receipts are still subject to the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer's country and are still subject to foreign currency exchange risk. Depositary receipts will be issued under sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information about an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program. There may be an increased possibility of untimely responses to certain corporate actions of the issuer, such as stock splits and rights offerings, in an unsponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs and there may not be a correlation between this information and the market value of the depositary receipts. If the Fund's investment depends on obligations being met by the arranger as well as the issuer of an unsponsored program, the Fund will be exposed to additional credit risk.

Derivative instruments Generally, derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying assets, reference rates, or indices or other market factors (a "reference instrument") and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, credit, currencies, commodities or related indices. Derivative instruments can provide an efficient means to gain or reduce exposure to the value of a reference instrument without actually owning or selling the instrument. Some common types of derivatives include options, futures, forwards and swaps.

Derivative instruments may be used for “hedging,” which means that they may be used when the investment manager seeks to protect the Fund's investments from a decline in value resulting from changes to interest rates, market prices, currency fluctuations or other market factors. Derivative instruments may also be used for other purposes, including to seek to increase liquidity, provide efficient portfolio management, broaden investment opportunities (including taking short or negative positions), implement a tax or cash management strategy, gain exposure to a particular security or segment of the market, modify the effective duration of the Fund's portfolio investments and/or enhance total return. However derivative instruments are used, their successful use is not assured and will depend upon, among other factors, the investment manager's ability to gauge relevant market movements.

Derivative instruments may be used for purposes of direct hedging. Direct hedging means that the transaction must be intended to reduce a specific risk exposure of a portfolio security or its denominated currency and must also be directly related to such security or currency. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by policies adopted by the board of trustees or the Fund’s investment manager.

Because some derivative instruments used by the Fund may oblige the Fund to make payments or incur additional obligations in the future, the SEC requires investment companies to “cover” or segregate liquid assets equal to the potential exposure created by such derivatives. The obligation to cover or segregate such assets is described more fully under "Borrowing" in this SAI.

Exclusion of investment manager from commodity pool operator definition. With respect to the Fund, the investment manager has claimed an exclusion from the definition of “commodity pool operator” (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and, therefore, is not subject to CFTC registration or regulation as a CPO. In addition, with respect to the Fund, the investment manager is relying upon a related exclusion from the definition of “commodity trading advisor” (CTA) under the CEA and the rules of the CFTC.

The terms of the CPO exclusion require the Fund, among other things, to adhere to certain limits on its investments in “commodity interests.” Commodity interests include commodity futures, commodity options and swaps, which in turn include non-deliverable currency forward contracts, as further described below. Because the investment manager and the Fund intend to comply with the terms of the CPO exclusion, the Fund may, in the future, need to adjust its investment strategies, consistent with its investment goal, to limit its investments in these types of instruments. The Fund is not intended as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps markets. The CFTC has neither reviewed nor approved the investment manager’s reliance on these exclusions, or the Fund, its investment strategies or this SAI.

Generally, the exclusion from CPO regulation on which the investment manager relies requires the Fund to meet one of the following tests for its commodity interest positions, other than positions entered into for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined in the rules of the CFTC): either (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the Fund’s positions in commodity interests may not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions); or (2) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s commodity interest positions, determined at the time the most recent such position was established, may not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of these trading limitations, the Fund may not be marketed as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps markets. If, in the future, the Fund can no longer satisfy these requirements, the investment manager would withdraw its notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of a CPO, and the investment manager would be subject to registration and regulation as a CPO with respect to the Fund, in accordance with CFTC rules that apply to CPOs of registered investment companies. Generally, these rules allow for substituted compliance with CFTC disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements, based on the investment manager’s compliance with comparable SEC requirements. However, as a result of CFTC regulation with respect to the Fund, the Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses.

Options. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium paid, the right to buy an underlying reference instrument, such as a specified security, currency, index, or other instrument, from the writer of the option (in the case of a call option), or to sell a specified reference instrument to the writer of the option (in the case of a put option) at a designated price during the term of the option. The premium paid by the buyer of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price and the volatility of the underlying reference instrument, the remaining term of the option, supply, demand, interest rates and/or currency exchange rates. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. Put and call options are traded on national securities exchanges and in the OTC market.

Options traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC or other appropriate national securities regulator, as are securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all option positions entered into on a national securities exchange in the United States are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Furthermore, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements. There is no assurance, however, that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not temporarily render the capabilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the exchange instituting special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of the Fund’s orders to close out open options positions.

Purchasing call and put options. As the buyer of a call option, the Fund has a right to buy the underlying reference instrument (e.g., a currency or security) at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to call options, exercise them, or permit them to expire. For example, the Fund may buy call options on underlying reference instruments that it intends to buy with the goal of limiting the risk of a substantial increase in their market price before the purchase is effected. Unless the price of the underlying reference instrument changes sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Fund may expire without any value to the Fund, in which case the Fund would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs.

As the buyer of a put option, the Fund has the right to sell the underlying reference instrument at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). Like a call option, the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to put options, exercise them or permit them to expire. The Fund may buy a put option on an underlying reference instrument owned by the Fund (a protective put) as a hedging technique in an attempt to protect against an anticipated decline in the market value of the underlying reference instrument. Such hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the buyer of the put option, is able to sell the underlying reference instrument at the put exercise price, regardless of any decline in the underlying instrument’s market price. The Fund may also seek to offset a decline in the value of the underlying reference instrument through appreciation in the value of the put option. A put option may also be purchased with the intent of protecting unrealized appreciation of an instrument when the investment manager deems it desirable to continue to hold the instrument because of tax or other considerations. The premium paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any short-term capital gain that may be available for distribution when the instrument is eventually sold. Buying put options at a time when the buyer does not own the underlying reference instrument allows the buyer to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying reference instrument, which generally increases the value of the put option.

If a put option was not terminated in a closing sale transaction when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying reference instrument remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the buyer would not make any gain upon exercise of the option and would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying reference instrument must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs.

Writing call and put options. Writing options may permit the writer to generate additional income in the form of the premium received for writing the option. The writer of an option may have no control over when the underlying reference instruments must be sold (in the case of a call option) or purchased (in the case of a put option) because the writer may be notified of exercise at any time prior to the expiration of the option (for American style options). In general, though, options are infrequently exercised prior to expiration. Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains the amount of the premium. Writing “covered” call options means that the writer owns the underlying reference instrument that is subject to the call option. Call options may also be written on reference instruments that the writer does not own.

If the Fund writes a covered call option, any underlying reference instruments that are held by the Fund and are subject to the call option will be earmarked on the books of the Fund as segregated to satisfy its obligations under the option. The Fund will be unable to sell the underlying reference instruments that are subject to the written call option until it either effects a closing transaction with respect to the written call, or otherwise satisfies the conditions for release of the underlying reference instruments from segregation. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund gives up the potential for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option should the underlying reference instrument rise in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument rises above the exercise price of the call option, the reference instrument will likely be “called away,” requiring the Fund to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. In that case, the Fund will sell the underlying reference instrument to the option buyer for less than its market value, and the Fund will experience a loss (which will be offset by the premium received by the Fund as the writer of such option). If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received. If the market price of the underlying reference instrument decreases, the call option will not be exercised and the Fund will be able to use the amount of the premium received to hedge against the loss in value of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option will be chosen based upon the expected price movement of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to (at-the-money), or above the current value of the underlying reference instrument at the time the option is written.

As the writer of a put option, the Fund has a risk of loss should the underlying reference instrument decline in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument declines below the exercise price of the put option and the put option is exercised, the Fund, as the writer of the put option, will be required to buy the instrument at the exercise price, which will exceed the market value of the underlying reference instrument at that time. The Fund will incur a loss to the extent that the current market value of the underlying reference instrument is less than the exercise price of the put option. However, the loss will be offset in part by the premium received from the buyer of the put. If a put option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.

Closing out options (exchange-traded options). If the writer of an option wants to terminate its obligation, the writer may effect a “closing purchase transaction” by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that the clearing corporation will cancel the option writer’s position. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, the buyer of an option may recover all or a portion of the premium that it paid by effecting a “closing sale transaction” by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased and receiving a premium on the sale. There is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction may be made at a time desired by the Fund. Closing transactions allow the Fund to terminate its positions in written and purchased options. The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the original option (in the case of written options) or is more than the premium paid by the Fund to buy the option (in the case of purchased options). For example, increases in the market price of a call option sold by the Fund will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying reference instrument. As a result, any loss resulting from a closing transaction on a written call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying instrument owned by the Fund.

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

OTC options are arranged directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation or exchange. Consequently, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer, including because of the dealer’s bankruptcy or insolvency. While the Fund uses only counterparties, such as dealers, that meet its credit quality standards, in unusual or extreme market conditions, a counterparty’s creditworthiness and ability to perform may deteriorate rapidly, and the availability of suitable replacement counterparties may become limited. Because there is no exchange, pricing is typically done based on information from market makers or other dealers. OTC options are available for a greater variety of underlying reference instruments and in a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than exchange-traded options.

There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. The Fund may be able to realize the value of an OTC option it has purchased only by exercising it or entering into a closing sale transaction with the dealer that issued it. When the Fund writes an OTC option, it generally can close out that option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer with which the Fund originally wrote the option. The Fund may suffer a loss if it is not able to exercise (in the case of a purchased option) or enter into a closing sale transaction on a timely basis.

The Fund understands that the staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased OTC options on securities are considered illiquid securities and that the assets segregated to cover the Fund's obligation under an OTC option on securities it has written are considered illiquid. Pending a change in the staff’s position, the Fund will treat such OTC options on securities and “covering” assets as illiquid and subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities.

Risks of options. The Fund’s options investments involve certain risks, including general risks related to derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and the Fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in particular options. Therefore, the Fund would have to exercise the options it purchased in order to realize any profit, thus taking or making delivery of the underlying reference instrument when not desired. The Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments. Similarly, when the Fund cannot effect a closing transaction with respect to a put option it wrote, and the buyer exercises, the Fund would be required to take delivery and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments purchased. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying reference instrument until the option expires, it delivers the underlying instrument upon exercise, or it segregates enough liquid assets to purchase the underlying reference instrument at the marked-to-market price during the term of the option. When trading options on non-U.S. exchanges or in the OTC market, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there may be no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over an indefinite period of time.

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

Equity securities Equity securities represent a proportionate share of the ownership of a company; their value is based on the success of the company's business and the value of its assets, as well as general market conditions. The purchaser of an equity security typically receives an ownership interest in the company as well as certain voting rights. The owner of an equity security may participate in a company's success through the receipt of dividends, which are distributions of earnings by the company to its owners. Equity security owners may also participate in a company's success or lack of success through increases or decreases in the value of the company's shares. Equity securities generally take the form of common stock or preferred stock, as well as securities convertible into common stock. Preferred stockholders typically receive greater dividends but may receive less appreciation than common stockholders and may have different voting rights as well. Equity securities may also include convertible securities, warrants, rights or equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures or similar enterprises. Warrants or rights give the holder the right to buy a common stock at a given time for a specified price.

Financial services companies risk. To the extent that the Fund invests its assets in investments of financial services companies, the Fund’s investments and performance will be affected by general market and economic conditions as well as other risk factors particular to the financial services industry. Financial services companies are subject to extensive government regulation. This regulation may limit both the amount and types of loans and other financial commitments a financial services company can make, and the interest rates and fees it can charge. Such limitations may have a significant impact on the profitability of a financial services company since that profitability is attributable, at least in part, to the company’s ability to make financial commitments such as loans. Profitability of a financial services company is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of the company’s funds, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. The financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively impact the industry to the extent that borrowers may not be able to repay loans made by financial services companies.

In response to the recent economic instability, the United States and other governments have taken actions designed to support the financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. Moreover, the implications of government ownership interests in financial institutions, by virtue of aging distressed assets, is unforeseeable.

In addition, the financial services industry is an evolving and competitive industry that is undergoing significant change, as existing distinctions between financial segments become less clear. Such changes have resulted from various consolidations as well as the continual development of new products, structures and a changing regulatory framework. These changes are likely to have a significant impact on the financial services industry and the Fund.

Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition, claims activity, marketing competition and general economic conditions. Particular insurance lines will also be influenced by specific matters. Property and casualty insurer profits may be affected by events such as man-made and natural disasters (including weather catastrophe and terrorism). Life and health insurer profits may be affected by mortality risks and morbidity rates. Individual insurance companies may be subject to material risks including inadequate reserve funds to pay claims and the inability to collect from the insurance companies which insure insurance companies, so-called reinsurance carriers.

Foreign securities For purposes of the Fund's prospectus and SAI, "foreign securities" refers to non-U.S. securities. There are substantial risks associated with investing in the securities of governments and companies located in, or having substantial operations in, foreign countries, which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. The value of foreign securities (like U.S. securities) is affected by general economic conditions and individual issuer and industry earnings prospects. Investments in depositary receipts also involve some or all of the risks described below.

There is the possibility of cessation of trading on foreign exchanges, expropriation, nationalization of assets, confiscatory or punitive taxation, withholding and other foreign taxes on income or other amounts, foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a given country), restrictions on removal of assets, political or social instability, military action or unrest, or diplomatic developments, including sanctions imposed by other countries or governmental entities, that could affect investments in securities of issuers in foreign nations. There is no assurance that the investment manager will be able to anticipate these potential events. In addition, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.

There may be less publicly available information about foreign issuers comparable to the reports and ratings published about issuers in the U.S. Foreign issuers generally are not subject to uniform accounting or financial reporting standards. Auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. Certain countries' legal institutions, financial markets and services are less developed than those in the U.S. or other major economies. The Fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, securing dividends and obtaining information regarding corporate actions on a timely basis, pursuing legal remedies, and obtaining judgments with respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to domestic issuers in U.S. courts. The costs associated with foreign investments, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.

Certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company. Some countries limit the investment of foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous terms than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. Although securities subject to such restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions. In some countries the repatriation of investment income, capital and proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in or a refusal to grant any required governmental registration or approval for repatriation.

From time to time, trading in a foreign market may be interrupted. Foreign markets also have substantially less volume than the U.S. markets and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. The Fund, therefore, may encounter difficulty in obtaining market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value.

In many foreign countries there is less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the U.S., which may result in greater potential for fraud or market manipulation. Foreign over-the-counter markets tend to be less regulated than foreign stock exchange markets and, in certain countries, may be totally unregulated. Brokerage commission rates in foreign countries, which generally are fixed rather than subject to negotiation as in the U.S., are likely to be higher. Foreign security trading, settlement and custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement where assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are often less developed than those in U.S. markets, may be cumbersome and may result in increased risk or substantial delays. This could occur in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer, securities depository, or foreign subcustodian.

To the extent that the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a specific geographic region or country, the Fund will have more exposure to economic risks related to such region or country than a fund whose investments are more geographically diversified. Adverse conditions or changes in policies in a certain region or country can affect securities of other countries whose economies appear to be unrelated but are otherwise connected. In the event of economic or political turmoil, a deterioration of diplomatic relations or a natural or man-made disaster in a region or country where a substantial portion of the Fund's assets are invested, the Fund may have difficulty meeting a large number of shareholder redemption requests.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted via referendum to leave the European Union (EU), which immediately led to significant market volatility around the world, as well as political, economic, and legal uncertainty. On March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom invoked a treaty provision that sets out the basics of a withdrawal from the EU and provides that negotiations must be completed within two years, unless all EU member states agree on an extension. There is considerable uncertainty relating to the circumstances and potential consequences of an exit; how the negotiations for the withdrawal and new trade agreements will be conducted, and whether the United Kingdom’s exit will increase the likelihood of other countries also departing the EU, which may increase market volatility across the global economy. During this period of uncertainty, the negative impact on, not only the United Kingdom and European economies, but the broader global economy, could be significant, potentially resulting in increased volatility and illiquidity and lower economic growth for companies that rely significantly on Europe for their business activities and revenues. Any further exits from the EU, or an increase in the belief that such exits are likely or possible, would likely cause additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.

The holding of foreign securities may be limited by the Fund to avoid investment in certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) and the imposition of a PFIC tax on the Fund resulting from such investments.

Developing markets or emerging markets. Investments in issuers domiciled or with significant operations in developing market or emerging market countries may be subject to potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks include, among others (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) smaller securities markets with low or nonexistent trading volume, which result in greater illiquidity and greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies which may restrict the Fund's investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation, including less transparent and established taxation policies; (v) less developed regulatory or legal structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; (vi) the absence, until recently in many developing market countries, of a capital market structure or market-oriented economy; (vii) more widespread corruption and fraud; (viii) the financial institutions with which the Fund may trade may not possess the same degree of financial sophistication, creditworthiness or resources as those in developed markets; and (ix) the possibility that when favorable economic developments occur in some developing market countries, such developments may be slowed or reversed by unanticipated economic, political or social events in such countries.

Due to political, military or regional conflicts or due to terrorism or war, it is possible that the United States, other nations or other governmental entities (including supranational entities) could impose sanctions on a country involved in such conflicts that limit or restrict foreign investment, the movement of assets or other economic activity in that country. Such sanctions or other intergovernmental actions could result in the devaluation of a country’s currency, a downgrade in the credit ratings of issuers in such country, or a decline in the value and liquidity of securities of issuers in that country. In addition, an imposition of sanctions upon certain issuers in a country could result in an immediate freeze of that issuer’s securities, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Countermeasures could be taken by the country’s government, which could involve the seizure of the Fund’s assets. In addition, such actions could adversely affect a country’s economy, possibly forcing the economy into a recession.

In addition, many developing market countries have experienced substantial, and during some periods, extremely high rates of inflation, for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain countries. Moreover, the economies of some developing market countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, debt burden, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. The economies of some developing market countries may be based on only a few industries, and may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions.

Settlement systems in developing market countries may be less organized than in developed countries. Supervisory authorities may also be unable to apply standards which are comparable with those in more developed countries. There may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the settlement systems. Market practice may require that payment be made prior to receipt of the security which is being purchased or that delivery of a security must be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (counterparty) through whom the relevant transaction is effected might result in a loss being suffered by the Fund. The Fund seeks, where possible, to use counterparties whose financial status reduces this risk. However, there can be no certainty that the Fund will be successful in eliminating or reducing this risk, particularly as counterparties operating in developing market countries frequently lack the substance, capitalization and/or financial resources of those in developed countries. Uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets may increase the risk of competing claims to securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund. Legal compensation schemes may be non-existent, limited or inadequate to meet the Fund's claims in any of these events.

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

The local taxation of income and capital gains accruing to non-residents varies among developing market countries and may be comparatively high. Developing market countries typically have less well-defined tax laws and procedures and such laws may permit retroactive taxation so that the Fund could in the future become subject to local tax liabilities that had not been anticipated in conducting its investment activities or valuing its assets.

Many developing market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret and laws may be too new to provide any precedential value. Laws regarding foreign investment and private property may be weak or non-existent. Investments in developing market countries may involve risks of nationalization, expropriation and confiscatory taxation. For example, the Communist governments of a number of Eastern European countries expropriated large amounts of private property in the past, in many cases without adequate compensation, and there can be no assurance that similar expropriation will not occur in the future. In the event of expropriation, the Fund could lose all or a substantial portion of any investments it has made in the affected countries. Accounting, auditing and reporting standards in certain countries in which the Fund may invest may not provide the same degree of investor protection or information to investors as would generally apply in major securities markets. In addition, it is possible that purported securities in which the Fund invested may subsequently be found to be fraudulent and as a consequence the Fund could suffer losses.

Finally, currencies of developing market countries are subject to significantly greater risks than currencies of developed countries. Some developing market currencies may not be internationally traded or may be subject to strict controls by local governments, resulting in undervalued or overvalued currencies and associated difficulties with the valuation of assets, including the Fund's securities, denominated in that currency. Some developing market countries have experienced balance of payment deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves. Governments have responded by restricting currency conversions. Future restrictive exchange controls could prevent or restrict a company's ability to make dividend or interest payments in the original currency of the obligation (usually U.S. dollars). In addition, even though the currencies of some developing market countries, such as certain Eastern European countries, may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to the actual market values and may be adverse to the Fund's shareholders.

Foreign corporate debt securities. Foreign corporate debt securities, including Samurai bonds, Yankee bonds, Eurobonds and Global Bonds, may be purchased to gain exposure to investment opportunities in other countries in a certain currency. A Samurai bond is a yen-denominated bond issued in Japan by a non-Japanese company. Eurobonds are foreign bonds issued and traded in countries other than the country and currency in which the bond was denominated. Eurobonds generally trade on a number of exchanges and are issued in bearer form, carry a fixed or floating rate of interest, and typically amortize principal through a single payment for the entire principal at maturity with semiannual interest payments. Yankee bonds are bonds denominated in U.S. dollars issued by foreign banks and corporations, and registered with the SEC for sale in the U.S. A Global Bond is a certificate representing the total debt of an issue. Such bonds are created to control the primary market distribution of an issue in compliance with selling restrictions in certain jurisdictions or because definitive bond certificates are not available. A Global Bond is also known as a Global Certificate.

Foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the U.S. dollar market value of securities denominated in such foreign currencies and any income received or expenses paid by the Fund in that foreign currency. This may affect the Fund's share price, income and distributions to shareholders. Some countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. It will be more difficult for the investment manager to value securities denominated in currencies that are fixed or managed. Certain currencies may not be internationally traded, which could cause illiquidity with respect to the Fund's investments in that currency and any securities denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets. The Fund endeavors to buy and sell foreign currencies on as favorable a basis as practicable. Some price spread in currency exchanges (to cover service charges) may be incurred, particularly when the Fund changes investments from one country to another or when proceeds of the sale of securities in U.S. dollars are used for the purchase of securities denominated in foreign currencies. Some countries may adopt policies that would prevent the Fund from transferring cash out of the country or withhold portions of interest and dividends at the source.

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

Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from projected changes in exchange rates further increases the Fund's exposure to foreign securities losses.

The Fund does not consider currencies or other financial commodities or contracts and financial instruments to be physical commodities (which include, for example, oil, precious metals and grains). Accordingly, the Fund interprets its fundamental restriction regarding purchasing and selling physical commodities to permit the Fund (subject to the Fund’s investment goals and general investment policies as stated in the Fund’s prospectus and SAI) to invest directly in foreign currencies and other financial commodities and to purchase, sell or enter into foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currency options, currency, commodity- and financial instrument-related swap agreements, hybrid instruments, interest rate, securities-related or foreign currency-related futures contracts or other currency-, commodity- or financial instrument-related derivatives, subject to compliance with any applicable provisions of the federal securities or commodities laws. The Fund also interprets its fundamental restriction regarding purchasing and selling physical commodities to permit the Fund to invest in exchange-traded products or other entities that invest in physical and/or financial commodities, subject to the limits described in the Fund’s prospectus and SAI.

Health technology companies The value of health technology companies may be affected by a variety of government actions. For example, the activities of some health technology companies may be funded or subsidized by federal and state governments. If government subsidies are discontinued, the profitability of these companies could be adversely affected. Stocks of these companies will be affected by government policies on health technology reimbursements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical instruments, and similar matters. Health technology companies are also subject to legislative risk, which is the risk of a reform of the health technology system through legislation. Health technology companies may face lawsuits related to product liability issues. Also, many products and services provided by health technology companies are subject to rapid obsolescence. The value of an investment in the Fund may fluctuate significantly over relatively short periods of time.

Illiquid securities Generally, an "illiquid security" is any security that cannot be disposed of partially or in full in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the instrument. Illiquid securities generally include securities for which no market exists or which are legally restricted as to their transfer (such as those issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the federal securities laws). Restricted securities are generally sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act). If registration of a security previously acquired in a private transaction is required, the Fund, as the holder of the security, may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time it will be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security. To the extent the investment manager determines there is a liquid institutional or other market for restricted securities, the Fund considers them to be liquid securities. An example is a restricted security that may be freely transferred among qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, and for which a liquid institutional market has developed. Rule 144A securities may be subject, however, to a greater possibility of becoming illiquid than securities that have been registered with the SEC.

The Fund's board will review on a periodic basis any determination by the investment manager to treat a restricted security as liquid. In determining whether a restricted security is properly considered a liquid security, the investment manager takes into account the following factors: (i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (ii) the number of dealers willing to buy or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers; (iii) any dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades (e.g., any demand, put or tender features, the method of soliciting offers, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security). The nature of the security and its trading includes the time needed to sell the security, the method of soliciting offers to purchase or sell the security, and the mechanics of transferring the security including the role of parties such as foreign or U.S. custodians, subcustodians, currency exchange brokers, and depositories.

The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Illiquid securities often sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale.

The risk to the Fund in holding illiquid securities is that they may be more difficult to sell if the Fund wants to dispose of the security in response to adverse developments or in order to raise money for redemptions or other investment opportunities. Illiquid trading conditions may also make it more difficult for the Fund to realize a security's fair value.

The Fund may also be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain security, issuer, or sector due to overall limitations on its ability to invest in illiquid securities and the difficulty in purchasing such securities.

Investment company securities The Fund may invest in other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, SEC rules thereunder and exemptions thereto. With respect to unaffiliated funds in which the Fund may invest, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act requires that, as determined immediately after a purchase is made, (i) not more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets will be invested in the securities of any one investment company, (ii) not more than 10% of the value of the Fund’s total assets will be invested in securities of investment companies as a group, and (iii) not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund. The Fund will limit its investments in unaffiliated funds in accordance with the Section 12(d)(1)(A) limitations set forth above, except to the extent that any rules, regulations or no-action or exemptive relief under the 1940 Act permits the Fund’s investments to exceed such limits in unaffiliated underlying funds. To the extent that the Fund invests in another investment company, because other investment companies pay advisory, administrative and service fees that are borne indirectly by investors, such as the Fund, there may be duplication of investment management and other fees. The Fund may also invest its cash balances in affiliated money market funds to the extent permitted by its investment policies and rules and exemptions granted under the 1940 Act.

The Fund will not acquire shares of other affiliated or unaffiliated open-end funds or unit investment trusts in reliance on paragraph (F) or (G) of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act.

Exchange-traded funds. The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Most ETFs are regulated as registered investment companies under the 1940 Act. Many ETFs acquire and hold securities of all of the companies or other issuers, or a representative sampling of companies or other issuers that are components of a particular index. Such ETFs are intended to provide investment results that, before expenses, generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the corresponding market index, and the value of their shares should, under normal circumstances, closely track the value of the index’s underlying component securities. Because an ETF has operating expenses and transaction costs, while a market index does not, ETFs that track particular indices typically will be unable to match the performance of the index exactly. ETF shares may be purchased and sold in the secondary trading market on a securities exchange, in lots of any size, at any time during the trading day. More recently, actively managed ETFs have been created that are managed similarly to other investment companies.

The shares of an ETF may be assembled in a block (typically 50,000 shares) known as a creation unit and redeemed in kind for a portfolio of the underlying securities (based on the ETF’s net asset value) together with a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends as of the date of redemption. Conversely, a creation unit may be purchased from the ETF by depositing a specified portfolio of the ETF’s underlying securities, as well as a cash payment generally equal to accumulated dividends of the securities (net of expenses) up to the time of deposit.

ETF shares, as opposed to creation units, are generally purchased and sold in a secondary market on a securities exchange. ETF shares can be traded in lots of any size, at any time during the trading day. Although the Fund, like most other investors in ETFs, intends to purchase and sell ETF shares primarily in the secondary trading market, the Fund may redeem creation units for the underlying securities (and any applicable cash), and may assemble a portfolio of the underlying securities and use it (and any required cash) to purchase creation units, if the investment manager believes it is in the Fund’s best interest to do so.

An investment in an ETF is subject to all of the risks of investing in the securities held by the ETF and has similar risks as investing in a closed-end fund. In addition, because of the ability of large market participants to arbitrage price differences by purchasing or redeeming creation units, the difference between the market value and the net asset value of ETF shares should in most cases be small. An ETF may be terminated and need to liquidate its portfolio securities at a time when the prices for those securities are falling.

Investment grade debt securities Investment grade debt securities are securities that are rated at the time of purchase in the top four ratings categories by one or more independent rating organizations such as S&P (rated BBB- or better) or Moody’s (rated Baa3 or higher) or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s investment manager. Generally, a higher rating indicates the rating agency's opinion that there is less risk of default of obligations thereunder including timely repayment of principal and payment of interest. Debt securities in the lowest investment grade category may have speculative characteristics and more closely resemble high-yield debt securities than investment-grade debt securities. Lower-rated securities may be subject to all the risks applicable to high-yield debt securities and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than is the case with higher grade debt securities.

A number of risks associated with rating agencies apply to the purchase or sale of investment grade debt securities.

Private investments Consistent with its investment goals and policies, the Fund may from time to time make private investments in companies whose securities are not publicly traded, including late stage private placements. These investments typically will take the form of letter stock or convertible preferred stock. Because these securities are not publicly traded, there is no secondary market for the securities. The Fund will generally treat these securities as illiquid.

Late stage private placements are sales of securities made in non-public, unregistered transactions shortly before a company expects to go public. The Fund may make such investments in order to participate in companies whose initial public offerings are expected to be “hot” issues. There is no public market for shares sold in these private placements and it is possible that initial public offerings will never be completed. Moreover, even after an initial public offering, there may be a limited trading market for the securities or the Fund may be subject to contractual limitations on its ability to sell the shares.

Real estate securities Investments in real estate securities are subject to the risks associated with the real estate industry. Economic, regulatory and social factors that affect the value of real estate will affect the value of real estate securities. These factors include overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, variations in rental income, changes in neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants, and increases in interest rates. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are subject to risks related to the skill of their management, changes in value of the properties the REITs own, the quality of any credit extended by the REITs, and general economic and other factors.

Repurchase agreements Under a repurchase agreement, the Fund agrees to buy securities guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities from a qualified bank, broker-dealer or other counterparty and then to sell the securities back to such counterparty on an agreed upon date (generally less than seven days) at a higher price, which reflects currently prevailing short-term interest rates. Entering into repurchase agreements allows the Fund to earn a return on cash in the Fund's portfolio that would otherwise remain un-invested. The counterparty must transfer to the Fund's custodian, as collateral, securities with an initial market value of at least 102% of the dollar amount paid by the Fund to the counterparty. The investment manager will monitor the value of such collateral daily to determine that the value of the collateral equals or exceeds the repurchase price.

Repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to sell the underlying securities and additional expenses in seeking to enforce the Fund's rights and recover any losses. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties who meet certain creditworthiness standards, i.e., banks or broker-dealers that the investment manager has determined, based on the information available at the time, present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the repurchase agreement. Although the Fund seeks to limit the credit risk under a repurchase agreement by carefully selecting counterparties and accepting only high quality collateral, some credit risk remains. The counterparty could default which may make it necessary for the Fund to incur expenses to liquidate the collateral. In addition, the collateral may decline in value before it can be liquidated by the Fund.

A repurchase agreement with more than seven days to maturity is considered an illiquid security and is subject to the Fund's investment restriction on illiquid securities.

Reverse repurchase agreements Reverse repurchase agreements are the opposite of repurchase agreements but involve similar mechanics and risks. The Fund sells securities to a bank or dealer and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed price, date and interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered a borrowing under the federal securities laws, and therefore the Fund must have at least 300% asset coverage (total assets less liabilities, excluding the reverse repurchase agreement). Cash or liquid high-grade debt securities having an initial market value, including accrued interest, equal to at least 100% of the dollar amount sold by the Fund are segregated, i.e., set aside, as collateral and marked-to-market daily to maintain coverage of at least 100%. These transactions may increase the volatility of the Fund’s income or net asset value. The Fund bears the risk that any securities purchased with the proceeds of the transaction will depreciate or not generate enough income to cover the Fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase transaction. These transactions also increase the interest and operating expenses of the Fund. Although reverse repurchase agreements are borrowings under the 1940 Act, the Fund does not treat these arrangements as borrowings under its investment restrictions, provided they are segregated on the books of the Fund or its custodian.

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

Securities lending To generate additional income, the Fund may lend certain of its portfolio securities to qualified banks and broker-dealers (referred to as "borrowers"). In exchange, the Fund receives cash collateral from a borrower at least equal to the value of the security loaned by the Fund. Cash collateral typically consists of any combination of cash, securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities, and irrevocable letters of credit. The Fund may invest this cash collateral while the loan is outstanding and generally retains part or all of the interest earned on the cash collateral. Securities lending allows the Fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income.

For each loan, the borrower usually must maintain with the Fund's custodian collateral with an initial market value at least equal to 102% of the market value of the domestic securities loaned (or 105% of the market value of foreign securities loaned), including any accrued interest thereon. Such collateral will be marked-to-market daily, and if the coverage falls below 100%, the borrower will be required to deliver additional collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the domestic securities loaned (or 105% of the foreign securities loaned).

The Fund retains all or a portion of the interest received on investment of the cash collateral or receives a fee from the borrower. The Fund also continues to receive any distributions paid on the loaned securities. The Fund seeks to maintain the ability to obtain the right to vote or consent on proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. The Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned within the normal settlement period for the security involved.

If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, the Fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the Fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. Additional transaction costs would result, and the value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased. Until the replacement can be purchased, the Fund will not have the desired level of exposure to the security which the borrower failed to return. Cash received as collateral through loan transactions may be invested in other eligible securities, including shares of a money market fund. Investing this cash subjects the Fund to greater market risk including losses on the collateral and, should the Fund need to look to the collateral in the event of the borrower's default, losses on the loan secured by that collateral.

The Fund will loan its securities only to parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by the Fund's board (i.e., banks or broker-dealers that the investment manager has determined are not apparently at risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the loan). In addition, pursuant to the 1940 Act and SEC interpretations thereof, the aggregate market value of securities that may be loaned by the Fund is limited to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets or such lower limit as set by the Fund or its board.

Small and mid cap companies Market capitalization is defined as the total market value of a company’s outstanding stock share price multiplied by the number of common stock shares outstanding. Small cap companies generally have market capitalization of up to $1.5 billion at the time of the Fund’s investment. The Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund defines small cap companies as companies with market capitalizations not exceeding (i) $1.5 billion; or (ii) the highest market capitalization in the Russell 2000 Index, whichever is greater, at the time of purchase.

The Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund defines small cap companies as companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell 2500™ Index, at the time of purchase, and mid cap companies are companies within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell Midcap ^® Index, at the time of purchase. In most instances, the manager intends to continue to hold an investment for further capital growth opportunities even if, through market appreciation, the company’s market capitalization exceeds the small or mid cap measures described above.

Small cap companies are often overlooked by investors or undervalued in relation to their earnings power. Because small cap companies generally are not as well known to the investing public and may have less of an investor following and may grow more rapidly than larger companies, they may provide greater opportunities for long-term capital growth. These companies may be undervalued because they are part of an industry that is out of favor with investors, although the individual companies may have high rates of earnings growth and be financially sound.

Initial public offerings (IPOs) of securities issued by unseasoned companies with little or no operating history are risky and their prices are highly volatile, but they can result in very large gains in their initial trading. Attractive IPOs are often oversubscribed and may not be available to the Fund, or only in very limited quantities. Thus, when the Fund’s size is smaller, any gains from IPOs will have an exaggerated impact on the Fund’s reported performance than when the Fund is larger. Although IPO investments have had a positive impact on some funds’ performance in the past, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have favorable IPO investment opportunities in the future.

To the extent that the Fund may invest in smaller capitalization companies, it may have significant investments in relatively new or unseasoned companies that are in their early stages of development, or in new and emerging industries where the opportunity for rapid growth is expected to be above average. Securities of unseasoned companies present greater risks than securities of larger, more established companies.

Temporary investments When the investment manager believes market or economic conditions are unfavorable for investors, the investment manager may invest up to 100% of the Fund's assets in temporary defensive investments, including cash, cash equivalents or other high quality short-term investments, such as short-term debt instruments, including U.S. government securities, high grade commercial paper, repurchase agreements, negotiable certificates of deposit, non-negotiable fixed time deposits, bankers acceptances, and other money market equivalents. To the extent allowed by exemptions from and rules under the 1940 Act and the Fund's other investment policies and restrictions, the investment manager also may invest the Fund's assets in shares of one or more money market funds managed by the investment manager or its affiliates. Unfavorable market or economic conditions may include excessive volatility or a prolonged general decline in the securities markets, the securities in which the Fund normally invests, or the economies of the countries where the Fund invests. Temporary defensive investments can and do experience defaults. The likelihood of default on a temporary defensive investment may increase in the market or economic conditions which are likely to trigger the Fund's investment therein. The investment manager also may invest in these types of securities or hold cash while looking for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain liquidity. When the Fund's assets are invested in temporary investments, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment goal.

Unrated debt securities Not all debt securities or their issuers are rated by rating agencies, sometimes due to the size of or manner of the securities offering, the decision by one or more rating agencies not to rate certain securities or issuers as a matter of policy, or the unwillingness or inability of the issuer to provide the prerequisite information and fees to the rating agencies. Some debt securities markets may have a disproportionately large number of unrated issuers.

In evaluating unrated securities, the investment manager may consider, among other things, the issuer's financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history, the quality of the issuer's management and regulatory matters. Although unrated debt securities may be considered to be of investment grade quality, issuers typically pay a higher interest rate on unrated than on investment grade rated debt securities. Less information is typically available to the market on unrated securities and obligors, which may increase the potential for credit and valuation risk.

Unseasoned companies To the extent that the Fund may invest in smaller capitalization companies, it may have significant investments in relatively new or unseasoned companies that are in their early stages of development, or in new and emerging industries where the opportunity for rapid growth is expected to be above average. Securities of unseasoned companies present greater risks than securities of larger, more established companies.

The following is a description of the general risks associated with the Fund's investing in debt securities:

Credit Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's (or other party's) failure or inability to meet its obligations under the security. Multiple parties may have obligations under a debt security. An issuer or borrower may fail to pay principal and interest when due. A guarantor, insurer or credit support provider may fail to provide the agreed upon protection. A counterparty to a transaction may fail to perform its side of the bargain. An intermediary or agent interposed between the investor and other parties may fail to perform the terms of its service. Also, performance under a debt security may be linked to the obligations of other persons who may fail to meet their obligations. The credit risk associated with a debt security could increase to the extent that the Fund's ability to benefit fully from its investment in the security depends on the performance by multiple parties of their respective contractual or other obligations. The market value of a debt security is also affected by the market's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer.

The Fund may incur substantial losses on debt securities that are inaccurately perceived to present a different amount of credit risk than they actually do by the market, the investment manager or the rating agencies. Credit risk is generally greater where less information is publicly available, where fewer covenants safeguard the investors' interests, where collateral may be impaired or inadequate, where little legal redress or regulatory protection is available, or where a party's ability to meet obligations is speculative. Additionally, any inaccuracy in the information used by the Fund to evaluate credit risk may affect the value of securities held by the Fund.

Obligations under debt securities held by the Fund may never be satisfied or, if satisfied, only satisfied in part.

Some securities are subject to risks as a result of a credit downgrade or default by a government, or its agencies or, instrumentalities. Credit risk is a greater concern for high-yield debt securities and debt securities of issuers whose ability to pay interest and principal may be considered speculative. Debt securities are typically classified as investment grade-quality (medium to highest credit quality) or below investment grade-quality (commonly referred to as high-yield or junk bonds). Many individual debt securities are rated by a third party source, such as Moody's or S&P to help describe the creditworthiness of the issuer.

Debt securities ratings The investment manager performs its own independent investment analysis of securities being considered for the Fund's portfolio, which includes consideration of, among other things, the issuer's financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history, the quality of the issuer's management and regulatory matters. The investment manager also considers the ratings assigned by various investment services and independent rating agencies, such as Moody's and S&P, that publish ratings based upon their assessment of the relative creditworthiness of the rated debt securities. Generally, a lower rating indicates higher credit risk. Higher yields are ordinarily available from debt securities in the lower rating categories. These ratings are described at the end of this SAI under "Description of Ratings."

Using credit ratings to evaluate debt securities can involve certain risks. For example, ratings assigned by the rating agencies are based upon an analysis completed at the time of the rating of the obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal. Rating agencies typically rely to a large extent on historical data which may not accurately represent present or future circumstances. Ratings do not purport to reflect the risk of fluctuations in market value of the debt security and are not absolute standards of quality and only express the rating agency's current opinion of an obligor's overall financial capacity to pay its financial obligations. A credit rating is not a statement of fact or a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a debt obligation. Also, credit quality can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and credit ratings may not reflect the issuer's current financial condition or events since the security was last rated. Rating agencies may have a financial interest in generating business, including from the arranger or issuer of the security that normally pays for that rating, and providing a low rating might affect the rating agency's prospects for future business. While rating agencies have policies and procedures to address this potential conflict of interest, there is a risk that these policies will fail to prevent a conflict of interest from impacting the rating.

Extension The market value of some debt securities, particularly mortgage securities and certain asset-backed securities, may be adversely affected when bond calls or prepayments on underlying mortgages or other assets are less or slower than anticipated. This risk is extension risk. Extension risk may result from, for example, rising interest rates or unexpected developments in the markets for the underlying assets or mortgages. As a consequence, the security's effective maturity will be extended, resulting in an increase in interest rate sensitivity to that of a longer-term instrument. Extension risk generally increases as interest rates rise. This is because, in a rising interest rate environment, the rate of prepayment and exercise of call or buy-back rights generally falls and the rate of default and delayed payment generally rises. When the maturity of an investment is extended in a rising interest rate environment, a below-market interest rate is usually locked-in and the value of the security reduced. This risk is greater for fixed-rate than variable-rate debt securities.

Income The Fund is subject to income risk, which is the risk that the Fund's income will decline during periods of falling interest rates, when the Fund experiences defaults on debt securities it holds or when the Fund realizes a loss upon a sale of a debt security. The Fund's income declines when interest rates fall because, as the Fund's higher-yielding debt securities mature, are prepaid or are sold, the Fund may have to re-invest the proceeds in debt securities that have lower, prevailing interest rates. The amount and rate of distributions that the Fund's shareholders receive are affected by the income that the Fund receives from its portfolio holdings. If the income is reduced, distributions by the Fund to shareholders may be less.

Fluctuations in income paid to the Fund are generally greater for variable rate debt securities. The Fund will be deemed to receive taxable income on certain securities which pay no cash payments until maturity, such as zero-coupon securities. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities that it would otherwise continue to hold in order to obtain sufficient cash to make the distribution to shareholders required for U.S. tax purposes.

Inflation The market price of debt securities generally falls as inflation increases because the purchasing power of the future income and repaid principal is expected to be worth less when received by the Fund. Debt securities that pay a fixed rather than variable interest rate are especially vulnerable to inflation risk because variable-rate debt securities may be able to participate, over the long term, in rising interest rates which have historically corresponded with long-term inflationary trends.

Interest rate The market value of debt securities generally varies in response to changes in prevailing interest rates. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. In addition, short-term and long-term rates are not necessarily correlated to each other as short-term rates tend to be influenced by government monetary policy while long-term rates are market driven and may be influenced by macroeconomic events (such as economic expansion or contraction), inflation expectations, as well as supply and demand. During periods of declining interest rates, the market value of debt securities generally increases. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the market value of debt securities generally declines. This occurs because new debt securities are likely to be issued with higher interest rates as interest rates increase, making the old or outstanding debt securities less attractive. In general, the market prices of long-term debt securities or securities that make little (or no) interest payments are more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations than shorter-term debt securities. The longer the Fund's average weighted portfolio duration, the greater the potential impact a change in interest rates will have on its share price. Also, certain segments of the fixed income markets, such as high quality bonds, tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than other segments, such as lower-quality bonds.

Prepayment Debt securities, especially bonds that are subject to "calls," such as asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities, are subject to prepayment risk if their terms allow the payment of principal and other amounts due before their stated maturity. Amounts invested in a debt security that has been "called" or "prepaid" will be returned to an investor holding that security before expected by the investor. In such circumstances, the investor, such as a fund, may be required to re-invest the proceeds it receives from the called or prepaid security in a new security which, in periods of declining interest rates, will typically have a lower interest rate. Prepayment risk is especially prevalent in periods of declining interest rates and will result for other reasons, including unexpected developments in the markets for the underlying assets or mortgages. For example, a decline in mortgage interest rates typically initiates a period of mortgage refinancings. When homeowners refinance their mortgages, the investor in the underlying pool of mortgage-backed securities (such as a fund) receives its principal back sooner than expected, and must reinvest at lower, prevailing rates.

Securities subject to prepayment risk are often called during a declining interest rate environment and generally offer less potential for gains and greater price volatility than other income-bearing securities of comparable maturity.

Call risk is similar to prepayment risk and results from the ability of an issuer to call, or prepay, a debt security early. If interest rates decline enough, the debt security's issuer can save money by repaying its callable debt securities and issuing new debt securities at lower interest rates.

The following is a description of other risks associated with the Fund's investments:

Focus The greater the Fund's exposure to (or focus on) any single type of investment – including investment in a given industry, sector, country, region, or type of security – the greater the impact of adverse events or conditions in such industry, sector, country, region or investment will have on the Fund's performance. To the extent the Fund has greater exposure to any single type of investment, the Fund's potential for loss (or gain) will be greater than if its portfolio were invested more broadly in many types of investments.

The Fund's exposure to such industries, sectors, regions and other investments may also arise indirectly through the Fund's investments in debt securities (e.g., mortgage or asset-backed securities) that are secured by such investments. Similar risks associated with focusing on a particular type of investment may result if real properties and collateral securing the Fund's investments are located in the same geographical region or subject to the same risks or concerns.

Inside information The investment manager (through its representatives or otherwise) may receive information that restricts the investment manager's ability to cause the Fund to buy or sell securities of an issuer for substantial periods of time when the Fund otherwise could realize profit or avoid loss. This may adversely affect the Fund's flexibility with respect to buying or selling securities.

Liquidity Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell at the price at which the Fund has valued the security, whether because of current market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer, or the specific type of investment. If the market for a particular security becomes illiquid (for example, due to changes in the issuer's financial condition), the Fund may be unable to sell such security at an advantageous time or price due to the difficulty in selling such securities. To the extent that the Fund and its affiliates hold a significant portion of an issuer's outstanding securities, the Fund may also be subject to greater liquidity risk than if the issuer's securities were more widely held. The Fund may also need to sell some of the Fund's more liquid securities when it otherwise would not do so in order to meet redemption requests, even if such sale of the liquid holdings would be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint. Reduced liquidity may also have an adverse impact on a security's market value and the sale of such securities often results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market for certain securities will also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio and thus pricing may be prone to error when market quotations are volatile, infrequent and/or subject to large spreads between bid and ask prices. In addition, prices received by the Fund for securities may be based on institutional “round lot” sizes, but the Fund may purchase, hold or sell smaller, “odd lot” sizes, which may be harder to sell. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than round lots, which may affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its investments.

The market for certain equity or debt securities may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. For example, dealer capacity in certain fixed income markets appears to have undergone fundamental changes since the financial crisis of 2008, which may result in low dealer inventories and a reduction in dealer market-making capacity. An increase in interest rates due to the tapering of the Federal Reserve Board’s quantitative easing program and other similar central bank actions, coupled with a reduction in dealer market-making capacity, may decrease liquidity and increase volatility in the fixed income markets. Liquidity risk generally increases (meaning that securities become more illiquid) as the number, or relative need, of investors seeking to liquidate in a given market increases; for example, when an asset class or classes fall out of favor and investors sell their holdings in such classes, either directly or indirectly through investment funds, such as mutual funds.

Management The investment manager's judgments about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values or potential appreciation of particular investment strategies or sectors or securities purchased for the Fund's portfolio may prove to be incorrect, all of which could cause the Fund to perform less favorably and may result in a decline in the Fund's share price.

The investment manager selects investments for the Fund based on its own analysis and information as well as on external sources of information such as information that the investment manager obtains from other sources including through conferences and discussions with third parties, and data that issuers of securities provide to the investment manager or file with government agencies. The investment manager may also use information concerning institutional positions and buying activity in a security.

The investment manager is not in a position to confirm the completeness, genuineness or accuracy of any of such information that is provided or filed by an issuer, and in some cases, complete and accurate information is not readily available. It is also possible that information on which the investment manager relies could be wrong or misleading. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investment techniques available to the investment manager in connection with managing the Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment goal. Management risk is greater when less qualitative information is available to the investment manager about an investment.

Market The market value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a single corporate borrower or security issuer. These general market conditions include real or perceived adverse economic or regulatory conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency exchange rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Market values may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or sector, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry, or a particular segment, such as mortgage or government securities. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that the Fund's securities will participate in or otherwise benefit from the advance.

Portfolio turnover Portfolio turnover is a measure of how frequently the Fund's portfolio securities are bought and sold. High portfolio turnover rates generally increase transaction costs, which are Fund expenses. Such portfolio transactions may also result in the realization of taxable capital gains, including short-term capital gains, which are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates for federal income tax purposes for shareholders subject to income tax and who hold their shares in a taxable account. Higher transaction costs reduce the Fund's returns.

The SEC requires annual portfolio turnover to be calculated generally as the lesser of the Fund's purchases or sales of portfolio securities during a given fiscal year, divided by the monthly average value of the Fund's portfolio securities owned during that year (excluding securities with a maturity or expiration date that, at the time of acquisition, was less than one year). For example, a fund reporting a 100% portfolio turnover rate would have purchased and sold securities worth as much as the monthly average value of its portfolio securities during the year. The portfolio turnover rates for the Fund are disclosed in the sections entitled "Portfolio Turnover" and "Financial Highlights" of the Fund's prospectus.

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

Factors wholly outside the control of the investment manager that may increase portfolio turnover include increased merger and acquisition activity, or increased rates of bankruptcy or default, that may create involuntary transactions for funds that hold affected securities.

The rate of bond calls by issuers of fixed-income debt securities may increase as interest rates decline. This causes "sales" of called bonds by the Fund and the subsequent purchase of replacement investments.

In addition, redemptions, subscriptions or exchanges by investors may require the liquidation or acquisition of portfolio securities. Changes in particular portfolio holdings may also be made whenever a security is considered to be no longer the most appropriate investment for the Fund, or another security appears to have a relatively better opportunity.

Policies and Procedures Regarding the Release of Portfolio Holdings

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

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

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

In addition, a complete list of the Fund's portfolio holdings is generally released no sooner than 20 calendar days after the end of each calendar month. Commentaries and other materials that may reference specific holdings information of the Fund as of the most recent calendar quarter end are also subject to the same 20-day lag requirement. Other descriptive information, such as the Fund's top 10 holdings, may be released monthly, no sooner than five days after the end of each month. Released portfolio holdings information can be viewed at franklintempleton.com.

To the extent that this policy would permit the release of portfolio holdings information regarding a particular portfolio holding for the Fund that is the subject of ongoing purchase or sale orders/programs, or if the release of such portfolio holdings information would otherwise be sensitive or inappropriate, the portfolio manager for the Fund may request that the release of such information be withheld.

Exceptions to the portfolio holdings release policy will be made only when: (1) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for releasing portfolio holdings information in advance of release to all shareholders or the general public; (2) the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality pursuant to a signed non-disclosure agreement; and (3) the release of such information would not otherwise violate the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws or fiduciary duties owed to Fund shareholders. The determination of whether to grant an exception, which includes the determination of whether the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for releasing portfolio holdings information in advance of release to all shareholders or the general public shall be made by the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee, following a request submitted in writing.

The eligible third parties to whom portfolio holdings information may be released in advance of general release fall into the following categories: data consolidators (including rating agencies), fund rating/ranking services and other data providers, service providers to the Fund, and municipal securities brokers using the Investor Tools product which brings together buyers and sellers of municipal securities in the normal operation of the municipal securities markets. In addition, should the Fund process a shareholder’s redemption request in-kind, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, provide portfolio holdings information to such shareholder to the extent necessary to allow the shareholder to prepare for receipt of such portfolio securities.

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

Bloomberg, Capital Access, CDA (Thomson Reuters), FactSet, Fidelity Advisors, Standard & Poor's, Vestek, and Fidelity Trust Company, all of whom may receive portfolio holdings information 15 days after the quarter end.
Service providers to the Fund that receive portfolio holdings information from time to time in advance of general release in the course of performing, or to enable them to perform, services for the Fund, including: Custodian Bank: The Bank of New York Mellon; Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm : PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Outside Fund Legal Counsel : Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP; Independent Directors'/Trustees' Counsel : Schiff Hardin, LLP; Proxy Voting Services : Egan-Jones Proxy Services, Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC and Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.; Brokerage Analytical Services : Sanford Bernstein, Brown Brothers Harriman, Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets, JP Morgan Securities Inc.; Financial Printers : Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. or GCOM Solutions, Inc.

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

The recipient agrees to keep confidential, and to limit the dissemination of, any portfolio holdings information received.
The recipient agrees not to trade on the non-public information received, including some or all of the following: (1) agreeing not to purchase or sell any portfolio securities based on any information received; (2) agreeing not to trade against any U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund, including the Fund; (3) agreeing not to knowingly engage in any trading practices that are adverse to any such fund; and (4) agreeing not to trade in shares of any such fund.
The recipient agrees to refresh its representation as to confidentiality and abstention from trading upon request from Franklin Templeton.

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

Several investment managers within Franklin Templeton Investments (F-T Managers) serve as investment managers to offshore funds that are registered or otherwise authorized for sale with foreign regulatory authorities. The release of portfolio holdings information for such offshore funds is excluded from the Fund's portfolio holdings release policy if such information is given to offshore banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, registered investment managers and other financial institutions (offshore investment managers) with discretionary authority to select offshore funds on behalf of their clients. Because such offshore funds may from time to time invest in securities substantially similar to those of the Fund, there is the risk that such portfolio holdings information may be used to trade inappropriately against the Fund. To mitigate such risks, such information may only be disclosed for portfolio analytics, such as risk analysis/asset allocation, and the offshore investment manager will be required to execute a non-disclosure agreement, whereby such offshore investment manager: (1) agrees to maintain such information as confidential, including limiting the dissemination of such information, (2) is prohibited from trading on the information received, including (a) purchasing or selling any portfolio securities based on any information received; (b) trading against any U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund, including the Fund; (c) knowingly engaging in any trading practices that are adverse to any such fund; and (d) trading in shares of any such fund that is substantially similar to the offshore fund, and (3) agrees to refresh its representation as to confidentiality and abstention from trading upon request from Franklin Templeton. In addition, an offshore fund may release information regarding the top contributors and detractors to such fund’s portfolio performance monthly to those recipients who have executed a non-disclosure agreement containing the provisions described above, or who have confirmed electronically its agreement to such provisions. Country-specific offshore funds that are not, in the aggregate, substantially similar to the holdings of a U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund, are not subject to the restrictions imposed by the policy.

Certain F-T Managers serve as investment advisers to privately placed funds that are exempt from registration, including Canadian institutional pooled funds and commingled trusts maintained by a Franklin Templeton trust company. In certain circumstances, such unregistered private funds may have portfolio holdings that are not, in the aggregate, substantially similar to the holdings of a U.S. registered fund, as determined by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. Under such circumstances the release of portfolio holdings information to a client or potential client of the unregistered private fund may be permissible. In circumstances where an unregistered private fund invests in portfolio securities that, in the aggregate, are substantially similar to the holdings of a U.S. registered fund, such private funds are subject to the restrictions imposed by the policy, except that the release of holdings information to a current investor in the private fund is permissible conditioned upon such investor’s execution of a non-disclosure agreement to mitigate the risk that portfolio holdings information may be used to trade inappropriately against a fund. Such non-disclosure agreement must provide that the investor: (1) agrees to maintain such information as confidential, including limiting the dissemination of such information (except that the investor may be permitted to disseminate such information to an agent as necessary to allow the performance of portfolio analytics with respect to the investor’s investment in the private fund), and (2) is prohibited from trading on the information received, including (a) trading against any U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund, including the Fund; (b) knowingly engaging in any trading practices that are adverse to any such fund; and (c) trading in shares of any U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund that is managed in a style substantially similar to that of the private fund.

Some F-T Managers serve as sub-advisers to other mutual funds not within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex ("other funds"), which may be managed in a style substantially similar to that of a U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund. Such other funds are not subject to the Fund's portfolio holdings release policy. The sponsors of such funds may disclose the portfolio holdings of such funds at different times than the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings.

In addition, some F-T Managers also serve as investment managers to separate accounts, which are subject to the Fund’s policy with respect to the release of the separate account’s holdings to consultants and potential clients. Separate accounts that are not, in the aggregate, substantially similar to the holdings of a U.S. registered Franklin or Templeton fund, however, are not subject to the restrictions imposed by the policy.

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

Officers and Trustees

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

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

Independent Board Members
Name, Year of Birth and Address	Position	Length of Time Served	Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member ¹	Other Directorships Held During at Least the Past 5 Years
Harris J. Ashton (1932) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Trustee	Since 1991	137	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 December 2017	112	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	137	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	Trustee	Since 1998	137	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).

J. Michael Luttig (1954) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Trustee	Since 2009	137	Boeing Capital Corporation (aircraft financing) (2006-2013).
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (aerospace company) (2006-present); and formerly , Federal Appeals Court Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).

Larry D. Thompson (1945) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Trustee	Since 2007	137	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).

John B. Wilson (1959) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Lead Independent Trustee	Trustee since 2006 and Lead Independent Trustee since 2008	112	None
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: President and Founder, Hyannis Port Capital, Inc. (real estate and private equity investing) (2002-present); Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Co. (consulting) (2017-present); serves on private and non-profit boards; and formerly , President, Staples International and Head of Global Transformation (office supplies) (2002-2016); Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Gap, Inc. (retail) (1996-2000); Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Finance and Strategy, Staples, Inc. (1992-1996); Senior Vice President – Corporate Planning, Northwest Airlines, Inc. (airlines) (1990-1992); and Vice President and Partner, Bain & Company (consulting firm) (1986-1990).

Interested Board Members and Officers
Name, Year of Birth and Address	Position	Length of Time Served	Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member ¹	Other Directorships Held During at Least the Past 5 Years
Gregory E. Johnson ² (1961) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Trustee	Since 2013	151	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 43 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and formerly , President, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2015).

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. ³ (1940) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Chairman of the Board and Trustee	Chairman of the Board since 2013 and Trustee since 1991	137	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.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

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 Investments; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Gaston Gardey (1967) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer	Since 2009	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Treasurer, U.S. Fund Administration & Reporting, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 28 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Aliya S. Gordon (1973) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Vice President	Since 2009	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Steven J. Gray (1955) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Vice President	Since 2009	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and FASA, LLC; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

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 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly , Vice President, Global Tax (2012-April 2017) and Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, Franklin Templeton Investments (2009-2017).

Edward B. Jamieson (1948) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management	Since 2010	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer and/or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 10 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

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 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Christopher J. Molumphy (1962) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Vice President	Since 2000	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Director and Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 22 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Kimberly H. Novotny (1972) 300 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Vice President	Since 2013	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Fiduciary Trust International of the South; Vice President, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Robert C. Rosselot (1960) 300 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Chief Compliance Officer	Since 2013	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Director, Global Compliance, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly , Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments (2007-2013); and Secretary and Vice President, Templeton Group of Funds (2004-2013).

Karen L. Skidmore (1952) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Vice President and Secretary	Since 2006	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

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, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Craig S. Tyle (1960) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Vice President	Since 2005	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Lori A. Weber (1964) 300 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Vice President	Since 2011	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Note 1: Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson. Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this SAI. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

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

2. 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.

3. 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 a major shareholder of Resources, which is the parent company of the Fund's investment manager and distributor.

The Trust's independent board members constitute the sole independent board members of 26 investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Investments complex for which each independent board member currently is paid a $304,000 annual retainer fee, together with a $7,000 per meeting fee for attendance at each regularly scheduled board meeting, a portion of which fees are allocated to the Trust. To the extent held, compensation may also be paid for attendance at specially held board meetings. The Trust's lead independent board member is paid an annual supplemental retainer of $50,000 for services to such investment companies, a portion of which is allocated to the Trust. Board members who serve on the Audit Committee of the Trust and such other funds are paid a $10,000 annual retainer fee, together with a $3,000 fee per Committee meeting in which they participate, a portion of which is allocated to the Trust. John B. Wilson, who serves as chairman of the Audit Committee of the Trust and such other funds receives a fee of $50,000 per year in lieu of the Audit Committee member retainer fee, a portion of which is allocated to the Trust. The following table provides the total fees paid to independent board members by the Trust and by other funds in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Name	Total Fees Received from the Trust ($) ¹	Total Fees Received from Franklin Templeton Investments ($) ²	Number of Boards in Franklin Templeton Investments on which Each Serves ³
Harris J. Ashton	28,903	493,000	40
Terrence J. Checki	15,204	11,309	26
Mary C. Choksi	29,967	513,000	40
Edith E. Holiday	29,967	538,000	40
J. Michael Luttig	29,869	525,000	40
Larry D. Thompson	29,965	508,000	40
John B. Wilson	35,096	398,000	26

1. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017.

2. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2017.

3. We base the number of boards on the number of U.S. registered investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. This number does not include the total number of series or portfolios within each investment company for which the board members are responsible.

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

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

The following tables provide the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the board members of the Trust on December 31, 2017.

Independent Board Members

Name of Board Member	Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund	Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Funds Overseen by the Board Member in the Franklin Templeton Fund Complex
Harris J. Ashton	None	Over $100,000
Terrence J. Checki	None	None
Mary C. Choksi	Select U.S. Equity Fund Over $100,000	Over $100,000
Edith E. Holiday	Growth Opportunities Fund $50,001 - $100,000 Small Cap Fund Over $100,000 Small-Mid Cap Fund $10,001 - $100,000	Over $100,000
J. Michael Luttig	Growth Opportunities Fund $10,001 - $50,000 Small-Mid Cap Fund $50,001 - $100,000	Over $100,000
Larry D. Thompson	Select U.S. Equity Fund Over $100,000 Small Mid-Cap Fund $10,001 - $50,000	Over $100,000
John B. Wilson	None	Over $100,000

Interested Board Members

Name of Board Member	Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund	Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Funds Overseen by the Board Member in the Franklin Templeton Fund Complex
Gregory E. Johnson	None	Over $100,000
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.	Growth Opportunities Fund Over $100,000	Over $100,000
	Small-Mid Cap Fund Over $100,000

Board committees The board maintains two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Audit Committee is generally responsible for recommending the selection of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm (auditors), including evaluating their independence and meeting with such auditors to consider and review matters relating to the Trust's financial reports and internal controls. The Audit Committee is comprised of the following independent trustees of the Trust: Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson and John B. Wilson. The Nominating Committee is comprised of the following independent trustees of the Trust: Harris J. Ashton, Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson and John B. Wilson.

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

When the board has or expects to have a vacancy, the Nominating Committee receives and reviews information on individuals qualified to be recommended to the full board as nominees for election as board members, including any recommendations by “Qualifying Fund Shareholders” (as defined below). To date, the Nominating Committee has been able to identify, and expects to continue to be able to identify, from its own resources an ample number of qualified candidates. The Nominating Committee, however, will review recommendations from Qualifying Fund Shareholders to fill vacancies on the board if these recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Nominating Committee at the Trust's offices at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 and are presented with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as a board member, including as an independent board member, of the Trust. A Qualifying Fund Shareholder is a shareholder who (i) has continuously owned of record, or beneficially through a financial intermediary, shares of the Fund having a net asset value of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) during the 24-month period prior to submitting the recommendation; and (ii) provides a written notice to the Nominating Committee containing the following information: (a) the name and address of the Qualifying Fund Shareholder making the recommendation; (b) the number of shares of the Fund which are owned of record and beneficially by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been so owned by the Qualifying Fund Shareholder; (c) a description of all arrangements and understandings between such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the recommendation is being made; (d) the name, age, date of birth, business address and residence address of the person or persons being recommended; (e) such other information regarding each person recommended by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC had the nominee been nominated by the board; (f) whether the shareholder making the recommendation believes the person recommended would or would not be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act; and (g) the written consent of each person recommended to serve as a board member of the Trust if so nominated and elected/appointed.

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

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, the Audit Committee met three times; the Nominating Committee met once.

Board role in risk oversight The board, as a whole, considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at regular board meetings, through regular reports that have been developed by management, in consultation with the board and its counsel. These reports address certain investment, valuation and compliance matters. The board also may receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues, either upon the board’s request or upon the investment manager’s initiative. In addition, the Audit Committee of the board meets regularly with the investment manager’s internal audit group to review reports on their examinations of functions and processes within Franklin Templeton Investments that affect the Fund.

With respect to investment risk, the board receives regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Fund. In addition, the portfolio managers of the Fund meet regularly with the board to discuss portfolio performance, including investment risk. To the extent that the Fund changes a particular investment strategy that could have a material impact on the Fund’s risk profile, the board generally is consulted with respect to such change. To the extent that the Fund invests in certain complex securities, including derivatives, the board receives periodic reports containing information about exposure of the Fund to such instruments. In addition, the investment manager’s investment risk personnel meet regularly with the board to discuss a variety of issues, including the impact on the Fund of the investment in particular securities or instruments, such as derivatives and commodities.

With respect to valuation, the Fund’s administrator provides regular written reports to the board that enable the board to monitor the number of fair valued securities in a particular portfolio, the reasons for the fair valuation and the methodology used to arrive at the fair value. Such reports also include information concerning illiquid securities within the Fund’s portfolio. The board also reviews dispositional analysis information on the sale of securities that require special valuation considerations such as illiquid or fair valued securities. In addition, the Fund’s Audit Committee reviews valuation procedures and results with the Fund’s auditors in connection with such Committee’s review of the results of the audit of the Fund’s year-end financial statements.

With respect to compliance risks, the board receives regular compliance reports prepared by the investment manager’s compliance group and meets regularly with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. In accordance with SEC rules, the independent board members meet regularly in executive session with the CCO, and the Fund’s CCO prepares and presents an annual written compliance report to the board. The Fund’s board adopts compliance policies and procedures for the Fund and approves such procedures for the Fund’s service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are specifically designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws.

The investment manager periodically provides an enterprise risk management presentation to the board to describe the way in which risk is managed on a complex-wide level. Such presentation covers such areas as investment risk, reputational risk, personnel risk, and business continuity risk.

Board structure Seventy-five percent or more of board members consist of independent board members who are not deemed to be “interested persons” by reason of their relationship with the Fund’s management or otherwise as provided under the 1940 Act. While the Chairman of the Board is an interested person, the board is also served by a lead independent board member. The lead independent board member, together with independent counsel, reviews proposed agendas for board meetings and generally acts as a liaison with management with respect to questions and issues raised by the independent board members. The lead independent board member also presides at separate meetings of independent board members held in advance of each scheduled board meeting where various matters, including those being considered at such board meeting are discussed. It is believed such structure and activities assure that proper consideration is given at board meetings to matters deemed important to the Fund and its shareholders.

Trustee qualifications Information on the Fund’s officers and board members appears above including information on the business activities of board members during the past five years and beyond. In addition to personal qualities, such as integrity, the role of an effective Fund board member inherently requires the ability to comprehend, discuss and critically analyze materials and issues presented in exercising judgments and reaching informed conclusions relevant to his or her duties and fiduciary obligations. The board believes that the specific background of each board member evidences such ability and is appropriate to his or her serving on the Fund’s board. As indicated, Harris J. Ashton has served as a chief executive officer of a NYSE-listed public corporation; Terrence J. Checki has served as a senior executive of a Federal Reserve Bank and has vast experience evaluating economic forces and their impact on markets, including emerging markets; Mary C. Choksi has an extensive background in asset management, including founding an investment management firm; Larry D. Thompson and Edith E. Holiday each have legal backgrounds, including high level legal positions with departments of the U.S. government; J. Michael Luttig has fifteen years of judicial experience as a Federal Appeals Court Judge and eleven years of experience as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of a major public company; John B. Wilson has served as President of an international Fortune 150 company, Chief Operating Officer of a NYSE-listed public corporation, Chief Financial Officer of a NASDAQ-listed public corporation and partner of a global strategy consulting firm; and Gregory E. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are both high ranking executive officers of Franklin Templeton Investments.

Fair Valuation and Liquidity

The Fund’s board of trustees has delegated to the investment manager the task of ensuring that regulatory guidelines governing the fair valuation for securities are applied to the Fund and that the required level of liquidity is maintained. The Fund’s administrator has formed a Valuation Committee (VC) to oversee these obligations. The VC oversees and administers the policies and procedures governing fair valuation and liquidity determination of securities. The VC meets monthly to review and approve fair value and liquidity reports and conduct other business, and meets whenever necessary to review potential significant market events and take appropriate steps to adjust valuations in accordance with established policies. The VC provides regular reports that document its activities to the board of trustees for its review and approval of pricing determinations at scheduled meetings.

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

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The board of trustees of the Fund has delegated the authority to vote proxies related to the portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Fund's investment manager, Franklin Advisers, Inc., in accordance with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) adopted by the investment manager.

The investment manager has delegated its administrative duties with respect to the voting of proxies for securities to the Proxy Group within Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC (Proxy Group), an affiliate and wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. All proxies received by the Proxy Group will be voted based upon the investment manager’s instructions and/or policies. The investment manager votes proxies solely in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

To assist it in analyzing proxies of equity securities, the investment manager subscribes to Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (ISS), an unaffiliated third-party corporate governance research service that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas, vote recommendations, vote execution services, ballot reconciliation services, recordkeeping and vote disclosure services. In addition, the investment manager subscribes to Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (Glass Lewis), an unaffiliated third-party analytical research firm, to receive analyses and vote recommendations on the shareholder meetings of publicly held U.S. companies, as well as a limited subscription to its international research. Also, the investment manager has a supplemental subscription to Egan-Jones Proxy Services (Egan-Jones), an unaffiliated third party proxy advisory firm, to receive analyses and vote recommendations. Although analyses provided by ISS, Glass Lewis, Egan-Jones, and/or another independent third party proxy service provider (each a Proxy Service) are thoroughly reviewed and considered in making a final voting decision, the investment manager does not consider recommendations from a Proxy Service or any third party to be determinative of the investment manager's ultimate decision. Rather, the investment manager exercises its independent judgment in making voting decisions. For most proxy proposals, the investment manager’s evaluation should result in the same position being taken for all Funds. In some cases, however, the evaluation may result in a Fund voting differently, depending upon the nature and objective of the Fund, the composition of its portfolio and other factors. As a matter of policy, the officers, directors/trustees and employees of the investment manager and the Proxy Group will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests conflict with the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Efforts are made to resolve all conflicts in the best interests of the investment manager’s clients. Material conflicts of interest are identified by the Proxy Group based upon analyses of client, distributor, broker-dealer and vendor lists, information periodically gathered from directors and officers, and information derived from other sources, including public filings. In situations where a material conflict of interest is identified, the Proxy Group may vote consistent with the voting recommendation of a Proxy Service; or send the proxy directly to the Fund's board or a committee of the board with the investment manager's recommendation regarding the vote for approval.

Where a material conflict of interest has been identified, but the items on which the investment manager’s vote recommendations differ from a Proxy Service and relate specifically to (1) shareholder proposals regarding social or environmental issues, (2) “Other Business” without describing the matters that might be considered, or (3) items the investment manager wishes to vote in opposition to the recommendations of an issuer’s management, the Proxy Group may defer to the vote recommendations of the investment manager rather than sending the proxy directly to the Fund's board or a board committee for approval.

To avoid certain potential conflicts of interest, the investment manager will employ echo voting, if possible, in the following instances: (1) when the Fund invests in an underlying fund in reliance on any one of Sections 12(d) (1) (E), (F), or (G) of the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder, or pursuant to a SEC exemptive order thereunder; (2) when the Fund invests uninvested cash in affiliated money market funds pursuant to the rules under the 1940 Act or any exemptive orders thereunder (“cash sweep arrangement”); or (3) when required pursuant to the Fund’s governing documents or applicable law. Echo voting means that the investment manager will vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of the underlying fund's shares.

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

Engagement with issuers. The investment manager believes that engagement with issuers is important to good corporate governance and to assist in making proxy voting decisions. The investment manager may engage with issuers to discuss specific ballot items to be voted on in advance of an annual or special meeting to obtain further information or clarification on the proposals. The investment manager may also engage with management on a range of environmental, social or corporate governance issues throughout the year.

Investment manager’s proxy voting policies and principles The investment manager has adopted general proxy voting guidelines, which are summarized below. These guidelines are not an exhaustive list of all the issues that may arise and the investment manager cannot anticipate all future situations. In all cases, each proxy and proposal (including both management and shareholder proposals) will be considered based on the relevant facts and circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Board of directors. The investment manager supports an independent, diverse board of directors, and prefers that key committees such as audit, nominating, and compensation committees be comprised of independent directors. The investment manager supports boards with strong risk management oversight. The investment manager will generally vote against management efforts to classify a board and will generally support proposals to declassify the board of directors. The investment manager will consider withholding votes from directors who have attended less than 75% of meetings without a valid reason. While generally in favor of separating Chairman and CEO positions, the investment manager will review this issue as well as proposals to restore or provide for cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as the company’s corporate governance guidelines or provisions and performance. The investment manager generally will support non-binding shareholder proposals to require a majority vote standard for the election of directors; however, if these proposals are binding, the investment manager will give careful review on a case-by-case basis of the potential ramifications of such implementation.

In the event of a contested election, the investment manager will review a number of factors in making a decision including management’s track record, the company’s financial performance, qualifications of candidates on both slates, and the strategic plan of the dissidents and/or shareholder nominees.

Ratification of auditors of portfolio companies. The investment manager will closely scrutinize the independence, role and performance of auditors. On a case-by-case basis, the investment manager will examine proposals relating to non-audit relationships and non-audit fees. The investment manager will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, proposals to rotate auditors, and will vote against the ratification of auditors when there is clear and compelling evidence of a lack of independence, accounting irregularities or negligence. The investment manager may also consider whether the ratification of auditors has been approved by an appropriate audit committee that meets applicable composition and independence requirements.

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

Severance compensation arrangements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, although the investment manager will generally oppose “golden parachutes” that are considered to be excessive. The investment manager will normally support proposals that require a percentage of directors’ compensation to be in the form of common stock, as it aligns their interests with those of shareholders.

The investment manager will review non-binding say-on-pay proposals on a case-by-case basis, and will generally vote in favor of such proposals unless compensation is misaligned with performance and/or shareholders’ interests, the company has not provided reasonably clear disclosure regarding its compensation practices, or there are concerns with the company’s remuneration practices.

Anti-takeover mechanisms and related issues. The investment manager generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they tend to reduce shareholder rights. However, as with all proxy issues, the investment manager conducts an independent review of each anti-takeover proposal. On occasion, the investment manager may vote with management when the research analyst has concluded that the proposal is not onerous and would not harm the Fund or its shareholders’ interests. The investment manager generally supports proposals that require shareholder rights’ plans (“poison pills”) to be subject to a shareholder vote and will closely evaluate such plans on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not they warrant support. In addition, the investment manager will generally vote against any proposal to issue stock that has unequal or subordinate voting rights. The investment manager generally opposes any supermajority voting requirements as well as the payment of “greenmail.” The investment manager generally supports “fair price” provisions and confidential voting. The investment manager will review a company’s proposal to reincorporate to a different state or country on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration financial benefits such as tax treatment as well as comparing corporate governance provisions and general business laws that may result from the change in domicile.

Changes to capital structure. The investment manager realizes that a company's financing decisions have a significant impact on its shareholders, particularly when they involve the issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock or the assumption of additional debt. The investment manager will review, on a case-by-case basis, proposals by companies to increase authorized shares and the purpose for the increase. The investment manager will generally not vote in favor of dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares where that class of stock would have superior voting rights. The investment manager will generally vote in favor of the issuance of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock issuance are deemed reasonable. The investment manager will review proposals seeking preemptive rights on a case-by-case basis.

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

Environmental and social issues. The investment manager considers environmental and social issues alongside traditional financial measures to provide a more comprehensive view of the value, risk and return potential of an investment. Companies may face significant financial, legal and reputational risks resulting from poor environmental and social practices, or negligent oversight of environmental or social issues. Franklin Templeton’s “Responsible Investment Principles and Policies” describes the investment manager’s approach to consideration of environmental, social and governance issues within the investment manager’s processes and ownership practices.

In the investment manager’s experience, those companies that are managed well are often effective in dealing with the relevant environmental and social issues that pertain to their business. As such, the investment manager will generally give management discretion with regard to environmental and social issues. However, in cases where management and the board have not demonstrated adequate efforts to mitigate material environmental or social risks, have engaged in inappropriate or illegal conduct, or have failed to adequately address current or emergent risks that threaten shareholder value, the investment manager may choose to support well-crafted shareholder proposals that serve to promote or protect shareholder value. This may include seeking appropriate disclosure regarding material environmental and social issues. The investment manager will review shareholder proposals on a case-by-case basis and may support those that serve to enhance value or mitigate risk, are drafted appropriately, and do not disrupt the course of business or require a disproportionate or inappropriate use of company resources.

The investment manager will consider supporting a shareholder proposal seeking disclosure and greater board oversight of lobbying and corporate political contributions if the investment manager believes that there is evidence of inadequate oversight by the company’s board, if the company’s current disclosure is significantly deficient, or if the disclosure is notably lacking in comparison to the company’s peers.

Governance matters. The investment manager generally supports the right of shareholders to call special meetings and act by written consent. However, the investment manager will review such shareholder proposals on a case-by-case basis in an effort to ensure that such proposals do not disrupt the course of business or require a disproportionate or inappropriate use of company resources.

Proxy access. In cases where the investment manager is satisfied with company performance and the responsiveness of management, it will generally vote against shareholder proxy access proposals not supported by management. In other instances, the investment manager will consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the size of the company, ownership thresholds and holding periods, nomination limits (e.g., number of candidates that can be nominated), the intentions of the shareholder proponent, and shareholder base.

Global corporate governance. Many of the tenets discussed above are applied to the investment manager's proxy voting decisions for international investments. However, the investment manager must be flexible in these worldwide markets. Principles of good corporate governance may vary by country, given the constraints of a country’s laws and acceptable practices in the markets. As a result, it is on occasion difficult to apply a consistent set of governance practices to all issuers. As experienced money managers, the investment manager's analysts are skilled in understanding the complexities of the regions in which they specialize and are trained to analyze proxy issues germane to their regions.

The investment manager will generally attempt to process every proxy it receives for all domestic and foreign securities. However, there may be situations in which the investment manager may be unable to successfully vote a proxy, or may choose not to vote a proxy, such as where: (i) a proxy ballot was not received from the custodian bank; (ii) a meeting notice was received too late; (iii) there are fees imposed upon the exercise of a vote and it is determined that such fees outweigh the benefit of voting; (iv) there are legal encumbrances to voting, including blocking restrictions in certain markets that preclude the ability to dispose of a security if the investment manager votes a proxy or where the investment manager is prohibited from voting by applicable law, economic or other sanctions, or other regulatory or market requirements, including but not limited to, effective Powers of Attorney; (v) additional documentation or the disclosure of beneficial owner details is required; (vi) the investment manager held shares on the record date but has sold them prior to the meeting date; (vii) a proxy voting service is not offered by the custodian in the market; (viii) due to either system error or human error, the investment manager’s intended vote is not correctly submitted; (ix) the investment manager believes it is not in the best interest of the Fund or its shareholders to vote the proxy for any other reason not enumerated herein; or (x) a security is subject to a securities lending or similar program that has transferred legal title to the security to another person.

In some non-U.S. jurisdictions, even if the investment manager uses reasonable efforts to vote a proxy on behalf of the Fund, such vote or proxy may be rejected because of (a) operational or procedural issues experienced by one or more third parties involved in voting proxies in such jurisdictions; (b) changes in the process or agenda for the meeting by the issuer for which the investment manager does not have sufficient notice; or (c) the exercise by the issuer of its discretion to reject the vote of the investment manager. In addition, despite the best efforts of the Proxy Group and its agents, there may be situations where the investment manager's votes are not received, or properly tabulated, by an issuer or the issuer's agent.

The investment manager or its affiliates may, on behalf of one or more of the proprietary registered investment companies advised by the investment manager or its affiliates, determine to use its best efforts to recall any security on loan where the investment manager or its affiliates (a) learn of a vote on a material event that may affect a security on loan and (b) determine that it is in the best interests of such proprietary registered investment companies to recall the security for voting purposes.

Procedures for meetings involving fixed income securities. From time to time, certain custodians may process events for fixed income securities through their proxy voting channels rather than corporate action channels for administrative convenience. In such cases, the Proxy Group will receive ballots for such events on the ISS voting platform. The Proxy Group will solicit voting instructions from the investment manager for each Fund involved. If the Proxy Group does not receive voting instructions from the investment manager, the Proxy Group will take no action on the event. The investment manager may be unable to vote a proxy for a fixed income security, or may choose not to vote a proxy, for the reasons described under the section entitled “Proxy Procedures.”

The Proxy Group will monitor such meetings involving fixed income securities for conflicts of interest in accordance with these procedures for fixed income securities. If a fixed income issuer is flagged as a potential conflict of interest, the investment manager may nonetheless vote as it deems in the best interests of the Fund. The investment manager will report such decisions on an annual basis to the Fund board as may be required.

Shareholders may view the complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Fund’s proxy voting records are available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The proxy voting records are updated each year by August 31 to reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Management and Other Services

Investment manager and services provided The Fund's investment manager is Franklin Advisers, Inc. The investment manager is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resources, a publicly owned company engaged in the financial services industry through its subsidiaries. Charles B. Johnson (former Chairman and Director of Resources) and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are the principal shareholders of Resources.

The investment manager provides investment research and portfolio management services, and selects the securities for the Fund to buy, hold or sell. The investment manager also selects the brokers who execute the Fund's portfolio transactions. The investment manager provides periodic reports to the board, which reviews and supervises the investment manager's investment activities. To protect the Fund, the investment manager and its officers, directors and employees are covered by fidelity insurance.

The investment manager and its affiliates manage numerous other investment companies and accounts. The investment manager may give advice and take action with respect to any of the other funds it manages, or for its own account, that may differ from action taken by the investment manager on behalf of the Fund. Similarly, with respect to the Fund, the investment manager is not obligated to recommend, buy or sell, or to refrain from recommending, buying or selling any security that the investment manager and access persons, as defined by applicable federal securities laws, may buy or sell for its or their own account or for the accounts of any other fund. The investment manager is not obligated to refrain from investing in securities held by the Fund or other funds it manages.

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

Management fees The Small-Mid Cap Fund pays the investment manager a fee equal to an annual rate of:

0.625% of the value of net assets up to and including $100 million;
0.500% of the value of net assets over $100 million and not over $250 million;
0.450% of the value of net assets over $250 million and not over $7.5 billion;
0.440% of the value of net assets over $7.5 billion and not over $10 billion;
0.430% of the value of net assets over $10 billion and not over $12.5 billion;
0.420% of the value of net assets over $12.5 billion and not over $15 billion; and
0.400% of the value of net assets in excess of $15 billion.

The Select U.S. Equity Fund pays the investment manager a fee equal to an annual rate of:

0.950% of the value of its net assets up to and including $500 million;
0.850% of the value of its net assets over $500 million and not over $1 billion;
0.800% of the value of its net assets over $1 billion and not over $1.5 billion;
0.750% of the value of its net assets over $1.5 billion and not over $6.5 billion;
0.725% of the value of its net assets over $6.5 billion and not over $11.5 billion;
0.700% of the value of net assets over $11.5 billion and not over $16.5 billion;
0.690% of the value of net assets over $16.5 billion and not over $19 billion;
0.680% of the value of net assets over $19 billion and not over $21.5 billion; and
0.670% of the value of net assets over $21.5 billion.

The Growth Opportunities Fund pays the investment manager a fee equal to an annual rate of:

0.700% of the value of its net assets up to and including $500 million;
0.600% of the value of its net assets over $500 million up to and including $1 billion;
0.550% of the value of its net assets over $1 billion up to and including $1.5 billion;
0.500% of the value of its net assets over $1.5 billion up to and including $6.5 billion;
0.475% of the value of its net assets over $6.5 billion up to and including $11.5 billion;
0.450% of the value of its net assets over $11.5 billion up to and including $16.5 billion;
0.440% of the value of its net assets over $16.5 billion up to and including $19 billion;
0.430% of the value of its net assets over $19 billion up to and including $21.5 billion; and
0.420% of the value of its net assets over $21.5 billion.

The Small Cap Fund pays the investment manager a fee equal to an annual rate of:

0.750% of the value of its net assets up to and including $500 million;
0.650% of the value of its net assets over $500 million up to and including $1 billion;
0.600% of the value of its net assets over $1 billion up to and including $1.5 billion;
0.550% of the value of net assets over $1.5 billion up to and including $6.5 billion;
0.525% of the value of its net assets over $6.5 billion up to and including $11.5 billion;
0.500% of the value of its net assets over $11.5 billion up to and including $16.5 billion;
0.490% of the value of its net assets over $16.5 billion up to and including $19 billion;
0.480% of the value of its net assets over $19 billion up to and including $21.5 billion; and
0.470% of the value of its net assets in excess of $21.5 billion.

The fees are calculated daily and paid monthly according to the terms of the management agreement. Each class of the Fund's shares pays its proportionate share of the fee.

For the last three fiscal years ended April 30, the Fund paid the following management fees:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Management Fees Paid ($)
	2017	2016	2015
Focused Core Equity Fund ¹	1,041,352	1,395,984	684,271
Growth Opportunities Fund ²	13,455,296	22,936,027	6,475,339
Small Cap Fund ³	16,421,718	18,466,118	15,029,260
Small-Mid Cap Fund ⁴	15,488,783	16,647,839	17,284,591

1. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, management fees, before any advance waiver, totaled $1,357,731, $1,759,129 and $945,420, respectively. Under an agreement by the investment manager to waive its fees and to reduce its fees to reflect reduced services resulting from the Fund’s investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund, the Fund paid the management fees shown.

2. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, management fees, before any advance waiver, totaled $15,661,146, $7,718,268 and $6,492,010, respectively. Under an agreement by the investment manager to reduce its fees to reflect reduced services resulting from the Fund’s investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund, the Fund paid the management fees shown.

3. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, management fees, before any advance waiver, totaled $16,944,181, $18,934,705 and $15,143,792, respectively. Under an agreement by the investment manager to reduce its fees to reflect reduced services resulting from the Fund’s investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund, the Fund paid the management fees shown.

4. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, management fees, before any advance waiver, totaled $15,963,209, $16,987,955 and $17,364,552, respectively. Under an agreement by the investment manager to reduce its fees to reflect reduced services resulting from the Fund’s investment in a Franklin Templeton money fund, the Fund paid the management fees shown.

Portfolio managers This section reflects information about the portfolio managers as of April 30, 2018.

The following table shows the number of other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the total assets in the accounts managed within each category:

Name	Number of Other Registered Investment Companies Managed ¹	Assets of Other Registered Investment Companies Managed (x $1 million) ¹	Number of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed ²	Assets of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed (x $1 million) ²	Number of Other Accounts Managed ²	Assets of Other Accounts Managed (x $1 million) ²
Chris Anderson	0	N/A	1	481.4	0	N/A
Sara Araghi	1	121.6	5	3,448.6	1	0.7
Grant Bowers	1	121.6	5	3,362.0	1	0.7
Bradley T. Carris	1	29.5	0	N/A	2	49.7
James Cross	1	456.3	1	1,335.7	0	N/A
Edward B. Jamieson	1	456.3	4	347.0	0	N/A
Michael McCarthy	2	485.8	3	344.8	4	113.9
John P. Scandalios	1	456.3	2	1,335.7	0	N/A

1. These figures represent registered investment companies other than the Funds that are included in this SAI.

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

Portfolio managers that provide investment services to the Fund may also provide services to a variety of other investment products, including other funds, institutional accounts and private accounts. The advisory fees for some of such other products and accounts may be different than that charged to the Fund but does not include performance based compensation. This may result in fees that are higher (or lower) than the advisory fees paid by the Fund. As a matter of policy, each fund or account is managed solely for the benefit of the beneficial owners thereof. As discussed below, the separation of the trading execution function from the portfolio management function and the application of objectively based trade allocation procedures help to mitigate potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the portfolio managers managing accounts with different advisory fees.

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

The structure of a portfolio manager’s compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio manager’s base pay and bonus tend to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management. As such, there may be an indirect relationship between a portfolio manager’s marketing or sales efforts and his or her bonus.

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

The investment manager and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.

Compensation. The investment manager seeks to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract, retain and motivate top-quality investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, a cash incentive bonus opportunity, an equity compensation opportunity, and a benefits package. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually and the level of compensation is based on individual performance, the salary range for a portfolio manager’s level of responsibility and Franklin Templeton guidelines. Portfolio managers are provided no financial incentive to favor one fund or account over another. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following three elements:

Base salary Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary.

Annual bonus Annual bonuses are structured to align the interests of the portfolio manager with those of the Fund’s shareholders. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual bonus. Bonuses generally are split between cash (50% to 65%) and restricted shares of Resources stock (17.5% to 25%) and mutual fund shares (17.5% to 25%). The deferred equity-based compensation is intended to build a vested interest of the portfolio manager in the financial performance of both Resources and mutual funds advised by the investment manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the portfolio manager achieving consistently strong investment performance, which aligns the financial incentives of the portfolio manager and Fund shareholders. The Chief Investment Officer of the investment manager and/or other officers of the investment manager, with responsibility for the Fund, have discretion in the granting of annual bonuses to portfolio managers in accordance with Franklin Templeton guidelines. The following factors are generally used in determining bonuses under the plan:

Investment performance. Primary consideration is given to the historic investment performance over the 1, 3 and 5 preceding years of all accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The pre-tax performance of each fund managed is measured relative to a relevant peer group and/or applicable benchmark as appropriate.
Non-investment performance. The more qualitative contributions of the portfolio manager to the investment manager’s business and the investment management team, including professional knowledge, productivity, responsiveness to client needs and communication, are evaluated in determining the amount of any bonus award.
Responsibilities. The characteristics and complexity of funds managed by the portfolio manager are factored in the investment manager’s appraisal.

Additional long-term equity-based compensation Portfolio managers may also be awarded restricted shares or units of Resources stock or restricted shares or units of one or more mutual funds. Awards of such deferred equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.

Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of the investment manager.

Ownership of Fund shares. The investment manager has a policy of encouraging portfolio managers to invest in the funds they manage. Exceptions arise when, for example, a fund is closed to new investors or when tax considerations or jurisdictional constraints cause such an investment to be inappropriate for the portfolio manager. The following is the dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by the portfolio managers (such amounts may change from time to time):

Portfolio Manager	Dollar Range of Fund Shares Beneficially Owned
Chris Anderson	Select U.S. Equity Fund $100,001-$500,000
Sara Araghi	Growth Opportunities Fund $50,001 - $100,000
Grant Bowers	Growth Opportunities Fund Over $1,000,000
Bradley T. Carris	Small Cap Fund $100,001 - $500,000
James Cross	Small-Mid Cap Fund $50,001 - $100,000
	Growth Opportunities Fund $100,001 - $500,000
Edward B. Jamieson	Small-Mid Cap Fund Over $1,000,000
Brent Loder	Select U.S. Equity Fund $100,001 - $500,000
Michael McCarthy	Small Cap Fund Over $1,000,000
	Small-Mid Cap Fund Over $1,000,000
John P. Scandalios	None

Administrator and services provided Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services) has an agreement with the investment manager to provide certain administrative services and facilities for the Fund. FT Services is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources and is an affiliate of the Fund's investment manager and principal underwriter.

The administrative services FT Services provides include preparing and maintaining books, records, and tax and financial reports, and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Administration fees The investment manager pays FT Services a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of:

0.150% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to and including $200 million;
0.135% of average daily net assets over $200 million, up to and including $700 million;
0.100% of average daily net assets over $700 million, up to and including $1.2 billion; and
0.075% of average daily net assets over $1.2 billion.

For the last three fiscal years ended April 30, FT Services was paid the following administration fees:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Administration Fees Paid ($)
	2017	2016	2015
Focused Core Equity Fund	214,321	277,395	149,648
Growth Opportunities Fund	2,658,326	1,448,665	1,227,169
Small Cap Fund	2,647,042	2,916,615	2,405,015
Small-Mid Cap Fund	3,193,961	3,363,321	3,428,246

Shareholder servicing and transfer agent Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services) is the Fund's shareholder servicing agent and acts as the Fund's transfer agent and dividend-paying agent. Investor Services is located at 3344 Quality Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-7313. Please send all correspondence to Investor Services at P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-7151.

Investor Services receives a fee for servicing Fund shareholder accounts. The Fund also will reimburse Investor Services for certain out-of-pocket expenses necessarily incurred in servicing the shareholder accounts in accordance with the terms of its servicing contract with the Fund.

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

For all classes of shares of the Fund, except for Class R6 shares, Investor Services may also pay servicing fees, that will be reimbursed by the Fund, in varying amounts to certain financial institutions (to help offset their costs associated with client account maintenance support, statement preparation and transaction processing) that (i) maintain omnibus accounts with the Fund in the institution's name on behalf of numerous beneficial owners of Fund shares who are either direct clients of the institution or are participants in an IRS-recognized tax-deferred savings plan (including Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans and Section 529 Plans) for which the institution, or its affiliate, provides participant level recordkeeping services (called "Beneficial Owners"); or (ii) provide support for Fund shareholder accounts by sharing account data with Investor Services through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) networking system. In addition to servicing fees received from the Fund, these financial institutions also may charge a fee for their services directly to their clients. Investor Services will also receive a fee from the Fund (other than for Class R6 shares) for services provided in support of Beneficial Owners and NSCC networking system accounts.

Custodian The Bank of New York Mellon, Mutual Funds Division, 100 Church Street, New York, NY 10286, acts as custodian of the Fund's securities and other assets. As foreign custody manager, the bank selects and monitors foreign sub-custodian banks, selects and evaluates non-compulsory foreign depositories, and furnishes information relevant to the selection of compulsory depositories.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111-4004, is the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm audits the financial statements included in the Trust's Annual Report to shareholders.

Portfolio Transactions

The investment manager selects brokers and dealers to execute the Fund's portfolio transactions in accordance with criteria set forth in the management agreement and any directions that the board may give.

When placing a portfolio transaction, the trading department of the investment manager seeks to obtain "best execution" -- the best combination of high quality transaction execution services, taking into account the services and products to be provided by the broker or dealer, and low relative commission rates with the view of maximizing value for the Fund and its other clients. For most transactions in equity securities, the amount of commissions paid is negotiated between the investment manager and the broker executing the transaction. The determination and evaluation of the reasonableness of the brokerage commissions paid are based to a large degree on the professional opinions of the persons within the trading department of the investment manager responsible for placement and review of the transactions. These opinions are based on the experience of these individuals in the securities industry and information available to them about the level of commissions being paid by other institutional investors. The investment manager may also place orders to buy and sell equity securities on a principal rather than agency basis if the investment manager believes that trading on a principal basis will provide best execution. Orders for fixed-income securities are ordinarily placed with market makers on a net basis, without any brokerage commissions. Purchases of portfolio securities from underwriters will include a commission or concession paid to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers will include a spread between the bid and ask price.

The investment manager may cause the Fund to pay certain brokers commissions that are higher than those another broker may charge, if the investment manager determines in good faith that the amount paid is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services it receives. This may be viewed in terms of either the particular transaction or the investment manager's overall responsibilities to client accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. The brokerage commissions that are used to acquire services other than brokerage are known as "soft dollars." Research provided can be either proprietary (created and provided by the broker-dealer, including tangible research products as well as access to analysts and traders) or third party (created by a third party but provided by the broker-dealer). To the extent permitted by applicable law, the investment manager may use soft dollars to acquire both proprietary and third-party research.

The research services that brokers may provide to the investment manager include, among others, supplying information about particular companies, markets, countries, or local, regional, national or transnational economies, statistical data, quotations and other securities pricing information, and other information that provides lawful and appropriate assistance to the investment manager in carrying out its investment advisory responsibilities. These services may not always directly benefit the Fund. They must, however, be of value to the investment manager in carrying out its overall responsibilities to its clients.

It is not possible to place an accurate dollar value on the special execution or on the research services the investment manager receives from dealers effecting transactions in portfolio securities. The allocation of transactions to obtain additional research services allows the investment manager to supplement its own research and analysis activities and to receive the views and information of individuals and research staffs from many securities firms. The receipt of these products and services does not reduce the investment manager's research activities in providing investment advice to the Fund.

As long as it is lawful and appropriate to do so, the investment manager and its affiliates may use this research and data in their investment advisory capacities with other clients.

Because Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), it may sometimes receive certain fees when the Fund tenders portfolio securities pursuant to a tender-offer solicitation. To recapture brokerage for the benefit of the Fund, any portfolio securities tendered by the Fund will be tendered through Distributors if it is legally permissible to do so. In turn, the next management fee payable to the investment manager will be reduced by the amount of any fees received by Distributors in cash, less any costs and expenses incurred in connection with the tender.

If purchases or sales of securities of the Fund and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by the investment manager are considered at or about the same time, transactions in these securities will be allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all by the investment manager, taking into account the respective sizes of the accounts and the amount of securities to be purchased or sold. In some cases this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Fund is concerned. In other cases it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions may improve execution and reduce transaction costs to the Fund.

For the last three fiscal years ended April 30, the Fund paid the following brokerage commissions:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Brokerage Commissions ($)
	2017	2016	2015
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund	1,363,319	0	419,722
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund	40,108	66,037	47,349
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund	2,072,202	3,102,943	3,414,645
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund	1,442,874	2,010,525	2,644,386

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, the Fund paid brokerage commissions from aggregate portfolio transactions to brokers who provided research services as follows:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Brokerage Commissions ($)	Aggregate Portfolio Transactions ($)
Focused Core Equity Fund	16,857	102,069,727
Growth Opportunities Fund	561,645	2,940,023,007
Small Cap Fund	920,517	1,629,304,383
Small-Mid Cap Fund	667,992	2,378,921,333

As of April 30, 2018, the Select U.S. Equity Fund owned the following securities issued by:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Securities	Values of Securities Owned in the Aggregate at ($ in thousands)
Select U.S. Equity Fund
JP Morgan Securities, Inc.	4,616
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith INC.	3,212

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]
Except as noted Select U.S. Equity Fund did not own any securities issued by their broker-dealers as of the end of the fiscal year. As of April 30, 2018, Growth Opportunities Fund, Small Cap Fund and Small-Mid Cap Fund did not own securities of their regular broker-dealers.

Because the Fund may, from time to time, invest in broker-dealers, it is possible that the Fund will own more than 5% of the voting securities of one or more broker-dealers through whom the Fund places portfolio brokerage transactions. In such circumstances, the broker-dealer would be considered an affiliated person of the Fund. To the extent the Fund places brokerage transactions through such a broker-dealer at a time when the broker-dealer is considered to be an affiliate of the Fund, the Fund will be required to adhere to certain rules relating to the payment of commissions to an affiliated broker-dealer. These rules require the Fund to adhere to procedures adopted by the board to ensure that the commissions paid to such broker-dealers do not exceed what would otherwise be the usual and customary brokerage commissions for similar transactions.

Distributions and Taxes

The following discussion is a summary of certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders, some of which may not be described in the Fund’s prospectus. No attempt is made to present a complete detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders. The discussions here and in the prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

The following discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and applicable regulations in effect on the date of this SAI, including any amendments to the Code resulting from 2017 legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes, including any provisions of law that sunset and thereafter no longer apply, or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect. Where indicated below, IRS refers to the United States Internal Revenue Service.

This is for general information only and not tax advice. All investors should consult their own tax advisors as to the federal, state, local and foreign tax provisions applicable to them.

Multi-class distributions The Fund calculates income dividends and capital gain distributions the same way for each class. The amount of any income dividends per share will differ, however, generally due to any differences in the distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees applicable to the classes and Class R6 transfer agency fees.

Distributions The Fund intends to declare and pay income dividends at least annually from its net investment income. Capital gains, if any, may be paid at least annually. The Fund may distribute income dividends and capital gains more frequently, if necessary or appropriate in the board’s discretion. The amount of any distribution will vary, and there is no guarantee the Fund will pay either income dividends or capital gain distributions. Your income dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares at net asset value unless you elect to receive them in cash. Distributions declared in December to shareholders of record in such month and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid in December.

Distributions of net investment income. The Fund receives income generally in the form of dividends and interest on its investments. The Fund may also recognize ordinary income from other sources, including, but not limited to, certain gains on foreign currency-related transactions. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund's net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. If you are a taxable investor, any income dividends (other than qualified dividends) the Fund pays are taxable to you at ordinary income tax rates. A portion of the income dividends paid to you may be qualified dividends eligible to be taxed at reduced rates.

Distributions of capital gains. The Fund may realize capital gains and losses on the sale of its portfolio securities.

Distributions of short-term capital gains are taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have owned your shares in the Fund. Any net capital gains realized by the Fund (in excess of any available capital loss carryovers) generally are distributed once each year, and may be distributed more frequently, if necessary, to reduce or eliminate excise or income taxes on the Fund.

Capital gain dividends and any net long-term capital gains you realize from the sale of Fund shares are generally taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains tax rates. For single individuals with taxable income not in excess of $38,600 in 2018 ($77,200 for married individuals filing jointly), the long-term capital gains tax rate is 0%. For single individuals and joint filers with taxable income in excess of these amounts but not more than $425,800 or $479,000, respectively, the long-term capital gains tax rate is 15%. The rate is 20% for single individuals with taxable income in excess of $425,800 and married individuals filing jointly with taxable income in excess of $479,000. The taxable income thresholds are adjusted annually for inflation. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax may also be imposed as discussed below.

Returns of capital. If the Fund's distributions exceed its earnings and profits (i.e., generally, its taxable income and realized capital gains) for a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in that taxable year may be characterized as a return of capital to you. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce the cost basis in your Fund shares and will result in a higher capital gain or in a lower capital loss when you sell your shares. Any return of capital in excess of the basis in your Fund shares, however, will be taxable as a capital gain. In the case of a non-calendar year fund, earnings and profits are first allocated to distributions made on or before December 31 of its taxable year and then to distributions made thereafter. The effect of this provision is to “push” returns of capital into the next calendar year.

Undistributed capital gains. The Fund may retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital gain for each taxable year. The Fund currently intends to distribute net capital gains. If the Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the applicable corporate tax rate. If the Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.

Investments in foreign securities The following paragraphs describe tax considerations that are applicable to the Fund's investments in foreign securities.

Foreign income tax. Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income tax withheld at the source and the amount of tax withheld generally will be treated as an expense of the Fund. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries, which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, tax on such income. Some countries require the filing of a tax reclaim or other forms to receive the benefit of the reduced tax rate; whether or when the Fund will receive the tax reclaim is within the control of the individual country. Information required on these forms may not be available such as shareholder information; therefore, the Fund may not receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries have conflicting and changing instructions and restrictive timing requirements which may cause the Fund not to receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries may subject capital gains realized by the Fund on sale or disposition of securities of that country to taxation. These and other factors may make it difficult for the Fund to determine in advance the effective rate of tax on its investments in certain countries. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to pass-through foreign taxes paid by the Fund to shareholders, although it reserves the right not to do so. If the Fund makes such an election and obtains a refund of foreign taxes paid by the Fund in a prior year, the Fund may be eligible to reduce the amount of foreign taxes reported by the Fund to its shareholders, generally by the amount of the foreign taxes refunded, for the year in which the refund is received.

Effect of foreign debt investments on distributions. Most foreign exchange gains realized on the sale of debt securities are treated as ordinary income by the Fund. Similarly, foreign exchange losses realized on the sale of debt securities generally are treated as ordinary losses. These gains when distributed are taxable to you as ordinary income, and any losses reduce the Fund's ordinary income otherwise available for distribution to you. This treatment could increase or decrease the Fund's ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or all of the Fund's previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital.

PFIC securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign entities that could be deemed for tax purposes to be passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, the Fund intends to mark-to-market these securities and recognize any gains at the end of its fiscal and excise (described below) tax years. Deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any current or previously recognized gains. These gains (reduced by allowable losses) are treated as ordinary income that the Fund is required to distribute, even though it has not sold the securities. Foreign companies are not required to identify themselves as PFICs. Due to various complexities in identifying PFICs, the Fund can give no assurances that it will be able to identify portfolio securities in foreign corporations that are PFICs in time for the Fund to make a mark-to-market election. If the Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.

The Fund's designation of a foreign security as a PFIC security will cause the income dividends of any designated securities to fall outside of the definition of qualified foreign corporation dividends. These dividends generally will not qualify for the reduced rate of taxation on qualified dividends when distributed to you by the Fund.

Information on the amount and tax character of distributions The Fund will inform you of the amount of your income dividends and capital gain distributions at the time they are paid, and will advise you of their tax status for federal income tax purposes shortly after the close of each calendar year. The amount of income dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders, consisting of qualified dividend income (which is relevant to U.S. investors) and interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends (which are relevant to non-U.S. investors) may exceed the total amount of income dividends paid. Such characterization will not result in more income being reported to you, but rather will allow the Fund to report dividends in a manner that is more tax efficient to both U.S. and non-U.S. investors. If you have not owned your Fund shares for a full year, the Fund may report and distribute to you:

as an ordinary income, qualified dividend, or capital gain dividend (a distribution of net long-term capital gains) if you are a U.S. investor, or
as an interest-related, short-term capital gain, or capital gain dividend if you are a non-U.S. investor

a percentage of income that may not be equal to the actual amount of each type of income earned during the period of your investment in the Fund.

The Fund may at times find it necessary to reclassify income after it issues your tax reporting statement. This can result from rules in the Code that effectively prevent regulated investment companies such as the Fund from ascertaining with certainty until after the calendar year end the final amount and character of distributions the Fund has received on its investments during the prior calendar year. Prior to issuing your statement, the Fund makes every effort to identify reclassifications of income to reduce the number of corrected forms mailed to shareholders. However, when necessary, the Fund will send you a corrected tax reporting statement to reflect reclassified information. If you receive a corrected tax reporting statement, use the information on this statement, and not the information on your original statement, in completing your tax returns.

Avoid "buying a dividend" At the time you purchase your Fund shares, the Fund’s net asset value may reflect undistributed income, undistributed capital gains, or net unrealized appreciation in the value of the portfolio securities held by the Fund. For taxable investors, a subsequent distribution to you of such amounts, although constituting a return of your investment, would be taxable. This tax treatment is required even if you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares. Buying shares in the Fund just before it declares an income dividend or capital gain distribution is sometimes known as “buying a dividend.” For example, if you buy 500 shares in a fund on December 10th at the fund's net asset value (NAV) of $10 per share, and the fund makes a distribution on December 15th of $1 per share, your shares will then have an NAV of $9 per share (disregarding any change in the fund's market value), and you will have to pay a tax on what is essentially a return of your investment of $1 per share.

Election to be taxed as a regulated investment company The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. It has qualified as a regulated investment company for its most recent fiscal year, and intends to continue to qualify during the current fiscal year. As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to you. In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must satisfy the requirements described below.

Distribution requirement. The Fund must distribute an amount equal to the sum of at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and 90% of its net tax-exempt income, if any, for the tax year (including, for purposes of satisfying this distribution requirement, certain distributions made by the Fund after the close of its taxable year that are treated as made during such taxable year).

Income requirement. The Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived from its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from qualified publicly traded partnerships (QPTPs).

Asset diversification test. The Fund must satisfy the following asset diversification test at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s tax year: (1) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets in securities of an issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer); and (2) no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or, in the securities of one or more QPTPs.

In some circumstances, the character and timing of income realized by the Fund for purposes of the income requirement or the identification of the issuer for purposes of the asset diversification test is uncertain under current law with respect to a particular investment, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to such type of investment may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to satisfy these requirements. In other circumstances, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio holdings in order to meet the income requirement, distribution requirement, or asset diversification test, which may have a negative impact on the Fund’s income and performance. In lieu of potential disqualification, the Fund is permitted to pay a tax for certain failures to satisfy the asset diversification test or income requirement, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.

If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate tax rate without any deduction for dividends paid to shareholders, and the dividends would be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly as qualified dividend income) to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, subject to savings provisions for certain qualification failures, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, would thus have a negative impact on the Fund’s income and performance. In that case, the Fund would be liable for federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to you would be taxed as dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. Even if such savings provisions apply, the Fund may be subject to a monetary sanction of $50,000 or more. Moreover, the board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such a course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

Capital loss carryovers The capital losses of the Fund, if any, do not flow through to shareholders. Rather, the Fund may use its capital losses, subject to applicable limitations, to offset its capital gains without being required to pay taxes on or distribute to shareholders such gains that are offset by the losses. If the Fund has a "net capital loss" (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains) for a taxable year beginning after December 22, 2010, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund's next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund's next taxable year. Any such net capital losses of the Fund that are not used to offset capital gains may be carried forward indefinitely, subject to certain limitations, to reduce any future capital gains realized by the Fund in succeeding taxable years. However, for any net capital losses realized in taxable years of the Fund beginning on or before December 22, 2010, the Fund is only permitted to carry forward such capital losses for eight years as a short-term capital loss. Under a transition rule, capital losses arising in a taxable year beginning after December 22, 2010 must be used before capital losses realized in a taxable year beginning on or before December 22, 2010.

Excise tax distribution requirements

Required distributions. To avoid federal excise taxes, the Code requires the Fund to distribute to you by December 31 of each year, at a minimum, the following amounts:

98% of its taxable ordinary income earned during the calendar year;
98.2% of its capital gain net income earned during the 12-month period ending October 31; and
100% of any undistributed amounts of these categories of income or gain from the prior year.

The Fund intends to declare and pay these distributions in December (or to pay them in January, in which case you must treat them as received in December), but can give no assurances that its distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes.

Tax reporting for income and excise tax years. Because the periods for measuring a regulated investment company’s income are different for income (determined on a fiscal year basis) and excise tax years (determined as noted above), special rules are required to calculate the amount of income earned in each period, and the amount of earnings and profits needed to support that income. For example, if the Fund uses the excise tax period ending on October 31 as the measuring period for calculating and paying out capital gain net income and realizes a net capital loss between November 1 and the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, the Fund may calculate its earnings and profits without regard to such net capital loss in order to make its required distribution of capital gain net income for excise tax purposes. The Fund also may elect to treat part or all of any "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year, which may change the timing, amount, or characterization of Fund distributions.

A "qualified late year loss” includes (i) any net capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, or, if there is no such loss, any net long-term capital loss or any net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (“post-October capital losses”), and (ii) the sum of (1) the excess, if any, of (a) specified losses incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, over (b) specified gains incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year and (2) the excess, if any, of (a) ordinary losses incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year, over (b) the ordinary income incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year. The terms “specified losses” and “specified gains” mean ordinary losses and gains from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of property (including the termination of a position with respect to such property), foreign currency losses and gains, and losses and gains resulting from holding stock in a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for which a mark-to-market election is in effect. The terms “ordinary losses” and “ordinary income” mean other ordinary losses and income that are not described in the preceding sentence. Special rules apply to a fund with a fiscal year ending in November or December that elects to use its taxable year for determining its capital gain net income for excise tax purposes. The Fund may only elect to treat any post-October capital loss, specified gains and specified losses incurred after October 31 as if it had been incurred in the succeeding year in determining its taxable income for the current year.

Because these rules are not entirely clear, the Fund may be required to interpret the "qualified late-year loss" and other rules relating to these different year-ends to determine its taxable income and capital gains. The Fund’s reporting of income and its allocation between different taxable and excise tax years may be challenged by the IRS, possibly resulting in adjustments in the income reported by the Fund on its tax returns and/or by the Fund to you on your year-end tax statements.

Medicare tax An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on net investment income earned by certain individuals, estates and trusts. “Net investment income,” for these purposes, means investment income, including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares, reduced by the deductions properly allocable to such income. In the case of an individual, the tax will be imposed on the lesser of (1) the shareholder’s net investment income or (2) the amount by which the shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 (if the shareholder is married and filing jointly or a surviving spouse), $125,000 (if the shareholder is married and filing separately) or $200,000 (in any other case). Any liability for this additional Medicare tax is reported by you on, and paid with, your federal income tax return.

Sales of Fund shares Sales and exchanges of Fund shares are generally taxable transactions for federal and state income tax purposes. If you sell your Fund shares, or exchange them for shares of a different Franklin Templeton fund, you are required to report any gain or loss on your sale or exchange. If you owned your shares as a capital asset, any gain or loss that you realize is a capital gain or loss, and is long-term or short-term, depending on how long you owned your shares. Under current law, shares held one year or less are short-term and shares held more than one year are long-term. The conversion of shares of one class into another class of the same fund is not a taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income.

Sales at a loss within six months of purchase. Any loss incurred on the sale or exchange of Fund shares owned for six months or less is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gains distributed to you by the Fund on those shares.

Wash sales. All or a portion of any loss that you realize on the sale or exchange of your Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in the Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before or after your sale or exchange. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be added to your tax basis in the new shares.

Deferral of basis. In reporting gain or loss on the sale of your Fund shares, you may be required to adjust your basis in the shares you sell under the following circumstances:

IF:

In your original purchase of Fund shares, you paid a sales charge and received a reinvestment right (the right to reinvest your sales proceeds at a reduced or with no sales charge), and
You sell some or all of your original shares within 90 days of their purchase, and
You reinvest the sales proceeds in the Fund or in another Franklin Templeton fund by January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the disposition of the original shares occurred, and the sales charge that would otherwise apply is reduced or eliminated;

THEN: In reporting any gain or loss on your sale, all or a portion of the sales charge that you paid for your original shares is excluded from your tax basis in the shares sold and added to your tax basis in the new shares.

Reportable transactions. Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper.

Cost basis reporting Beginning in calendar year 2012, the Fund is required to report the cost basis of Fund shares sold or exchanged to you and the IRS annually. The cost basis of Fund shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for the shares, including any front-end sales charges, and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Fund shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of Fund shares. Capital gains and losses on the sale or exchange of Fund shares are generally taxable transactions for federal and state income tax purposes.

Shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012. Cost basis reporting is generally required for Fund shares that are acquired by purchase, gift, inheritance or other transfer on or after January 1, 2012 (referred to as “covered shares”), and subsequently sold or exchanged on or after that date. Cost basis reporting does not apply to sales or exchanges of shares acquired before January 1, 2012, or to shares held in money market funds that maintain a stable $1 net asset value and tax-deferred accounts, such as individual retirement accounts and qualified retirement plans.

Cost basis methods. Treasury regulations permit the use of several methods to determine the cost basis of mutual fund shares. The method used will determine which specific shares are treated as sold or exchanged when there are multiple purchases at different prices and the entire position is not sold at one time.

The Fund’s default method is the average cost method. Under the average cost method, the cost basis of your Fund shares will be determined by averaging the cost basis of all outstanding shares. The holding period for determining whether gains and losses are short-term or long-term is based on the first-in-first-out method (FIFO) which treats the earliest shares acquired as those first sold or exchanged.

If you wish to select a different cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange, you must contact the Fund. However, once a shareholder has sold or exchanged covered shares from the shareholder’s account, a change by the shareholder from the average cost method to another permitted method will only apply prospectively to shares acquired after the date of the method change.

Under the specific identification method, Treasury regulations require that you adequately identify the tax lots of Fund shares to be sold, exchanged or transferred at the time of each transaction. An adequate identification is made by providing the dates that the shares were originally acquired and the number of shares to be sold, exchanged or transferred from each applicable tax lot. Alternatively, an adequate identification of shares may be made with a standing order of instruction on your account. If you do not provide an adequate identification the Fund is required to use the FIFO method with any shares with an unknown acquisition date treated as sold or exchanged first.

The Fund does not recommend any particular cost basis method and the use of other methods may result in more favorable tax consequences for some shareholders. It is important that you consult with your tax or financial advisor to determine which method is best for you and then notify the Fund if you intend to use a method other than average cost.

If your account is held by your financial advisor or other broker-dealer, that firm may select a different cost basis default method. In these cases, please contact the firm to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account.

Shares acquired before January 1, 2012. Cost basis reporting is not generally required for Fund shares that were acquired by purchase, gift, inheritance or other transfer prior to January 1, 2012 (referred to as “noncovered shares”), regardless of when they are sold or exchanged. As a service to shareholders, the Fund presently intends to continue to provide shareholders cost basis information for eligible accounts for shares acquired prior to January 1, 2012. Consistent with prior years, this information will not be reported to the IRS or any state taxing authority.

Shareholders that use the average cost method for shares acquired before January 1, 2012 must make the election to use the average cost method for these shares on their federal income tax returns in accordance with Treasury regulations. This election cannot be made by notifying the Fund.

Important limitations regarding cost basis information. The Fund will report the cost basis of your Fund shares by taking into account all of the applicable adjustments required by the Code for purposes of reporting cost basis information to shareholders and the IRS annually. However the Fund is not required, and in many cases the Fund does not possess the information, to take all possible basis, holding period or other adjustments into account in reporting cost basis information to you. Therefore shareholders should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund, whether this information is provided with respect to covered or noncovered shares, and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required by the Code when reporting these amounts on their federal and state income tax returns. Shareholders remain solely responsible for complying with all federal and state income tax laws when filing their income tax returns.

Additional information about cost basis reporting. For additional information about cost basis reporting, including the methods and elections available to you, please contact Franklin Templeton Investments at (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236. Additional information is also available on franklintempleton.com/costbasis.

Tax certification and backup withholding Tax laws require that you certify your tax information when you become an investor in the Fund. For U.S. citizens and resident aliens, this certification is made on IRS Form W-9. Under these laws, you may be subject to federal backup withholding at 24%, and state backup withholding may also apply, on a portion of your taxable distributions and sales proceeds unless you:

provide your correct Social Security or taxpayer identification number,
certify that this number is correct,
certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, and
certify that you are a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien).

The Fund must also withhold if the IRS instructs it to do so. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS. Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding and information reporting.

U.S. government securities The income earned on certain U.S. government securities is exempt from state and local personal income taxes if earned directly by you. States also grant tax-free status to mutual fund dividends paid to you from interest earned on these securities, subject in some states to minimum investment or reporting requirements that must be met by the Fund. The income on Fund investments in certain securities, such as repurchase agreements, commercial paper and federal agency-backed obligations (e.g., Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae securities), generally does not qualify for tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporations.

Qualified dividends and the corporate dividends-received deduction For individual shareholders, a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain tax rates. For single individuals with taxable income not in excess of $38,600 in 2018 ($77,200 for married individuals filing jointly), the long-term capital gains tax rate is 0%. For single individuals and joint filers with taxable income in excess of these amounts but not more than $425,800 or $479,000, respectively, the long-term capital gains tax rate is 15%. The rate is 20% for single individuals with taxable income in excess of $425,800 and married individuals filing jointly with taxable income in excess of $479,000. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax may also be imposed as discussed above.

“Qualified dividend income” means dividends paid to the Fund (a) by domestic corporations, (b) by foreign corporations that are either (i) incorporated in a possession of the United States, or (ii) are eligible for benefits under certain income tax treaties with the United States that include an exchange of information program, or (c) with respect to stock of a foreign corporation that is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Both the Fund and the investor must meet certain holding period requirements to qualify Fund dividends for this treatment. Specifically, the Fund must hold the stock for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend (or in the case of certain preferred stocks, for at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend). Similarly, investors must hold their Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the Fund distribution goes ex-dividend. Income derived from investments in derivatives, fixed-income securities, U.S. REITs, PFICs, and income received “in lieu of” dividends in a securities lending transaction generally is not eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income. If the qualifying dividend income received by the Fund is equal to or greater than 95% of the Fund's gross income (exclusive of net capital gain) in any taxable year, all of the ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund will be qualifying dividend income.

While the income received in the form of a qualified dividend is taxed at the same rates as long-term capital gains, such income will not be considered a long-term capital gain for other federal income tax purposes. For example, you will not be allowed to offset your long-term capital losses against qualified dividend income on your federal income tax return. Any qualified dividend income that you elect to be taxed at these reduced rates also cannot be used as investment income in determining your allowable investment interest expense.

For corporate shareholders, a portion of the dividends paid by the Fund may qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction. This deduction generally is available to corporations for dividends paid by a fund out of income earned on its investments in domestic corporations. The availability of the dividends-received deduction is subject to certain holding period and debt financing restrictions that apply to both the Fund and the investor. Specifically, the amount that the Fund may report as eligible for the dividends-received deduction will be reduced or eliminated if the shares on which the dividends earned by the Fund were debt-financed or held by the Fund for less than a minimum period of time, generally 46 days during a 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend. Similarly, if your Fund shares are debt-financed or held by you for less than a 46-day period then the dividends-received deduction for Fund dividends on your shares may also be reduced or eliminated. Even if reported as dividends eligible for the dividends-received deduction, all dividends (including any deducted portion) must be included in your alternative minimum taxable income calculation. (Under 2017 legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, corporations are no longer subject to the alternative minimum tax for taxable years of the corporation beginning after December 31, 2017.) Income derived by the Fund from investments in derivatives, fixed-income and foreign securities generally is not eligible for this treatment.

Each year the Fund will report to shareholders the portion of the income dividends paid by the Fund that are eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income, if any, and for the corporate dividends-received deduction, if any. The amounts reported to shareholders may vary significantly each year depending on the particular mix of the Fund’s investments. If the percentage of qualified dividend income or dividend income eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction is quite small, the Fund reserves the right to not report the small percentage of qualified dividend income for individuals or income eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction for corporations.

Investment in complex securities The Fund’s investment in certain complex securities could subject it to one or more special tax rules (including, but not limited to, the wash sale rules), which may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments to the holding periods of the Fund’s securities. These rules, therefore, could affect the amount, timing and/or tax character of the Fund’s distributions to shareholders. Moreover, because the tax rules applicable to complex securities, including derivative financial instruments, are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a fund-level tax. Set forth below is a general description of the tax treatment of certain types of securities, investment techniques and transactions that may apply to a fund; therefore, this section should be read in conjunction with the discussion above under “Goals, Strategies and Risks” for a detailed description of the various types of securities and investment techniques that apply to the Fund.

In general. Gain or loss recognized by the Fund on the sale or other disposition of its portfolio investments will generally be capital gain or loss. Such capital gain and loss may be long-term or short-term depending, in general, upon the length of time a particular investment position is maintained and, in some cases, upon the nature of the transaction. Portfolio investments held for more than one year generally will be eligible for long-term capital gain or loss treatment.

Derivatives. The Fund may invest in certain derivative contracts, including some or all of the following types of investments: options on securities and securities indices; financial and futures contracts; options on financial or futures contracts and stock index futures; foreign currency contracts, and forward and futures contracts on foreign currencies. The tax treatment of certain forward and futures contracts entered into by the Fund, as well as listed non-equity options written or purchased by the Fund on U.S. exchanges (including options on futures contracts, broad-based equity indices and debt securities), may be governed by section 1256 of the Code (“section 1256 contracts”). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (“60/40”), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, any section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable, even though the Fund continues to hold the contracts. The Fund may be required to distribute this income and gains annually in order to avoid income or excise taxes on the Fund. Section 1256 contracts do not include any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement.

Constructive sales. The Fund’s entry into certain derivative instruments, including options, forward contracts, and futures could be treated as the “constructive sale” of an “appreciated financial position,” causing it to realize gain, but not loss, on the position.

Securities lending transactions. The Fund may obtain additional income by lending its securities, typically to brokers. All amounts that are paid to the Fund in a securities lending transaction, including substitute dividend or interest payments, are treated as a “fee” for the temporary use of property. As a result, any substitute dividend payments received by the Fund are neither qualified dividend income eligible for taxation at reduced long-term capital gain rates in the case of individual shareholders nor eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Similarly, any foreign tax withheld on payments made “in lieu of” dividends or interest will not qualify for the pass-through of foreign taxes to shareholders.

Tax straddles. If the Fund invests in certain derivative instruments, if it actively trades stock or otherwise acquires a position with respect to substantially similar or related property in connection with certain hedging transactions, or if it engages in spread, straddle or collar transactions, it could be deemed to hold offsetting positions in securities. If the Fund’s risk of loss with respect to specific securities in its portfolio is substantially diminished by the fact that it holds offsetting securities, the Fund could be deemed to have entered into a tax "straddle" or to hold a "successor position" that would require any loss realized by it to be deferred for tax purposes.

Synthetic convertible securities. The Fund is permitted to invest in synthetic convertible securities, which are comprised of two distinct security components, for example, a nonconvertible fixed income security and warrants or stock or stock index call options. When combined, these investments achieve the same economic effect as an investment in a traditional convertible security: a desired income stream and the right to acquire shares of the underlying equity security. Even though these securities are economically equivalent to traditional convertible securities, each security forming part of such an investment is analyzed separately, and the tax consequences of an investment in the component parts of these securities could differ from those of an investment in a traditional convertible security.

Certain fixed-income investments. Gain recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation purchased by the Fund with market discount (generally, at a price less than its principal amount) will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the portion of the market discount that accrued during the period of time the Fund held the debt obligation, unless the Fund made an election to accrue market discount into income currently. Fund distributions of accrued market discount, including any current inclusions, are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. If the Fund purchases a debt obligation (such as a zero coupon security or pay-in-kind security) that was originally issued at a discount, the Fund generally is required to include in gross income each year the portion of the original issue discount that accrues during such year. Therefore an investment in such securities may cause the Fund to recognize income and make distributions to shareholders before it receives any cash payments on the securities. To generate cash to satisfy those distribution requirements, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities that it otherwise might have continued to hold or to use cash flows from other sources such as the sale of fund shares.

Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default . The Fund may also hold obligations that are at risk of or in default. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as whether and to what extent the Fund should recognize market discount on such a debt obligation, when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent the Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities and how the Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund in order to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company.

Investment in taxable mortgage pools (excess inclusion income). Under a Notice issued by the IRS, the Code and Treasury regulations to be issued, a portion of the Fund’s income from a U.S. REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit (REMIC) or equity interests in a “taxable mortgage pool” (referred to in the Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. The excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as a Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest or, if applicable, taxable mortgage pool directly. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income (UBTI), thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign stockholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a “disqualified organization” (which generally includes certain cooperatives, governmental entities, and tax-exempt organizations not subject to UBTI) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the applicable corporate tax rate. The Notice imposes certain reporting requirements upon regulated investment companies that have excess inclusion income. There can be no assurance that the Fund will not allocate to shareholders excess inclusion income.

These rules are potentially applicable to a fund with respect to any income it receives from the equity interests of certain mortgage pooling vehicles, either directly or, as is more likely, through an investment in a U.S. REIT. It is not anticipated that these rules will apply to a fund that does not invest in any U.S. REITs.

State income taxes Some state tax codes adopt the Code through a certain date. As a result, such conforming states may not have adopted the version of the Code as amended by enactment of 2017 legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, or other federal tax laws enacted after the applicable conformity date. Other states may have adopted an income or other basis of tax that differs from the Code.

The tax information furnished by the Fund to shareholders and the IRS annually with respect to the amount and character of dividends paid, cost basis information with respect to shares redeemed or exchanged, and records maintained by the Fund with respect to the cost basis of Fund shares, will be prepared on the basis of current federal income tax law to comply with the information reporting requirements of the Code, and not necessarily on the basis of the law of any state in which a shareholder is resident or otherwise subject to tax. If your account is held by your financial advisor or other broker, contact that firm with respect to any state information reporting requirements applicable to your investment in the Fund. Under the current California Revenue and Taxation Code, certain funds are required to report tax information to the California Franchise Tax Board annually.

Accordingly, the amount and character of income, gain or loss realized by a shareholder with respect to an investment in Fund shares for state income tax purposes may differ from that for federal income tax purposes. Franklin Templeton Investments provides additional tax information on franklintempleton.com (under the Tax Center) to assist shareholders with the preparation of their federal and state income tax returns. Shareholders are solely responsible for determining the amount and character of income, gain or loss to report on their federal, state and local income tax returns each year as a result of their purchase, holding and sale of Fund shares.

Non-U.S. investors Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax, and are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements.

In general. The United States imposes a flat 30% withholding tax (or a tax at a lower treaty rate) on U.S. source dividends. Exemptions from U.S. withholding tax are provided for capital gains realized on the sales of Fund shares, capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from net long-term capital gains, short-term capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from net short-term capital gains, and interest-related dividends paid by the Fund from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources, unless you are a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year. “Qualified interest income” includes, in general, the sum of the Fund’s U.S. source: i) bank deposit interest, ii) short-term original issue discount, iii) portfolio interest, and iv) any interest-related dividend passed through from another regulated investment company.

However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding tax at source, any taxable distributions and proceeds from the sale of your Fund shares will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 24% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person.

It may not be practical in every case for the Fund to report to shareholders, and the Fund reserves the right in these cases to not report, interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends. Additionally, the Fund’s reporting of interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends may not, in turn, be passed through to shareholders by intermediaries who have assumed tax reporting responsibilities for this income in managed or omnibus accounts due to systems limitations or operational constraints.

Effectively connected income. Taxable ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. investors on portfolio investments are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at 30% or a lower treaty rate. However, if you hold your Fund shares in connection with a U.S. trade or business, your income and gains may be considered effectively connected income and taxed in the U.S. on a net basis at graduated income tax rates in which case you may be required to file a nonresident U.S. income tax return.

U.S. estate tax. An individual who is a non-U.S. investor will be subject to U.S. federal estate tax on the value of the Fund shares owned at the time of death, unless a treaty exemption applies between the country of residence of the non-U.S. investor and the U.S. Even if a treaty exemption is available, a decedent’s estate may nevertheless be required to file a U.S. estate tax return to claim the exemption, as well as to obtain a U.S. federal transfer certificate. The transfer certificate will identify the property (i.e., Fund shares) on which a U.S. federal tax lien has been released and is required before the Fund can release a nonresident alien decedent’s investment in the Fund to his or her estate. A transfer certificate is not required for property administered by an executor or administrator appointed, qualified and acting within the United States. For estates with U.S. situs assets of not more than $60,000 (there is a statutory estate tax credit for this amount of property), an affidavit from the executor of the estate or other authorized individual along with additional evidence requested by the IRS relating to the decedent’s estate evidencing the U.S. situs assets may be provided in lieu of a federal transfer certificate. Transfers by gift of shares of the Fund by a non-U.S. investor who is a nonresident alien individual will not be subject to U.S. federal gift tax. The tax consequences to a non-U.S. investor entitled to claim the benefits of a treaty between the country of residence of the non-U.S. investor and the U.S. may be different from the consequences described above.

Tax certification and backup withholding as applied to non-U.S. investors. Non-U.S. investors have special U.S. tax certification requirements to avoid backup withholding at a rate of 24% and, if applicable, to obtain the benefit of any income tax treaty between the non-U.S. investor’s country of residence and the United States. To claim these tax benefits, the non-U.S. investor must provide a properly completed Form W-8BEN (or other Form W-8, where applicable) to establish his or her status as a non-U.S. investor, to claim beneficial ownership over the assets in the account, and to claim, if applicable, a reduced rate of or exemption from withholding tax under the applicable treaty. A Form W-8BEN generally remains in effect for a period of three years beginning on the date that it is signed and ending on the last day of the third succeeding calendar year. In certain instances, Form W-8BEN may remain valid indefinitely unless the investor has a change of circumstances that renders the form incorrect and necessitates a new form and tax certification. Non-U.S. investors must advise the Fund of any change of circumstances that would render the information given on the form incorrect and must then provide a new W-8BEN to avoid the prospective application of backup withholding.

Investment in U.S. real property. The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA) makes non-U.S. persons subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a U.S. real property interest (USRPI) as if he or she were a U.S. person. Such gain is sometimes referred to as FIRPTA gain. The Fund may invest in equity securities of corporations that invest in USRPI, including U.S. REITs, which may trigger FIRPTA gain to the Fund’s non-U.S. shareholders.

The Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of FIRPTA gain when a regulated investment company is classified as a qualified investment entity. A regulated investment company will be classified as a qualified investment entity if, in general, 50% or more of the regulated investment company’s assets consist of interests in U.S. REITs and other U.S. real property holding corporations (USRPHC). If a regulated investment company is a qualified investment entity and the non-U.S. shareholder owns more than 5% of a class of Fund shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the FIRPTA distribution, the FIRPTA distribution to the non-U.S. shareholder is treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing the distribution to be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the applicable corporate tax rate (unless reduced by future regulations), and requiring the non-U.S. shareholder to file a nonresident U.S. income tax return. In addition, even if the non-U.S. shareholder does not own more than 5% of a class of Fund shares, but the Fund is a qualified investment entity, the FIRPTA distribution will be taxable as ordinary dividends (rather than as a capital gain or short-term capital gain dividend) subject to withholding at 30% or a lower treaty rate.

Because the Fund expects to invest less than 50% of its assets at all times, directly or indirectly, in U.S. real property interests, it expects that neither gain on the sale or redemption of Fund shares nor Fund dividends and distributions should be subject to FIRPTA reporting and tax withholding.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), foreign entities, referred to as foreign financial institutions (FFI) or non-financial foreign entities (NFFE) that are shareholders in the Fund may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund, and (b) after December 31, 2018, certain capital gain distributions, return-of-capital distributions and the gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares paid by the Fund. The FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI, and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners, or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them to the withholding agent, which will, in turn, report that information to the IRS. The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (IGA) with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with a number of other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury regulations.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding if it is deemed compliant or by becoming a “participating FFI,” which requires the FFI to enter into a U.S. tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code (FFI agreement) under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI’s country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

An NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid the FATCA withholding tax generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report information either (i) to the Fund, or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS, or (ii) directly to the IRS.

Such foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding. The requirements imposed by FATCA are different from, and in addition to, the U.S. tax certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

Organization, Voting Rights and Principal Holders

Each Fund is a diversified series of Franklin Strategic Series (Trust), an open-end management investment company, commonly called a mutual fund. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust (a form of entity formerly known as a business trust) on January 25, 1991, and is registered with the SEC.

The Select U.S. Equity Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, Small Cap Fund and Small-Mid Cap Fund currently offer five classes of shares, Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R6 and Advisor Class. Each Fund may offer additional classes of shares in the future. The full title of each class of the Fund is:

Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class A
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class C
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Class R
Franklin Select U.S Equity Fund - Class R6
Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund - Advisor Class
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class C
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class R
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Class R6
Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund - Advisor Class
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class C
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class R
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Class R6
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund - Advisor Class
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class A
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class C
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class R
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Class R6
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund - Advisor Class

As of August 1, 2017, the principal shareholders of the Fund, beneficial or of record, were:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

Name and Address	Share Class	Percentage (%)
Focused Core Equity Fund
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	A	18.48
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	A	11.31
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	A	12.37
WFCS LLC* 2801 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103-2523	A	7.41
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	C	13.17
WFCS LLC* 2801 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103-2523	C	6.05
FTIOS Custodian* PO Box 997153 Sacramento, CA 95899-7153	R	31.01
FTIOS Custodian* PO Box 997153 Sacramento, CA 95899-7153	R	12.50
FTIOS Custodian* PO Box 997153 Sacramento, CA 95899-7153	R	5.97
FTIOS Custodian* PO Box 997153 Sacramento, CA 95899-7153	R	10.74
US Bank* 1555 N Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302 Milwaukee, WI 53212	R	24.41
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	R	7.14
PAI Trust Company Inc.* 1300 Enterprise Drive De Pere, WI 54115-0000	R6	100
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	Advisor	5.85
Perks Family Living Trust Edward D. Perks or Maggie P. Perks Trustee One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906	Advisor	21.26
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	Advisor	15.73
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	Advisor	18.64
American Enterprise Investment Service* 707 2nd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55402-2405	Advisor	7.88
Growth Opportunities Fund
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	A	22.22
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	A	6.94
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	A	5.78
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	A	7.61
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	C	9.99
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	C	6.38
WFCS LLC* 2801 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103-2523	C	7.21
Raymond James* Attn: Courtney Waller 880 Carillon Parkway St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1102	C	5.02
State Street Bank and Trust FBO ADP Access 1 Lincoln Street Boston, MA 02111-2901	R	21.02
EMJAY Corporation Custodian FBO Plans of Great Western Financial 8515 East Orchard Road 2T2 Greenwood Village, CO 80111-5002	R	7.97
PIMS Prudential Retirement As Nominee For The Trustee Custodian PL 763 Swissport North American, Inc. 450225 Aviation Drive, Suite 350 Dulles, VA 20166	R	7.95
American Enterprise Investment Service* 707 2nd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55402-2405	R	5.35
Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund Franklin Fund Allocation Series 300 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	R6	63.37
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	R6	25.82
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	Advisor	6.02
Age Newborn-8 Years Franklin 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	11.92
Age 9-12 Years Franklin 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	13.97
Age 13-16 Years Franklin 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	10.15
Franklin Growth Franklin 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	6.56
Corefolio Allocation Fund Franklin 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	9.29
Small Cap Fund
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	A	9.71
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	A	7.32
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	A	8.38
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	A	7.71
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney* Attn: Mutual Fund Operations 2 Harborside Financial Center Fl 3 Jersey City, NJ 07311-1114	C	8.99
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	C	13
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	C	7.99
WFCS LLC* 2801 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103-2523	C	12.71
Raymond James* Attn: Courtney Waller 880 Carillon Parkway St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1102	C	10.91
State Street Bank and Trust* 105 Rosemont Road Westwood, MA 02090-2318	R	13.98
DCGT as Trustee and or Custodian* 711 High Street Des Moines, IA 50303	R	29.44
State Street Bank and Trust* 105 Rosemont Road Westwood, MA 02090-2318	R6	6.88
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.* 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105-1905	R6	7.55
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	R6	25.45
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	R6	12.86
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	Advisor	13.00
Ellard Co.* PO Box 3199 Church Street Station NY, NY 10008	Advisor	5.28
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	Advisor	7.59
State Street Bank and Trust* 105 Rosemont Road Westwood, MA 02090-2318	Advisor	18.75
Small-Mid Cap Fund
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	A	14.82
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	A	7.15
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	A	8.11
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	A	10.12
John Hancock Life Insurance Co. USA 601 Congress Street Boston, MA 02210-2805	A	6.55
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney* Attn: Mutual Fund Operations 2 Harborside Financial Center Fl 3 Jersey City, NJ 07311-1114	C	8.34
Pershing LLC* 1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001	C	8.72
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	C	6.38
WFCS LLC* 2801 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103-2523	C	11.26
Raymond James* Attn: Courtney Waller 880 Carillon Parkway St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1102	C	5.24
DCGT as Trustee and or Custodian* 711 High Street Des Moines, IA 50303	R	5.86
Wells Fargo Bank FBO Southern Farm Bureau 401K Plan 1525 West WT Harris Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28288-1076	R6	6.51
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	R6	63.29
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith* 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6486	R6	12.24
Edward Jones & Co.* 12555 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63131-3710	Advisor	6.55
National Financial Services LLC* Attn: Mutual Fund Department 4th Floor 499 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995	Advisor	7.45
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth 529 PF Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	11.97
Age Newborn-8 Years Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	7.97
Age 9-12 Years Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	9.05
Age 13-16 Years Franklin 529 College Savings Plan 300 S.E. 2nd Street Floor 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923	Advisor	6.46

*For the benefit of its customer(s).

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]
As of August 1, 2017, the officers and board members, as a group, owned of record and beneficially 3.37% of the Select U.S. Equity Fund - Advisor Class, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the other Funds and classes. The board members may own shares in other funds in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Buying and Selling Shares

The Fund continuously offers its shares through securities dealers who have an agreement with Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors). A securities dealer includes any financial institution that, either directly or through affiliates, has an agreement with Distributors to handle customer orders and accounts with the Fund. This reference is for convenience only and does not indicate a legal conclusion of capacity. Banks and financial institutions that sell shares of the Fund may be required by state law to register as securities dealers. If you buy or sell shares through your securities dealer, you may be charged a transaction processing fee by your securities dealer. Your securities dealer will provide you with specific information about any transaction processing fees you will be charged.

The Fund and other U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex are intended for sale to residents of the U.S., and, with very limited exceptions, are not registered or otherwise offered for sale in other jurisdictions. The above restrictions are generally not applicable to sales in U.S. territories or to diplomatic staff members or members of the U.S. military with an APO or FPO address outside of the U.S. Investors are responsible for compliance with tax, securities, currency exchange or other regulations applicable to redemption and purchase transactions in any state or jurisdiction to which they may be subject. Investors should consult with their financial intermediary and appropriate tax and legal advisors to obtain information on the rules applicable to these transactions.

In particular, the Fund is not registered in any provincial or territorial jurisdiction in Canada, and shares of the Fund have not been qualified for sale in any Canadian jurisdiction. Shares of the Fund may not be directly or indirectly offered or sold in any provincial or territorial jurisdiction in Canada or to or for the benefit of residents thereof. Prospective investors may be required to declare that they are not Canadian residents and are not acquiring shares on behalf of any Canadian residents. If an investor becomes a Canadian resident after purchasing shares of the Fund, the investor will not be able to purchase any additional shares of the Fund (other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains) or exchange shares of the Fund for other U.S. registered Franklin Templeton funds.

Similarly, the Fund is not registered, and shares of the Fund have not been qualified for distribution, in any member country of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). The shares offered by this prospectus may not be directly or indirectly offered or distributed in any such country. If an investor becomes an EU or EEA resident after purchasing shares of the Fund, the investor will not be able to purchase any additional shares of the Fund (other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains) or exchange shares of the Fund for other U.S. registered Franklin Templeton funds.

All checks, drafts, wires and other payment mediums used to buy or sell shares of the Fund must be denominated in U.S. dollars. We may, in our sole discretion, either (a) reject any order to buy or sell shares denominated in any other currency or (b) honor the transaction or make adjustments to your account for the transaction as of a date and with a foreign currency exchange factor determined by the drawee bank. We may deduct any applicable banking charges imposed by the bank from your account.

When you buy shares, if you submit a check or a draft that is returned unpaid to the Fund we may impose a $10 charge against your account for each returned item.

If you buy shares through the reinvestment of dividends, the shares will be purchased at the net asset value determined on the business day following the dividend record date (sometimes known as the "ex-dividend date"). The processing date for the reinvestment of dividends may vary and does not affect the amount or value of the shares acquired.

Investment by asset allocators and large shareholders Particularly during times of overall market turmoil or price volatility, the Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders such as other funds, institutional investors (including those trading by use of non-discretionary mathematical formulas) and asset allocators (who make investment decisions on behalf of underlying clients), purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times when it would not otherwise do so. Similarly, large Fund share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would.

These transactions may also accelerate the realization of taxable income to shareholders if such sales of investments resulted in gains, and may also increase transaction costs. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund's current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund's expense ratio.

When experiencing such purchases and redemptions by large shareholders, the Fund may restrict or reject trading activity in accordance with the Frequent Trading Policy of the Fund as set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus.

Initial sales charges The maximum initial sales charge is 5.75% for Class A. There is no initial sales charge for Class C, Class R, Class R6 and Advisor Class.

The initial sales charge for Class A shares may be reduced for certain large purchases, as described in the prospectus. We offer several ways for you to combine your purchases in Franklin Templeton funds to take advantage of the lower sales charges for large purchases.

Letter of intent (LOI). You may buy Class A shares at a reduced sales charge by completing the LOI section of your account application. An LOI is a commitment by you to invest a specified dollar amount during a 13-month period. The amount you agree to invest determines the sales charge you pay. By completing the LOI section of the application, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

You authorize Distributors to reserve approximately 5% of your total intended purchase in Class A shares registered in your name until you fulfill your LOI. Your periodic statements will include the reserved shares in the total shares you own, and we will pay or reinvest dividend and capital gain distributions on the reserved shares according to the distribution option you have chosen.
You give Distributors a security interest in the reserved shares and appoint Distributors as attorney-in-fact.
Distributors may sell any or all of the reserved shares to cover any additional sales charge if you do not fulfill the terms of the LOI.
Although you may exchange your shares, you may not sell reserved shares until you complete the LOI or pay the higher sales charge.

After you file your LOI with the Fund, you may buy Class A shares at the sales charge applicable to the amount specified in your LOI. Sales charge reductions based on purchases in more than one Franklin Templeton fund will be effective only after notification to Distributors that the investment qualifies for a discount. If you file your LOI with the Fund before a change in the Fund's sales charge, you may complete the LOI at the lower of the new sales charge or the sales charge in effect when the LOI was filed.

Your holdings in Franklin Templeton funds acquired before you filed your LOI will be counted towards the completion of the LOI.

If the terms of your LOI are met, the reserved shares will be deposited to an account in your name or delivered to you or as you direct.

If the amount of your total purchases is less than the amount specified in your LOI, the sales charge will be adjusted upward, depending on the actual amount purchased during the period. You will need to send Distributors an amount equal to the difference in the actual dollar amount of sales charge paid and the amount of sales charge that would have applied to the total purchases if the total of the purchases had been made at one time. Upon payment of this amount, the reserved shares held for your account will be deposited to an account in your name or delivered to you or as you direct. If within 20 days after written request the difference in sales charge is not paid, we will redeem an appropriate number of reserved shares to realize the difference. If you redeem the total amount in your account before you fulfill your LOI, we will deduct the additional sales charge due from the sale proceeds and forward the balance to you.

For LOIs filed on behalf of certain retirement plans, the level and any reduction in sales charge for these plans will be based on actual plan participation and the projected investments in Franklin Templeton funds under the LOI. These plans are not subject to the requirement to reserve 5% of the total intended purchase or to the policy on upward adjustments in sales charges described above, or to any penalty as a result of the early termination of a plan.

Purchases of Certain Share Classes through Financial Intermediaries (Class R6 and Advisor Class) There are no associated sales charges or Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees for the purchase of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares. However, pursuant to SEC guidance, certain financial intermediaries acting as agents on behalf of their customers may directly impose on shareholders sales charges or transaction fees determined by the financial intermediary related to the purchase of these shares. These charges and fees are not disclosed in this prospectus. You should consult with your financial advisor or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

Financial intermediary compensation Financial intermediaries may at times receive the entire sales charge. A financial intermediary who receives 90% or more of the sales charge may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Financial institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an agency transaction fee in the percentages indicated in the financial intermediary compensation table in the Fund’s prospectus.

Distributors may pay the following commissions to financial intermediaries who initiate and are responsible for purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more: 1% (for mutual funds with a maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%) and 0.75% (for mutual funds with a maximum initial sales charge less than 5.75%) on sales of $1 million or more but less than $4 million, plus 0.50% on sales of $4 million or more but less than $50 million, plus 0.25% on sales of $50 million or more. Consistent with the provisions and limitations set forth in its Class A Rule 12b-1 distribution plan, the Fund may reimburse Distributors for the cost of these commission payments.

These payments may be made in the form of contingent advance payments, which may be recovered from the financial intermediary or set off against other payments due to the financial intermediary if shares are sold within 18 months of the calendar month of purchase. Other conditions may apply. Other terms and conditions may be imposed by an agreement between Distributors, or one of its affiliates, and the financial intermediary.

In addition to the sales charge payments described above and the distribution and service (12b-1) fees described below under “The Underwriter - Distribution and service (12b-1) fees,” Distributors and/or its non-fund affiliates may make the following additional payments to financial intermediaries that sell shares of Franklin Templeton mutual funds:

Marketing support payments (applicable to all classes of shares except Class R6). Distributors may make payments to certain financial intermediaries in connection with their efforts to educate financial advisors and provide services which may facilitate, directly or indirectly, investment in Franklin Templeton mutual funds. A financial intermediary’s marketing support services may include business planning assistance, advertising, educating financial intermediary personnel about Franklin Templeton mutual funds and shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the financial intermediary’s list of offered funds, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary. Distributors compensates financial intermediaries differently depending upon, among other factors, sales and assets levels, redemption rates and the level and/or type of marketing and educational activities provided by the financial intermediary. Such compensation may include financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable Distributors to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other financial intermediary-sponsored events. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine whether to continue such payments. In the case of any one financial intermediary, marketing support payments will generally not exceed 0.05% of the total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds attributable to that financial intermediary, on an annual basis. For a financial intermediary exceeding $15 billion in total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds, Distributors may agree to make annual marketing support payments exceeding 0.05% of such assets. For a financial intermediary exceeding $50 billion in total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds, Distributors may agree to make annual marketing support payments up to a limit of 0.06% of such assets. Any assets held on behalf of Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans for which payment is made to a financial intermediary pursuant to the following paragraph will be excluded from the calculation of marketing support payments pursuant to this paragraph.

Distributors may also make marketing support payments to financial intermediaries in connection with their activities that are intended to assist in the sale of shares of Franklin Templeton mutual funds, directly or indirectly, to certain Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans that have retained such financial intermediaries as plan service providers. Payments may be made on account of activities that may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: business planning assistance for financial intermediary personnel, educating financial intermediary personnel about Franklin Templeton mutual funds, access to sales meetings, sales representatives, wholesalers, and management representatives of the financial intermediary, and detailed sales reporting. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services. In the case of any one financial intermediary, such payments will not exceed 0.10% of the total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds held, directly or indirectly, by such Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans, on an annual basis. Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine whether to continue such payments.

Consistent with the provisions and limitations set forth in its Rule 12b-1 distribution plans, the Fund may reimburse Distributors for the cost of a portion of these marketing support payments.

Marketing support payments may be in addition to any servicing and other fees paid by Investor Services, as described further below and under “Management and Other Services - Shareholder servicing and transfer agent” above.

The following list includes FINRA member firms (or, in some instances, their respective affiliates) that, as of March 31, 2018, Distributors anticipates will receive marketing support payments. Any firm indicated by one asterisk receives annual marketing support payments exceeding 0.05% of the total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds attributable to that firm. Any firm indicated by two asterisks receives annual marketing support payments of up to a limit of 0.06% of the total assets of Franklin Templeton mutual funds attributable to that firm. In addition to member firms of FINRA, Distributors also makes marketing support payments, and Distributors’ non-fund affiliates may make administrative services payments, to certain other financial intermediaries, such as banks, insurance companies, and plan administrators, that sell mutual fund shares or provide services to Franklin Templeton mutual funds and shareholders. These firms may not be included in this list. You should ask your financial intermediary if it receives such payments.

1st Global Capital Corporation, ADP Retirement Services, American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc., American Enterprise Investment Services, Inc., American United Life Insurance Company, Ascensus, Inc., AXA Advisors, LLC, BBVA Securities, Inc., Benefit Trust Company, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company, Inc., Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Citizens Securities, Inc., Commonwealth Financial Network, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., CUSO Financial Services, L.P., Digital Retirement Solutions, Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (dba Edward Jones)*, Empower Retirement, ePlan Services, Inc., Fidelity Investments Institutional Services Company, Inc., First Allied Securities, Inc., First Command Financial Planning, Inc., FPS Services LLC, FSC Securities Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Group 3 Financial, LLC, Investacorp, Inc., J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, John Hancock Distributors LLC, KMS Financial Services, Inc., Legend Equities Corporation, Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc., Lincoln Retirement Services Company LLC, LPL Financial LLC, M&T Securities, Inc., Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., Minnesota Life Insurance Company, MML Investors Services, LLC, Morgan Stanley, MSCS Financial Services LLC, Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Newport Retirement Services, Inc., Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, Paychex Securities Corporation, PFS Investments Inc., PNC Investments LLC, Principal Financial Group, Prudential Insurance Company of America, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., RBC Capital Markets LLC, Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Securities America, Inc., Securities Service Network, Inc., Signator Investors, Inc., Sorrento Pacific Financial, LLC, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Summit Brokerage Services Inc., TD Ameritrade Trust Company, TFS Securities, Inc., The Huntington Investment Company, The Investment Center, Inc., TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company, Transamerica Retirement Solutions Corporation, Triad Advisors, Inc., UBS Financial Services Inc., UnionBanc Investment Services, LLC, U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., Voya Financial Advisors, Inc., Voya Institutional Plan Services LLP, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.

Marketing support payments made to organizations located outside the U.S., with respect to investments in the Fund by non-U.S. persons, may exceed the above-stated limitation.

In addition to marketing support payments, to the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and other applicable laws and regulations, Distributors may from time to time at its expense make or allow other promotional incentives or additional payments to financial intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Fund. These payments may include additional compensation to financial intermediaries, including financial intermediaries not listed above, related to transaction support, various financial intermediary-sponsored events intended to educate financial advisers and their clients about the Franklin Templeton mutual funds, and data analytics and support.

Transaction support payments. The types of payments that Distributors may make under this category include, among others, payment of ticket charges of up to $20 per purchase or exchange order placed by a financial intermediary or one-time payments for ancillary services such as setting up mutual funds on a financial intermediary’s mutual fund trading system.

Conference support payments. Compensation may include financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable Distributors to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events, co-operative advertising, newsletters, and other financial intermediary-sponsored events. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event, and can include travel expenses, such as lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with training and educational meetings, client prospecting and due diligence trips.

Distributors routinely sponsors due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various Franklin Templeton mutual funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Invitation to these meetings is not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares. Those who have shown an interest in Franklin Templeton mutual funds, however, are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm’s policies and procedures, registered representatives’ expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by Distributors.

Data support payments. Compensation may include data support payments to certain holders or financial intermediaries of record for accounts in one or more of the Franklin Templeton mutual funds. A financial intermediary’s data support services may include the provision of analytical data on such accounts.

Other payments. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by federal or state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Distributors makes payments for events it deems appropriate, subject to Distributors’ guidelines and applicable law.

You should ask your financial intermediary for information about any payments it receives from Distributors and any services provided.

Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) - Class A & C If you invest any amount in Class C shares or $1 million or more in Class A shares, either as a lump sum or through our cumulative quantity discount or letter of intent programs, a CDSC may apply on any Class A shares you sell within 18 months and any Class C shares you sell within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is 1% of the value of the shares sold or the net asset value at the time of purchase, whichever is less.

CDSC waivers. The CDSC for any share class will be waived for:

Account fees
Redemptions by the Fund when an account falls below the minimum required account size
Redemptions following the death of the shareholder or beneficial owner
Redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12% annually of your account's net asset value depending on the frequency of your plan
Redemptions by Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans
Distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) due to death or disability or upon periodic distributions based on life expectancy or returns of excess contributions and earnings
Any trust or plan established as part of a qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Code

Exchange privilege If you request the exchange of the total value of your account, declared but unpaid income dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the Fund and exchanged into the new fund at net asset value when paid. Backup withholding and information reporting may apply.

If a substantial number of shareholders should, within a short period, sell their Fund shares under the exchange privilege, the Fund might have to sell portfolio securities it might otherwise hold and incur the additional costs related to such transactions. On the other hand, increased use of the exchange privilege may result in periodic large inflows of money. If this occurs, it is the Fund's general policy to initially invest this money in short-term, interest-bearing money market instruments, unless it is believed that attractive investment opportunities consistent with the Fund's investment goals exist immediately. This money will then be withdrawn from the short-term, interest-bearing money market instruments and invested in portfolio securities in as orderly a manner as is possible when attractive investment opportunities arise.

The proceeds from the sale of shares of an investment company generally are not available until the seventh day following the sale. The funds you are seeking to exchange into may delay issuing shares pursuant to an exchange until that seventh day. The sale of Fund shares to complete an exchange will be effected at net asset value at the close of business on the day the request for exchange is received in proper form.

In certain comprehensive fee or advisory programs that hold Class A shares, at the discretion of the financial intermediary, you may exchange to Advisor Class shares or Class Z shares (if offered by the fund).

Class C shares of a Franklin Templeton Investment fund may be exchanged for Advisor Class or Class Z shares of the same fund, if offered by the fund, provided you meet the fund’s eligibility requirements for purchasing Advisor Class or Class Z shares. Unless otherwise permitted, the Class C shares that you wish to exchange must not currently be subject to any CDSC.

Systematic withdrawal plan Our systematic withdrawal plan allows you to sell your shares and receive regular payments from your account on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. The value of your account must be at least $5,000 and the minimum payment amount for each withdrawal must be at least $50. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the $50 minimum will not apply. There are no service charges for establishing or maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan.

Each month in which a payment is scheduled, we will redeem an equivalent amount of shares in your account on the day of the month you have indicated on your account application or, if no day is indicated, on the 20th day of the month. If that day falls on a weekend or holiday, we will process the redemption on the next business day. When you sell your shares under a systematic withdrawal plan, it is a taxable transaction.

To avoid paying sales charges on money you plan to withdraw within a short period of time, you may not want to set up a systematic withdrawal plan if you plan to buy shares on a regular basis. Shares sold under the plan also may be subject to a CDSC.

For plans set up before June 1, 2000, we will continue to process redemptions on the 25th day of the month (or the next business day) unless you instruct us to change the processing date. Available processing dates currently are the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th days of the month.

Redeeming shares through a systematic withdrawal plan may reduce or exhaust the shares in your account if payments exceed distributions received from the Fund. This is especially likely to occur if there is a market decline. If a withdrawal amount exceeds the value of your account, your account will be closed and the remaining balance in your account will be sent to you. Because the amount withdrawn under the plan may be more than your actual yield or income, part of the payment may be a return of your investment.

To discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan, change the amount and schedule of withdrawal payments, or suspend one payment, we must receive instructions from you at least three business days before a scheduled payment. The Fund may discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan by notifying you in writing and will discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan automatically if all shares in your account are withdrawn, if the Fund receives notification of the shareholder's death or incapacity, or if mail is returned to the Fund marked “unable to forward” by the postal service.

Redemptions in kind The Fund has committed itself to pay in cash (by check) all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in amount, however, during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net assets at the beginning of the 90-day period. This commitment is irrevocable without the prior approval of the SEC. In the case of redemption requests in excess of these amounts, the board reserves the right to make payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the Fund, in case of an emergency, or if the payment of such a redemption in cash would be detrimental to the existing shareholders of the Fund. In these circumstances, the securities distributed would be valued at the price used to compute the Fund's net assets and you may incur brokerage fees in converting the securities to cash. The Fund does not intend to redeem illiquid securities in kind. If this happens, however, you may not be able to recover your investment in a timely manner.

Share certificates We will credit your shares to your Fund account and we do not issue share certificates. This eliminates the costly problem of replacing lost, stolen or destroyed certificates.

Any outstanding share certificates must be returned to the Fund if you want to sell, exchange or reregister those shares or if you would like to start a systematic withdrawal plan. The certificates should be properly endorsed. You can do this either by signing the back of the certificate or by completing a share assignment form. For your protection, you may prefer to complete a share assignment form and to send the certificate and assignment form in separate envelopes. We do not issue new share certificates if any outstanding share certificates are returned to the Fund. If a certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may have to pay an insurance premium of up to 2% of the value of the certificate to cancel it.

General information If the Fund receives notification of the shareholder’s death or if mail is returned to the Fund by the postal service, we will consider this a request by you to change your dividend option to reinvest all future distributions until we receive new instructions. If the item of mail returned is a check, the proceeds may be reinvested in additional shares at the current day’s net asset value.

Distribution or redemption checks sent to you do not earn interest or any other income during the time the checks remain uncashed. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates will be liable for any loss caused by your failure to cash such checks. The Fund is not responsible for tracking down uncashed checks, unless a check is returned as undeliverable.

In most cases, if mail is returned as undeliverable we are required to take certain steps to try to find you free of charge. If these attempts are unsuccessful, however, we may deduct the costs of any additional efforts to find you from your account. These costs may include a percentage of the account when a search company charges a percentage fee in exchange for its location services.

Sending redemption proceeds by wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH) is a special service that we make available whenever possible. By offering this service to you, the Fund is not bound to meet any redemption request in less than the seven-day period prescribed by law. Neither the Fund nor its agents shall be liable to you or any other person if, for any reason, a redemption request by wire or ACH is not processed as described in the prospectus.

There are special procedures for banks and other institutions that wish to open multiple accounts. An institution may open a single master account by filing one application form with the Fund, signed by personnel authorized to act for the institution. Individual sub-accounts may be opened when the master account is opened by listing them on the application, or by providing instructions to the Fund at a later date. These sub-accounts may be registered either by name or number. The Fund's investment minimums apply to each sub-account. The Fund will send confirmation and account statements for the sub-accounts to the institution.

If you buy or sell shares through your securities dealer, we use the net asset value next calculated after your securities dealer receives your request, which is promptly transmitted to the Fund. If you sell shares through your securities dealer, it is your dealer's responsibility to transmit the order to the Fund in a timely fashion. Your redemption proceeds will not earn interest between the time we receive the order from your dealer and the time we receive any required documents. Any loss to you resulting from your dealer's failure to transmit your redemption order to the Fund in a timely fashion must be settled between you and your securities dealer.

Certain shareholder servicing agents may be authorized to accept your transaction request.

For institutional and bank trust accounts, there may be additional methods of buying or selling Fund shares than those described in this SAI or in the prospectus. Institutional and bank trust accounts include accounts opened by or in the name of a person (includes a legal entity or an individual) that has signed an Institutional Account Application or Bank Trust Account Application accepted by Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC or entered into a selling agreement and/or servicing agreement with Distributors or Investor Services. For example, the Fund permits the owner of an institutional account to make a same day wire purchase if a good order purchase request is received (a) before 1 p.m. Pacific time or (b) through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s automated system for processing purchase orders (Fund/SERV), even though funds are delivered by wire after 1 p.m. Pacific time. If funds to be wired are not received as scheduled, the purchase order may be cancelled or reversed and the institutional account owner could be liable for any losses or fees the Fund, Distributors and/or Investor Services may incur. “Good order” refers to a transaction request where the investor or financial intermediary (or other person authorized to make such requests) has provided complete information (e.g., fund and account information and the dollar amount of the transaction) to enable the processing of such request.

In the event of disputes involving conflicting claims of ownership or authority to control your shares, the Fund has the right (but has no obligation) to: (i) restrict the shares and require the written agreement of all persons deemed by the Fund to have a potential interest in the shares before executing instructions regarding the shares; or (ii) interplead disputed shares or the proceeds from the court-ordered sale thereof with a court of competent jurisdiction.

Should the Fund be required to defend against joint or multiple shareholders in any action relating to an ownership dispute, you expressly grant the Fund the right to obtain reimbursement for costs and expenses including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and court costs, by unilaterally redeeming shares from your account.

The Fund or its transfer agent may be required (i) pursuant to a validly issued levy, garnishment or other form of legal process, to sell your shares and remit the proceeds to a levying officer or other recipient; or (ii) pursuant to a final order of forfeiture or other form of legal process, to sell your shares and remit the proceeds to the U.S. or state government as directed.

As long as we follow reasonable security procedures and act on instructions we reasonably believe are genuine, we will not be responsible for any losses that may occur from unauthorized requests in any form (written, telephone, or online). We will investigate any unauthorized request that you report to us and we will ask you to cooperate with us in the investigation, which may require you to file a police report and complete a notarized affidavit regarding the unauthorized request. We will assist in the claims process, on your behalf, with other financial institutions regarding the unauthorized request.

Using good faith efforts, the investment manager attempts to identify class action litigation settlements and regulatory or governmental recovery funds involving securities presently or formerly held by the Fund or issuers of such securities or related parties (Claims) in which the Fund may be eligible to participate. When such Claims are identified, the investment manager will cause the Fund to file proofs of claim. Currently, such Claim opportunities predominate in the U.S. and in Canada; the investment manager’s efforts are therefore focused on Claim opportunities in those jurisdictions. The investment manager may learn of such class action lawsuit or victim fund recovery opportunities in jurisdictions outside of North America (Foreign Actions), in which case the investment manager has complete discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to cause the Fund to file proofs of claim in such Foreign Actions. In addition, the investment manager may participate in bankruptcy proceedings relating to securities held by the Fund and join creditors’ committees on behalf of the Fund.

Further, the investment manager may on occasion initiate and/or recommend, and the board of trustees of the Fund may approve, pursuit of separate litigation against an issuer or related parties in connection with securities presently or formerly held by the Fund (whether by opting out of an existing class action lawsuit or otherwise).

The Underwriter

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) acts as the principal underwriter in the continuous public offering of the Fund's shares. Distributors is located at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906.

Distributors does not receive compensation from the Fund for acting as underwriter of the Fund's Class R6 and Advisor Class shares.

The table below shows the aggregate underwriting commissions Distributors received in connection with the offering of the Fund’s Class A, C and R shares, the net underwriting discounts and commissions Distributors retained after allowances to dealers, and the amounts Distributors received in connection with redemptions or repurchases of shares for the last three fiscal years ended April 30:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Total Commissions Received ($)	Amount Retained by Distributors ($)	Amount Received in Connection with Redemptions and Repurchases ($)
2017
Focused Core Equity Fund	134,661	21,774	2,714
Growth Opportunities Fund	1,924,956	310,784	37,960
Small Cap Fund	265,360	41,839	5,851
Small-Mid Cap Fund	3,821,223	671,606	30,822
2016
Focused Core Equity Fund	640,092	110,136	9,335
Growth Opportunities Fund	2,967,084	502,729	34,887
Small Cap Fund	438,117	66,520	24,441
Small-Mid Cap Fund	4,627,414	810,701	29,668
2015
Focused Core Equity Fund	535,445	94,244	4,071
Growth Opportunities Fund	1,948,484	331,324	26,943
Small Cap Fund	3,101,969	509,073	93,517
Small-Mid Cap Fund	2,704,674	466,920	15,146

Distributors may be entitled to payments from the Fund under the Rule 12b-1 plans, as discussed below. Except as noted, Distributors received no other compensation from the Fund for acting as underwriter.

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees - Class A, C and R The board has adopted a separate plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for each class. Although the plans differ in some ways for each class, each plan is designed to benefit the Fund and its shareholders. The plans are expected to, among other things, increase advertising of the Fund, encourage purchases of Fund shares and service to its shareholders, and increase or maintain assets of the Fund so that certain fixed expenses may be spread over a broader asset base, with a positive impact on per share expense ratios. In addition, a positive cash flow into the Fund is useful in managing the Fund because the investment manager has more flexibility in taking advantage of new investment opportunities and handling shareholder redemptions.

Under each plan, the Fund pays Distributors or others for the expenses of activities that are primarily intended to sell shares of the class. These expenses also may include service fees paid to securities dealers or others who have executed a servicing agreement with the Fund, Distributors or its affiliates and who provide service or account maintenance to shareholders (service fees); and the expenses of printing prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, of marketing support and of preparing and distributing sales literature and advertisements. Together, these expenses, including the service fees, are "eligible expenses." The 12b-1 fees charged to each class are based only on the fees attributable to that particular class and are calculated, as a percentage of such class’ net assets, over the 12-month period of February 1 through January 31. Because this 12-month period may not match the Fund’s fiscal year, the amount, as a percentage of a class’ net assets, for the Fund’s fiscal year may vary from the amount stated under the applicable plan, but will never exceed that amount during the 12-month period of February 1 through January 31. Because the Franklin Small Cap Fund is currently closed to new investors, the amounts paid by the Fund under its plans are primarily to pay for ongoing shareholder servicing.

For the Small-Mid Cap Fund, beginning at the time of purchase, Distributors may pay the full 12b-1 fee to qualified financial advisor firms for shares purchased by the Franklin Charitable Giving Program.

The Class A, C and R plans. The Small-Mid Cap Fund may pay up to 0.25% per year of Class A’s average daily net assets. The Select U.S. Equity Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund and Small Cap Fund may pay up to 0.35% per year of Class A’s average daily net assets. Of this amount, the Select U.S. Equity Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund and Small Cap Fund may pay up to 0.35% to Distributors or others, out of which Distributors generally will retain 0.10% for distribution. As set by the board of trustees, until further notice, on behalf of Select U.S. Equity Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund and Small Cap Fund, currently may pay up to 0.25% per year of Class A's average daily net assets, the entire amount of which may be paid for services to the shareholders (service fees).

The Fund pays Distributors up to 1% per year of Class C's average daily net assets, out of which 0.25% may be paid for services to the shareholders (service fees). For Class R shares, the Fund pays Distributors up to 0.50% per year of the class's average daily net assets. The Class C and R plans also may be used to pay Distributors for advancing commissions to securities dealers with respect to the initial sale of Class C and R shares.

The Class A plan is a reimbursement plan. It allows the Fund to reimburse Distributors for eligible expenses that Distributors has shown it has incurred. The Fund will not reimburse more than the maximum amount allowed under the plan.

The Class C and R plans are compensation plans. They allow the Fund to pay a fee to Distributors that may be more than the eligible expenses Distributors has incurred at the time of the payment. Distributors must, however, demonstrate to the board that it has spent or has near-term plans to spend the amount received on eligible expenses. The Fund will not pay more than the maximum amount allowed under the plans.

Under the Class A plan, the amounts paid by the Fund pursuant to the plan for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, were:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Focused Core Equity Fund ($)	Growth Opportunities Fund ($)	Small Cap Fund ($)	Small-Mid Cap Fund ($)
Advertising	8,846	90,365	—	134,459
Printing and mailing prospectuses other than to current shareholders	235	3,773	—	516
Payments to underwriters	1,382	10,239	—	25,341
Payments to broker-dealers	202,158	4,159,944	1,897,448	5,421,821
Other	—	—	—	—
Total	212,621	4,264,321	1,897,448	5,582,137

Under the Class C plan, the amounts paid by the Fund pursuant to the plan for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, were:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Focused Core Equity Fund ($)	Growth Opportunities Fund ($)	Small Cap Fund ($)	Small-Mid Cap Fund ($)
Advertising	6,875	70,034	—	93,529
Printing and mailing prospectuses other than to current shareholders	288	4,669	—	473
Payments to underwriters	1,249	10,837	—	12,113
Payments to broker-dealers	205,169	2,992,109	1,502,753	3,617,666
Other	—	—	—	—
Total	213,581	3,077,649	1,502,753	3,723,781

Under the Class R plan, the amounts paid by the Fund pursuant to the plan for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017, were:

[TO BE UPDATED IN THE 485(B) FILING]

	Focused Core Equity Fund ($)	Growth Opportunities Fund ($)	Small Cap Fund ($)	Small-Mid Cap Fund ($)
Advertising	82	445	—	2,872
Printing and mailing prospectuses other than to current shareholders	1	9	—	5
Payments to underwriters	63	109	—	603
Payments to broker-dealers	472	237,192	397,792	413,958
Other	—	—	—	—
Total	618	237,755	397,792	417,438

In addition to the payments that Distributors or others are entitled to under each plan, each plan also provides that to the extent the Fund, the investment manager or Distributors or other parties on behalf of the Fund, the investment manager or Distributors make payments that are deemed to be for the financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, then such payments shall be deemed to have been made pursuant to the plan.

To the extent fees are for distribution or marketing functions, as distinguished from administrative servicing or agency transactions, certain banks may not participate in the plans because of applicable federal law prohibiting certain banks from engaging in the distribution of mutual fund shares. These banks, however, are allowed to receive fees under the plans for administrative servicing or for agency transactions.

Distributors must provide written reports to the board at least quarterly on the amounts and purpose of any payment made under the plans and any related agreements, and furnish the board with such other information as the board may reasonably request to enable it to make an informed determination of whether the plans should be continued.

Each plan has been approved according to the provisions of Rule 12b-1. The terms and provisions of each plan also are consistent with Rule 12b-1.

Performance

Performance quotations are subject to SEC rules. These rules require the use of standardized performance quotations or, alternatively, that every non-standardized performance quotation furnished by the Fund be accompanied by certain standardized performance information computed as required by the SEC. Average annual total return before taxes, average annual total return after taxes on distributions and average annual total return after taxes on distributions and sale of shares quotations used by the Fund are based on the standardized methods of computing performance mandated by the SEC. An explanation of these and other methods used by the Fund to compute or express performance follows. Regardless of the method used, past performance does not guarantee future results, and is an indication of the return to shareholders only for the limited historical period used.

Average annual total return before taxes Average annual total return before taxes is determined by finding the average annual rates of return over certain periods that would equate an initial hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending redeemable value. The calculation assumes that the maximum initial sales charge, if applicable, is deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase, and income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value. The quotation assumes the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the deduction of all applicable charges and fees. If a change is made to the sales charge structure, historical performance information will be restated to reflect the maximum initial sales charge currently in effect.

When considering the average annual total return before taxes quotations for Class A shares, you should keep in mind that the maximum initial sales charge reflected in each quotation is a one-time fee charged on all direct purchases, which will have its greatest impact during the early stages of your investment. This charge will affect actual performance less the longer you retain your investment in the Fund.

The following SEC formula is used to calculate these figures:

where:

P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

T = average annual total return

n = number of years

ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of each period at the end of each period

Average annual total return after taxes on distributions Average annual total return after taxes on distributions is determined by finding the average annual rates of return over certain periods that would equate an initial hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending redeemable value, after taxes on distributions. The calculation assumes that the maximum initial sales charge, if applicable, is deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase, and income dividends and capital gain distributions, less the taxes due on such distributions, are reinvested at net asset value. The quotation assumes the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the deduction of all applicable charges and fees, but assumes that the redemption itself had no tax consequences. If a change is made to the sales charge structure, historical performance information will be restated to reflect the maximum initial sales charge currently in effect.

Taxes due on distributions are calculated by applying the highest individual marginal federal income tax rates in effect on the reinvestment date, using the rates that correspond to the tax character of each component of the distributions (e.g., the ordinary income rate for distributions of ordinary income and net short-term capital gains, and the long-term capital gain rate for distributions of net long-term capital gains). The taxable amount and tax character of a distribution may be adjusted to reflect any recharacterization of the distribution since its original date. Distributions are adjusted to reflect the federal tax impact the distribution would have on an individual taxpayer on the reinvestment date; for example, no taxes are assumed to be due on the portion of any distribution that would not result in federal income tax on an individual (e.g., tax-exempt interest or non-taxable returns of capital). The effect of applicable tax credits, such as the foreign tax credit, is taken into account in accordance with federal tax law. Any potential tax liabilities other than federal tax liabilities (e.g., state and local taxes) are disregarded, as are the effects of phaseouts of certain exemptions, deductions, and credits at various income levels, and the impact of the federal alternative minimum tax. Any redemptions of shares required to pay recurring fees charged to shareholder accounts are assumed to result in no additional taxes or tax credits.

The Fund’s sales literature and advertising commonly refer to this calculation as the Fund’s after-tax average annual total return (pre-liquidation). When considering the average annual total return after taxes on distributions quotations for Class A shares, you should keep in mind that the maximum initial sales charge reflected in each quotation is a one-time fee charged on all direct purchases, which will have its greatest impact during the early stages of your investment. This charge will affect actual performance less the longer you retain your investment in the Fund.

The following SEC formula is used to calculate these figures:

where:

P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

T = average annual total return (after taxes on distributions)

n = number of years

ATV _D = ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of each period at the end of each period, after taxes on fund distributions but not after taxes on redemption

Average annual total return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares Average annual total return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares is determined by finding the average annual rates of return over certain periods that would equate an initial hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending redeemable value, after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares. The calculation assumes that the maximum initial sales charge, if applicable, is deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase, and income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value. The quotation assumes the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the deduction of all applicable charges and fees, including taxes upon sale of fund shares. If a change is made to the sales charge structure, historical performance information will be restated to reflect the maximum initial sales charge currently in effect.

The capital gain or loss upon redemption is calculated by subtracting the tax basis from the redemption proceeds, after deducting any nonrecurring charges assessed at the end of the period, subtracting capital gains taxes resulting from the redemption, or adding the tax benefit from capital losses resulting from the redemption. In determining the basis for a reinvested distribution, the distribution is included net of taxes assumed paid from the distribution, but not net of any sales loads imposed upon reinvestment. Tax basis is adjusted for any distributions representing returns of capital and any other tax basis adjustments that would apply to an individual taxpayer, as permitted by applicable federal law. The amount and character (e.g., short-term or long-term) of capital gain or loss upon redemption are separately determined for shares acquired through the initial investment and each subsequent purchase through reinvested distributions. Shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions are not assumed to have the same holding period as the initial investment. The tax character of such reinvestments is determined by the length of the period between reinvestment and the end of the measurement period in the case of reinvested distributions. Capital gains taxes (or the benefit resulting from tax losses) are calculated using the highest federal individual capital gains tax rate for gains of the appropriate character in effect on the redemption date and in accordance with federal law applicable on the redemption date. Shareholders are assumed to have sufficient capital gains of the same character from other investments to offset any capital losses from the redemption, so that the taxpayer may deduct the capital losses in full.

The Fund’s sales literature and advertising commonly refer to this calculation as the Fund’s after-tax average annual total return (post-liquidation). When considering the average annual total return after taxes on distributions quotations for Class A shares, you should keep in mind that the maximum initial sales charge reflected in each quotation is a one-time fee charged on all direct purchases, which will have its greatest impact during the early stages of your investment. This charge will affect actual performance less the longer you retain your investment in the Fund.

The following SEC formula is used to calculate these figures:

where:

P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

T = average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemptions)

n = number of years

ATV _DR = ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of each period at the end of each period, after taxes on fund distributions and redemption

Cumulative total return Like average annual total return, cumulative total return assumes that the maximum initial sales charge, if applicable, is deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase, income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value, the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the deduction of all applicable charges and fees. Cumulative total return, however, is based on the actual return for a specified period rather than on the average return.

Volatility Occasionally statistics may be used to show the Fund's volatility or risk. Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to compare the Fund's net asset value or performance to a market index. One measure of volatility is beta. Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total market, as represented by an index considered representative of the types of securities in which the fund invests. A beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility greater than the market and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less than the market. Another measure of volatility or risk is standard deviation. Standard deviation is used to measure variability of net asset value or total return around an average over a specified period of time. The idea is that greater volatility means greater risk undertaken in achieving performance.

Other performance quotations The Fund also may quote the performance of Class A shares without a sales charge. Sales literature and advertising may quote a cumulative total return, average annual total return and other measures of performance with the substitution of net asset value for the public offering price.

Sales literature referring to the use of the Fund as a potential investment for IRAs, business retirement plans, and other tax-advantaged retirement plans may quote a total return based upon compounding of dividends on which it is presumed no federal income tax applies.

The Fund may include in its advertising or sales material information relating to investment goals and performance results of funds belonging to Franklin Templeton Investments. Resources is the parent company of the advisors and underwriter of Franklin Templeton funds.

Miscellaneous Information

The Fund may help you achieve various investment goals such as accumulating money for retirement, saving for a down payment on a home, college costs and other long-term goals. The Franklin College Savings Planner may help you in determining how much money must be invested on a monthly basis to have a projected amount available in the future to fund a child's college education. (Projected college cost estimates are based upon current costs published by the College Board.) The Franklin Retirement Savings Planner leads you through the steps to start a retirement savings program. Of course, an investment in the Fund cannot guarantee that these goals will be met.

The Fund is a member of Franklin Templeton Investments, one of the largest mutual fund organizations in the U.S., and may be considered in a program for diversification of assets. Founded in 1947, Franklin is one of the oldest mutual fund organizations and now services more than 2 million shareholder accounts. In 1992, Franklin, a leader in managing fixed-income mutual funds and an innovator in creating domestic equity funds, joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in international investing. The Mutual Series team, known for its value-driven approach to domestic equity investing, became part of the organization four years later. In 2001, the Fiduciary Trust team, known for providing global investment management to institutions and high net worth clients worldwide, joined the organization. Together, Franklin Templeton Investments has, as of May 31, 2018, over $732 billion in assets under management for more than 3 million U.S. based mutual fund shareholder and other accounts. Franklin Templeton Investments offers 131 U.S. based open-end investment companies to the public. The Fund may identify itself by its NASDAQ symbol or CUSIP number.

Currently, there are more mutual funds than there are stocks listed on the NYSE. While many of them have similar investment goals, no two are exactly alike. Shares of the Fund are generally sold through securities dealers, whose investment representatives are experienced professionals who can offer advice on the type of investments suitable to your unique goals and needs, as well as the risks associated with such investments.

Description of Ratings

Corporate Obligation Ratings

Moody's

INVESTMENT GRADE

Aaa: Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

Aa: Bonds rated Aa are judged to be high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A: Bonds rated A are considered upper medium-grade obligations and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa: Bonds rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk and are considered medium-grade obligations. As such they may have certain speculative characteristics.

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

Ba: Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B: Bonds rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa: Bonds rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca: Bonds rated Ca are considered highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C: Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default. They have little prospects for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

S&P ^®

The issue rating definitions are expressions in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA: This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: Obligations rated AA differ from AAA issues only in a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: Obligations rated A are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in the higher ratings categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: Obligations rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE

BB, B, CCC, CC, C: Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While these obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. The C rating is also assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is still making payments.

D: Obligations rated D are in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating is also used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks and highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns that are not addressed in the credit rating.

Short-Term Debt Ratings

Moody's

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs and to individual short-term debt instruments. These obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding 13 months, unless explicitly noted. Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:

P-1 (Prime-1): Issuers (or supporting institutions) so rated have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2 (Prime-2): Issuers (or supporting institutions) so rated have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-3 (Prime-3): Issuers (or supporting institutions) so rated have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

NP: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

S&P ^®

S&P's ratings are a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days -- including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating.

A-1: This designation indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: Issues carrying this designation are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations carrying the higher designations. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: Issues carrying this designation exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: Issues carrying this designation are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: Issues carrying this designation are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: Issues carrying this designation are in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the due date even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

a) Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) also acts as principal underwriter of shares of:

Franklin Alternative Strategies Fund

Franklin California Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin California Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Custodian Funds

Franklin ETF Trust

Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Fund Allocator Series

Franklin Global Trust

Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund

Franklin High Income Trust

Franklin Investors Securities Trust

Franklin Managed Trust

Franklin Municipal Securities Trust

Franklin Mutual Series Funds

Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Real Estate Securities Trust

Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio

Franklin Tax-Free Trust

Franklin Templeton ETF Trust

Franklin Templeton Global Trust

Franklin Templeton International Trust

Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust

Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund

Franklin Value Investors Trust

Institutional Fiduciary Trust

Templeton China World Fund

Templeton Developing Markets Trust

Templeton Funds

Templeton Global Investment Trust

Templeton Global Opportunities Trust

Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund

Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.

Templeton Income Trust

Templeton Institutional Funds

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2018

File Nos. 033-39088
811-06243

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933		[ ]

Pre-Effective Amendment No.

Post-Effective Amendment No.	83	[X]

\and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940		[ ]

Amendment No.	85	[X]


FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY, SAN MATEO, CA 94403-1906_____
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

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

CRAIG S. TYLE, ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY, SAN MATEO, CA 94403-1906
(Name and Address of Agent for Service of Process)

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

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

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[X] on September 1, 2018 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

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

This Amendment to the registration statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A (the “Amendment”) is being filed in order to reflect amendments to the fundamental investment policies of Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, a series of the Registrant, which were approved by shareholders of the Fund at a shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2017 and does not otherwise delete, amend, or supersede any other information relating to any other series of the Registrant. This Amendment updates the registration statement of the above-referenced series under the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

LARRY D. THOMPSON*

JOHN B. WILSON*

Item 28. Exhibits.

The following exhibits are incorporated by reference to the previously filed document indicated below, except as noted:

(a)	Agreement and Declaration of Trust

	(i)	Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Franklin Strategic Series, a Delaware statutory trust, dated April 11, 2007 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2012

	(ii)	Certificate of Amendment of Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Franklin Strategic Series, a Delaware statutory trust, dated April 11, 2007 and effective October 21, 2008 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2012

(b)	By-Laws

	(i)	Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Franklin Strategic Series, a Delaware statutory trust effective as of April 11, 2007 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2007

(c)	Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders

	(i)	Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration
		(a)		Article III, Shares
		(b)		Article V, Shareholders’ Voting Powers and Meetings
		(c)		Article VI, Net Asset Value, Distributions, Redemptions and Transfers
		(d)		Articles VIII, Certain Transactions – Section 4
		(e)		Articles X, Miscellaneous – Section 4

	(ii)	Amended and Restated By-Laws
		(a)		Article II, Meetings of Shareholders
		(b)		Article VI, Records and Reports – Section 1, 2 and 3
		(c)		Article VII, General Matters: - Sections 3, 4, 6 and 7
		(d)		Articles VIII, Amendment – Section 1

	(iii)	Part B: Statement of Additional Information – Item 22

(d)	I nvestment Advisory Contracts

	(i)	Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (formerly Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund) and Franklin Natural Resources Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated February 24, 1992 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 2, 1995

	(ii)	Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated May 24, 1994 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 2, 1995

	(iii)	Amendment dated August 1, 1995 to the Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (formerly Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund) and Franklin Natural Resources Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated February 24, 1992 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 7, 1996

	(iv)	Amendment dated August 1, 1995 to the Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated May 24, 1994 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 7, 1996

	(v)	Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (formerly Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund) and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated May 1, 2013 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 28, 2013

	(vi)	Addendum to Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated January 1, 2008 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2008

	(vii)	Addendum to Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Natural Resources Fund and Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated January 1, 2008 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2008

	(viii)	Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement Between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund And Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated May 1, 2013 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 28, 2013

	(ix)	Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated May 1, 2013 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 28, 2013

	(x)	Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated May 1, 2014 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2014

	(xi)	Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated August 3, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

	(xii)	Sub-Advisory Agreement on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund, between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC, dated August 3, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

(e)	Underwriting Contracts

	(i)	Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2011 and amended Attachment A dated August 1, 2015 between Registrant and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc.

	(ii)	Forms of Selling Agreements between Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Securities Dealers dated May 1, 2010 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 26, 2011

(f)	Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts

			Not Applicable

(g)	Custodian Agreements

	(i)	Master Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: March 14, 1996

	(ii)	Amendment dated May 7, 1997 to Master Custody Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: March 13, 1998

	(iii)	Amendment dated February 27, 1998 to Master Custody Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: December 23, 1998

	(iv)	Amendment dated May 16, 2001, to Master Custody Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: December 20, 2001

	(v)	Amendment dated June 1, 2018 to Exhibit A of the Master Custody Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996

	(vi)	Amendment dated January 22, 2018 to Schedule 1 of the Amendment dated May 16, 2001, to the Master Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996

	(vii)	Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon made as of May 16, 2001 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.43 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: December 20, 2001

	(viii)	Amendment dated June 1, 2018 to Schedule 1 of the Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon made as of May 16, 2001

	(ix)	Amendment dated November 19, 2014 to Schedule 2 of the Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon made as of May 16, 2001 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.73 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: May 15, 2015

	(x)	Terminal Link Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: March 14, 1996

	(xi)	Amendment dated June 1, 2018 to Exhibit A of the Terminal Link Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996

(h)	Other Material Contracts

	(i)	Amended and Restated Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services dated February 28, 2012 and amended as of May 1, 2014 between Franklin Templeton Services, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Flex Cap Growth Fund, Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, Franklin Strategic Income Fund and Franklin Natural Resources Fund Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2015

	(ii)	Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services dated May 1, 2013 and amended as of May 1, 2014 between Franklin Templeton Services, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (formerly Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund), Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund and Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2015

	(iii)	Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services dated May 1, 2014 between Franklin Templeton Services, LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.73 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: May 15, 2015

	(iv)	Amended and Restated Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Agreement between the Registrant and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC dated November 1, 2017

	(v)	Subcontract for Fund Administrative Services between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Services, LLC for the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund dated August 3, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2015

(i)	Legal Opinion

	(i)	Opinion and Consent of Counsel dated March 8, 1999 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: March 11, 1999

	(ii)	Opinion and Consent of Counsel dated July 27, 2015 on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

(j)	Other Opinions

		Not Applicable

(k)	Omitted Financial Statements

		Not Applicable

(l)	Initial Capital Agreements

	(i)	Letter of Understanding for Franklin Natural Resources Fund dated June 5, 1995 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: December 5, 1995

	(ii)	Letter of Understanding for Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund dated September 5, 1997 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: March 13, 1998

	(iii)	Letter of Understanding for Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund (formerly Franklin Aggressive Growth Fund), dated June 22, 1999 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 28, 1999

	(iv)	Letter of Understanding for Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund II) dated April 28, 2000 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 30, 2000

(m)	Rule 12b-1 Plan

	(i)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(ii)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of the Franklin Strategic Income Fund, and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(iii)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of the Franklin Natural Resources Fund, and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(iv)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(v)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(vi)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(vii)	Amended and Restated Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (formerly Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund), and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated February 1, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: September 24, 2009

	(viii)	Amended and Restated Class C Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Strategic Income Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated July 9, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 29, 2010

	(ix)	Amended and Restated Class C Distribution Plan between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Franklin Flex Cap Growth Fund, Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (formerly Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund), Franklin Natural Resources Fund, Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., dated July 9, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 29, 2010

	(x)	Amended and Restated Class R Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (formerly Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund), Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund, Franklin Flex Cap Growth Fund, Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund, Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and Franklin Strategic Income Fund, and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated July 9, 2009 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: June 29, 2010

	(xi)	Class C Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated March 4, 2014 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2014

	(xii)	Class A Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated August 3, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

	(xiii)	Class C Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated August 3, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

	(xiv)	Class R Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 between the Registrant, on behalf of Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. dated August 3, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

(n)	Rule 18f-3 Plan

	(i)	Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Natural Resources Fund dated July 17, 2013 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 28, 2013

	(ii)	Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund dated December 6, 2012 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: April 30, 2013

	(iii)	Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund dated December 6, 2012 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: April 30, 2013

	(iv)	Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund (formerly Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund), dated December 6, 2012 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: April 30, 2013

	(v)	Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund dated March 4, 2014 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2014

	(vi)	Multiple Class Plan for Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund dated May 19, 2015 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: July 29, 2015

(p)	Code of Ethics

	(i)	Code of Ethics dated May 1, 2013 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 27, 2014

(q)	Power of Attorney

	(i)	Power of Attorney dated June 13, 2013 Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 28, 2013

	(ii)	Power of Attorney dated October 1, 2014 – Mary C. Choksi Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.73 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: May 15, 2015

	(iii)	Power of Attorney dated May 23, 2017 for Matthew T. Hinkle Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.81 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A File No. 033-39088 Filing Date: August 25, 2017

	(iv)	Power of Attorney dated December 16, 2017 for Terrence J. Checki

EDWARD B. JAMIESON *		Chief Executive Officer – Investment
Edward B. Jamieson		Management
		Dated: June 27, 2018


MATTHEW T. HINKLE *		Chief Executive Officer – Finance
Matthew T. Hinkle		And Administration
		Dated: June 27, 2018

GASTON GARDEY*		Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Gaston Gardey		Accounting Officer
		Dated: June 27, 2018

HARRIS J. ASHTON*		Trustee
Harris J. Ashton		Dated: June 27, 2018

TERRENCE J. CHECKI*		Trustee
Terrence J. Checki		Dated: June 27, 2018

MARY C. CHOKSI*		Trustee
Mary C. Choksi		Dated: June 27, 2018

EDITH E. HOLIDAY *		Trustee
Edith E. Holiday		Dated: June 27, 2018

GREGORY E. JOHNSON*		Trustee
Gregory E. Johnson		Dated: June 27, 2018

RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR. *		Trustee
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.		Dated: June 27, 2018

J. MICHAEL LUTTIG*		Trustee
J. Michael Luttig		Dated: June 27, 2018

LARRY D. THOMPSON*		Trustee
Larry D. Thompson		Dated: June 27, 2018

JOHN B. WILSON*		Trustee
John B. Wilson		Dated: June 27, 2018

EXHIBIT NO.	DESCRIPTION

EX-99.(e)(i)	Distribution Agreement dated January 1, 2011 and amended Attachment A dated August 1, 2015 between Registrant and Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc.

EX-99.(g)(v)	Amendment dated June 1, 2018 to Exhibit A of the Master Custody Agreement between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996

EX-99.(g)(vi)	Amendment dated January 22, 2018 to Schedule 1 of the Amendment dated May 16, 2001, to the Master Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996

EX-99.(g)(viii)	Amendment dated June 1, 2018 to Schedule 1 of the Amended and Restated Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon made as of May 16, 2001

EX-99.(g)(xi)	Amendment dated June 1, 2018 to Exhibit A of the Terminal Link Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon dated February 16, 1996

EX-99.(h)(iv)	Amended and Restated Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Agreement between the Registrant and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC dated November 1, 2017

EX-99.(q)(iv)	Power of Attorney dated December 16, 2017 for Terrence J. Checki

INVESTMENT COMPANY	ORGANIZATION	SERIES --- (if applicable)

Franklin Alternative Strategies Funds	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund Franklin K2 Global Macro Opportunities Fund Franklin K2 Long Short Credit Fund

Franklin California Tax-Free Income Fund	Delaware Statutory Trust

Franklin California Tax-Free Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin California Ultra-Short Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Custodian Funds	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Dynatech Fund Franklin Focused Growth Fund Franklin Growth Fund Franklin Income Fund Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund Franklin Utilities Fund

Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund	Delaware Statutory Trust

Franklin Floating Rate Master Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Floating Rate Master Series Franklin Middle Tier Floating Rate Fund Franklin Lower Tier Floating Rate Fund
Franklin ETF Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Liberty Short Duration U.S. Government

Franklin Global Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Global Real Estate Fund Franklin International Growth Fund Franklin International Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund Franklin Global Listed Infrastructure Fund

Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund	Delaware Statutory Trust
Franklin High Income Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin High Income Fund
Franklin Investors Securities Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund Franklin Balanced Fund Franklin Convertible Securities Fund Franklin Equity Income Fund Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund Franklin Real Return Fund Franklin Total Return Fund
Franklin Managed Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Rising Dividends Fund
Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund	Delaware Statutory Trust


Franklin Municipal Securities Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin California High Yield Municipal Bond Fund Franklin Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
Franklin Mutual Series Funds	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund Franklin Mutual European Fund Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund Franklin Mutual International Fund Franklin Mutual Quest Fund Franklin Mutual Shares Fund

Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund	Delaware Statutory Trust

Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Real Estate Securities Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund
Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio	Delaware Statutory Trust
Franklin Strategic Series	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund Franklin Flexible Alpha Bond Fund Franklin Select U.S. Equity Fund Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund Franklin Natural Resources Fund Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Franklin Strategic Income Fund

Franklin Tax-Free Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Alabama Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Arizona Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Colorado Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Connecticut Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Florida Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Georgia Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Kentucky Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Louisiana Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Maryland Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Michigan Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Missouri Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin North Carolina Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Ohio Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Oregon Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Virginia Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Fund Allocator Series	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund Franklin Growth Allocation Fund Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund 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 Franklin Lifesmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund Franklin Payout 2018 Fund Franklin Payout 2019 Fund Franklin Payout 2020 Fund Franklin Payout 2021 Fund Franklin Payout 2022 Fund Franklin NextStep Conservative Fund Franklin NextStep Moderate Fund Franklin NextStep Growth Fund

Franklin Templeton International Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin India Growth Fund

Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Templeton U.S. Government Money Fund
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Franklin Flex Cap Growth VIP Fund Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Fund Franklin Growth and Income VIP Fund Franklin Income VIP Fund Franklin Large Cap Growth VIP Fund Franklin VolSmart Allocation VIP Fund Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Fund Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth VIP Fund Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Fund Franklin Strategic Income VIP Fund Franklin Founding Funds Allocation VIP Fund Franklin U.S. Government Securities VIP Fund
		Franklin Mutual Global Discovery VIP Fund Franklin Mutual Shares VIP Fund Templeton Global Bond VIP Fund


Franklin Value Investors Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Balance Sheet Investment Fund Franklin MicroCap Value Fund Franklin Small Cap Value Fund
Institutional Fiduciary Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Money Market Portfolio
The Money Market Portfolios	Delaware Statutory Trust	The U.S. Government Money Market Portfolio
Templeton Global Investment Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund Templeton Global Balanced Fund (formerly Templeton Income Fund)
Templeton Income Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust	Templeton Global Total Return Fund Templeton International Bond Fund

Templeton Funds	Delaware Statutory Trust	Templeton International Climate Change Fund

CLOSED END FUNDS:
Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust	Delaware Statutory Trust
Franklin Universal Trust	Massachusetts Business Trust