UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-03143
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (954) 527-7500
Date of fiscal year end: 8/31
Date of reporting period: 8/31/11
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller
Companies Fund
Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments: Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
seeks to achieve long-term capital growth. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least
80% of its net assets in equity securities of smaller companies located anywhere in the world, including
emerging markets. The Fund will invest its assets in issuers located in at least three different countries
(including the U.S.) and will invest at least 40% of its net assets in foreign securities.
This annual report for Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund covers the
fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.
Performance Overview
For the 12 months under review, Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund –
Class A delivered a +9.31% cumulative total return. The Fund underperformed
the +15.06% total return of its benchmark, the MSCI World Index, which
The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the
Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 19.
Annual Report | 3
measures stock market performance in global developed markets.1 Please note that index performance information is provided for reference and that we do not attempt to track the index, but rather undertake investments on the basis of fundamental research. You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 8.
Economic and Market Overview
Global equities broadly delivered gains during the 12 months under review, although the positive momentum galvanizing markets throughout most of the period reversed sharply in the final months as escalating sovereign debt woes and economic growth concerns severely curtailed investor optimism. In September 2010, stocks had just weathered a weak summer session marked by signs of a growing debt crisis in Europe, potential overheating in emerging markets, a slowing recovery in the developed world, and the prospective end of the Federal Reserve Board’s (Fed’s) quantitative easing program. Yet, most developed world policymakers signaled their support for further stimulus as the Fed introduced a new round of quantitative easing and European policy-makers amended the Lisbon Treaty to provide for a permanent regional bailout facility. In contrast, growth and debt concerns did not affect most emerging markets, which instead raised interest rates and tightened lending standards to combat rising inflation. This combination of high emerging market growth and vigilant developed market policy support, in addition to ongoing corporate earnings strength, propelled stocks higher into 2011.
Equities continued to rally before encountering unanticipated headwinds in the spring of 2011 that resulted in rising volatility and a fading economic growth outlook. First, revolutionary uprisings swept the Middle East and North Africa, deposing several longstanding regimes and roiling global oil and gas markets. Then on March 11, Japan suffered its worst earthquake on record and subsequent nuclear radiation leaks that shut down supply chains and crippled the near-term output of the world’s third-largest economy. Nor was the western world immune from turmoil. European austerity measures and interest rate hikes cast a shadow over regional economic growth forecasts, while a second bailout package for Greece and better-than-expected bank stress test results failed to ease concerns that the region’s fiscal crisis could spread to larger euro-zone economies. In a game of high-stakes brinkmanship, U.S. politicians debated ways to close the country’s yawning fiscal deficit, ultimately reaching
1. Source: © 2011 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. The index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund's portfolio.
4 | Annual Report
an eleventh-hour compromise to raise the federal debt ceiling and avoid an unprecedented default. The episode impaired confidence in the world’s largest economy, however, and independent credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded the U.S.’s AAA credit rating for the first time to AA+. This confluence of events sent equities reeling at the end of the review period as investors fled to perceived safe haven assets like gold and U.S. Treasuries. Despite such heightened volatility and risk aversion at period-end, global equities nonetheless finished the 12-month period with respectable gains.
Investment Strategy
At Templeton, when choosing investments for the Fund, we take a bottom-up, value-oriented, long-term approach, focusing on the market price of a company’s securities relative to our evaluation of the company’s long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow growth potential. We also consider the company’s price/earnings ratio, profit margins and liquidation value.
Manager’s Discussion
Several holdings performed well in absolute and relative terms during the fiscal year. Chico’s FAS is a specialty U.S. clothing retailer.2 During the period, the company announced financial results in line with market forecasts, supported by stronger-than-expected sales. Additionally, a positive reception for its new spring product lines enabled the company to increase prices. Based on our analysis, we believe positive sales momentum and ongoing cost cutting could drive Chico’s earnings growth and further support the stock price over the longer term.
Emeco Holdings supplies heavy earthmoving equipment rentals to the Australian mining industry.2 The company’s focus is on coal and gold, and it has a growing presence in iron ore. Emeco’s shares rose strongly during the period as the company benefited from greater demand, an exit from under-performing U.S. and European operations, and a revival in sentiment for the Australian mining industry with the demise of a planned mineral tax.
Based in the U.S., Hibbett Sports is an industry-leading sporting goods retailer with an isolated competitive position.2 During the period, Hibbett enjoyed solid sales and profit margins, driving its share price higher. Hibbett has filled a market niche by focusing its expansion on counties with smaller populations and serving as the primary, full-priced distribution outlet for premium-brand vendors in these communities. This low-cost, small market focus has provided
2. This holding is not an index component.
Annual Report | 5
insulation from competition and contributed to strong results in terms of sales growth (triple the industry average), operating profits and return on capital.
It is important to recognize the effect of currency movements on the Fund’s performance. In general, if the value of the U.S. dollar goes up compared with a foreign currency, an investment traded in that foreign currency will go down in value because it will be worth fewer U.S. dollars. This can have a negative effect on Fund performance. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar weakens in relation to a foreign currency, an investment traded in that foreign currency will increase in value, which can contribute to Fund performance. For the 12 months ended August 31, 2011, the U.S. dollar declined in value relative to most currencies. As a result, the Fund’s performance was positively affected by the portfolio’s primary investment in securities with non-U.S. currency exposure. However, one cannot expect the same result in future periods.
Several holdings fell in value during the period, contributing to the Fund’s underperformance relative to the benchmark index. For example, shares of U.S.-based construction company Tutor Perini lost ground during the period due to quarterly results that missed forecasts, indications of delays regarding an anticipated major contract and sales of company stock by senior management.2 However, we remained favorable toward the company because we believe these were short-term problems that are unlikely to affect Tutor Perini’s business fundamentals, including its strong balance sheet and recent shift to higher-margin civil, public sector and military work.
U.S.-based K-Swiss designs, develops and markets athletic footwear for sports use, fitness activities and casual wear.2 K-Swiss stock lost ground following weak quarterly sales and news of a major new marketing campaign that prompted precautionary reductions in its short-term earnings estimates. Looking ahead, we believe the range and quality of the company’s new product line holds the potential to lift profit margins and, subsequently, K-Swiss’s shares.
Savient Pharmaceuticals is a U.S. specialty biopharmaceutical company.2 Savient’s stock price tumbled following a failed effort to sell the company after it received Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Krystexxa, its drug for gout that has not responded to standard treatments (known as treatment failure gout). As a result, the company decided to focus on commercializing the drug itself and by period-end was in the process of building up its sales infrastructure. Krystexxa is in a highly specialized market and addresses an unmet medical need, so we think the company may not need much infrastructure to maximize its niche opportunity. Our analysis led us to conclude the potential for this FDA-approved drug was not fairly reflected in the share price, and we see the potential for a significant increase in earnings over the longer term.
6 | Annual Report
The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of August 31, 2011, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.
Annual Report | 7
Performance Summary as of 8/31/11
Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities. The performance table and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses.
8 | Annual Report
Performance Summary (continued)
Performance
Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total returns and value of $10,000 investment include maximum sales charges. Class A: 5.75% maximum initial sales charge; Class B: contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) declining from 4% to 1% over six years, and eliminated thereafter; Class C: 1% CDSC in first year only; Advisor Class: no sales charges.
Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.
Annual Report | 9
Performance Summary (continued)
Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment
Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any current, applicable, maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged index includes reinvestment of any income or distributions. It differs from the Fund in composition and does not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.
10 | Annual Report
Annual Report | 11
Performance Summary (continued)
Endnotes
Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with these markets’ smaller size and lesser liquidity. In addition, smaller company stocks have historically exhibited greater price volatility than large-company stocks, particularly over the short term. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.
Class B: Class C: | These shares have higher annual fees and expenses than Class A shares. Prior to 1/1/04, these shares were offered with an initial sales charge; thus actual total returns would have differed. These shares have higher annual fees and expenses than Class A shares. |
Advisor Class: | Shares are available to certain eligible investors as described in the prospectus. |
1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.
2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. 3. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the periods indicated.
4. In accordance with SEC rules, we provide standardized average annual total return information through the latest calendar quarter.
5. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.
6. Source: © 2011 Morningstar. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global developed markets. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a commonly used measure of the inflation rate.
12 | Annual Report
Your Fund’s Expenses
As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs:
- Transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases; and
- Ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses.
The following table shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.
Actual Fund Expenses
The first line (Actual) for each share class listed in the table provides actual account values and expenses. The “Ending Account Value” is derived from the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses.
You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps. Of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration:
| 1. | Divide your account value by $1,000. |
| If an account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6. | |
| 2. | Multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.” |
| If Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50. |
In this illustration, the estimated expenses paid this period are $64.50.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds
Information in the second line (Hypothetical) for each class in the table can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other mutual funds. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid during the period. The hypothetical “Ending Account Value” is based on the actual expense ratio for each class and an assumed 5% annual rate of return before expenses, which does not represent the Fund’s actual return. The figure under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the hypothetical expenses your account would have incurred under this scenario. You can compare this figure with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
Annual Report | 13
Your Fund’s Expenses (continued)
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges. Therefore, the second line for each class is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your total costs would have been higher. Please refer to the Fund prospectus for additional information on operating expenses.
*Expenses are calculated using the most recent six-month expense ratio, annualized for each class (A: 1.34%; B: 2.10%; C: 2.09%; and Advisor: 1.09%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.
14 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Highlights
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of
the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
dAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
eTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 15
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Highlights (continued)
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of
the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
dEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
eTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
16 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Highlights (continued)
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of
the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
dEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
eTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 17
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Highlights (continued)
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of
the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
dAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
18 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Statement of Investments, August 31, 2011
Annual Report | 19
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Statement of Investments, August 31, 2011 (continued)
20 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Statement of Investments, August 31, 2011 (continued)
Annual Report | 21
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Statement of Investments, August 31, 2011 (continued)
22 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Statement of Investments, August 31, 2011 (continued)
See Abbreviations on page 37.
aNon-income producing.
bSecurity was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in
a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. This security has been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. At August 31, 2011,
the value of this security was $10,557,181, representing 1.07% of net assets.
cSecurity has been deemed illiquid because it may not be able to be sold within seven days.
dSee Note 8 regarding holdings of 5% voting securities.
eIncome is reflected in the redemption value.
fThe security is traded on a discount basis with no stated coupon rate.
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 23
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Statements
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
August 31, 2011
24 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Statements (continued)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
August 31, 2011
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 25
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Statements (continued)
Statement of Operations
for the year ended August 31, 2011
26 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Financial Statements (continued)
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 27
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund (Fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (1940 Act) as an open-end investment company. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class. Each class of shares differs by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, distribution fees, voting rights on matters affecting a single class and its exchange privilege.
The following summarizes the Fund’s significant accounting policies.
a. Financial Instrument Valuation
The Fund’s investments in securities and other financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Under procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Fund may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.
Equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or the NYSE, whichever is earlier. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities.
Debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Fund’s pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option-adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.
The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of securities and other financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available or which may not be reliably priced. Under these procedures, the Fund primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant
28 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| a. | Financial Instrument Valuation (continued) |
information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. The Fund may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.
Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets may be completed before the daily close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at the close of the NYSE. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the investment manager monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depositary Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Fund. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.
b. Foreign Currency Translation
Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Portfolio securities and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies contain risks that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Occasionally, events 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 Fund’s Board of Trustees.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments on the Statement of Operations.
Annual Report | 29
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| b. | Foreign Currency Translation (continued) |
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.
c. Income Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required. The Fund files U.S. income tax returns as well as tax returns in certain other jurisdictions. The Fund records a provision for taxes in its financial statements including penalties and interest, if any, for a tax position taken on a tax return (or expected to be taken) when it fails to meet the more likely than not (a greater than 50% probability) threshold and based on the technical merits, the tax position may not be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. As of August 31, 2011, and for all open tax years, the Fund has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on each tax jurisdiction statute of limitation.
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency transactions in the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply the Fund records an estimated deferred tax liability for unrealized gains on these securities in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.
d. Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions
Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities are included in interest income. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized as soon as the Fund is notified of the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis). Distributable earnings determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may be permanent or
30 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| d. | Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions (continued) |
temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, not including class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions, by class, are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.
e. Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
f. Guarantees and Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Fund against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
At August 31, 2011, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value).
Transactions in the Fund’s shares were as follows:
Annual Report | 31
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are also officers and/or directors of the following subsidiaries:
a. Management Fees
The Fund pays an investment management fee to FTIC based on the average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 3. | TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (continued) |
| a. | Management Fees (continued) |
Under a subadvisory agreement, TIC, an affiliate of FTIC, provides subadvisory services to the Fund. The subadvisory fee is paid by FTIC based on the average daily net assets, and is not an additional expense of the Fund.
b. Administrative Fees
The Fund pays an administrative fee to FT Services based on the Fund’s average daily net assets as follows:
c. Distribution Fees
The Fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Fund’s Class A reimbursement distribution plan, the Fund reimburses Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plan, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods.
In addition, under the Fund’s Class B and C compensation distribution plans, the Fund pays Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class.
The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:
d. Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has
Annual Report | 33
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 3. | TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (continued) |
| d. | Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements (continued) |
advised the Fund of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Fund’s shares for the year:
e. Transfer Agent Fees
For the year ended August 31, 2011, the Fund paid transfer agent fees of $1,894,550, of which $1,059,270 was retained by Investor Services.
4. EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENT
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s custodian expenses. During the year ended August 31, 2011, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statement of Operations.
5. INCOME TAXES
For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. At August 31, 2011, the Fund had capital loss carryforwards of $108,062,968 expiring in 2018. During the year ended August 31, 2011, the Fund utilized $54,484,822 of capital loss carry-forwards.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Post-enactment capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous law. Any post-enactment capital losses generated will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment tax years.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2010, was as follows:
34 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
5. INCOME TAXES (continued)
At August 31, 2011, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), and undistributed ordinary income for income tax purposes were as follows:
Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatments of foreign currency transactions, passive foreign investment company shares, payments-in-kind, and corporate actions.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the year ended August 31, 2011, aggregated $251,102,486 and $286,780,510, respectively.
7. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Investing in foreign securities may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, such as fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, certain foreign securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities.
8. HOLDINGS OF 5% VOTING SECURITIES OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
The 1940 Act defines “affiliated companies” to include investments in portfolio companies in which a fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities. Investments in “affiliated companies” for the Fund for the year ended August 31, 2011, were as shown below.
Annual Report | 35
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
9. CREDIT FACILITY
The Fund, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $750 million (Global Credit Facility) which matures on January 20, 2012. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.
Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Fund shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Fund and other costs incurred by the Fund, pay its share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon its relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.08% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility, which is reflected in other expenses on the Statement of Operations. During the year ended August 31, 2011, the Fund did not use the Global Credit Facility.
10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Fund follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
- Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
- Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)
- Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
For movements between levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement.
36 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of August 31, 2011, in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value:
11. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in the ASU will improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and include new guidance for certain fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Fund is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying this provision.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
ABBREVIATIONS
Selected Portfolio
FHLB - Federal Home Loan Bank
PIK - Payment-In-Kind
Annual Report | 37
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”) at August 31, 2011, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at August 31, 2011 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California
October 19, 2011
38 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Tax Designation (unaudited)
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), the Fund designates 81.06% of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $14,279,464 as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011. Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2011 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV in January 2012. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.
Under Section 871(k)(1)(C) of the Code, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $12,805 as interest related dividends for purposes of the tax imposed under Section 871(a)(1)(A) of the Code for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.
At August 31, 2010, more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets were invested in securities of foreign issuers. In most instances, foreign taxes were withheld from income paid to the Fund on these investments. As shown in the table below, the Fund designates to shareholders the foreign source income and foreign taxes paid, pursuant to Section 853 of the Code. This designation will allow shareholders of record on December 16, 2010, to treat their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund as having been paid directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.
The following tables provide a detailed analysis of foreign tax paid, and foreign source income, and foreign qualified dividends as designated by the Fund, to Class A, Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class shareholders of record.
Foreign Tax Paid Per Share (Column 1) is the amount per share available to you, as a tax credit (assuming you held your shares in the Fund for a minimum of 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-dividend date of the Fund’s distribution to which the foreign taxes relate), or, as a tax deduction.
Annual Report | 39
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Tax Designation (unaudited) (continued)
Foreign Source Income Per Share (Column 2) is the amount per share of income dividends attributable to foreign securities held by the Fund, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. The amounts reported include foreign source qualified dividends that have not been adjusted for the rate differential applicable to such dividend income.1
Foreign Qualified Dividends Per Share (Column 3) is the amount per share of foreign source qualified dividends, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. These amounts represent the portion of the Foreign Source Income reported to you in column 2 that were derived from qualified foreign securities held by the Fund.1
In January 2011, shareholders received Form 1099-DIV which included their share of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the calendar year 2010. The Foreign Source Income reported on Form 1099-DIV has not been adjusted for the rate differential on foreign source qualified dividend income. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their 2010 individual income tax returns.
1Qualified dividends are taxed at reduced long term capital gain tax rates. In determining the amount of foreign tax credit that may be applied against the U.S. tax liability of individuals receiving foreign source qualified dividends, adjustments may be required to the foreign tax credit limitation calculation to reflect the rate differential applicable to such dividend income. The rules however permit certain individuals to elect not to apply the rate differential adjustments for capital gains and/or dividends for any taxable year. Please consult your tax advisor and the instructions to Form 1116 for more information.
40 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Board Members and Officers
The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with
the Fund, principal occupations during the past five years and number of U.S. registered portfolios overseen in the
Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that
person’s successor is elected and qualified.
42 | Annual Report
Annual Report | 43
44 | Annual Report
*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios
have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.
**Charles B. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director and major shareholder of
Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Fund’s investment manager and distributor. Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of
the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director of Resources.
Note 1: Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers and the father and uncle, respectively, of Gregory E. Johnson.
Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Fund’s Audit Committee includes
at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Fund’s Board has determined that there is at least one such
financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated each of Ann Torre Bates and David W. Niemiec as an audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that
Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec qualify as such an expert in view of their extensive business background and experience. Ms. Bates has served as a member of the Fund Audit
Committee since 2008. She currently serves as a director of SLM Corporation and Ares Capital Corporation and was formerly a director of Allied Capital Corporation from 2003
to 2010, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NHP Incorporated and Vice President and Treasurer of US Airways, Inc. Mr. Niemiec has served as a member of
the Fund Audit Committee since 2005, currently serves as an Advisor to Saratoga Partners and was formerly its Managing Director from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Niemiec was for-
merly a director of Emeritus Corporation from 1999 to 2010 and OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2006 to 2010, Managing Director of SBC Warburg Dillon Read from 1997 to
1998, and was Vice Chairman from 1991 to 1997 and Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to 1997 of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. As a result of such background and experience, the
Board believes that Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec have each acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general appli-
cation of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and
level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and
an understanding of audit committee functions. Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec are independent Board members as that term is defined under the applicable U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call
(800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 to request the SAI.
Annual Report | 45
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Shareholder Information
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement
At a meeting held May 17, 2011, the Board of Trustees (Board), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees, approved renewal of the investment management agreement for the Fund. In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual renewal review process. Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports and related financial information for the Fund, as well as periodic reports on expenses, shareholder services, legal, compliance, pricing, brokerage commissions and execution and other services provided by the Investment Manager (Manager) and its affiliates. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included a report for the Fund prepared by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Fund profitability analysis prepared by management. The Lipper report compared the Fund’s investment performance and expenses with those of other mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund as selected by Lipper. The Fund profitability analysis discussed the profitability to Franklin Templeton Investments from its overall U.S. fund operations, as well as on an individual fund-by-fund basis. Additional material accompanying such profitability analysis included information on a fund-by-fund basis listing portfolio managers and other accounts they manage, as well as information on management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. mutual funds and other accounts, including management’s explanation of differences where relevant and a three-year expense analysis with an explanation for any increase in expense ratios. Such material also included a memorandum prepared by management describing project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Fund by the Franklin Templeton Investments organization, as well as a memorandum relating to economies of scale and a comparative analysis concerning transfer agent fees charged the Fund.
In considering such materials, the independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. In approving continuance of the investment management agreement for the Fund, the Board, including a majority of independent Trustees, determined that the existing management fee structure was fair and reasonable and that continuance of the investment management agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision.
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES. The Board was satisfied with the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholders. In addition to investment performance and expenses discussed later, the Board’s opinion was based, in part, upon periodic reports furnished it showing that the investment policies and restrictions for the Fund were consistently complied with as well as other reports periodically furnished the Board covering matters such as the compliance of portfolio managers and other management personnel with the code of ethics adopted throughout the Franklin Templeton fund complex, the adherence to fair value pricing procedures established by the
46 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
Board, and the accuracy of net asset value calculations. The Board also noted the extent of benefits provided Fund shareholders from being part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds, including the right to exchange investments between the same class of funds without a sales charge, the ability to reinvest Fund dividends into other funds and the right to combine holdings in other funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. Favorable consideration was given to management’s continuous efforts and expenditures in establishing back-up systems and recovery procedures to function in the event of a natural disaster, it being noted that such systems and procedures had functioned smoothly during the Florida hurricanes and blackouts experienced in previous years. Among other factors taken into account by the Board were the Manager’s best execution trading policies, including a favorable report by an independent portfolio trading analytical firm. Consideration was also given to the experience of the Fund’s portfolio management team, the number of accounts managed and general method of compensation. In this latter respect, the Board noted that a primary factor in management’s determination of a portfolio manager’s bonus compensation was the relative investment performance of the funds he or she managed and that a portion of such bonus was required to be invested in a predesignated list of funds within such person’s fund management area so as to be aligned with the interests of shareholders. The Board also took into account the transfer agent and shareholder services provided Fund shareholders by an affiliate of the Manager and the continuous enhancements to the Franklin Templeton website. Particular attention was given to management’s conservative approach and diligent risk management procedures, including continuous monitoring of counterparty credit risk and attention given to derivatives and other complex instruments. The Board also took into account, among other things, management’s efforts in establishing a global credit facility for the benefit of the Fund and other accounts managed by Franklin Templeton Investments to provide a source of cash for temporary and emergency purposes or to meet unusual redemption requests as well as the strong financial position of the Manager’s parent company and its commitment to the mutual fund business as evidenced by its subsidization of money market funds.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of its importance to shareholders. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Board meetings during the year, particular attention in assessing such performance was given to the Lipper report furnished for the agreement renewal. The Lipper report prepared for the Fund showed the investment performance of its Class A shares for the one-year period ended February 28, 2011, as well as the previous 10 years ended on such date in comparison to a performance universe consisting of the Fund and all retail and institutional global small/mid-cap funds as selected by Lipper. On a comparative basis, the Lipper report showed the Fund’s total return to be in the second-highest quintile of such performance universe for the one-year period, and on an annualized basis to be in the highest or best performing quintile of such performance universe for each of the previous three- and 10-year periods and the upper half of such performance universe for the previous five-year period. The Board was satisfied with such comparative performance as shown in the Lipper report.
Annual Report | 47
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
COMPARATIVE EXPENSES. Consideration was given to a comparative analysis of the management fee and total expense ratio of the Fund compared with those of a group of other funds selected by Lipper as its appropriate Lipper expense group. Lipper expense data is based upon information taken from each fund’s most recent annual report, which reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Lipper to be an appropriate measure of comparative expenses. In reviewing comparative costs, Lipper provides information on the Fund’s contractual investment management fee in comparison with the contractual investment management fee that would have been charged by other funds within its Lipper expense group assuming they were similar in size to the Fund, as well as the actual total expenses of the Fund in comparison with those of its Lipper expense group. The Lipper contractual investment management fee analysis includes administrative charges as being part of a management fee, and total expenses, for comparative consistency, are shown by Lipper for Fund Class A shares. The results of such expense comparisons showed that the contractual investment management fee rate for the Fund was within two basis points of the median of its Lipper expense group while its actual total expense ratio was below the median of such expense group. The Board was satisfied with the management fee and total expense ratio of the Fund in comparison to its Lipper expense group.
MANAGEMENT PROFITABILITY. The Board also considered the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Fund profitability analysis that addresses the overall profitability of Franklin Templeton’s U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing management and other services to each of the individual funds during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2010, being the most recent fiscal year-end for Franklin Resources, Inc., the Manager’s parent. In reviewing the analysis, attention was given to the methodology followed in allocating costs to the Fund, it being recognized that allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various allocation methodologies may each be reasonable while producing different results. In this respect, the Board noted that, while being continuously refined and reflecting changes in the Manager’s own cost accounting, the allocation methodology was consistent with that followed in profitability report presentations for the Fund made in prior years and that the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm had been engaged by the Manager to review the reasonableness of the allocation methodologies solely for use by the Fund’s Board in reference to the profitability analysis. In reviewing and discussing such analysis, management discussed with the Board its belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also took into account management’s expenditures in
48 | Annual Report
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
improving shareholder services provided the Fund, as well as the need to meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and recent SEC and other regulatory requirements. In addition, the Board considered a third-party study comparing the profitability of the Manager’s parent on an overall basis to other publicly held managers broken down to show profitability from management operations exclusive of distribution expenses, as well as profitability including distribution expenses. The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including revenues generated from transfer agent services and potential benefits resulting from allocation of fund brokerage and the use of commission dollars to pay for research. Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board determined that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to the Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, quality and extent of services provided.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Board also considered whether economies of scale are realized by the Manager as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which this is reflected in the level of management fees charged. While recognizing that any precise determination is inherently subjective, the Board noted that based upon the Fund profitability analysis, it appears that as some funds get larger, at some point economies of scale do result in the Manager realizing a larger profit margin on management services provided such a fund. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with a fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints so that as a fund grows in size, its effective management fee rate declines. The Fund’s investment management agreement provides a fee at the rate of 0.75% on the first $1 billion of Fund net assets; 0.73% on the next $4 billion of Fund net assets; with further breakpoints continuing thereafter up to the $20 billion level of Fund net assets. The Fund is also charged a separate fee for administrative services that starts at 0.15% on the first $200 million of Fund net assets, and declines through breakpoints to a fixed rate of 0.075% after net assets reach the $1.2 billion level. In discussing such fee structure, management stated its view that it starts with a relatively low rate reflecting anticipated economies of scale as the Fund’s assets increase and pointed out the Fund’s favorable effective management fee rate and actual total expense rate as previously discussed under “Comparative Expenses.” At the end of 2010, the Fund’s net assets were approximately $1.16 billion, and to the extent economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates, the Board believes the schedules of fees under the investment management agreement provide a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders.
Annual Report | 49
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Fund’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Fund’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Fund’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.
Quarterly Statement of Investments
The Fund files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Householding of Reports and Prospectuses
You will receive the Fund’s financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated summary prospectus (prospectus available upon request). To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and summary prospectus. This process, called “householding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you prefer not to have these documents householded, please call us at (800) 632-2301. At any time you may view current prospectuses/summary prospectuses and financial reports on our website. If you choose, you may receive these documents through electronic delivery.
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Item 2. Code of Ethics.
| (a) | The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer. |
| (c) | N/A |
| (d) | N/A |
| (f) | Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer. |
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
(2) The audit committee financial expert is David W. Niemiec and he is "independent" as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $34,448 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 and $34,286 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010.
(b) Audit-Related Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of Item 4 were $2,894 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 and $2,769 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010. The services for which these fees were paid included attestation services.
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements.
(c) Tax Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax
compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $85,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 and $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010. The services for which these fees were paid included technical tax consultation for capital gain tax reporting to foreign governments and the application of the local country tax laws to investments made by various Franklin Templeton funds.
(d) All Other Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $387 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 and $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process.
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $144,413 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 and $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process.
(e) (1) The registrant’s audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including:
| (i) | pre-approval of all audit and audit related services; |
| (ii) | pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to |
the Fund by the auditors;
(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrant’s investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and
(iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.
| (e) | (2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs |
| (b) | -(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph |
(c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X.
(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).
(g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services
rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrant’s
investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common
control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the
registrant were $232,694 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 and $2,769
for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010.
(h) The registrant’s audit committee of the board has considered whether the
provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s
investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily
portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another
investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common
control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the
registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule
2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal
accountant’s independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. N/A
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of
achieving the desired control objectives.
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls.
There have been no significant changes in
the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Mark H. Otani, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Mark H. Otani, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
By /s/ LAURA F. FERGERSON
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer –
Finance and Administration
Date: October 27, 2011
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By /s/ LAURA F. FERGERSON
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer –
Finance and Administration
Date: October 27, 2011
By /s/ MARK H. OTANI
Mark H. Otani
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: October 27, 2011