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 811-4007
Legg Mason Partners Trust II
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
300 First Stamford Place, 4th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 451-2010
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2006
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
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| | Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund |
ANNUAL REPORT
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| INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED•NO BANK GUARANTEE•MAY LOSE VALUE |
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| Legg Mason Partners |
| Global Equity Fund |
Annual Report • December 31, 2006
What’s
Inside
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Fund Objective | |
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The Fund seeks to provide long term capital growth. Dividend income, if any, is incidental to this goal. | |
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Letter from the Chairman | | I |
Fund Overview | | 1 |
Fund at a Glance | | 4 |
Fund Expenses | | 5 |
Fund Performance | | 7 |
Historical Performance | | 8 |
Schedule of Investments | | 9 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | 18 |
Statement of Operations | | 19 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | | 20 |
Financial Highlights | | 21 |
Notes to Financial Statements | | 26 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | 38 |
Additional Information | | 39 |
Additional Shareholder Information | | 46 |
Important Tax Information | | 48 |
R. JAY GERKEN, CFA
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
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| Dear Shareholder, |
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| U.S. economic growth was mixed during the 12-month reporting period. After gross domestic product (“GDP”)i increased 1.7% in the fourth quarter of 2005, the economy then rebounded sharply in the first quarter of 2006. Over this period, GDP rose 5.6%, its best showing since the third quarter of 2003. Second quarter 2006 GDP growth was 2.6% and it further moderated to 2.0% in the third quarter. The economy then strengthened in the fourth quarter, due largely to increased consumer spending. Over this time, the advance estimate for GDP growth was 3.5%. |
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| After increasing the federal funds rateii to 5.25% in June— its 17th consecutive rate hike— the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)iii paused from raising rates at its next five meetings. In its statement accompanying the January meeting, the Fed stated, “Recent indicators have suggested somewhat firmer economic growth, and some tentative signs of stabilization have appeared in the housing market. Readings on core inflation have improved modestly in recent months, and inflation pressures seem likely to moderate over time.” |
| After treading water during the first half of 2006, U.S. stocks rallied sharply and generated strong results during the second half of the reporting period. Early in the year, continued Fed rate hikes, record high oil prices and uncertainty about the economy dragged down the stock market. However, oil prices then retreated, the economy began to weaken and the Fed held rates steady. These factors, combined with continued strong corporate profits, propelled the market higher. All told, the S&P 500 Indexiv returned 15.78% during the 12 months ended December 31, 2006. |
| International equities also generated positive results during the reporting period and handily outperformed their U.S. counterparts. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2006, the MSCI EAFE Indexv returned 26.34%. As was the case in the U.S., international equities experienced |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund I
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| periods of volatility, but rallied as the period progressed. One notable exception was Japan, as its equity market lagged the MSCI EAFE Index during the reporting period. Mixed economic data and concerns over the likelihood of higher interest rates dragged its market down. |
| Please read on for a more detailed look at prevailing economic and market conditions during the Fund’s fiscal year and to learn how those conditions have affected Fund performance. |
Special Shareholder Notices
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| Effective August 1, 2006, Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) became the Fund’s investment manager and Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”) became the Fund’s subadviser. The portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund remained the same immediately prior to and immediately after the date of these changes. LMPFA and Batterymarch are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. |
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| On October 1, 2006, the name of the Fund changed to Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund. Concurrent with the change in its name, the investment policy of the Fund also changed to a global strategy, permitting an increased investment in U.S. securities. Under normal circumstances the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity and equity-related securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, particularly issuers located in countries included in the MSCI World Index.vi |
| To better reflect the Fund’s revised investment strategy, the Fund now compares its performance to that of the MSCI World Index. |
| Michael P. McElroy and Charles Ko joined Charles F. Lovejoy as the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Mr. McElroy is a Director of Batterymarch’s Global Equities investment team and a Senior Portfolio Manager, joining Batterymarch in 2006. Mr. McElroy was previously at Citigroup Asset Management in London, where he held senior-level responsibilities related to portfolio management, marketing and client service. Mr. McElroy has 17 years of investment experience. Mr. Ko is a Co-Director of Batterymarch’s U.S. Equities investment team and a Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Ko joined Batterymarch in 2000 as a quantitative analyst and was promoted to portfolio manager in 2003. |
II Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
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| Mr. Ko was named co-director of Batterymarch’s U.S. Equities investment team in 2006. Mr. Ko has eight years of investment experience. |
| Certain changes regarding share class pricing and related matters were implemented on November 20, 2006. Please consult the Fund’s current prospectus for more information. |
| Prior to October 1, 2006, the Fund was known as Legg Mason Partners International Large Cap Fund and prior to April 7, 2006, the Fund was named Smith Barney International Large Cap Fund. |
Information About Your Fund
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| As you may be aware, several issues in the mutual fund industry have come under the scrutiny of federal and state regulators. Affiliates of the Fund’s manager have, in recent years, received requests for information from various government regulators regarding market timing, late trading, fees, and other mutual fund issues in connection with various investigations. The regulators appear to be examining, among other things, the Fund’s response to market timing and shareholder exchange activity, including compliance with prospectus disclosure related to these subjects. The Fund is not in a position to predict the outcome of these requests and investigations. |
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| Important information with regard to recent regulatory developments that may affect the Fund is contained in the Notes to Financial Statements included in this report. |
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| As always, thank you for your confidence in our stewardship of your assets. We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals. |
Sincerely,
R. Jay Gerken, CFA
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
January 31, 2007
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund III
All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
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i | | Gross domestic product is a market value of goods and services produced by labor and property in a given country. |
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ii | | The federal funds rate is the interest rate that banks with excess reserves at a Federal Reserve district bank charge other banks that need overnight loans. |
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iii | | The Federal Reserve Board is responsible for the formulation of a policy designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments. |
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iv | | The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks that is generally representative of the performance of larger companies in the U.S. |
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v | | The MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks of companies located in Europe, Australasia and the Far East. |
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vi | | MSCI World Index, which is an unmanaged index of common stocks of companies representative of the market structure of 22 developed market countries in North America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific Region. The index is calculated without dividends, with net or with gross dividends reinvested, in both U.S. dollars and local currencies. |
IV Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
Fund Overview
Q. What were the overall market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period?
A. The year 2006 proved to be fruitful for global equity markets, despite worries about U.S. interest rate hikes and rising oil prices in the first half of the year; as concerns dissipated, equities globally made progress in the second half of the year. The year saw record volumes for mergers and acquisitions and private equity deals, low volatility and growth in credit derivatives. Returns were magnified for U.S. investors by the depreciation of the dollar.
As measured by the MSCI World Indexi, Continental Europe outperformed the other developed regions in the fourth quarter, further stretching its lead for the year. Returns for equities in the utilities, materials and industrials sectors were the best performers in that region for the year. Continental Europe was second only to Emerging Markets, which finished the year particularly strong.
Although the U.K. underperformed Continental Europe in the second half of the year, the U.K. market finished the year as one of the better performing regions globally with a return in U.S. dollars of over 30%. The U.S. market return was positive for the fourth quarter, continuing the third quarter momentum, although the market lagged the global return for the quarter and the year. Japan was the laggard overall.
Performance Review
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2006, Class A shares of Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund, excluding sales charges, returned 24.79%. These shares outperformed the Fund’s new unmanaged benchmark, the MSCI World Index, which returned 20.07%; in comparison the fund’s former unmanaged benchmark, the MSCI EAFE Indexii returned 26.34% for the same period. The Lipper International Large Cap Value Funds Category Average1 increased 28.09% over the same time frame.
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1 | Lipper, Inc. is a major independent mutual-fund tracking organization. Returns are based on the 12-month period ended December 31, 2006, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 35 funds in the Fund’s Lipper category, and excluding sales charges. |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 1
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| Performance Snapshot as of December 31, 2006 (excluding sales charges) (unaudited) |
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| | 6 months | | 12 months |
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Global Equity Fund — Class A Shares | | | 14.11% | | | | 24.79% | |
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MSCI EAFE Index | | | 14.69% | | | | 26.34% | |
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MSCI World Index | | | 13.21% | | | | 20.07% | |
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Lipper International Large Cap Value Category Average | | | 14.98% | | | | 28.09% | |
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| The performance shown represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above. Principal value and investment returns will fluctuate and investors’ shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. To obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, please visit our website at www.leggmason.com/ InvestorServices. | |
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| Excluding sales charges, Class B shares returned 13.62%, Class C shares returned 13.51%, and Class I (formerly Class Y) shares returned 14.24% over the six months ended December 31, 2006. Excluding sales charges, Class B shares returned 23.60%, Class C shares returned 23.42%, and Class I (formerly Class Y) shares returned 25.13% over the twelve months ended December 31, 2006. All share class returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any, at net asset value and the deduction of all Fund expenses. Returns have not been adjusted to include sales charges that may apply when shares are purchased or the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions. | |
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| Performance figures reflect reimbursements and/or fee waivers, without which the performance would have been lower. | |
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| Lipper, Inc. is a major independent mutual-fund tracking organization. Returns are based on the period ended December 31, 2006, including the reinvestment of all distributions, if any, calculated among the 36 funds for the six-month period and among the 35 funds for the 12-month period in the Fund’s Lipper category and excluding sales charges. | |
Q. What were the most significant factors affecting Fund performance?
What were the leading contributors to performance?
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| A. For much of the reporting period, a key contributor to performance was stock selection in Continental Europe in the materials sector. For the period through September, the healthcare and utilities sectors of this region were strong performers as well. |
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| In the fourth quarter, the portfolio benefited from overweight allocations to the Continental Europe, the U.K. and Asia ex-Japan regions, as well as an underweight to the U.S. Within these regions, stocks within specific sectors were positive contributors. In Continental Europe, materials stocks such as the German steel company Salzgitter, the Finnish stainless steel company Outokumpu and the Swedish mining company Boliden all provided positive contributions. Positions in Hong-Kong’s Sino Land and Singapore’s Capitaland both appreciated due to strong property fundamentals in Asia. Also for this period stock selection was strong in the U.S., second only to Continental Europe. Exposure to the U.S. mining company Phelps Dodge contributed to positive performance as the stock price was boosted by a takeover offer from Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold. |
2 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
What were the leading detractors from performance?
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| A. Performance during the period was negatively impacted by stock selection in Continental Europe industrials and Japanese financials ex-banks, materials and consumer staples. In the fourth quarter at the region level, stock selection in the Australia, New Zealand & Canada region was the largest detractor. At the stock level, portfolio performance was negatively impacted in the last quarter by those U.S. holdings, which reported earnings disappointments — both Micron Technology, and Humana Inc. announced earnings that were negatively viewed by the market. Additionally, the Fund was negatively impacted by holdings in Japanese financial companies Gunma Bank and Leopalace21, which build and lease apartment buildings in Japan. Both of these stocks were sold off due to concerns about the robustness of the Japanese economic recovery. |
Q. Were there any significant changes to the Fund during the reporting period?
A. As of October 1, 2006, the investment policy of the Fund was changed to a global strategy, permitting an increased investment in U.S. securities. Under this revised strategy, the Fund now invests in common stock of both U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, typically located in countries that are part of the MSCI World Index.
Thank you for your investment in the Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund. As always, we appreciate that you have chosen us to manage your assets and we remain focused on achieving the Fund’s investment goals.
Sincerely,
The Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. Global Investment Team
January 5, 2007
The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.
Portfolio holdings and breakdowns are as of December 31, 2006 and are subject to change and may not be representative of the portfolio managers’ current or future investments. The Fund’s top ten holdings (as a percentage of net assets) as of this date were: Exxon Mobil Corp. (1.9%), Bank of America Corp. (1.8%), AT&T Inc. (1.5%), Toyota Motor Corp. (1.3%), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (1.3%), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (1.2%), BP PLC (1.1%), Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (1.1%), Telefonica SA (1.0%) and BNP Paribas SA (0.9%). Please refer to pages 9 through 17 for a list and percentage breakdown of the Fund’s holdings.
The mention of sector breakdowns is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. The information provided regarding such sectors is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed should consult their financial professional. Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time and may not be representative of the portfolio managers’ current or future investments. The Fund’s top five sector holdings (as a percentage of net assets) as of December 31, 2006 were: Financials 27.0%, Consumer Discretionary 12.8%, Industrials 11.7%, Energy 9.9% and Information Technology 9.7%. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.
RISKS: Keep in mind, investments in stocks are subject to market fluctuations. The Fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in foreign companies and therefore is subject to risks associated with foreign investments. These risks include currency fluctuations, changes in political and economic conditions, differing securities regulations and periods of illiquidity, and are heightened for investments in the securities of issuers located in developing countries. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Please see the Fund’s prospectus for more information on these and other risks.
All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
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i | | MSCI World Index, which is an unmanaged index of common stocks of companies representative of the market structure of 22 developed market countries in North America, Europe, and the Asia/ Pacific Region. The index is calculated without dividends, with net or with gross dividends reinvested, in both U.S. dollars and local currencies. |
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ii | | The MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks of companies located in Europe, Australasia and the Far East. |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 3
Fund at a Glance (unaudited)
4 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Fund Expenses (unaudited)
Example
As a shareholder of the Fund, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including front-end and back-end sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested on July 1, 2006 and held for the six months ended December 31, 2006.
Actual Expenses
The table below titled “Based on Actual Total Return” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information provided in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account, divide your ending account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 ending account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period”.
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| Based on Actual Total Return (1) |
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| | Actual Total | | Beginning | | Ending | | Annualized | | Expenses |
| | Return Without | | Account | | Account | | Expense | | Paid During |
| | Sales Charges(2) | | Value | | Value | | Ratio(3) | | the Period(4) |
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Class 1(5) | | | 2.45 | % | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,024.50 | | | | 1.01 | % | | $ | 0.87 | |
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Class A | | | 14.11 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,141.10 | | | | 1.34 | | | | 7.23 | |
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Class B | | | 13.62 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,136.20 | | | | 2.17 | | | | 11.68 | |
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Class C | | | 13.51 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,135.10 | | | | 2.43 | | | | 13.08 | |
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Class I(6) | | | 14.24 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,142.40 | | | | 1.06 | | | | 5.72 | |
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(1) | | For the six months ended December 31, 2006, except where noted. |
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(2) | | Assumes reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charges with respect to Class 1 and A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) with respect to Class B and C shares. Total return is not annualized, as it may not be representative of the total return for the year. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the absence of fee waivers/and or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. |
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(3) | | The expense ratios do not include the non-recurring restructuring and/or reorganization fees. |
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(4) | | Expenses (net of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are equal to each class’ respective annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365. |
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(5) | | For the period December 1, 2006 (inception date) to December 31, 2006. |
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(6) | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 5
Fund Expenses (unaudited) (continued)
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below titled “Based on Hypothetical Total Return” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5.00% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use the information provided in this table to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare the 5.00% hypothetical example relating to the Fund with the 5.00% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table below are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as front-end or back-end sales charges (loads). Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Based on Hypothetical Total Return (1) |
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| | | | Beginning | | Ending | | Annualized | | Expenses |
| | Hypothetical | | Account | | Account | | Expense | | Paid During |
| | Total Return | | Value | | Value | | Ratio(2) | | the Period(3) |
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Class 1(4) | | | 5.00 | % | | $ | 1,000.00 | | | $ | 1,003.39 | | | | 1.01 | % | | $ | 0.86 | |
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Class A | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,018.45 | | | | 1.34 | | | | 6.82 | |
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Class B | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,014.27 | | | | 2.17 | | | | 11.02 | |
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Class C | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,012.96 | | | | 2.43 | | | | 12.34 | |
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Class I(5) | | | 5.00 | | | | 1,000.00 | | | | 1,019.86 | | | | 1.06 | | | | 5.40 | |
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(1) | | For the six months ended December 31, 2006, except where noted. |
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(2) | | The expense ratios do not include the non-recurring restructuring and/or reorganization fees. |
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(3) | | Expenses (net of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are equal to each class’ respective annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365. |
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(4) | | For the period December 1, 2006 (inception date) to December 31, 2006. |
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(5) | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
6 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Fund Performance
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| Average Annual Total Returns (1) (unaudited) |
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| | Without Sales Charges(2) |
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| | Class 1 | | Class A | | Class B | | Class C | | Class I(3) |
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Twelve Months Ended 12/31/06 | | | N/A | | | | 24.79 | % | | | 23.60 | % | | | 23.42 | % | | | 25.13 | % |
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Five Years Ended 12/31/06 | | | N/A | | | | 12.25 | | | | 11.36 | | | | 11.38 | | | | N/A | |
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Ten Years Ended 12/31/06 | | | N/A | | | | 5.87 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
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Inception* through 12/31/06 | | | 2.45 | | | | — | | | | 3.50 | | | | 3.30 | | | | 22.32 | |
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| | With Sales Charges(4) |
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| | Class 1 | | Class A(5) | | Class B | | Class C | | Class I(3) |
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Twelve Months Ended 12/31/06 | | | N/A | | | | 17.57 | % | | | 18.60 | % | | | 22.42 | % | | | 25.13 | % |
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Five Years Ended 12/31/06 | | | N/A | | | | 10.93 | | | | 11.23 | | | | 11.38 | | | | N/A | |
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Ten Years Ended 12/31/06 | | | N/A | | | | 5.25 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
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Inception* through 12/31/06 | | | (6.24 | ) | | | 5.47 | | | | 3.50 | | | | 3.30 | | | | 22.32 | |
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| Cumulative Total Returns (1) (unaudited) |
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| | Without Sales Charges(2) |
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Class 1 (inception* through 12/31/06) | | | 2.45 | % |
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Class A (12/31/96 through 12/31/06) | | | 76.95 | |
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Class B (Inception* through 12/31/06) | | | 31.58 | |
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Class C (Inception* through 12/31/06) | | | 22.70 | |
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Class I(3) (Inception* through 12/31/06) | | | 107.22 | |
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(1) | | All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance figures may reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. |
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(2) | | Assumes reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value and does not reflect deduction of the applicable sales charge with respect to Class 1 and A or the applicable CDSC with respect to Class B and C shares. |
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(3) | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
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(4) | | Assumes reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value. In addition, Class 1 and A shares reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge of 8.50% and 5.75% respectively; Class B shares reflect the deduction of a 5.00% CDSC, which applies if shares are redeemed within one year from purchase payment. Thereafter, the CDSC declines by 1.00% per year until no CDSC is incurred. Class C shares reflect the deduction of 1.00% CDSC, which applies if shares are redeemed within one year from purchase payment. |
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(5) | | Class A shares maximum initial sales charge increased from 5.00% to 5.75% on November 20, 2006. |
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* | | Inception dates for Class 1, A, B, C and I shares are December 1, 2006, March 1, 1991, January 4, 1999, September 22, 2000 and May 20, 2003, respectively. |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 7
Historical Performance (unaudited)
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| Value of $10,000 Invested in Class A Shares of the Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund vs. MSCI EAFE Index† (December 1996 — December 2006) |
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† | Hypothetical illustration of $10,000 invested in Class A shares on December 31, 1996, assuming deduction of the maximum 5.75% sales charge at the time of investment and reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value through December 31, 2006. The MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks of companies located in Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The Index is unmanaged and is not subject to the same management and trading expenses as a mutual fund. The performance of the Fund’s other classes may be greater or less than the Class A shares’ performance indicated on this chart, depending on whether greater or lesser sales charges and fees were incurred by shareholders investing in the other classes. Please note that an investor may not invest directly in an index. |
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‡ | Class A shares maximum initial sales charge increased from 5.00% to 5.75% on November 20, 2006. |
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower.
8 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
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| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) |
LEGG MASON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
| | | | | | | | |
|
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
COMMON STOCKS — 98.4% |
Australia — 2.1% |
| 48,550 | | | Caltex Australia Ltd. | | $ | 880,199 | |
| 594,300 | | | DB RREEF Trust | | | 831,511 | |
| 234,200 | | | GPT Group | | | 1,033,806 | |
| 52,400 | | | Leighton Holdings Ltd. | | | 835,173 | |
| 15,600 | | | Macquarie Bank Ltd. | | | 970,579 | |
| 41,550 | | | QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | | | 944,889 | |
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| | | | Total Australia | | | 5,496,157 | |
|
Austria — 0.6% |
| 15,200 | | | Boehler-Uddeholm AG | | | 1,065,076 | |
| 9,500 | | | Voestalpine AG | | | 536,174 | |
|
| | | | Total Austria | | | 1,601,250 | |
|
Belgium — 1.6% |
| 11,600 | | | Delhaize Group | | | 966,660 | |
| 48,300 | | | Dexia | | | 1,322,537 | |
| 21,500 | | | Fortis | | | 916,964 | |
| 11,000 | | | InBev NV | | | 724,910 | |
| 5,000 | | | Mobistar SA | | | 426,561 | |
|
| | | | Total Belgium | | | 4,357,632 | |
|
Bermuda — 0.3% |
| 13,400 | | | Arch Capital Group Ltd.* | | | 905,974 | |
|
Canada — 2.7% |
| 30,100 | | | Addax Petroleum Corp. | | | 845,610 | |
| 15,800 | | | Agrium Inc. | | | 495,394 | |
| 5,400 | | | Bank of Montreal | | | 319,719 | |
| 15,900 | | | Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. | | | 837,704 | |
| 13,600 | | | Lundin Mining Corp.* | | | 501,802 | |
| 14,000 | | | Metro Inc., Class A | | | 455,775 | |
| 18,700 | | | Petro-Canada | | | 766,196 | |
| 41,900 | | | Shaw Communications Inc. | | | 1,327,037 | |
| 14,500 | | | TELUS Corp. | | | 665,900 | |
| 15,000 | | | Toronto-Dominion Bank | | | 897,374 | |
|
| | | | Total Canada | | | 7,112,511 | |
|
Denmark — 1.0% |
| 8,950 | | | Carlsberg A/ S* | | | 888,672 | |
| 4,700 | | | FLSmidth & Co. A/ S, Class B Shares | | | 298,640 | |
| 8,000 | | | Topdanmark A/ S* | | | 1,322,489 | |
|
| | | | Total Denmark | | | 2,509,801 | |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 9
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
Finland — 1.3% |
| 16,700 | | | Metso Corp. | | $ | 842,707 | |
| 22,361 | | | Nokia Oyj | | | 456,777 | |
| 34,600 | | | Outokumpu Oyj | | | 1,354,222 | |
| 30,740 | | | SanomaWSOY Oyj | | | 866,053 | |
|
| | | | Total Finland | | | 3,519,759 | |
|
France — 5.5% |
| 29,500 | | | Air France-KLM | | | 1,241,421 | |
| 8,700 | | | Assurances Generales de France | | | 1,355,850 | |
| 28,700 | | | Axa | | | 1,161,551 | |
| 22,261 | | | BNP Paribas SA | | | 2,427,896 | |
| 17,900 | | | Capgemini SA | | | 1,123,171 | |
| 5,300 | | | Ciments Francais SA | | | 1,017,610 | |
| 15,975 | | | Compagnie de Saint-Gobain | | | 1,341,781 | |
| 39,700 | | | Natixis | | | 1,114,820 | |
| 8,700 | | | Pinault Printemps Redoute SA | | | 1,299,596 | |
| 40,300 | | | Suez SA | | | 2,086,248 | |
| 1,800 | | | Vallourec SA | | | 523,274 | |
|
| | | | Total France | | | 14,693,218 | |
|
Germany — 4.0% |
| 29,215 | | | Altana AG | | | 1,811,950 | |
| 21,200 | | | Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | | | 1,217,216 | |
| 2,900 | | | Deutsche Bank AG | | | 387,812 | |
| 39,800 | | | Deutsche Lufthansa AG | | | 1,095,044 | |
| 11,500 | | | Deutsche Postbank AG | | | 970,771 | |
| 9,201 | | | Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. | | | 1,225,942 | |
| 16,500 | | | GEA Group AG | | | 371,672 | |
| 11,000 | | | Salzgitter AG | | | 1,437,771 | |
| 19,643 | | | Siemens AG | | | 1,947,698 | |
|
| | | | Total Germany | | | 10,465,876 | |
|
Greece — 0.3% |
| 27,931 | | | Alpha Bank AE | | | 844,043 | |
|
Hong Kong — 1.7% |
| 85,000 | | | Esprit Holdings Ltd. | | | 951,354 | |
| 375,985 | | | Hang Lung Properties Ltd. | | | 940,736 | |
| 238,000 | | | Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd.* | | | 601,610 | |
| 365,200 | | | Li & Fung Ltd. | | | 1,138,667 | |
| 425,527 | | | Sino Land Co., Ltd. | | | 993,567 | |
|
| | | | Total Hong Kong | | | 4,625,934 | |
|
India — 0.3% |
| 44,700 | | | Tata Motors Ltd., ADR | | | 913,221 | |
|
Italy — 3.5% |
| 18,000 | | | Banca Popolare di Verona e Novara Scrl | | | 516,623 | |
| 22,000 | | | Banche Popolari Unite Scpa | | | 604,430 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
Italy — 3.5% (continued) |
| 90,900 | | | Compagnia Assicuratrice Unipol SpA | | $ | 327,468 | |
| 48,586 | | | Eni SpA | | | 1,633,628 | |
| 51,900 | | | Fiat SpA* | | | 991,696 | |
| 41,026 | | | Fondiaria Sai SpA | | | 1,961,959 | |
| 44,000 | | | Saipem SpA | | | 1,146,152 | |
| 756,400 | | | Seat Pagine Gialle SpA | | | 450,663 | |
| 191,150 | | | UniCredito Italiano SpA | | | 1,674,885 | |
|
| | | | Total Italy | | | 9,307,504 | |
|
Japan — 13.1% |
| 34,900 | | | Bridgestone Corp. | | | 778,488 | |
| 115,000 | | | Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Inc. | | | 448,309 | |
| 63,000 | | | Dowa Mining Co., Ltd. | | | 538,828 | |
| 120,000 | | | Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 650,283 | |
| 39,000 | | | Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. | | | 200,202 | |
| 15,500 | | | Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc. | | | 490,947 | |
| 20,700 | | | Hokkaido Electric Power Co. Inc. | | | 528,696 | |
| 89,000 | | | Hokuhoku Financial Group Inc. | | | 326,015 | |
| 22,380 | | | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | | | 883,730 | |
| 370,000 | | | Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. | | | 1,252,762 | |
| 149,000 | | | Itochu Corp. | | | 1,223,046 | |
| 71,700 | | | JTEKT Corp. | | | 1,521,046 | |
| 363 | | | Jupiter Telecommunications Co.* | | | 292,779 | |
| 33,700 | | | Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc. | | | 908,859 | |
| 136,000 | | | Kobe Steel Ltd. | | | 466,188 | |
| 33,700 | | | Leopalace21 Corp. | | | 1,075,908 | |
| 136,000 | | | Mazda Motor Corp. | | | 928,948 | |
| 44,000 | | | Minebea Co., Ltd. | | | 307,566 | |
| 150,000 | | | Mitsubishi Electric Corp. | | | 1,368,620 | |
| 149 | | | Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. | | | 1,840,202 | |
| 43,000 | | | NTN Corp. | | | 385,474 | |
| 4,520 | | | ORIX Corp. | | | 1,308,246 | |
| 75,200 | | | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | | | 1,535,274 | |
| 16,900 | | | Rohm Co., Ltd. | | | 1,682,546 | |
| 96,000 | | | Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. | | | 765,419 | |
| 16,200 | | | Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 503,592 | |
| 24,000 | | | Sharp Corp. | | | 413,358 | |
| 141,000 | | | Shinsei Bank Ltd. | | | 829,237 | |
| 165,000 | | | Showa Denko KK | | | 632,136 | |
| 35,100 | | | Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 703,327 | |
| 18,900 | | | Sumco Corp. | | | 1,597,429 | |
| 64 | | | Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. | | | 655,997 | |
| 27,050 | | | Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | | 1,856,740 | |
| 52,350 | | | Toyota Motor Corp. | | | 3,500,996 | |
| 23,100 | | | Urban Corp. | | | 350,503 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 11
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
Japan — 13.1% (continued) |
| 29,000 | | | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. | | $ | 911,237 | |
| 98,000 | | | Yaskawa Electric Corp. | | | 1,133,762 | |
|
| | | | Total Japan | | | 34,796,695 | |
|
Netherlands — 2.1% |
| 6,050 | | | Heineken NV | | | 287,649 | |
| 21,500 | | | ING Groep NV, CVA | | | 952,996 | |
| 57,409 | | | Mittal Steel Co., NV | | | 2,422,707 | |
| 38,700 | | | Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A Shares | | | 1,364,552 | |
| 22,800 | | | Wolters Kluwer NV | | | 655,593 | |
|
| | | | Total Netherlands | | | 5,683,497 | |
|
Norway — 1.2% |
| 41,100 | | | Petroleum Geo-Services ASA* | | | 966,787 | |
| 110,363 | | | Telenor ASA | | | 2,077,724 | |
|
| | | | Total Norway | | | 3,044,511 | |
|
Portugal — 0.5% |
| 23,734 | | | Banco Espirito Santo SA | | | 426,570 | |
| 165,700 | | | Energias de Portugal SA | | | 839,646 | |
|
| | | | Total Portugal | | | 1,266,216 | |
|
Russia — 0.1% |
| 7,700 | | | OAO Gazprom, ADR | | | 354,200 | |
|
Singapore — 0.5% |
| 107,000 | | | Keppel Corp. Ltd. | | | 1,227,680 | |
|
South Africa — 0.3% |
| 168,900 | | | Aveng Ltd. | | | 805,107 | |
|
Spain — 2.1% |
| 12,100 | | | Banco de Sabadell SA* | | | 541,447 | |
| 9,600 | | | Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA | | | 977,982 | |
| 29,400 | | | Red Electrica de Espana | | | 1,260,490 | |
| 127,325 | | | Telefonica SA | | | 2,708,453 | |
|
| | | | Total Spain | �� | | 5,488,372 | |
|
Sweden — 1.5% |
| 22,600 | | | Alfa Laval AB | | | 1,021,383 | |
| 57,600 | | | Boliden AB | | | 1,482,712 | |
| 38,700 | | | Swedbank AB | | | 1,406,563 | |
|
| | | | Total Sweden | | | 3,910,658 | |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
Switzerland — 1.7% |
| 4,700 | | | Baloise Holding AG | | $ | 469,364 | |
| 9,054 | | | Holcim Ltd. | | | 829,199 | |
| 5,800 | | | Julius Baer Holding Ltd. | | | 638,183 | |
| 2,628 | | | Nestle SA | | | 932,992 | |
| 6,950 | | | Roche Holding AG | | | 1,245,091 | |
| 1,800 | | | Zurich Financial Services AG | | | 484,073 | |
|
| | | | Total Switzerland | | | 4,598,902 | |
|
United Kingdom — 11.4% |
| 38,200 | | | Anglo American PLC | | | 1,863,776 | |
| 33,700 | | | Aviva PLC | | | 542,573 | |
| 100,283 | | | Barclays PLC | | | 1,433,860 | |
| 43,900 | | | Barratt Developments PLC | | | 1,061,911 | |
| 34,000 | | | Bellway PLC | | | 1,028,212 | |
| 151,800 | | | BG Group PLC | | | 2,060,448 | |
| 18,900 | | | Bovis Homes Group PLC | | | 401,280 | |
| 262,537 | | | BP PLC | | | 2,918,186 | |
| 174,033 | | | Brit Insurance Holdings PLC | | | 1,076,296 | |
| 125,700 | | | British Airways PLC* | | | 1,298,717 | |
| 15,000 | | | British Land Co. PLC | | | 503,569 | |
| 202,800 | | | Cable & Wireless PLC | | | 626,605 | |
| 37,078 | | | Charter PLC* | | | 657,236 | |
| 26,800 | | | Collins Stewart PLC* | | | 133,329 | |
| 199,900 | | | DSG International PLC | | | 749,788 | |
| 73,500 | | | FirstGroup PLC | | | 827,774 | |
| 136,200 | | | GKN PLC | | | 741,615 | |
| 112,700 | | | Hiscox Ltd. | | | 618,623 | |
| 24,000 | | | Kelda Group PLC | | | 435,290 | |
| 224,400 | | | Legal & General Group PLC | | | 692,245 | |
| 9,200 | | | Lonmin PLC | | | 542,389 | |
| 60,800 | | | Northern Rock PLC | | | 1,402,832 | |
| 29,500 | | | Persimmon PLC | | | 881,725 | |
| 58,900 | | | Prudential PLC | | | 806,974 | |
| 71,600 | | | Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC | | | 2,794,969 | |
| 51,400 | | | Severn Trent PLC | | | 1,479,916 | |
| 26,800 | | | Tullett Prebon PLC* | | | 341,197 | |
| 64,800 | | | Tullow Oil PLC | | | 505,143 | |
| 606,900 | | | Vodafone Group PLC | | | 1,682,016 | |
|
| | | | Total United Kingdom | | | 30,108,494 | |
|
United States — 39.0% |
| 12,000 | | | A.G. Edwards Inc. | | | 759,480 | |
| 13,300 | | | Aetna Inc. | | | 574,294 | |
| 39,700 | | | Agilent Technologies Inc.* | | | 1,383,545 | |
| 16,800 | | | American Financial Group Inc. | | | 603,288 | |
| 24,200 | | | American International Group Inc. | | | 1,734,172 | |
| 17,800 | | | AmerisourceBergen Corp. | | | 800,288 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 13
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
United States — 39.0% (continued) |
| 14,000 | | | AnnTaylor Stores Corp.* | | $ | 459,760 | |
| 22,000 | | | Applera Corp. — Applied Biosystems Group | | | 807,180 | |
| 57,000 | | | Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 1,821,720 | |
| 113,150 | | | AT&T Inc. | | | 4,045,112 | |
| 193,500 | | | Atmel Corp.* | | | 1,170,675 | |
| 5,300 | | | Avalonbay Communities Inc. | | | 689,265 | |
| 89,600 | | | Bank of America Corp. | | | 4,783,744 | |
| 7,800 | | | Biogen Idec Inc.* | | | 383,682 | |
| 40,200 | | | BMC Software Inc.* | | | 1,294,440 | |
| 28,200 | | | Brinker International Inc. | | | 850,512 | |
| 142,500 | | | Brocade Communications Systems Inc.* | | | 1,169,925 | |
| 11,400 | | | Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. | | | 841,434 | |
| 5,000 | | | Carpenter Technology Corp. | | | 512,600 | |
| 9,900 | | | Caterpillar Inc. | | | 607,167 | |
| 10,400 | | | Cephalon Inc.* | | | 732,264 | |
| 25,200 | | | Chevron Corp. | | | 1,852,956 | |
| 17,600 | | | Chubb Corp. | | | 931,216 | |
| 6,300 | | | Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. | | | 128,646 | |
| 40,200 | | | Commercial Metals Co. | | | 1,037,160 | |
| 14,000 | | | Compass Bancshares Inc. | | | 835,100 | |
| 53,900 | | | Compuware Corp.* | | | 448,987 | |
| 9,200 | | | ConocoPhillips | | | 661,940 | |
| 21,800 | | | CSX Corp. | | | 750,574 | |
| 10,500 | | | Cullen/ Frost Bankers Inc. | | | 586,110 | |
| 6,700 | | | Cummins Inc. | | | 791,806 | |
| 18,700 | | | CVS Corp. | | | 578,017 | |
| 14,800 | | | Darden Restaurants Inc. | | | 594,516 | |
| 13,300 | | | Estee Lauder Cos. Inc., Class A Shares | | | 542,906 | |
| 66,000 | | | Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | 5,057,580 | |
| 69,700 | | | Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc.* | | | 1,171,657 | |
| 13,500 | | | Family Dollar Stores Inc. | | | 395,955 | |
| 13,650 | | | Fannie Mae | | | 810,674 | |
| 14,000 | | | Federated Department Stores Inc. | | | 533,820 | |
| 6,800 | | | FedEx Corp. | | | 738,616 | |
| 10,350 | | | First Marblehead Corp. | | | 565,628 | |
| 8,000 | | | FMC Corp. | | | 612,400 | |
| 48,600 | | | Frontier Oil Corp. | | | 1,396,764 | |
| 46,440 | | | General Electric Co. | | | 1,728,032 | |
| 4,600 | | | Goldman Sachs Group Inc. | | | 917,010 | |
| 18,000 | | | Health Net Inc.* | | | 875,880 | |
| 32,500 | | | Hewlett-Packard Co. | | | 1,338,675 | |
| 14,200 | | | Hillenbrand Industries Inc. | | | 808,406 | |
| 34,900 | | | Host Marriott Corp. | | | 856,795 | |
| 14,500 | | | Humana Inc.* | | | 801,995 | |
| 30,400 | | | Hyperion Solutions Corp.* | | | 1,092,576 | |
| 16,000 | | | Invitrogen Corp.* | | | 905,440 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
United States — 39.0% (continued) |
| 23,600 | | | ITT Educational Services, Inc.* | | $ | 1,566,332 | |
| 7,700 | | | J.C. Penney Co. Inc. | | | 595,672 | |
| 4,100 | | | Johnson & Johnson | | | 270,682 | |
| 4,200 | | | Johnson Controls Inc. | | | 360,864 | |
| 9,500 | | | Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. | | | 875,615 | |
| 69,200 | | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 3,342,360 | |
| 16,500 | | | Kohl’s Corp.* | | | 1,129,095 | |
| 22,800 | | | Kraft Foods Inc., Class A Shares | | | 813,960 | |
| 56,500 | | | Kroger Co. | | | 1,303,455 | |
| 9,000 | | | Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. | | | 703,080 | |
| 18,500 | | | Lexmark International Inc., Class A Shares* | | | 1,354,200 | |
| 5,900 | | | Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. | | | 356,478 | |
| 22,700 | | | Loews Corp. | | | 941,369 | |
| 4,100 | | | Marathon Oil Corp. | | | 379,250 | |
| 26,600 | | | Mattel Inc. | | | 602,756 | |
| 7,000 | | | McKesson Corp. | | | 354,900 | |
| 15,100 | | | MetLife Inc. | | | 891,051 | |
| 61,300 | | | Micron Technology Inc.* | | | 855,748 | |
| 70,900 | | | Microsoft Corp. | | | 2,117,074 | |
| 18,100 | | | Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B Shares | | | 1,383,564 | |
| 58,500 | | | Motorola Inc. | | | 1,202,760 | |
| 32,000 | | | Mylan Laboratories Inc. | | | 638,720 | |
| 17,600 | | | Norfolk Southern Corp. | | | 885,104 | |
| 8,600 | | | Nucor Corp. | | | 470,076 | |
| 600 | | | NVR, Inc.* | | | 387,000 | |
| 14,200 | | | Oregon Steel Mills, Inc.* | | | 886,222 | |
| 46,300 | | | Pfizer Inc. | | | 1,199,170 | |
| 9,100 | | | Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. | | | 456,547 | |
| 29,400 | | | Qwest Communications International Inc.* | | | 246,078 | |
| 16,100 | | | R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. | | | 572,194 | |
| 7,425 | | | Reynolds American Inc. | | | 486,115 | |
| 26,500 | | | Safeway Inc. | | | 915,840 | |
| 16,400 | | | SEACOR Holdings Inc.* | | | 1,625,896 | |
| 17,600 | | | St. Paul Travelers Cos. Inc. | | | 944,944 | |
| 8,900 | | | Stanley Works | | | 447,581 | |
| 20,100 | | | Target Corp. | | | 1,146,705 | |
| 27,800 | | | Tech Data Corp.* | | | 1,052,786 | |
| 13,800 | | | Terex Corp.* | | | 891,204 | |
| 22,000 | | | Tesoro Corp. | | | 1,446,940 | |
| 10,800 | | | UnitedHealth Group Inc. | | | 580,284 | |
| 6,600 | | | Valero Energy Corp. | | | 337,656 | |
| 65,625 | | | Vishay Intertechnology Inc.* | | | 888,562 | |
| 18,000 | | | W.R. Berkley Corp. | | | 621,180 | |
| 68,300 | | | Wal-Mart Stores Inc. | | | 3,154,094 | |
| 16,400 | | | Waters Corp.* | | | 803,108 | |
| 11,000 | | | WellPoint Inc.* | | | 865,590 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 15
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shares | | Security | | Value |
|
United States — 39.0% (continued) |
| 6,500 | | | WESCO International Inc.* | | $ | 382,265 | |
| 50,050 | | | Western Digital Corp.* | | | 1,024,023 | |
| 33,950 | | | Whitney Holding Corp. | | | 1,107,449 | |
| 9,900 | | | Wilmington Trust Corp. | | | 417,483 | |
| 41,900 | | | Xerox Corp.* | | | 710,205 | |
|
| | | | Total United States | | | 103,363,670 | |
|
| | | | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost — $231,369,461) | | | 261,000,882 | |
|
PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.5% |
Germany — 0.5% |
| 40,300 | | | ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG (Cost — $1,012,929) | | | 1,321,521 | |
|
RIGHTS — 0.0% |
Japan — 0.0% |
| 63,000 | | | Dowa Mining, Expires 1/29/10* (Cost — $0) | | | 0 | |
|
| | | | TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (Cost — $232,382,390) | | | 262,322,403 | |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Face | | | | |
Amount | | | | |
|
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT — 2.4% |
Time Deposit — 2.4% |
$ | 6,211,000 | | | State Street Bank & Trust Co., 4.050% due 1/2/07 | | | | |
| | | | (Cost — $6,211,000) | | | 6,211,000 | |
|
| | | | TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 101.3% (Cost — $238,593,390#) | | | 268,533,403 | |
| | | | Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (1.3)% | | | (3,388,261 | ) |
|
| | | | TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% | | $ | 265,145,142 | |
|
| | |
* | | Non-income producing security. |
|
# | | Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $238,779,005. |
Abbreviations used in this schedule:
| | |
ADR | | — American Depositary Receipt |
CVA | | — Certificaaten van aandelen (Share Certificates) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Schedule of Investments (December 31, 2006) (continued) |
| |
| Summary of Investments by Sector* (unaudited) |
| | | | |
Financials | | | 26.6 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 12.7 | |
Industrials | | | 11.6 | |
Energy | | | 9.8 | |
Information Technology | | | 9.6 | |
Materials | | | 7.1 | |
Health Care | | | 6.7 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 5.9 | |
Telecommunication Services | | | 4.9 | |
Utilities | | | 2.8 | |
Short-Term Investment | | | 2.3 | |
|
| | | 100.0 | % |
|
| |
* | As a percentage of total investments. Please note that Fund holdings are as of December 31, 2006 and are subject to change. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 17
| |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities (December 31, 2006) |
| | | | | |
ASSETS: | | | | |
| Investments, at value (Cost — $238,593,390) | | $ | 268,533,403 | |
| Foreign currency, at value (Cost — $36,925) | | | 36,948 | |
| Cash | | | 664 | |
| Receivable for Fund shares sold | | | 470,295 | |
| Dividends and interest receivable | | | 379,047 | |
| Receivable for securities sold | | | 272,737 | |
| Receivable from manager | | | 5,993 | |
| Prepaid expenses | | | 35,443 | |
|
| Total Assets | | | 269,734,530 | |
|
LIABILITIES: | | | | |
| Payable for securities purchased | | | 3,703,850 | |
| Payable for Fund shares repurchased | | | 253,003 | |
| Investment management fee payable | | | 151,052 | |
| Distribution fees payable | | | 92,756 | |
| Trustees’ fees payable | | | 16,590 | |
| Accrued expenses | | | 372,137 | |
|
| Total Liabilities | | | 4,589,388 | |
|
Total Net Assets | | $ | 265,145,142 | |
|
NET ASSETS: | | | | |
| Par value (Note 6) | | $ | 214 | |
| Paid-in capital in excess of par value | | | 262,516,681 | |
| Undistributed net investment income | | | 74,527 | |
| Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | (27,404,052 | ) |
| Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currencies | | | 29,957,772 | |
|
Total Net Assets | | $ | 265,145,142 | |
|
Shares Outstanding: | | | | |
| Class 1 | | | 334,593 | |
|
| Class A | | | 10,058,162 | |
|
| Class B | | | 5,377,177 | |
|
| Class C | | | 5,494,158 | |
|
| Class I(1) | | | 165,112 | |
|
Net Asset Value: | | | | |
| Class 1 (and redemption price) | | | $12.45 | (2) |
|
| Class A (and redemption price) | | | $12.47 | (3) |
|
| Class B (and offering price)(4) | | | $11.96 | |
|
| Class C (and offering price)(4) | | | $12.60 | |
|
| Class I(1) (offering price and redemption price) | | | $12.46 | |
|
Maximum Public Offering Price Per Share: | | | | |
| Class 1 (based on maximum sales charge of 8.50%) | | | $13.61 | |
| Class A (based on maximum sales charge of 5.75%)(5) | | | $13.23 | |
|
(1) As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
(2) Based upon a single purchase of less than $10,000. |
(3) Based upon a single purchase of less than $25,000. |
(4) Redemption price is NAV of Class B and C shares reduced by a 5.00% and 1.00% CDSC, respectively, if shares are redeemed within one year from purchase payment (See Note 2). |
(5) Class A shares maximum initial sales charge increased from 5.00% to 5.75% on November 20, 2006. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Statement of Operations (For the year ended December 31, 2006) |
| | | | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | | | | |
| Dividends | | $ | 2,976,869 | |
| Interest | | | 78,440 | |
| Less: Foreign taxes withheld | | | (215,772 | ) |
|
| Total Investment Income | | | 2,839,537 | |
|
EXPENSES: | | | | |
| Investment management fee (Note 2) | | | 959,341 | |
| Distribution fees (Notes 2 and 4) | | | 748,596 | |
| Transfer agent fees (Note 4) | | | 318,260 | |
| Shareholder reports (Note 4) | | | 95,413 | |
| Legal fees | | | 57,399 | |
| Registration fees | | | 55,512 | |
| Custody fees | | | 47,073 | |
| Restructuring and reorganization fees (Note 12) | | | 49,942 | |
| Audit and tax | | | 35,118 | |
| Trustees’ fees (Note 12) | | | 27,670 | |
| Insurance | | | 1,886 | |
| Miscellaneous expenses | | | 11,245 | |
|
| Total Expenses | | | 2,407,455 | |
| Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements (Notes 2 and 12) | | | (148,573 | ) |
|
| Net Expenses | | | 2,258,882 | |
|
Net Investment Income | | | 580,655 | |
|
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 1 AND 3): | | | | |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) From: | | | | |
| | Investment transactions | | | 28,553,991 | |
| | Foreign currency transactions | | | (3,760 | ) |
|
| Net Realized Gain | | | 28,550,231 | |
|
| Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/ Depreciation From: | | | | |
| | Investments | | | (3,638,956 | ) |
| | Foreign currencies | | | 22,000 | |
|
| Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/ Depreciation | | | (3,616,956 | ) |
|
Net Gain on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions | | | 24,933,275 | |
|
Increase in Net Assets From Operations | | $ | 25,513,930 | |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 19
| |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets (For the years ended December 31,) |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
|
OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 580,655 | | | $ | 764,491 | |
| Net realized gain | | | 28,550,231 | | | | 3,867,398 | |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation | | | (3,616,956 | ) | | | 2,554,565 | |
|
| Increase in Net Assets From Operations | | | 25,513,930 | | | | 7,186,454 | |
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM (NOTES 1 AND 5): | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | (550,012 | ) | | | (689,706 | ) |
| Net realized gains | | | (18,176,322 | ) | | | — | |
|
| Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders | | | (18,726,334 | ) | | | (689,706 | ) |
|
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6): | | | | | | | | |
| Net proceeds from sale of shares | | | 44,497,162 | | | | 29,710,204 | |
| Reinvestment of distributions | | | 16,340,949 | | | | 497,018 | |
| Cost of shares repurchased | | | (29,546,970 | ) | | | (14,748,136 | ) |
| Net assets of shares issued in connection with merger (Note 7) | | | 141,669,863 | | | | — | |
|
| Increase in Net Assets From Fund Share Transactions | | | 172,961,004 | | | | 15,459,086 | |
|
Increase in Net Assets | | | 179,748,600 | | | | 21,955,834 | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of year | | | 85,396,542 | | | | 63,440,708 | |
|
| End of year* | | $ | 265,145,142 | | | $ | 85,396,542 | |
|
* Includes undistributed net investment income, accumulated net investment loss, respectively, of: | | | $74,527 | | | $ | (3,347 | ) |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
20 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended December 31, unless otherwise noted:
| | | | | | | |
|
Class 1 Shares(1) | | 2006(2) | | |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | | | $12.19 | | | |
|
Income From Operations: | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | 0.00 | (3) | | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 0.30 | | | |
|
Total Income From Operations | | | 0.30 | | | |
|
Less Distributions From: | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | (0.04 | ) | | |
|
Total Distributions | | | (0.04 | ) | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Year | | | $12.45 | | | |
|
Total Return(4) | | | 2.45 | % | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | | | $4,166 | | | |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | | |
| Gross expenses | | | 1.04 | % (5)† | | |
| Net expenses | | | 1.03 | (5)† | | |
| Net investment income | | | 0.44 | (5) | | |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 228 | % | | |
|
| | |
(1) | | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
|
(2) | | For the period December 1, 2006 (inception date) to December 31, 2006. |
|
(3) | | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
|
(4) | | Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
|
(5) | | Annualized. |
|
† | | Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 1.01% and 1.01%, respectively (Note 12). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 21
| |
| Financial Highlights (continued) |
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Class A Shares(1) | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | | | $11.90 | | | | $10.97 | | | | $9.45 | | | | $7.39 | | | | $8.57 | | | |
|
Income (Loss) From Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | 0.14 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 0.07 | | | | 0.05 | | | | 0.02 | | | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 2.75 | | | | 0.91 | | | | 1.55 | | | | 2.06 | | | | (1.20 | ) | | |
|
Total Income (Loss) From Operations | | | 2.89 | | | | 1.08 | | | | 1.62 | | | | 2.11 | | | | (1.18 | ) | | |
|
Less Distributions From: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | — | | | |
| Net realized gains | | | (2.22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | |
|
Total Distributions | | | (2.32 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | — | | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Year | | | $12.47 | | | | $11.90 | | | | $10.97 | | | | $9.45 | | | | $7.39 | | | |
|
Total Return(2) | | | 24.79 | % | | | 9.88 | % | | | 17.24 | % | | | 28.55 | % | | | (13.77 | )% | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | | | $125,389 | | | | $37,449 | | | | $34,599 | | | | $32,605 | | | | $16,469 | | | |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross expenses | | | 1.45 | % † | | | 1.62 | % | | | 1.83 | % | | | 2.17 | % | | | 2.95 | % | | |
| Net expenses(3) | | | 1.43 | (4)† | | | 1.62 | | | | 1.69 | (4) | | | 1.75 | (4) | | | 1.75 | (4) | | |
| Net investment income | | | 1.09 | | | | 1.48 | | | | 0.73 | | | | 0.59 | | | | 0.31 | | | |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 228 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 88 | % | | |
|
| | |
(1) | | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
|
(2) | | Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. |
|
(3) | | As a result of a voluntary expense limitation, the ratio of expenses to average net assets, other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses, of Class A shares will not exceed 1.75%. |
|
(4) | | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
|
† | | Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 1.40% and 1.38%, respectively (Note 12). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
22 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Financial Highlights (continued) |
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Class B Shares (1) | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | | | $11.53 | | | | $10.62 | | | | $9.13 | | | | $7.16 | | | | $8.36 | | | |
|
Income (Loss) From Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | (0.00 | ) (2) | | | 0.07 | | | | (0.00 | ) (2) | | | (0.02 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 2.66 | | | | 0.89 | | | | 1.50 | | | | 1.99 | | | | (1.16 | ) | | |
|
Total Income (Loss) From Operations | | | 2.66 | | | | 0.96 | | | | 1.50 | | | | 1.97 | | | | (1.20 | ) | | |
|
Less Distributions From: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | |
| Net realized gains | | | (2.22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | |
|
Total Distributions | | | (2.23 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Year | | | $11.96 | | | | $11.53 | | | | $10.62 | | | | $9.13 | | | | $7.16 | | | |
|
Total Return(3) | | | 23.60 | % | | | 9.00 | % | | | 16.40 | % | | | 27.51 | % | | | (14.35 | )% | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | | | $64,293 | | | | $7,356 | | | | $7,617 | | | | $8,342 | | | | $836 | | | |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross expenses | | | 2.29 | % † | | | 2.48 | % | | | 2.61 | % | | | 2.92 | % | | | 3.70 | % | | |
| Net expenses(4) | | | 2.28 | (5)† | | | 2.48 | | | | 2.44 | (5) | | | 2.50 | (5) | | | 2.50 | (5) | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | 0.66 | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.29 | ) | | | (0.50 | ) | | |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 228 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 88 | % | | |
|
| | |
(1) | | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
|
(2) | | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
|
(3) | | Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. |
|
(4) | | As a result of a voluntary expense limitation, the ratio of expenses to average net assets, other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses, of Class B shares will not exceed 2.50%. |
|
(5) | | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
|
† | | Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 2.25% and 2.24%, respectively (Note 12). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 23
| |
| Financial Highlights (continued) |
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Class C Shares (1) | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | | | $12.06 | | | | $11.11 | | | | $9.55 | | | | $7.47 | | | | $8.72 | | | |
|
Income (Loss) From Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.01 | | | | 0.06 | | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.02 | ) | | | (0.02 | ) | | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 2.76 | | | | 0.93 | | | | 1.57 | | | | 2.10 | | | | (1.23 | ) | | |
|
Total Income (Loss) From Operations | | | 2.77 | | | | 0.99 | | | | 1.56 | | | | 2.08 | | | | (1.25 | ) | | |
|
Less Distributions From: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | (0.00 | ) (2) | | | — | | | | — | | | |
| Net realized gains | | | (2.22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | |
|
Total Distributions | | | (2.23 | ) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | (0.00 | ) (2) | | | — | | | | — | | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Year | | | $12.60 | | | | $12.06 | | | | $11.11 | | | | $9.55 | | | | $7.47 | | | |
|
Total Return(3) | | | 23.42 | % | | | 8.95 | % | | | 16.37 | % | | | 27.84 | % | | | (14.33 | )% | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | | | $69,239 | | | | $38,418 | | | | $19,040 | | | | $7,368 | | | | $1,147 | | | |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross expenses | | | 2.78 | % † | | | 2.74 | % | | | 2.65 | % | | | 2.86 | % | | | 3.55 | % | | |
| Net expenses(4)(5) | | | 2.52 | † | | | 2.50 | | | | 2.42 | | | | 2.44 | | | | 2.35 | | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.07 | | | | 0.53 | | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.27 | ) | | | (0.32 | ) | | |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 228 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 120 | % | | | 88 | % | | |
|
| | |
(1) | | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
|
(2) | | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
|
(3) | | Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. |
|
(4) | | As a result of a voluntary expense limitation, the ratio of expenses to average net assets, other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses of Class C shares will not exceed 2.50%. |
|
(5) | | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
|
† | | Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 2.72% and 2.46%, respectively (Note 12). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
24 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
| |
| Financial Highlights (continued) |
For a share of each class of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year ended December 31, unless otherwise noted:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Class I Shares (1)(2) | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003(3) | | |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year | | | $11.89 | | | | $10.96 | | | | $9.46 | | | | $7.46 | | | |
|
Income (Loss) From Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.19 | | | | 0.22 | | | | 0.09 | | | | (0.01 | ) | | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 2.74 | | | | 0.92 | | | | 1.56 | | | | 2.07 | | | |
|
Total Income From Operations | | | 2.93 | | | | 1.14 | | | | 1.65 | | | | 2.06 | | | |
|
Less Distributions From: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | | (0.14 | ) | | | (0.21 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) | | |
| Net realized gains | | | (2.22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | |
|
Total Distributions | | | (2.36 | ) | | | (0.21 | ) | | | (0.15 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Year | | | $12.46 | | | | $11.89 | | | | $10.96 | | | | $9.46 | | | |
|
Total Return(4) | | | 25.13 | % | | | 10.38 | % | | | 17.60 | % | | | 27.58 | % | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Year (000s) | | | $2,058 | | | | $2,174 | | | | $2,185 | | | | $984 | | | |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross expenses | | | 1.15 | %† | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.90 | %(5) | | |
| Net expenses(6) | | | 1.14 | (7)† | | | 1.21 | | | | 1.43 | (7) | | | 1.48 | (5)(7) | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | 1.43 | | | | 1.94 | | | | 0.94 | | | | (0.18 | )(5) | | |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | 228 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 60 | % | | | 120 | % | | |
|
| | |
(1) | | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
|
(2) | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
|
(3) | | For the period May 20, 2003 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2003. |
|
(4) | | Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
|
(5) | | Annualized. |
|
(6) | | As a result of a voluntary expense limitation, the ratio of expenses to average net assets, other than interest, brokerage, taxes and extraordinary expenses, of Class I shares will not exceed 1.50%. |
|
(7) | | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
|
† | | Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would have been 1.09% and 1.09%, respectively (Note 12). |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 25
Notes to Financial Statements
| |
1. | Organization and Significant Accounting Policies |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners International Large Cap Fund) (the “Fund”) is a separate diversified series of Legg Mason Partners Trust II (formerly known as Smith Barney Trust II) (the “Trust”). The Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
(a) Investment Valuation. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. Debt securities are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service that are based on transactions in debt obligations, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various other relationships between securities. When prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Fair valuing of securities may be determined with the assistance of a pricing service using calculations based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators, such as prices of relevant ADRs and futures contracts. Short-term obligations maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
(b) Foreign Risk. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Since securities may be denominated in foreign currencies and may require settlement in foreign currencies and pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
(c) Security Transactions and Investment Income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as practical after the Fund determines the existence of a dividend declaration after exercising reasonable due diligence. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults on an expected interest
26 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
payment, the Fund’s policy is to generally halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default.
(d) Foreign Currency Translation. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, at the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.
(e) Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions from net investment income and distributions of net realized gains, if any, are declared at least annually. Distributions to shareholders of the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(f) Expenses. Direct expenses are charged to the Fund; general expenses of the Series are allocated to the funds based on each fund’s relative net assets.
(g) Class Accounting. Investment income, common expenses and realized/unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Fees relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.
(h) Federal and Other Taxes. It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its income and net realized gains on investments, if any, to shareholders each year. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and capital gains at various rates.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 27
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
(i) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. During the current year, the following reclassifications have been made:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Undistributed Net | | Accumulated Net | | Paid-in |
| | Investment Income | | Realized Loss | | Capital |
|
(a) | | $ | 49,942 | | | $ | 20,499,492 | | | $ | (20,549,434 | ) |
(b) | | | (2,711 | ) | | | 2,711 | | | | — | |
|
| | |
(a) | | Reclassifications are primarily due to a capital loss carryforward written off due to various tax limitations and book/tax differences in the treatment of various items. |
|
(b) | | Reclassifications are primarily due to foreign currency transactions treated as ordinary income for tax purposes and book/tax differences in the treatment of passive foreign investment companies. |
| |
2. | Investment Management Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates |
Prior to August 1, 2006, Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), acted as the investment manager of the Fund. Under the investment management agreement, the Fund paid an investment management fee calculated daily and paid monthly, in accordance with the following breakpoint schedule:
| | | | |
Average Daily Net Assets | | Annual Rate |
|
Up to $1 billion | | | 0.850% | |
Next $1 billion | | | 0.825% | |
Next $3 billion | | | 0.800% | |
Next $5 billion | | | 0.775% | |
Over $10 billion | | | 0.750% | |
|
Effective August 1, 2006, Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) became the Fund’s investment manager and Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”) became the Fund’s subadviser. The portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund remained the same immediately prior to and immediately after the date of these changes. LMPFA and Batterymarch are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason.
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. LMPFA has delegated to the subadviser the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The Fund’s investment management fee remains unchanged. For its services, LMPFA pays Batterymarch 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Fund’s Class A, B, C and I shares had voluntary expense limitations in place of 1.75%, 2.50%, 2.50% and 1.50% respectively.
Effective November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares.
28 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
During the year ended December 31, 2006, SBFM and LMPFA waived a portion of its fee in the amount of $1,885. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2006, the Fund was reimbursed for expenses amounting to $146,688.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGM”) and Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC (“LMIS”) serve as co-distributors of the Fund. LMIS is a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Legg Mason.
There is a maximum initial sales charge of 8.50% and 5.75% for Class 1 and A shares, respectively. Effective November 20, 2006, the maximum initial sales charge on Class A shares of the Fund increased from 5.00% to 5.75% for shares purchased on or after that date. There is a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 5.00% on Class B shares, which applies if redemption occurs within one year from purchase payment. This CDSC declines thereafter by 1.00% per year until no CDSC is incurred. Class C shares have a 1.00% CDSC, which applies if redemption occurs within one year from purchase payment. In certain cases, Class A shares have a 1.00% CDSC, which applies if redemption occurs within one year from purchase payment. This CDSC only applies to those purchases of Class A shares, which, when combined with current holdings of Class A shares, equal or exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate. These purchases do not incur an initial sales charge.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, LMIS and its affiliates received sales charges of approximately $2,000 on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2006, CDSCs paid to LMIS and its affiliates were approximately:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Class B | | Class C |
|
CDSCs | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | 0* | |
|
* Amount represents less than $1,000.
During a special meeting in June 2006 the Fund’s Board approved a number of initiatives to streamline and restructure the fund complex. In that connection the Board voted to established a mandatory retirement age of 75 for current Trustees and 72 for all future Trustees and to allow current Trustees to elect to retire as of the date on which Trustees elected in accordance with the Joint Proxy Statement commence service as Trustees of the realigned and consolidated Board (the “Effective Date”).
On July 10, 2006, the Board also voted to amend its retirement plans to provide for the payment of certain benefits (in lieu of any other retirement payments under the plans) to Trustees who have not elected to retire as of the Effective Date. Under the amended plan, Trustees electing to receive benefits under the amendments must waive all rights under the plan prior to amendment. Each fund overseen by the Board (including the Fund) will pay a pro rata share (based upon asset size) of such benefits. As of December 31, 2006, the Fund’s allocable share of benefits under this amendment are $6,939.
Under the previous Retirement Plan (the “Plan”), all Trustees who were not “Interested Persons” of the Fund, within the meaning of the 1940 Act were required to retire from the Board as of the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Trustee attained age 75. Trustees were able to retire under the Plan before attaining the mandatory
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 29
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
retirement age. Trustees who had served as Trustee of the Fund or any of the investment companies associated with Citi Fund Management Inc. and LMPFA for at least ten years when they retired continue to be eligible to receive the maximum retirement benefit under the previous Plan, subject to the terms of the amended Plans. The maximum retirement benefit was an amount equal to five times the amount of retainer and regular meeting fees payable to a Trustee during the entirety of the calendar year of the Trustee’s retirement (assuming no change in relevant facts for the balance of the year following the Trustee’s retirement). Amounts owed under the Plan may be paid in installments or in a lump sum (discounted to present value). Benefits under the Plan are unfunded. Two former Trustees are currently receiving payments under the Plan. In addition, four other Trustees received full payments under the Plan.
Certain officers and one Trustee of the Trust are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Trust.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:
| | | | |
|
Purchases | | $ | 269,823,110 | |
|
Sales | | | 255,035,862 | |
|
At December 31, 2006, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | |
|
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 32,613,800 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (2,859,402 | ) |
|
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 29,754,398 | |
|
| |
4. | Class Specific Expenses |
The Fund has adopted a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and under that plan the Fund pays a service fee with respect to its Class A, B and C shares calculated at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class. The Fund also pays a distribution fee with respect to its Class B and C shares calculated at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of each class, respectively. Distribution fees are accrued daily and paid monthly.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, class specific expenses were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Shareholder Reports |
| | Distribution Fees | | Transfer Agent Fees | | Expenses |
|
Class 1 | | | — | | | $ | 372 | | | $ | 353 | |
Class A | | $ | 118,646 | | | | 14,852 | | | | 32,472 | |
Class B | | | 114,655 | | | | 6,364 | | | | 18,022 | |
Class C | | | 515,295 | | | | 296,660 | | | | 44,089 | |
Class I* | | | — | | | | 12 | | | | 477 | |
|
Total | | $ | 748,596 | | | $ | 318,260 | | | $ | 95,413 | |
|
| | |
* | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
30 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| |
5. | Distributions to Shareholders by Class |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | Year Ended |
| | December 31, 2006 | | December 31, 2005 |
|
Net Investment Income | | | | | | | | |
Class 1 | | $ | 13,080 | | | | — | |
Class A | | | 466,457 | | | $ | 482,242 | |
Class B | | | 6,826 | | | | 29,392 | |
Class C | | | 41,064 | | | | 139,879 | |
Class I* | | | 22,585 | | | | 38,193 | |
|
Total | | $ | 550,012 | | | $ | 689,706 | |
|
Net Realized Gains | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 6,836,132 | | | | — | |
Class B | | | 1,162,334 | | | | — | |
Class C | | | 9,816,724 | | | | — | |
Class I* | | | 361,132 | | | | — | |
|
Total | | $ | 18,176,322 | | | | — | |
|
| | |
* | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
| |
6. | Shares of Beneficial Interest |
At December 31, 2006, the Trust had an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest authorized with a par value of $0.00001 per share. The Fund has the ability to issue multiple classes of shares. Each share of a class represents an identical interest and has the same rights, except that each class bears certain direct expenses specifically related to the distribution of its shares.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 31
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
Transactions in shares of each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | Year Ended |
| | December 31, 2006 | | December 31, 2005 |
| | | | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount |
|
Class 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 4,000 | | | $ | 49,806 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 1,050 | | | | 13,078 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Shares repurchased | | | (3,568 | ) | | | (44,422 | ) | | | — | | | | — | |
Shares issued with merger | | | 333,111 | | | | 4,059,034 | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Net Increase | | | 334,593 | | | $ | 4,077,496 | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 630,999 | | | $ | 8,149,605 | | | | 380,215 | | | $ | 4,200,802 | |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 445,416 | | | | 5,430,344 | | | | 27,710 | | | | 331,408 | |
Shares repurchased | | | (673,914 | ) | | | (8,674,308 | ) | | | (415,422 | ) | | | (4,569,874 | ) |
Shares issued with merger | | | 6,508,246 | | | | 79,304,261 | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Net Increase (Decrease) | | | 6,910,747 | | | $ | 84,209,902 | | | | (7,497 | ) | | $ | (37,664 | ) |
|
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 162,832 | | | $ | 2,033,268 | | | | 110,698 | | | $ | 1,186,436 | |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 94,424 | | | | 1,101,033 | | | | 2,371 | | | | 27,522 | |
Shares repurchased | | | (359,443 | ) | | | (4,446,179 | ) | | | (192,140 | ) | | | (2,054,311 | ) |
Shares issued with merger | | | 4,841,474 | | | | 56,508,716 | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Net Increase (Decrease) | | | 4,739,287 | | | $ | 55,196,838 | | | | (79,071 | ) | | $ | (840,353 | ) |
|
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 2,564,336 | | | $ | 33,749,807 | | | | 2,127,417 | | | $ | 23,921,180 | |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | 796,442 | | | | 9,796,494 | | | | 11,365 | | | | 138,088 | |
Shares repurchased | | | (1,198,545 | ) | | | (15,666,130 | ) | | | (666,920 | ) | | | (7,522,992 | ) |
Shares issued with merger | | | 146,107 | | | | 1,797,852 | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Net Increase | | | 2,308,340 | | | $ | 29,678,023 | | | | 1,471,862 | | | $ | 16,536,276 | |
|
Class I* | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 37,776 | | | $ | 514,676 | | | | 36,658 | | | $ | 401,786 | |
Shares issued on reinvestment | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Shares repurchased | | | (55,500 | ) | | | (715,931 | ) | | | (53,180 | ) | | | (600,959 | ) |
Shares issued with merger | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
|
Net Decrease | | | (17,724 | ) | | $ | (201,255 | ) | | | (16,522 | ) | | $ | (199,173 | ) |
|
| | |
* | | As of November 20, 2006, Class Y shares were renamed Class I shares. |
| |
7. | Transfer of Net Assets |
On December 1, 2006 the Fund acquired the assets and certain liabilities of the Legg Mason Partners International Fund, pursuant to a plan of reorganization approved by Legg Mason Partners International Fund shareholders on November 20, 2006. Total shares issued by the Fund and the total net assets of the Legg Mason Partners International Fund and the Fund on the date of the transfer were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Total Net Assets of the | | |
| | Shares Issued | | Legg Mason Partners | | Total Net Assets |
Acquired Fund | | by the Fund | | International Fund | | of the Fund |
|
Legg Mason Partners International Fund | | | 11,828,938 | | | $ | 141,669,883 | | | $ | 257,804,267 | |
|
The total net assets of the Legg Mason Partners International Fund before acquisition included unrealized appreciation of $19,207,273 and accumulated net realized loss of $58,177,290. Total net assets of the Fund immediately after the transfer were $257,804,267. The transaction was structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
32 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| |
8. | Income Tax Information and Distributions to Shareholders |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
|
Distribution paid from: | | | | | | | | |
| Ordinary Income | | $ | 2,989,643 | | | $ | 689,706 | |
| Net Long-term Capital Gains | | | 15,736,691 | | | | — | |
|
Total Taxable Distributions | | $ | 18,726,334 | | | $ | 689,706 | |
|
As of December 31, 2006, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
|
Undistributed ordinary income — net | | $ | 2,426,114 | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains — net | | | 5,893,742 | |
|
Total undistributed earnings | | $ | 8,319,856 | |
Capital loss carryforward* | | | (35,463,766 | ) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)(a) | | | 29,772,157 | |
|
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) — net | | $ | 2,628,247 | |
|
| | |
* | | During the taxable year ended December 31, 2006, the Fund utilized $2,102,930 of its capital loss carryover available from prior years. As of December 31, 2006, the Fund had the following net capital loss carryforwards remaining: |
| | | | |
Year of Expiration | | Amount |
| | |
12/31/2008 | | $ | (5,066,297 | ) |
12/31/2009 | | | (30,397,469 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | (35,463,766 | ) |
| | | | |
These amounts will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains. However, the Fund is subject to an annual limitation of $5,978,469 as a result of the merger with Legg Mason Partners International Fund on December 1, 2006. (Note 7).
| | |
(a) | | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains on investments in passive foreign investment companies. |
On May 31, 2005, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an order in connection with the settlement of an administrative proceeding against SBFM, the Fund’s prior investment manager, and CGM relating to the appointment of an affiliated transfer agent for the Smith Barney family of mutual funds (the “Funds”).
The SEC order finds that SBFM and CGM willfully violated Section 206(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). Specifically, the order finds that SBFM and CGM knowingly or recklessly failed to disclose to the boards of the Funds in 1999 when proposing a new transfer agent arrangement with an affiliated transfer agent that: First Data Investors Services Group (“First Data”), the Funds’ then-existing transfer agent, had offered to continue as transfer agent and do the same work for substantially less money than before; and that Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”), the Citigroup business unit that, at the time, included the Fund’s investment manager and other investment advisory
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 33
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
companies, had entered into a side letter with First Data under which CAM agreed to recommend the appointment of First Data as sub-transfer agent to the affiliated transfer agent in exchange for, among other things, a guarantee by First Data of specified amounts of asset management and investment banking fees to CAM and CGM. The order also finds that SBFM and CGM willfully violated Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act by virtue of the omissions discussed above and other misrepresentations and omissions in the materials provided to the Funds’ boards, including the failure to make clear that the affiliated transfer agent would earn a high profit for performing limited functions while First Data continued to perform almost all of the transfer agent functions, and the suggestion that the proposed arrangement was in the Funds’ best interests and that no viable alternatives existed. SBFM and CGM do not admit or deny any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement does not establish wrongdoing or liability for purposes of any other proceeding.
The SEC censured SBFM and CGM and ordered them to cease and desist from violations of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Advisers Act. The order requires Citigroup to pay $208.1 million, including $109 million in disgorgement of profits, $19.1 million in interest, and a civil money penalty of $80 million. Approximately $24.4 million has already been paid to the Funds, primarily through fee waivers. The remaining $183.7 million, including the penalty, has been paid to the U.S. Treasury and will be distributed pursuant to a plan submitted for the approval of the SEC. At this time, there is no certainty as to how the above-described proceeds of the settlement will be distributed, to whom such distributions will be made, the methodology by which such distributions will be allocated, and when such distributions will be made. The order also required that transfer agency fees received from the Funds since December 1, 2004, less certain expenses, be placed in escrow and provided that a portion of such fees might be subsequently distributed in accordance with the terms of the order. On April 3, 2006, an aggregate amount of approximately $9 million was distributed to the affected Funds.
The order required SBFM to recommend a new transfer agent contract to the Funds’ boards within 180 days of the entry of the order; if a Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent or sub-transfer agent, SBFM and CGM would have been required, at their expense, to engage an independent monitor to oversee a competitive bidding process. On November 21, 2005, and within the specified timeframe, the Fund’s Board selected a new transfer agent for the Fund. No Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent. Under the order, SBFM also must comply with an amended version of a vendor policy that Citigroup instituted in August 2004.
Although there can be no assurance, the Fund’s manager does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Funds.
On December 1, 2005, Citigroup completed the sale of substantially all of its global asset management business, including SBFM, to Legg Mason.
Beginning in August 2005, five class action lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws and state law were filed against CGM and SBFM, (collectively, the “Defendants”)
34 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
based on the May 31, 2005 settlement order issued against the Defendants by the SEC as described in Note 9. The complaints seek injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, removal of SBFM as the advisor for the Smith Barney family of funds, rescission of the Funds’ management and other contracts with SBFM, recovery of all fees paid to SBFM pursuant to such contracts, and an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses.
On October 5, 2005, a motion to consolidate the five actions and any subsequently filed, related action was filed. That motion contemplates that a consolidated amended complaint alleging substantially similar causes of action will be filed in the future.
As of the date of this report, the Fund’s manager believes that resolution of the pending lawsuit will not have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Fund or the ability of the Fund’s manager and its affiliates to continue to render services to the Fund under its respective contracts.
* * *
Beginning in June 2004, class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed against CGM and a number of its then affiliates, including SBFM and Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc (“SBAM”), which were then investment adviser or manager to certain of the Funds (the “Managers”), substantially all of the mutual funds then managed by the Managers (the “Defendant Funds”), and Board members of the Defendant Funds (collectively, the “Defendants”). The complaints alleged, among other things, that CGM created various undisclosed incentives for its brokers to sell Smith Barney and Salomon Brothers funds. In addition, according to the complaints, the Managers caused the Defendant Funds to pay excessive brokerage commissions to CGM for steering clients towards proprietary funds. The complaints also alleged that the Defendants breached their fiduciary duty to the Defendant Funds by improperly charging Rule 12b-1 fees and by drawing on fund assets to make undisclosed payments of soft dollars and excessive brokerage commissions. The complaints also alleged that the Defendant Funds failed to adequately disclose certain of the allegedly wrongful conduct. The complaints sought injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, rescission of the Defendant Funds’ contracts with the Managers, recovery of all fees paid to the Managers pursuant to such contracts and an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses.
On December 15, 2004, a consolidated amended complaint (the “Complaint”) was filed alleging substantially similar causes of action. On May 27, 2005, all of the Defendants filed motions to dismiss the Complaint. On July 26, 2006, the court issued a decision and order (1) finding that plaintiffs lacked standing to sue on behalf of the shareholders of the Funds in which none of the plaintiffs had invested (including the Fund) and dismissing those Funds from the case (although stating that they could be brought back into the case if standing as to them could be established), and (2) other than one stayed claim, dismissing all of the causes of action against the remaining Defendants, with prejudice, except for the cause of action under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, which the court granted plaintiffs leave to repeal as a derivative claim.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 35
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
On October 16, 2006, plaintiffs filed their Second Consolidated Amended Complaint (“Second Amended Complaint”) which alleges derivative claims on behalf of nine funds identified in the Second Amended Complaint, under Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, against CAM, SBAM, SBFM and CGM as investment advisers to the identified funds, as well as CGM as a distributor for the identified funds (collectively, the “Second Amended Complaint Defendants”). The Fund was not identified in the Second Amended Complaint. The Second Amended Complaint alleges no claims against any of the Funds or any of their Board members. Under Section 36(b), the Second Amended Complaint alleges similar facts and seeks similar relief against the Second Amended Complaint Defendants as the Complaint.
Additional lawsuits arising out of these circumstances and presenting similar allegations and requests for relief may be filed in the future.
On September 16, 2005, the staff of the SEC informed SBFM and Salomon Brothers Asset Management, (“SBAM”), that the staff is considering recommending that the SEC institute administrative proceedings against SBFM and SBAM for alleged violations of Section 19(a) and 34(b) of the 1940 Act (and related Rule 19a-1). The notification is a result of an industry wide inspection by the SEC and is based upon alleged deficiencies in disclosures regarding dividends and distributions paid to shareholders of certain funds. Section 19(a) and related Rule 19a-1 of the 1940 Act generally require funds that are making dividend and distribution payments to provide shareholders with a written statement disclosing the source of the dividends and distributions, and, in particular, the portion of the payments made from each of net investment income, undistributed net profits and/or paid-in capital. In connection with the contemplated proceedings, the staff may seek a cease and desist order and/or monetary damages from SBFM or SBAM.
Although there can be no assurance, the Fund’s manager believes that this matter is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund.
| |
12. | Special Shareholder Meeting and Reorganization |
Shareholders of the Fund approved a number of initiatives designed to streamline and restructure the fund complex. These matters generally are expected to be implemented in 2007. As noted in the proxy materials, Legg Mason will pay for a portion of the costs related to these initiatives. The portion of the costs that are borne by the fund will be recognized in the period during which the expense is incurred. Such expenses relate to obtaining shareholder votes for proposals presented in the proxy, the election of board members, retirement of board members, as well as printing, mailing, and soliciting proxies. The portions of these costs borne by the Fund and reflected in the Statement of Operations are deemed extraordinary for expense cap purposes are not subject to the Fund’s expense limitation agreement. See also “Additional Shareholder Information” at the end of this report.
36 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| |
13. | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
During June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48” or the “Interpretation”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement 109. FIN 48 supplements FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, by defining the confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a fund should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the fund has taken or expects to take on a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits. Management must be able to conclude that the tax law, regulations, case law, and other objective information regarding the technical merits sufficiently support the position’s sustainability with a likelihood of more than 50 percent. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006, which for this Fund will be January 1, 2007. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Management of the Fund has determined that adopting FIN 48 will not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial statements.
* * *
On September 20, 2006, FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report 37
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders
Legg Mason Partners Trust II:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund (formerly Smith Barney International Large Cap Fund), a series of Legg Mason Partners Trust II (formerly Smith Barney Trust II), as of December 31, 2006, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 were audited by other independent registered public accountants whose report thereon, dated February 18, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.
We conducted our audits 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 and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2006, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund as of December 31, 2006, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, and the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
New York, New York
February 26, 2007
38 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 2006 Annual Report
Additional Information (unaudited)
Information about Trustees and Officers
The business and affairs of the Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund (formerly known as Legg Mason Partners International Large Cap Fund) (the “Fund”) are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees of Legg Mason Partners Trust II (formerly known as Smith Barney Trust II. Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 1-800-451-2010.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
Non-Interested Trustees: |
Elliott J. Berv c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason”) 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1943 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | President and Chief Executive Officer, Catalyst (consulting) (since 1984); Chief Executive Officer, Rocket City Enterprises (media) (2000 to 2005); Chief Executive Officer, Landmark City (real estate development) (2001 to 2004); Executive Vice President, DigiGym Systems (personal fitness systems) (2001 to 2004); Chief Executive Officer, Motocity USA (Motorsport Racing) (2004 to 2005) | | 37 | | Board Member, American Identity Corp. (doing business as Morpheus Technologies) (biometric information management) (since 2001); Director, Lapoint Industries (industrial filter company) (since 2002); Director, Alzheimer’s Association (New England Chapter) (since 1998). |
|
Donald M. Carlton** c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1937 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | Consultant, URS Corporation (engineering) (since 1999); Member of the Management Committee, Signature Science (research and development) (since 2000) | | 37 | | Director, Temple- Inland (forest products) (since 2003); Director, American Electric Power Co. (electric utility) (since 1999); Director, National Instruments Corp. (technology) (since 1994); Formerly, Director, Valero Energy (petroleum refining) (since 2003) |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 39
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
|
A. Benton Cocanougher c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1938 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | Dean Emeritus and Professor, Texas A&M University (since 2001); Formerly, Interim Chancellor, Texas A&M University System (2003 to 2004); Formerly, Special Advisor to the President, Texas A&M University (2002 to 2003) | | 37 | | None |
|
Mark T. Finn c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1943 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | Adjunct Professor, College of William & Mary (since 2002); Principal/ Member, Balvan Partners (investment management) (since 2002); Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Vantage Consulting Group, Inc. (investment management) (since 1998) | | 37 | | None |
40 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
|
Stephen Randolph Gross c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1947 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | Chairman, HLB Gross Collins, PC (accounting and consulting firm) (since 1979); Treasurer, Coventry Limited, Inc. (Senior Living Facilities) (since 1985); Formerly, Managing Director, Fountainhead Ventures, L.L.C. (technology accelerator) (1998 to 2003); Formerly, Partner, Capital Investment Advisory Partners (leverage buyout consulting) (2000 to 2002); Formerly, Secretary, Carint N.A. (manufacturing) (1998 to 2002) | | 37 | | Director, Andersen Calhoun (assisted living) (since 1987); Formerly, Director, United Telesis, Inc. (telecommunications) (from 1997 to 2002); Formerly, Director, ebank Financial Services Inc. (1997 to 2004) |
|
Diana R. Harrington c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1940 | | Trustee | | Since 1992 | | Professor, Babson College (since 1992) | | 37 | | None |
|
Susan B. Kerley c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1951 | | Trustee | | Since 1992 | | Investment Consulting Partner, Strategic Management Advisors, LLC (investment consulting) (since 1990) | | 37 | | Chairperson and Independent Board Member of Eclipse Funds (which trade as Mainstay Funds) (cur- rently supervises 16 investment companies in the fund complex) (since 1991) |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 41
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
|
Alan G. Merten c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1941 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | President, George Mason University (since 1996) | | 37 | | Trustee, First Potomac Realty Trust (since 2005); Director, Xybernaut Corporation (information technology) (2004 to 2006); Director, Digital Net Holdings, Inc. (2003 to 2004); Director, Comshare, Inc. (information technology) (1985 to 2003) |
|
R. Richardson Pettit c/o R. Jay Gerken Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1942 | | Trustee | | Since 2001 | | Formerly, Duncan Professor of Finance, University of Houston (1977 to 2002) | | 37 | | None |
42 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
|
Interested Trustee: | | | | | | | | | | |
R. Jay Gerken, CFA*** Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1951 | | Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer | | Since 2002 | | Managing Director, Legg Mason; President and Chief Executive Officer of Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisors LLC (“LMPFA”) (since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”) and Citi Fund Management Inc. (“CFM”); President and Chief Executive Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason; Formerly, Chairman of SBFM and CFM (from 2002 to 2006); Formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Travelers Investment Advisers, Inc. (from 2002 to 2005) | | 162 | | N/A |
|
Officers: | | | | | | | | | | |
Frances M. Guggino Legg Mason 125 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 Birth Year: 1957 | | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | | Since 2004 | | Director of Legg Mason; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason; Formerly, Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (from 1999 to 2004) | | N/A | | N/A |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 43
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
|
Ted P. Becker Legg Mason 399 Park Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10022 Birth Year: 1951 | | Chief Compliance Officer | | Since 2006 | | Director of Global Compliance at Legg Mason (since 2006); Chief Compliance Officer of LMPFA (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (since 2006); Managing Director of Compliance at Legg Mason or its predecessor (from 2002 to 2005); Prior to 2002, Managing Director— Internal Audit & Risk Review at Citigroup Inc. | | N/A | | N/A |
|
John Chiota Legg Mason 100 First Stamford Place, 4th Floor Stamford, CT 06902 Birth Year: 1968 | | Chief Anti- Money Laundering Compliance Officer | | Since 2006 | | Vice President of Legg Mason or its predecessor (since 2004); Chief Anti- Money Laundering Compliance Officer with certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (since 2006); Prior to August 2004, Chief AML Compliance Officer with TD Waterhouse | | N/A | | N/A |
44 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Number of | | |
| | | | Term of | | | | Portfolios | | Other Board |
| | | | Office* and | | Principal | | in Fund | | Memberships |
| | Position(s) | | Length of | | Occupation(s) | | Complex | | Held by Trustee |
Name, Address and | | Held with | | Time | | During Past | | Overseen by | | During the Past |
Birth Year | | Fund | | Served | | Five Years | | Trustee | | Five Years |
|
|
Robert I. Frenkel CAM 300 First Stamford Place 4th Fl. Stamford, CT 06902 Birth Year: 1954 | | Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | | Since 2003 | | Managing Director and General Counsel of Global Mutual Funds for Legg Mason and its predecessors (since 1994); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of mutual funds associated with Legg Mason (since 2003); Formerly, Secretary of CFM (from 2001 to 2004) | | N/A | | N/A |
| | |
* | | Each Trustee and Officer serves until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified. |
|
** | | Mr. Carlton retired as Trustee of the Trust effective December 31, 2006. |
|
*** | | Mr. Gerken is an “interested person” of the fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, because Mr. Gerken is an officer of LMPFA and certain of its affiliates. |
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 45
Additional Shareholder Information (unaudited)
Results of a Special Meetings of Shareholders
On December 11, 2006, a Special Meeting of Shareholders was held to elect Board Members. The following table provides the number of votes cast for or withheld, as well as the number of abstentions as to the matter voted on at the Special Meeting of Shareholders.
Election of Board Members †
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Authority | | |
| | Votes For | | Withheld | | Abstentions |
Nominees | | | | | | |
|
Elliot J. Berv | | | 32,886,588.292 | | | | 2,147,311.821 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
A. Benton Cocanougher | | | 32,889,287.629 | | | | 2,144,612.484 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Jane F. Dasher | | | 32,917,939.277 | | | | 2,115,960.836 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Mark T. Finn | | | 32,908,371.543 | | | | 2,125,528.570 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Rainer Greeven | | | 32,871,503.684 | | | | 2,162,396.429 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Stephen Randolph Gross | | | 32,907,588.522 | | | | 2,126,311.591 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Richard E. Hanson Jr. | | | 32,891,147.285 | | | | 2,142,752.828 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Diana R. Harrington | | | 32,898,536.697 | | | | 2,135,363.416 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Susan M. Heilbron | | | 32,896,225.841 | | | | 2,137,674.272 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Susan B. Kerley | | | 32,923,369.691 | | | | 2,110,530.422 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
Alan G. Merten | | | 32,911,746.495 | | | | 2,122,153.618 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
R. Richardson Pettit | | | 32,917,820.307 | | | | 2,116,079.806 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
R. Jay Gerken, CFA | | | 32,876,852.102 | | | | 2,157,048.011 | | | | 7,160.000 | |
|
| | |
1 | | Board Members are elected by the shareholders of all of the series of the Company of which the Fund is a series. |
On January 12, 2007, a Special Meeting of Shareholders was held to vote on various proposals recently approved by the Fund’s Board Members. The following tables provide the number of votes cast for, or against, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes as to the following proposals: (1) Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and (2) Revise Fundamental Investment Policies.
Proposal 1: Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Votes | | | | Broker |
Item Voted On | | Votes For | | Against | | Abstentions | | Non-Votes |
|
Agreement & Plan of Reorganization | | | 58,415,538.608 | | | | 814,388.583 | | | | 1,109,061.047 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
|
46 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
Additional Shareholder Information (unaudited)
(continued)
Proposal 2: Revise Fundamental Investment Policies
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Votes | | | | Broker |
Item Voted On | | Votes For | | Against | | Abstentions | | Non-Votes |
|
Borrowing Money | | | 58,205,186.282 | | | | 1,054,601.462 | | | | 1,079,200.494 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
Underwriting | | | 58,195,804.946 | | | | 1,076,187.637 | | | | 1,066,995.655 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
Lending | | | 58,182,448.501 | | | | 1,093,246.490 | | | | 1,063,293.246 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
Issuing Senior Securities | | | 58,239,501.401 | | | | 992,851.922 | | | | 1,106,634.914 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
Real Estate | | | 58,299,936.361 | | | | 975,791.698 | | | | 1,063,260.178 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
Commodities | | | 58,226,238.909 | | | | 1,045,011.870 | | | | 1,067,737.459 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
Concentration | | | 58,203,199.305 | | | | 1,067,440.715 | | | | 1,068,348.217 | | | | 942,622.690 | |
|
Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund 47
Important Tax Information (unaudited)
The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid during the taxable year ended December 31, 2006:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Record Date: | | | 6/22/2006 | | | | 11/29/2006 | | | | 12/26/2006 | | | |
Payable Date: | | | 6/23/2006 | | | | 11/30/2006 | | | | 12/27/2006 | | | |
|
Ordinary Income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals | | | — | | | | 78.72 | % | | | 78.72 | % | | |
|
| Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations | | | — | | | | 4.91 | % | | | 4.91 | % | | |
|
Foreign Source Income | | | — | | | | 86.34 | %* | | | 86.34 | % | | * |
|
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share | | | — | | | $ | 0.024151 | | | $ | 0.001712 | | | |
|
Long-Term Capital Gain Dividend | | $ | 0.003363 | | | $ | 1.918985 | | | | — | | | |
|
| | |
* | | Expressed as a percentage of the cash distribution grossed-up for foreign taxes. |
The foreign taxes paid represent taxes incurred by the Fund on income received by the Fund from foreign sources. Foreign taxes paid may be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or may be taken as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the appropriate treatment of foreign taxes paid.
Please retain this information for your records.
48 Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
| |
| Legg Mason Partners |
| Global Equity Fund |
|
TRUSTEES |
Elliott J. Berv Donald M. Carlton* A. Benton Cocanougher Mark T. Finn R. Jay Gerken, CFA Chairman Stephen Randolph Gross Diana R. Harrington Susan B. Kerley Alan G. Merten R. Richardson Pettit |
|
INVESTMENT MANAGER |
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC |
|
SUBADVISER |
Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. |
|
DISTRIBUTORS |
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC |
|
CUSTODIAN |
State Street Bank and Trust Company |
|
TRANSFER AGENT |
PFPC Inc. 4400 Computer Drive Westborough, Massachusetts 01581 |
|
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
KPMG LLP 345 Park Avenue New York, New York 10154 |
| | |
| * | Mr. Carlton retired as Trustee of the Trust effective December 31, 2006. |
| | |
|
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund, but it may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current Prospectus.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a free prospectus. Investors should consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices
Ó 2007 Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC Member NASD, SIPC
FD02696 SR07-259
| | Legg Mason Partners Global Equity Fund
The Fund is a separate investment fund of the Legg Mason Partners Trust II, a Massachusetts Business Trust.
LEGG MASON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Legg Mason Partners Funds 125 Broad Street 10th Floor, MF-2 New York, New York 10004
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. To obtain information on Form N-Q from the Fund, shareholders can call Legg Mason Partners Shareholder Services at 1-800-451-2010.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th, and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio transactions is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-451-2010, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.leggmason.com/ InvestorServices and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. |
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
The Board of Trustees of the registrant has determined that Steven Gross, the Chairman of the Board’s Audit Committee, possesses the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” and has designated Mr. Gross as the Audit Committee’s financial expert. Mr. Gross is an “independent” Trustee pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR.
ITEM 4. Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
a) Audit Fees. Effective June 17, 2005, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) resigned as the Registrant’s principal accountant (the “Auditor”). The Registrant’s audit committee approved the engagement of KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as the Registrant’s new principal accountant. The aggregate fees billed in the last two fiscal years ending December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006 (the “Reporting Periods”) for professional services rendered for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $29,000 in 2005 performed by PwC and $27,500 in 2006 performed by KPMG.
b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by PwC or KPMG that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4 were $2,755 in 2005 and $0 in 2006.
In addition, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor 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 Legg Mason Partners Trust II (“service affiliates”), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the service affiliates. Accordingly, there were no such fees that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee for the Reporting Periods (prior to May 6, 2003 services provided by the Auditor were not required to be pre-approved).
(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by PwC and KPMG for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“Tax Services”) were $4,000 in 2005 performed by PwC and $6,848 in 2006 performed by PwC and KPMG. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.
There were no fees billed for tax services by PwC or KPMG to service affiliates during the Reporting Periods that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
d) There were no non-audit services rendered by KPMG to SBAM, or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBAM that provided ongoing services to the Registrant.
All Other Fees. There were no other non-audit services rendered by PwC or KPMG to Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBFM that provided ongoing services to Legg Mason Partners Trust II requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee in the Reporting Period.
(e) Audit Committee’s pre–approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c) (7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(1) The Charter for the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of each registered investment company (the “Fund”) advised by Smith Barney Fund Management LLC or Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. or one of their affiliates (each, an “Adviser”) requires that the Committee shall approve (a) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the Fund’s independent auditors to the Adviser and any Covered Service Providers if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Committee may implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than by the full Committee.
The Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee believes may impair the independence of the auditors. As of the date of the approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissible non-audit services include any professional services (including tax services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund. Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible.
Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Covered Service Providers”) constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which
the services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit.
(2) For the Legg Mason Partners Trust II, the percentage of fees that were approved by the audit committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100% and 100% for 2005 and 2006; Tax Fees were 100% and 100% for 2005 and 2006; and Other Fees were 100% and 100% for 2005 and 2006.
(f) N/A
(g) All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed for all other non-audit services rendered by PwC to Salomon Brothers Asset Management (“SBAM”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBAM that provided ongoing services to Legg Mason Partners Trust II, requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee for the year ended December 31, 2005 which include the issuance of reports on internal control under SAS No. 70 related to various Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”) entities a profitability review of the Adviser and phase 1 of an analysis of Citigroup’s current and future real estate occupancy requirements in the tri-state area and security risk issues in the New York metro region was $1.3 million all of which was pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Non-audit fees billed by PwC for services rendered to Legg Mason Partners Trust II and CAM and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with CAM that provides ongoing services to Legg Mason Partners Trust II during the reporting period was $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Non-audit fees billed by KPMG for services rendered to Legg Mason Partners Trust II and CAM and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with CAM that provides ongoing services to Legg Mason Partners Trust II during the reporting period was $75,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Such fees relate to services provided in connection with the transfer agent matter as fully described in the notes to the financial statements.
(h) Yes. The Legg Mason Partners Trust II’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Accountant’s independence. All services provided by the Auditor to the Legg Mason Partners Trust II or to Service Affiliates, which were required to be pre-approved, were pre-approved as required.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
Included herein under Item 1.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
| (a) | | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
|
| (b) | | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal half-year (the registrant’s second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a) (1) Code of Ethics attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CODE ETH
(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CERT
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.906CERT
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, there unto duly authorized.
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Legg Mason Partners Trust II | | |
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By: | | /s/ R. Jay Gerken (R. Jay Gerken) | | |
| | Chief Executive Officer of | | |
| | Legg Mason Partners Trust II | | |
Date: March 9, 2007
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.
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By: | | /s/ R. Jay Gerken (R. Jay Gerken) | | |
| | Chief Executive Officer of | | |
| | Legg Mason Partners Trust II | | |
| | | | |
Date: March 9, 2007 | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
By: | | /s/ Frances M. Guggino (Frances M. Guggino) | | |
| | Chief Financial Officer of | | |
| | Legg Mason Partners Trust II | | |
| | | | |
Date: March 9, 2007 | | |