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 811-07876
Templeton China World Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
500 East Broward Blvd., Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (954) 527-7500_
Date of fiscal year end: _8/31__
Date of reporting period: 8/31/10___
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
| I N T E R N AT I O N A L |
| Templeton China World Fund |
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
TRUE DIVERSIFICATION
RELIABILITY YOU CAN TRUST
MUTUAL FUNDS |
Franklin Templeton Investments
Gain From Our Perspective®
Franklin Templeton’s distinct multi-manager structure combines the specialized expertise of three world-class investment management groups—Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series.
Each of our portfolio management groups operates autonomously, relying on its own research and staying true to the unique investment disciplines that underlie its success.
Franklin. Founded in 1947, Franklin is a recognized leader in fixed income investing and also brings expertise in growth- and value-style U.S. equity investing.
Templeton. Founded in 1940, Templeton pioneered international investing and, in 1954, launched what has become the industry’s oldest global fund. Today, with offices in over 25 countries, Templeton offers investors a truly global perspective.
Mutual Series. Founded in 1949, Mutual Series is dedicated to a unique style of value investing, searching aggressively for opportunity among what it believes are undervalued stocks, as well as arbitrage situations and distressed securities.
Because our management groups work independently and adhere to different investment approaches, Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series funds typically have distinct portfolios. That’s why our funds can be used to build truly diversified allocation plans covering every major asset class.
At Franklin Templeton Investments, we seek to consistently provide investors with exceptional risk-adjusted returns over the long term, as well as the reliable, accurate and personal service that has helped us become one of the most trusted names in financial services.
RETIREMENT PLANS | 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS | SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
| Not part of the annual report |
Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. Please visit franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236 for most recent month-end performance.
of its exchange-rate regime as reasons for the change in policy. Based on our analysis, we expect to see a gradual appreciation in the currency’s value, and any potential change is not likely to be fast or dramatic.
Equity markets in the greater China region delivered positive results for the Fund’s fiscal year despite volatility during the reporting period. For the first four months of the fiscal year, markets continued on their upward trend as investors cheered the success of the government’s expansionary monetary policies and stimulus measures. In 2010, however, investor skepticism returned amid mixed indicators from an uneven global economic recovery. Overheating concerns about China’s economy and the implementation of targeted tightening measures in the country’s property sector further weighed on investor sentiment. A more sustainable pace of economic growth in 2010’s second quarter and China’s commitment to supporting its domestic consumption had a positive impact on markets.
Investment Strategy
Our investment strategy employs a bottom-up, value-oriented, long-term approach. We focus on the market price of a company’s securities relative to our evaluation of the company’s long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow potential. As we look for investments, we consider specific companies, rather than sectors, while doing in-depth research to construct an action list from which we make our buy decisions. We also consider a company’s price/earnings ratio, profit margins and liquidation value.
Performance Overview
For the 12 months under review, Templeton China World Fund – Class A delivered a +14.76% cumulative total return. In comparison, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Golden Dragon Index posted a +12.30% cumulative total return for the same period.2
2. Source: © 2010 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. The MSCI Golden Dragon Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.
4 | Annual Report
Also for comparison, the Standard & Poor’s/International Finance Corporation (S&P/IFC) Investable China Index had a +12.32% cumulative total return for the 12 months ended August 31, 2010.3 In line with our long-term investment strategy, we are pleased with our long-term results, which you will find in the Performance Summary beginning on page 8. For example, for the 10-year period ended August 31, 2010, the Fund’s Class A shares delivered a +305.90% cumulative total return, compared with the MSCI Golden Dragon Index’s +62.87% cumulative total return for the same period.4 Please note that index performance informat ion is provided for reference and that we do not attempt to track the index, but rather undertake investments on the basis of fundamental research.
Manager’s Discussion
In the 12-month review period, significant contributors to the Fund’s absolute performance included CNOOC, China���s largest offshore oil and gas exploration and production company; Dairy Farm International Holdings, which operates supermarkets, hypermarkets (department store and supermarket) as well as convenience, home furnishing, and health and beauty stores in Asia; and China Resources Enterprise, a conglomerate focused on consumer businesses with companies in food processing and distribution, property investment, transportation, and retailing. Shares of CNOOC rose largely due to firm crude oil prices and the company’s higher-than-expected production growth. In our view, CNOOC could stand to capitalize on the long-term upward trend in oil prices. Dairy Farm’s shares appreciated in value as the company benefited from Asia’s growing consumer demand for basic necessities and discretionary items. Si milarly, China Resources Enterprise also benefited from strong domestic demand in China and Hong Kong. We continued to hold these stocks by period-end, but we reduced the Fund’s position in Dairy Farm to raise funds for income distribution.
3. Source: © 2010 Morningstar. The S&P/IFC Investable China Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the performance of equity securities in China. STANDARD & POOR’S®, S&P® and S&P 500® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC. Standard & Poor’s does not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote any S &P index-based product.
4. Source: © 2010 Morningstar. As of 8/31/10, the Fund’s Class A 10-year average annual total return not including sales charges was +14.36%, compared with a +5.00% 10-year average annual total return for the MSCI Golden Dragon Index.
The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvested dividends. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.
Annual Report | 5
Among the largest detractors from Fund performance in this reporting period were Angang Steel, one of China’s largest steel companies; Datang International Power Generation, an independent power producer; and China Shenhua Energy, the country’s biggest coal producer. These stocks declined in value during the Fund’s fiscal year and underperformed their regional peers. Higher iron ore prices pressured the share price of Angang Steel, as did concerns of tightening measures in the real estate sector and their potential effect on property demand. We remained confident in Angang Steel’s prospects and market position and increased the Fund’s holding. Datang International Power Generation’s stock depreciated largely due to additional delay in tariff reform and higher fuel costs. Government restrictions on rising coal prices to curb inflationary pressures and concerns of a possible resource tax weighed on China Shenhua Energy 46;s share price. Despite these stocks’ underperformance, we believed the companies could benefit from the region’s continued development.
During the reporting period, we increased the Fund’s holdings in banking, diversified metals and mining, real estate management and development, coal and consumable fuels, and steel companies due to what we considered attractive fundamentals. We believed higher commodity prices and growing consumer demand for financial and banking services in the greater China region could prove favorable for such companies. We added to the Fund’s existing positions in commercial banking group BOC Hong Kong and copper producer Jiangxi Copper. Partly as a result, the Fund’s exposure to Hong Kong and China H shares increased.5
Conversely, we sold a number of our investments in technology distributors, motor vehicle tires, wireless telecommunication services, communications equipment and electric power. Major sales included shares of Synnex Technology International, a Taiwanese information technology equipment distributor; China Mobile, the country’s key wireless telecommunication services provider; and Cheng Shin Rubber Industry, Taiwan’s principal tire manufacturer. These sales subsequently reduced the Fund’s exposure to Taiwanese, Red Chip and Shenzhen-listed B shares.6
5. “China H” denotes shares of China-incorporated, Hong Kong-listed companies with most businesses in China. China H shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
6. “Red Chip” denotes shares of Hong Kong-listed companies with significant exposure to China. “Shenzhen B” denotes shares of China-incorporated, Shenzhen-listed companies that are traded in Hong Kong dollars.
6 | Annual Report
Thank you for your continued participation in Templeton China World Fund.
We look forward to serving your future investment needs.
| Mark Mobius Executive Chairman Templeton Emerging Markets Group |
The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of August 31, 2010, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.
Annual Report | 7
Performance Summary as of 8/31/10
Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities. The performance table and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses.
8 | Annual Report
Performance Summary (continued)
Performance1
Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total returns and value of $10,000 investment include maximum sales charges. Class A: 5.75% maximum initial sales charge; Class B: contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) declining from 4% to 1% over six years, and eliminated thereafter; Class C: 1% CDSC in first year only; Advisor Class: no sales charges.
Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.
Annual Report | 9
Performance Summary (continued)
Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1
Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any current, applicable, maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged index includes reinvestment of any income or distributions. It differs from the Fund in composition and does not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.
10 | Annual Report
Annual Report | 11
Performance Summary (continued)
Endnotes
The government’s participation in the economy is still high and, therefore, the Fund’s investments in China will be subject to larger regulatory risk levels compared to many other countries. In addition, special risks are associated with international investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors. Also, as a nondiversified Fund investing in China companies, the Fund may invest in a relatively small number of issuers and, as a result, be subject to a greater risk of loss with respect to its portfolio securities. The Fund may also experience greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified geographically. It is designed for the aggressive portion of a well-diversified portfolio. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.
Class B: Class C: | These shares have higher annual fees and expenses than Class A shares. Prior to 1/1/04, these shares were offered with an initial sales charge; thus actual total returns would have differed. These shares have higher annual fees and expenses than Class A shares. |
Advisor Class: | Shares are available to certain eligible investors as described in the prospectus. |
1. Effective after the close of business on 8/8/03, Templeton China World Fund, Inc. (Closed-End Fund), was converted into an open-end fund in a transaction whereby the Closed-End Fund transferred all of its assets, subject to its liabilities, to the Fund in exchange for Advisor Class shares. Total return information is based upon the Closed-End Fund’s performance (as calculated using net asset values, not market values), which has been restated to reflect all charges, fees and expenses currently applicable to the Fund and each class. The Closed-End Fund was offered without a sales charge and Rule 12b-1 fees. On 8/11/03, the Fund began offering Class A, B and C shares. For periods prior to 8/11/03, performance quotations are based upon the Closed-End Fund’s performance restated to take into account all charges, fees and expenses applicable to the Fund and each class, including that class’s current, applicable, maximum sale s charge and Rule 12b-1 fees. Beginning on 8/11/03, actual class performance is used reflecting all charges, fees and expenses applicable to the Fund and each class.
2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.
3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. 4. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the periods indicated.
5. In accordance with SEC rules, we provide standardized average annual total return information through the latest calendar quarter.
6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s prospectus current as of the date of this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.
7. Source: © 2010 Morningstar. The MSCI Golden Dragon Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
12 | Annual Report
Your Fund’s Expenses
As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs:
Transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases; and
Ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses.
The following table shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.
Actual Fund Expenses
The first line (Actual) for each share class listed in the table provides actual account values and expenses. The “Ending Account Value” is derived from the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses.
You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps. Of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration:
| 1. | Divide your account value by $1,000. |
If an account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6. | |
| 2. | Multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.” |
If Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 × $7.50 = $64.50. |
In this illustration, the estimated expenses paid this period are $64.50.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds
Information in the second line (Hypothetical) for each class in the table can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other mutual funds. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid during the period. The hypothetical “Ending Account Value” is based on the actual expense ratio for each class and an assumed 5% annual rate of return before expenses, which does not represent the Fund’s actual return. The figure under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” shows the hypothetical expenses your account would have incurred under this scenario. You can compare this figure with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
Annual Report | 13
Your Fund’s Expenses (continued)
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges. Therefore, the second line for each class is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your total costs would have been higher. Please refer to the Fund prospectus for additional information on operating expenses.
*Expenses are calculated using the most recent six-month expense ratio, annualized for each class (A: 2.05%; B: 2.74%; C: 2.74%; and Advisor: 1.75%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.
14 | Annual Report
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
dAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
eTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 15
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
dAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
eTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
16 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
dAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
eTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 17
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cEffective September 1, 2008, the redemption fee was eliminated.
dAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
18 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
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20 | Annual Report
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22 | Annual Report
| See Abbreviations on page 36. |
+Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.
a Non-income producing.
b Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities have been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. At August 31, 2010, the aggregate value of these securities was $21,542,566, representing 2.25% of net assets.
cSee Note 7 regarding investments in the Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end.
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 23
24 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 25
26 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 27
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Templeton China World Fund (Fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (1940 Act) as an open-end investment company. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class. Each class of shares differs by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, distribution fees, voting rights on matters affecting a single class and its exchange privilege.
The following summarizes the Fund’s significant accounting policies.
a. Financial Instrument Valuation
The Fund values its investments in securities and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Under procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, the Fund may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.
Equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or the NYSE, whichever is earlier. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value.
The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of securities and other financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available or which may not be reliably priced. Under these procedures, the Fund primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. The Fund may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.
28 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| a. | Financial Instrument Valuation (continued) |
Trading in securities on foreign exchanges and over-the-counter markets may be completed before the daily close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at the close of the NYSE. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the investment manager monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depository Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thres holds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Fund. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.
b. Foreign Currency Translation
Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Occasionally, events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using procedures established and approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments on the Statement of Operations.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.
Annual Report | 29
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| c. | Income Taxes |
It is the Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required. The Fund files U.S. income tax returns as well as tax returns in certain other jurisdictions. The Fund recognizes in its financial statements the effects including penalties and interest, if any, of a tax position taken on a tax return (or expected to be taken) when it’s more likely than not (a greater than 50% probability), based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. As of August 31, 2010, and for all open tax years, the Fund has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. Open tax years are those that remain subject to examinati on and are based on each tax jurisdiction statute of limitation. The Fund is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax effects will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Foreign securities held by the Fund may be subject to foreign taxation on income received. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. The Fund may be subject to a tax imposed on net realized gains on securities of certain foreign countries.
d. Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions
Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized as soon as the Fund is notified of the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis). Distributable earnings determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, not including class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions, by class, are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.
30 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 1. | ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
| e. | Accounting Estimates |
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
f. Guarantees and Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Fund against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
At August 31, 2010, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value).
Transactions in the Fund’s shares were as follows:
Annual Report | 31
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are also officers and/or directors of the following subsidiaries:
Subsidiary Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML) Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services) Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services) | Affiliation Investment manager Administrative manager Principal underwriter Transfer agent |
a. Management Fees
The Fund pays an investment management fee to TAML based on the average weekly net assets of the Fund as follows:
b. Administrative Fees
The Fund pays an administrative fee to FT Services of 0.20% per year of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
32 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
| 3. | TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (continued) |
| c. | Distribution Fees |
The Fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Fund’s Class A reimbursement distribution plan, the Fund reimburses Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plan, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods.
In addition, under the Fund’s Class B and C compensation distribution plans, the Fund pays Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class.
The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:
The Board of Trustees has set the current rate at 0.30% per year for Class A shares until further notice and approval by the Board.
d. Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements
Distributors has advised the Fund of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Fund’s shares for the year:
e. Transfer Agent Fees
For the year ended August 31, 2010, the Fund paid transfer agent fees of $1,552,173, of which $851,894 was retained by Investor Services.
4. EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENT
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s custodian expenses. During the year ended August 31, 2010, there were no credits earned.
Annual Report | 33
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
5. INCOME TAXES
For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. At August 31, 2010, the Fund had tax basis capital losses of $925,572 expiring in 2017. During the year ended August 31, 2010, the Fund utilized $5,527,912 of capital loss carryforwards.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended August 31, 2010 and 2009, was as follows:
At August 31, 2010, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and undistributed ordinary income for income tax purposes were as follows:
Net investment income differs for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to differing treatments of foreign currency transactions, passive foreign investment company shares and corporate actions.
Net realized gains (losses) differ for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to differing treatments of wash sales, foreign currency transactions, passive foreign investment company shares and corporate actions.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the year ended August 31, 2010, aggregated $129,260,922 and $90,809,050, respectively.
34 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
7. INVESTMENTS IN INSTITUTIONAL FIDUCIARY TRUST MONEY MARK ET PORTFOLIO
The Fund may invest in the Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio (Sweep Money Fund), an open-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc. (an affiliate of the investment manager). Pursuant to a SEC exemptive order specific to the Fund’s investment in the Sweep Money Fund, management fees paid by the Fund are reduced on assets invested in the Sweep Money Fund, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid by the Sweep Money Fund.
8. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Investing in securities of “China companies” may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. In general, China companies are those that are organized under the laws of, or with a principal office or principal trading market in, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. Such risks include fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, these securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities.
9. SPECIAL SERVICING AGREEMENT
The Fund, which is an eligible underlying investment of one or more of the Franklin Templeton Fund Allocator Series Funds (Allocator Funds), participates in a Special Servicing Agreement (SSA) with the Allocator Funds and certain service providers of the Fund and the Allocator Funds. Under the SSA, the Fund may pay a portion of the Allocator Funds’ expenses (other than any asset allocation, administrative, and distribution fees) to the extent such payments are less than the amount of the benefits realized or expected to be realized by the Fund (e.g., due to reduced costs associated with servicing accounts) from the investment in the Fund by the Allocator Funds. The Allocator Funds are either managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc. or administered by FT Services, affiliates of TAML. For the year ended August 31, 2010, the Fund was held by one or more of the Allocator Funds and was allocated expenses as noted in the Stateme nt of Operations. At August 31, 2010, 8.13% of the Fund’s outstanding shares was held by one or more of the Allocator Funds.
10. CREDIT FACILITY
The Fund, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively “Borrowers”), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $750 million (Global Credit Facility) which matures on January 21, 2011. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.
Annual Report | 35
Templeton China World Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
10. CREDIT FACILITY (continued)
Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Fund shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Fund and other costs incurred by the Fund, pay its share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon its relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.10% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility, which is reflected in other expenses on the Statement of Operations. During the year ended August 31, 2010, the Fund did not use the Global Credit Facility.
11. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS
The Fund follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement.
As of August 31, 2010, all of the Fund’s investments in securities carried at fair value were in Level 1 inputs. For detailed industry descriptions, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
| ABBREVIATIONS Selected Portfolio ADR - American Depository Receipt |
36 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Templeton China World Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Templeton China World Fund (the “Fund”) at August 31, 2010, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at August 31, 2010 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
| San Francisco, California October 21, 2010 |
Annual Report | 37
Templeton China World Fund
Tax Designation (unaudited)
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $4,995,233 as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010. Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2010 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV in January 2011. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.
At August 31, 2009, more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets were invested in securities of foreign issuers. In most instances, foreign taxes were withheld from income paid to the Fund on these investments. As shown in the table below, the Fund designates to shareholders the foreign source income and foreign taxes paid, pursuant to Section 853 of the Code. This designation will allow shareholders of record on December 17, 2009, to treat their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund as having been paid directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.
The following table provides a detailed analysis of foreign tax paid, foreign source income, and foreign qualified dividends as designated by the Fund, to Class A, Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class shareholders of record.
Foreign Tax Paid Per Share (Column 1) is the amount per share available to you, as a tax credit (assuming you held your shares in the Fund for a minimum of 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-dividend date of the Fund’s distribution to which the foreign taxes relate), or, as a tax deduction.
Foreign Source Income Per Share (Column 2) is the amount per share of income dividends paid to you that is attributable to foreign securities held by the Fund, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. The amounts reported include foreign source qualified dividends that have not been adjusted for the rate differential applicable to such dividend income.1
Foreign Qualified Dividends Per Share (Column 3) is the amount per share of foreign source qualified dividends the Fund paid to you, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. These amounts represent the portion of the Foreign Source Income reported to you in column 2 that were derived from qualified foreign securities held by the Fund.1
38 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Tax Designation (unaudited) (continued)
In January 2010, shareholders received Form 1099-DIV which included their share of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the calendar year 2009. The Foreign Source Income reported on Form 1099-DIV has not been adjusted for the rate differential on foreign source qualified dividend income. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their 2009 individual income tax returns.
1Qualified dividends are taxed at reduced long term capital gain tax rates. In determining the amount of foreign tax credit that may be applied against the U.S. tax liability of individuals receiving foreign source qualified dividends, adjustments may be required to the foreign tax credit limitation calculation to reflect the rate differential applicable to such dividend income. The rules however permit certain individuals to elect not to apply the rate differential adjustments for capital gains and/or dividends for any taxable year. Please consult your tax advisor and the instructions to Form 1116 for more information.
Annual Report | 39
Templeton China World Fund
Board Members and Officers
The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Fund, principal occupations during the past five years and number of U.S. registered portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Independent strategic and financial consultant; and formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, NHP Incorporated (manager of multifamily housing) (1995-1997); and Vice President and Treasurer, US Airways, Inc. (until 1995).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director and Vice Chairman, Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd.; director of various other private business and nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Chairman, Atlantic and Power Ltd. (1977-2003).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison-United States Treasury Department (1988-1989).
40 | Annual Report
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of Executive Council, The Boeing Company; and formerly, Federal Appeals Court Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Advisor, Saratoga Partners (private equity fund); and formerly, Managing Director, Saratoga Partners (1998-2001) and SBC Warburg Dillon Read (investment banking) (1997-1998); Vice Chairman, Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. (investment banking) (1991-1997); and Chief Financial Officer, Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. (1982-1997).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chairman Emeritus, The Hertz Corporation (car rental) (since 2000) (Chairman of the Board (1980-2000) and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1999)); and formerly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation (airlines).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products); and formerly, Director, Delta Airlines (aviation) (2003-2005) and Providian Financial Corp. (credit card provider) (1997-2001); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Physician, Chief of Staff, owner and operator of the Lyford Cay Hospital (1987-present); director of various nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Cardiology Fellow, University of Maryland (1985-1987) and Internal Medicine Resident, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (1982-1985).
Annual Report | 41
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chairman of the Board, Member – Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 33 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director, Global Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Director of Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2001).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Director and member of Audit and Valuation Committees, Runkel Funds, Inc. (2003-2004); Assistant Treasurer of most of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments (1997-2003); and Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (1997-2003).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Litigation Associate, Steefel, Levitt & Weiss, LLP (2000-2004).
42 | Annual Report
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Vice Chairman, Member – Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 25 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Portfolio Manager of various Templeton advisory affiliates; Executive Chairman, Templeton Emerging Markets Group; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of six of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director, Global Fund Accounting Operations, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 14 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Annual Report | 43
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; Vice President, Secretary and Trust Officer, Fiduciary Trust International of the South; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Partner, Shearman & Sterling, LLP (2004-2005); and General Counsel, Investment Company Institute (ICI) (1997-2004).
*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.
**Charles B. Johnson is considered to be interested person of the Trust under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director and major shareholder of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Trust’s investment manager and distributor. Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be interested person of the Trust under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director Resources.
Note 1: Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers and the father and uncle, respectively, of Gregory E. Johnson.
Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Fund’s Audit Committee includes at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Fund’s Board has determined that there is at least one such financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated each of Ann Torre Bates and David W. Niemiec as an audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec qualify as such an expert in view of their extensive business background and experience. Ms. Bates has served as a member of the Fund Audit Committee since 2008. She currently serves as a director of SLM Corporation and Ares Capital Corporation and was formerly a director of Allied Capital Corporation from 2003 to 2010. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NHP Incorporated and Vice President and Treasurer of US Airways, Inc. Mr. Niemiec has served as a member of the Fund Audit Committee since 2005, currently serves as an Advisor to Saratoga Partners and was formerly its Managing Director from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Niemiec is formerly a director of Emeritus Corporation from 1999 to 2010 and OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2006 to 2010, Managing Director of SBC Warburg Dillon Read from 1997 to 1998, and was Vice Chairman from 1991 to 1997 and Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to 1997 of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. As a result of such background and experience, the Board believes that Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec have each acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec are independent Board members as that term is defined under the applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call (800) DIAL BEN/(800) 342-5236 to request the SAI.
44 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Shareholder Information
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement
At a meeting held May 18, 2010, the Board of Trustees (Board), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees, approved renewal of the investment management agreement for the Fund. In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual renewal review process. Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports and related financial information for the Fund, as well as periodic reports on shareholder services, legal, compliance, pricing, brokerage commissions and execution and other services provided by the Investment Manager (Manager) and its affiliates. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included a report for the Fund prepared by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper), an independent organization, a s well as additional material, including a Fund profitability analysis report prepared by management. The Lipper report compared the Fund’s investment performance and expenses with those of other mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund as selected by Lipper. The Fund profitability analysis report discussed the profitability to Franklin Templeton Investments from its overall U.S. fund operations, as well as on an individual fund-by-fund basis. Included with such profitability analysis report was information on a fund-by-fund basis listing portfolio managers and other accounts they manage, as well as information on management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. mutual funds and other accounts, including management’s explanation of differences where relevant and a three-year expense analysis with an explanation for any increase in expense ratios. Additional material accompanying such report was a memorandum prepared by management describing project initiatives and capital investm ents relating to the services provided to the Fund by the Franklin Templeton Investments organization, as well as a memorandum relating to economies of scale and a comparative analysis concerning transfer agent fees charged the Fund.
In considering such materials, the independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. In approving continuance of the investment management agreement for the Fund, the Board, including a majority of independent Trustees, determined that the existing management fee structure was fair and reasonable and that continuance of the investment management agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision.
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES. The Board was satisfied with the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholders. In addition to investment performance and expenses discussed later, the Board’s opinion was based, in part, upon periodic reports furnished it showing that the investment policies and restrictions for the Fund were consistently complied with as well as other reports periodically furnished the Board covering matters such as the compliance of portfolio managers and other management personnel with the code of ethics adopted throughout the Franklin Templeton fund complex, the adherence to fair value pricing procedures established by the Board, and the accuracy
Annual Report | 45
Templeton China World Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
of net asset value calculations. The Board also noted the extent of benefits provided Fund shareholders from being part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds, including the right to exchange investments between the same class of funds without a sales charge, the ability to reinvest Fund dividends into other funds and the right to combine holdings in other funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. Favorable consideration was given to management’s continuous efforts and expenditures in establishing back-up systems and recovery procedures to function in the event of a natural disaster, it being noted that such systems and procedures had functioned smoothly during the Florida hurricanes and blackouts experienced in recent years. Among other factors taken into account by the Board were the Manager’s best execution trading policies, including a favorable report by an independent portfolio trading analytical firm. Co nsideration was also given to the experience of the Fund’s portfolio management team, the number of accounts managed and general method of compensation. In this latter respect, the Board noted that a primary factor in management’s determination of a portfolio manager’s bonus compensation was the relative investment performance of the funds he or she managed and that a portion of such bonus was required to be invested in a predesignated list of funds within such person’s fund management area so as to be aligned with the interests of Fund shareholders. The Board also took into account the quality of transfer agent and shareholder services provided Fund shareholders by an affiliate of the Manager, noting continuing expenditures by management to increase and improve the scope of such services, periodic favorable reports on such service conducted by third parties, and the continuous enhancements to and high industry ranking given the Franklin Templeton website. Particular attention was given t o management’s conservative approach and diligent risk management procedures, including continuous monitoring of counterparty credit risk and attention given to derivatives and other complex instruments. The Board also took into account, among other things, management’s efforts in establishing a global credit facility for the benefit of the Fund and other accounts managed by Franklin Templeton Investments to provide a source of cash for temporary and emergency purposes or to meet unusual redemption requests as well as the strong financial position of the Manager’s parent company and its commitment to the mutual fund business as evidenced by its subsidization of money market funds. The Board also noted management’s efforts to minimize any negative impact on the nature and quality of services provided the Fund arising from Franklin Templeton Investment’s implementation of a hiring freeze and employee reductions in response to market conditions during the latter part of 2008 and early 2 009.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of its importance to shareholders. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Board meetings during the year, particular attention in assessing performance was given to the Lipper report furnished for the agreement renewals. The Fund had converted from a closed-end fund to an open-end fund on August 3, 2003, and the Lipper report showed the performance of the Fund’s Class A shares since such date (inception) and for the five-year period ended February 28, 2010, in comparison with a performance universe consisting of the Fund and all retail and institutional China region funds as
46 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
selected by Lipper. On a comparative basis, the Lipper report showed the Fund’s total return for the one-year period to be in the second-lowest quintile of such performance universe, but on an annualized basis to be in the second-highest quintile of such universe both since inception and for the previous three-year period, and in the middle quintile of such universe for the previous five-year period. The Board found such comparative performance to be acceptable, noting that the Fund’s actual total return for the one-year period as shown in the Lipper report exceeded 68%.
COMPARATIVE EXPENSES. Consideration was given to a comparative analysis of the management fee and total expense ratio of the Fund compared with those of a group of other funds selected by Lipper as its appropriate Lipper expense group. Lipper expense data is based upon information taken from each fund’s most recent annual report, which reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Lipper to be an appropriate measure of comparative expenses. In reviewing comparative costs, Lipper provides information on the Fund’s contractual investment management fee in comparison with the contractual investment management fee that would have been charged by other funds within its Lipper expense group assuming they were similar in size to the Fund, as well as the actual total expenses of the Fund in comparison with those of its Lipper expense group. The Lipper contractual investment management fee analysis includes administrative charges as being part of a management fee, and actual total expenses, for comparative consistency, are shown by Lipper for Fund Class A shares. The Lipper expense group was composed of seven funds and the expense comparisons showed the Fund’s contractual investment management fee rate to be the highest in such group, and its actual total expense ratio to be the second highest in such group. The Board noted that the Fund’s actual total expense ratio was within 12 basis points of the expense group median and found such comparative fee and expenses to be acceptable in view of factors relating to the Fund’s operations, such as the backgr ound and experience of its portfolio managers and research staff, and their physical presence and coverage in the geographical area in which the Fund invests.
MANAGEMENT PROFITABILITY. The Board also considered the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Fund profitability analysis that addresses the overall profitability of Franklin Templeton’s U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing management and other services to the Fund during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2009, being the most recent fiscal year-end for Franklin Resources, Inc., the Manager’s parent. In reviewing the analysis, attention was given to the methodology followed in allocating costs to the Fund, it being recognized that allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various allocation methodologies may each be reasonable while producing different results. In this respect, the Board noted that , while being continuously refined and reflecting changes in the Manager’s own cost accounting, the allocation
Annual Report | 47
Templeton China World Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
methodology was consistent with that followed in profitability report presentations for the Fund made in prior years and that the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm had been engaged by the Manager to review the reasonableness of the allocation methodologies solely for use by the Fund’s Board in reference to the profitability analysis. In reviewing and discussing such analysis, management discussed with the Board its belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also took into account management’s expenditures in improving shareholder services provided the Fund, as well as the need to meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and recent SEC and other regulatory requirements. In addition, the Board considered a third-party study comparing the profitability of the Manager’s parent on an overall basis to other publicly held managers broken down to show profitability from management operations exclusive of distribution expenses, as well as profitability including distribution expenses. The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including its interest in a joint venture entity that financed up-front commissions paid to brokers/dealers who sold fund Class B shares prior to February 2005 when the offering of such shares was discontinued, as well as potential benefits resulting from allocation of fund brokerage and the use of commission dollars to pay for research. Based upon its consideration of all the se factors, the Board determined that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to the Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, quality and extent of services provided.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Board also considered whether economies of scale are realized by the Manager and its affiliates as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which this is reflected in the level of management fees charged. While recognizing that any precise determination is inherently subjective, the Board noted that based upon the Fund profitability analysis, it appears that as some funds get larger, at some point economies of scale do result in the Manager realizing a larger profit margin on management services provided such a fund. The Fund is charged a fee for administrative services at the rate of 0.20% of its net assets, as well as a separate fee for management advisory services at the rate of 1.25% of its net assets on the first $1 billion; 1.20% on the next $4 billion of net assets; with additional breakpoints continuing on net assets ex ceeding $5 billion. At the end of 2009, the Fund had net assets of approximately $993 million and to the extent economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates from future growth of the Fund, the schedule of fees provides some sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders.
48 | Annual Report
Templeton China World Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Fund’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Fund’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Fund’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.
Quarterly Statement of Investments
The Fund files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Householding of Reports and Prospectuses
You will receive the Fund’s financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated summary prospectus (prospectus available upon request). To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and summary prospectus. This process, called “householding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you prefer not to have these documents householded, please call us at (800) 632-2301. At any time you may view current prospectuses/summary prospectuses and financial reports on our website. If you choose, you may receive these documents through electronic delivery.
Annual Report | 49
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Annual Report and Shareholder Letter
Templeton China World Fund
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Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. Like any investment in securities, the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be subject to the risk of loss from market, currency, economic, political and other factors. The Fund and its investors are not protected from such losses by the investment manager. Therefore, investors who cannot accept this risk should not invest in shares of the Fund. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.
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188 A 10/10
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a) The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.
(c) N/A
(d) N/A
(f) Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
(2) The audit committee financial expert is David W. Niemiec and he is "independent" as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $35,277 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $37,231 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.
(b) Audit-Related Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of Item 4.
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements.
(c) Tax Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $6,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009. The services for which these fees were paid included technical tax consultation for derivative investments.
(d) All Other Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4.
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4.
(e) (1) The registrant’s audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including:
(i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services;
(ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors;
(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrant’s investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and
(iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.
(e) (2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs (b)-(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X.
(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).
(g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $6,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.
(h) The registrant’s audit committee of the board has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. N/A
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Mark H. Otani, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Mark H. Otani, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
By /s/ LAURA F. FERGERSON
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer - Finance and
Administration
Date: October 28, 2010
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By /s/ LAURA F. FERGERSON
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer - Finance and
Administration
Date: October 28, 2010
By /s/ MARK H. OTANI
Mark H. Otani
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: October 28, 2010