UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-01700
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Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
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(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (650) 312-2000
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Date of fiscal year end: 07/31
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Date of reporting period: 01/31/06
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Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
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JANUARY 31, 2006
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SEMIANNUAL REPORT AND SHAREHOLDER LETTER SECTOR
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WANT TO RECEIVE
THIS DOCUMENT
FASTER VIA EMAIL?
FRANKLIN GOLD AND
PRECIOUS METALS FUND Eligible shareholders can
sign up for eDelivery at
franklintempleton.com.
See inside for details.
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[LOGO](R)
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON
INVESTMENTS
FRANKLIN o Templeton o Mutual Series
Franklin Templeton Investments
GAIN FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE(R)
Franklin Templeton's distinct multi-manager
structure combines the specialized expertise of
three world-class investment management
groups--Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE 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.
TRUE DIVERSIFICATION 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.
RELIABILITY YOU CAN TRUST 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.
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MUTUAL FUNDS | RETIREMENT PLANS | 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS | SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
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[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Not part of the semiannual report
Contents
SHAREHOLDER LETTER ........................................................ 1
SEMIANNUAL REPORT
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund .................................... 3
Performance Summary ....................................................... 7
Your Fund's Expenses ...................................................... 10
Financial Highlights and Statement of Investments ......................... 12
Financial Statements ...................................................... 19
Notes to Financial Statements ............................................. 23
Tax Designation ........................................................... 31
Shareholder Information ................................................... 33
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Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
YOUR FUND'S GOALS AND MAIN INVESTMENTS: Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
seeks capital appreciation, with current income as its secondary goal, by
investing at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies that mine,
process or deal in gold or other precious metals.
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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 1-800/342-5236 FOR
MOST RECENT MONTH-END PERFORMANCE.
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We are pleased to bring you Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund's semi-annual
report for the period ended January 31, 2006.
PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund - Class A delivered a +72.35% cumulative
total return for the six months ended January 31, 2006. The Fund outperformed
the broad Standard & Poor's 500 Index's (S&P 500's) +4.67% total return and the
sector-specific FTSE Gold Mines Index's +66.57% price return during the same
period. 1 You can find the Fund's long-term performance data in the Performance
Summary beginning on page 7.
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW
During the six months ended January 31, 2006, U.S. economic expansion moderated
as gross domestic product (GDP) increased just 1.6% and productivity fell 0.5%
in the fourth quarter of 2005. The slowdown was mostly the result of softness in
key areas such as consumer, federal and business spending. Slower export growth
combined with greater demand for imported goods and materials fueled a widening
trade gap.
The labor market firmed as employment increased and the unemployment rate
dropped from 5.0% to 4.7% 2. Labor costs increased during the reporting period.
Personal income rose and hiring rebounded in many industries.
1. Sources: Standard & Poor's Micropal; Financial Times. The S&P 500 consists
of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry group
representation. Each stock's weight in the index is proportionate to its
market value. The S&P 500 includes reinvested dividends and is one of the
most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance. The FTSE Gold
Mines Index is an unweighted index that tracks the daily performance of
gold mining companies in South Africa, Australia and North America. This
is a price-only index and does not include dividends. The indexes are
unmanaged. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the Fund's portfolio.
2. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
THE DOLLAR VALUE, NUMBER OF SHARES OR PRINCIPAL AMOUNT, AND NAMES OF ALL
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS ARE LISTED IN THE FUND'S STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (SOI). THE
SOI BEGINS ON PAGE 16.
Semiannual Report |3
GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN
Based on Total Net Assets as of 1/31/06
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
Canada 37.6%
South Africa 26.7%
U.S. 12.8%
Australia 10.7%
U.K. 3.6%
Peru 2.7%
Papua New Guinea 1.6%
Short-Term Investments & Other Net Assets 4.3%
Oil prices remained high during the period, largely due to potential long-term
supply disruptions and strong growth in global demand, especially from China and
India. Natural gas prices rose during the second half of 2005 mainly because of
expected rising demand with the onset of winter; however, near period-end prices
retreated somewhat amid milder-than-expected weather conditions. Even with high
commodity prices, inflation remained relatively contained for the 12 months
ended January 31, 2006, as measured by the 2.1% rise for the core Consumer Price
Index (CPI). 3
Despite this inflation picture, the Federal Reserve Board raised the federal
funds target rate from 3.25% to 4.50%. Compared with the rise in short-term
interest rates, long-term rates remained relatively stable, supporting overall
robust housing and commercial real estate activity, which contributed to
economic growth. As short-term interest rates rose more than intermediate- and
long-term rates, the yield curve flattened.
In this environment, the blue chip stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average
posted a six-month total return of +3.32%, while the broader S&P 500 and the
technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite Index returned +4.67% and +6.05%. 4
Precious metals prices were strong for the past six months, with all of the
major metals posting significant gains. Gold bullion started the reporting
period at $430 per ounce and closed at $569 per ounce, the highest price since
January 1981. This 32% surge in price coincided with a dramatic rise in
investment in gold exchange traded funds (ETFs). Silver moved up 37% from $7.20
per ounce to $9.84 per ounce, the highest price since March 1984. Platinum
climbed 21% from $896 per ounce to $1,081 per ounce, reaching an all-time high.
Palladium began at a very depressed level of $193 per ounce, but rebounded
dramatically and ended the period 52% higher at $294 per ounce.
3. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Core CPI excludes food and energy
costs.
4. Source: Standard & Poor's Micropal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is
price weighted based on the average market price of 30 blue chip stocks of
companies that are generally industry leaders. Please see footnote 1 for a
description of the S&P 500. The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all NASDAQ
domestic and international based common type stocks listed on The NASDAQ
Stock Market. The index is market value weighted and includes more than
3,000 companies.
4| Semiannual Report
PRECIOUS METALS PRICES (8/1/05-1/31/06) 5
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A LINE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
Gold Palladium Platinum
08/01/05 429.80 193.00 896.00
08/01/05 432.20 193.50 906.50
08/02/05 432.30 192.50 903.00
08/03/05 436.80 194.50 914.50
08/04/05 437.60 191.50 907.50
08/05/05 437.30 191.50 909.50
08/08/05 435.00 189.50 900.50
08/09/05 434.80 188.00 904.50
08/10/05 437.60 186.50 902.50
08/11/05 445.90 187.00 911.50
08/12/05 446.20 188.00 915.50
08/15/05 442.40 185.50 905.50
08/16/05 446.15 184.00 891.00
08/17/05 440.10 185.00 890.50
08/18/05 439.70 183.50 892.00
08/19/05 436.30 183.00 887.50
08/22/05 438.20 183.50 891.00
08/23/05 439.20 184.00 896.50
08/24/05 437.67 184.50 897.50
08/25/05 438.70 184.50 896.50
08/26/05 437.70 183.50 894.50
08/29/05 436.90 185.00 900.50
08/30/05 431.60 183.00 889.00
08/31/05 435.20 182.50 890.50
09/01/05 443.25 184.00 899.00
09/02/05 444.40 185.00 906.00
09/05/05 445.35 184.00 909.50
09/06/05 444.00 182.50 908.50
09/07/05 444.70 184.50 905.50
09/08/05 447.40 184.00 910.50
09/09/05 449.20 183.50 911.50
09/12/05 449.75 183.00 906.00
09/13/05 446.50 184.00 908.50
09/14/05 450.30 184.50 913.00
09/15/05 455.75 184.50 917.50
09/16/05 459.75 191.50 920.00
09/19/05 464.75 200.50 925.00
09/20/05 463.85 198.50 929.50
09/21/05 472.35 199.50 929.50
09/22/05 466.05 197.50 924.50
09/23/05 463.25 196.50 922.50
09/26/05 466.65 192.50 914.50
09/27/05 462.50 193.50 914.50
09/28/05 469.00 197.50 909.00
09/29/05 472.15 197.50 926.50
09/30/05 469.30 196.00 930.50
10/03/05 465.95 193.50 925.50
10/04/05 466.25 193.50 915.50
10/05/05 464.75 191.75 909.00
10/06/05 473.45 195.50 926.50
10/07/05 474.85 201.00 933.50
10/10/05 475.24 204.50 936.50
10/11/05 475.50 210.00 940.00
10/12/05 470.90 211.50 943.50
10/13/05 471.60 209.50 930.50
10/14/05 469.70 207.50 924.50
10/17/05 474.00 213.50 933.50
10/18/05 472.20 211.00 930.00
10/19/05 464.55 207.00 927.00
10/20/05 461.20 208.50 923.50
10/21/05 466.89 209.50 927.50
10/24/05 465.25 208.50 927.50
10/25/05 472.60 215.50 935.50
10/26/05 470.95 224.00 941.50
10/27/05 473.65 226.50 938.00
10/28/05 473.49 225.50 937.50
10/31/05 465.18 224.50 937.50
11/01/05 459.15 221.50 925.50
11/02/05 463.20 221.51 934.50
11/03/05 461.10 226.50 936.50
11/04/05 456.90 222.50 931.50
11/07/05 459.60 226.50 930.50
11/08/05 460.80 228.00 939.00
11/09/05 467.10 235.50 951.50
11/10/05 466.85 241.00 960.00
11/11/05 468.70 248.50 967.50
11/14/05 467.50 251.50 971.50
11/15/05 468.52 246.50 969.50
11/16/05 479.30 255.50 987.00
11/17/05 486.00 257.50 977.50
11/18/05 485.80 264.50 979.50
11/21/05 491.76 265.50 973.50
11/22/05 494.58 257.50 971.50
11/23/05 492.50 252.50 977.50
11/24/05 493.49 256.00 979.50
11/25/05 496.08 258.00 988.50
11/28/05 498.70 262.50 994.50
11/29/05 499.80 264.50 996.50
11/30/05 493.08 259.50 976.50
12/01/05 503.90 262.50 989.75
12/02/05 503.38 266.50 1000.75
12/05/05 509.40 271.50 1001.50
12/06/05 511.40 271.50 987.50
12/07/05 515.20 274.50 994.50
12/08/05 521.13 280.00 1000.50
12/09/05 526.40 286.50 1000.50
12/12/05 528.00 293.50 1016.50
12/13/05 518.70 271.50 992.00
12/14/05 506.50 262.50 965.00
12/15/05 502.98 265.00 958.00
12/16/05 503.24 261.00 957.50
12/19/05 503.80 260.50 973.50
12/20/05 492.25 258.50 957.50
12/21/05 495.33 245.50 953.50
12/22/05 504.33 250.00 962.50
12/23/05 502.80 254.50 961.00
12/26/05 505.13 254.50 960.50
12/27/05 507.90 256.00 966.00
12/28/05 516.60 259.50 969.75
12/29/05 516.90 255.00 964.50
12/30/05 517.00 254.50 970.50
01/02/06 516.88 254.00 966.50
01/03/06 534.15 268.50 977.50
01/04/06 534.40 272.50 994.50
01/05/06 524.80 261.50 985.50
01/06/06 539.95 271.50 995.50
01/09/06 548.95 275.50 1007.50
01/10/06 542.50 270.50 1010.00
01/11/06 547.50 273.25 1014.00
01/12/06 546.40 273.50 1020.50
01/13/06 557.34 281.50 1035.50
01/16/06 562.20 287.50 1049.50
01/17/06 554.80 283.00 1041.50
01/18/06 542.95 270.50 1024.50
01/19/06 557.80 276.00 1038.50
01/20/06 554.49 275.75 1034.50
01/23/06 559.40 275.50 1045.50
01/24/06 558.60 274.25 1048.50
01/25/06 563.40 281.00 1057.50
01/26/06 560.65 273.50 1057.50
01/27/06 559.50 275.50 1064.50
01/30/06 568.35 281.50 1072.75
01/31/06 568.90 294.00 1081.25
For illustrative purposes only; not representative of the Fund's portfolio
composition or performance.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
We believe that investing in gold and other precious metals offers an excellent
opportunity for diversification in an attractive asset class over the long term.
We like companies with multiple mines, attractive production profiles, strong
reserve bases and active exploration programs that can drive future reserve and
production growth. While the sector can be volatile, especially over the short
term, precious metals, such as gold, can be attractive because they are a hard
asset not tied to any particular country or financial system.
MANAGER'S DISCUSSION
Consolidation continued to be a major theme in the precious metals industry,
with Barrick Gold and Goldcorp launching a hostile bid for Placer Dome on
October 31, 2005. At period-end, Barrick Gold had acquired 81% of the
outstanding Placer Dome shares and taken control of the company. Gold Fields
also launched a bid to acquire Bolivar Gold.
The multi-year highs in bullion performance translated nicely into strong equity
gains for shareholders. Overall, the sector delivered exceptionally strong
performance, with many holdings rising more than 100% during the period. Among
these, some of the Fund's top performers were Centerra Gold, European Minerals,
Harmony Gold Mining, Yamana Gold, Gold Fields and Kinross Gold.
PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN
Based on Total Net Assets as of 1/31/06
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
Long Life Gold Mines 54.4%
Platinum & Palladium 12.2%
Medium Life Gold Mines 10.4%
Gold Exploration & Development 9.4%
Gold & Diversified Resources 8.4%
Mutual Funds 0.9%
Short-Term Investments & Other Net Assets 4.3%
5. Amounts shown are based on spot prices quoted in U.S. dollars per troy ounce.
Semiannual Report |5
TOP 10 HOLDINGS
1/31/06
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COMPANY % OF TOTAL
INDUSTRY, COUNTRY NET ASSETS
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Barrick Gold Corp. 10.0%
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, CANADA
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Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., ord. & ADR 6.9%
PLATINUM & PALLADIUM, SOUTH AFRICA
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Newcrest Mining Ltd. 6.4%
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, AUSTRALIA
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AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ord. & ADR 6.0%
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, SOUTH AFRICA
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Anglo Platinum Ltd. 4.6%
PLATINUM & PALLADIUM, SOUTH AFRICA
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Newmont Mining Corp. 4.3%
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, U.S.
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Meridian Gold Inc. 4.1%
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, U.S.
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Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., B 4.1%
GOLD AND DIVERSIFIED RESOURCES, U.S.
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Goldcorp Inc., common and warrants 3.8%
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, CANADA
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Kinross Gold Corp. 3.7%
MEDIUM LIFE GOLD MINES, CANADA
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Two of the largest drags on Fund performance were Compania de Minas Buenaventura
and Barrick Gold, although both holdings appreciated for the period. Barrick
Gold's 28% rise lagged the FTSE Gold Mines Index's, reflecting the uncertainty
surrounding its attempted acquisition of Placer Dome. Compania de Minas
Buenaventura increased 19% amid growing uncertainty about political developments
in Peru and a production warning by their joint venture partner Newmont Mining,
which implied significantly lower production from their flagship Yanacocha
operation.
We increased the Fund's exposure to gold exploration and development companies
with prospects positioned to take advantage of the current higher commodity
price environment. New Fund holdings included Aurizon Mines, Golden Star
Resources, Jinshuan Gold and platinum producer Lonmin.
Thank you for your participation in Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund. We
look forward to serving your future investment needs.
/s/Stephen M. Land
------------------
[PHOTO OMITTED] Stephen M. Land
Portfolio Manager
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
THE FOREGOING INFORMATION REFLECTS OUR ANALYSIS, OPINIONS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
AS OF JANUARY 31, 2006, 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 ADVISER 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.
6| Semiannual Report
Performance Summary as of 1/31/06
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 does 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.
PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
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CLASS A (SYMBOL: FKRCX) CHANGE 1/31/06 7/31/05
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Net Asset Value (NAV) +$12.68 $30.49 $17.81
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DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/05-1/31/06)
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Dividend Income $0.1556
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CLASS B (SYMBOL: FAGPX) CHANGE 1/31/06 7/31/05
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Net Asset Value (NAV) +$12.33 $29.57 $17.24
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DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/05-1/31/06)
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Dividend Income $0.0182
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CLASS C (SYMBOL: FRGOX) CHANGE 1/31/06 7/31/05
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Net Asset Value (NAV) +$12.45 $29.85 $17.40
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DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/05-1/31/06)
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Dividend Income $0.0322
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ADVISOR CLASS (SYMBOL: FGADX) CHANGE 1/31/06 7/31/05
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Net Asset Value (NAV) +$13.00 $31.28 $18.28
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DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/05-1/31/06)
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Dividend Income $0.2001
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Semiannual Report |7
Performance Summary (CONTINUED)
PERFORMANCE
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. CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN EXCLUDES SALES
CHARGES. AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AND VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT INCLUDE
MAXIMUM SALES CHARGES.
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CLASS A 6-MONTH 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Total Return 1 +72.35% +77.12% +256.90% +118.82%
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Average Annual Total Return 2 +62.41% +66.91% +27.45% +7.51%
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Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $16,241 $16,691 $33,630 $20,629
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avg. Ann. Total Return (12/31/05) 4 +32.51% +23.58% +7.23%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B 6-MONTH 1-YEAR 5-YEAR INCEPTION (1/1/99)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Total Return 1 +71.66% +75.74% +243.85% +300.87%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Return 2 +67.66% +71.74% +27.87% +21.65%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $16,766 $17,174 $34,185 $40,087
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avg. Ann. Total Return (12/31/05) 4 +35.44% +23.97% +18.96%
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CLASS C 6-MONTH 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Total Return 1 +71.70% +75.84% +244.00% +103.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Return 2 +70.70% +74.84% +28.03% +7.38%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $17,070 $17,484 $34,400 $20,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avg. Ann. Total Return (12/31/05) 4 +38.49% +24.14% +7.09%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISOR CLASS 5 6-MONTH 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Total Return 1 +72.46% +77.51% +261.28% +131.47%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Return 2 +72.46% +77.51% +29.29% +8.76%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $17,246 $17,751 $36,128 $23,147
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avg. Ann. Total Return (12/31/05) 4 +40.87% +25.37% +8.47%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE DATA REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE, WHICH DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE
RESULTS. INVESTMENT RETURN AND PRINCIPAL VALUE WILL FLUCTUATE, AND YOU MAY HAVE
A GAIN OR LOSS WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SHARES. CURRENT PERFORMANCE MAY DIFFER FROM
FIGURES SHOWN.
FOR MOST RECENT MONTH-END PERFORMANCE, SEE "FUNDS AND PERFORMANCE" AT
FRANKLINTEMPLETON.COM OR CALL 1-800/342-5236.
8| Semiannual Report
Performance Summary (CONTINUED)
ENDNOTES
INVESTING IN A NONDIVERSIFIED FUND CONCENTRATING IN THE PRECIOUS METALS SECTOR
INVOLVES SPECIAL RISKS, INCLUDING THOSE RELATED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PRICE OF
GOLD AND OTHER PRECIOUS METALS AND INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ADVERSE ECONOMIC
AND REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE SECTOR. IN ADDITION, THE FUND IS
SUBJECT TO THE RISKS OF CURRENCY FLUCTUATION AND POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
ASSOCIATED WITH FOREIGN INVESTING. INVESTMENTS IN DEVELOPING MARKETS INVOLVE
HEIGHTENED RISKS RELATED TO THE SAME FACTORS, IN ADDITION TO THOSE ASSOCIATED
WITH THEIR RELATIVELY SMALL SIZE AND LESSER LIQUIDITY. THE FUND'S PROSPECTUS
ALSO INCLUDES A DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN INVESTMENT RISKS.
CLASS A: Prior to 8/3/98, these shares were offered at a lower initial
sales charge; thus actual total returns may differ.
CLASS B: These shares have higher annual fees and expenses than Class A
shares.
CLASS C: Prior to 1/1/04, these shares were offered with an initial sales
charge; thus actual total returns would have differed. These
shares have higher annual fees and expenses than Class A shares.
ADVISOR CLASS: Shares are available to certain eligible investors as described
in the prospectus.
1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over
the periods indicated and does not include a sales charge.
2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of
an investment over the periods indicated and includes any current, applicable,
maximum sales charge. Six-month return has not been annualized.
3. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the
Fund over the periods indicated and include any current, applicable, maximum
sales charge.
4. In accordance with SEC rules, we provide standardized average annual total
return information through the latest calendar quarter.
5. Effective 1/2/97, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares, which do not
have sales charges or a Rule 12b-1 plan. Performance quotations for this class
reflect the following methods of calculation: (a) For periods prior to 1/2/97, a
restated figure is used based upon the Fund's Class A performance, excluding the
effect of Class A's maximum initial sales charge, but reflecting the effect of
the Class A Rule 12b-1 fees; and (b) for periods after 1/1/97, actual Advisor
Class performance is used reflecting all charges and fees applicable to that
class. Since 1/2/97 (commencement of sales), the cumulative and average annual
total returns of Advisor Class shares were +165.61% and +11.35%.
Semiannual Report |9
Your Fund's Expenses
As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs:
o Transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and
redemption fees; and
o 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 below provides
actual account values and expenses. The "Ending Account Value" is derived from
the Fund's actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses.
You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period, by following these
steps. OF COURSE, YOUR ACCOUNT VALUE AND EXPENSES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE IN THIS
ILLUSTRATION:
1. Divide your account value by $1,000.
IF AN ACCOUNT HAD AN $8,600 VALUE, THEN $8,600 / $1,000 = 8.6.
2. Multiply the result by the number under the heading "Expenses Paid During
Period."
IF EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD WERE $7.50, THEN 8.6 X $7.50 = $64.50.
In this illustration, the estimated expenses paid this period are $64.50.
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON WITH OTHER FUNDS
Information in the second line (Hypothetical) for each class in the table can
help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other
mutual funds. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending
account balance or expenses you paid during the period. The hypothetical "Ending
Account Value" is based on the actual expense ratio for each class and an
assumed 5% annual rate of return before expenses, which does not represent the
Fund's actual return. The figure under the heading "Expenses Paid During Period"
shows the hypothetical expenses your account would have incurred under this
scenario. You can compare this figure with the 5% hypothetical examples that
appear in shareholder reports of other funds.
10| Semiannual Report
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 OR
REDEMPTION FEES. 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.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEGINNING ACCOUNT ENDING ACCOUNT EXPENSES PAID DURING
CLASS A VALUE 8/1/05 VALUE 1/31/06 PERIOD* 8/1/05-1/31/06
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual $1,000 $1,723.50 $ 6.38
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,020.52 $ 4.74
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual $1,000 $1,716.60 $11.50
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,016.74 $ 8.54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual $1,000 $1,717.00 $11.51
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,016.74 $ 8.54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISOR CLASS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual $1,000 $1,724.60 $ 4.67
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,021.78 $ 3.47
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each class (A: 0.93%; B:
1.68%; C: 1.68%; and Advisor: 0.68%), multiplied by the average account value
over the period, multiplied by 184/365 to reflect the one-half year period.
Semiannual Report |11
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2006 YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
CLASS A (UNAUDITED) 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
Net asset value, beginning of period ............. $ 17.81 $ 15.94 $ 13.74 $ 10.28 $ 8.88 $ 7.90
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income a ......................... 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.13 0.13 0.25
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) ...... 12.81 1.84 2.25 3.44 1.52 0.84
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations ................. 12.84 1.88 2.30 3.57 1.65 1.09
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment income .... (0.16) (0.01) (0.10) (0.11) (0.25) (0.11)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees .................................. -- c -- c -- c -- -- --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period ................... $ 30.49 $ 17.81 $ 15.94 $ 13.74 $ 10.28 $ 8.88
===========================================================================
Total return b ................................... 72.35% 11.78% 16.68% 34.97% 18.97% 13.91%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's) ................ $768,501 $439,628 $394,292 $306,283 $200,627 $164,004
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses ........................................ 0.93% d 0.96% 0.96% 1.09% 1.13% 1.32%
Net investment income ........................... 0.25% d 0.21% 0.26% 1.05% 1.18% 2.86%
Portfolio turnover rate .......................... 9.13% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59% 12.77% 7.31%
a Based on average daily shares outstanding.
b Total return does not reflect sales commissions or the contingent deferred
sales charge, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.
c Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
d Annualized.
12| See notes to financial statements. | Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2006 YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
CLASS B (UNAUDITED) 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
Net asset value, beginning of period ............. $ 17.24 $ 15.54 $ 13.46 $ 10.11 $ 8.76 $ 7.82
------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) a .................. (0.05) (0.09) (0.08) 0.02 0.01 0.17
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) ...... 12.40 1.79 2.21 3.41 1.55 0.83
------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations ................. 12.35 1.70 2.13 3.43 1.56 1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment income .... (0.02) -- (0.05) (0.08) (0.21) (0.06)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees .................................. -- c -- c -- c -- -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period ................... $ 29.57 $ 17.24 $ 15.54 $ 13.46 $ 10.11 $ 8.76
==================================================================
Total return b ................................... 71.66% 10.94% 15.81% 34.08% 18.14% 12.78%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's) ................ $66,290 $41,270 $37,738 $26,278 $10,964 $4,037
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses ........................................ 1.68% d 1.70% 1.71% 1.85% 1.89% 2.08%
Net investment income (loss) (0.50)% d (0.53)% (0.49)% 0.29% 0.12% 1.88%
Portfolio turnover rate .......................... 9.13% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59% 12.77% 7.31%
a Based on average daily shares outstanding.
b Total return does not reflect the contingent deferred sales charge, and is not
annualized for periods less than one year.
c Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
d Annualized.
Semiannual Report | See notes to financial statements. |13
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2006 YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
CLASS C (UNAUDITED) 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
Net asset value, beginning of period ............ $ 17.40 $ 15.69 $ 13.59 $ 10.18 $ 8.80 $ 7.83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) a ................. (0.06) (0.09) (0.09) 0.04 0.04 0.18
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) ..... 12.54 1.80 2.23 3.43 1.53 0.83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations ................ 12.48 1.71 2.14 3.47 1.57 1.01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment income ... (0.03) -- (0.04) (0.06) (0.19) (0.04)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees ................................. -- c -- c -- c -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period .................. $ 29.85 $ 17.40 $ 15.69 $ 13.59 $ 10.18 $ 8.80
================================================================================
Total return b .................................. 71.70% 10.96% 15.77% 34.16% 18.09% 12.89%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's) ............... $ 211,100 $ 114,315 $ 101,962 $ 65,729 $ 38,219 $ 22,220
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses ....................................... 1.68% d 1.71% 1.71% 1.82% 1.88% 2.07%
Net investment income (loss) ................... (0.50)% d (0.54)% (0.49)% 0.32% 0.35% 2.11%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 9.13% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59% 12.77% 7.31%
a Based on average daily shares outstanding.
b Total return does not reflect the contingent deferred sales charge, and is not
annualized for periods less than one year.
c Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
d Annualized.
14| See notes to financial statements. | Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2006 YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
ADVISOR CLASS (UNAUDITED) 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
Net asset value, beginning of period ............ $ 18.28 $ 16.36 $ 14.08 $ 10.53 $ 9.09 $ 8.09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income a ........................ 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.15 0.28
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) ..... 13.14 1.89 2.33 3.60 1.56 0.85
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations ................ 13.20 1.97 2.41 3.69 1.71 1.13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net investment income ... (0.20) (0.05) (0.13) (0.14) (0.27) (0.13)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees ................................. -- c -- c -- c -- -- --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period .................. $ 31.28 $ 18.28 $ 16.36 $ 14.08 $ 10.53 $ 9.09
================================================================================
Total return b .................................. 72.46% 12.09% 16.91% 35.38% 19.38% 14.04%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's) ............... $ 55,622 $ 34,519 $ 35,351 $ 21,223 $ 5,573 $ 3,574
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses ....................................... 0.68% d 0.71% 0.71% 0.85% 0.90% 1.08%
Net investment income .......................... 0.50% d 0.46% 0.51% 1.29% 1.29% 3.15%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 9.13% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59% 12.77% 7.31%
a Based on average daily shares outstanding.
b Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.
c Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
d Annualized.
Semiannual Report | See notes to financial statements. |15
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTRY SHARES/WARRANTS VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS, WARRANTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS 95.7%
GOLD AND DIVERSIFIED RESOURCES 8.4%
Anglo American PLC ............................. South Africa 256,100 $ 9,842,107
Anglo American PLC, ADR ........................ South Africa 285,479 11,113,697
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., B ......... United States 699,211 44,924,307
a Mvelaphanda Resources Ltd. ..................... South Africa 2,250,000 11,324,095
a Oxiana Ltd. .................................... Australia 9,882,655 15,134,920
---------------
92,339,126
---------------
GOLD EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT 9.4%
a Alamos Gold Inc. ............................... Canada 696,400 5,638,718
a,b Alamos Gold Inc., 144A ......................... Canada 400,000 3,238,781
a,b Aurizon Mines Ltd., 144A ....................... Canada 1,800,000 3,145,693
a Ballarat Goldfields NL ......................... Australia 10,000,000 3,297,953
a Bendigo Mining Ltd. ............................ Australia 9,600,000 17,904,470
a,c European Minerals Corp. ........................ Canada 550,000 647,229
a,b,c European Minerals Corp., 144A .................. Canada 10,600,000 12,473,874
a,b,c European Minerals Corp., wts., 144A, 4/11/10 ... Canada 5,300,000 2,513,392
a Gammon Lake Resources Inc. ..................... Canada 1,364,500 19,436,366
a Golden Star Resources Ltd. ..................... Canada 750,000 2,733,380
a Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. ............................. Canada 710,000 5,811,188
a,b Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., 144A ....................... Canada 918,600 7,518,532
a,d Jinshan Gold Mines Inc. ........................ Canada 3,730,000 2,257,261
a,d Jinshan Gold Mines Inc., wts., 6/06/07 ......... Canada 1,865,000 102,528
a Metallica Resources Inc. ....................... Canada 500,000 1,492,930
a,b Metallica Resources Inc., 144A ................. Canada 988,998 2,953,011
a Metallica Resources Inc., wts., 12/11/08 ....... Canada 494,499 529,805
a Miramar Mining Corp. ........................... Canada 1,330,000 3,667,516
a Nevsun Resources Ltd. .......................... Canada 877,000 1,879,231
a Pan Australian Resources Ltd. .................. Australia 12,000,000 2,365,428
a,b Pan Australian Resources Ltd., 144A ............ Australia 5,000,000 985,595
a Shore Gold Inc. ................................ Canada 375,000 2,519,320
---------------
103,112,201
---------------
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES 54.4%
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. ........................ Canada 750,000 18,390,000
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ......................... South Africa 62,530 3,829,357
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ADR .................... South Africa 1,021,327 62,484,786
Barrick Gold Corp. ............................. Canada 3,506,284 110,307,679
a,b Centerra Gold Inc., 144A ....................... Canada 461,600 17,025,731
Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA .............. Peru 100,593 2,829,017
Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA, ADR ......... Peru 988,986 27,414,692
a Glamis Gold Ltd. ............................... Canada 948,500 30,323,545
Gold Fields Ltd. ............................... South Africa 604,999 14,180,990
Gold Fields Ltd., ADR .......................... South Africa 854,528 20,149,770
Goldcorp Inc. .................................. Canada 1,062,500 29,065,491
Goldcorp Inc. (USD Traded) ..................... Canada 287,500 7,866,000
a Goldcorp Inc., wts., 5/30/07 ................... Canada 912,500 4,872,223
a Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. ................... South Africa 1,343,000 24,551,798
a Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR .............. South Africa 300,000 5,589,000
Highland Gold Mining Ltd. ...................... United Kingdom 524,000 2,782,918
16| Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTRY SHARES/WARRANTS VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS, WARRANTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS (CONT.)
LONG LIFE GOLD MINES (CONT.)
a Lihir Gold Ltd. ................................ Papua New Guinea 8,566,841 $ 15,717,780
a,b Lihir Gold Ltd., ADR, 144A ..................... Papua New Guinea 50,000 1,876,000
a Meridian Gold Inc. ............................. United States 1,670,260 45,307,491
Newcrest Mining Ltd. ........................... Australia 3,530,828 70,134,708
Newmont Mining Corp. ........................... United States 770,714 47,630,125
a Randgold Resources Ltd., ADR. .................. United Kingdom 1,843,250 33,067,905
a Western Areas Ltd. ............................. South Africa 522,691 3,753,167
a Western Areas Ltd., ADR ........................ South Africa 26,430 189,780
---------------
599,339,953
---------------
MEDIUM LIFE GOLD MINES 10.4%
a Cambior Inc. ................................... Canada 2,130,000 6,715,289
a Eldorado Gold Corp. ............................ Canada 2,145,000 10,831,430
IAMGOLD Corp. .................................. Canada 387,400 3,606,253
Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd. .................... Australia 1,855,148 8,368,559
a Kinross Gold Corp. ............................. Canada 3,513,012 40,414,909
a Northgate Minerals Corp. ....................... Canada 1,150,000 2,555,107
a Queenstake Resources Ltd. ...................... Canada 7,500,000 2,469,922
a Rio Narcea Gold Mines Ltd. ..................... Canada 1,300,000 2,568,719
a SEMAFO Inc. .................................... Canada 3,000,000 5,901,466
a,d SEMAFO Inc., wts., 144A, 12/18/06 .............. Canada 1,225,000 928,405
a Yamana Gold Inc. ............................... Canada 3,830,940 30,951,654
---------------
115,311,713
---------------
MUTUAL FUNDS 0.9%
Central Fund of Canada Ltd., A ................. Canada 1,255,000 9,613,300
---------------
PLATINUM & PALLADIUM 12.2%
Anglo Platinum Ltd. ............................ South Africa 40,000 3,327,776
Anglo Platinum Ltd., ADR ....................... South Africa 571,138 47,515,484
Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. .................. South Africa 248,000 42,983,774
Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., ADR ............. South Africa 771,200 33,416,418
Lonmin PLC ..................................... United Kingdom 100,000 3,722,086
a Stillwater Mining Co. .......................... United States 253,246 3,672,067
---------------
134,637,605
---------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS, WARRANTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS
(COST $464,942,336) ............................. 1,054,353,898
---------------
Semiannual Report |17
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $39,123,144) 3.6%
MONEY FUND 3.6%
e Franklin Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money
Market Portfolio ............................... United States 39,123,144 $ 39,123,144
---------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $504,065,480) 99.3% .... 1,093,477,042
OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES 0.7% ............ 8,036,865
---------------
NET ASSETS 100.0% .............................. $1,101,513,907
===============
SELECTED PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
ADR - American Depository Receipt
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 January 31, 2006, the aggregate value of these
securities was $51,730,609, representing 4.70% of net assets.
c See Note 9 regarding holdings of 5% voting securities.
d See Note 8 regarding restricted and illiquid securities.
e See Note 10 regarding investments in Franklin Institutional Fiduciary Trust
Money Market Portfolio.
18| See notes to financial statements. | Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
January 31, 2006 (unaudited)
Assets:
Investments in securities:
Cost - Unaffiliated issuers .......................... $ 458,113,208
Cost - Non-controlled affiliated issuers (Note 9) .... 6,829,128
Cost - Sweep Money Fund (Note 10) .................... 39,123,144
----------------
Total cost of investments ............................ $ 504,065,480
================
Value - Unaffiliated issuers ......................... $ 1,038,719,403
Value - Non-controlled affiliated issuers (Note 9) ... 15,634,495
Value - Sweep Money Fund (Note 10) ................... 39,123,144
----------------
Total value of investments ........................... 1,093,477,042
Cash .................................................. 2,098,091
Foreign currency, at value (cost $2,478,670) .......... 2,563,879
Receivables:
Capital shares sold .................................. 9,624,585
Dividends ............................................ 256,475
----------------
Total assets ...................................... 1,108,020,072
----------------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Investment securities purchased ...................... 182,264
Capital shares redeemed .............................. 5,379,450
Affiliates ........................................... 882,421
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ................ 62,030
----------------
Total liabilities .................................... 6,506,165
----------------
Net assets, at value .......................... $ 1,101,513,907
================
Net assets consist of:
Paid-in capital ....................................... $ 489,881,978
Distributions in excess of net investment income ...... (3,507,390)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ............ 589,497,097
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) .................. 25,642,222
----------------
Net assets, at value .......................... $ 1,101,513,907
================
Semiannual Report | See notes to financial statements. |19
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
January 31, 2006 (unaudited)
CLASS A:
Net assets, at value ......................................................... $ 768,501,164
==============
Shares outstanding ........................................................... 25,202,968
==============
Net asset value per share a .................................................. $ 30.49
==============
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share / 94.25%) ........ $ 32.35
==============
CLASS B:
Net assets, at value ......................................................... $ 66,290,093
==============
Shares outstanding ........................................................... 2,242,007
==============
Net asset value and maximum offering price per share a ....................... $ 29.57
==============
CLASS C:
Net assets, at value ......................................................... $ 211,100,204
==============
Shares outstanding ........................................................... 7,072,460
==============
Net asset value and maximum offering price per share a ....................... $ 29.85
==============
ADVISOR CLASS:
Net assets, at value ......................................................... $ 55,622,446
==============
Shares outstanding ........................................................... 1,778,314
==============
Net asset value and maximum offering price per share a ....................... $ 31.28
==============
a Redemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales
charges, if applicable, and redemption fees retained by the Fund.
20| See notes to financial statements. | Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
for the period ended January 31, 2006 (unaudited)
Investment income:
Dividends
Unaffiliated issuers ................................. $ 4,480,991
Sweep Money Fund (Note 10) ........................... 221,171
Interest .............................................. 3,589
--------------
Total investment income ......................... 4,705,751
--------------
Expenses:
Management fees (Note 3a) ............................. 1,960,547
Distribution fees (Note 3c)
Class A .............................................. 697,554
Class B .............................................. 255,353
Class C .............................................. 749,593
Transfer agent fees (Note 3e) ......................... 580,401
Custodian fees (Note 4) ............................... 36,403
Reports to shareholders ............................... 43,242
Registration and filing fees .......................... 48,584
Professional fees ..................................... 11,751
Trustees' fees and expenses ........................... 8,450
Other ................................................. 9,303
--------------
Total expenses .................................. 4,401,181
Expense reductions (Note 4) ..................... (148)
--------------
Net expenses ................................... 4,401,033
--------------
Net investment income ......................... 304,718
--------------
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investments .......................................... 41,269,385
Foreign currency transactions ........................ 2,379
--------------
Net realized gain (loss) ....................... 41,271,764
--------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Investments ....................................... 410,730,533
Translation of assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies .............................. 85,535
--------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) ................................ 410,816,068
--------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ................ 452,087,832
--------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations .......................................... $ 452,392,550
==============
Semiannual Report | See notes to financial statements.|21
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
---------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2006 YEAR ENDED
(UNAUDITED) JULY 31, 2005
---------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets:
Operations:
Net investment income ................................................................ $ 304,718 $ 270,035
Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions .......... 41,271,764 16,486,556
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies ......... 410,816,068 51,129,638
---------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations ................ 452,392,550 67,886,229
---------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income:
Class A ............................................................................. (3,751,799) (196,281)
Class B ............................................................................. (41,911) --
Class C ............................................................................. (219,065) --
Advisor Class ....................................................................... (348,876) (115,006)
---------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders ................................................... (4,361,651) (311,287)
---------------------------------
Capital share transactions: (Note 2)
Class A ............................................................................. 17,697,456 (3,154,226)
Class B ............................................................................. (3,416,902) (404,873)
Class C ............................................................................. 12,082,893 1,304,585
Advisor Class ....................................................................... (2,620,383) (4,939,072)
---------------------------------
Total capital share transactions ...................................................... 23,743,064 (7,193,586)
---------------------------------
Redemption fees ....................................................................... 7,677 8,647
---------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets .......................................... 471,781,640 60,390,003
Net assets:
Beginning of period ................................................................... 629,732,267 569,342,264
---------------------------------
End of period ......................................................................... $ 1,101,513,907 $ 629,732,267
=================================
Distributions in excess of net investment income/undistributed net investment income
included in net assets:
End of period ......................................................................... $ (3,507,390) $ 549,543
=================================
22| See notes to financial statements. | Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (the Fund) is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, open-end investment
company.
The following summarizes the Fund's significant accounting policies.
A. SECURITY VALUATION
Securities listed on a securities 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. Over-the-counter securities and listed securities for
which there is no reported sale 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. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset
value.
Foreign 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. If no sale is reported at that time, the foreign security will be
valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. 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 foreign
security is determined.
The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of individual securities and
other assets for which market prices are not readily available or which may not
be reliably priced. Methods for valuing these securities may include:
fundamental analysis, matrix pricing, discounts from market prices of similar
securities, or discounts applied due to the nature and duration of restrictions
on the disposition of the securities. Due to the inherent uncertainty of
valuations of such securities, the fair values may differ significantly from the
values that would have been used had a ready market for such investments
existed. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a
security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question
the availability (including the reliability) of the value of a portfolio
security 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. All security valuation procedures are approved by the Fund's Board of
Trustees.
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. 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.
Semiannual Report |23
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
B. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION (CONTINUED)
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.
C. FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
When the Fund purchases or sells foreign securities it may enter into foreign
exchange contracts to minimize foreign exchange risk from the trade date to the
settlement date of the transactions. A foreign exchange contract is an agreement
between two parties to exchange different currencies at an agreed upon exchange
rate on a specified date. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these
contracts are included in the Statement of Operations.
The risks of these contracts include movement in the values of the foreign
currencies relative to the U.S. dollar and the possible inability of the
counterparties to fulfill their obligations under the contracts, which may be in
excess of the amount reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
D. INCOME TAXES
No provision has been made for U.S. income taxes because the Fund's policy is to
continue 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.
Foreign securities held by the Fund may be subject to foreign taxation. Foreign
taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in
the foreign markets in which the Fund invests.
E. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME, EXPENSES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses
on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis.
Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income 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). Such distributions
are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Distributable earnings
determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. These differences
24| Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
E. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME, EXPENSES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(CONTINUED)
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, other than
class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon
the relative proportion of net assets of each class.
F. 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.
G. REDEMPTION FEES
A short term trading redemption fee will be imposed, with some exceptions, on
any Fund shares that are redeemed or exchanged within seven calendar days
following their purchase date. The redemption fee is 2% of the amount redeemed.
Such fees are retained by the Fund and accounted for as an addition to paid-in
capital.
H. 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. However, based on experience, the
Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor
Class. Effective March 1, 2005, Class B shares are only offered to existing
Class B shareholders in the form of reinvested distributions and certain
exchanges from other Franklin Templeton Class B shares. 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.
Semiannual Report |25
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST (CONTINUED)
At January 31, 2006, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized ($0.01
par value). Transactions in the Fund's shares were as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2006 JULY 31, 2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES:
Shares sold ................................ 8,121,294 $ 188,767,201 11,059,746 $ 194,135,361
Shares issued in reinvestment of
distributions ............................. 141,715 3,284,951 8,786 171,070
Shares redeemed ............................ (7,743,025) (174,354,696) (11,118,040) (197,460,657)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) .................... 519,984 $ 17,697,456 (49,508) $ (3,154,226)
==================================================================================
CLASS B SHARES:
Shares sold ................................ 209,911 $ 4,613,298 468,037 $ 8,154,926
Shares issued in reinvestment of
distributions ............................. 1,657 37,296 -- --
Shares redeemed ............................ (363,925) (8,067,496) (502,670) (8,559,799)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) .................... (152,357) $ (3,416,902) (34,633) $ (404,873)
==================================================================================
CLASS C SHARES:
Shares sold ................................ 1,455,468 $ 33,818,874 1,406,424 $ 24,673,748
Shares issued in reinvestment of
distributions ............................. 7,924 180,030 -- --
Shares redeemed ............................ (959,700) (21,916,011) (1,337,493) (23,369,163)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) .................... 503,692 $ 12,082,893 68,931 $ 1,304,585
==================================================================================
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES:
Shares sold ................................ 103,445 $ 2,533,896 482,952 $ 8,680,605
Shares issued in reinvestment of
distributions ............................. 12,610 299,758 5,639 112,495
Shares redeemed ............................ (225,768) (5,454,037) (761,539) (13,732,172)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) .................... (109,713) $ (2,620,383) (272,948) $ (4,939,072)
==================================================================================
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 AFFILIATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) Investment manager
Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services) Administrative manager
Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) Principal underwriter
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services) Transfer agent
26| Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (CONTINUED)
A. MANAGEMENT FEES
The Fund pays an investment management fee to Advisers based on the month-end
net assets of the Fund as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUALIZED FEE RATE NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.625% Up to and including $100 million
0.500% Over $100 million, up to and including $250 million
0.450% In excess of $250 million
B. ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Under an agreement with Advisers, FT Services provides administrative services
to the Fund. The fee is paid by Advisers based on average daily net assets, and
is not an additional expense of the Fund.
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 up to 0.25% per year of Class A's average daily net
assets for costs incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of the
Fund's shares. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plan, costs
exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in
subsequent periods.
Under the Fund's compensation distribution plans, the Fund pays Distributors for
costs incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of the Fund's shares
up to a certain percentage per year of its average daily net assets of each
class as follows:
Class B ........................................................... 1.00%
Class C ........................................................... 1.00%
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 period:
Net sales charges received a ............................. $ 280,758
Contingent deferred sales charges retained ............... $ 86,997
a Net of commissions paid to unaffiliated broker/dealers.
E. TRANSFER AGENT FEES
The Fund paid transfer agent fees of $580,401, of which $390,663 was retained by
Investor Services.
Semiannual Report |27
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
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 period ended January 31, 2006, the
custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statement of Operations.
5. INCOME TAXES
At July 31, 2005, the Fund had tax basis capital losses which may be carried
over to offset future capital gains, if any. At July 31, 2005, the capital loss
carryforwards were as follows:
Capital loss carryovers expiring in:
2007 ....................................................... $11,772,239
2008 ....................................................... 2,754,018
2009 ....................................................... 1,043,050
------------
$15,569,307
============
Net investment income (loss) differs for financial statement and tax purposes
primarily due to differing treatments of foreign currency transactions and
passive foreign investment company shares.
Net realized gains (losses) differ for financial statement and tax purposes
primarily due to differing treatments of wash sales and foreign currency
transactions.
At January 31, 2006, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:
Cost of investments ....................................... $509,549,465
=============
Unrealized appreciation ................................... $587,123,564
Unrealized depreciation ................................... (3,195,987)
-------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ................ $583,927,577
=============
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the
period ended January 31, 2006, aggregated $71,305,890 and $91,090,134,
respectively.
7. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Investing in foreign securities may include certain risks and considerations not
typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, such as fluctuating
currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social
conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, certain
foreign securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities.
28| Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
8. RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
At January 31, 2006, investments in securities included issues that are
restricted and illiquid. Restricted securities are often purchased in private
placement transactions, and cannot be sold without prior registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, unless the sale is pursuant to an exemption under the
1933 Act. The Fund has registration rights for all restricted securities held at
period end. The issuer generally incurs all registration costs.
A security may be considered illiquid if it lacks a readily available market or
if its valuation has not changed for a certain period of time. At January 31,
2006, the Fund held investments in restricted and illiquid securities, valued in
accordance with procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees as
reflecting fair value, as follows:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES AND ACQUISITION
WARRANTS ISSUER DATE COST VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,730,000 Jinshan Gold Mines Inc. ..................... 12/14/05 $1,619,486 $2,257,261
1,865,000 Jinshan Gold Mines Inc., wts., 6/06/07 ...... 12/14/05 -- 102,528
1,225,000 a SEMAFO Inc., wts., 144A, 12/18/06 ......... 12/18/03 21,630 928,405
-----------
TOTAL RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES (0.30% of Net Assets) $3,288,194
===========
a The Fund also invests in unrestricted securities of the issuer, valued at
$5,901,466 as of January 31, 2006.
9. HOLDINGS OF 5% VOTING SECURITIES OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
The Investment Company Act of 1940 defines "affiliated companies" to include
investments in portfolio companies in which a fund owns 5% or more of the
outstanding voting securities. Investments in "affiliated companies" for the
Fund at January 31, 2006 were as shown below.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES/ NUMBER OF SHARES/ REALIZED
WARRANTS HELD AT GROSS GROSS WARRANTS HELD AT VALUE AT INVESTMENT CAPITAL
NAME OF ISSUER BEGINNING OF PERIOD ADDITIONS REDUCTIONS END OF PERIOD END OF PERIOD INCOME GAIN (LOSS)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-CONTROLLED
AFFILIATES
European
Minerals Corp. ..... 550,000 -- -- 550,000 $ 647,229 $ -- $ --
European Minerals
Corp., 144A ........ 10,600,000 -- -- 10,600,000 12,473,874 -- --
European Minerals
Corp., wts.,
144A, 4/11/10 ...... 5,300,000 -- -- 5,300,000 2,513,392 -- --
--------------------------------------
TOTAL NON-CONTROLLED AFFILIATED SECURITIES (1.42% of Net Assets) $ 15,634,495 $ -- $ --
======================================
10. INVESTMENTS IN FRANKLIN INSTITUTIONAL FIDUCIARY TRUST MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
The Fund may invest in the Franklin Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market
Portfolio (the Sweep Money Fund), an open-end investment company managed by
Advisers. 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.
Semiannual Report |29
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
11. REGULATORY MATTERS
As part of various investigations by a number of federal, state, and foreign
regulators and governmental entities, relating to certain practices in the
mutual fund industry, including late trading, market timing and marketing
support payments to securities dealers who sell fund shares, Franklin Resources,
Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"), entered into
settlements with certain of those regulators.
Specifically, the Company entered into settlements with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") concerning market timing (the "August 2, 2004 SEC
Order") and marketing support payments to securities dealers who sell fund
shares (the "December 13, 2004 SEC Order") and with the California Attorney
General's Office ("CAGO") concerning marketing support payments to securities
dealers who sell fund shares (the "CAGO Settlement"). Under the terms of the
settlements with the SEC and the CAGO, the Company retained an Independent
Distribution Consultant ("IDC") to develop a plan for distribution of the
respective settlement monies. The CAGO approved the distribution plan under the
CAGO Settlement and, in accordance with the terms and conditions of that
settlement, the monies were disbursed to the relevant funds in March, 2005. The
SEC has not yet approved the distribution plan pertaining to the December 13,
2004 SEC Order. When approved, disbursements of settlement monies will be made
promptly to the relevant funds, in accordance with the terms and conditions of
that order. The IDC has also prepared and submitted to the SEC for its approval
a plan of distribution under the August 2, 2004 SEC Order that resolved the
SEC's market timing investigation.
In addition, the Company, as well as most of the mutual funds within Franklin
Templeton Investments and certain current or former officers, directors, and/or
employees, have been named in private lawsuits (styled as shareholder class
actions, or as derivative actions on behalf of either the named funds or
Franklin Resources, Inc.) relating to the industry practices referenced above,
as well as to allegedly excessive advisory fees, commissions, and/or 12b-1 fees.
The lawsuits were filed in different courts throughout the country. Many of
those suits are now pending in a multi-district litigation in the United States
District Court for the District of Maryland.
The Company and fund management strongly believe that the claims made in each of
the private lawsuits referenced above are without merit and intends to defend
against them vigorously. The Company cannot predict with certainty the eventual
outcome of these lawsuits, nor whether they will have a material negative impact
on the Company. If it is determined that the Company bears responsibility for
any unlawful or inappropriate conduct that caused losses to the Fund, it is
committed to making the Fund or its shareholders whole, as appropriate.
30| Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
TAX DESIGNATION (UNAUDITED)
At July 31, 2005, more than 50% of the Fund's total assets were invested in
securities of foreign issuers. In most instances, foreign taxes were withheld
from dividends 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 Internal Revenue Code. This
designation will allow shareholders of record on November 30, 2005, to treat
their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund as having been paid
directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes
paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.
The following tables provide a detailed analysis by country, of foreign tax
paid, and foreign source income, and foreign qualified dividends as designated
by the Fund, to Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shareholders of
record.
Record Date: 11/30/2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A
FOREIGN TAX FOREIGN FOREIGN
PAID SOURCE INCOME QUALIFIED DIVIDENDS
COUNTRY PER SHARE PER SHARE PER SHARE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia ............................... $ 0.0000 $ 0.0005 $ 0.0005
Canada .................................. 0.0052 0.0016 0.0016
Peru .................................... 0.0006 0.0006 0.0005
South Africa ............................ 0.0000 0.0054 0.0054
United Kingdom .......................... 0.0000 0.0009 0.0009
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ................................... $ 0.0058 $ 0.0090 $ 0.0089
==================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B
FOREIGN TAX FOREIGN FOREIGN
PAID SOURCE INCOME QUALIFIED DIVIDENDS
COUNTRY PER SHARE PER SHARE PER SHARE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia ............................... $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000
Canada .................................. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Peru .................................... 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
South Africa ............................ 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
United Kingdom .......................... 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ................................... $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000
==================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C
FOREIGN TAX FOREIGN FOREIGN
PAID SOURCE INCOME QUALIFIED DIVIDENDS
COUNTRY PER SHARE PER SHARE PER SHARE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia ............................... $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000
Canada .................................. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Peru .................................... 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
South Africa ............................ 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
United Kingdom .......................... 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ................................... $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000
==================================================
Semiannual Report |31
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
TAX DESIGNATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISOR CLASS
FOREIGN TAX FOREIGN FOREIGN
PAID SOURCE INCOME QUALIFIED DIVIDENDS
COUNTRY PER SHARE PER SHARE PER SHARE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia ............................... $ 0.0000 $ 0.0024 $ 0.0024
Canada .................................. 0.0052 0.0068 0.0068
Peru .................................... 0.0006 0.0028 0.0025
South Africa ............................ 0.0000 0.0236 0.0236
United Kingdom .......................... 0.0000 0.0038 0.0038
--------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ................................... $ 0.0058 $ 0.0394 $ 0.0391
==================================================
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
In January 2006 shareholders received Form 1099-DIV which included their share
of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the calendar year
2005. 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 2005 individual income tax returns.
1 Qualified dividends are taxed at a maximum rate of 15% (5% for those in the
10% and 15% income tax brackets). 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.
32| Semiannual Report
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Fund 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 1-954/847-2268 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
1-800/SEC-0330.
Semiannual Report |33
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Literature Request
LITERATURE REQUEST. TO RECEIVE A BROCHURE AND PROSPECTUS, PLEASE CALL US AT
1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800/342-5236) OR VISIT FRANKLINTEMPLETON.COM. INVESTORS
SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER A FUND'S INVESTMENT GOALS, RISKS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
BEFORE INVESTING. THE PROSPECTUS CONTAINS THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE
CAREFULLY READ THE PROSPECTUS BEFORE INVESTING. To ensure the highest quality of
service, we may monitor, record and access telephone calls to or from our
service departments. These calls can be identified by the presence of a regular
beeping tone.
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTMENTS
INTERNATIONAL
Mutual European Fund
Templeton China World Fund
Templeton Developing Markets Trust
Templeton Foreign Fund
Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund
Templeton International (Ex EM) Fund
GLOBAL
Mutual Discovery Fund
Templeton Global Long-Short Fund
Templeton Global Opportunities Trust
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund
Templeton Growth Fund
Templeton World Fund
GROWTH
Franklin Aggressive Growth Fund
Franklin Capital Growth Fund
Franklin Flex Cap Growth Fund
Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund
Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund II 1
VALUE
Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund 2
Franklin Equity Income Fund
Franklin Large Cap Value Fund
Franklin MicroCap Value Fund 2
Franklin MidCap Value Fund
Franklin Small Cap Value Fund
Mutual Beacon Fund
Mutual Qualified Fund
Mutual Recovery Fund 3
Mutual Shares Fund
BLEND
Franklin Blue Chip Fund
Franklin Convertible Securities Fund
Franklin Growth Fund
Franklin Rising Dividends Fund
Franklin U.S. Long-Short Fund
SECTOR
Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund
Franklin DynaTech Fund
Franklin Global Communications Fund
Franklin Global Health Care Fund
Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund
Franklin Natural Resources Fund
Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund
Franklin Technology Fund
Franklin Utilities Fund
Mutual Financial Services Fund
ASSET ALLOCATION
Franklin Templeton Corefolio Allocation Fund
Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Fund
Franklin Templeton Perspectives Allocation Fund
TARGET FUNDS
Franklin Templeton Conservative Target Fund
Franklin Templeton Growth Target Fund
Franklin Templeton Moderate Target Fund
INCOME
Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund 4
Franklin's AGE High Income Fund
Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund
Franklin Income Fund
Franklin Limited Maturity U.S. Government Securities Fund 4
Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund
Franklin Real Return Fund
Franklin Strategic Income Fund
Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio
Franklin Templeton Hard Currency Fund
Franklin Total Return Fund
Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund 4
Templeton Global Bond Fund
Templeton Income Fund
TAX-FREE INCOME 5
NATIONAL FUNDS
Double Tax-Free Income Fund
Federal Tax-Free Income Fund
High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund
Insured Tax-Free Income Fund 6
LIMITED-TERM FUNDS
California Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund
Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund
New York Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund
INTERMEDIATE-TERM FUNDS
California Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund
Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund
New York Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund
STATE-SPECIFIC
Alabama
Arizona
California 7
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida 7
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts 6
Michigan 6
Minnesota 6
Missouri
New Jersey
New York 7
North Carolina
Ohio 7
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Virginia
INSURANCE FUNDS
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust 8
1. The fund is closed to new investors. Existing shareholders can
continue adding to their accounts.
2. The fund is only open to existing shareholders and select retirement plans.
3. The fund is a continuously offered, closed-end fund. Shares may be purchased
daily; there is no daily redemption. However, each quarter, pending board
approval, the fund will authorize the repurchase of 5%-25% of the outstanding
number of shares. Investors may tender all or a portion of their shares during
the tender period.
4. An investment in the fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S.
government or by any other entity or institution.
5. For investors subject to the alternative minimum tax, a small portion of fund
dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable.
6. Portfolio of insured municipal securities.
7. These funds are available in two or more variations, including long-term
portfolios, portfolios of insured securities, a high-yield portfolio (CA) and
limited-term, intermediate-term and money market portfolios (CA and NY).
8. The funds of the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust are
generally available only through insurance company variable contracts.
06/05 Not part of the semiannual report
[LOGO](R)
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON One Franklin Parkway
INVESTMENTS San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
WANT TO RECEIVE THIS DOCUMENT FASTER VIA EMAIL?
Eligible shareholders can sign up for eDelivery at franklintempleton.com. See
inside for details.
SEMIANNUAL REPORT AND SHAREHOLDER LETTER
FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
DISTRIBUTOR
Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.
1-800/DIAL BEN(R)
franklintempleton.com
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800/632-2301
Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a prospectus.
Investors should carefully consider a fund's investment goals, risks, charges
and expenses before investing. The prospectus contains this and other
information; please read it carefully before investing.
To ensure the highest quality of service, telephone calls to or from our service
departments may be monitored, recorded and accessed. These calls can be
identified by the presence of a regular beeping tone.
132 S2006 03/06
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 Frank W. T. LaHaye and he is
"independent" as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission
Rules and Releases.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. N/A
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 Jimmy D. Gambill, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and
Galen G. Vetter, Chief Financial Officer
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of
Jimmy D. Gambill, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and
Galen G. Vetter, Chief Financial Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND
By /S/ JIMMY D. GAMBILL
Jimmy D. Gambill
Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration
Date March 22, 2006
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/ JIMMY D. GAMBILL
Jimmy D. Gambill
Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration
Date March 22, 2006
By /S/ GALEN G. VETTER
Galen G. Vetter
Chief Financial Officer
Date March 22, 2006