-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VtzTUTVFY4HD2/M0T8UI+z3qyLgudLlyeSQ/edpIJODv2okdQDzp7RLjmIczBjAp uLcu1qc3izW/pgjPUTefzg== 0000083293-07-000013.txt : 20071001 0000083293-07-000013.hdr.sgml : 20071001 20071001133137 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000083293-07-000013 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSR PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070731 FILED AS OF DATE: 20071001 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20071001 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20071001 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000083293 IRS NUMBER: 941682682 FISCAL YEAR END: 0731 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSR SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-01700 FILM NUMBER: 071145107 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY CITY: SAN MATEO STATE: CA ZIP: 94403-1906 BUSINESS PHONE: 650-312-2000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY CITY: SAN MATEO STATE: CA ZIP: 94403-1906 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN GOLD FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: RESEARCH CAPITAL FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19831025 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WINCAP FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19730726 0000083293 S000006839 FRANKLIN GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS FUND C000018486 CLASS A FKRCX C000018487 CLASS B FAGPX C000018488 CLASS C FRGOX C000018489 ADVISOR CLASS FGADX N-CSR 1 ncsr.txt UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act file number 811-01700 --------- FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND -------------------------------------- (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 ------------------------------------------------------------- (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 650 312-2000 ------------ Date of fiscal year end: 7/31 ---- Date of reporting period: 7/31/07 ------- ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. [GRAPHIC OMITTED] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JULY 31, 2007 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL REPORT AND SHAREHOLDER LETTER SECTOR - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MUTUAL FUNDS | RETIREMENT PLANS | 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS | SEPARATE ACCOUNTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Not part of the annual report Contents SHAREHOLDER LETTER ........................................................ 1 ANNUAL REPORT Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund .................................... 3 Performance Summary ....................................................... 8 Your Fund's Expenses ...................................................... 13 Financial Highlights and Statement of Investments ......................... 15 Financial Statements ...................................................... 22 Notes to Financial Statements ............................................. 26 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ................... 34 Tax Designation ........................................................... 35 Meeting of Shareholders ................................................... 36 Board Members and Officers ................................................ 39 Shareholder Information ................................................... 43 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholder Letter Dear Shareholder: During the 12 months ended July 31, 2007, moderate economic growth was supported by robust consumer spending and strong corporate profits. However, the pace in the first half of 2007 was restrained by volatile energy prices, ongoing housing market weakness and tightening credit due to increasing defaults and foreclosures in the subprime mortgage market. Core inflation was mostly contained during the reporting period, although headline, or overall, inflation rose due to higher food and energy prices. In this environment, a cautious Federal Reserve Board warned that inflation posed a greater risk to the economy than recession. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) had a +16.22% total return, the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned +20.84% and the NASDAQ Composite Index returned +22.66% for the 12 months under review. 1 In the enclosed annual report for Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund, the portfolio manager discusses market conditions, investment management decisions and Fund performance during the period under review. You will also find other performance data and financial information. Please remember that all securities markets fluctuate, as do mutual fund share prices. 1. Source: Standard & Poor's Micropal. 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 is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance. 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. 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. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- eDELIVERY DETAILS Log in at franklintempleton.com and click on eDelivery. Shareholders who are registered at franklintempleton.com can receive these reports via email. Not all accounts are eligible for eDelivery. - ----------------------------------------------------- NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK GUARANTEE - ----------------------------------------------------- Not part of the annual report | 1 If you would like more frequent updates, FRANKLINTEMPLETON.COM provides daily prices, monthly performance figures, portfolio holdings and other information. You can also access your account, buy and sell shares, read timely articles, and find helpful financial planning tools. We hope you will take advantage of these online services. As always, we recommend investors consult their financial advisors and review their portfolios to design a long-term strategy and portfolio allocation that meet their individual needs, goals and risk tolerance. We firmly believe that most people benefit from professional advice, and that advice is invaluable as investors navigate changing market environments. We thank you for investing with Franklin Templeton, welcome your questions and comments, and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years ahead. Sincerely, /s/ Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund THIS LETTER REFLECTS OUR ANALYSIS AND OPINIONS AS OF JULY 31, 2007. THE INFORMATION IS NOT A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF EVERY ASPECT OF ANY MARKET, COUNTRY, INDUSTRY, SECURITY OR FUND. STATEMENTS OF FACT ARE FROM SOURCES CONSIDERED RELIABLE. 2 | Not part of the annual report Annual 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 gold and precious metals operation companies. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This annual report for Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund covers the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund - Class A delivered a cumulative total return of +15.94% for the 12 months ended July 31, 2007. The Fund under-performed the broad Standard & Poor's 500 Index's (S&P 500's) +16.22% total return, but outperformed the sector-specific FTSE Gold Mines Index's - -0.41% price return during the same period. 1 You can find the Fund's long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 8. ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW During the 12 months ended July 31, 2007, the U.S. economy advanced at a moderate but uneven pace. Although gross domestic product (GDP) grew at 1.1% and 2.1% annualized rates in the third and fourth quarters of 2006 due in part to strong domestic demand and a healthy increase in exports, the U.S. entered 2007 with a record current account deficit. Corporate profits and government spending generally remained robust. The struggling housing market grew more fragile with the abrupt unraveling of the subprime mortgage market. This exacerbated already weak housing prices and an inventory glut in most of 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. THE DOLLAR VALUE, NUMBER OF SHARES OR PRINCIPAL AMOUNT, AND NAMES OF ALL PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS ARE LISTED IN THE FUND'S STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (SOI). THE SOI BEGINS ON PAGE 19. Annual Report | 3 GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN Based on Total Net Assets as of 7/31/07 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Canada 40.1% South Africa 23.8% Australia 11.7% U.K. 8.6% U.S. 6.2% Peru 4.0% Papua New Guinea 3.3% Bolivia 0.2% Russia 0.1% Short-Term Investments & Other Net Assets 2.0% the nation's residential real estate markets. GDP growth slowed to an annualized 0.6% rate in first quarter 2007. In the second quarter, however, growth advanced at an estimated annualized 4.0% rate, supported by federal defense spending, accelerating exports and declining imports, greater business inventory investment and increased spending for nonresidential structures. The unemployment rate decreased from 4.8% at the beginning of the period to 4.6% in July 2007. 2 Although consumer confidence in July neared a six-year high, consumer spending slowed toward period-end as worries about the housing slump and high gasoline prices made individuals more cautious. After a welcome drop in energy costs during the latter half of 2006, elevated oil prices returned in 2007, reaching a record high on July 31, in response to perceived tight supply and high demand for oil, refinery maintenance issues, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Africa. The core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy costs, rose 2.2% for the 12 months ended July 31, 2007, which was the same as the 10-year average. 2 The Federal Reserve Board (Fed) kept the federal funds target rate at 5.25% for the year under review. At period-end, the Fed was still more concerned with inflation pressures than an economic slowdown. The 10-year Treasury note yield fell from 4.99% at the beginning of the period to 4.78% on July 31, 2007. After stock market sell-offs in late February and mid-March, markets rebounded in the second quarter of 2007 amid generally strong first quarter corporate earnings reports. However, volatility picked up again in July when the markets fluctuated widely almost daily due to investor concerns about the housing market, lending environment and mixed second quarter earnings reports. The last full week in July was the worst in five years for many markets, and stock prices continued to struggle until period-end. The blue chip stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted a 12-month total return of +20.84%, the broader S&P 500 returned +16.22%, and the technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite Index returned +22.66%. 3 Materials, information technology and telecommunication stocks performed particularly well. 2. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. 3. 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. 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 | Annual Report [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A LINE GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Platinum Gold Palladium - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/31/2006 $1,230 $636 $313 8/1/2006 $1,244 $646 $317 8/2/2006 $1,248 $651 $323 8/3/2006 $1,233 $644 $322 8/4/2006 $1,243 $646 $325 8/7/2006 $1,252 $648 $325 8/8/2006 $1,241 $642 $321 8/9/2006 $1,248 $650 $324 8/10/2006 $1,241 $636 $319 8/11/2006 $1,244 $632 $318 8/14/2006 $1,223 $626 $314 8/15/2006 $1,230 $624 $321 8/16/2006 $1,243 $629 $334 8/17/2006 $1,224 $614 $334 8/18/2006 $1,210 $614 $333 8/21/2006 $1,232 $628 $344 8/22/2006 $1,227 $625 $341 8/23/2006 $1,228 $622 $345 8/24/2006 $1,226 $621 $342 8/25/2006 $1,221 $622 $346 8/28/2006 $1,221 $614 $341 8/29/2006 $1,219 $614 $336 8/30/2006 $1,226 $619 $337 8/31/2006 $1,243 $627 $343 9/1/2006 $1,245 $625 $344 9/4/2006 $1,249 $626 $345 9/5/2006 $1,269 $638 $352 9/6/2006 $1,267 $633 $354 9/7/2006 $1,252 $616 $347 9/8/2006 $1,224 $610 $330 9/11/2006 $1,193 $589 $315 9/12/2006 $1,203 $587 $310 9/13/2006 $1,182 $590 $316 9/14/2006 $1,175 $575 $322 9/15/2006 $1,157 $579 $312 9/18/2006 $1,163 $587 $313 9/19/2006 $1,152 $573 $309 9/20/2006 $1,139 $576 $306 9/21/2006 $1,138 $584 $309 9/22/2006 $1,145 $589 $319 9/25/2006 $1,131 $590 $315 9/26/2006 $1,131 $592 $317 9/27/2006 $1,139 $603 $320 9/28/2006 $1,151 $601 $321 9/29/2006 $1,140 $598 $315 10/2/2006 $1,147 $596 $311 10/3/2006 $1,117 $574 $300 10/4/2006 $1,077 $567 $291 10/5/2006 $1,083 $574 $298 10/6/2006 $1,077 $574 $300 10/9/2006 $1,087 $577 $301 10/10/2006 $1,071 $573 $299 10/11/2006 $1,071 $573 $305 10/12/2006 $1,071 $579 $305 10/13/2006 $1,076 $590 $313 10/16/2006 $1,084 $596 $323 10/17/2006 $1,072 $590 $318 10/18/2006 $1,087 $590 $328 10/19/2006 $1,089 $599 $335 10/20/2006 $1,079 $591 $327 10/23/2006 $1,073 $581 $317 10/24/2006 $1,056 $586 $321 10/25/2006 $1,069 $591 $322 10/26/2006 $1,078 $597 $322 10/27/2006 $1,077 $599 $322 10/30/2006 $1,087 $604 $326 10/31/2006 $1,080 $606 $322 11/1/2006 $1,105 $617 $325 11/2/2006 $1,157 $624 $325 11/3/2006 $1,207 $627 $333 11/6/2006 $1,187 $623 $331 11/7/2006 $1,187 $624 $331 11/8/2006 $1,157 $615 $328 11/9/2006 $1,205 $633 $337 11/10/2006 $1,216 $628 $329 11/13/2006 $1,206 $625 $325 11/14/2006 $1,174 $620 $318 11/15/2006 $1,168 $623 $320 11/16/2006 $1,177 $618 $318 11/17/2006 $1,189 $621 $318 11/20/2006 $1,253 $622 $321 11/21/2006 $1,251 $627 $331 11/22/2006 $1,157 $630 $325 11/23/2006 $1,169 $631 $324 11/24/2006 $1,192 $638 $333 11/27/2006 $1,148 $640 $326 11/28/2006 $1,154 $640 $325 11/29/2006 $1,155 $636 $320 11/30/2006 $1,188 $648 $331 12/1/2006 $1,163 $645 $331 12/4/2006 $1,161 $646 $331 12/5/2006 $1,126 $643 $330 12/6/2006 $1,119 $630 $324 12/7/2006 $1,129 $633 $330 12/8/2006 $1,110 $625 $326 12/11/2006 $1,109 $630 $331 12/12/2006 $1,115 $630 $329 12/13/2006 $1,109 $628 $327 12/14/2006 $1,112 $625 $327 12/15/2006 $1,102 $615 $321 12/18/2006 $1,100 $616 $327 12/19/2006 $1,122 $622 $325 12/20/2006 $1,120 $620 $323 12/21/2006 $1,121 $618 $327 12/22/2006 $1,122 $621 $324 12/25/2006 $1,120 $620 $326 12/26/2006 $1,121 $624 $326 12/27/2006 $1,117 $627 $324 12/28/2006 $1,112 $634 $325 12/29/2006 $1,136 $636 $334 1/1/2007 $1,134 $636 $325 1/2/2007 $1,137 $640 $335 1/3/2007 $1,125 $627 $337 1/4/2007 $1,120 $622 $337 1/5/2007 $1,112 $607 $335 1/8/2007 $1,121 $610 $330 1/9/2007 $1,128 $613 $330 1/10/2007 $1,142 $611 $329 1/11/2007 $1,135 $611 $327 1/12/2007 $1,147 $627 $333 1/15/2007 $1,146 $626 $331 1/16/2007 $1,138 $624 $333 1/17/2007 $1,147 $631 $339 1/18/2007 $1,158 $627 $339 1/19/2007 $1,158 $635 $341 1/22/2007 $1,157 $633 $342 1/23/2007 $1,174 $646 $347 1/24/2007 $1,168 $648 $348 1/25/2007 $1,173 $646 $348 1/26/2007 $1,175 $646 $348 1/29/2007 $1,164 $643 $340 1/30/2007 $1,171 $647 $337 1/31/2007 $1,180 $653 $338 2/1/2007 $1,183 $657 $341 2/2/2007 $1,158 $647 $333 2/5/2007 $1,164 $648 $339 2/6/2007 $1,183 $653 $341 2/7/2007 $1,193 $651 $342 2/8/2007 $1,193 $660 $340 2/9/2007 $1,192 $666 $338 2/12/2007 $1,183 $661 $337 2/13/2007 $1,197 $664 $342 2/14/2007 $1,211 $669 $344 2/15/2007 $1,210 $669 $341 2/16/2007 $1,206 $669 $339 2/19/2007 $1,216 $670 $340 2/20/2007 $1,210 $657 $337 2/21/2007 $1,227 $678 $344 2/22/2007 $1,223 $677 $348 2/23/2007 $1,233 $682 $354 2/26/2007 $1,237 $686 $356 2/27/2007 $1,231 $663 $349 2/28/2007 $1,250 $669 $350 3/1/2007 $1,238 $664 $350 3/2/2007 $1,206 $642 $347 3/5/2007 $1,167 $636 $340 3/6/2007 $1,193 $646 $348 3/7/2007 $1,190 $649 $349 3/8/2007 $1,205 $651 $350 3/9/2007 $1,198 $650 $351 3/12/2007 $1,206 $650 $351 3/13/2007 $1,207 $643 $347 3/14/2007 $1,203 $644 $349 3/15/2007 $1,214 $646 $348 3/16/2007 $1,217 $653 $350 3/19/2007 $1,229 $654 $352 3/20/2007 $1,229 $658 $352 3/21/2007 $1,233 $664 $353 3/22/2007 $1,236 $664 $355 3/23/2007 $1,227 $657 $353 3/26/2007 $1,236 $664 $352 3/27/2007 $1,235 $664 $352 3/28/2007 $1,240 $665 $354 3/29/2007 $1,234 $661 $353 3/30/2007 $1,243 $663 $353 4/2/2007 $1,238 $664 $350 4/3/2007 $1,241 $663 $352 4/4/2007 $1,247 $674 $352 4/5/2007 $1,254 $674 $353 4/6/2007 $1,249 $675 $353 4/9/2007 $1,251 $670 $355 4/10/2007 $1,263 $677 $361 4/11/2007 $1,267 $677 $367 4/12/2007 $1,262 $676 $370 4/13/2007 $1,271 $685 $377 4/16/2007 $1,278 $690 $379 4/17/2007 $1,271 $686 $376 4/18/2007 $1,295 $690 $382 4/19/2007 $1,297 $682 $377 4/20/2007 $1,328 $691 $385 4/23/2007 $1,324 $689 $384 4/24/2007 $1,304 $683 $376 4/25/2007 $1,300 $686 $380 4/26/2007 $1,296 $674 $371 4/27/2007 $1,288 $681 $372 4/30/2007 $1,286 $678 $373 5/1/2007 $1,291 $673 $370 5/2/2007 $1,292 $673 $373 5/3/2007 $1,300 $682 $375 5/4/2007 $1,320 $688 $375 5/7/2007 $1,341 $688 $377 5/8/2007 $1,338 $685 $372 5/9/2007 $1,326 $680 $366 5/10/2007 $1,309 $665 $362 5/11/2007 $1,329 $670 $365 5/14/2007 $1,322 $669 $358 5/15/2007 $1,327 $672 $359 5/16/2007 $1,315 $662 $356 5/17/2007 $1,307 $657 $360 5/18/2007 $1,318 $661 $363 5/21/2007 $1,312 $663 $375 5/22/2007 $1,284 $659 $372 5/23/2007 $1,300 $661 $374 5/24/2007 $1,281 $654 $366 5/25/2007 $1,273 $656 $367 5/28/2007 $1,271 $655 $367 5/29/2007 $1,258 $656 $366 5/30/2007 $1,262 $653 $366 5/31/2007 $1,280 $660 $368 6/1/2007 $1,291 $671 $371 6/4/2007 $1,298 $671 $371 6/5/2007 $1,293 $670 $366 6/6/2007 $1,294 $670 $368 6/7/2007 $1,290 $659 $367 6/8/2007 $1,283 $648 $366 6/11/2007 $1,292 $653 $368 6/12/2007 $1,291 $647 $367 6/13/2007 $1,284 $651 $366 6/14/2007 $1,283 $651 $368 6/15/2007 $1,282 $655 $369 6/18/2007 $1,296 $656 $370 6/19/2007 $1,291 $661 $372 6/20/2007 $1,289 $654 $374 6/21/2007 $1,289 $651 $376 6/22/2007 $1,301 $654 $376 6/25/2007 $1,281 $651 $369 6/26/2007 $1,267 $640 $366 6/27/2007 $1,274 $643 $364 6/28/2007 $1,274 $648 $365 6/29/2007 $1,272 $649 $366 7/2/2007 $1,280 $657 $368 7/3/2007 $1,283 $653 $365 7/4/2007 $1,287 $654 $366 7/5/2007 $1,291 $649 $365 7/6/2007 $1,294 $655 $367 7/9/2007 $1,301 $660 $368 7/10/2007 $1,298 $663 $369 7/11/2007 $1,300 $660 $368 7/12/2007 $1,315 $666 $370 7/13/2007 $1,311 $666 $368 7/16/2007 $1,315 $664 $367 7/17/2007 $1,309 $664 $364 7/18/2007 $1,322 $673 $368 7/19/2007 $1,324 $677 $370 7/20/2007 $1,331 $683 $372 7/23/2007 $1,328 $681 $369 7/24/2007 $1,318 $681 $366 7/25/2007 $1,320 $674 $367 7/26/2007 $1,311 $662 $364 7/27/2007 $1,278 $661 $361 7/30/2007 $1,277 $665 $366 7/31/2007 $1,289 $664 $364 For illustrative purposes only; not representative of the Fund's portfolio composition or performance. Precious metals generally performed well during the past year. Palladium was the best performing major metal during the reporting period as it began the period at $313 per ounce, traded between $292 and $385, and ended the period at $364 per ounce, up 16%. Silver's price rose from $11.43 per ounce to $12.86 per ounce, a 13% increase. Gold had a modest 5% gain as its price started the period at $637 per ounce, fell to $567 per ounce in October 2006, and then recovered to $664 per ounce at period-end. Platinum's price followed a similar path to gold's, beginning the period at $1,230 per ounce, falling to a low of $1,057 per ounce in October, and then bouncing back to end the period up 5% at $1,290 per ounce. 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 During the 12 months under review, mergers and acquisitions continued to be a major theme despite significant sector consolidation over the past few years. Among the notable events that occurred were Goldcorp's merger with Glamis Gold, which resulted in the world's third-largest gold company by PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN Based on Total Net Assets as of 7/31/07 [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Long Life Gold Mines 52.0% Platinum & Palladium 17.0% Medium Life Gold Mines 11.4% Gold Exploration & Development 10.6% Gold & Diversified Resources 6.9% Paper & Forest Products 0.1% Short-Term Investments & Other Net Assets 2.0% Annual Report | 5 TOP 10 HOLDINGS 7/31/07 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPANY % OF TOTAL SECTOR/INDUSTRY, COUNTRY NET ASSETS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barrick Gold Corp. 7.8% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, CANADA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., ord. & ADR 7.6% PLATINUM & PALLADIUM, SOUTH AFRICA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anglo Platinum Ltd., ord. & ADR 6.8% PLATINUM & PALLADIUM, SOUTH AFRICA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newcrest Mining Ltd. 6.4% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, AUSTRALIA Goldcorp Inc. 4.3% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, CANADA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA, ord. & ADR 4.0% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, PERU - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. 4.0% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, CANADA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ord. & ADR 4.0% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, SOUTH AFRICA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Randgold Resources Ltd., ADR 3.5% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, U.K. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lihir Gold Ltd. 3.3% LONG LIFE GOLD MINES, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- market capitalization; Iamgold's acquisition of Cambior; and Gold Fields' purchase of Western Areas. Other mergers during the period included Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold's acquisition of Phelps Dodge, Kinross's combining with Bema Gold and Lundin Mining's purchase of Rio Narcea. Yamana Gold also announced plans for a three-way combination with a hostile bid for Meridian Gold and a conditional friendly merger with Northern Orion. Among the most significant contributors to the Fund's performance for the year under review were South African platinum producers Anglo Platinum and Impala Platinum Holdings, and Australian gold and copper mining company Newcrest Mining. Other notable contributors included Peru's Compania de Minas Buenaventura and Canada's Ivanhoe Mines. Ivanhoe Mines is developing a large copper and gold mine in Mongolia. The Fund had some detractors from performance during the reporting period, including Australian gold mining company Bendigo Mining and U.S. gold producer Newmont Mining. In addition, the Fund's position in Canada's Goldcorp underperformed following the completion of its merger with Glamis Gold. South African gold producers AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields also hindered the Fund's performance during the period. It is important to recognize the effect of currency movements on the Fund's performance. In general, if the value of the U.S. dollar goes up compared with a foreign currency, an investment traded in that foreign currency will go down in value because it will be worth fewer U.S. dollars. This can have a negative effect on Fund performance. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar weakens in relation to a foreign currency, an investment traded in that foreign currency will increase in value, which can contribute to Fund performance. During the review period, the U.S. dollar appreciated modestly in value relative to the South African rand, and lost value relative to the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and British pound. Given the Fund's substantial investments in Australia, Canada and the U.K., the Fund experienced a currency gain for the period. However, one cannot expect the same result in future periods. 6 | Annual Report Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs. [PHOTO OF OMITTED] /s/ Stephen M. Land Stephen M. Land Portfolio Manager Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund THE FOREGOING INFORMATION REFLECTS OUR ANALYSIS, OPINIONS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF JULY 31, 2007, THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD. THE WAY WE IMPLEMENT OUR MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND THE RESULTING PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS MAY CHANGE DEPENDING ON FACTORS SUCH AS MARKET AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. THESE OPINIONS MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON AS INVESTMENT ADVICE OR AN OFFER FOR A PARTICULAR SECURITY. THE INFORMATION IS NOT A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF EVERY ASPECT OF ANY MARKET, COUNTRY, INDUSTRY, SECURITY OR THE FUND. STATEMENTS OF FACT ARE FROM SOURCES CONSIDERED RELIABLE, BUT THE INVESTMENT MANAGER MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THEIR COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. ALTHOUGH HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE IS NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS, THESE INSIGHTS MAY HELP YOU UNDERSTAND OUR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY. Annual Report | 7 Performance Summary as of 7/31/07 Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund's portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities. The performance table and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund's dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A (SYMBOL: FKRCX) CHANGE 7/31/07 7/31/06 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value (NAV) +$3.06 $ 33.73 $ 30.67 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/06-7/31/07) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend Income $0.7618 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Capital Gain $1.0014 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL $1.7632 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS B (SYMBOL: FAGPX) CHANGE 7/31/07 7/31/06 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value (NAV) +$2.98 $ 32.60 $ 29.62 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/06-7/31/07) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend Income $0.4417 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Capital Gain $1.0014 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL $1.4431 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS C (SYMBOL: FRGOX) CHANGE 7/31/07 7/31/06 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value (NAV) +$3.00 $ 32.90 $ 29.90 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/06-7/31/07) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend Income $0.4672 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Capital Gain $1.0014 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL $1.4686 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVISOR CLASS (SYMBOL: FGADX) CHANGE 7/31/07 7/31/06 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Asset Value (NAV) +$3.18 $ 34.68 $ 31.50 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTIONS (8/1/06-7/31/07) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend Income $0.8527 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Capital Gain $1.0014 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL $1.8541 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 | Annual Report Performance Summary (CONTINUED) PERFORMANCE CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN EXCLUDES SALES CHARGES. AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AND VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT INCLUDE MAXIMUM SALES CHARGES. CLASS A: 5.75% MAXIMUM INITIAL SALES CHARGE; CLASS B: CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC) DECLINING FROM 4% TO 1% OVER SIX YEARS, AND ELIMINATED THEREAFTER; CLASS C: 1% CDSC IN FIRST YEAR ONLY; ADVISOR CLASS: NO SALES CHARGES. THE FUND MAY CHARGE A 2% FEE ON REDEMPTIONS MADE WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF PURCHASE.C - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cumulative Total Return 1 +15.94% +253.82% +238.18% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Annual Total Return 2 +9.28% +27.23% +12.29% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $10,928 $33,338 $31,868 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avg. Ann. Total Return (6/30/07) 4 +6.87% +22.28% +11.92% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Operating Expenses 5 0.93% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS B 1-YEAR 5-YEAR INCEPTION (1/1/99) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cumulative Total Return 1 +15.12% +241.00% +364.25% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Annual Total Return 2 +11.12% +27.66% +19.59% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $11,112 $33,900 $46,425 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avg. Ann. Total Return (6/30/07) 4 +8.52% +22.62% +19.59% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Operating Expenses 5 1.68% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS C 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cumulative Total Return 1 +15.10% +241.29% +215.07% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Annual Total Return 2 +14.10% +27.83% +12.16% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $11,410 $34,129 $31,507 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avg. Ann. Total Return (6/30/07) 4 +11.56% +22.83% +11.80% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Operating Expenses 5 1.68% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVISOR CLASS 1-YEAR 5-YEAR 10-YEAR - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cumulative Total Return 1 +16.25% +258.18% +254.30% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Annual Total Return 2 +16.25% +29.07% +13.48% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Value of $10,000 Investment 3 $11,625 $35,818 $35,430 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avg. Ann. Total Return (6/30/07) 4 +13.65% +24.02% +13.12% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Operating Expenses 5 0.68% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Annual Report | 9 Performance Summary (CONTINUED) TOTAL RETURN INDEX COMPARISON FOR HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any current, applicable, maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The indexes are unmanaged, differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index. AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN - ------------------------------------- CLASS A 7/31/07 - ------------------------------------- 1-Year +9.28% - ------------------------------------- 5-Year +27.23% - ------------------------------------- 10-Year +12.29% - ------------------------------------- CLASS A (8/1/97-7/31/07) [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A LINE GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund S&P 500 6 FTSE Gold Mines Index 6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/1/1997 $ 9,423 $10,000 $10,000 8/31/1997 $ 9,292 $ 9,440 $ 9,984 9/30/1997 $ 9,712 $ 9,957 $10,784 10/31/1997 $ 8,180 $ 9,625 $ 8,780 11/30/1997 $ 6,829 $10,070 $ 6,913 12/31/1997 $ 6,997 $10,243 $ 7,483 1/31/1998 $ 7,386 $10,356 $ 7,905 2/28/1998 $ 7,353 $11,102 $ 7,617 3/31/1998 $ 7,792 $11,670 $ 8,098 4/30/1998 $ 8,330 $11,788 $ 9,182 5/31/1998 $ 7,179 $11,586 $ 7,687 6/30/1998 $ 6,636 $12,056 $ 7,028 7/31/1998 $ 6,236 $11,928 $ 6,369 8/31/1998 $ 4,985 $10,205 $ 4,961 9/30/1998 $ 6,969 $10,859 $ 7,785 10/31/1998 $ 6,986 $11,741 $ 7,871 11/30/1998 $ 6,852 $12,453 $ 7,461 12/31/1998 $ 6,468 $13,170 $ 6,608 1/31/1999 $ 6,451 $13,720 $ 6,592 2/28/1999 $ 6,317 $13,294 $ 6,162 3/31/1999 $ 6,434 $13,826 $ 6,145 4/30/1999 $ 7,624 $14,361 $ 7,199 5/31/1999 $ 6,652 $14,022 $ 5,857 6/30/1999 $ 7,171 $14,800 $ 6,259 7/31/1999 $ 6,954 $14,338 $ 5,973 8/31/1999 $ 7,238 $14,267 $ 6,350 9/30/1999 $ 8,545 $13,877 $ 7,986 10/31/1999 $ 7,724 $14,755 $ 6,928 11/30/1999 $ 7,850 $15,055 $ 6,619 12/31/1999 $ 8,110 $15,941 $ 6,564 1/31/2000 $ 7,555 $15,140 $ 5,793 2/29/2000 $ 7,227 $14,854 $ 5,976 3/31/2000 $ 7,016 $16,306 $ 5,528 4/30/2000 $ 6,528 $15,815 $ 5,348 5/31/2000 $ 6,755 $15,492 $ 5,510 6/30/2000 $ 7,067 $15,874 $ 5,710 7/31/2000 $ 6,646 $15,626 $ 5,153 8/31/2000 $ 7,311 $16,596 $ 5,217 9/30/2000 $ 6,789 $15,720 $ 4,940 10/31/2000 $ 6,427 $15,653 $ 4,188 11/30/2000 $ 6,848 $14,420 $ 4,417 12/31/2000 $ 7,511 $14,491 $ 4,834 1/31/2001 $ 7,656 $15,004 $ 4,720 2/28/2001 $ 7,997 $13,637 $ 5,054 3/31/2001 $ 7,025 $12,774 $ 4,557 4/30/2001 $ 8,040 $13,766 $ 5,313 5/31/2001 $ 8,662 $13,858 $ 5,495 6/30/2001 $ 8,227 $13,521 $ 5,490 7/31/2001 $ 7,571 $13,388 $ 5,359 8/31/2001 $ 8,057 $12,550 $ 5,702 9/30/2001 $ 7,903 $11,537 $ 6,220 10/31/2001 $ 7,665 $11,757 $ 5,949 11/30/2001 $ 7,758 $12,659 $ 5,710 12/31/2001 $ 8,262 $12,770 $ 5,930 1/31/2002 $ 8,902 $12,583 $ 6,778 2/28/2002 $ 9,717 $12,341 $ 7,450 3/31/2002 $10,505 $12,805 $ 8,214 4/30/2002 $11,075 $12,029 $ 8,761 5/31/2002 $12,345 $11,941 $10,039 6/30/2002 $10,821 $11,090 $ 8,598 7/31/2002 $ 9,007 $10,226 $ 7,274 8/31/2002 $10,164 $10,293 $ 8,283 9/30/2002 $10,181 $ 9,175 $ 8,327 10/31/2002 $ 9,638 $ 9,982 $ 7,573 11/30/2002 $ 9,673 $10,569 $ 7,379 12/31/2002 $11,351 $ 9,949 $ 9,036 1/31/2003 $11,484 $ 9,688 $ 8,995 2/28/2003 $10,669 $ 9,543 $ 8,421 3/31/2003 $10,023 $ 9,635 $ 7,899 4/30/2003 $ 9,863 $10,429 $ 7,816 5/31/2003 $11,324 $10,977 $ 8,711 6/30/2003 $11,678 $11,118 $ 9,163 7/31/2003 $12,157 $11,314 $ 9,495 8/31/2003 $13,945 $11,534 $10,713 9/30/2003 $14,264 $11,412 $10,791 10/31/2003 $15,565 $12,057 $11,666 11/30/2003 $17,354 $12,163 $12,911 12/31/2003 $17,290 $12,801 $12,903 1/31/2004 $15,608 $13,035 $11,287 2/29/2004 $15,991 $13,217 $11,501 3/31/2004 $16,934 $13,017 $12,476 4/30/2004 $13,499 $12,813 $ 9,757 5/31/2004 $14,700 $12,989 $10,752 6/30/2004 $14,344 $13,241 $10,317 7/31/2004 $14,184 $12,803 $10,348 8/31/2004 $15,074 $12,854 $11,255 9/30/2004 $16,249 $12,994 $12,081 10/31/2004 $16,578 $13,192 $12,544 11/30/2004 $17,334 $13,726 $12,936 12/31/2004 $16,344 $14,193 $12,009 1/31/2005 $15,427 $13,845 $11,124 2/28/2005 $16,611 $14,136 $11,881 3/31/2005 $15,863 $13,886 $11,309 4/30/2005 $14,448 $13,623 $10,128 5/31/2005 $14,671 $14,056 $10,238 6/30/2005 $16,068 $14,076 $11,285 7/31/2005 $15,855 $14,600 $10,904 8/31/2005 $16,745 $14,466 $11,417 9/30/2005 $19,807 $14,584 $13,754 10/31/2005 $18,525 $14,340 $12,693 11/30/2005 $20,448 $14,882 $13,840 12/31/2005 $22,978 $14,887 $15,352 1/31/2006 $27,325 $15,282 $18,163 2/28/2006 $24,896 $15,323 $15,847 3/31/2006 $27,190 $15,514 $16,609 4/30/2006 $30,273 $15,722 $18,718 5/31/2006 $27,289 $15,270 $17,185 6/30/2006 $27,674 $15,290 $17,319 7/31/2006 $27,486 $15,384 $16,954 8/31/2006 $28,525 $15,750 $17,376 9/30/2006 $26,043 $16,155 $15,651 10/31/2006 $28,015 $16,682 $16,466 11/30/2006 $30,802 $16,998 $17,914 12/31/2006 $30,262 $17,237 $17,284 1/31/2007 $29,818 $17,497 $16,632 2/28/2007 $30,507 $17,156 $16,642 3/31/2007 $31,141 $17,348 $16,305 4/30/2007 $31,812 $18,116 $16,342 5/31/2007 $31,698 $18,747 $15,905 6/30/2007 $31,377 $18,455 $15,623 7/31/2007 $31,868 $17,880 $16,884 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN - ------------------------------------- CLASS B 7/31/07 - ------------------------------------- 1-Year +11.12% - ------------------------------------- 5-Year +27.66% - ------------------------------------- Since Inception (1/1/99) +19.59% - ------------------------------------- CLASS B (1/1/99-7/31/07) [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A LINE GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund S&P 500 6 FTSE Gold Mines Index 6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/1/1999 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 1/31/1999 $ 9,961 $10,418 $ 9,975 2/28/1999 $ 9,754 $10,094 $ 9,325 3/31/1999 $ 9,935 $10,498 $ 9,299 4/30/1999 $11,762 $10,905 $10,894 5/31/1999 $10,259 $10,647 $ 8,864 6/30/1999 $11,049 $11,238 $ 9,471 7/31/1999 $10,699 $10,887 $ 9,038 8/31/1999 $11,140 $10,834 $ 9,610 9/30/1999 $13,161 $10,537 $12,085 10/31/1999 $11,878 $11,203 $10,484 11/30/1999 $12,073 $11,431 $10,017 12/31/1999 $12,452 $12,104 $ 9,934 1/31/2000 $11,606 $11,496 $ 8,766 2/29/2000 $11,099 $11,279 $ 9,043 3/31/2000 $10,747 $12,381 $ 8,365 4/30/2000 $10,006 $12,009 $ 8,093 5/31/2000 $10,344 $11,763 $ 8,338 6/30/2000 $10,812 $12,053 $ 8,641 7/31/2000 $10,175 $11,865 $ 7,798 8/31/2000 $11,177 $12,601 $ 7,895 9/30/2000 $10,370 $11,936 $ 7,476 10/31/2000 $ 9,810 $11,886 $ 6,338 11/30/2000 $10,448 $10,949 $ 6,685 12/31/2000 $11,436 $11,003 $ 7,315 1/31/2001 $11,658 $11,393 $ 7,142 2/28/2001 $12,169 $10,355 $ 7,649 3/31/2001 $10,676 $ 9,699 $ 6,896 4/30/2001 $12,208 $10,453 $ 8,040 5/31/2001 $13,165 $10,523 $ 8,316 6/30/2001 $12,497 $10,267 $ 8,308 7/31/2001 $11,475 $10,166 $ 8,110 8/31/2001 $12,222 $ 9,530 $ 8,629 9/30/2001 $11,973 $ 8,760 $ 9,412 10/31/2001 $11,606 $ 8,927 $ 9,002 11/30/2001 $11,737 $ 9,612 $ 8,641 12/31/2001 $12,497 $ 9,696 $ 8,974 1/31/2002 $13,449 $ 9,555 $10,257 2/28/2002 $14,669 $ 9,371 $11,274 3/31/2002 $15,849 $ 9,723 $12,431 4/30/2002 $16,693 $ 9,134 $13,258 5/31/2002 $18,611 $ 9,067 $15,192 6/30/2002 $16,305 $ 8,421 $13,011 7/31/2002 $13,556 $ 7,765 $11,008 8/31/2002 $15,299 $ 7,816 $12,534 9/30/2002 $15,312 $ 6,967 $12,601 10/31/2002 $14,481 $ 7,580 $11,460 11/30/2002 $14,535 $ 8,025 $11,167 12/31/2002 $17,041 $ 7,554 $13,673 1/31/2003 $17,230 $ 7,357 $13,612 2/28/2003 $16,000 $ 7,246 $12,743 3/31/2003 $15,027 $ 7,316 $11,954 4/30/2003 $14,771 $ 7,919 $11,828 5/31/2003 $16,960 $ 8,335 $13,182 6/30/2003 $17,473 $ 8,442 $13,866 7/31/2003 $18,176 $ 8,591 $14,369 8/31/2003 $20,838 $ 8,758 $16,212 9/30/2003 $21,298 $ 8,665 $16,331 10/31/2003 $23,217 $ 9,155 $17,654 11/30/2003 $25,879 $ 9,236 $19,539 12/31/2003 $25,764 $ 9,720 $19,526 1/31/2004 $23,244 $ 9,898 $17,080 2/29/2004 $23,800 $10,036 $17,405 3/31/2004 $25,195 $ 9,884 $18,880 4/30/2004 $20,061 $ 9,729 $14,765 5/31/2004 $21,835 $ 9,863 $16,271 6/30/2004 $21,294 $10,054 $15,612 7/31/2004 $21,050 $ 9,722 $15,659 8/31/2004 $22,350 $ 9,761 $17,033 9/30/2004 $24,070 $ 9,866 $18,282 10/31/2004 $24,545 $10,017 $18,983 11/30/2004 $25,642 $10,422 $19,577 12/31/2004 $24,179 $10,777 $18,174 1/31/2005 $22,811 $10,513 $16,835 2/28/2005 $24,531 $10,734 $17,979 3/31/2005 $23,420 $10,544 $17,114 4/30/2005 $21,307 $10,344 $15,326 5/31/2005 $21,632 $10,673 $15,492 6/30/2005 $23,678 $10,688 $17,077 7/31/2005 $23,353 $11,086 $16,501 8/31/2005 $24,653 $10,985 $17,278 9/30/2005 $29,136 $11,074 $20,813 10/31/2005 $27,227 $10,889 $19,209 11/30/2005 $30,030 $11,300 $20,944 12/31/2005 $33,715 $11,304 $23,231 1/31/2006 $40,087 $11,604 $27,485 2/28/2006 $36,494 $11,635 $23,981 3/31/2006 $39,829 $11,780 $25,135 4/30/2006 $44,316 $11,938 $28,325 5/31/2006 $39,924 $11,595 $26,006 6/30/2006 $40,466 $11,610 $26,208 7/31/2006 $40,154 $11,682 $25,657 8/31/2006 $41,659 $11,959 $26,295 9/30/2006 $38,012 $12,267 $23,685 10/31/2006 $40,859 $12,667 $24,917 11/30/2006 $44,899 $12,907 $27,109 12/31/2006 $44,085 $13,088 $26,156 1/31/2007 $43,437 $13,286 $25,169 2/28/2007 $44,440 $13,027 $25,184 3/31/2007 $45,365 $13,172 $24,675 4/30/2007 $46,340 $13,756 $24,730 5/31/2007 $46,173 $14,235 $24,069 6/30/2007 $45,707 $14,013 $23,642 7/31/2007 $46,425 $13,577 $25,551 10 | Annual Report Performance Summary (CONTINUED) CLASS C (8/1/97-7/31/07) [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A LINE GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund S&P 500 6 FTSE Gold Mines Index 6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/1/1997 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 8/31/1997 $ 9,850 $ 9,440 $ 9,984 9/30/1997 $10,299 $ 9,957 $10,784 10/31/1997 $ 8,646 $ 9,625 $ 8,780 11/30/1997 $ 7,230 $10,070 $ 6,913 12/31/1997 $ 7,397 $10,243 $ 7,483 1/31/1998 $ 7,810 $10,356 $ 7,905 2/28/1998 $ 7,775 $11,102 $ 7,617 3/31/1998 $ 8,241 $11,670 $ 8,098 4/30/1998 $ 8,813 $11,788 $ 9,182 5/31/1998 $ 7,599 $11,586 $ 7,687 6/30/1998 $ 7,016 $12,056 $ 7,028 7/31/1998 $ 6,565 $11,928 $ 6,369 8/31/1998 $ 5,249 $10,205 $ 4,961 9/30/1998 $ 7,334 $10,859 $ 7,785 10/31/1998 $ 7,352 $11,741 $ 7,871 11/30/1998 $ 7,202 $12,453 $ 7,461 12/31/1998 $ 6,800 $13,170 $ 6,608 1/31/1999 $ 6,774 $13,720 $ 6,592 2/28/1999 $ 6,632 $13,294 $ 6,162 3/31/1999 $ 6,756 $13,826 $ 6,145 4/30/1999 $ 8,003 $14,361 $ 7,199 5/31/1999 $ 6,977 $14,022 $ 5,857 6/30/1999 $ 7,517 $14,800 $ 6,259 7/31/1999 $ 7,278 $14,338 $ 5,973 8/31/1999 $ 7,579 $14,267 $ 6,350 9/30/1999 $ 8,940 $13,877 $ 7,986 10/31/1999 $ 8,074 $14,755 $ 6,928 11/30/1999 $ 8,206 $15,055 $ 6,619 12/31/1999 $ 8,464 $15,941 $ 6,564 1/31/2000 $ 7,889 $15,140 $ 5,793 2/29/2000 $ 7,544 $14,854 $ 5,976 3/31/2000 $ 7,314 $16,306 $ 5,528 4/30/2000 $ 6,801 $15,815 $ 5,348 5/31/2000 $ 7,040 $15,492 $ 5,510 6/30/2000 $ 7,358 $15,874 $ 5,710 7/31/2000 $ 6,925 $15,626 $ 5,153 8/31/2000 $ 7,606 $16,596 $ 5,217 9/30/2000 $ 7,066 $15,720 $ 4,940 10/31/2000 $ 6,677 $15,653 $ 4,188 11/30/2000 $ 7,111 $14,420 $ 4,417 12/31/2000 $ 7,791 $14,491 $ 4,834 1/31/2001 $ 7,942 $15,004 $ 4,720 2/28/2001 $ 8,288 $13,637 $ 5,054 3/31/2001 $ 7,276 $12,774 $ 4,557 4/30/2001 $ 8,324 $13,766 $ 5,313 5/31/2001 $ 8,963 $13,858 $ 5,495 6/30/2001 $ 8,510 $13,521 $ 5,490 7/31/2001 $ 7,817 $13,388 $ 5,359 8/31/2001 $ 8,324 $12,550 $ 5,702 9/30/2001 $ 8,155 $11,537 $ 6,220 10/31/2001 $ 7,906 $11,757 $ 5,949 11/30/2001 $ 7,995 $12,659 $ 5,710 12/31/2001 $ 8,506 $12,770 $ 5,930 1/31/2002 $ 9,159 $12,583 $ 6,778 2/28/2002 $ 9,994 $12,341 $ 7,450 3/31/2002 $10,792 $12,805 $ 8,214 4/30/2002 $11,372 $12,029 $ 8,761 5/31/2002 $12,678 $11,941 $10,039 6/30/2002 $11,100 $11,090 $ 8,598 7/31/2002 $ 9,232 $10,226 $ 7,274 8/31/2002 $10,420 $10,293 $ 8,283 9/30/2002 $10,429 $ 9,175 $ 8,327 10/31/2002 $ 9,867 $ 9,982 $ 7,573 11/30/2002 $ 9,903 $10,569 $ 7,379 12/31/2002 $11,611 $ 9,949 $ 9,036 1/31/2003 $11,738 $ 9,688 $ 8,995 2/28/2003 $10,899 $ 9,543 $ 8,421 3/31/2003 $10,242 $ 9,635 $ 7,899 4/30/2003 $10,069 $10,429 $ 7,816 5/31/2003 $11,556 $10,977 $ 8,711 6/30/2003 $11,911 $11,118 $ 9,163 7/31/2003 $12,386 $11,314 $ 9,495 8/31/2003 $14,201 $11,534 $10,713 9/30/2003 $14,511 $11,412 $10,791 10/31/2003 $15,815 $12,057 $11,666 11/30/2003 $17,621 $12,163 $12,911 12/31/2003 $17,547 $12,801 $12,903 1/31/2004 $15,829 $13,035 $11,287 2/29/2004 $16,213 $13,217 $11,501 3/31/2004 $17,154 $13,017 $12,476 4/30/2004 $13,663 $12,813 $ 9,757 5/31/2004 $14,879 $12,989 $10,752 6/30/2004 $14,504 $13,241 $10,317 7/31/2004 $14,339 $12,803 $10,348 8/31/2004 $15,226 $12,854 $11,255 9/30/2004 $16,405 $12,994 $12,081 10/31/2004 $16,716 $13,192 $12,544 11/30/2004 $17,474 $13,726 $12,936 12/31/2004 $16,469 $14,193 $12,009 1/31/2005 $15,537 $13,845 $11,124 2/28/2005 $16,716 $14,136 $11,881 3/31/2005 $15,957 $13,886 $11,309 4/30/2005 $14,513 $13,623 $10,128 5/31/2005 $14,732 $14,056 $10,238 6/30/2005 $16,131 $14,076 $11,285 7/31/2005 $15,911 $14,600 $10,904 8/31/2005 $16,789 $14,466 $11,417 9/30/2005 $19,841 $14,584 $13,754 10/31/2005 $18,553 $14,340 $12,693 11/30/2005 $20,463 $14,882 $13,840 12/31/2005 $22,972 $14,887 $15,352 1/31/2006 $27,319 $15,282 $18,163 2/28/2006 $24,867 $15,323 $15,847 3/31/2006 $27,145 $15,514 $16,609 4/30/2006 $30,202 $15,722 $18,718 5/31/2006 $27,210 $15,270 $17,185 6/30/2006 $27,576 $15,290 $17,319 7/31/2006 $27,374 $15,384 $16,954 8/31/2006 $28,390 $15,750 $17,376 9/30/2006 $25,910 $16,155 $15,651 10/31/2006 $27,841 $16,682 $16,466 11/30/2006 $30,605 $16,998 $17,914 12/31/2006 $30,042 $17,237 $17,284 1/31/2007 $29,582 $17,497 $16,632 2/28/2007 $30,253 $17,156 $16,642 3/31/2007 $30,865 $17,348 $16,305 4/30/2007 $31,497 $18,116 $16,342 5/31/2007 $31,373 $18,747 $15,905 6/30/2007 $31,038 $18,455 $15,623 7/31/2007 $31,507 $17,880 $16,884 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN - ------------------------------------- CLASS C 7/31/07 - ------------------------------------- 1-Year +14.10% - ------------------------------------- 5-Year +27.83% - ------------------------------------- 10-Year +12.16% - ------------------------------------- ADVISOR CLASS (8/1/97-7/31/07) [THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A LINE GRAPH IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.] Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund S&P 500 6 FTSE Gold Mines Index 6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/1/1997 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 8/31/1997 $ 9,860 $ 9,440 $ 9,984 9/30/1997 $10,315 $ 9,957 $10,784 10/31/1997 $ 8,670 $ 9,625 $ 8,780 11/30/1997 $ 7,262 $10,070 $ 6,913 12/31/1997 $ 7,434 $10,243 $ 7,483 1/31/1998 $ 7,857 $10,356 $ 7,905 2/28/1998 $ 7,831 $11,102 $ 7,617 3/31/1998 $ 8,297 $11,670 $ 8,098 4/30/1998 $ 8,879 $11,788 $ 9,182 5/31/1998 $ 7,663 $11,586 $ 7,687 6/30/1998 $ 7,082 $12,056 $ 7,028 7/31/1998 $ 6,754 $11,928 $ 6,369 8/31/1998 $ 5,405 $10,205 $ 4,961 9/30/1998 $ 7,562 $10,859 $ 7,785 10/31/1998 $ 7,588 $11,741 $ 7,871 11/30/1998 $ 7,438 $12,453 $ 7,461 12/31/1998 $ 7,031 $13,170 $ 6,608 1/31/1999 $ 7,013 $13,720 $ 6,592 2/28/1999 $ 6,870 $13,294 $ 6,162 3/31/1999 $ 7,004 $13,826 $ 6,145 4/30/1999 $ 8,299 $14,361 $ 7,199 5/31/1999 $ 7,245 $14,022 $ 5,857 6/30/1999 $ 7,817 $14,800 $ 6,259 7/31/1999 $ 7,585 $14,338 $ 5,973 8/31/1999 $ 7,906 $14,267 $ 6,350 9/30/1999 $ 9,336 $13,877 $ 7,986 10/31/1999 $ 8,433 $14,755 $ 6,928 11/30/1999 $ 8,585 $15,055 $ 6,619 12/31/1999 $ 8,855 $15,941 $ 6,564 1/31/2000 $ 8,254 $15,140 $ 5,793 2/29/2000 $ 7,894 $14,854 $ 5,976 3/31/2000 $ 7,661 $16,306 $ 5,528 4/30/2000 $ 7,131 $15,815 $ 5,348 5/31/2000 $ 7,382 $15,492 $ 5,510 6/30/2000 $ 7,724 $15,874 $ 5,710 7/31/2000 $ 7,266 $15,626 $ 5,153 8/31/2000 $ 7,993 $16,596 $ 5,217 9/30/2000 $ 7,427 $15,720 $ 4,940 10/31/2000 $ 7,032 $15,653 $ 4,188 11/30/2000 $ 7,490 $14,420 $ 4,417 12/31/2000 $ 8,213 $14,491 $ 4,834 1/31/2001 $ 8,377 $15,004 $ 4,720 2/28/2001 $ 8,751 $13,637 $ 5,054 3/31/2001 $ 7,683 $12,774 $ 4,557 4/30/2001 $ 8,797 $13,766 $ 5,313 5/31/2001 $ 9,490 $13,858 $ 5,495 6/30/2001 $ 9,016 $13,521 $ 5,490 7/31/2001 $ 8,286 $13,388 $ 5,359 8/31/2001 $ 8,824 $12,550 $ 5,702 9/30/2001 $ 8,660 $11,537 $ 6,220 10/31/2001 $ 8,404 $11,757 $ 5,949 11/30/2001 $ 8,505 $12,659 $ 5,710 12/31/2001 $ 9,055 $12,770 $ 5,930 1/31/2002 $ 9,760 $12,583 $ 6,778 2/28/2002 $10,652 $12,341 $ 7,450 3/31/2002 $11,517 $12,805 $ 8,214 4/30/2002 $12,146 $12,029 $ 8,761 5/31/2002 $13,546 $11,941 $10,039 6/30/2002 $11,883 $11,090 $ 8,598 7/31/2002 $ 9,891 $10,226 $ 7,274 8/31/2002 $11,160 $10,293 $ 8,283 9/30/2002 $11,188 $ 9,175 $ 8,327 10/31/2002 $10,587 $ 9,982 $ 7,573 11/30/2002 $10,634 $10,569 $ 7,379 12/31/2002 $12,478 $ 9,949 $ 9,036 1/31/2003 $12,630 $ 9,688 $ 8,995 2/28/2003 $11,726 $ 9,543 $ 8,421 3/31/2003 $11,032 $ 9,635 $ 7,899 4/30/2003 $10,851 $10,429 $ 7,816 5/31/2003 $12,468 $10,977 $ 8,711 6/30/2003 $12,858 $11,118 $ 9,163 7/31/2003 $13,391 $11,314 $ 9,495 8/31/2003 $15,359 $11,534 $10,713 9/30/2003 $15,711 $11,412 $10,791 10/31/2003 $17,147 $12,057 $11,666 11/30/2003 $19,116 $12,163 $12,911 12/31/2003 $19,053 $12,801 $12,903 1/31/2004 $17,206 $13,035 $11,287 2/29/2004 $17,627 $13,217 $11,501 3/31/2004 $18,680 $13,017 $12,476 4/30/2004 $14,881 $12,813 $ 9,757 5/31/2004 $16,220 $12,989 $10,752 6/30/2004 $15,828 $13,241 $10,317 7/31/2004 $15,656 $12,803 $10,348 8/31/2004 $16,641 $12,854 $11,255 9/30/2004 $17,943 $12,994 $12,081 10/31/2004 $18,306 $13,192 $12,544 11/30/2004 $19,139 $13,726 $12,936 12/31/2004 $18,057 $14,193 $12,009 1/31/2005 $17,049 $13,845 $11,124 2/28/2005 $18,354 $14,136 $11,881 3/31/2005 $17,539 $13,886 $11,309 4/30/2005 $15,965 $13,623 $10,128 5/31/2005 $16,224 $14,056 $10,238 6/30/2005 $17,778 $14,076 $11,285 7/31/2005 $17,548 $14,600 $10,904 8/31/2005 $18,536 $14,466 $11,417 9/30/2005 $21,923 $14,584 $13,754 10/31/2005 $20,503 $14,340 $12,693 11/30/2005 $22,633 $14,882 $13,840 12/31/2005 $25,436 $14,887 $15,352 1/31/2006 $30,264 $15,282 $18,163 2/28/2006 $27,574 $15,323 $15,847 3/31/2006 $30,119 $15,514 $16,609 4/30/2006 $33,534 $15,722 $18,718 5/31/2006 $30,235 $15,270 $17,185 6/30/2006 $30,680 $15,290 $17,319 7/31/2006 $30,477 $15,384 $16,954 8/31/2006 $31,638 $15,750 $17,376 9/30/2006 $28,890 $16,155 $15,651 10/31/2006 $31,077 $16,682 $16,466 11/30/2006 $34,182 $16,998 $17,914 12/31/2006 $33,591 $17,237 $17,284 1/31/2007 $33,100 $17,497 $16,632 2/28/2007 $33,877 $17,156 $16,642 3/31/2007 $34,592 $17,348 $16,305 4/30/2007 $35,327 $18,116 $16,342 5/31/2007 $35,225 $18,747 $15,905 6/30/2007 $34,868 $18,455 $15,623 7/31/2007 $35,430 $17,880 $16,884 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN - ------------------------------------- ADVISOR CLASS 7/31/07 - ------------------------------------- 1-Year +16.25% - ------------------------------------- 5-Year +29.07% - ------------------------------------- 10-Year +13.48% - ------------------------------------- Annual Report | 11 Performance Summary (CONTINUED) ENDNOTES INVESTING IN A FUND THAT CONCENTRATES 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. 2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. 3. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund over the periods indicated. 4. In accordance with SEC rules, we provide standardized average annual total return information through the latest calendar quarter. 5. Figures are as stated in the Fund's prospectus current as of the date of this report. 6. 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. 12 | Annual Report 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 provides actual account values and expenses. The "Ending Account Value" is derived from the Fund's actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps. OF COURSE, YOUR ACCOUNT VALUE AND EXPENSES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE IN THIS ILLUSTRATION: 1. Divide your account value by $1,000. IF AN ACCOUNT HAD AN $8,600 VALUE, THEN $8,600 / $1,000 = 8.6. 2. Multiply the result by the number under the heading "Expenses Paid During Period." IF EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD WERE $7.50, THEN 8.6 X $7.50 = $64.50. In this illustration, the estimated expenses paid this period are $64.50. HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON WITH OTHER FUNDS Information in the second line (Hypothetical) for each class in the table can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other mutual funds. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid during the period. The hypothetical "Ending Account Value" is based on the actual expense ratio for each class and an assumed 5% annual rate of return before expenses, which does not represent the Fund's actual return. The figure under the heading "Expenses Paid During Period" shows the hypothetical expenses your account would have incurred under this scenario. You can compare this figure with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds. Annual Report | 13 Your Fund's Expenses (CONTINUED) PLEASE NOTE THAT EXPENSES SHOWN IN THE TABLE ARE MEANT TO HIGHLIGHT ONGOING COSTS AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY TRANSACTION COSTS, SUCH AS SALES CHARGES 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 2/1/07 VALUE 7/31/07 PERIOD* 2/1/07-7/31/07 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual $1,000 $1,068.80 $4.92 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,020.03 $4.81 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS B - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual $1,000 $1,065.00 $8.70 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,016.36 $8.50 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS C - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual $1,000 $1,065.10 $8.65 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,016.41 $8.45 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVISOR CLASS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual $1,000 $1,070.40 $3.59 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000 $1,021.32 $3.51 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for each class (A: 0.96%; B: 1.70%; C: 1.69%; and Advisor: 0.70%), multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period. 14 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JULY 31, CLASS A 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------- PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE (for a share outstanding throughout the year) Net asset value, beginning of year ..................... $ 30.67 $ 17.81 $ 15.94 $ 13.74 $ 10.28 --------------------------------------------------------------- Income from investment operations a: Net investment income b ............................. 0.11 0.15 0.04 0.05 0.13 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) .......... 4.71 12.87 1.84 2.25 3.44 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment operations ....................... 4.82 13.02 1.88 2.30 3.57 --------------------------------------------------------------- Less distributions from: Net investment income ............................... (0.76) (0.16) (0.01) (0.10) (0.11) Net realized gains .................................. (1.00) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Total distributions .................................... (1.76) (0.16) (0.01) (0.10) (0.11) --------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption fees ........................................ -- d -- d -- d -- d -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of year ........................... $ 33.73 $ 30.67 $ 17.81 $ 15.94 $ 13.74 =============================================================== Total return c ......................................... 15.94% 73.36% 11.78% 16.68% 34.97% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS Expenses ............................................... 0.93% e 0.92% e 0.96% e 0.96% e 1.09% Net investment income .................................. 0.33% 0.57% 0.21% 0.26% 1.05% SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of year (000's) ........................ $1,011,344 $885,176 $439,628 $394,292 $306,283 Portfolio turnover rate ................................ 7.20% 10.96% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59%
a The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchase of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund. b Based on average daily shares outstanding. c Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable. d Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. e Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%. Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 15 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JULY 31, CLASS B 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------- PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE (for a share outstanding throughout the year) Net asset value, beginning of year ..................... $ 29.62 $ 17.24 $ 15.54 $ 13.46 $ 10.11 --------------------------------------------------------------- Income from investment operations a: Net investment income (loss) b ...................... (0.12) (0.04) (0.09) (0.08) 0.02 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) .......... 4.54 12.44 1.79 2.21 3.41 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment operations ....................... 4.42 12.40 1.70 2.13 3.43 --------------------------------------------------------------- Less distributions from: Net investment income ............................... (0.44) (0.02) -- (0.05) (0.08) Net realized gains .................................. (1.00) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Total distributions .................................... (1.44) (0.02) -- (0.05) (0.08) --------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption fees ........................................ -- d -- d -- d -- d -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of year ........................... $ 32.60 $ 29.62 $ 17.24 $ 15.54 $ 13.46 =============================================================== Total return c ......................................... 15.12% 71.95% 10.94% 15.81% 34.08% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS Expenses ............................................... 1.68% e 1.67% e 1.70% e 1.71% e 1.85% Net investment income (loss) ........................... (0.41)% (0.19)% (0.53)% (0.49)% 0.29% SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of year (000's) ........................ $ 62,386 $ 60,423 $ 41,270 $ 37,738 $ 26,278 Portfolio turnover rate ................................ 7.20% 10.96% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59%
a The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchase of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund. b Based on average daily shares outstanding. c Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable. d Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. e Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%. 16 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JULY 31, CLASS C 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------- PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE (for a share outstanding throughout the year) Net asset value, beginning of year ..................... $ 29.90 $ 17.40 $ 15.69 $ 13.59 $ 10.18 --------------------------------------------------------------- Income from investment operations a: Net investment income (loss) b ...................... (0.13) (0.05) (0.09) (0.09) 0.04 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) .......... 4.60 12.58 1.80 2.23 3.43 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment operations ....................... 4.47 12.53 1.71 2.14 3.47 --------------------------------------------------------------- Less distributions from: Net investment income ............................... (0.47) (0.03) -- (0.04) (0.06) Net realized gains .................................. (1.00) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Total distributions .................................... (1.47) (0.03) -- (0.04) (0.06) --------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption fees ........................................ -- d -- d -- d -- d -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of year ........................... $ 32.90 $ 29.90 $ 17.40 $ 15.69 $ 13.59 =============================================================== Total return c ......................................... 15.10% 72.04% 10.96% 15.77% 34.16% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS Expenses ............................................... 1.68% e 1.67% e 1.71% e 1.71% e 1.82% Net investment income (loss) ........................... (0.41)% (0.19)% (0.54)% (0.49)% 0.32% SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of year (000's) ........................ $ 240,424 $217,371 $114,315 $101,962 $ 65,729 Portfolio turnover rate ................................ 7.20% 10.96% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59%
a The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchase of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund. b Based on average daily shares outstanding. c Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable. d Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. e Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%. Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 17 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JULY 31, ADVISOR CLASS 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------- PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE (for a share outstanding throughout the year) Net asset value, beginning of year ..................... $ 31.50 $ 18.28 $ 16.36 $ 14.08 $ 10.53 --------------------------------------------------------------- Income from investment operations a: Net investment income b ............................. 0.19 0.22 0.08 0.08 0.09 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) .......... 4.84 13.20 1.89 2.33 3.60 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total from investment operations ....................... 5.03 13.42 1.97 2.41 3.69 --------------------------------------------------------------- Less distributions from: Net investment income ............................... (0.85) (0.20) (0.05) (0.13) (0.14) Net realized gains .................................. (1.00) -- -- -- -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Total distributions .................................... (1.85) (0.20) (0.05) (0.13) (0.14) --------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption fees ........................................ -- c -- c -- c -- c -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of year ........................... $ 34.68 $ 31.50 $ 18.28 $ 16.36 $ 14.08 =============================================================== Total return ........................................... 16.25% 73.68% 12.09% 16.91% 35.38% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS Expenses ............................................... 0.68% d 0.67% d 0.71% d 0.71% d 0.85% Net investment income .................................. 0.58% 0.82% 0.46% 0.51% 1.29% SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of year (000's) ........................ $ 65,120 $ 60,213 $ 34,519 $ 35,351 $ 21,223 Portfolio turnover rate ................................ 7.20% 10.96% 11.33% 8.11% 6.59%
a The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchase of the Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund. b Based on average daily shares outstanding. c Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. d Benefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%. 18 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, JULY 31, 2007
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COUNTRY SHARES/WARRANTS VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMON STOCKS AND WARRANTS 98.0% GOLD AND DIVERSIFIED RESOURCES 6.9% Anglo American PLC ...................................................... United Kingdom 233,051 $ 13,748,450 Anglo American PLC, ADR ................................................. United Kingdom 519,571 15,239,017 a,b First Uranium Corp., 144A ............................................... Canada 544,800 5,085,957 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., B .................................. United States 113,211 10,639,570 a Mvelaphanda Resources Ltd. .............................................. South Africa 2,650,000 20,285,317 Oxiana Ltd. ............................................................. Australia 8,882,655 28,240,318 a,b Polymetal, GDR, 144A .................................................... Russia 250,000 1,532,500 ------------- 94,771,129 ------------- GOLD EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT 10.6% a Apex Silver Mines Ltd. .................................................. Bolivia 200,000 3,356,000 a,b Aurizon Mines Ltd., 144A ................................................ Canada 1,800,000 6,950,980 a AXMIN Inc. .............................................................. Canada 500,000 445,215 a,b AXMIN Inc., 144A ........................................................ Canada 2,000,000 1,780,860 a Banro Corp. ............................................................. Canada 350,000 3,723,404 a Bendigo Mining Ltd. ..................................................... Australia 13,648,795 3,897,239 a,b Bendigo Mining Ltd., 144A ............................................... Australia 5,000,000 1,427,686 a Centamin Egypt Ltd. ..................................................... Australia 1,000,000 1,199,738 a,b Centamin Egypt Ltd., 144A ............................................... Australia 5,000,000 5,998,688 a European Minerals Corp. ................................................. Canada 1,050,000 1,436,873 a,b European Minerals Corp., 144A ........................................... Canada 10,600,000 14,505,577 a,b European Minerals Corp., wts., 144A, 4/11/10 ............................ Canada 5,300,000 2,980,598 a Gabriel Resources Ltd. .................................................. Canada 500,000 1,968,319 a,b Gabriel Resources Ltd., 144A ............................................ Canada 1,500,000 5,904,958 a Great Basin Gold Ltd. ................................................... Canada 2,000,000 5,680,008 a,b International Minerals Corp., 144A ...................................... Canada 700,000 3,864,467 a,b International Minerals Corp., wts., 144A, 5/19/08 ....................... Canada 350,000 150,905 a Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. ...................................................... Canada 490,000 7,072,828 a,b Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., 144A ................................................ Canada 918,600 13,259,387 a,b Jinshan Gold Mines Inc., 144A ........................................... Canada 5,595,000 11,799,372 a Metallica Resources Inc. ................................................ Canada 500,000 2,371,356 a,b Metallica Resources Inc., 144A .......................................... Canada 988,998 4,690,533 a,b Metallica Resources Inc., wts., 144A, 12/11/08 .......................... Canada 494,499 1,001,142 a Miramar Mining Corp. .................................................... Canada 1,330,000 6,370,138 a Nautilus Minerals Inc. .................................................. Canada 1,278,000 4,743,537 a Nautilus Minerals Inc., wts., 2/15/09 ................................... Canada 639,000 -- a Nevsun Resources Ltd. ................................................... Canada 877,000 2,153,660 a NovaGold Resources Inc. ................................................. Canada 200,000 3,000,000 a Pan Australian Resources Ltd. ........................................... Australia 25,600,000 14,946,809 a,b Pan Australian Resources Ltd., 144A ..................................... Australia 5,000,000 2,919,299 a Shore Gold Inc. ......................................................... Canada 375,000 1,673,072 a Sino Gold Mining Ltd. ................................................... Australia 1,100,000 5,344,234 --------------- 146,616,882 --------------- LONG LIFE GOLD MINES 52.0% Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. ................................................. Canada 1,300,000 55,302,000 a Alamos Gold Inc. ........................................................ Canada 1,246,400 7,827,238 a,b Alamos Gold Inc., 144A .................................................. Canada 400,000 2,511,951 AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. .................................................. South Africa 62,530 2,621,473
Annual Report | 19 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, JULY 31, 2007 (CONTINUED)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COUNTRY SHARES/WARRANTS VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMON STOCKS AND WARRANTS (CONTINUED) LONG LIFE GOLD MINES (CONTINUED) AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ADR ............................................. South Africa 1,241,327 $ 52,334,346 Barrick Gold Corp. ...................................................... Canada 3,271,283 107,625,211 a,b Centerra Gold Inc., 144A ................................................ Canada 1,384,800 9,111,722 Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA ....................................... Peru 100,593 4,007,169 Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA, ADR .................................. Peru 1,288,986 51,443,431 a Gammon Gold Inc. ........................................................ Canada 2,114,500 23,822,561 Gold Fields Ltd. ........................................................ South Africa 697,191 11,390,849 Gold Fields Ltd., ADR ................................................... South Africa 854,528 14,116,803 Goldcorp Inc. ........................................................... Canada 1,260,625 32,020,749 Goldcorp Inc. (USD Traded) .............................................. Canada 2,329,865 59,201,870 a Goldcorp Inc., wts., 6/09/11 ............................................ Canada 9,125 96,647 a Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. ............................................ South Africa 1,443,000 19,732,046 a Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR ....................................... South Africa 600,000 8,304,000 a Highland Gold Mining Ltd. ............................................... United Kingdom 524,000 1,160,283 a Lihir Gold Ltd. ......................................................... Papua New Guinea 17,447,142 45,505,477 a Meridian Gold Inc. ...................................................... United States 1,006,500 28,413,495 a Meridian Gold Inc. (CAD Traded) ......................................... United States 513,760 14,518,572 Newcrest Mining Ltd. .................................................... Australia 4,150,828 88,095,157 Newmont Mining Corp. .................................................... United States 720,714 30,089,810 Randgold Resources Ltd., ADR ............................................ United Kingdom 2,127,600 48,722,040 --------------- 717,974,900 --------------- MEDIUM LIFE GOLD MINES 11.4% a Eldorado Gold Corp. ..................................................... Canada 2,645,000 12,023,854 a,b GBS Gold International Inc., 144A ....................................... Canada 2,000,000 4,911,426 a Golden Star Resources Ltd. .............................................. Canada 750,000 2,748,617 a Golden Star Resources Ltd. (USD Traded) ................................. Canada 700,000 2,604,000 b Hochschild Mining PLC, 144A ............................................. United Kingdom 1,850,000 13,585,830 IAMGOLD Corp. ........................................................... Canada 1,282,000 10,574,187 Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd. ............................................. Australia 2,105,148 8,899,841 a Kinross Gold Corp. ...................................................... Canada 3,513,012 45,439,653 a SEMAFO Inc. ............................................................. Canada 4,725,000 7,883,119 a,b SEMAFO Inc., 144A ....................................................... Canada 3,000,000 5,005,155 Yamana Gold Inc. ........................................................ Canada 1,630,940 18,053,615 b Yamana Gold Inc., 144A .................................................. Canada 2,300,000 25,459,743 a Yukon-Nevada Gold Corp. ................................................. Canada 650,000 785,922 --------------- 157,974,962 --------------- PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS 0.1% a Mondi Ltd. .............................................................. United Kingdom 25,610 219,807 a Mondi PLC ............................................................... United Kingdom 64,025 561,550 --------------- 781,357 ---------------
20 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, JULY 31, 2007 (CONTINUED)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COUNTRY SHARES/WARRANTS VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMON STOCKS AND WARRANTS (CONTINUED) PLATINUM & PALLADIUM 17.0% Anglo Platinum Ltd. ..................................................... South Africa 110,000 $ 15,126,263 Anglo Platinum Ltd., ADR ................................................ South Africa 571,138 79,245,397 a Eastern Platinum Ltd. ................................................... Canada 3,100,000 7,351,204 Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. ........................................... South Africa 2,050,000 59,916,493 Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., ADR ...................................... South Africa 1,542,400 45,269,440 Lonmin PLC .............................................................. United Kingdom 350,000 24,913,704 a Stillwater Mining Co. ................................................... United States 253,246 2,304,539 --------------- 234,127,040 --------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS AND WARRANTS (COST $641,933,019) 1,352,246,270 --------------- SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (COST $20,744,575) 1.5% MONEY MARKET FUND 1.5% c Franklin Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 5.00% .... United States 20,744,575 20,744,575 --------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $662,677,594) 99.5% ............................. 1,372,990,845 OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES 0.5% ..................................... 6,283,114 --------------- NET ASSETS 100.0% ....................................................... $1,379,273,959 ===============
CURRENCY ABBREVIATIONS CAD - Canadian Dollar USD - U.S. Dollar SELECTED PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS ADR - American Depository Receipt GDR - Global Depository Receipt a Non-income producing for the twelve months ended July 31, 2007. 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 July 31, 2007, the aggregate value of these securities was $144,438,736, representing 10.47% of net assets. c See Note 8 regarding investments in the Franklin Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end. Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 21 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES July 31, 2007 Assets: Investments in securities: Cost - Unaffiliated issuers ........................... $ 641,933,019 Cost - Sweep Money Fund (Note 8) ...................... 20,744,575 ---------------- Total cost of investments ............................. $ 662,677,594 ================ Value - Unaffiliated issuers .......................... $ 1,352,246,270 Value - Sweep Money Fund (Note 8) ..................... 20,744,575 ---------------- Total value of investments ............................ 1,372,990,845 Foreign currency, at value (cost $4,134,819) ............. 4,445,002 Receivables: Investment securities sold ............................ 942,192 Capital shares sold ................................... 4,267,618 Dividends ............................................. 252,728 ---------------- Total assets ....................................... 1,382,898,385 ---------------- Liabilities: Payables: Capital shares redeemed ............................... 2,032,169 Affiliates ............................................ 1,087,186 Unaffiliated transfer agent fees ...................... 412,935 Accrued expenses and other liabilities ................... 92,136 ---------------- Total liabilities .................................. 3,624,426 ---------------- Net assets, at value ............................ $ 1,379,273,959 ================ Net assets consist of: Paid-in capital .......................................... $ 645,722,070 Distributions in excess of net investment income ......... (25,605,202) Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ............... 710,624,883 Accumulated net realized gain (loss) ..................... 48,532,208 ---------------- Net assets, at value ............................ $ 1,379,273,959 ================ 22 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED) July 31, 2007 CLASS A: Net assets, at value ........................................... $ 1,011,344,037 ================ Shares outstanding ............................................. 29,988,118 ================ Net asset value per share a .................................... $ 33.73 ================ Maximum offering price per share (net asset value / 94.25% ..... $ 35.79 ================ CLASS B: Net assets, at value ........... .............................. $ 62,385,954 ================ Shares outstanding ............................................. 1,913,491 ================ Net asset value and maximum offering price per share a ......... $ 32.60 ================ CLASS C: Net assets, at value ........................................... $ 240,423,604 ================ Shares outstanding ............................................. 7,307,438 ================ Net asset value and maximum offering price per share a ......... $ 32.90 ================ ADVISOR CLASS: Net assets, at value ........................................... $ 65,120,364 ================ Shares outstanding ............................................. 1,877,838 ================ Net asset value and maximum offering price per share a ............ $ 34.68 ================
a Redemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and redemption fees retained by the Fund. Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 23 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the year ended July 31, 2007 Investment income: Dividends (net of foreign taxes $381,853) Unaffiliated issuers ................................................................ $ 15,457,387 Sweep Money Fund (Note 8) ........................................................... 816,786 Interest ............................................................................... 86,377 -------------- Total investment income .......................................................... 16,360,550 -------------- Expenses: Management fees (Note 3a) .............................................................. 6,100,652 Distribution fees: (Note 3c) Class A ............................................................................. 2,376,474 Class B ............................................................................. 609,423 Class C ............................................................................. 2,233,524 Transfer agent fees (Note 3e) .......................................................... 2,150,560 Custodian fees (Note 4) ................................................................ 142,992 Reports to shareholders ................................................................ 141,887 Registration and filing fees ........................................................... 147,172 Professional fees ...................................................................... 46,582 Trustees' fees and expenses ............................................................ 24,409 Other .................................................................................. 35,495 -------------- Total expenses ................................................................... 14,009,170 Expense reductions (Note 4) ...................................................... (511) -------------- Net expenses .................................................................. 14,008,659 -------------- Net investment income ...................................................... 2,351,891 -------------- Realized and unrealized gains (losses): Net realized gain (loss) from: Investments ......................................................................... 55,316,115 Foreign currency transactions ....................................................... (189,556) -------------- Net realized gain (loss) ...................................................... 55,126,559 -------------- Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: Investments ......................................................................... 128,746,597 Translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies ............. 209,362 -------------- Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) .......................... 128,955,959 -------------- Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ................................................... 184,082,518 -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations ........................... $ 186,434,409 ==============
24 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
-------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2007 2006 -------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in net assets: Operations: Net investment income ..................................................................... $ 2,351,891 $ 3,771,921 Net realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions ............... 55,126,559 48,399,030 Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies ............................... 128,955,959 402,987,896 -------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations ..................... 186,434,409 455,158,847 -------------------------------- Distributions to shareholders from: Net investment income: Class A ................................................................................ (21,865,871) (3,754,217) Class B ................................................................................ (871,751) (41,971) Class C ................................................................................ (3,276,068) (219,065) Advisor Class .......................................................................... (1,644,592) (348,876) Net realized gains: Class A ................................................................................ (28,740,740) -- Class B ................................................................................ (1,976,377) -- Class C ................................................................................ (7,022,535) -- Advisor Class .......................................................................... (1,931,389) -- -------------------------------- Total distributions to shareholders .......................................................... (67,329,323) (4,364,129) -------------------------------- Capital share transactions: (Note 2) Class A ................................................................................ 38,685,399 131,599,625 Class B ................................................................................ (3,698,184) (9,105,554) Class C ................................................................................ 2,733,961 18,714,595 Advisor Class .......................................................................... (744,605) 1,411,854 -------------------------------- Total capital share transactions ............................................................. 36,976,571 142,620,520 -------------------------------- Redemption fees .............................................................................. 8,785 36,012 -------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets .................................................. 156,090,442 593,451,250 Net assets: Beginning of year ............................................................................ 1,223,183,517 629,732,267 -------------------------------- End of year .................................................................................. $1,379,273,959 $1,223,183,517 ================================ Distributions in excess of net investment income included in net assets: End of year .................................................................................. $ (25,605,202) $ (54,761) ================================
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 25 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (the Fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the 1940 Act) as a non-diversified, open-end investment company. The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Advisor Class. Each class of shares differs by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, distribution fees, voting rights on matters affecting a single class and its exchange privilege. The following summarizes the Fund's significant accounting policies. A. 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. The investment manager monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depository Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred. 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. 26 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 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. 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 at a future 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 it is the Fund's policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains. Foreign securities held by the Fund may be subject to foreign taxation on dividend and interest income received. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. Annual Report | 27 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 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). Distributable earnings determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, other than class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions, by class, are generally due to differences in class specific expenses. 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. Currently, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote. 28 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST At July 31, 2007, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (no par value). Transactions in the Fund's shares were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2007 2006 ---------------------------------------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A SHARES: Shares sold ...................... 9,952,865 $ 321,030,285 20,483,273 $ 563,514,264 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions ................. 1,337,299 43,208,127 141,714 3,284,924 Shares redeemed .................. (10,163,730) (325,553,013) (16,446,287) (435,199,563) ---------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) .......... 1,126,434 $ 38,685,399 4,178,700 $ 131,599,625 ========================================================== CLASS B SHARES: Shares sold ...................... 166,415 $ 5,219,309 387,494 $ 9,874,058 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions ................. 79,582 2,498,087 1,657 37,296 Shares redeemed .................. (372,167) (11,415,580) (743,854) (19,016,908) ---------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) .......... (126,170) $ (3,698,184) (354,703) $ (9,105,554) ========================================================== CLASS C SHARES: Shares sold ...................... 1,657,798 $ 52,788,963 3,176,553 $ 84,980,636 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions ................. 268,875 8,515,298 7,924 180,030 Shares redeemed .................. (1,887,994) (58,570,300) (2,484,486) (66,446,071) ---------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) .......... 38,679 $ 2,733,961 699,991 $ 18,714,595 ========================================================== ADVISOR CLASS SHARES: Shares sold ...................... 404,725 $ 13,568,522 378,725 $ 10,812,774 Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions ................. 92,530 3,068,310 12,611 299,758 Shares redeemed .................. (531,240) (17,381,437) (367,540) (9,700,678) ---------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) .......... (33,985) $ (744,605) 23,796 $ 1,411,854 ==========================================================
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 Annual Report | 29 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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% Over $250 million, up to and including $10 billion 0.440% Over $10 billion, up to and including $12.5 billion 0.420% Over $12.5 billion, up to and including $15 billion 0.400% In excess of $15 billion 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 for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund's shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plan, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Fund's Class B and C compensation distribution plans, the Fund pays Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund's shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows: Class A ....................................................... 0.25% 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 year: Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated broker/dealers ........................ $ 497,267 Contingent deferred sales charges retained .................... $ 88,627 30 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (CONTINUED) E. TRANSFER AGENT FEES For the year ended July 31, 2007, the Fund paid transfer agent fees of $2,150,560, of which $1,157,498 was retained by Investor Services. 4. EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENT The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund's custodian expenses. During the year ended July 31, 2007, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statement of Operations. 5. INCOME TAXES The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, was as follows: ------------------------------- 2007 2006 ------------------------------- Distributions paid from: Ordinary income .......................... $ 27,658,282 $ 4,364,129 Long term capital gain ................... 39,671,041 -- ------------------------------- $ 67,329,323 $ 4,364,129 ------------------------------- At July 31, 2007, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), undistributed ordinary income and undistributed long term capital gains for income tax purposes were as follows: Cost of investments ......................................... $ 723,111,653 ================ Unrealized appreciation ..................................... $ 665,895,580 Unrealized depreciation ..................................... (16,016,388) ---------------- Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) .................. $ 649,879,192 ================ Undistributed ordinary income ............................... $ 38,275,529 Undistributed long term capital gains ....................... 45,085,536 ---------------- Distributable earnings ...................................... $ 83,361,065 ================ Net investment income 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 foreign currency transactions and wash sales. Annual Report | 31 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the year ended July 31, 2007, aggregated $92,245,660 and $97,802,047, respectively. 7. CONCENTRATION OF RISK Investing in foreign securities may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, such as fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, certain foreign securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities. 8. 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. 9. REGULATORY AND LITIGATION MATTERS As part of various investigations by a number of federal, state, and foreign regulators and governmental entities, including the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), 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 ("marketing support"), Franklin Resources, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"), entered into settlements with certain of those regulators and governmental entities. Specifically, the Company entered into settlements with the SEC, among others, concerning market timing and marketing support. On June 23, 2006, the SEC approved the proposed plan of distribution for the marketing support settlement, and disbursement of the settlement monies to the designated funds, in accordance with the terms and conditions of that settlement and plan, was completed in September 2006. On June 6, 2007, the SEC posted for public comment the proposed plan of distribution for the market timing settlement. Once the SEC approves the final plan of distribution, disbursements of settlement monies will be made promptly to individuals who were shareholders of the designated funds during the relevant period, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the settlement and plan. 32 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 9. REGULATORY AND LITIGATION MATTERS (CONTINUED) In addition, the Company, as well as most of the mutual funds within Franklin Templeton Investments and certain current or former officers, Company directors, fund directors, and 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.). The lawsuits relate to the industry practices referenced above. The Company and fund management believe that the claims made in each of the private lawsuits referenced above are without merit and intend 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. 10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes -- an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 provides guidance on the measurement, recognition, classification and disclosure of tax positions, along with accounting for the related interest and penalties. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the date of effectiveness. On December 22, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission extended the implementation date to no later than the last net asset value calculation in the first semi-annual reporting period in 2007. The Fund believes the adoption of FIN 48 will have no material impact on its financial statements. In September 2006, FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, "Fair Value Measurement" ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Fund believes the adoption of SFAS 157 will have no material impact on its financial statements. Annual Report | 33 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (the "Fund") at July 31, 2007, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at July 31, 2007 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP San Francisco, California September 20, 2007 34 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund TAX DESIGNATION (UNAUDITED) Under Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $51,535,569 as a long term capital gain dividend for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. Under Section 871(k)(2)(C) of the Code, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $3,506,907 as a short term capital gain dividend for purposes of the tax imposed under Section 871(a)(1)(A) of the Code for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund designates 6.97% of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $16,285,477 as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. In January 2008, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of qualified dividends distributed during the calendar year 2007. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns. Under Section 871(k)(1)(C) of the Code, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $816,786 as interest related dividends for purposes of the tax imposed under Section 871(a)(1)(A) of the Code for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007. At July 31, 2007, more than 50% of the Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund 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. The Fund elects to treat foreign taxes paid as allowed under Section 853 of the Code. This election will allow shareholders of record in December 2007, 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 foreign tax information will be disclosed in the January 2008, semi-annual report of the Fund. In addition, in January 2008, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of taxes withheld and foreign source income distributed during the calendar year 2007. Annual Report | 35 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, MARCH 21, 2007 A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (the "Fund") was held at the Fund's offices, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California on March 21, 2007. The purpose of the meeting was to elect Trustees of the Fund and to vote on the following Proposals and Sub-Proposals: to approve an Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust; and to approve amendments to certain of the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions (including six (6) Sub-Proposals). At the meeting, the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Independent Trustees of the Fund: Harris J. Ashton, Robert F. Carlson, Sam Ginn, Edith E. Holiday, Frank W. T. LaHaye, Frank A. Olson, Larry D. Thompson and John B. Wilson. Charles B. Johnson and Gregory E. Johnson were elected by the shareholders to serve as Interested Trustees. Shareholders also approved the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, and amendments to certain of the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions (including six (6) Sub-Proposals). No other business was transacted at the meeting. The results of the voting at the meeting are as follows: Proposal 1. The Election of Trustees:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ % OF % OF % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED OUTSTANDING VOTED NAME FOR SHARES SHARES WITHHELD SHARES SHARES - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Harris J. Ashton ............ 22,057,722.918 53.544% 97.675% 525,051.644 1.274% 2.325% Robert F. Carlson ........... 22,053,830.843 53.534% 97.658% 528,943.719 1.284% 2.342% Sam Ginn .................... 22,065,985.755 53.564% 97.712% 516,788.807 1.254% 2.288% Edith E. Holiday ............ 21,883,947.030 53.122% 96.905% 698,827.532 1.696% 3.095% Frank W. T. LaHaye .......... 21,899,482.885 53.160% 96.974% 683,291.677 1.658% 3.026% Frank A. Olson .............. 21,878,047.893 53.107% 96.879% 704,726.669 1.711% 3.121% Larry D. Thompson ........... 22,074,782.371 53.585% 97.751% 507,992.191 1.233% 2.249% John B. Wilson .............. 21,922,707.585 53.216% 97.077% 660,066.977 1.602% 2.923% Charles B. Johnson .......... 21,910,341.075 53.186% 97.022% 672,433.487 1.632% 2.978% Gregory E. Johnson .......... 22,071,138.312 53.576% 97.734% 511,636.250 1.242% 2.266%
Proposal 2. To approve an Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 16,341,862.697 39.669% 72.364% Against ................... 507,512.889 1.232% 2.248% Abstain ................... 569,260.976 1.382% 2.520% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, MARCH 21, 2007 (CONTINUED) Proposal 3. To approve amendments to certain of the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions (includes six (6) Sub-Proposals): (a) To amend the Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding borrowing: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 15,724,535.092 38.170% 69.630% Against ................... 804,614.047 1.953% 3.563% Abstain ................... 889,487.423 2.160% 3.939% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (b) To amend the Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding lending: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 15,735,350.957 38.197% 69.678% Against ................... 804,048.246 1.951% 3.560% Abstain ................... 879,237.359 2.135% 3.894% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (c) To amend the Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in real estate: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 15,713,981.053 38.145% 69.584% Against ................... 1,005,951.337 2.442% 4.454% Abstain ................... 698,704.172 1.696% 3.094% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (d) To amend the Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 15,771,128.509 38.283% 69.837% Against ................... 753,830.352 1.830% 3.338% Abstain ................... 893,677.701 2.170% 3.957% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Report | 37 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, MARCH 21, 2007 (CONTINUED) (e) To amend the Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding issuing senior securities: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 15,680,757.123 38.064% 69.436% Against ................... 805,834.649 1.956% 3.568% Abstain ................... 932,044.790 2.263% 4.128% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (f) To amend the Fund's fundamental investment restriction regarding industry concentration: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- % OF % OF OUTSTANDING VOTED SHARES VOTED SHARES SHARES - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For ....................... 15,998,469.429 38.835% 70.843% Against ................... 695,200.979 1.688% 3.078% Abstain ................... 724,966.154 1.760% 3.211% Broker Non-Votes .......... 5,164,138.000 12.536% 22.868% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ..................... 22,582,774.562 54.819% 100.000% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 38 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Fund, principal occupations during the past five years and number of portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that person's successor is elected and qualified. INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS POSITION TIME SERVED BY BOARD MEMBER* OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HARRIS J. ASHTON (1932) Trustee Since 1982 140 Director, Bar-S Foods One Franklin Parkway (meat packing company). San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Director of various companies; and FORMERLY, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROBERT F. CARLSON (1928) Trustee Since March 2007 121 None One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Vice President, senior member and past President, Board of Administration, California Public Employees Retirement Systems (CALPERS); and FORMERLY, member and Chairman of the Board, Sutter Community Hospitals; member, Corporate Board, Blue Shield of California; and Chief Counsel, California Department of Transportation. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SAM GINN (1937) Trustee Since March 2007 121 Director, Chevron One Franklin Parkway Corporation (global energy San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 company) and ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (satellite company). PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Private investor; and FORMERLY, Chairman of the Board, Vodafone AirTouch, PLC (wireless company); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, AirTouch Communications (cellular communications) (1993-1998) and Pacific Telesis Groups (telephone holding company) (1988-1994). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITH E. HOLIDAY (1952) Trustee Since 2003 140 Director, Hess Corporation One Franklin Parkway (formerly Amerada Hess San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Corporation) (exploration and refining of oil and gas), H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products), RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distri- bution of titanium), Canadian National Railway (railroad) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company). PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and FORMERLY, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison-United States Treasury Department (1988-1989). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Report | 39
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS POSITION TIME SERVED BY BOARD MEMBER* OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FRANK W. T. LAHAYE (1929) Trustee Since 1968 121 Director, Center for One Franklin Parkway Creative Land Recycling San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 (brownfield redevelopment). PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: General Partner, Las Olas L.P. (Asset Management); and FORMERLY, Chairman, Peregrine Venture Management Company (venture capital). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FRANK A. OLSON (1932) Trustee Since 2005 140 Director, Hess Corporation One Franklin Parkway (formerly Amerada Hess San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Corporation) (exploration and refining of oil and gas) and Sentient Jet (private jet service). PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Chairman Emeritus, The Hertz Corporation (since 2000) (Chairman of the Board (1980-2000) and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1999)); and FORMERLY, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LARRY D. THOMPSON (1945) Trustee Since March 2007 140 None One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products); and FORMERLY, Director, Delta Airlines (aviation) (2003-2005) and Providian Financial Corp. (1997-2001); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN B. WILSON (1959) Trustee Since 2006 121 None One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: President and Founder, Hyannis Port Capital, Inc. (real estate and private equity investing); serves on private and non-profit boards; and FORMERLY, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Gap, Inc. (retail) (1996-2000); Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President - Finance Strategy, Staples, Inc. (office supplies) (1992-1996); Executive Vice President - Corporate Planning, Northwest Airlines, Inc. (airlines) (1990-1992); and Vice President and Partner, Bain & Company (consulting firm) (1986-1990). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS POSITION TIME SERVED BY BOARD MEMBER* OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **CHARLES B. JOHNSON (1933) Trustee and Trustee since 140 None One Franklin Parkway Chairman of 1976 and San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 the Board Chairman of the Board since 1993 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Chairman of the Board, Member - Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 42 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 | Annual Report
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS POSITION TIME SERVED BY BOARD MEMBER* OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **GREGORY E. JOHNSON (1961) Trustee Since March 2007 91 None One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Director, Templeton Asset Management Ltd.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 33 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JAMES M. DAVIS (1952) Chief Chief Compliance Not Applicable Not Applicable One Franklin Parkway Compliance Officer since 2004 San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Officer and and Vice Vice President President - AML - AML Compliance since Compliance 2006 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Director, Global Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and FORMERLY, Director of Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2001). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAURA FERGERSON (1962) Treasurer Since 2004 Not Applicable Not Applicable One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 30 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and FORMERLY, Director and member of Audit and Valuation Committees, Runkel Funds, Inc. (2003-2004); Assistant Treasurer of most of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments (1997-2003); and Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (1997-2003). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JIMMY D. GAMBILL (1947) Senior Vice Since 2002 Not Applicable Not Applicable 500 East Broward Blvd. President and Suite 2100 Chief Executive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Officer - Finance and Administration PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; Senior Vice President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAVID P. GOSS (1947) Vice President Since 2000 Not Applicable Not Applicable One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; officer and director of one of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR. (1940) President President since Not Applicable Not Applicable One Franklin Parkway and Chief 2001 and Chief San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Executive Executive Officer- Officer - Investment Investment Management Management since 2002 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Vice Chairman, Member - Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 44 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Report | 41
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, YEAR OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS POSITION TIME SERVED BY BOARD MEMBER* OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KAREN L. SKIDMORE (1952) Vice President Since 2006 Not Applicable Not Applicable One Franklin Parkway and Secretary San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 30 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CRAIG S. TYLE (1960) Vice President Since 2005 Not Applicable Not Applicable One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and FORMERLY, Partner, Shearman & Sterling, LLP (2004-2005); and General Counsel, Investment Company Institute (ICI) (1997-2004). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GALEN G. VETTER (1951) Chief Financial Since 2004 Not Applicable Not Applicable 500 East Broward Blvd. Officer and Suite 2100 Chief Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Accounting Officer PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST 5 YEARS: Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and FORMERLY, Managing Director, RSM McGladrey, Inc. (1999-2004); and Partner, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (1979-1987 and 1991-2004). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers. ** Charles B. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director and major shareholder of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Fund's investment manager and distributor. Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director of Resources. Note 1: Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers and the father and uncle, respectively, of Gregory E. Johnson. Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change. Note 3: Prior to July 31, 2007, Harmon E. Burns, S. Joseph Fortunato, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. and Gordon S. Macklin ceased to be trustees of the Trust. THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION REQUIRE THE FUND TO DISCLOSE WHETHER THE FUND'S AUDIT COMMITTEE INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE MEMBER WHO IS AN AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT WITHIN THE MEANING OF SUCH ACT AND RULES. THE FUND'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE SUCH FINANCIAL EXPERT ON THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND HAS DESIGNATED JOHN B. WILSON AS ITS AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. THE BOARD BELIEVES THAT MR. WILSON QUALIFIES AS SUCH AN EXPERT IN VIEW OF HIS EXTENSIVE BUSINESS BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING SERVICE AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF STAPLES, INC. FROM 1992 TO 1996. MR. WILSON HAS BEEN A MEMBER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FUND'S AUDIT COMMITTEE SINCE 2006. AS A RESULT OF SUCH BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BELIEVES THAT MR. WILSON HAS ACQUIRED AN UNDERSTANDING OF GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, THE GENERAL APPLICATION OF SUCH PRINCIPLES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES, ACCRUALS AND RESERVES, AND ANALYZING AND EVALUATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT PRESENT A BREADTH AND LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY OF ACCOUNTING ISSUES GENERALLY COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF THE FUND, AS WELL AS AN UNDERSTANDING OF INTERNAL CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF AUDIT COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS. MR. WILSON IS AN INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED UNDER THE RELEVANT SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULES AND RELEASES. THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) INCLUDES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD MEMBERS AND IS AVAILABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON REQUEST. SHAREHOLDERS MAY CALL 1-800/DIAL BEN (1-800/342-5236) TO REQUEST THE SAI. 42 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT At a meeting held April 17, 2007, the Board of Trustees (Board), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees, approved renewal of the investment management agreement for the Fund. In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual renewal review process. Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports and related financial information for the Fund, as well as periodic reports on shareholder services, legal, compliance, pricing, brokerage commissions and execution and other services provided by the Investment Manager (Manager) and its affiliates. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included a report for the Fund prepared by Lipper, Inc. (Lipper), an independent organization, as well as a Fund profitability analysis report prepared by management. The Lipper report compared the Fund's investment performance and expenses with those of other mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund as selected by Lipper. The Fund profitability analysis report discussed the profitability to Franklin Templeton Investments from its overall U.S. fund operations, as well as on an individual fund-by-fund basis. Included with such profitability analysis report was information on a fund-by-fund basis listing portfolio managers and other accounts they manage, as well as information on management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates including management's explanation of differences where relevant and a three-year expense analysis with an explanation for any increase in expense ratios. Additional material accompanying such report was a memorandum prepared by management describing project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Fund by the Franklin Templeton Investments organization, as well as a memorandum relating to economies of scale and a comparative analysis concerning transfer agent fees charged the Fund. In considering such materials, the independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. In approving continuance of the investment management agreement for the Fund, the Board, including a majority of independent Trustees, determined that the existing management fee structure was fair and reasonable and that continuance of the investment management agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board's decision. NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES. The Board was satisfied with the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholders. In addition to investment performance and expenses discussed later, the Board's opinion was based, in part, upon periodic reports furnished them showing that the investment policies and restrictions for the Fund were consistently complied with as well as other reports periodically furnished the Board covering matters such as the compliance of portfolio managers and other management personnel with the code of ethics adopted throughout the Franklin Templeton fund complex, the adherence to fair value pricing procedures established by the Annual Report | 43 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (CONTINUED) BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (CONTINUED) Board, and the accuracy of net asset value calculations. The Board also noted the extent of benefits provided Fund shareholders from being part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds, including the right to exchange investments between the same class of funds without a sales charge, the ability to reinvest Fund dividends into other funds and the right to combine holdings in other funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. Favorable consideration was given to management's continuous efforts and expenditures in establishing back-up systems and recovery procedures to function in the event of a natural disaster, it being noted that such systems and procedures had functioned smoothly during the Florida hurricanes and blackouts experienced in recent years. Among other factors taken into account by the Board were the Manager's best execution trading policies, including a favorable report by an independent portfolio trading analytical firm. Consideration was also given to the experience of the Fund's portfolio management team, the number of accounts managed and general method of compensation. In this latter respect, the Board noted that a primary factor in management's determination of a portfolio manager's bonus compensation was the relative investment performance of the funds he or she managed and that a portion of such bonus was required to be invested in a predesignated list of funds within such person's fund management area so as to be aligned with the interests of Fund shareholders. The Board also took into account the quality of transfer agent and shareholder services provided Fund shareholders by an affiliate of the Manager, noting continuing expenditures by management to increase and improve the scope of such services, periodic favorable reports on such service conducted by third parties, the high industry ranking given to the Franklin Templeton website, and the firsthand experience of individual Board members who deal with the shareholder services department in their capacities as shareholders in one or more of the various Franklin Templeton funds. INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of its importance to shareholders. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Board meetings during the year, particular attention in assessing such performance was given to the Lipper report furnished for the agreement renewal. The Lipper report prepared for the Fund showed the investment performance of its Class A shares during the year ended January 31, 2007, as well as the previous 10 years ended that date in comparison to a performance universe consisting of all retail and institutional gold-oriented funds as selected by Lipper. The Board noted that the Fund's total return for the one-year period was in the middle quintile of such universe and on an annualized basis was in the second-highest quintile of such universe for the previous three- and 10-year periods, and the second-lowest quintile of such universe during the previous five-year period. The Board was satisfied with such comparative performance. COMPARATIVE EXPENSES. Consideration was given to a comparative analysis of the management fees and total expense ratios of the Fund compared with those of a group of other funds selected by Lipper as its appropriate Lipper expense group under the Lipper report. Prior to making such comparison, the Board relied upon a survey showing that the scope of management 44 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (CONTINUED) BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (CONTINUED) advisory services covered under the Fund's investment management agreement was similar to those provided by fund managers to other mutual fund groups. In reviewing comparative costs, emphasis was given to the Fund's management fee in comparison with the contractual investment management fee that would have been charged by other funds within its Lipper expense group assuming they were the same size as the Fund, as well as the actual total expenses of the Fund in comparison with those of its Lipper expense group. The Lipper contractual investment management fee analysis includes administrative charges as being part of a management fee, and total expenses, for comparative consistency, are shown by Lipper for fund Class A shares. The results of such expense comparisons showed that both the contractual investment management fee rate for the Fund, as well as its actual total expenses were in the least expensive quintile of its Lipper expense group. The Board was satisfied with the management fee and total expenses of the Fund in comparison to its expense group as shown in the Lipper report. MANAGEMENT PROFITABILITY. The Board also considered the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Fund profitability analysis that addresses the overall profitability of Franklin Templeton's U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing management and other services to the Fund. Specific attention was given to the methodology followed in allocating costs to the Fund, it being recognized that allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various allocation methodologies may each be reasonable while producing different results. In this respect, the Board noted that, while being continuously refined and reflecting changes in the Manager's own cost accounting, the allocation methodology was consistent with that followed in profitability report presentations for the Fund made in prior years and that the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm had been engaged by the Manager to perform certain procedures on a biennial basis, specified and approved by the Manager and the Fund's Board solely for their purposes and use in reference to the profitability analysis. In reviewing and discussing such analysis, management discussed with the Board its belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also took into account management's expenditures in improving shareholder services provided the Fund, as well as the need to meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and recent SEC requirements. In addition, the Board considered a third-party study comparing the profitability of the Manager's parent on an overall basis as compared to other publicly held managers broken down to show profitability from management operations exclusive of distribution expenses, as well as profitability including distribution expenses. The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including its interest in a joint venture entity that financed up-front commissions paid to brokers/dealers who sold fund Class B shares prior to February 2005, when the offering of such shares was discontinued, as well as potential benefits resulting from allocation Annual Report | 45 Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (CONTINUED) BOARD REVIEW OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (CONTINUED) of fund brokerage and the use of "soft" commission dollars to pay for research. Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board determined that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to the Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, quality and extent of services provided. ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Board also considered whether economies of scale are realized by the Manager as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which this is reflected in the level of management fees charged. While recognizing that any precise determination is inherently subjective, the Board noted that based upon the Fund profitability analysis, it appears that as some funds get larger, at some point economies of scale do result in the Manager realizing a larger profit margin on management services provided such a fund. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with a fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints so that as a fund grows in size, its effective management fee rate declines. The fee structure under the Fund's investment management agreement provides an initial fee of 0.625% on the first $100 million of assets; 0.50% on the next $150 million of assets and 0.45% on assets in excess of $250 million, with breakpoints continuing thereafter at the $10 billion asset level. The Fund had assets of approximately $1.3 billion on December 31, 2006, and the independent Trustees took into account management's position that the existing fee schedule was low and reflected anticipated economies of scale as shown in the favorable effective management fee and expense comparisons within its Lipper expense group. The Board believed that to the extent any economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates, the schedule of fees under the investment management agreement provides a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders. 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 1-954/527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Fund's proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30. 46 | Annual Report Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (CONTINUED) 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. Annual Report | 47 This page intentionally left blank. 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 FUNDS INTERNATIONAL Mutual European Fund Templeton BRIC Fund Templeton China World Fund Templeton Developing Markets Trust Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund Templeton Foreign Fund Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund 1 GLOBAL Mutual Discovery Fund Templeton Global Long-Short Fund Templeton Global Opportunities Trust Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund 1 Templeton Growth Fund Templeton World Fund GROWTH Franklin Aggressive Growth Fund Franklin Capital Growth Fund Franklin Flex Cap Growth Fund Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund II 2 Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund VALUE Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund 1 Franklin Equity Income Fund Franklin Large Cap Value Fund Franklin MicroCap Value Fund 1 Franklin MidCap Value Fund Franklin Small Cap Value Fund Mutual Beacon Fund Mutual Qualified Fund Mutual Recovery Fund 3 Mutual Shares Fund BLEND Franklin Balanced Fund Franklin Convertible Securities Fund Franklin Growth Fund Franklin Rising Dividends Fund SECTOR Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund Franklin DynaTech Fund Franklin Global Communications Fund Franklin Global Health Care Fund Franklin Global Real Estate 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 (R) Allocation Fund Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Fund Franklin Templeton Perspectives Allocation Fund Franklin Templeton Conservative Target Fund Franklin Templeton Growth Target Fund Franklin Templeton Moderate Target Fund Franklin Templeton 2015 Retirement Target Fund Franklin Templeton 2025 Retirement Target Fund Franklin Templeton 2035 Retirement Target Fund Franklin Templeton 2045 Retirement Target Fund INCOME Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund 4 Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund Franklin High Income Fund 5 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 6 NATIONAL FUNDS Double Tax-Free Income Fund Federal Tax-Free Income Fund High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund Insured Tax-Free Income Fund 7 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 8 Colorado Connecticut Florida 8 Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts 7 Michigan 7 Minnesota 7 Missouri New Jersey New York 8 North Carolina Ohio 7 Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia INSURANCE FUNDS Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust 9 1. The fund is open only to existing shareholders and select retirement plans. 2. The fund is closed to new investors. Existing shareholders can continue adding to their accounts. 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. Effective 10/1/06, Franklin's AGE High Income Fund changed its name to Franklin High Income Fund. The fund's investment goal and strategy remained the same. 6. For investors subject to the alternative minimum tax, a small portion of fund dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable. 7. The fund invests primarily in insured municipal securities. 8. 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). 9.The funds of the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust are generally available only through insurance company variable contracts. 05/07 Not part of the annual report [LOGO](R) FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTMENTS One Franklin Parkway 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. ANNUAL 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 A2007 09/07 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 John B. Wilson and he is "independent" as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. (a) Audit Fees The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $29,972 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 and $31,327 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. (b) Audit-Related Fees There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of Item 4. There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements. (c) Tax Fees There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $46,000 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 and $0 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. The services for which these fees were paid included tax compliance and advice. (d) All Other Fees The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant not reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $0 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 and $565 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process. The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant not reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $0 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 and $175,296 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process. (e) (1) The registrant's audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including: (i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services; (ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors; (iii)pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrant's investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrant's investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and (iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules. (e) (2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs (b)-(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X. (f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f). (g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $46,000 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 and $175,861 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. (h) The registrant's audit committee of the board has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. N/A ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. N/A ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. N/A ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. N/A ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. N/A ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant's Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein. ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (A) EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant's management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant's management, including the Registrant's principal executive officer and the Registrant's principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are effective. (B) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS. There have been no significant changes in the Registrant's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR. ITEM 12. EXHIBITS. (a) (1) Code of Ethics (a) (2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of 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 September 27, 2007 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By /S/JIMMY D. GAMBILL ------------------- Jimmy D. Gambill Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration Date September 27, 2007 By /S/GALEN G. VETTER ------------------ Galen G. Vetter Chief Financial Officer Date September 27, 2007 EX-99.CODE ETH 2 ncsr-code1205.txt Exhibit (a)(1) CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVES & SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PROCEDURES Revised December 2005 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FRANKLIN TEMPLETON FUNDS CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS I. Covered Officers and Purpose of the Code This code of ethics (the "Code") applies to the Principal Executive Officers, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (the "Covered Officers," each of whom is set forth in Exhibit A) of each investment company advised by a Franklin Resources subsidiary and that is registered with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission ("SEC") (collectively, "FT Funds") for the purpose of promoting: o Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical resolution of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; o Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by or on behalf of the FT Funds; o Compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; o The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and o Accountability for adherence to the Code. Each Covered Officer will be expected to adhere to a high standard of business ethics and must be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest. II. Other Policies and Procedures This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Franklin Resources, Inc. has separately adopted the CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT ("Business Conduct"), which is applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Franklin Resources, Inc., including Covered Officers. It summarizes the values, principles and business practices that guide the employee's business conduct and also provides a set of basic principles to guide officers, directors and employees regarding the minimum ethical requirements expected of them. It supplements the values, principles and business conduct identified in the Code and other existing employee policies. Additionally, the Franklin Templeton Funds have separately adopted the CODE OF ETHICS AND POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING governing personal securities trading and other related matters. The Code for Insider Trading provides for separate requirements that apply to the Covered Officers and others, and therefore is not part of this Code. Insofar as other policies or procedures of Franklin Resources, Inc., the Funds, the Funds' adviser, principal underwriter, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superceded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code. Please review these other documents or consult with the Legal Department if have questions regarding the applicability of these policies to you. III. Covered Officers Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest OVERVIEW. A "conflict of interest" occurs when a Covered Officer's private interest interferes with the interests of, or his or her service to, the FT Funds. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of apposition with the FT Funds. Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the FT Funds and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Investment Advisers Act"). For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the FT Funds because of their status as "affiliated persons" of the FT Funds. The FT Funds' and the investment advisers' compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside of the parameters of this Code. Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the FT Funds, the investment advisers and the fund administrator of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the FT Funds, for the adviser, the administrator, or for all three), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the adviser, administrator and the FT Funds. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the FT Funds, the adviser, and the administrator and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the FT Funds. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the FT Funds' Boards of Directors ("Boards") that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other codes. Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the FT Funds. Each Covered Officer must: o Not use his or her personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions orfinancial reporting by the FT Funds whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally to the detriment of the FT Funds; o Not cause the FT Funds to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the benefit the FT Funds; o Not retaliate against any other Covered Officer or any employee of the FT Funds or their affiliated persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; o Report at least annually the following affiliations or other relationships:/ 1 o all directorships for public companies and all companies that are required to file reports with the SEC; o any direct or indirect business relationship with any independent directors of the FT Funds; o any direct or indirect business relationship with any independent public accounting firm (which are not related to the routine issues related to the firm's service as the Covered Persons accountant); and o any direct or indirect interest in any transaction with any FT Fund that will benefit the officer (not including benefits derived from the advisory, sub-advisory, distribution or service agreements with affiliates of Franklin Resources). These reports will be reviewed by the Legal Department for compliance with the Code. There are some conflict of interest situations that should always be approved in writing by Franklin Resources General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, if material. Examples of these include/2: o Service as a director on the board of any public or private Company; o The receipt of any gifts in excess of $100 from any person, from any corporation or association o The receipt of any entertainment from any Company with which the FT Funds has current or prospective business dealings unless such entertainment is business related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Covered Officers must obtain prior approval from the Franklin Resources General Counsel for any entertainment with a value in excess of $1000. o Any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the FT Fund's service providers, other than an investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator or any affiliated person thereof; o A direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the FT Funds for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer's employment, such as compensation or equity ownership. Franklin Resources General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel will provide a report to the FT Funds Audit Committee of any approvals granted at the next regularly scheduled meeting. IV. Disclosure and Compliance o Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself with the disclosure requirements generally applicable to the FT Funds; o Each Covered Officer should not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the FT Funds to others, whether within or outside the FT Funds, including to the FT Funds' directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations; o Each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the FT Funds, the FT Fund's adviser and the administrator with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the FT Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the FT Funds; and o It is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations. V. Reporting and Accountability Each Covered Officer must: o Upon becoming a covered officer affirm in writing to the Board that he or she has received, read, and understands the Code (see Exhibit B); o Annually thereafter affirm to the Board that he has complied with the requirements of the Code; and o Notify Franklin Resources' General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel promptly if he or she knows of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself is a violation of this Code. Franklin Resources' General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel are responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and have the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation./3 However, the Independent Directors of the respective FT Funds will consider any approvals or waivers/4 sought by any Chief Executive Officers of the Funds. The FT Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code: o Franklin Resources General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported to the Legal Department; o If, after such investigation, the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel believes that no violation has occurred, The General Counsel is not required to take any further action; o Any matter that the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel believes is a violation will be reported to the Independent Directors of the appropriate FT Fund; o If the Independent Directors concur that a violation has occurred, it will inform and make a recommendation to the Board of the appropriate FT Fund or Funds, which will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer; o The Independent Directors will be responsible for granting waivers, as appropriate; and o Any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, are disclosed as provided by SEC rules./5 VI. Other Policies and Procedures This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the FT Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other policies or procedures of the FT Funds, the FT Funds' advisers, principal underwriter, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code. The FT Code of Ethics and Policy Statement On Insider Trading, adopted by the FT Funds, FT investment advisers and FT Fund's principal underwriter pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and more detailed policies and procedures set forth in FT's Employee Handbook are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code. VII. Amendments Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibit A, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the FT Funds' Board including a majority of independent directors. VIII. Confidentiality All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the FT Funds' Board and their counsel. IX. Internal Use The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the FT Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any FT Funds, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion. X. Disclosure on Form N-CSR Item 2 of Form N-CSR requires a registered management investment company to disclose annually whether, as of the end of the period covered by the report, it has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these officers are employed by the registrant or a third party. If the registrant has not adopted such a code of ethics, it must explain why it has not done so. The registrant must also: (1) file with the SEC a copy of the code as an exhibit to its annual report; (2) post the text of the code on its Internet website and disclose, in its most recent report on Form N-CSR, its Internet address and the fact that it has posted the code on its Internet website; or (3) undertake in its most recent report on Form N-CSR to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of the code and explain the manner in which such request may be made. Disclosure is also required of amendments to, or waivers (including implicit waivers) from, a provision of the code in the registrant's annual report on Form N-CSR or on its website. If the registrant intends to satisfy the requirement to disclose amendments and waivers by posting such information on its website, it will be required to disclose its Internet address and this intention. The Legal Department shall be responsible for ensuring that: o a copy of the Code is filed with the SEC as an exhibit to each Fund's annual report; and o any amendments to, or waivers (including implicit waivers) from, a provision of the Code is disclosed in the registrant's annual report on Form N-CSR. In the event that the foregoing disclosure is omitted or is determined to be incorrect, the Legal Department shall promptly file such information with the SEC as an amendment to Form N-CSR. In such an event, the Fund Chief Compliance Officer shall review the Code and propose such changes to the Code as are necessary or appropriate to prevent reoccurrences. EXHIBIT A Persons Covered by the Franklin Templeton Funds Code of Ethics December 2005 FRANKLIN GROUP OF FUNDS Edward B. Jamieson, President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Charles B. Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management William J. Lippman, President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Christopher Molumphy President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Jimmy D. Gambill, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration Galen G. Vetter Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer FRANKLIN MUTUAL SERIES FUNDS Peter Langerman Chief Executive Officer-Investment Management Jimmy D. Gambill Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer- Finance and Administration Galen G. Vetter Chief Financial Officer TEMPLETON GROUP OF FUNDS Jeffrey A. Everett President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Mark Mobius President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Christopher J. Molumphy President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Gary P. Motyl President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Donald F. Reed President and Chief Executive Officer - Investment Management Jimmy D. Gambill, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration Galen G. Vetter Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT B ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM DECEMBER 2005 FRANKLIN TEMPLETON FUNDS CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Complete all sections of this form. 2. Print the completed form, sign, and date. 3. Submit completed form to FT's General Counsel c/o Maria Abbott within 10 days of becoming a Covered Officer and by January 30th of each subsequent year. INTER-OFFICE MAIL: Maria Abbott, Manager, Code of Ethics, Global Compliance SM-920/2 TELEPHONE: (650) 312-5698 Fax: (650) 312-5646 E-MAIL: Abbott, Maria (internal address); mabbott@frk.com (external address) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- COVERED OFFICER'S NAME: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TITLE: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCATION: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CERTIFICATION FOR YEAR ENDING: - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO: Franklin Resources General Counsel, Legal Department I hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of Franklin Templeton Fund's code of ethics for Principal Executive Officers and Senior Financial Officers (the "Code") that I have read and understand. I will comply fully with all provisions of the Code to the extent they apply to me during the period of my employment. I further understand and acknowledge that any violation of the Code may subject me to disciplinary action, including termination of employment. - ---------------------------- ---------------------- Signature Date signed - ----------------------------- 1 Reporting of these affiliations or other relationships shall be made by completing the annual Directors and Officers Questionnaire and returning the questionnaire to Franklin Resources Inc, General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel. 2 Any activity or relationship that would present a conflict for a Covered Officer may also present a conflict for the Covered Officer if a member of the Covered Officer's immediate family engages in such an activity or has such a relationship. The Cover Person should also obtain written approval by FT's General Counsel in such situations. 3 Franklin Resources General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel are authorized to consult, as appropriate, with members of the Audit Committee, counsel to the FT Funds and counsel to the Independent Directors, and are encouraged to do so. 4 Item 2 of Form N-CSR defines "waiver" as "the approval by the registrant of a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics" and "implicit waiver," which must also be disclosed, as "the registrant's failure to take action within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics that has been made known to an executive officer" of the registrant. See Part X. 5 See Part X. EX-99.CERT 3 cert302.txt Exhibit (a)(2) CERTIFICATIONS I, Jimmy D. Gambill, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. 09/27/07 /s/ JIMMY D. GAMBILL Jimmy D. Gambill Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration I, Galen G. Vetter, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. 09/27/07 /s/ GALEN G. VETTER Galen G. Vetter Chief Financial Officer EX-99.906CERT 4 cert906.txt Exhibit (b) CERTIFICATIONS CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Jimmy D. Gambill, Chief Executive Officer of the FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND (the "Registrant"), certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge: 1. The periodic report on Form N-CSR of the Registrant for the period ended 7/31/2007 (the "Form N-CSR") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. Dated: 09/27/07 /s/ JIMMY D. GAMBILL Jimmy D. Gambill Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Galen G. Vetter, Chief Financial Officer of the FRANKLIN GOLD AND PRECIOUS METALS FUND (the "Registrant"), certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge: 1. The periodic report on Form N-CSR of the Registrant for the period ended 7/31/2007 (the "Form N-CSR") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. Dated: 09/27/07 /s/ GALEN G. VETTER Galen G. Vetter Chief Financial Officer -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----