0001752724-20-212222.txt : 20201022 0001752724-20-212222.hdr.sgml : 20201022 20201022141358 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001752724-20-212222 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: NPORT-P/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20191130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20201022 PERIOD START: 20200831 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000872625 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0430 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: NPORT-P/A SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-06243 FILM NUMBER: 201253962 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY CITY: SAN MATEO STATE: CA ZIP: 94403-1906 BUSINESS PHONE: 650-570-3000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY CITY: SAN MATEO STATE: CA ZIP: 94403-1906 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN CALIFORNIA 250 GROWTH FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19911216 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN CALIFORNIA 250 GROWTH INDEX FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19910917 0000872625 S000065651 Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series I C000212376 Advisor Class FGTIX NPORT-P/A 1 primary_doc.xml NPORT-P/A false 0001752724-20-011340 0000872625 XXXXXXXX S000065651 C000212376 Franklin Strategic Series 811-06243 0000872625 549300NDWC0J6DXVSX36 One Franklin Parkway San Mateo 94403-1906 650-312-2000 Franklin Templeton SMACS Series I S000065651 5493003KSFL8D4N0NQ52 2020-08-31 2019-11-30 N 3657218.8 41460.13 3615758.67 0 0 0 0 0 13867.18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 USD N COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC 6.00% 06/15/2025 144A M4TWC4QDOKW45N7T6Y12 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC 6.00% 06/15/2025 144A 20337YAA5 55000.00000000 PA USD 53487.50000000 1.479288439347 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-06-15 Fixed 6.00000000 N N N N N N SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS INC 6.00% 11/15/2022 549300JKU50UT08ZWD77 SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS INC 6.00% 11/15/2022 852061AS9 120000.00000000 PA USD 126600.00000000 3.501339872331 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2022-11-15 Fixed 6.00000000 N N N N N N CCO HOLDINGS LLC/CAPITAL CORP 5.00% 02/01/2028 144A N/A CCO HOLDINGS LLC/CAPITAL CORP 5.00% 02/01/2028 144A 1248EPBX0 50000.00000000 PA USD 52751.25000000 1.458926184362 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2028-02-01 Fixed 5.00000000 N N N N N N CHS/Community Health Systems Inc 6.875% 04/01/2028 144A 5493007X5NC5XI1BB106 CHS/Community Health Systems Inc 6.875% 04/01/2028 144A 12543DBE9 425000.00000000 PA USD 214625.00000000 5.935822038698 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2028-04-01 Fixed 6.87500000 N N N N N N Bausch Health Cos Inc 6.125% 04/15/2025 144A B3BS7ACMDUWISF18KY76 Bausch Health Cos Inc 6.125% 04/15/2025 144A 91831AAC5 180000.00000000 PA USD 187644.60000000 5.189632857880 Long DBT CORP CA N 2 2025-04-15 Fixed 6.12500000 N N N N N N NETFLIX INC 4.875% 04/15/2028 549300Y7VHGU0I7CE873 NETFLIX INC 4.875% 04/15/2028 64110LAS5 75000.00000000 PA USD 77010.38000000 2.129853981654 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2028-04-15 Fixed 4.87500000 N N N N N N CHS/Community Health Systems Inc 8% 12/15/2027 144A 5493007X5NC5XI1BB106 CHS/Community Health Systems Inc 8% 12/15/2027 144A 12543DBD1 174000.00000000 PA USD 170955.00000000 4.728053379735 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2027-12-15 Fixed 8.00000000 N N N N N N CHS/Community Health Systems Inc 8% 03/15/2026 144A 5493007X5NC5XI1BB106 CHS/Community Health Systems Inc 8% 03/15/2026 144A 12543DBC3 150000.00000000 PA USD 150093.60000000 4.151095626080 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2026-03-15 Fixed 8.00000000 N N N N N N DISH DBS CORP 5.875% 07/15/2022 N/A DISH DBS CORP 5.875% 07/15/2022 25470XAJ4 110000.00000000 PA USD 115224.23000000 3.186723465700 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2022-07-15 Fixed 5.87500000 N N N N N N POST HOLDINGS INC 5.625% 01/15/2028 144A JM1I5YUAURL6DC8N1468 POST HOLDINGS INC 5.625% 01/15/2028 144A 737446AN4 110000.00000000 PA USD 117680.48000000 3.254655267133 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2028-01-15 Fixed 5.62500000 N N N N N N HANESBRANDS INC 4.875% 05/15/2026 144A GX5LWVWZLL5S4W1L2F20 HANESBRANDS INC 4.875% 05/15/2026 144A 410345AL6 75000.00000000 PA USD 79958.44000000 2.211387631133 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2026-05-15 Fixed 4.87500000 N N N N N N CALPINE CORP 5.50% 02/01/2024 43R4VPJBXTU2O15HEF41 CALPINE CORP 5.50% 02/01/2024 131347CJ3 55000.00000000 PA USD 56102.20000000 1.551602446963 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2024-02-01 Fixed 5.50000000 N N N N N N Par Pharmaceutical Inc 7.50% 04/01/2027 144A 549300KK5WR4MGN4YT97 Par Pharmaceutical Inc 7.50% 04/01/2027 144A 69888XAA7 110000.00000000 PA USD 104227.75000000 2.882596973763 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2027-04-01 Fixed 7.50000000 N N N N N N Mylan Inc 4.55% 04/15/2028 30ZMPDNA1RHIBH89C294 Mylan Inc 4.55% 04/15/2028 628530BK2 110000.00000000 PA USD 117977.48000000 3.262869310910 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2028-04-15 Fixed 4.55000000 N N N N N N DAVITA INC 5.00% 05/01/2025 M2XHYMU3TZNEZURC6H66 DAVITA INC 5.00% 05/01/2025 23918KAR9 55000.00000000 PA USD 56879.90000000 1.573111072703 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-05-01 Fixed 5.00000000 N N N N N N IRON MOUNTAIN INC 4.875% 09/15/2027 144A SQL3F6CKNNBM3SQGHX24 IRON MOUNTAIN INC 4.875% 09/15/2027 144A 46284VAC5 55000.00000000 PA USD 56640.24000000 1.566482864853 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2027-09-15 Fixed 4.87500000 N N N N N N FORD MOTOR CO 4.346% 12/08/2026 20S05OYHG0MQM4VUIC57 FORD MOTOR CO 4.346% 12/08/2026 345370CR9 110000.00000000 PA USD 111076.47000000 3.072010057573 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2026-12-08 Fixed 4.34600000 N N N N N N SHEA HOMES LP / SHEA HOMES FUNDING CORP 6.125% 04/01/2025 144A N/A SHEA HOMES LP / SHEA HOMES FUNDING CORP 6.125% 04/01/2025 144A 82088KAD0 110000.00000000 PA USD 114170.65000000 3.157584905963 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-04-01 Fixed 6.12500000 N N N N N N UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS INC 5.125% 02/15/2025 144A 549300YQDE2JSGTL8V47 UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS INC 5.125% 02/15/2025 144A 914906AS1 110000.00000000 PA USD 106287.50000000 2.939562888471 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-02-15 Fixed 5.12500000 N N N N N N Matador Resources Co 5.875% 09/15/2026 549300CI3Q2UUK5R4G79 Matador Resources Co 5.875% 09/15/2026 576485AE6 55000.00000000 PA USD 54452.48000000 1.505976614307 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2026-09-15 Fixed 5.87500000 N N N N N N Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP / Calumet Finance Corp 11% 04/15/2025 144A N/A Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP / Calumet Finance Corp 11% 04/15/2025 144A 131477AT8 50000.00000000 PA USD 50438.00000000 1.394949292896 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-04-15 Fixed 11.00000000 N N N N N N AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS INC 5.75% 06/15/2025 549300ZO77UNR6NRBR11 AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS INC 5.75% 06/15/2025 00165AAH1 110000.00000000 PA USD 102575.00000000 2.836887341267 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-06-15 Fixed 5.75000000 N N N N N N CITIGROUP INC 5.875% 9/27/2167 PERP 6SHGI4ZSSLCXXQSBB395 CITIGROUP INC 5.875% 9/27/2167 PERP 172967JK8 180000.00000000 PA USD 181132.20000000 5.009521279803 Long DBT CORP US N 2 N/A Variable 5.87500000 N N N N N N 24 HOUR FITNESS WORLDWIDE INC 8.00% 06/01/2022 144A N/A 24 HOUR FITNESS WORLDWIDE INC 8.00% 06/01/2022 144A 90132BAA5 150000.00000000 PA USD 73125.00000000 2.022397141897 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2022-06-01 Fixed 8.00000000 N N N N N N FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC 3.875% 03/15/2023 549300IRDTHJQ1PVET45 FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC 3.875% 03/15/2023 35671DAZ8 50000.00000000 PA USD 51145.00000000 1.414502589023 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2023-03-15 Fixed 3.87500000 N N N N N N WYNN LAS VEGAS LLC/CAPITAL CORP 5.50% 03/01/2025 144A N/A WYNN LAS VEGAS LLC/CAPITAL CORP 5.50% 03/01/2025 144A 983130AV7 75000.00000000 PA USD 80155.50000000 2.216837663006 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-03-01 Fixed 5.50000000 N N N N N N Chesapeake Energy Corp 7.5% 10/01/2026 X2MT1W32SPAZ9WSKLE78 Chesapeake Energy Corp 7.5% 10/01/2026 165167DB0 350000.00000000 PA USD 174246.63000000 4.819089046117 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2026-10-01 Fixed 7.50000000 N N N N N N Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co 7.25% 04/15/2025 144A 549300DNGHXL0OMHW304 Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co 7.25% 04/15/2025 144A 12429TAE4 110000.00000000 PA USD 104498.90000000 2.890096091507 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-04-15 Fixed 7.25000000 N N N N N N Tenet Healthcare Corp 7% 08/01/2025 0W9AIBT6U6ADJ2I8HK17 Tenet Healthcare Corp 7% 08/01/2025 88033GCW8 300000.00000000 PA USD 315504.00000000 8.725803594629 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2025-08-01 Fixed 7.00000000 N N N N N N UNITED RENTALS NORTH AMERICA INC 4.875% 01/15/2028 NGIZXNT70J2LYT3FBI09 UNITED RENTALS NORTH AMERICA INC 4.875% 01/15/2028 911365BG8 75000.00000000 PA USD 78442.88000000 2.169472223100 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2028-01-15 Fixed 4.87500000 N N N N N N CALUMET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS PARTNERS LP/FINANCE C 7.75% 04/15/2023 N/A CALUMET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS PARTNERS LP/FINANCE C 7.75% 04/15/2023 131477AQ4 110000.00000000 PA USD 106150.00000000 2.935760090426 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2023-04-15 Fixed 7.75000000 N N N N N N IFT MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO OEMF-SWEEP MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO N/A IFT MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO OEMF-SWEEP MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO 457756500 35209.58000000 NS USD 35209.58000000 0.973781250727 Long EC RF US N 1 N N N NAVIENT CORP 5.50% 01/25/2023 54930067J0ZNOEBRW338 NAVIENT CORP 5.50% 01/25/2023 78442FEQ7 55000.00000000 PA USD 58093.75000000 1.606682173840 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2023-01-25 Fixed 5.50000000 N N N N N N GOLDEN NUGGET INC 6.75% 10/15/2024 144A N/A GOLDEN NUGGET INC 6.75% 10/15/2024 144A 38113YAE9 55000.00000000 PA USD 56924.45000000 1.574343179269 Long DBT CORP US N 2 2024-10-15 Fixed 6.75000000 N N N N N N 2019-12-30 Robert Kubilis Robert Kubilis Robert Kubilis Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer XXXX NPORT-EX 2 28471_FSS.htm
Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments, November 30, 2019 (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series CH
    Principal Amount   Value
  Municipal Bonds 105.3%      
  California 105.3%      
 
California Community Housing Agency Workforce Housing Revenue, Annadel Apartments, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/49

$200,000     $222,348
 
California PFA Educational Facilities Revenue, Trinity Classical Academy Project, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/44

200,000     211,212
 
California State Municipal Finance Authority Senior Living Revenue, MT San Antonio Gardens Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/49

130,000     151,624
 
California Statewide CDA College Housing Revenue, NCCD-Hooper Street LLC-California College of the Arts Project, 5.25%, 7/01/52

200,000     229,672
  California Statewide CDA Revenue,      
Loma Linda University Medical Center, Series A, 5.50%, 12/01/58

250,000     292,687
a Statewide Community Infrastructure Program, Series C, 5.00%, 9/02/49

125,000     142,850
 
California Statewide CDA Special Tax Revenue, CFD No. 2016-02, Delta Coves, 5.00%, 9/01/39

100,000     111,328
 
Dublin CFD No. 2015-1 Special Tax, Improvement Area No. 2, Dublin Crossing, 5.00%, 9/01/49

135,000     155,855
  Folsom Ranch Financing Authority Special Tax Revenue,      
CFD No. 19, Mangini Ranch, 5.00%, 9/01/47

135,000     156,870
CFD No. 19, Mangini Ranch, 5.00%, 9/01/49

135,000     157,014
 
Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency Toll Road Revenue, Subseries B-2, Refunding, Series B, 3.50%, 1/15/53

190,000     198,356
 
Menifee USD Special Tax, CFD No. 2018-2, Improvement Area No.4, 5.00%, 9/01/49

125,000     145,574
a
Rancho Cordova CFD No. 2018-1 Special Tax, Grantline 208, 5.00%, 9/01/49

125,000     142,469
  Roseville Special Tax,      
Villages at Sierra Vista CFD No. 1, Public Facilities, 5.00%, 9/01/49

135,000     156,126
Westpark-Federico Community Facilities District No.1, 5.00%, 9/01/49

125,000     140,838
 
Tobacco Securitization Authority Southern California Tobacco Settlement Asset -Backed Revenue, San Diego County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Class 2, Refunding, Series B-1, 5.00%, 6/01/48

125,000     143,770
  Tracy CFD No. 2016-1 Special Tax,      
Improvement Area No. 1, Tracy Hills, 5.00%, 9/01/48

135,000     154,822
Improvement Area No. 1, Tracy Hills, 5.00%, 9/01/49

135,000     154,697
 
Upland CFD No. 2015-1 Special Tax, Sycamore Hills, Series A, 4.00%, 9/01/49

185,000     199,226
 
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $3,203,952) 105.3%

    3,267,338
 
Other Assets, less Liabilities (5.3)%

    (164,183)
 
Net Assets 100.0%

    $3,103,155
  
See Abbreviations on page 12.
aSecurity purchased on a when-issued basis.  
Quarterly Statement of Investments  |  See Notes to Statements of Investments.  |  1

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments, November 30, 2019 (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series E
    Country Shares   Value
  Common Stocks 72.8%        
  Communication Services 6.8%        
a
Alphabet Inc., A

United States      70      $91,286
 
AT&T Inc.

United States   4,700     175,686
 
Comcast Corp., A

United States     300      13,245
          280,217
  Consumer Discretionary 7.6%        
 
The Home Depot Inc.

United States     700     154,357
 
Target Corp.

United States 1,300   162,513
          316,870
  Consumer Staples 2.6%        
 
PepsiCo Inc.

United States 800   108,664
  Energy 15.0%        
 
Chevron Corp.

United States 1,200   140,556
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp.

United States 2,000   77,140
 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, A, ADR

United Kingdom 2,200   126,478
 
Schlumberger Ltd.

United States 3,500   126,700
 
The Williams Cos. Inc.

United States 6,600   149,952
          620,826
  Financials 2.1%        
 
Wells Fargo & Co.

United States 1,600   87,136
  Health Care 8.4%        
 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

United States 1,675   95,374
 
CVS Health Corp.

United States 1,865   140,379
 
Merck & Co. Inc.

United States 1,300   113,334
          349,087
  Industrials 9.1%        
 
3M Co.

United States 850   144,304
 
The Boeing Co.

United States 226   82,757
 
General Dynamics Corp.

United States 600   109,044
 
United Technologies Corp.

United States 285   42,277
          378,382
  Information Technology 8.7%        
 
Analog Devices Inc.

United States 150   16,943
 
Cisco Systems Inc.

United States 2,000   90,620
 
International Business Machines Corp.

United States 810   108,904
 
Texas Instruments Inc.

United States 1,200   144,252
          360,719
  Materials 2.4%        
 
Rio Tinto PLC, ADR

Australia 1,800   98,208
  Real Estate 1.7%        
 
Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

United States 4,140   72,409
Quarterly Statement of Investments  |  See Notes to Statements of Investments.  |  2

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series E (continued)
    Country Shares   Value
  Common Stocks (continued)        
  Utilities 8.4%        
 
Dominion Energy Inc.

United States   1,400     $116,354
 
Duke Energy Corp.

United States   1,200     105,804
 
The Southern Co.

United States   2,000     123,980
          346,138
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $2,794,451)

      3,018,656
  Equity-Linked Securities 13.4%        
  Consumer Discretionary 7.2%        
b
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. into Amazon.com Inc., 8.00%, 144A

United States 30   54,217
b
JPMorgan Chase Bank National Assn. into Target Corp., 9.00%, 144A

United States 1,300   152,691
b
Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into General Motors Co., 8.50%, 144A

United States 2,500   91,803
          298,711
  Health Care 2.3%        
b
UBS AG London into CVS Health Corp., 8.50%, 144A

United States 1,400   94,020
  Information Technology 3.9%        
b
Royal Bank of Canada into Intel Corp., 8.00%, 144A

United States 3,100   162,552
 
Total Equity-Linked Securities (Cost $525,056)

      555,283
  Convertible Preferred Stocks (Cost $100,000) 2.8%        
  Information Technology 2.8%        
 
Broadcom Inc., 8.00%, cvt. pfd., A

United States 100   115,700
  Preferred Stocks (Cost $137,118) 3.4%        
  Financials 3.4%        
 
Citigroup Inc., 6.875%, pfd., K

United States 5,000   140,650
      Units    
  Index-Linked Notes (Cost $39,189) 1.0%        
  Financials 1.0%        
c
Credit Suisse AG, senior note, 6.309%, 2/08/21

United States 13   39,565
 
Total Investments before Short Term Investments (Cost $3,595,814)

      3,869,854
      Shares    
  Short Term Investments (Cost $301,177) 7.2%        
  Money Market Funds 7.2%        
d,e
Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.35%

United States 301,177   301,177
 
Total Investments (Cost $3,896,991) 100.6%

      4,171,031
 
Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.6)%

      (26,880)
 
Net Assets 100.0%

      $4,144,151
  |  3

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series E (continued)
See Abbreviations on page 12.
aNon-income producing.
bSecurity was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933.At November 30, 2019, the aggregate value of these securities was $555,283, representing 13.4% of net assets.
cSecurity pays variable interest based on the distributions of the strategy index and proceeds earned from related equity derivatives. The coupon rate shown represents the combined rate at period end. Cash payment at maturity or upon early redemption is based on the performance of the strategy index.
dSee  Note 5 regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.
eThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.
  |  4

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments, November 30, 2019 (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series H
    Shares   Value
  Management Investment Companies (Cost $1,017,100) 33.7%      
  Financials 33.7%      
a
Franklin Liberty Intermediate Municipal Opportunities ETF

 40,000   $1,014,800
    Principal Amount    
  Municipal Bonds 61.5%      
  California 4.8%      
 
Tobacco Securitization Authority Southern California Tobacco Settlement Asset -Backed Revenue, San Diego County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Class 2, Refunding, Series B-1, 5.00%, 6/01/48

$125,000     143,770
  Colorado 19.4%      
 
Colorado State Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Christian Living Communities, Refunding and Improvement, 4.00%, 1/01/38

100,000     106,178
 
Denver Health and Hospital Authority Healthcare Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 12/01/37

100,000     111,102
 
Hunters Overlook Metropolitan District No. 5 GO, In the Town of Severance, Weld County, Limited Tax, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/39

150,000     161,094
 
Village at Dry Creek Metropolitan District No. 2 GO, In the City of Thorton, Adams County, Limited Tax, Special, 4.375%, 12/01/44

200,000     205,614
        583,988
  District of Columbia 5.4%      
 
District of Columbia Revenue, District of Columbia International School Issue, 5.00%, 7/01/54

140,000     164,235
  Indiana 3.9%      
 
Indiana State Finance Authority Educational Facilities Revenue, Marian University Project, Series A, 5.00%, 9/15/39

100,000     118,417
  Louisiana 12.5%      
 
Calcasieu Parish Memorial Hospital Service District Hospital Revenue, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/39

200,000     235,238
 
Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and CDA Revenue, St. Martin Parish Gomesa Project, 4.40%, 11/01/44

135,000     141,591
        376,829
  Maryland 3.3%      
 
Baltimore Special Obligation Revenue, Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Harbor Point Project, Senior, Refunding, Series A, 3.50%, 6/01/39

100,000     100,806
  Texas 4.0%      
 
New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Education Revenue, Cityscape Schools Inc., Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/39

110,000     122,066
  Washington 3.6%      
 
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Revenue, Nonprofit Housing, Transforming Age Projects, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/49

100,000     109,142
  Wisconsin 4.6%      
 
PFAR, Retirement Facilities, Friends Homes, Refunding, 5.00%, 9/01/49

125,000     137,384
 
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $1,837,366)

    1,856,637
 
Total Investments before Short Term Investments (Cost $2,854,466)

    2,871,437
Quarterly Statement of Investments  |  See Notes to Statements of Investments.  |  5

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series H (continued)
    Principal Amount   Value
  Short Term Investments (Cost $100,000) 3.3%      
  Municipal Bonds 3.3%      
  Florida 3.3%      
b
Martin County PCR, Florida Power and Light Co. Project, Refunding, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.23%, 7/15/22

$100,000     $100,000
 
Total Investments (Cost $2,954,466) 98.5%

    2,971,437
 
Other Assets, less Liabilities 1.5%

    46,286
 
Net Assets 100.0%

    $3,017,723
  
See Abbreviations on page 12.
aSee  Note 5 regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.
bVariable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest at specified dates. Unless otherwise noted, the coupon rate is determined based on factors including supply and demand, underlying credit, tax treatment, and current short term rates. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.
  |  6

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments, November 30, 2019 (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series I
    Principal
Amount
  Value
  Corporate Bonds 98.3%      
  Communication Services 16.0%      
 
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc., senior sub. bond, 5.75%, 6/15/25

$110,000     $102,435
a
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., senior bond, 144A, 5.00%, 2/01/28

 50,000      52,751
 
DISH DBS Corp., senior bond, 5.875%, 7/15/22

110,000     115,224
 
Netflix Inc., senior bond, 4.875%, 4/15/28

 75,000      77,011
 
Sprint Communications Inc., senior note, 6.00%, 11/15/22

120,000     126,600
a
Univision Communications Inc., senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 5.125%, 2/15/25

110,000     106,288
        580,309
  Consumer Discretionary 14.3%      
a
24 Hour Holdings III LLC, senior note, 144A, 8.00%, 6/01/22

150,000      73,125
 
Ford Motor Co., senior note, 4.346%, 12/08/26

110,000     111,077
a
Golden Nugget Inc., senior note, 144A, 6.75%, 10/15/24

 55,000      56,924
a
Hanesbrands Inc., senior bond, 144A, 4.875%, 5/15/26

 75,000      79,958
a
Shea Homes LP/Shea Homes Funding Corp., senior bond, 144A, 6.125%, 4/01/25

110,000     114,171
a
Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., senior bond, 144A, 5.50%, 3/01/25

 75,000      80,156
        515,411
  Consumer Staples 3.3%      
a
Post Holdings Inc., senior bond, 144A, 5.625%, 1/15/28

110,000     117,680
  Energy 10.6%      
  Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP/Calumet Finance Corp.,      
   
senior note, 7.75%, 4/15/23

110,000     106,150
   
a senior note, 144A, 11.00%, 4/15/25

 50,000      50,438
 
Chesapeake Energy Corp., senior note, 7.50%, 10/01/26

350,000     174,247
 
Matador Resources Co., senior note, 5.875%, 9/15/26

 55,000      53,970
        384,805
  Financials 6.6%      
b
Citigroup Inc., junior sub. bond, O, 5.875% to 3/27/20, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

180,000     181,132
 
Navient Corp., senior note, 5.50%, 1/25/23

 55,000      58,231
        239,363
  Health Care 36.4%      
a
Bausch Health Cos. Inc., senior bond, 144A, 6.125%, 4/15/25

180,000     187,644
  CHS/Community Health Systems Inc.,      
   
a senior note, 144A, 8.00%, 12/15/27

174,000     170,955
   
a senior note, 144A, 6.875%, 4/01/28

425,000     214,625
   
a senior secured note, 144A, 8.00%, 3/15/26

150,000     150,094
 
DaVita Inc., senior bond, 5.00%, 5/01/25

 55,000      56,880
 
Mylan Inc., senior bond, 4.55%, 4/15/28

110,000     117,971
a
Par Pharmaceutical Inc., senior secured note, 144A, 7.50%, 4/01/27

110,000     104,228
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., senior note, 7.00%, 8/01/25

300,000     315,502
        1,317,899
  Industrials 2.2%      
 
United Rentals North America Inc., senior bond, 4.875%, 1/15/28

 75,000      78,443
Quarterly Statement of Investments  |  See Notes to Statements of Investments.  |  7

Franklin Strategic Series
Statement of Investments (unaudited)
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series I (continued)
    Principal
Amount
  Value
  Corporate Bonds (continued)      
  Information Technology 1.5%      
a
CommScope Technologies LLC, senior bond, 144A, 6.00%, 6/15/25

 $55,000      $53,488
  Materials 4.3%      
 
Freeport-McMoRan Inc., senior bond, 3.875%, 3/15/23

 50,000      51,062
a
Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co., senior note, 144A, 7.25%, 4/15/25

110,000     104,499
        155,561
  Real Estate 1.6%      
a
Iron Mountain Inc., senior note, 144A, 4.875%, 9/15/27

 55,000      56,640
  Utilities 1.5%      
 
Calpine Corp., senior note, 5.50%, 2/01/24

 55,000      56,103
 
Total Corporate Bonds

(Cost $3,711,862)

    3,555,702
    Shares    
  Short Term Investments (Cost $35,346) 1.0%      
  Money Market Funds 1.0%      
c,d
Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.35%

 35,346      35,346
 
Total Investments (Cost $3,747,208) 99.3%

    3,591,048
 
Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.7%

    24,136
 
Net Assets 100.0%

    $3,615,184
  
See Abbreviations on page 12.
aSecurity 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.At November 30, 2019, the aggregate value of these securities was $1,773,664, representing 49.1% of net assets.
bPerpetual security with no stated maturity date.
cSee  Note 5 regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.
dThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.
  |  8

Franklin Strategic Series
Notes to Statements of Investments (unaudited)
1.  ORGANIZATION
Franklin Strategic Series (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of twelve separate funds, four of which are included in this report (Funds) and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). 
2.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT VALUATION
The Funds’ investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Funds calculate the net asset value (NAV) per share each business day as of 4 p.m. Eastern time or the regularly scheduled close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), whichever is earlier. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Funds’ administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The Funds may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.
Equity securities, exchange traded funds and derivative financial instruments listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded or as of 4 p.m. Eastern time. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at 4 p.m. Eastern time on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter (OTC) securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities.
Debt securities generally trade in the OTC market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds’ pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.
Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV.
The Funds have procedures to determine the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the Funds primarily employ a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.
Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and OTC markets may be completed before 4 p.m. Eastern time. In addition, trading in certain foreign markets may not take place on every Funds’ business day. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and 4 p.m. Eastern time that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Funds’ portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at 4 p.m. Eastern time. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the VC monitors price movements following the close of trading in
  |  9

Franklin Strategic Series
Notes to Statements of Investments (unaudited)
2.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT VALUATION (continued)
foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depositary Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Funds. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.
When the last day of the reporting period is a non-business day, certain foreign markets may be open on those days that the Funds’ NAV is not calculated, which could result in differences between the value of the Funds’ portfolio securities on the last business day and the last calendar day of the reporting period. Any significant security valuation changes due to an open foreign market are adjusted and reflected by the Funds for financial reporting purposes. 
3.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Certain or all Funds invested in derivative financial instruments in order to manage risk or gain exposure to various other investments or markets. Derivatives are financial contracts based on an underlying or notional amount, require no initial investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would normally be required to have a similar response to changes in market factors, and require or permit net settlement. Derivatives contain various risks including the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market, and/or the potential for market movements.
Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral or initial margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange traded and centrally cleared derivatives. Initial margin deposited is held at the exchange and can be in the form of cash and/or securities.
Certain or all Funds purchased or wrote exchange traded option contracts primarily to manage and/or gain exposure to equity price risk. An option is a contract entitling the holder to purchase or sell a specific amount of shares or units of an asset or notional amount of a swap (swaption), at a specified price. When an option is purchased or written, an amount equal to the premium paid or received is recorded as an asset or liability, respectively. Upon exercise of an option, the acquisition cost or sales proceeds of the underlying investment is adjusted by any premium received or paid. Upon expiration of an option, any premium received or paid is recorded as a realized gain or loss. Upon closing an option other than through expiration or exercise, the difference between the premium received or paid and the cost to close the position is recorded as a realized gain or loss. The Fund did not hold any option contracts at period end.
The following Funds have invested in derivatives during the period.
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series E - Options 
4.  CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series CH invests a large percentage of its total assets in obligations of issuers within California. Such concentration may subject the Fund to risks associated with industrial or regional matters, and economic, political or legal developments occurring within California. In addition, investments in these securities are sensitive to interest rate changes and credit risk of the issuer and may subject the Funds to increased market volatility. The market for these investments may be limited, which may make them difficult to buy or sell. 
  |  10

Franklin Strategic Series
Notes to Statements of Investments (unaudited)
5.  INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Certain or all Funds invest in one or more affiliated management investment companies for purposes other than exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. During the period ended November 30, 2019, investments in affiliated management investment companies were as follows:
  Value at
Beginning
of Period
Purchases Sales Realized
Gain (Loss)
Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Value at
End of
Period
Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Period
Dividend
Income
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series E
Non-Controlled Affiliates
Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.35%

  $324,104 $662,409 $(685,336) $  —      $  —   $301,177 301,177 $1,603
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series H
Non-Controlled Affiliates
Franklin Liberty Intermediate Municipal Opportunities ETF

$1,033,400 $  — $  — $  — $(18,600) $1,014,800 40,000 $5,541
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series I
Non-Controlled Affiliates
Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.35%

$281,746 $210,314 $(456,714) $  — $  — $35,346 35,346 $931
6.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
•  Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments
•  Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)
•  Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)
The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.
A summary of inputs used as of November 30, 2019, in valuing the Funds’ assets carried at fair value, is as follows:
  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series CH
Assets:        
Investments in Securities:a        
Municipal Bonds

$ $3,267,338 $ $3,267,338
Total Investments in Securities

$ — $3,267,338 $ — $3,267,338
  |  11

Franklin Strategic Series
Notes to Statements of Investments (unaudited)
6.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)
  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series E
Assets:        
Investments in Securities:a        
Equity Investmentsb

$3,275,006 $ $ $3,275,006
Equity-Linked Securities

555,283 555,283
Index-Linked Notes

39,565 39,565
Short Term Investments

301,177 301,177
Total Investments in Securities

$3,576,183 $594,848 $ — $4,171,031
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series H
Assets:        
Investments in Securities:a        
Management Investment Companies

$1,014,800 $ $ $1,014,800
Municipal Bonds

1,856,637 1,856,637
Short Term Investments

100,000 100,000
Total Investments in Securities

$1,014,800 $1,956,637 $ — $2,971,437
Franklin Templeton SMACS: Series I
Assets:        
Investments in Securities:a        
Corporate Bonds

$ $3,555,702 $ $3,555,702
Short Term Investments

35,346 35,346
Total Investments in Securities

$35,346 $3,555,702 $ — $3,591,048
 
aFor detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.
bIncludes common, preferred and convertible preferred stocks.
7.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the Statements of Investments and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure. 
Abbreviations
Selected Portfolio
ADR American Depository Receipt
CDA Community Development Authority/Agency
CFD Community Facilities District
ETF Exchange-Traded Fund
FRN Floating Rate Note
GO General Obligation
PCR Pollution Control Revenue
PFA Public Financing Authority
PFAR Public Financing Authority Revenue
 
For additional information on the Funds’ significant accounting policies, please refer to the Funds’ most recent semiannual or annual shareholder report.
  |  12