UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-07876
Templeton China World Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 527-7500
Date of fiscal year end: 8/31
Date of reporting period: 2/28/18
| Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
[INSERT SEMIANNUAL REPORT]
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Semiannual Report and Shareholder Letter February 28, 2018 |
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Franklin Templeton Investments
Why choose Franklin Templeton Investments?
Successful investing begins with ambition. And achievement only comes when you reach for it. That’s why we continually strive to deliver better outcomes for investors. No matter what your goals are, our deep, global investment expertise allows us to offer solutions that can help.
During our more than 70 years of experience, we’ve managed through all kinds of markets—up, down and those in between. We’re always preparing for what may come next. It’s because of this, combined with our strength as one of the world’s largest asset managers that we’ve earned the trust of millions of investors around the world.
Dear Shareholder:
CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.
| Not FDIC Insured | | May Lose Value | | No Bank Guarantee |
|
franklintempleton.com |
Not part of the semiannual report | 1 |
| 2 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
Templeton China World Fund
1. Source: Morningstar.
2. Source: Morningstar. As of 2/28/18, the Fund’s Class A 10-year average annual total return not including sales charges was +4.05%, compared with the 10-year average annual total return of +6.09% for the MSCI Golden Dragon Index.
The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.
3. Source: The website of the National Bureau of Statistics of the People’s Republic of China (www.stats.gov.cn).
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 13.
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 3 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
4. Not a Fund holding.
| 4 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.
5. The information technology sector comprises communications equipment; electronic equipment, instruments and components; internet software and services; IT services; and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment in the SOI. The materials sector comprises construction materials and paper and forest products in the SOI.
See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 5 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
Performance Summary as of February 28, 2018
The performance table does not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. 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.
Performance as of 2/28/181
Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.75% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.75% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.
| Share Class | Cumulative Total Return2 |
Average Annual Total Return3 |
||||||
| A | ||||||||
| 6-Month |
+9.03% | +2.76% | ||||||
| 1-Year |
+28.06% | +20.70% | ||||||
| 5-Year |
+23.96% | +3.16% | ||||||
| 10-Year |
+48.79% | +3.44% | ||||||
| Advisor | ||||||||
| 6-Month |
+9.16% | +9.16% | ||||||
| 1-Year |
+28.34% | +28.34% | ||||||
| 5-Year |
+25.63% | +4.67% | ||||||
| 10-Year |
+53.08% | +4.35% | ||||||
Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.
See page 7 for Performance Summary footnotes.
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Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
Distributions (9/1/17–2/28/18)
| Share Class | Net Investment Income |
Short-Term Capital Gain |
Long-Term Capital Gain |
Total | ||||||||||||
| A |
$0.2539 | $0.0288 | $2.3734 | $2.6561 | ||||||||||||
| C |
$0.0002 | $0.0288 | $2.3734 | $2.4024 | ||||||||||||
| R6 |
$0.4067 | $0.0288 | $2.3734 | $2.8089 | ||||||||||||
| Advisor |
$0.3335 | $0.0288 | $2.3734 | $2.7357 | ||||||||||||
Total Annual Operating Expenses4
| Share Class | ||||
| A |
1.91 | % | ||
| Advisor |
1.66 | % | ||
Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.
All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The government’s participation in the economy is still high and, therefore, the Fund’s investments in China will be subject to larger regulatory risk levels compared to many other countries. In addition, special risks are associated with international investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors. The Fund may also experience greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified geographically. Historically, smaller and midsized securities have experienced more price volatility than larger company stocks, especially over the short term. Also, as a nondiversified fund investing in China companies, the Fund may invest in a relatively small number of issuers and, as a result, be subject to a greater risk of loss with respect to its portfolio securities. The Fund is designed for the aggressive portion of a well-diversified portfolio. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.
1. The Fund has a fee waiver associated with any investment it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 12/31/18. Fund investment results reflect the fee waiver; without this waiver, the results would have been lower.
2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.
3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.
4. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 7 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) 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 table below 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 table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. 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): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds
Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.
| Actual | Hypothetical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (actual return after expenses) | (5% annual return before expenses) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share Class |
Beginning Account Value 9/1/17 |
Ending Account Value 2/28/18 |
Expenses Paid During 9/1/17–2/28/181,2 |
Ending Account Value 2/28/18 |
Expenses Paid During Period 9/1/17–2/28/181,2 |
Net Annualized Expense Ratio2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A |
$1,000 | $1,090.30 | $ 9.80 | $1,015.42 | $ 9.44 | 1.89 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C |
$1,000 | $1,086.90 | $13.66 | $1,011.70 | $13.17 | 2.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| R6 |
$1,000 | $1,093.30 | $ 7.58 | $1,017.55 | $ 7.30 | 1.46 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advisor |
$1,000 | $1,091.60 | $ 8.51 | $1,016.66 | $ 8.20 | 1.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period.
2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
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8 |
Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 28, 2018 | Year Ended August 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the period) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $23.49 | $21.51 | $26.19 | $38.01 | $35.78 | $34.09 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operationsa: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)b |
(0.14 | ) | 0.15 | 0.17 | 0.32 | 0.44 | 0.41 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
2.09 | 4.59 | 2.19 | (7.53 | ) | 3.94 | 2.11 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 1.95 | 4.74 | 2.36 | (7.21 | ) | 4.38 | 2.52 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income |
(0.25 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.46 | ) | (0.45 | ) | (0.52 | ) | (0.65 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net realized gains |
(2.40 | ) | (2.57 | ) | (6.58 | ) | (4.16 | ) | (1.63 | ) | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (2.65 | ) | (2.76 | ) | (7.04 | ) | (4.61 | ) | (2.15 | ) | (0.83 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $22.79 | $23.49 | $21.51 | $26.19 | $38.01 | $35.78 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total returnc | 9.03% | 26.00% | 11.19% | (20.57 | )% | 12.76% | 7.22% | |||||||||||||||||
| Ratios to average net assetsd | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses. | 1.89%e | 1.94%e,f | 1.91%e,f | 1.84%e | 1.85%e | 1.85% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | (1.18)% | 0.71% | 0.77% | 0.98% | 1.23% | 1.13% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (000’s) | $192,944 | $188,885 | $186,850 | $232,814 | $373,231 | $429,085 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate | 8.54% | 7.92% | 3.87% | 7.42% | 3.75% | 6.12% | ||||||||||||||||||
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.
dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.
eBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
| franklintempleton.com | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Semiannual Report | 9 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 28, 2018 | Year Ended August 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Class C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the period) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $23.12 | $21.18 | $25.76 | $37.52 | $35.30 | $33.55 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operationsa: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)b |
(0.23 | ) | (0.03 | ) | —c | 0.08 | 0.18 | 0.16 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
2.09 | 4.54 | 2.17 | (7.42 | ) | 3.91 | 2.04 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 1.86 | 4.51 | 2.17 | (7.34 | ) | 4.09 | 2.20 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income |
(— | )c | — | (0.17 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.27 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net realized gains |
(2.40 | ) | (2.57 | ) | (6.58 | ) | (4.16 | ) | (1.63 | ) | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (2.40 | ) | (2.57 | ) | (6.75 | ) | (4.42 | ) | (1.87 | ) | (0.45 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $22.58 | $23.12 | $21.18 | $25.76 | $37.52 | $35.30 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total returnd | 8.69% | 24.97% | 10.41% | (21.16 | )% | 11.98% | 6.50% | |||||||||||||||||
| Ratios to average net assetse | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses. | 2.64%f | 2.69%f,g | 2.66%f,g | 2.56%f | 2.54%f | 2.55% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | (1.93 | )% | (0.04 | )% | 0.02% | 0.26% | 0.54% | 0.43% | ||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (000’s) | $42,642 | $42,577 | $48,769 | $63,486 | $103,346 | $123,220 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate | 8.54% | 7.92% | 3.87% | 7.42% | 3.75% | 6.12% | ||||||||||||||||||
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding. cAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.
eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.
fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.
gBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
| 10 | Semiannual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
| Six Months Ended February 28, 2018 |
Year Ended August 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013a | |||||||||||||||||||
| Class R6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the period) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period |
$23.66 | $21.68 | $26.41 | $38.27 | $36.03 | $38.14 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Income from investment operationsb: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)c |
(0.10 | ) | 0.27 | 0.31 | 0.49 | 0.66 | 0.68 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
2.12 | 4.59 | 2.18 | (7.61 | ) | 3.93 | (2.79 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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|
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| Total from investment operations |
2.02 | 4.86 | 2.49 | (7.12 | ) | 4.59 | (2.11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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| Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income |
(0.41 | ) | (0.31 | ) | (0.64 | ) | (0.58 | ) | (0.72 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
| Net realized gains |
(2.40 | ) | (2.57 | ) | (6.58 | ) | (4.16 | ) | (1.63 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
|
|
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|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions |
(2.81 | ) | (2.88 | ) | (7.22 | ) | (4.74 | ) | (2.35 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period |
$22.87 | $23.66 | $21.68 | $26.41 | $38.27 | $36.03 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Total returnd |
9.33% | 26.62% | 11.76% | (20.20)% | 13.31% | (5.53)% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios to average net assetse | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates |
1.52% | 1.49% | 1.45% | 1.37% | 1.37% | 1.39% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates |
1.46%f | 1.44%f | 1.42%f | 1.37%g | 1.37%g | 1.39% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) |
(0.75)% | 1.21% | 1.26% | 1.45% | 1.71% | 1.59% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (000’s) |
$3,749 | $1,213 | $720 | $711 | $73,067 | $64,078 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate |
8.54% | 7.92% | 3.87% | 7.42% | 3.75% | 6.12% | ||||||||||||||||||
aFor the period May 1, 2013 (effective date) to August 31, 2013.
bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.
cBased on average daily shares outstanding.
dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.
eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.
| franklintempleton.com | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Semiannual Report | 11 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 28, 2018 | Year Ended August 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Advisor Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance (for a share outstanding throughout the period) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $23.68 | $21.68 | $26.39 | $38.26 | $36.01 | $34.33 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operationsa: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)b |
(0.11) | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.42 | 0.55 | 0.46 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
2.10 | 4.60 | 2.22 | (7.61) | 3.98 | 2.20 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 1.99 | 4.82 | 2.44 | (7.19) | 4.53 | 2.66 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income |
(0.33) | (0.25) | (0.57) | (0.52) | (0.65) | (0.80) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains |
(2.40) | (2.57) | (6.58) | (4.16) | (1.63) | (0.18) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (2.73) | (2.82) | (7.15) | (4.68) | (2.28) | (0.98) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $22.94 | $23.68 | $21.68 | $26.39 | $38.26 | $36.01 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total returnc | 9.16% | 26.31% | 11.51% | (20.38)% | 13.12% | 7.54% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios to average net assetsd | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses. | 1.64% | e | 1.69% | e,f | 1.66% | e,f | 1.56% | e | 1.55% | e | 1.55% | |||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.93)% | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.26% | 1.53% | 1.43% | ||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (000’s) | $84,346 | $83,172 | $73,504 | $107,454 | $223,825 | $240,826 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate | 8.54% | 7.92% | 3.87% | 7.42% | 3.75% | 6.12% | ||||||||||||||||||
aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.
bBased on average daily shares outstanding.
cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.
dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.
eBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.
fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.
| 12 | Semiannual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
Statement of Investments, February 28, 2018 (unaudited)
| Country | Shares | Value | ||||||||||||
| Common Stocks 100.5% | ||||||||||||||
| Auto Components 0.2% | ||||||||||||||
| Weifu High-Technology Co. Ltd., B |
China | 279,527 | $ | 608,991 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Automobiles 4.7% | ||||||||||||||
| Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd., B |
China | 2,652,457 | 2,955,478 | |||||||||||
| Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd., H |
China | 4,537,478 | 5,745,808 | |||||||||||
| Jiangling Motors Corp. Ltd., B |
China | 3,490,446 | 6,685,679 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 15,386,965 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
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| Banks 8.6% | ||||||||||||||
| China Construction Bank Corp., H. |
China | 14,826,926 | 15,440,866 | |||||||||||
| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd., H |
China | 11,066,725 | 9,559,359 | |||||||||||
| a |
Standard Chartered PLC | United Kingdom | 256,000 | 2,926,060 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 27,926,285 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Beverages 0.4% | ||||||||||||||
| Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co. Ltd., B |
China | 516,099 | 1,304,434 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Capital Markets 2.1% | ||||||||||||||
| China Everbright Ltd |
China | 1,610,000 | 3,542,599 | |||||||||||
| GF Securities Co. Ltd., H |
China | 1,650,000 | 3,179,422 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 6,722,021 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Communications Equipment 0.1% | ||||||||||||||
| Hytera Communications Corp. Ltd., A |
China | 220,000 | 458,344 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Construction Materials 2.7% | ||||||||||||||
| Asia Cement China Holdings Corp |
China | 12,893,271 | 4,926,032 | |||||||||||
| Huaxin Cement Co. Ltd., B |
China | 2,870,826 | 3,869,873 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 8,795,905 | ||||||||||||||
| Distributors 0.1% | ||||||||||||||
| Dah Chong Hong Holdings Ltd |
China | 883,363 | 437,959 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Electric Utilities 1.1% | ||||||||||||||
| CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd |
Hong Kong | 416,348 | 3,495,303 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 0.2% | ||||||||||||||
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd |
Taiwan | 200,000 | 586,281 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Food & Staples Retailing 4.1% | ||||||||||||||
| Beijing Jingkelong Co. Ltd., H |
China | 715,971 | 170,166 | |||||||||||
| Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd |
Hong Kong | 1,075,176 | 9,085,237 | |||||||||||
| President Chain Store Corp |
Taiwan | 421,059 | 4,178,855 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 13,434,258 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Food Products 5.0% | ||||||||||||||
| Uni-President China Holdings Ltd |
China | 15,319,280 | 13,115,235 | |||||||||||
| Uni-President Enterprises Corp |
Taiwan | 1,262,394 | 2,940,381 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 16,055,616 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies 0.8% | ||||||||||||||
| Ginko International Co. Ltd |
Taiwan | 353,000 | 2,549,058 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Health Care Providers & Services 2.8% | ||||||||||||||
| Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., H |
China | 2,134,500 | 5,378,560 | |||||||||||
| Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd., H |
China | 806,000 | 3,558,328 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 8,936,888 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.1% | ||||||||||||||
| Sands China Ltd |
Hong Kong | 34,000 | 191,811 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers 0.5% | ||||||||||||||
| Huaneng Renewables Corp. Ltd., H. |
China | 4,472,000 | 1,497,152 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
franklintempleton.com |
Semiannual Report | 13 |
| Country | Shares | Value | ||||||||||||
| Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||||||||
| Industrial Conglomerates 2.9% | ||||||||||||||
| CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd | Hong Kong | 264,690 | $ | 3,314,565 | ||||||||||
| Hopewell Holdings Ltd | Hong Kong | 1,547,500 | 6,060,718 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 9,375,283 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Insurance 5.2% | ||||||||||||||
| AIA Group Ltd | Hong Kong | 1,350,100 | 11,308,411 | |||||||||||
| China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., H | China | 1,864,000 | 5,537,730 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 16,846,141 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 1.0% | ||||||||||||||
| a |
Ctrip.com International Ltd., ADR | China | 44,300 | 2,036,914 | ||||||||||
| a |
JD.com Inc., ADR | China | 23,937 | 1,128,630 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 3,165,544 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Internet Software & Services 21.9% | ||||||||||||||
| a |
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR | China | 127,920 | 23,811,029 | ||||||||||
| a |
Baidu Inc., ADR | China | 30,092 | 7,593,415 | ||||||||||
| Tencent Holdings Ltd | China | 716,600 | 39,575,326 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 70,979,770 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| IT Services 2.3% | ||||||||||||||
| TravelSky Technology Ltd., H | China | 2,343,841 | 7,487,401 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Marine 1.0% | ||||||||||||||
| COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Co. Ltd., H | China | 3,974,000 | 2,112,438 | |||||||||||
| Sinotrans Shipping Ltd | China | 4,306,900 | 1,243,759 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 3,356,197 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Media 0.8% | ||||||||||||||
| Poly Culture Group Corp. Ltd., H | China | 448,300 | 826,032 | |||||||||||
| Zhejiang Huace Film & TV Co. Ltd., A | China | 885,620 | 1,817,108 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 2,643,140 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 7.3% | ||||||||||||||
| China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., H | China | 20,920,478 | 16,841,280 | |||||||||||
| CNOOC Ltd | China | 2,438,400 | 3,551,998 | |||||||||||
| PetroChina Co. Ltd., H | China | 4,412,403 | 3,117,908 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 23,511,186 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Paper & Forest Products 2.7% | ||||||||||||||
| Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd | China | 4,778,400 | 8,621,446 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Pharmaceuticals 1.0% | ||||||||||||||
| Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd., A | China | 83,955 | 961,410 | |||||||||||
| Tong Ren Tang Technologies Co. Ltd., H | China | 1,312,700 | 2,220,836 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 3,182,246 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Real Estate Management & Development 0.9% | ||||||||||||||
| China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd | China | 454,000 | 1,595,333 | |||||||||||
| CK Asset Holdings Ltd | Hong Kong | 141,690 | 1,225,719 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| 2,821,052 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 9.9% | ||||||||||||||
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd | Taiwan | 3,881,330 | 32,062,612 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Specialty Retail 0.1% | ||||||||||||||
| Sa Sa International Holdings Ltd | Hong Kong | 868,000 | 398,178 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 5.9% | ||||||||||||||
| Anta Sports Products Ltd | China | 3,854,355 | 19,109,370 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
|
14 |
Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| Country | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
| Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||||||
| Transportation Infrastructure 1.7% | ||||||||||||
| COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd |
China | 3,142,513 | $ | 3,055,798 | ||||||||
| Sichuan Expressway Co. Ltd., H |
China | 7,010,000 | 2,525,981 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| 5,581,779 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Wireless Telecommunication Services 2.4% | ||||||||||||
| China Mobile Ltd. |
China | 821,270 | 7,702,735 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total Common Stocks (Cost $149,636,273) | 325,231,351 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Short Term Investments (Cost $1,732,447) 0.5% | ||||||||||||
| Money Market Funds 0.5% | ||||||||||||
| b,c Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.02% |
United States | 1,732,447 | 1,732,447 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Total Investments (Cost $151,368,720) 101.0% | 326,963,798 | |||||||||||
| Other Assets, less Liabilities (1.0)% | (3,283,609 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
| Net Assets 100.0% | $ | 323,680,189 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
See Abbreviations on page 26.
aNon-income producing.
bSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.
cThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end.
| franklintempleton.com | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Semiannual Report | 15 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2018 (unaudited)
| Assets: |
||||
| Investments in securities: |
||||
| Cost - Unaffiliated issuers |
$ | 149,636,273 | ||
| Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f) |
1,732,447 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Value - Unaffiliated issuers |
$ | 325,231,351 | ||
| Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f) |
1,732,447 | |||
| Receivables: |
||||
| Investment securities sold |
1,178,861 | |||
| Capital shares sold |
308,078 | |||
| Dividends |
108,757 | |||
| Other assets |
341 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total assets |
328,559,835 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Liabilities: |
||||
| Payables: |
||||
| Investment securities purchased |
2,050,648 | |||
| Capital shares redeemed |
2,137,812 | |||
| Management fees |
351,616 | |||
| Distribution fees |
70,133 | |||
| Transfer agent fees |
129,373 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
140,064 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total liabilities |
4,879,646 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net assets, at value |
$ | 323,680,189 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Net assets consist of: |
||||
| Paid-in capital |
$ | 136,766,430 | ||
| Distributions in excess of net investment income |
(3,365,060 | ) | ||
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
175,593,804 | |||
| Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
14,685,015 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net assets, at value |
$ | 323,680,189 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Class A: | ||||
| Net assets, at value |
$ | 192,944,104 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Shares outstanding |
8,466,894 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net asset value per sharea |
$ | 22.79 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.25%) |
$ | 24.18 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Class C: | ||||
| Net assets, at value |
$ | 42,641,678 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Shares outstanding |
1,888,808 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea |
$ | 22.58 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Class R6: | ||||
| Net assets, at value |
$ | 3,748,855 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Shares outstanding |
163,900 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net asset value and maximum offering price per share |
$ | 22.87 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Advisor Class: | ||||
| Net assets, at value |
$ | 84,345,552 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Shares outstanding |
3,676,535 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net asset value and maximum offering price per share |
$ | 22.94 | ||
|
|
|
aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.
| 16 | Semiannual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of Operations
for the six months ended February 28, 2018 (unaudited)
| Investment income: |
||||
| Dividends: (net of foreign taxes)* |
||||
| Unaffiliated issuers |
$ | 1,112,018 | ||
| Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f) |
13,527 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total investment income |
1,125,545 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Expenses: |
||||
| Management fees (Note 3a) |
2,102,000 | |||
| Distribution fees: (Note 3c) |
||||
| Class A |
240,148 | |||
| Class C |
213,182 | |||
| Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e) |
||||
| Class A |
220,802 | |||
| Class C |
49,063 | |||
| Class R6 |
1,266 | |||
| Advisor Class |
96,055 | |||
| Custodian fees (Note 4) |
34,439 | |||
| Reports to shareholders |
38,219 | |||
| Registration and filing fees |
61,600 | |||
| Professional fees. |
31,755 | |||
| Trustees’ fees and expenses. |
11,284 | |||
| Other |
10,299 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total expenses |
3,110,112 | |||
| Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g) |
(6,747 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Net expenses |
3,103,365 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net investment income (loss) |
(1,977,820 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses): |
||||
| Net realized gain (loss) from: |
||||
| Investments: |
||||
| Unaffiliated issuers. |
21,427,888 | |||
| Foreign currency transactions |
(3,803 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Net realized gain (loss) |
21,424,085 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
||||
| Investments: |
||||
| Unaffiliated issuers. |
8,675,218 | |||
| Translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies |
(1,320 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
8,673,898 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
30,097,983 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 28,120,163 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| *Foreign taxes withheld on dividends |
$ | 106,478 | ||
| franklintempleton.com | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Semiannual Report | 17 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
| Six Months Ended February 28, 2018 (unaudited) |
Year Ended August 31, 2017 |
|||||||
| Increase (decrease) in net assets: |
||||||||
| Operations: |
||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) |
$ | (1,977,820 | ) | $ | 1,950,902 | |||
| Net realized gain (loss) |
21,424,085 | 33,807,550 | ||||||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
8,673,898 | 31,423,050 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
28,120,163 | 67,181,502 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Distributions to shareholders from: |
||||||||
| Net investment income: |
||||||||
| Class A |
(2,020,582 | ) | (1,477,590 | ) | ||||
| Class C |
(355 | ) | — | |||||
| Class R6 |
(60,141 | ) | (15,613 | ) | ||||
| Advisor Class |
(1,159,991 | ) | (815,698 | ) | ||||
| Net realized gains: |
||||||||
| Class A |
(18,907,369 | ) | (20,126,270 | ) | ||||
| Class C |
(4,258,414 | ) | (5,283,432 | ) | ||||
| Class R6 |
(355,229 | ) | (127,513 | ) | ||||
| Advisor Class |
(8,355,416 | ) | (8,280,242 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total distributions to shareholders. |
(35,117,497 | ) | (36,126,358 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Capital share transactions: (Note 2) |
||||||||
| Class A |
7,963,733 | (16,581,589 | ) | |||||
| Class C |
736,807 | (10,209,121 | ) | |||||
| Class R6 |
2,706,184 | 376,846 | ||||||
| Advisor Class |
3,424,035 | 1,363,660 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total capital share transactions |
14,830,759 | (25,050,204 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
7,833,425 | 6,004,940 | ||||||
| Net assets: |
||||||||
| Beginning of period |
315,846,764 | 309,841,824 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| End of period |
$ | 323,680,189 | $ | 315,846,764 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Undistributed net investment income included in net assets: |
||||||||
| End of period |
$ | — | $ | 1,853,829 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Distributions in excess of net investment income included in net assets: |
||||||||
| End of period |
$ | (3,365,060 | ) | $ | — | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
| 18 | Semiannual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 19 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| 20 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
2. Shares of Beneficial Interest
At February 28, 2018, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). Transactions in the Fund’s shares were as follows:
| Six Months Ended February 28, 2018 |
Year Ended August 31, 2017 |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Class A Shares: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares sold |
2,211,013 | $ | 52,297,050 | 1,985,678 | $ | 40,952,259 | ||||||||||||||
| Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions |
940,802 | 20,181,384 | 1,169,105 | 20,938,679 | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares redeemed |
(2,727,170 | ) | (64,514,701 | ) | (3,797,828 | ) | (78,472,527 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) |
424,645 | $ | 7,963,733 | (643,045 | ) | $ | (16,581,589 | ) | ||||||||||||
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 21 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
2. Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)
| Six Months Ended February 28, 2018 |
Year Ended August 31, 2017 |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||
| Class C Shares: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares sold |
131,519 | $ | 3,050,985 | 193,489 | $ | 3,935,482 | ||||||||||||||
| Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions |
192,967 | 4,106,352 | 269,624 | 4,777,743 | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares redeemed |
(276,912 | ) | (6,420,530 | ) | (924,869 | ) | (18,922,346 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) |
47,574 | $ | 736,807 | (461,756 | ) | $ | (10,209,121 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Class R6 Shares: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares sold |
114,518 | $ | 2,784,882 | 22,853 | $ | 489,161 | ||||||||||||||
| Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions |
19,311 | 415,370 | 7,960 | 143,126 | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares redeemed |
(21,191 | ) | (494,068 | ) | (12,754 | ) | (255,441 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) |
112,638 | $ | 2,706,184 | 18,059 | $ | 376,846 | ||||||||||||||
| Advisor Class Shares: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares sold |
419,169 | $ | 9,866,931 | 1,164,396 | $ | 24,754,639 | ||||||||||||||
| Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions |
376,082 | 8,115,857 | 416,531 | 7,505,881 | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares redeemed |
(631,645 | ) | (14,558,753 | ) | (1,458,050 | ) | (30,896,860 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) |
163,606 | $ | 3,424,035 | 122,877 | $ | 1,363,660 | ||||||||||||||
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 | |
| Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML) |
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 |
a. Management Fees
The Fund pays an investment management fee to TAML based on the average weekly net assets of the Fund as follows:
| Annualized Fee Rate | Net Assets | |
| 1.300% |
Up to and including $1 billion | |
| 1.250% |
Over $1 billion, up to and including $5 billion | |
| 1.200% |
Over $5 billion, up to and including $10 billion | |
| 1.150% |
Over $10 billion, up to and including $15 billion | |
| 1.100% |
Over $15 billion, up to and including $20 billion | |
| 1.050% |
In excess of $20 billion |
For the period ended February 28, 2018, the annualized gross effective investment management fee rate was 1.300% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets.
| 22 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
b. Administrative Fees
Under an agreement with TAML, FT Services provides administrative services to the Fund. The fee is paid by TAML based on average weekly net assets, and is not an additional expense of the Fund.
c. Distribution Fees
The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and 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 C compensation distribution plan, 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. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rate, is February 1 through January 31.
The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:
| Class A |
0.35% | |||
| Class C |
1.00% |
The Board has set the current rate at 0.25% per year for Class A shares until further notice and approval by the Board.
d. Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements
Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Fund. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of Fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has advised the Fund of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Fund’s shares for the period:
| Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers. |
$ | 14,326 | ||
| CDSC retained |
$ | 579 |
e. Transfer Agent Fees
Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. Effective November 1, 2017, the fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. Prior to November 1, 2017, the fees were account based fees that varied based on fund or account type. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.
For the period ended February 28, 2018, the Fund paid transfer agent fees of $367,186, of which $69,777 was retained by Investor Services.
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 23 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3. Transactions with Affiliates (continued)
f. Investments in Affiliated Management Investment Companies
The Fund invests in one or more affiliated management investment companies for purposes other than exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. Management fees paid by the Fund are waived on assets invested in the affiliated management investment companies, as noted in the Statement of Operations, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid directly or indirectly by each affiliate. Prior to September 1, 2013, the waiver was accounted for as a reduction to management fees. During the period ended February 28, 2018, the Fund held investments in affiliated management investment companies as follows:
| Number of Shares Held at Beginning of Period |
Gross Additions |
Gross Reductions |
Number of Shares Held at End of Period |
Value at End of |
Dividend Income |
Realized Gain (Loss) |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Controlled Affiliates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.02% |
3,939,549 | 52,579,721 | (54,786,823 | ) | 1,732,447 | $ | 1,732,447 | $ | 13,527 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
g. Waiver and Expense Reimbursements
Investor Services has voluntarily agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees so that the Class R6 transfer agent fees do not exceed 0.03%. Investor Services may discontinue this waiver in the future.
4. Expense Offset Arrangement
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s custodian expenses. During the period ended February 28, 2018, there were no credits earned.
5. Income Taxes
At February 28, 2018, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:
| Cost of investments |
$ | 153,110,945 | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Unrealized appreciation |
$ | 182,265,715 | ||
| Unrealized depreciation |
(8,412,862 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
$ | 173,852,853 | ||
|
|
|
Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatment of passive foreign investment company shares.
6. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the period ended February 28, 2018, aggregated $27,301,762 and $42,927,260, respectively.
| 24 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
7. Concentration of Risk
Investing in securities of “China companies” may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. In general, China companies are those that are organized under the laws of, or with a principal office or principal trading market in, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. Such risks include fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, these securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities.
8. Credit Facility
The Fund, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matures on February 8, 2019. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.
Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Fund shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Fund and other costs incurred by the Fund, pay its share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon its relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended February 28, 2018, the Fund did not use the Global Credit Facility.
9. Fair Value Measurements
The Fund follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.
For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement. Additionally, at February 28, 2018, due to market events, the Fund employed fair value procedures to value a portion of its holdings. Such procedures resulted in a temporary transfer of financial instruments valued at $42,317,187 from Level 1 to Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 25 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
9. Fair Value Measurements (continued)
A summary of inputs used as of February 28, 2018, in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value, is as follows:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
| Investments in Securities:a |
||||||||||||||||
| Equity Investments: |
||||||||||||||||
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components |
$ | — | $ | 586,281 | $ | — | $ | 586,281 | ||||||||
| Food & Staples Retailing |
9,255,403 | 4,178,855 | — | 13,434,258 | ||||||||||||
| Food Products |
13,115,235 | 2,940,381 | — | 16,055,616 | ||||||||||||
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies |
— | 2,549,058 | — | 2,549,058 | ||||||||||||
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment . |
— | 32,062,612 | — | 32,062,612 | ||||||||||||
| All Other Equity Investments |
260,543,526 | — | — | 260,543,526 | ||||||||||||
| Short Term Investments |
1,732,447 | — | — | 1,732,447 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Total Investments in Securities |
$ | 284,646,611 | $ | 42,317,187 | $ | — | $ | 326,963,798 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
aFor detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.
10. Subsequent Events
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
Abbreviations
| Selected Portfolio | ||
| ADR | American Depositary Receipt | |
| 26 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
Special Meeting of Shareholders
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS: OCTOBER 30, 2017 AND RECONVENED ON DECEMBER 15, 2017 AND DECEMBER 29, 2017
(UNAUDITED)
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Templeton China World Fund was held at the offices of Franklin Templeton Investments, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California on October 30, 2017 and reconvened on December 15, 2017 and December 29, 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to elect Trustees of Templeton China World Fund and to vote on the following proposals: to approve the use of a “manager of managers” structure whereby the Fund’s investment manager would be able to hire and replace subadvisers without shareholder approval; and to approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities for the Fund. At the meeting, (i) the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Trustees of Templeton China World Fund: Harris J. Ashton, Ann Torre Bates, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, Gregory E. Johnson, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., J. Michael Luttig, David W. Niemiec, Larry D. Thompson, Constantine D. Tseretopoulos and Robert E. Wade; and (ii) sufficient votes were not received to pass the proposals to use a “manager of managers” structure and to approve the amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities. No other business was transacted at the meeting.
In connection with the meeting, management is aware that some shareholders received from the proxy solicitor numerous calls and mailings that may have been distracting. Management is taking steps to ensure that, in the future, for any new shareholder meeting solicitations that occur, such activity is not repeated. Management apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused as a result of such calls and mailings.
The results of the voting at the meeting are as follows:
Proposal 1. To elect a Board of Trustees:
| Name | For | Withheld | ||||||
| Harris J. Ashton |
7,196,866 | 330,999 | ||||||
| Ann Torre Bates |
7,200,263 | 327,601 | ||||||
| Mary C. Choksi |
7,201,211 | 326,654 | ||||||
| Edith E. Holiday |
7,198,476 | 329,389 | ||||||
| Gregory E. Johnson |
7,196,209 | 331,655 | ||||||
| Rupert H. Johnson, Jr |
7,198,885 | 328,980 | ||||||
| J. Michael Luttig |
7,200,130 | 327,735 | ||||||
| David W. Niemiec |
7,199,326 | 328,539 | ||||||
| Larry D. Thompson. |
7,199,779 | 328,085 | ||||||
| Constantine D. Tseretopoulos |
7,196,716 | 331,149 | ||||||
| Robert E. Wade |
7,198,069 | 329,795 | ||||||
Total Trust Shares Outstanding*: 13,449,581
* As of the record date.
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 27 |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
| Proposal 2. | To approve the use of a “manager of managers” structure whereby the Fund’s investment manager would be able to hire and replace subadvisers without shareholder approval: |
| Shares | ||||
| For |
4,815,069 | |||
| Against |
418,973 | |||
| Abstain |
183,503 | |||
| Broker Non-Votes |
2,110,321 | |||
| Total Fund Shares Voted |
7,527,865 | |||
| Total Fund Shares Outstanding* |
13,449,581 | |||
| Proposal 3. | To approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities: |
| Shares | ||||
| For |
4,861,045 | |||
| Against |
333,860 | |||
| Abstain |
222,639 | |||
| Broker Non-Votes |
2,110,321 | |||
| Total Fund Shares Voted |
7,527,865 | |||
| Total Fund Shares Outstanding* |
13,449,581 | |||
| 28 | Semiannual Report | franklintempleton.com |
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND
| franklintempleton.com | Semiannual Report | 29 |
Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.
To help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls to and from our service areas are monitored and/or recorded.
| © 2018 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved. | 188 S 04/18 |
| Item 2. | Code of Ethics. |
| (a) | The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer. |
| (c) | N/A |
| (d) | N/A |
| (f) | Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer. |
| Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
| (a) | (1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. |
| (2) | The audit committee financial expert is David W. Niemiec and he is “independent” as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases. |
| Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. N/A |
| Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. N/A |
| Item 6. | Schedule of Investments. N/A |
| Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A |
| Item 8. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A |
| Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A |
| Item 10. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.
| Item 11. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules
and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could materially affect the internal controls over financial reporting 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 Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Robert G. Kubilis, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Robert G. Kubilis, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND | ||
| By | /s/ MATTHEW T. HINKLE | |
| Matthew T. Hinkle | ||
| Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration | ||
| Date April 26, 2018 | ||
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/ MATTHEW T. HINKLE | |
| Matthew T. Hinkle | ||
| Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration | ||
| Date April 26, 2018 | ||
| By | /s/ ROBERT G. KUBILIS | |
| Robert G. Kubilis | ||
| Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer | ||
| Date April 26, 2018 | ||