FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES

Transcription

1 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FRANKLIN FUND ALLOCATOR SERIES October 1, 2017 Class A C Advisor Franklin NextStep Conservative Fund FNCAX FNCDX FNCVX Franklin NextStep Moderate Fund FNMDX FNMFX FNMZX Franklin NextStep Growth Fund FNGBX FNGCX FNGVX This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It contains information in addition to the information in the Funds (hereafter the Fund ) prospectus. The Fund s prospectus, dated October 1, 2017, which we may amend from time to time, contains the basic information you should know before investing in the Fund. You should read this SAI together with the Fund s prospectus. The audited financial statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Fund s Annual Report to shareholders, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, are incorporated by reference (are legally a part of this SAI). For a free copy of the current prospectus or annual report, contact your investment representative or call (800) Contents Goals, Strategies and Risks... 2 Officers and Trustees Fair Valuation and Liquidity Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures Management and Other Services Portfolio Transactions Distributions and Taxes Organization, Voting Rights and Principal Holders Buying and Selling Shares The Underwriter Performance Miscellaneous Information Mutual funds, annuities, and other investment products: are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S. government; are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank; and are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of principal. P.O. Box Sacramento, CA (800) DIAL BEN / FAS5 SAI 10/17

2 GOF SA8 03/18 SUPPLEMENT DATED MARCH 2, 2018 TO THE CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE STATEMENTS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED BELOW Franklin Alternative Strategies Funds Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund Franklin K2 Global Macro Opportunities Fund Franklin K2 Long Short Credit Fund Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund Franklin California Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin California Tax-Free Trust Franklin California Intermediate-Term Tax- Free Income Fund Franklin California Ultra-Short Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Custodian Funds Franklin Dynatech Fund Franklin Focused Growth Fund Franklin Growth Fund Franklin Income Fund Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund Franklin Utilities Fund Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Fund Allocator Series Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund Franklin Growth Allocation Fund Franklin NextStep Conservative Fund Franklin NextStep Moderate Fund Franklin NextStep Growth Fund Franklin Payout 2018 Fund Franklin Payout 2019 Fund Franklin Payout 2020 Fund Franklin Payout 2021 Fund Franklin Payout 2022 Fund Franklin Payout 2023 Fund Franklin Global Trust Franklin Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund Franklin Global Listed Infrastructure Fund Franklin Global Real Estate Fund Franklin International Growth Fund Franklin International Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Franklin Investors Securities Trust Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund Franklin Balanced Fund Franklin Convertible Securities Fund Franklin Equity Income Fund Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund Franklin Real Return Fund Franklin Total Return Fund Franklin Managed Trust Franklin Rising Dividends Fund Franklin Municipal Securities Trust Franklin California High Yield Municipal Fund Franklin Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund Franklin Mutual Series Funds Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund Franklin Mutual European Fund Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund Franklin Mutual International Fund Franklin Mutual Quest Fund Franklin Mutual Shares Fund Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust Franklin New York Intermediate-Term Tax- Free Income Fund Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio Franklin Strategic Series Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund Franklin Flexible Alpha Fund Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund Franklin Natural Resources Fund Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Franklin Strategic Income Fund Franklin High Income Trust Franklin High Income Fund Franklin Real Estate Securities Trust Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund Franklin Tax-Free Trust Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax- Free Income Fund Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Alabama Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Florida Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Georgia Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Kentucky Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Louisiana Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Maryland Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Missouri Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin North Carolina Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Virginia Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Arizona Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Colorado Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Connecticut Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Michigan Tax-Free Income Fund 1 Franklin Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Ohio Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Oregon Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Templeton Global Trust Templeton Global Currency Fund Franklin Templeton International Trust Franklin India Growth Fund Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust Franklin Templeton U.S. Government Money Fund Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund Franklin Value Investors Trust Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund Franklin Microcap Value Fund Franklin Small Cap Value Fund Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio Templeton China World Fund Templeton Developing Markets Trust Templeton Funds Templeton Foreign Fund Templeton World Fund Templeton Global Investment Trust Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund Templeton Emerging Markets Balanced Fund Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund Templeton Frontier Markets Fund Templeton Global Balanced Fund Templeton Global Opportunities Trust Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. Templeton Income Trust Templeton Emerging Markets Bond Fund Templeton Global Bond Fund Templeton Global Total Return Fund Templeton International Bond Fund Templeton Institutional Funds Emerging Markets Series Foreign Smaller Companies Series Global Equity Series International Equity Series

3 I. For all Funds, the following is added to the Goals, Strategies and Risks Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks Foreign securities section of the Statement of Additional Information ( SAI ): For purposes of the Fund s prospectus and SAI, foreign securities refers to non-u.s. securities. II. For Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund, Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund, Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fun, Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund, Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund, Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund, Franklin Growth Allocation Fund, Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund, Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund, Franklin Mutual European Fund, Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund, Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund, Franklin Mutual International Fund, Franklin Mutual Quest Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Templeton China World Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Trust, Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Balanced Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund, Templeton Foreign Fund, Templeton World Fund, Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Frontier Markets Fund, Templeton Global Balanced Fund, Templeton Global Currency Fund, Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Global Opportunities Trust, Templeton Growth Fund, Inc., Emerging Markets Series, Foreign Smaller Companies Series, Global Equity Series, International Equity Series, Templeton Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Templeton Global Bond Fund, Templeton Global Total Return Fund and Templeton International Bond Fund, the following is added to the Goals, Strategies and Risks Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks Developing markets or emerging markets section of the SAI: Investing through the Bond Connect Program. Foreign investors may invest in China Interbank bonds traded on the China Interbank Bond Market ( CIBM ) through the China Hong Kong Bond Connect program ( Bond Connect ). In China, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit holds Bond Connect securities on behalf of ultimate investors (such as the Fund) in accounts maintained with a China-based custodian (either the China Central Depository & Clearing Co. or the Shanghai Clearing House). This recordkeeping system subjects the Fund to various risks, including the risk that the Fund may have a limited ability to enforce rights as a bondholder and the risks of settlement delays and counterparty default of the Hong Kong sub-custodian. In addition, enforcing the ownership rights of a beneficial holder of Bond Connect securities is untested and courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership. Bond Connect uses the trading infrastructure of both Hong Kong and China and is not available on trading holidays in Hong Kong. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Bond Connect may fluctuate at times when a Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Securities offered through Bond Connect may lose their eligibility for trading through the program at any time. If Bond Connect securities lose their eligibility for trading through the program, they may be sold but can no longer be purchased through Bond Connect. Bond Connect is subject to regulation by both Hong Kong and China and there can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. Bond Connect trades are settled in Chinese currency, the renminbi ( RMB ). It cannot be guaranteed that investors will have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong. Bond Connect is relatively new and its effects on the Chinese interbank bond market are uncertain. In addition, the trading, settlement and IT systems required for non-chinese investors in Bond Connect are relatively new. In the event of systems malfunctions, trading via Bond Connect could be disrupted. In addition, the Bond Connect program may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program s continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund s investments or returns. Finally, uncertainties in China tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments via Bond Connect could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. III. The following is added to the Officers and Trustees Independent Board Members section of the SAI for all Funds except Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund, Franklin Mutual European Fund, Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund, Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund, Franklin Mutual International Fund, Franklin Mutual Quest Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund, Franklin Microcap Value Fund, Franklin Small Cap Value Fund, Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund, Franklin K2 Global Macro Opportunities Fund, Franklin K2 Long Short Credit Fund, Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Templeton Global Currency Fund, Templeton China World Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Trust, Templeton Foreign Fund, Templeton World Fund, Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Balanced Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund, Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Frontier Markets Fund, Templeton Global Balanced Fund, Templeton Global Opportunities Trust, Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Growth Fund, Inc., Templeton Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Templeton Global Bond Fund, Templeton Global 2

4 Total Return Fund, Templeton International Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Series, Foreign Smaller Companies Series, Global Equity Series and International Equity Series: Terrence J. Checki (1945) One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA Trustee Since December Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (2014-present). Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years: Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013 -present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present) and member of various other boards of trustees and advisory boards; and formerly, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee ( ); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014). IV. The following replaces the first paragraph under the Officers and Trustees Board committees section of the SAI for all Funds except Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund, Franklin Mutual European Fund, Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund, Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund, Franklin Mutual International Fund, Franklin Mutual Quest Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund, Franklin Microcap Value Fund, Franklin Small Cap Value Fund, Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund, Franklin K2 Global Macro Opportunities Fund, Franklin K2 Long Short Credit Fund, Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Templeton Global Currency Fund, Templeton China World Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Trust, Templeton Foreign Fund, Templeton World Fund, Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Balanced Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund, Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Frontier Markets Fund, Templeton Global Balanced Fund, Templeton Global Opportunities Trust, Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Growth Fund, Inc., Templeton Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Templeton Global Bond Fund, Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Templeton International Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Series, Foreign Smaller Companies Series, Global Equity Series and International Equity Series: Board committees The board maintains two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Audit Committee is generally responsible for recommending the selection of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm (auditors), including evaluating their independence and meeting with such auditors to consider and review matters relating to the Trust's financial reports and internal controls. The Audit Committee is comprised of the following independent trustees of the Trust: Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson and John B. Wilson. The Nominating Committee is comprised of the following independent trustees of the Trust: Harris J. Ashton, Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson and John B. Wilson. V. The following replaces the first paragraph under the Officers and Trustees Trustee Qualifications section of the SAI for all Funds except Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund, Franklin Mutual European Fund, Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund, Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund, Franklin Mutual International Fund, Franklin Mutual Quest Fund, Franklin Mutual Shares Fund, Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund, Franklin Microcap Value Fund, Franklin Small Cap Value Fund, Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund, Franklin K2 Global Macro Opportunities Fund, Franklin K2 Long Short Credit Fund, Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund, Templeton Global Currency Fund, Templeton China World Fund, Templeton Developing Markets Trust, Templeton Foreign Fund, Templeton World Fund, Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Balanced Fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund, Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Frontier Markets Fund, Templeton Global Balanced Fund, Templeton Global Opportunities Trust, Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Templeton Growth Fund, Inc., Templeton Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Templeton Global Bond Fund, Templeton Global Total Return Fund, Templeton International Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Series, Foreign Smaller Companies Series, Global Equity Series and International Equity Series: Trustee qualifications Information on the Fund s officers and board members appears above including information on the business activities of board members during the past five years and beyond. In addition to personal qualities, such as integrity, the role of an effective Fund board member inherently requires the ability to comprehend, discuss and critically analyze materials and issues presented in exercising judgments and reaching informed conclusions relevant to his or her duties and fiduciary obligations. The board believes that the specific background of each board member evidences such ability and is appropriate to his or her serving on the Fund s board. As indicated, Harris J. Ashton has served as a chief executive officer of a NYSE-listed public corporation; Terrence J. Checki has served as a senior executive of a Federal Reserve Bank and has vast experience evaluating economic forces and their impact on markets, including emerging markets; Mary C. Choksi has an extensive background in asset management, including founding an investment 3

5 management firm; Larry D. Thompson and Edith E. Holiday each have legal backgrounds, including high level legal positions with departments of the U.S. government; J. Michael Luttig has fifteen years of judicial experience as a Federal Appeals Court Judge and eleven years of experience as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of a major public company; John B. Wilson has served as President of International for a Fortune 150 company, chief operating officer of a NYSE-listed public corporation, chief financial officer of a NASDAQ-listed public corporation and partner of a global strategy consulting firm; and Gregory E. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are both high ranking executive officers of Franklin Templeton Investments. Please keep this supplement with your prospectus for future reference. 4

6 GOF SA7 02/18 SUPPLEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2018 TO THE CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED BELOW Franklin Alternative Strategies Funds Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund Franklin K2 Global Macro Opportunities Fund Franklin K2 Long Short Credit Fund Franklin Pelagos Commodities Strategy Fund Franklin California Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin California Tax-Free Trust Franklin California Intermediate-Term Tax- Free Income Fund Franklin California Ultra-Short Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Custodian Funds Franklin Dynatech Fund Franklin Focused Growth Fund Franklin Growth Fund Franklin Income Fund Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund Franklin Utilities Fund Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Fund Allocator Series Franklin Corefolio Allocation Fund Franklin Founding Funds Allocation Fund Franklin LifeSmart Retirement Income Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2020 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2025 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2030 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2035 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2040 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2045 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2050 Retirement Target Fund Franklin LifeSmart 2055 Retirement Target Fund Franklin Conservative Allocation Fund Franklin Moderate Allocation Fund Franklin Growth Allocation Fund Franklin NextStep Conservative Fund Franklin NextStep Growth Fund Franklin NextStep Moderate Fund Franklin Payout 2018 Fund Franklin Payout 2019 Fund Franklin Payout 2020 Fund Franklin Payout 2021 Fund Franklin Payout 2022 Fund Franklin Payout 2023 Fund Franklin Global Trust Franklin Global Listed Infrastructure Fund Franklin Global Real Estate Fund Franklin International Growth Fund Franklin International Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund Franklin Investors Securities Trust Franklin Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund Franklin Balanced Fund Franklin Convertible Securities Fund Franklin Equity Income Fund Franklin Floating Rate Daily Access Fund Franklin Low Duration Total Return Fund Franklin Real Return Fund Franklin Total Return Fund Franklin Managed Trust Franklin Rising Dividends Fund Franklin Mutual Series Funds Franklin Mutual Beacon Fund Franklin Mutual European Fund Franklin Mutual Financial Services Fund Franklin Mutual Global Discovery Fund Franklin Mutual International Fund Franklin Mutual Quest Fund Franklin Mutual Shares Fund Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust Franklin New York Intermediate-Term Tax- Free Income Fund Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio Franklin Strategic Series Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund Franklin Flexible Alpha Fund Franklin Focused Core Equity Fund Franklin Global Government Bond Fund Franklin Growth Opportunities Fund Franklin Natural Resources Fund Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund Franklin Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Franklin Strategic Income Fund Franklin Real Estate Securities Trust Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund Franklin High Income Trust Franklin High Income Fund Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Municipal Securities Trust Franklin California High Yield Municipal Fund Franklin Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund Franklin Tax-Free Trust Franklin Alabama Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Arizona Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Colorado Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Connecticut Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax- Free Income Fund Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Florida Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Georgia Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Kentucky Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Louisiana Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Maryland Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Michigan Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Minnesota Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Missouri Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin North Carolina Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Ohio Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Oregon Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Virginia Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Templeton Global Trust Templeton Global Currency Fund Franklin Templeton International Trust Franklin India Growth Fund Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust Franklin Templeton U.S. Government Money Fund Franklin U.S. Government Money Fund Franklin Value Investors Trust Franklin Balance Sheet Investment Fund Franklin Microcap Value Fund Franklin Small Cap Value Fund Templeton China World Fund Templeton Developing Markets Trust Templeton Funds Templeton Foreign Fund Templeton World Fund Templeton Global Investment Trust Templeton Dynamic Equity Fund Templeton Emerging Markets Balanced Fund Templeton Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund Templeton Foreign Smaller Companies Fund Templeton Frontier Markets Fund Templeton Global Balanced Fund Templeton Global Opportunities Trust Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. Templeton Income Trust Templeton Emerging Markets Bond Fund Templeton Global Bond Fund Templeton Global Total Return Fund Templeton International Bond Fund Templeton Institutional Funds Emerging Markets Series Foreign Smaller Companies Series Global Equity Series International Equity Series 1

7 The statement of additional information is amended as follows: I. The Buying and Selling Shares Share certificates section is revised as follows: Share certificates We will credit your shares to your Fund account and we do not issue share certificates. This eliminates the costly problem of replacing lost, stolen or destroyed certificates. Any outstanding share certificates must be returned to the Fund if you want to sell, exchange or reregister those shares or if you would like to start a systematic withdrawal plan. The certificates should be properly endorsed. You can do this either by signing the back of the certificate or by completing a share assignment form. For your protection, you may prefer to complete a share assignment form and to send the certificate and assignment form in separate envelopes. We do not issue new share certificates if any outstanding share certificates are returned to the Fund. If a certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may have to pay an insurance premium of up to 2% of the value of the certificate to cancel it. II. The eleventh paragraph under Buying and Selling Shares General Information section is revised as follows: The Fund or its transfer agent may be required (i) pursuant to a validly issued levy, garnishment or other form of legal process, to sell your shares and remit the proceeds to a levying officer or other recipient; or (ii) pursuant to a final order of forfeiture or other form of legal process, to sell your shares and remit the proceeds to the U.S. or state government as directed. Please keep this supplement with your statement of additional information for future reference. 2

8 Goals, Strategies and Risks The following information provided with respect to the Fund is in addition to that included in the Fund s prospectus. In addition to the main types of investments and strategies undertaken by the underlying funds as described in the prospectus, the underlying funds also may invest in other types of instruments and engage in and pursue other investment strategies, which are described in this SAI. Investments and investment strategies with respect to the Fund and the underlying funds are discussed in greater detail in the section below entitled Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks. Generally, the policies and restrictions discussed in this SAI and in the prospectus apply when the Fund makes an investment. In most cases, the Fund is not required to sell an investment because circumstances change and the investment no longer meets one or more of the Fund s policies or restrictions. If a percentage restriction or limitation is met at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in the percentage due to a change in the value or liquidity of portfolio investments will not be considered a violation of the restriction or limitation, with the exception of the Fund s limitations on borrowing as described herein or unless otherwise noted herein. Incidental to the Fund s other investment activities, including in connection with a bankruptcy, restructuring, workout, or other extraordinary events concerning a particular investment the Fund owns, the Fund may receive securities (including convertible securities, warrants and rights), real estate or other investments that the Fund normally would not, or could not, buy. If this happens, the Fund may, although it is not required to, sell such investments as soon as practicable while seeking to maximize the return to shareholders. The Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions as fundamental and non-fundamental policies. A fundamental policy may only be changed if the change is approved by (i) more than 50% of the Fund s outstanding shares or (ii) 67% or more of the Fund s shares present at a shareholder meeting if more than 50% of the Fund s outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, whichever is less. A non-fundamental policy may be changed without the approval of shareholders. For more information about the restrictions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) on the Fund with respect to (1) borrowing and senior securities, see Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks - Borrowing ; and (2) lending, see Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks - Corporate Loans, Assignments and Participations below. Fundamental Investment Policies The Fund may not: 1. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 2. Act as an underwriter, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares. 3. Make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other persons, including other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the SEC. This limitation does not apply to (i) the lending of portfolio securities, (ii) the purchase of debt securities, other debt instruments, loan participations and/or engaging in direct corporate loans in accordance with its investment goals and policies, and (iii) repurchase agreements to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan. 4. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from (i) purchasing or selling securities or instruments secured by real estate or interests therein, securities or instruments representing interests in real estate or securities or instruments of issuers that invest, deal or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, and (ii) making, purchasing or selling real estate mortgage loans. 5. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from (i) engaging in transactions involving currencies and futures contracts and options thereon or (ii) investing in securities or other instruments that are secured by physical commodities. 6. Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any rules, exemptions or interpretations thereunder that may be adopted, granted or issued by the SEC. 7. Invest more than 25% of the Fund s net assets in securities of issuers in any one industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies). 8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies, whether registered or excluded from registration under Section 3(c) of the 1940 Act) if immediately after such investment (i) more than 5% of the value of the Fund s total assets would be invested in such issuer or (ii) more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund s total assets may be invested without regard to such 5% and 10% limitations. Notwithstanding these investment restrictions, as described below under Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks, the Fund invests primarily in underlying funds (i.e., other mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)), including 2

9 underlying funds managed by Franklin Templeton as well as those managed by unaffiliated investment managers. These underlying funds have adopted their own investment restrictions, which may be more or less restrictive than those listed above. The investment restrictions of the underlying funds may thereby permit the Fund to engage in investment strategies indirectly that would otherwise be prohibited under the investment restrictions listed above. The investment restrictions of the underlying funds are located in their respective SAIs. Non-Fundamental Investment Policies The investment goal of the Fund is the highest level of long-term total return that is consistent with an acceptable level of risk. The Fund s investment goal is non-fundamental and therefore may be changed by the Trust s board of trustees without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days advance notice of any change to the Fund s investment goal. The following compares the Funds levels of risk and return relative to one another. Conservative Fund is designed for investors seeking the highest level of long-term total return that is consistent with a conservative level of risk. This Fund may be most appropriate for investors with a shorter investment horizon. Moderate Fund is designed for investors seeking the highest level of long-term total return that is consistent with a moderate level of risk. This Fund may be most appropriate for investors with an intermediate investment horizon. Growth Fund is designed for investors seeking the highest level of long-term total return that is consistent with a growth-oriented level of risk. This Fund may be most appropriate for investors with a longer investment horizon. Additional Strategies In trying to achieve its investment goals, the Fund may invest in the types of instruments or engage in the types of transactions identified below and in the section Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks, which also describes the risks associated with these investment policies. The Fund may or may not use all of these techniques at any one time. The Fund may: invest without limitation in repurchase agreements and securities issued or backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which include U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. Securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government include those issued by the Government National Mortgage Association; engage in currency forward contracts for hedging purposes; invest no more than 15% of the value of the Fund s assets in illiquid securities; and invest directly in securities or other instruments to achieve its investment goal, although the Fund currently has no intention to do so. Glossary of Investments, Techniques, Strategies and Their Risks Certain words or phrases may be used in descriptions of Fund investment policies and strategies to give investors a general sense of the Fund s levels of investment. They are broadly identified with, but not limited to, the following percentages of Fund total assets: small portion less than 10% portion 10% to 25% significant 25% to 50% substantial 50% to 66% primary 66% to 80% predominant 80% or more If the Fund intends to limit particular investments or strategies to no more than specific percentages of Fund assets, the prospectus or SAI will clearly identify such limitations. The percentages above are not limitations unless specifically stated as such in the Fund s prospectus or elsewhere in this SAI. The Fund may invest in securities that are rated by various rating agencies such as Moody s Investors Service (Moody s) and Standard & Poor s Financial Services (S&P ), as well as securities that are unrated. The Fund pursues its investment goal by investing primarily in a distinctly-weighted combination of underlying funds, based on each underlying fund s predominant asset class. The Fund may also invest up to 5% of its assets directly in in securities of each asset class, and may invest up to 50% of its assets in exchange traded funds. Ordinarily, the 1940 Act prohibits a mutual fund from buying more than 3% of the shares of any other single mutual fund, investing more than 5% of its assets in any other single mutual fund, or investing more than 10% of its assets in other mutual funds generally. However, Franklin Fund Allocator Series (the Trust ) may rely on provisions of the 1940 Act, any rules and regulations thereunder, and any exemptive relief received or to be received by the Fund or an underlying fund that permit the Fund to operate as a fund of funds that invests in underlying mutual funds, along with certain other investments. The value of your shares in the Fund will increase as the value of the underlying funds owned by the Fund increases and will decrease as the value of the underlying funds owned by the Fund decreases. In this way, you participate in any change in the value of the underlying funds owned by the Fund. The Fund will attempt to invest in the least expensive class of any underlying fund that is available and will not pay any sales load or 12b-1 service or distribution fees in connection with their investments in any of the underlying funds. The following gives more detailed information about the underlying funds investment policies and the types of securities that they and the Funds (with respect to currency forward contracts, repurchase agreements, exchange-traded funds and any other investments in which the Funds may be permitted to 3

10 directly invest) may buy along with their associated risks. In addition, the following sections also apply directly to the Fund: Borrowing; Derivatives - Exclusion of investment manager from commodity pool operator definition; Securities lending; and Temporary investments. An underlying fund is also referred to as the Fund in this section. Asset-backed securities Asset-backed securities represent interests in a pool of loans, leases or other receivables. The assets underlying asset-backed securities may include receivables on home equity loans, credit card loans, and automobile, mobile home and recreational vehicle loans and leases and other assets. Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties and may have adjustable interest rates that reset at periodic intervals. The credit quality of most asset-backed securities depends primarily on the credit quality of the underlying assets, how well the issuers of the securities are insulated from the credit risk of the originator or affiliated entities, and the amount of credit support (if any) provided to the securities. Credit support for asset-backed securities is intended to lessen the effect of failures by obligors (such as individual borrowers or leasers) on the underlying assets to make payments. Credit support generally falls into two categories: (i) liquidity protection; and (ii) protection against losses from the default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to advances, generally provided by the entity administering the pool of assets, intended to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying pool is timely. Protection against losses from the default by an obligor can enhance the likelihood of payments of the obligations on at least some of the assets in the pool. Protection against losses from default may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties. Alternatively, this protection may be provided through various means of structuring the transaction, or through a combination of these approaches. Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include senior subordinated securities (securities with one or more classes that are subordinate to the other classes with respect to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying assets should be borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of reserve funds (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against future losses), and over-collateralization (where the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceeds that required to make payments on the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). The degree of credit support provided is generally based on historical information about the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Historical information may not adequately reflect present or future credit risk. Delinquencies or losses in excess of those anticipated could occur and could adversely affect the return on an investment in the securities. There is no guarantee that the type of credit support selected will be effective at reducing the illiquidity or losses to investors in the event of certain defaults. Where credit support is provided by a third party, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of that third party in addition to the credit risk of the issuer or sponsor of the assetbacked security and the underlying obligors. Asset-backed securities also have risk due to a characteristic known as early amortization, or early payout, risk. Built into the structure of certain asset-backed securities are triggers for early payout, designed to protect investors from losses. These triggers are unique to each transaction and can include, among other things: a significant rise in defaults on the underlying loans, a sharp drop in the credit enhancement level, or the bankruptcy of the issuer or sponsor. Once early amortization begins, all incoming loan payments are used to pay investors as quickly as possible. Prepayment risk also arises when the underlying obligations may be satisfied or prepaid before due. Certain asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables may be affected by such early prepayment of principal on the underlying vehicle sales contract. When amortization or prepayment occurs, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the existing asset-backed security. In addition, the Fund may suffer a loss if it paid a premium for the asset-backed security as cash flows from the early amortization reduce the value of the premium paid. Alternatively, if prepayments occur at a slower rate than the investment manager expected, or if payment on the underlying assets is delayed or defaulted upon, the Fund will experience extension risk. The income received by the Fund on an asset-backed security generally fluctuates more than the income on fixed income debt securities. This is because asset-backed securities are usually structured as pass-through or pay-through securities (similar to mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations). Cash flow generated by payments on the underlying obligations in these structures is shared with the investor as it is received. The rate of payment on asset-backed securities generally depends on the rate of principal and interest payments received on the underlying assets. Payments on underlying assets will be affected by various economic and other factors that shape the market for those underlying assets. Therefore, the income on asset-backed securities will be difficult to predict, and actual yield to maturity will be more or less than the anticipated yield to maturity. Asset-backed securities have certain risks that stem from the characteristics of the underlying assets. For example, assetbacked securities do not have the benefit of the same type of security interests in the underlying collateral that mortgagebacked securities have, and there may be a limited ability to enforce any security interests that exist. Credit enhancements provided to support asset-backed securities, if any, may be inadequate to protect investors in the event of default. For 4

11 example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured and a number of state and federal consumer credit laws give debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the outstanding balance, which can negatively affect the yield and/or value of related asset-backed securities. Issuers of asset-backed securities for which automobile receivables are the underlying assets may be prevented from realizing the full amount due on an automobile sales contract because of state law requirements and restrictions relating to sales of vehicles following their repossession and the obtaining of deficiency judgments following such sales or because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle, the application of bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other factors. The absence of, or difficulty enforcing, such security interests in the underlying assets may result in additional expenses, delays and losses to the Fund. The Fund s exposure to the credit risk of the credit support provider will also be greater if recourse is limited to the credit support provider in the event of widespread defaults on the underlying obligations. Bank obligations Bank obligations include fixed, floating or variable rate certificates of deposit (CDs), letters of credit, time and savings deposits, bank notes and bankers acceptances. CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits that are held in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Savings deposits are deposits that do not have a specified maturity and may be withdrawn by the depositor at any time. Bankers acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise. When a bank accepts a bankers acceptance, the bank, in effect, unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument upon maturity. The full amount of the Fund s investment in time and savings deposits or CDs may not be guaranteed against losses resulting from the default of the commercial or savings bank or other institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Bank obligations are exempt from registration with the SEC if issued by U.S. banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks. As a result, the Fund will not receive the same investor protections when investing in bank obligations as opposed to registered securities. Bank notes and other unsecured bank obligations are not guaranteed by the FDIC, so the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of the bank or institution. In the event of liquidation, bank notes and unsecured bank obligations generally rank behind time deposits, savings deposits and CDs, resulting in a greater potential for losses to the Fund. The Fund s investments in bank obligations may be negatively impacted if adverse economic conditions prevail in the banking industry (such as substantial losses on loans, increases in nonperforming assets and charge-offs and declines in total deposits). The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks. Biotechnology companies The biotechnology industry is subject to extensive government regulation. The industry is affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters. Due to the nature of the biotechnology industry, investors may be quick to react to developments that affect the industry. In the past, biotechnology securities have exhibited considerable volatility in reaction to research and other developments. In comparison to more developed industries, there may be a thin trading market in biotechnology securities, and adverse developments in the biotechnology industry may be more likely to result in decreases in the value of biotechnology stocks. Biotechnology companies are often small, start-up ventures whose products are only in the research stage. The success of investments in the biotechnology industry is often based upon speculation and expectations about future products, research progress, and new product filings with regulatory authorities. Such investments are speculative and may drop sharply in value in response to regulatory or research setbacks. Borrowing The 1940 Act and the SEC s current rules, exemptions and interpretations thereunder, permit the Fund to borrow up to one-third of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed, but less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) from banks. The Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to such borrowings and to reduce the amount of its borrowings (within three days excluding Sundays and holidays) to restore such coverage if it should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or otherwise. In the event that the Fund is required to reduce its borrowings, it may have to sell portfolio holdings, even if such sale of the Fund s holdings would be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint. If the Fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage. Leveraging by means of borrowing may exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of portfolio securities on the Fund s net asset value, and money borrowed will be subject to interest and other costs (which may include commitment fees and/or the cost of maintaining minimum average balances), 5