Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Your Funds Goal and Main Investments:
Templeton Russia and East European Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in investments that are tied economically to Russia or East European countries.
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to bring you Templeton Russia and East European Funds annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.
Economic and Market Overview
The Russian economy grew 4.0% in 2010, reversing a decline of 7.8% in 2009, as the governments stimulus measures, coupled with higher oil prices and lower interest rates, supported the domestic economy.
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After reducing the key benchmark interest rate 50 basis points (0.50%) to a record-low 7.75% in the beginning of the reporting period, the central bank unexpectedly raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in more than two years in the first quarter of 2011. Inflationary concerns and the possibility of greater capital inflows resulting from higher oil prices led the bank to adopt these tightening measures. The central bank increased the benchmark refinancing rate to 8.0% and raised the reserve requirements for liabilities. Russias federal budget deficit narrowed to about 4% of gross domestic product in 2010, from 5.9% in 2009, largely due to higher oil prices, the countrys economic recovery and controlled expenditures.
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1. Source: Federal Service of State Statistics, Russia.
2. Source: PRIME-TASS News Agency, Russias Putin Calls for Implementing Tough Budget Policy, 3/10/11; Kudrin Sees Russias Budget Deficit at 4.1%-4.2% of GDP in 2010, 12/29/11.
The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Funds Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 8.
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Performance Overview
Templeton Russia and East European Fund posted cumulative total returns of +17.76% based on market price and +18.54% based on net asset value for the 12 months ended March 31, 2011. In line with our long-term investment strategy, we are pleased with our long-term results. For the 10-year period ended March 31, 2011, the Fund delivered cumulative total returns of +917.20% in market price terms and +831.71% in net asset value terms. You can find more of the Funds performance data in the Performance Summary on page 5.
Managers Discussion
During the 12-month reporting period, most of the Funds key contributors to absolute performance were based in Russia and included steel producer Severstal; one of the countrys largest rail transportation companies, Globaltrans Investment; and major bank Sberbank (Savings Bank of Russia). Severstal was a beneficiary of high commodity prices due to its fully integrated business model and its own iron ore and coking coal deposits. Russias economic recovery supported Globaltrans, as transportation volumes returned to pre-crisis levels. Sberbank also benefited from the countrys strong economic recovery and rising consumer confidence.
Major detractors from Fund performance included Russian telecommunications operators VimpelCom, VolgaTelecom and Sibirtelecom. VimpelComs performance was hurt by the announcement of its acquisition of Wind Telecom from Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris in mid-2010. The deal was approved in March 2011, and the company traded at a significant discount to its global and emerging market peers. The Fund reduced its exposure to VimpelCom during the reporting period. In addition we sold our positions in VolgaTelecom and Sibirtelecom as they reached their target prices and valuations became expensive, in our view.
The Fund added three new companies to the portfolio. These included Russian companies KTK, the countrys largest thermal coal producer, and OGK-5 (Fifth Power Generation), a thermal wholesale power generating company.
We initiated exposure to Egypt with our investment in Orascom Telecom, the largest mobile telephone operator in the Middle East and North Africa. The company was trading at distressed valuations after unrest in Egypt in January 2011, although an insignificant part of its assets is located in the region. Orascom Telecom will soon become part of Russias mobile operator VimpelCom, after VimpelCom completes its acquisition of Wind Telecom. Additionally, we increased our investment in the Funds existing holdings in Ukrainian agricultural companies MHP and Agroton Public. We also added to our position in Russian broadcasting company CTC Media.
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Conversely, we sold selective stocks as they reached sale price targets and we invested in more attractively valued stocks in our investment universe. The Fund sold Ukrainian producer and marketer of edible oil Kernel Holding, Russian power generation company RusHydro and Russian nickel producer Yuzhuralnickel (South-Ural Nickel Factory). We also reduced the Funds holdings in major Russian mobile services provider Mobile TeleSystems because of what we viewed as limited growth potential resulting from Russian mobile telephone market saturation.
Thank you for your continued participation in Templeton Russia and East European Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.
The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2011, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.
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Performance Summary as of 3/31/11
Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Funds portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Funds dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Total returns do not reflect any sales charges paid at inception or brokerage commissions paid on secondary market purchases. 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.
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.
Endnotes
Special risks are associated with foreign investing including currency volatility, economic instability, and social and political developments of countries where the Fund invests. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with their relatively small size and lesser liquidity. Investments in Russian and East European securities involve significant additional risks, including political and social uncertainty (for example, regional conflicts and risk of war), currency exchange rate volatility, pervasiveness of corruption and crime in the Russian and East European economic systems, delays in settling portfolio transactions, and risk of loss arising out of the system of share registration and custody used in Russia and East European countries. Also, as a nondiversified investment company investing in Russia and East European countries, the Fund may invest in a relatively small number of issuers and, as a result, be subject to greater risk of loss with respect to its portfolio securities. The manager applies various techniques and analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these decisions will produce the desired results.
1. Total return calculations represent the cumulative and average annual changes in value of an investment over the periods indicated.
2. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on net asset value.
3. Assumes reinvestment of distributions based on the dividend reinvestment and cash purchase plan.
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Important Notice to Shareholders
Share Repurchase Program
The Funds Board previously authorized management to implement an open-market share repurchase program pursuant to which the Fund may purchase Fund shares, from time to time, in open-market transactions, at the discretion of management. This authorization remains in effect.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Financial Highlights
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Statement of Investments, March 31, 2011
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Statement of Investments, March 31, 2011
(continued)
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Financial Statements
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 2011
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Financial Statements
(continued)
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Statement of Operations
for the year ended March 31, 2011
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Financial Statements
(continued)
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements
1. O
RGANIZATION AND
S
IGNIFICANT
A
CCOUNTING
P
OLICIES
Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc. (Fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (1940 Act) as a closed-end investment company.
The following summarizes the Funds significant accounting policies.
a. Financial Instrument Valuation
The Funds investments in securities and other financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Under procedures approved by the Funds Board of Directors, the Fund may utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.
Equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or the NYSE, whichever is earlier. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value.
Debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option-adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements
(continued)
1.
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O
RGANIZATION AND
S
IGNIFICANT
A
CCOUNTING
P
OLICIES
(continued)
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a.
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Financial Instrument Valuation
(continued)
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The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of securities and other financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available or which may not be reliably priced. Under these procedures, the Fund primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. The Fund may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.
Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets may be completed before the daily close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and the close of the NYSE that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Funds portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at the close of the NYSE. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the investment manager monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depository Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Fund. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.
b. Foreign Currency Translation
Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Portfolio securities and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies contain risks that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Occasionally, events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using procedures established and approved by the Funds Board of Directors.
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Notes to Financial Statements
(continued)
1.
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O
RGANIZATION AND
S
IGNIFICANT
A
CCOUNTING
P
OLICIES
(continued)
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b.
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Foreign Currency Translation
(continued)
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The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments on the Statement of Operations.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.
c. Income Taxes
It is the Funds policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required. The Fund files U.S. income tax returns as well as tax returns in certain other jurisdictions. The Fund records a provision for taxes in its financial statements including penalties and interest, if any, for a tax position taken on a tax return (or expected to be taken) when it fails to meet the more likely than not (a greater than 50% probability) threshold and based on the technical merits, the tax position may not be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. As of March 31, 2011, and for all open tax years, the Fund has determined that no additional provision for income tax is required in the Funds financial statements. Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on each tax jurisdiction statute of limitation. The Fund is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax effects will significantly change in the next twelve months.
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency transactions in the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply the Fund records an estimated deferred tax liability for unrealized gains on these securities in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements
(continued)
1.
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O
RGANIZATION AND
S
IGNIFICANT
A
CCOUNTING
P
OLICIES
(continued)
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d.
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Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions
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Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities are included in interest income. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized as soon as the Fund is notified of the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis). Distributable earnings determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.
e. Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
f. Guarantees and Indemnifications
Under the Funds organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified by the Fund against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
2. C
APITAL
S
TOCK
At March 31, 2011, there were 100 million shares authorized ($0.01 par value). During the years ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 there were no shares issued; all reinvested distributions were satisfied with previously issued shares purchased in the open market.
The Funds Board of Directors previously authorized an open-market share repurchase program pursuant to which the Fund may purchase, from time to time, Fund shares in open-market transactions, at the discretion of management. This authorization remains in effect. During the years ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, there were no shares repurchased.
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Notes to Financial Statements
(continued)
4. E
XPENSE
O
FFSET
A
RRANGEMENT
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 Funds custodian expenses. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statement of Operations.
5. I
NCOME
T
AXES
For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. At March 31, 2011, the Fund had tax basis capital losses of $88,755 expiring in 2019.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, was as follows:
At March 31, 2011, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:
Net investment income (loss) and net realized gains (losses) differ for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to differing treatment of foreign currency transactions.
6. I
NVESTMENT
T
RANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the year ended March 31, 2011, aggregated $11,526,936 and $29,004,836, respectively.
7. I
NVESTMENTS IN
I
NSTITUTIONAL
F
IDUCIARY
T
RUST
M
ONEY
M
ARKET
P
ORTFOLIO
The Fund may invest in the Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio (Sweep Money Fund), an open-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc. (an affiliate of the investment manager). Management fees paid by the Fund are reduced on assets invested in the Sweep Money Fund, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid by the Sweep Money Fund.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements
(continued)
8. C
ONCENTRATION OF
R
ISK
Investing in equity securities of Russian companies may include certain risks not typically associated with investing in countries with more developed securities markets, such as political, economic and legal uncertainties, delays in settling portfolio transactions and the risk of loss from Russias underdeveloped systems of securities registration and transfer. At March 31, 2011 the Fund had 66.7% of its net assets invested in Russia.
9. F
AIR
V
ALUE
M
EASUREMENTS
The Fund follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
-
Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
-
Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities,
interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)
-
Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in deter-
mining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
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.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2011, in valuing the Funds assets and liabilities carried at fair value:
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements
(continued)
10. S
UBSEQUENT
E
VENTS
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure other than those already disclosed in the financial statements.
A
BBREVIATIONS
Selected Portfolio
ADR
- American Depository Receipt
GDR
- Global Depository Receipt
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc. (the Fund) at March 31, 2011, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as financial statements) are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at March 31, 2011 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California
May 18, 2011
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Tax Designation (unaudited)
Under Section 852(b)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $603,243 as a long term capital gain dividend for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $1,135,259 as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2011 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV in January 2012. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.
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Annual Meeting of Shareholders, August 27, 2010 (unaudited)
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held at the Funds offices, 500 E. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 27, 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to elect five Directors of the Fund and to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. At the meeting, the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Directors of the Fund: Edith E. Holiday, Frank A. Olson, Robert E. Wade, Charles B. Johnson and J. Michael Luttig.* Shareholders also ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. No other business was transacted at the meeting.
2. The ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011:
*Harris J. Ashton, Ann Torre Bates, Frank J. Crothers, Gregory E. Johnson, David W. Niemiec, Larry D. Thompson and Constantine D. Tseretopoulos are Directors of the Fund who are currently serving and whose terms of office continued after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
The Fund offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the Plan) with the following features:
If shares of the Fund are held in the shareholders name, the shareholder will automatically be a participant in the Plan unless he elects to withdraw. If the shares are registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (i.e., in street name), the broker-dealer or nominee will elect to participate in the Plan on the shareholders behalf unless the shareholder instructs them otherwise, or unless the reinvestment service is not provided by the broker-dealer or nominee.
Participants should contact BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 358015, Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8015, to receive the Plan brochure.
To receive dividends or distributions in cash, the shareholder must notify The Bank of New York Mellon (the Plan Administrator) at the address above or the institution in whose name the shares are held. The Plan Administrator must receive written notice ten business days before the record date for the distribution.
Whenever the Fund declares dividends in either cash or common stock of the Fund, if the market price is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the valuation date, the participant will receive the dividends entirely in new shares at a price equal to the net asset value, but not less than 95% of the then current market price of the Funds shares. If the market price is lower than net asset value or if dividends and/or capital gains distributions are payable only in cash, the participant will receive shares purchased on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise on the open market.
A participant has the option of submitting additional cash payments to the Plan Administrator, in any amounts of at least $100 each, up to a maximum of $5,000 per month, for the purchase of Fund shares for his or her account. These payments can be made by check or money order payable to The Bank of New York Mellon and sent to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 382009, Pittsburgh, PA, 15252-8009, Attention: Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc. The Plan Administrator will apply such payments (less a $5.00 service charge and less a pro rata share of trading fees) to purchases of Fund shares on the open market.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gains does not relieve the participant of any income tax that may be payable on dividends or distributions.
Whenever shares are purchased on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise on the open market, each participant will pay a pro rata portion of trading fees. Trading fees will be deducted from amounts to be invested. The Plan Administrators fee for a sale of shares through the Plan is $15.00 per transaction plus a $0.12 per share trading fee.
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Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
(continued)
The participant may withdraw from the Plan without penalty at any time by written notice to the Plan Administrator sent to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 358015, Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8015. Upon withdrawal, the participant will receive, without charge, share certificates issued in the participants name for all full shares held by the Plan Administrator; or, if the participant wishes, the Plan Administrator will sell the participants shares and send the proceeds to the participant, less a service charge of $15.00 and less trading fees of $0.12 per share. The Plan Administrator will convert any fractional shares held at the time of withdrawal to cash at current market price and send a check to the participant for the net proceeds.
Direct Deposit Service for Registered Shareholders
Cash distributions can now be electronically credited to a checking or savings account at any financial institution that participates in the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. The Direct Deposit service is provided for registered shareholders at no charge. To enroll in the service, access your account online by going to www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/equityaccess or dial 1-800-416-5585 (toll free) and follow the instructions. Direct Deposit will begin with the next scheduled distribution payment date following enrollment in the service.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Transfer Agent
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 358015
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8015
1-800-416-5585
www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/equityaccess
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Direct Registration
If you are a registered shareholder of the Fund, purchases of shares of the Fund can be electronically credited to your Fund account at BNY Mellon Shareowner Services through Direct Registration. This service provides shareholders with a convenient way to keep track of shares through book entry transactions, electronically move book-entry shares between broker-dealers, transfer agents and DRS eligible issuers, and eliminate the possibility of lost certificates. For additional information, please contact BNY Mellon Shareowner Services at 1-800-416-5585.
Shareholder Information
Shares of Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TRF. Information about the net asset value and the market price is published each Monday in the
Wall Street Journal,
weekly in
Barrons
and each Saturday in
The New York Times
and other newspapers. Daily market prices for the Funds shares are published in New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions section of newspapers.
For current information about distributions and shareholder accounts, call 1-800-416-5585. Registered shareholders can now access their Fund account on-line with
Investor ServiceDirect
®
. For information go to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services web site at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/equityaccess and follow the instructions.
The daily closing net asset value as of the previous business day may be obtained when available by calling Franklin Templeton Fund Information after 7 a.m. Pacific time any business day at 1-800/DIAL BEN
®
(1-800-342-5236). The Funds net asset value and dividends are also listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.s Mutual Fund Quotation Service (NASDAQ MFQS).
Shareholders not receiving copies of the reports to shareholders because their shares are registered in the name of a broker or a custodian can request that they be added to the Funds mailing list by writing Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc., 100 Fountain Parkway, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
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Shareholder Information
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement
At a meeting held March 1, 2011, the Board of Directors (Board), including a majority of non-interested or independent Directors, approved renewal of the investment management agreement for Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc. (Fund). In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual renewal review process. Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included reports on the Fund, the share price premium or discount to net asset value, the results of investment performance and related financial information for the Fund, as well as periodic reports on expenses, legal, compliance, pricing, brokerage commissions and execution and other services provided by the Investment Manager (Manager) and its affiliates. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included a report prepared by Lipper Inc. (Lipper), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Fund profitability analysis prepared by management. The Lipper report compared the Funds investment performance and expenses with those of other funds deemed comparable to the Fund as selected by Lipper. The Fund profitability analysis discussed the profitability to Franklin Templeton Investments from its overall U.S. fund operations, as well as on an individual fund-by-fund basis. Additional material accompanying such profitability analysis included information on a fund-by-fund basis listing portfolio managers and other accounts they manage, as well as information on management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. funds and other accounts, including managements explanation of differences where relevant. Such material also included a memorandum prepared by management describing project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Fund by the Franklin Templeton Investments organization, as well as a memorandum relating to economies of scale.
In considering such materials, the independent Directors received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. In approving continuance of the investment management agreement for the Fund, the Board, including a majority of independent Directors, determined that the management fee structure was fair and reasonable and that continuance of the investment management agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Boards decision.
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICE.
The Board was satisfied with the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholders. In addition to investment performance and expenses discussed below, the Boards opinion was based, in part, upon periodic reports furnished it showing that the investment policies and restrictions for the Fund were consistently complied with as well as other reports periodically furnished the Board covering matters such as the compliance of portfolio managers and other management personnel with the code of ethics adopted throughout the Franklin Templeton fund complex, the adherence to fair value pricing procedures established by the Board, and the accuracy of net asset value calculations. Favorable consideration was given to managements continuous
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efforts and expenditures in establishing back-up systems and recovery procedures to function in the event of a natural disaster, it being noted that such systems and procedures had functioned smoothly during the Florida hurricanes and blackouts experienced in previous years. Among other factors taken into account by the Board were the Managers best execution trading policies, including a favorable report by an independent portfolio trading analytical firm. Consideration was also given to the experience of the Funds portfolio management team, the number of accounts managed and general method of compensation. In this latter respect, the Board noted that a primary factor in managements determination of the level of a portfolio managers bonus compensation was the relative investment performance of the funds he or she managed and that a portion of such bonus was required to be invested in a predesignated list of funds within such persons fund management area so as to be aligned with the interests of shareholders. Particular attention was given to managements conservative approach and diligent risk management procedures, including continuous monitoring of counterparty credit risk and attention given to derivatives and other complex instruments. The Board also took into account, among other things, the strong financial position of the Managers parent company and its commitment to the fund business as evidenced by its subsidization of money market funds.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE.
The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of its importance to shareholders. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Board meetings during the year, particular attention in assessing performance was given to the Lipper reports furnished for the agreement renewals. The Lipper report prepared for the Fund showed its investment performance during 2010 and the previous 10 years ended December 31, 2010, within a Lipper performance universe consisting of the Fund and all other non-leveraged, closed-end, emerging markets funds as selected by Lipper. Such report considers total return on a net asset value basis without regard to market discounts or premiums to accurately reflect investment performance. The Lipper report showed the Funds total return for 2010 to be in the highest or best performing quintile within its performance universe and its total return performance on an annualized basis to also be in the highest performing quintile of such universe for the previous 10-year period, but in the lowest and second-lowest performing quintile of such universe for the previous three- and five-year periods, respectively. In evaluating such performance, the Board took into consideration the particularly bad performance in 2008 of the stock markets in Russia and the Eastern European countries as measured by country specific stock market indices and that the Funds underperformance for the annualized three- and five-year periods primarily reflected such 2008 performance. In that context, the Board noted the limitations of the Lipper comparative performance analysis due to the inclusion in the Lipper performance universe of funds with no or limited investments in Russia and Eastern Europe. The Board was satisfied with the Funds performance in light of such factor and the Funds favorable comparative returns during 2010 and over the long term as set forth in the Lipper report.
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Board Review of Investment Management Agreement
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COMPARATIVE EXPENSES.
Consideration was given to a Lipper report analysis of the management fees and total expense ratio of the Fund compared with those of a group of six funds selected by Lipper as its appropriate Lipper expense group. Lipper expense data is based upon information taken from each funds most recent annual report, which reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Lipper to be an appropriate measure of comparative expenses. In reviewing comparative costs, Lipper provides information on the Funds contractual investment management fee in comparison with the contractual investment management fee that would have been charged by other funds within its Lipper expense group assuming they were similar in size to the Fund, as well as the actual total expense ratio of the Fund in comparison with those of its Lipper expense group. The Lipper contractual investment management fee analysis considers administrative fees to be part of management fees. The results of such expense comparisons showed the Funds contractual investment management fee to be the highest in its expense group being 28 basis points above the expense group median and its actual total expense ratio to be the second highest in its expense group, being approximately 15 basis points above the expense group median. While acknowledging cost factors relating to the Funds operations, such as the quality and experience of the Funds portfolio managers and research staff and the Managers geographical presence and coverage of markets in which the Fund invests, the Board believed it appropriate to reduce the Funds investment management fee and negotiated with the Manager downward revisions in such fee as discussed in Economies of Scale.
MANAGEMENT PROFITABILITY.
The Board also considered the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Fund profitability analysis that addresses the overall profitability of Franklin Templetons U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing management and other services to each of the individual funds during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2010, being the most recent fiscal year-end for Franklin Resources, Inc., the Managers parent. In reviewing the analysis, attention was given to the methodology followed in allocating costs to the Fund, it being recognized that allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various allocation methodologies may each be reasonable while producing different results. In this respect, the Board noted that, while being continuously refined and reflecting changes in the Managers own cost accounting, the cost allocation methodology was consistent with that followed in profitability report presentations made in prior years and that the Funds independent registered public accounting firm had been engaged by the Manager to review the reasonableness of the allocation methodologies solely for use by the Funds Board in reference to the profitability analysis. In reviewing and discussing such analysis, management discussed with the Board its belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. In addition, the Board considered a
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third-party study comparing the profitability of the Managers parent on an overall basis to other publicly held managers broken down to show profitability from management operations exclusive of distribution expenses, as well as profitability including distribution expenses. The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, as well as potential benefits resulting from allocation of fund brokerage and the use of commission dollars to pay for research. Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board determined that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to the Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, quality and extent of services provided.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE.
The Board also considered whether the Manager realizes economies of scale as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which any such benefit is shared with the Fund and its shareholders. The Funds current investment management fee provides a rate of 1.25% on the first $1 billion on Fund net assets; 1.20% on the next $4 billion of Fund net assets; 1.15% on the next $5 billion of Fund net assets; 1.10% on the next $5 billion of Fund net assets; 1.05% on the next $5 billion of Fund net assets; and 1.00% on net assets in excess of $20 billion. The Board believed that a Managers ability to realize economies of scale and the sharing of such benefit is a more relevant consideration in the case of an open-end fund whose size increases as a result of the continuous sale of its shares. A closed-end investment company such as the Fund does not continuously offer shares, and growth following its initial public offering will primarily result from market appreciation, which benefits its shareholders. While believing economies of scale to be less of a factor in the context of a closed-end fund, the Board negotiated with management downward revisions in the Funds investment management fee effective May 1, 2011, so as to be at a rate of 1.10% on the first $1 billion of Fund net assets; 1.05% on the next $4 billion of Fund net assets; 1.00% on the next $5 billion of Fund net assets; 0.95% on the next $5 billion of Fund net assets; 0.90% on the next $5 billion of Fund net assets; and 0.85% on Fund net assets in excess of $20 billion. At the end of 2010, the Funds net assets were approximately $134 million, and to the extent economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates, the Board believes this schedule of fees provides a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Funds investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Funds complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Funds proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.
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Templeton Russia and East European Fund, Inc.
Shareholder Information
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Quarterly Statement of Investments
The Fund files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commissions website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commissions Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Certifications
The Funds Chief Executive Officer Finance and Administration is required by the New York Stock Exchanges Listing Standards to file annually with the Exchange a certification that she is not aware of any violation by the Fund of the Exchanges Corporate Governance Standards applicable to the Fund. The Fund has filed such certification.
In addition, the Funds Chief Executive Officer Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer are required by the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide certain certifications with respect to the Funds Form N-CSR and Form N-CSRS (which include the Funds annual and semiannual reports to shareholders) that are filed semiannually with the Commission. The Fund has filed such certifications with its Form N-CSRS for the six months ended September 30, 2010. Additionally, the Fund expects to file, on or about May 31, 2011, such certifications with its Form N-CSR for the year ended March 31, 2011.
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(a)
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The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.
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(c)
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N/A
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(d)
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N/A
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(f)
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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.
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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.
(a) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrants annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $41,636 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and $41,315 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.
(b) Audit-Related Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of Item 4.
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant's investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements.
(c) Tax Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrants investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $60,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and $2,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The services
for which these fees were paid included technical tax consultation for capital gain tax reporting to foreign governments, application of local country tax laws to investments, and derivative instruments.
(d) All Other Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant not reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $44 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and $0 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process.
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrants investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant other than services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $144,756 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and $0 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process.
(e) (1) The registrants audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including:
(i)
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pre-approval of all audit and audit related services;
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(ii)
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pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to
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the Fund by the auditors;
(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrants investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrants investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and
(iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.
(e)
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(2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs
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(b)
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-(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph
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(c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X.
(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).
(g) The aggregate audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrants investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $204,800 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and $2,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.
(h) The registrants audit committee of the board has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrants investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Members of the Audit Committee are: Ann Torre Bates, Frank J. Crothers, David W. Niemiec and Constantine D. Tseretopoulos.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A
Item 7
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Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
The board of directors of the Fund has delegated the authority to vote proxies related to the portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Funds manager Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (Asset Management) in accordance with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) adopted by the investment manager.
The investment manager has delegated its administrative duties with respect to the voting of proxies to the Proxy Group within Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC (Proxy Group), an affiliate and wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. All proxies received by the Proxy Group will be voted based upon the investment managers instructions and/or policies. The investment manager votes proxies solely in the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
To assist it in analyzing proxies, the investment manager subscribes to RiskMetrics Group (RiskMetrics), an unaffiliated third-party corporate governance research service that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas, vote recommendations, recordkeeping and vote disclosure services. In addition, the investment manager subscribes to Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (Glass Lewis), an unaffiliated third-party analytical research firm, to receive analyses and vote recommendations on the shareholder meetings of publicly held U.S. companies. Although RiskMetrics and/or Glass Lewis analyses are thoroughly reviewed and considered in making a final voting decision, the investment manager does not consider recommendations from RiskMetrics, Glass Lewis or any other third party to be determinative of the investment managers ultimate decision. As a matter of policy, the officers, directors/trustees and employees of the investment manager and the Proxy Group will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests conflict with the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Efforts are made to resolve all conflicts in the interests
of the investment managers clients. Material conflicts of interest are identified by the Proxy Group based upon analyses of client, distributor, broker dealer and vendor lists, information periodically gathered from directors and officers, and information derived from other sources, including public filings. In situations where a material conflict of interest is identified, the Proxy Group may defer to the voting recommendation of RiskMetrics, Glass Lewis or those of another independent third-party provider of proxy services; or send the proxy directly to the Fund with the investment managers recommendation regarding the vote for approval. If the conflict is not resolved by the Fund, the Proxy Group may refer the matter, along with the recommended course of action by the investment manager, if any, to an interdepartmental Proxy Review Committee (which may include portfolio managers and/or research analysts employed by the investment manager), for evaluation and voting instructions. The Proxy Review Committee may defer to the voting recommendation of RiskMetrics, Glass Lewis or those of another independent third-party provider of proxy services; or send the proxy directly to the Fund. Where the Proxy Group or the Proxy Review Committee refers a matter to the Fund, it may rely upon the instructions of a representative of the Fund, such as the board or a committee of the board.
Where a material conflict of interest has been identified, but the items on which the investment managers vote recommendations differ from Glass Lewis, RiskMetrics, or another independent third-party provider of proxy services relate specifically to (1) shareholder proposals regarding social or environmental issues or political contributions, (2) Other Business without describing the matters that might be considered, or (3) items the investment manager wishes to vote in opposition to the recommendations of an issuers management, the Proxy Group may defer to the vote recommendations of the investment manager rather than sending the proxy directly to the Fund for approval.
To avoid certain potential conflicts of interest, the investment manager will employ echo voting, if possible, in the following instances: (1) when the Fund invests in an underlying fund in reliance on any one of Sections 12(d)(1)(E), (F), or (G) of the 1940 Act, the rules thereunder or pursuant to any SEC exemptive orders thereunder; (2) when the Fund invests uninvested cash in affiliated money market funds pursuant to the rules under the 1940 Act or any exemptive orders thereunder (cash sweep arrangement); or (3) when required pursuant to the Funds governing documents or applicable law. Echo voting means that the investment manager will vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all of the other holders of the Funds shares.
The recommendation of management on any issue is a factor that the investment manager considers in determining how proxies should be voted. However, the investment manager does not consider recommendations from management to be determinative of the investment managers ultimate decision. As a matter of practice, the votes with respect to most issues are cast in accordance with the position of the company's management. Each issue, however, is considered on its own merits, and the investment manager will not support the position of the company's management in any situation where it deems that the ratification of managements position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning that companys shares.
Investment Managers proxy voting policies and principles
The investment manager has adopted general proxy voting guidelines, which are summarized below. These guidelines are not an exhaustive list of all the issues that may arise and the
5
investment manager cannot anticipate all future situations. In all cases, each proxy will be considered based on the relevant facts and circumstances.
Board of directors.
The investment manager supports an independent board of directors, and prefers that key committees such as audit, nominating, and compensation committees be comprised of independent directors. The investment manager will generally vote against management efforts to classify a board and will generally support proposals to declassify the board of directors. The investment manager may withhold votes from directors who have attended less than 75% of meetings without a valid reason. While generally in favor of separating Chairman and CEO positions, the investment manager will review this issue as well as proposals to restore or provide for cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as the companys corporate governance guidelines or provisions and performance.
Ratification of auditors of portfolio companies.
The investment manager will closely scrutinize the role and performance of auditors. On a case-by-case basis, the investment manager will examine proposals relating to non-audit relationships and non-audit fees. The investment manager will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, proposals to rotate auditors, and will vote against the ratification of auditors when there is clear and compelling evidence of accounting irregularities or negligence.
Management and director compensation.
A companys equity-based compensation plan should be in alignment with the shareholders long-term interests. The investment manager believes that executive compensation should be directly linked to the performance of the company. The investment manager evaluates plans on a case-by-case basis by considering several factors to determine whether the plan is fair and reasonable, including the RiskMetrics quantitative model utilized to assess such plans and/or the Glass Lewis evaluation of the plans. The investment manager will generally oppose plans that have the potential to be excessively dilutive, and will almost always oppose plans that are structured to allow the repricing of underwater options, or plans that have an automatic share replenishment evergreen feature. The investment manager will generally support employee stock option plans in which the purchase price is at least 85% of fair market value, and when potential dilution is 10% or less.
Severance compensation arrangements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, although the investment manager will generally oppose golden parachutes that are considered to be excessive. The investment manager will normally support proposals that require a percentage of directors compensation to be in the form of common stock, as it aligns their interests with those of shareholders.
Anti-takeover mechanisms and related issues.
The investment manager generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they tend to reduce shareholder rights. However, as with all proxy issues, the investment manager conducts an independent review of each anti-takeover proposal. On occasion, the investment manager may vote with management when the research analyst has concluded that the proposal is not onerous and would not harm the Fund or its shareholders interests. The investment manager generally supports proposals that require shareholder rights plans (poison pills) to be subject to a shareholder vote and will closely evaluate such plans on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not they warrant support. In addition, the investment manager will generally vote against any proposal to issue stock that has unequal or subordinate voting rights. The investment manager generally opposes any supermajority voting requirements as well as the payment of greenmail. The investment manager generally supports fair price provisions and confidential voting.
Changes to capital structure.
The investment manager realizes that a company's financing decisions have a significant impact on its shareholders, particularly when they involve the issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock or the assumption of additional debt. The investment manager will review, on a case-by-case basis, proposals by companies to increase authorized shares and the purpose for the increase. The investment manager will generally not vote in favor of dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares where that class of stock would have superior voting rights. The investment manager will generally vote in favor of the issuance of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock issuance are deemed reasonable.
Mergers and corporate restructuring.
Mergers and acquisitions will be subject to careful review by the research analyst to determine whether they would be beneficial to shareholders. The investment manager will analyze various economic and strategic factors in making the final decision on a merger or acquisition. Corporate restructuring proposals are also subject to a thorough examination on a case-by-case basis.
Social and corporate policy issues.
The investment manager will generally give management discretion with regard to social, environmental and ethical issues, although the investment manager may vote in favor of those that are believed to have significant economic benefits or implications for the Fund and its shareholders.
Global corporate governance.
Many of the tenets discussed above are applied to the investment managers proxy voting decisions for international investments. However, the investment manager must be flexible in these instances and must be mindful of the varied market practices of each region.
The investment manager will attempt to process every proxy it receives for all domestic and foreign issuers. However, there may be situations in which the investment manager cannot process proxies, for example, where a meeting notice was received too late, or sell orders preclude the ability to vote. If a security is on loan, the investment manager may determine that it is not in the best interests of the Fund to recall the security for voting purposes. Also, the investment manager may abstain from voting under certain circumstances or vote against items such as Other Business when the investment manager is not given adequate information from the company.
Shareholders may view the complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954)527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Funds proxy voting records are available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The proxy voting records are updated each year by August 31 to reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a)(1) As of May 26, 2011, the portfolio managers of the Fund are as follows:
MARK MOBIUS, Ph.D,
Executive Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group and
Porfolio Manager of Asset Management
Dr. Mobius has been a lead portfolio manager of the Fund since inception. Dr. Mobius has primary responsibility for the investments of the Fund, and has final authority over all aspects of the Fund's investment portfolio, including but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities, portfolio risk assessment, and the management of daily cash balances in accordance with anticipated management requirements. The degree to which he may perform these functions, and the nature of these functions, may change from time to time. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1987.
DENNIS LIM,
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director of Asset Management
Based in Singapore, Mr. Lim has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2000, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1990.
TOM WU,
Director of Asset Management
Based in Hong Kong, Mr. Wu has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since inception, providing research and advice on the purchases and sales of individual securities, and portfolio risk assessment. He joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1987.
(a)(2) This section reflects information about the portfolio managers as of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.
The following table shows the number of other accounts managed by each portfolio manager and the total assets in the accounts managed within each category:
Portfolio managers that provide investment services to the Fund may also provide services to a variety of other investment products, including other funds, institutional accounts and private accounts. The advisory fees for some of such other products and accounts may be different than that charged to the Fund and may include performance based compensation. This may result in fees that are higher (or lower) than the advisory fees paid by the Fund. As a matter of policy, each fund or account is managed solely for the benefit of the beneficial owners thereof. As discussed below, the separation of the trading execution function from the portfolio management function and the application of objectively based trade allocation procedures help to mitigate potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the portfolio managers
managing accounts with different advisory fees.
Conflicts.
The management of multiple funds, including the Fund, and accounts may also give rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and other accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees as the portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. The manager seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment strategies that are used in connection with the management of the Fund. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios, which may minimize the potential for conflicts of interest. As noted above, the separate management of the trade execution and valuation functions from the portfolio management process also helps to reduce potential conflicts of interest. However, securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund. Moreover, if a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of that opportunity across all eligible funds and other accounts. The manager seeks to manage such potential conflicts by using procedures intended to provide a fair allocation of buy and sell opportunities among funds and other accounts.
The structure of a portfolio managers compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio managers base pay and bonus tend to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management. As such, there may be an indirect relationship between a portfolio managers marketing or sales efforts and his or her bonus.
Finally, the management of personal accounts by a portfolio manager may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. While the funds and the manager have adopted a code of ethics which they believe contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent a wide range of prohibited activities by portfolio managers and others with respect to their personal trading activities, there can be no assurance that the code of ethics addresses all individual conduct that could result in conflicts of interest.
The manager and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.
Compensation.
The manager seeks to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract, retain and motivate top-quality investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, a cash incentive bonus opportunity, an equity compensation opportunity, and a benefits package. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually and the level of compensation is based on individual performance, the salary range for a portfolio managers level of responsibility and Franklin Templeton guidelines. Portfolio managers are provided no financial incentive to favor one fund or account over another. Each portfolio managers compensation consists of the following three elements:
Base salary
Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary.
Annual bonus
Annual bonuses are structured to align the interests of the portfolio manager with those of the Funds shareholders. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual bonus. Bonuses generally are split between cash (50% to 65%) and restricted shares of a Franklin Templeton fund which vest over a three-year period (17.5% to 25%) and other mutual fund shares (17.5% to 25%). The deferred equity-based compensation is intended to build a vested interest of the portfolio manager in the financial performance of both Resources and mutual funds advised by the manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the portfolio manager achieving consistently strong investment performance, which aligns the financial incentives of the portfolio manager and Fund shareholders. The Chief Investment Officer of the manager and/or other officers of the manager, with responsibility for the Fund, have discretion in the granting of annual bonuses to portfolio managers in accordance with Franklin Templeton guidelines. The following factors are generally used in determining bonuses under the plan:
§
Investment performance.
Primary consideration is given to the historic investment performance over the 1, 3 and 5 preceding years of all accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The pre-tax performance of each fund managed is measured relative to a relevant peer group and/or applicable benchmark as appropriate.
§
Non-investment performance.
The more qualitative contributions of a portfolio manager to the managers business and the investment management team, including business knowledge, contribution to team efforts, mentoring of junior staff, and contribution to the marketing of the Fund, are evaluated in determining the amount of any bonus award.
§
Research.
Where the portfolio management team also has research responsibilities, each portfolio manager is evaluated on the number and performance of recommendations over time.
§
Responsibilities.
The characteristics and complexity of funds managed by the portfolio manager are factored in the managers appraisal.
Additional long-term equity-based compensation
Portfolio managers may also be awarded restricted shares or units of one or more mutual funds, and options to purchase common shares of a Franklin Templeton fund. Awards of such deferred equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.
Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of the manager.
Ownership of Fund shares.
The manager has a policy of encouraging portfolio managers to invest in the funds they manage. Exceptions arise when, for example, a fund is closed to new investors or when tax considerations or jurisdictional constraints cause such an investment to be inappropriate for the portfolio manager. The following is the dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by each portfolio manager (such amounts may change from time to time):
10
Note: Because the portfolio managers are all foreign nationals, they do not hold shares in the U.S. registered Fund, however they own shares in other similar Franklin Templeton funds managed by them, registered offshore and appropriate for foreign nationals.
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 Directors 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 Registrants 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 Registrants management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrants 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 Registrants management, including the Registrants principal executive officer and the Registrants principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b)
Changes in Internal Controls
. There have been no significant changes in the Registrants internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.
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