UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-04985
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
500 East Broward Blvd., Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (954) 527-7500_
Date of fiscal year end: _8/31__
Date of reporting period: 8/31/10___
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L |
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
TRUE DIVERSIFICATION
RELIABILITY YOU CAN TRUST
MUTUAL FUNDS |
Franklin Templeton Investments
Gain From Our Perspective®
Franklin Templetons distinct multi-manager structure combines the specialized expertise of three world-class investment management groupsFranklin, Templeton and Mutual Series.
Each of our portfolio management groups operates autonomously, relying on its own research and staying true to the unique investment disciplines that underlie its success.
Franklin. Founded in 1947, Franklin is a recognized leader in fixed income investing and also brings expertise in growth- and value-style U.S. equity investing.
Templeton. Founded in 1940, Templeton pioneered international investing and, in 1954, launched what has become the industrys oldest global fund. Today, with offices in over 25 countries, Templeton offers investors a truly global perspective.
Mutual Series. Founded in 1949, Mutual Series is dedicated to a unique style of value investing, searching aggressively for opportunity among what it believes are undervalued stocks, as well as arbitrage situations and distressed securities.
Because our management groups work independently and adhere to different investment approaches, Franklin, Templeton and Mutual Series funds typically have distinct portfolios. Thats why our funds can be used to build truly diversified allocation plans covering every major asset class.
At Franklin Templeton Investments, we seek to consistently provide investors with exceptional risk-adjusted returns over the long term, as well as the reliable, accurate and personal service that has helped us become one of the most trusted names in financial services.
RETIREMENT PLANS |
| 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS |
| SEPARATE ACCOUNTS |
Not part of the annual report |
Top 10 Countries
Based on Equity Investments as of 8/31/10
emerging markets remained robust. However, optimism was short-lived as fears of overheating in China, Brazil and India and tightening measures in Chinas property sector weighed on global confidence. Although better-than-expected corporate earnings gave markets a boost in July, stocks retreated again in August due to renewed doubts about the pace and sustainability of the global recovery. Emerging markets stocks, represented by the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets (EM) Index, closed the 12-month review period with a total return of +18.34% in U.S. dollar terms.1
On a regional basis, Latin America had the best performance for the review period. Higher commodity prices and stronger domestic currencies supported the regions equity prices. Eastern European markets also performed well largely due to lower interest rates and attractive valuations in our view. Asian markets as a whole managed to deliver a positive return due to significant fund inflows, stronger regional currencies and relatively strong economic growth in China and India.
Investment Strategy
Our investment strategy employs a bottom-up, value-oriented, long-term approach. We focus on the market price of a companys securities relative to our evaluation of the companys long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow potential. As we look for investments, we focus on specific companies and undertake in-depth research to construct an action list from which we make our buy decisions. Before we make a purchase, we look at the companys potential for earnings and growth over a five-year horizon. During our analysis, we also consider the companys position in its sector, the economic framework and political environment.
Performance Overview
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund delivered cumulative total returns of +26.00% based on market price and +26.15% based on net asset value for the 12 months under review.
1. Source: © 2010 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The MSCI EM Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Funds portfolio.
2 | Annual Report
Managers Discussion
During the 12-month reporting period, significant contributors to the Funds absolute performance included Brilliance China Automotive Holdings, a major automobile manufacturer in the country; Brazil-based Vale, one of the worlds largest iron ore producers; and Sesa Goa, Indias leading iron ore exporter. Shares of Brilliance China Automotive, which is in a joint venture partnership with BMW for the production and sales of BMW 3-series and 5-series vehicles in China, appreciated significantly in value mainly due to the countrys growing automobile demand and last years government incentives for vehicle purchases. Firm iron ore prices and the global mining sectors ongoing consolidation had a positive impact on Vale and Sesa Goa, which we believed are well positioned to capitalize on demand from emerging markets and a long-term upward trend in commodity prices.
In contrast, Chalco (Aluminum Corp. of China), Hyundai Development and Neopharm were among the largest detractors from Fund performance in the review period. The stock price of alumina and primary aluminum products producer Chalco fell largely due to investor concerns of a decelerated Chinese economy and the possibility of further stock price declines. Consistent with our investment strategy, we held the longer term view that Chalco could benefit from an upward trend in aluminum prices and Chinas ongoing economic expansion as demand from its manufacturing, construction and consumer sectors continued to grow. Shares of Hyundai Development, South Koreas leading residential property developer, suffered losses mainly because of sluggish property sales in 2009. In our opinion, Hyundai Developments strong brand recognition and the implementation of government stimulus measures in a record-low interest rate environment could prove favorable for the company going forward. Neopharm is a South Korean manufacturer of atopic dermatitis care products, and its share price dropped in value partly due to a lengthy time to market for its products. We remained confident in the company based on its increased research efforts and strengthened new product pipeline.
In the review period, we continued to search for undervalued stocks at what we considered attractive valuations and made key purchases in Pakistan, India and South Africa. Additional buys were made in Thailand and Shenzhen B shares.2 From an industry standpoint, we made investments in diversified banking, oil and gas equipment and services, and real estate management and development. Major additions included MCB Bank, one of Pakistans largest commercial banks; Anhui Tianda Oil Pipe, a leading Chinese oil well pipes manufacturer; and Peninsula Land, a Mumbai-based real estate developer.
2. Shenzhen B denotes shares of China-incorporated, Shenzhen-listed companies that are traded in Hong Kong dollars.
Annual Report | 3
Conversely, we reduced some Fund holdings as they reached their sale targets during the reporting period. We divested the Funds position in Russian telecommunication services provider Mobile TeleSystems and trimmed the Funds position in Chinese oil and gas company PetroChina.
Thank you for your continued participation in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.
Mark Mobius Executive Chairman Templeton Emerging Markets Group |
The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of August 31, 2010, 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.
4 | Annual Report
Performance Summary as of 8/31/10
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 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.
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.
Annual Report | 5
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.
Participatory Notes
In trying to achieve its investment goals, the Fund may invest in participatory notes. A participatory note, as used by the Fund, is an instrument used by investors to obtain exposure to an equity investment, including common stocks and warrants, in a local market where direct ownership is not permitted. In countries where direct ownership by a foreign investor, such as the Fund, is not allowed by local law, such as Saudi Arabia, an investor may gain exposure to the market through a participatory note, which derives its value from a group of underlying equity securities. A participatory note is intended (disregarding the effect of any fees and expenses) to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities on a one-to-one basis so that investors will not normally gain more in absolute terms than they would have made had they invested in the underlying securities directly, and will not normally lose more than they would have lost had they invested in the underlying securities directly.
In addition to providing access to otherwise closed markets, participatory notes can also provide a less expensive option to direct investment (where ownership by foreign investors is permitted) by reducing registration and transaction costs in acquiring and selling local registered shares. The Funds investment manager also believes that participatory notes can offer greater liquidity in markets that restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of an investment by either restricting transactions by size or requiring registration and/or regulatory approvals.
Participatory notes are generally structured and sold by a local branch of a bank or broker-dealer that is permitted to purchase equity securities in the local market. Pursuant to the terms of the instrument, the Fund may tender a participatory note for cash payment in an amount that reflects the current market value of the underlying investments, less program expenses, such as trading costs, taxes and duties. The participatory notes represent unsecured, unsubordinated contractual rights of the issuer of the participatory notes. They do not confer any right, title or interest in respect to the underlying equity securities or provide rights against the issuer of the underlying securities.
6 | Annual Report
The purchase of participatory notes involves risks that are in addition to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer of the participatory note (i.e., the issuing bank or broker-dealer), which is the only responsible party under the note, is unable or refuses to perform under the terms of the participatory note, also known as counterparty risk. While the holder of a participatory note is entitled to receive from the bank or broker-dealer any dividends or other distributions paid on the underlying securities, the holder is not entitled to the same rights as an owner of the underlying securities, such as voting rights. Participatory notes are also not traded on exchanges, are privately issued, and may be illiquid. To the extent a participatory note is determined to be illiquid, it would be subject to the Funds nonfundamental investment policy regarding investments in illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that the trading price or value of participatory notes will equal the value of the underlying value of the equity securities they seek to replicate.
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8 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
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10 | Annual Report
12 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Annual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | 13
14 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (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 Fund values its investments in securities and other assets and liabilities 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 Trustees, 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.
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.
Annual Report | 15
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
1. |
ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
a. |
Financial Instrument Valuation (continued) |
Trading in securities on foreign 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. 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 Trustees.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments on the Statement of Operations.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.
16 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
1. |
ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
c. |
Income and Deferred Taxes |
It is the Funds policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains. 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 recognizes in its financial statements the effects including penalties and interest, if any, of a tax position taken on a tax return (or expected to be taken) when its more likely than not (a greater than 50% probability), based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. As of August 31, 2010, and for all open tax years, the Fund has determined that no 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.
Foreign securities held by the Fund may be subject to foreign taxation on income received. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. The Fund may be subject to a tax imposed on net realized gains on securities of certain foreign countries. The Fund records an estimated deferred tax liability for net unrealized gains on these securities in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.
d. Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions
Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized as soon as the Fund is notified of the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis). Distributable earnings determined on a tax basis may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.
Annual Report | 17
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
1. |
ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) |
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 trustees are indemnified by the Fund against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The 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. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
At August 31, 2010, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value).
Transactions in the Funds shares were as follows:
The Funds Board of Trustees 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 August 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, there were no shares repurchased.
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are also officers and/or directors of the following subsidiaries:
Subsidiary Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML) Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services) |
Affiliation Investment manager Administrative manager |
18 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
3. |
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (continued) |
a. |
Management Fees |
Effective June 1, 2010, the Fund pays an investment management fee to TAML based on the average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:
Prior to June 1, 2010, the Fund paid fees to TAML based on the average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:
b. Administrative Fees
The Fund pays an administrative fee to FT Services of 0.15% per year of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
4. EXPENSE OFFSET ARRANGEMENT
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Funds custodian expenses. During the year ended August 31, 2010, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statement of Operations.
5. INCOME TAXES
For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any.
At August 31, 2010, the capital loss carryforwards were as follows:
Annual Report | 19
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
5. INCOME TAXES (continued)
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended August 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, was as follows:
At August 31, 2010, the cost of investments, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and undistributed ordinary income for income tax purposes were as follows:
Net investment income differs for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to differing treatment of foreign currency transactions.
Net realized gains (losses) differ for financial statement and tax purposes primarily due to differing treatments of wash sales, and foreign currency transactions.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the year ended August 31, 2010, aggregated $9,172,389 and $6,529,851, respectively.
7. INVESTMENTS IN INSTITUTIONAL FIDUCIARY TRUST MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
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). Pursuant to a SEC exemptive order specific to the Funds investment in the Sweep Money Fund, 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.
20 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
8. CONCENTRATION OF RISK
Investing in foreign securities may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, such as fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, certain foreign securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities.
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
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 determining 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.
At August 31, 2010, all of the Funds investments in securities carried at fair value were in Level 1 inputs. For detailed country descriptions, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.
ABBREVIATIONS ADR - American Depository Receipt |
Annual Report | 21
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the statement of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the Fund) at August 31, 2010, 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 August 31, 2010 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California October 21, 2010 |
22 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Tax Designation (unaudited)
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), the Fund designates the maximum amount allowable but no less than $5,610,078 as qualified dividends for purposes of the maximum rate under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010. Distributions, including qualified dividend income, paid during calendar year 2010 will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV in January 2011. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.
At August 31, 2009, more than 50% of the Funds total assets were invested in securities of foreign issuers. In most instances, foreign taxes were withheld from income paid to the Fund on these investments. As shown in the table below, the Fund designates to shareholders the foreign source income and foreign taxes paid, pursuant to Section 853 of the Code. This designation will allow shareholders of record on December 16, 2009, to treat their proportionate share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund as having been paid directly by them. The shareholder shall consider these amounts as foreign taxes paid in the tax year in which they receive the Fund distribution.
The following table provides a detailed analysis of foreign tax paid, foreign source income, and foreign qualified dividends as designated by the Fund to shareholders of record.
Foreign Tax Paid Per Share (Column 1) is the amount per share available to you, as a tax credit (assuming you held your shares in the Fund for a minimum of 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-dividend date of the Funds distribution to which the foreign taxes relate), or, as a tax deduction.
Foreign Source Income Per Share (Column 2) is the amount per share of income dividends paid to you that is attributable to foreign securities held by the Fund, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. The amounts reported include foreign source qualified dividends that have not been adjusted for the rate differential applicable to such dividend income.1
Foreign Qualified Dividends Per Share (Column 3) is the amount per share of foreign source qualified dividends the Fund paid to you, plus any foreign taxes withheld on these dividends. These amounts represent the portion of the Foreign Source Income reported to you in column 2 that were derived from qualified foreign securities held by the Fund.1
Annual Report | 23
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Tax Designation (unaudited) (continued)
In January 2010, shareholders received Form 1099-DIV which included their share of taxes paid and foreign source income distributed during the calendar year 2009. The Foreign Source Income reported on Form 1099-DIV has not been adjusted for the rate differential on foreign source qualified dividend income. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their 2009 individual income tax returns.
1Qualified dividends are taxed at reduced long term capital gain tax rates. In determining the amount of foreign tax credit that may be applied against the U.S. tax liability of individuals receiving foreign source qualified dividends, adjustments may be required to the foreign tax credit limitation calculation to reflect the rate differential applicable to such dividend income. The rules however permit certain individuals to elect not to apply the rate differential adjustments for capital gains and/or dividends for any taxable year. Please consult your tax advisor and the instructions to Form 1116 for more information.
24 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, February 26, 2010
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held at the Funds offices, 500 E. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 26, 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to elect five Trustees 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 August 31, 2010. At the meeting, the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Trustees of the Fund: Frank A. Olson, Constantine D. Tseretopoulos, Charles B. Johnson, Gregory E. Johnson and J. Michael Luttig.* Shareholders also ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010. No other business was transacted at the meeting.
The results of the voting at the Annual Meeting are as follows:
1. |
The election of five Trustees: |
2. The ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010:
*Ann Torre Bates, David W. Niemiec, Larry D. Thompson, Robert E. Wade, Harris J. Ashton, Frank J. Crothers and Edith E. Holiday are Trustees of the Fund who are currently serving and whose terms of office continued after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Annual Report | 25
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
The Fund offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the Plan) with the following features:
Shareholders must affirmatively elect to participate in the Plan. If you decide to use this service, share dividends and capital gains distributions will be reinvested automatically in shares of the Fund for your account. BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 358015, Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8015, will provide additional Plan information upon request.
Whenever the Fund declares dividends in either cash or shares 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, 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 (the Plan Administrator) and sent to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 382009, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8009, Attention: Templeton Emerging Markets Fund. 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.
A 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 the current market price and send a check to the participant for the net proceeds.
26 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Transfer Agent BNY Mellon Shareowner Services P.O. Box 358015 Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8015 1-800-416-5585 www.bnymellon.com |
Direct Deposit Service for Registered Shareholders
Cash distributions can now be electronically credited to a checking or saving 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 http://vault.bnymellon.com/isd 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.
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 Emerging Markets Fund are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EMF. 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 the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions section of newspapers.
For current information about dividends and shareholder accounts, call 1-800-416-5585. Registered shareholders can access their Fund account on-line with Investor ServiceDirect®. For information go to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services web site at https://vault.bnymellon.com/isd 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 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 Emerging Markets Fund, 100 Fountain Parkway, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
Annual Report | 27 |
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Board Members and Officers
The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Fund, principal occupations during the past five years and number of U.S. registered portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex are shown below. Generally, each board member serves a three-year term that continues until that persons successor is elected and qualified.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Independent strategic and financial consultant; and formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, NHP Incorporated (manager of multifamily housing) (1995-1997); and Vice President and Treasurer, US Airways, Inc. (until 1995).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director and Vice Chairman, Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd.; director of various other private business and nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Chairman, Atlantic Equipment and Power Ltd. (1977-2003).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison-United States Treasury Department (1988-1989).
28 | Annual Report
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of Executive Council, The Boeing Company; and formerly, Federal Appeals Court Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Advisor, Saratoga Partners (private equity fund); and formerly, Managing Director, Saratoga Partners (1998-2001) and SBC Warburg Dillon Read (investment banking) (1997-1998); Vice Chairman, Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. (investment banking) (1991-1997); and Chief Financial Officer, Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. (1982-1997).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chairman Emeritus, The Hertz Corporation (car rental) (since 2000) (Chairman of the Board (1980-2000) and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1999)); and formerly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation (airlines).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products); and formerly, Director, Delta Airlines (aviation) (2003-2005) and Providian Financial Corp. (credit card provider) (1997-2001); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Physician, Chief of Staff, owner and operator of the Lyford Cay Hospital (1987-present); director of various nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Cardiology Fellow, University of Maryland (1985-1987) and Internal Medicine Resident, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (1982-1985).
Annual Report | 29
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Chairman of the Board, Member Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 33 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director, Global Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Director of Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2001).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Director and member of Audit and Valuation Committees, Runkel Funds, Inc. (2003-2004); Assistant Treasurer of most of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments (1997-2003); and Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (1997-2003).
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Litigation Associate, Steefel, Levitt & Weiss, LLP (2000-2004).
30 | Annual Report
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Vice Chairman, Member Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 25 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Portfolio Manager of various Templeton advisory affiliates; Executive Chairman, Templeton Emerging Markets Group; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of six of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Director, Global Fund Accounting Operations, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 14 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Annual Report | 31
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; Vice President, Secretary and Trust Officer, Fiduciary Trust International of the South; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years:
General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Partner, Shearman & Sterling, LLP (2004-2005); and General Counsel, Investment Company Institute (ICI) (1997-2004).
*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the registered investment companies comprising the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.
**Charles B. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director and major shareholder of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Funds investment manager. Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director of Resources.
Note 1: Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers and the father and uncle, respectively, of Gregory E. Johnson.
Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Funds Audit Committee includes at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Funds Board has determined that there is at least one such financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated each of Ann Torre Bates and David W. Niemiec as an audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec qualify as such an expert in view of their extensive business background and experience. Ms. Bates has served as a member of the Fund Audit Committee since 2008. She currently serves as a director of SLM Corporation and Ares Capital Corporation and was formerly a director of Allied Capital Corporation from 2003 to 2010. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NHP Incorporated and Vice President and Treasurer of US Airways, Inc. Mr. Niemiec has served as a member of the Fund Audit Committee since 2005, currently serves as an Advisor to Saratoga Partners and was formerly its Managing Director from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Niemiec is formerly a director of Emeritus Corporation from 1999 to 2010 and OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2006 to 2010, Managing Director of SBC Warburg Dillon Read from 1997 to 1998, and was Vice Chairman from 1991 to 1997 and Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to 1997 of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. As a result of such background and experience, the Board believes that Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec have each acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Ms. Bates and Mr. Niemiec are independent Board members as that term is defined under the applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call (800) DIAL BEN/(800) 342-5236 to request the SAI.
32 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Shareholder Information
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement
At a meeting held May 18, 2010, the Board of Trustees (Board), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees, approved renewal of the investment management agreement for the Fund. In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual renewal review process. Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports on the Fund, information on its share price discount to net asset value, and other related financial information, as well as periodic reports on 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 report prepared by management. The Lipper reports 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 report discussed the profitability to Franklin Templeton Investments from its overall U.S. fund operations, as well as on an individual fund-by-fund basis. Included with such profitability analysis report was information on a fund-by-fund basis listing portfolio managers and other accounts they manage, as well as information on management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. funds and other accounts, including managements explanation of differences where relevant, and a three-year expense analysis with an explanation for any increase in expense ratios. Additional material accompanying such report was a memorandum prepared by management describing project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Fund by the Franklin Templeton Investments organization, as well as a memorandum relating to economies of scale.
In considering such materials, the independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. In approving continuance of the investment management agreement for the Fund, the Board, including a majority of independent Trustees, determined that the existing management fee structure was fair and reasonable and that continuance of the investment management agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the 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 later, 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
Annual Report | 33
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
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 efforts and expenditures in establishing back-up systems and recovery procedures to function in the event of a natural disaster, it being noted that such systems and procedures had functioned smoothly during the Florida hurricanes and blackouts experienced in recent years. Among other factors taken into account by the Board were the 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 Fund 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. The Board also noted managements efforts to minimize any negative impact on the nature and quality of services provided the Fund arising from Franklin Templeton Investments implementation of a hiring freeze and employee reductions in response to market conditions during the latter part of 2008 and early 2009.
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 for the Fund showed its investment performance for the one-year period ended February 28, 2010, as well as the previous 10 years ended that date in comparison to a performance universe consisting of the Fund and all other closed-end nonleveraged emerging markets funds as selected by Lipper. Such report considers total return on a fund net asset value basis without regard to market discounts or premiums to accurately reflect investment performance. On a comparative basis, the Lipper report showed the Funds total return for the one-year period to be in the second-highest quintile of the performance universe, and on an annualized basis to be in the highest quintile of such universe for the previous three-year period, the second-highest quintile of such universe for the previous five-year period, and the middle quintile of such universe for the previous 10-year period. The Board found such comparative performance to be satisfactory.
34 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
COMPARATIVE EXPENSES. Consideration was given to a comparative analysis of the management fee and total expense ratio of the Fund compared with those of a group of other 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 investment contractual management fee rate in comparison with the investment contractual management fee rate that would have been charged by the other funds within the 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 such other funds. The Lipper contractual investment management fee analysis considers administrative fees to be part of management fees. The Lipper expense group was composed of six funds, and the results of such expense comparison showed the Funds investment contractual management fee rate to be the highest in such expense group, and its actual total expense ratio to be the third highest of such group, but within one basis point of the group median. The Board found the Funds contractual investment management fee and expense ratio in comparison to those of the expense group to be acceptable in view of factors relating to the Funds operation, such as the background and experience of its portfolio managers and research staff and their physical presence and coverage in the geographical areas in which the Fund invests. The Board did, however, believe it appropriate to add breakpoint reductions to the Funds investment management fee as discussed under 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 the Fund during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2009, 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 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
Annual Report | 35
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Board Review of Investment Management Agreement (continued)
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 third-party study comparing the profitability of the Managers parent on an overall basis as compared to other publicly held managers broken down to show profitability from management operations exclusive of distribution expenses, as well as profitability including distribution expenses. The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, 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 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. The Funds current investment management advisory fee schedule provides a rate of 1.25% on the first $1 billion of Fund net assets, with additional breakpoints thereafter. The Fund is also charged a separate fee of 0.15% at all asset levels for administrative services. At the end of 2009, the Funds net assets were approximately $355 million, and while believing economies of scale to be less of a factor for closed-end funds, the Board negotiated with management to add breakpoints reducing it to 1.20% at the $500 million to $3 billion net asset level, and providing breakpoints of 1.15% at the $3 billion to $4 billion net asset level; 1.10% at the $4 billion to $15 billion net asset level; 1.05% at the $15 billion to $20 billion asset level; and 1.00% on net assets above $20 billion, such changes to become effective June 1, 2010.
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.
36 | Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Shareholder Information (continued)
Quarterly Statement of Investments
The Fund files a complete statement of investments with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the 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 February 28, 2010. Additionally, the Fund expects to file, on or about November 1, 2010, such certifications with its Form N-CSR for the year ended August 31, 2010.
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100 Fountain Parkway P.O. Box 33030 St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030 |
Annual Report
Templeton Emerging Markets Fund
Investment Manager Templeton Asset Management Ltd. |
Transfer Agent
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services P.O. Box 358015 Pittsburgh, PA 15252 -8015 Toll free number: (800) 416-5585
Hearing Impaired phone number: (800) 231-5469 Foreign Shareholders phone number: (201) 680-6578 www.melloninvestor. com/isd
Fund Information (800) 342-5236 |
Investors should be aware that the value of investments made for the Fund may go down as well as up. Like any investment in securities, the value of the Funds portfolio will be subject to the risk of loss from market, currency, economic, political and other factors. The Fund and its investors are not protected from such losses by the investment manager. Therefore, investors who cannot accept this risk should not invest in shares of the Fund.
To ensure the highest quality of service, telephone calls to or from our service departments may be monitored, recorded and accessed. These calls can be identified by the presence of a regular beeping tone.
© 2010 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.
TLEMF A 10/10
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a) The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.
(c) N/A
(d) N/A
(f) Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
(2) The audit committee financial expert is David W. Niemiec and he is "independent" as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $31,807 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $31,507 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.
(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
The aggregate 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 were $2,540 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $1,290 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009. The services for which these fees were paid included preparation of tax returns for foreign governments.
The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $6,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009. The services for which these fees were paid included technical tax consultation for derivative investments.
(d) All Other Fees
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4.
There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4.
(e) (1) The registrant’s audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including:
(i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services;
(ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors;
(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrant’s investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and
(iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.
(e) (2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs (b)-(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X.
(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).
(g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $2,540 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 and $7,290 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.
(h) The registrant’s audit committee of the board has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Members of the Audit Committee are: David W. Niemiec, Frank J. Crothers, Ann Torre Bates and Constantine D. Tseretopoulos.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
The board of trustees of the Fund has delegated the authority to vote proxies related to the portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Fund’s manager Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML) in accordance with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) adopted by the manager.
The 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 manager’s instructions and/or policies. The manager votes proxies solely in the interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
To assist it in analyzing proxies, the 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 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 manager does not consider recommendations from RiskMetrics, Glass Lewis or any other third party to be determinative of the manager’s ultimate decision. As a matter of policy, the officers, directors/trustees and employees of the 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 manager’s 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 manager’s 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 manager, if any, to an interdepartmental Proxy Review Committee (which may include portfolio managers and/or research analysts employed by the 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 manager’s 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 manager wishes to vote in opposition to the recommendations of an issuer’s management, the Proxy Group may defer to the vote recommendations of the manager rather than sending the proxy directly to the Fund for approval.
To avoid certain potential conflicts of interest, the 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, or pursuant to an SEC exemptive order; (2) when the Fund invests uninvested cash in affiliated money market funds pursuant to an SEC exemptive order (“cash sweep arrangement”); or (3) when required pursuant to the Fund’s 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 Fund’s shares.
The recommendation of management on any issue is a factor that the manager considers in determining how proxies should be voted. However, the manager does not consider recommendations from management to be determinative of the manager’s 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 manager will not support the position of the company's management in any situation where it deems that the ratification of management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning that company’s shares.
Manager’s proxy voting policies and principles The 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 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 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 manager will generally vote against management efforts to classify a board and will generally support proposals to declassify the board of directors. The 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 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 company’s corporate governance guidelines or provisions and performance.
Ratification of auditors of portfolio companies. The manager will closely scrutinize the role and performance of auditors. On a case-by-case basis, the manager will examine proposals relating to non-audit relationships and non-audit fees. The 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 company’s equity-based compensation plan should be in alignment with the shareholders’ long-term interests. The manager believes that executive compensation should be directly linked to the performance of the company. The 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 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 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 manager will generally oppose “golden parachutes” that are considered to be excessive. The 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 manager generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they tend to reduce shareholder rights. However, as with all proxy issues, the manager conducts an independent review of each anti-takeover proposal. On occasion, the 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 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 manager will generally vote against any proposal to issue stock that has unequal or subordinate voting rights. The manager generally opposes any supermajority voting requirements as well as the payment of “greenmail.” The manager generally supports “fair price” provisions and confidential voting.
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 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 manager will generally give management discretion with regard to social, environmental and ethical issues, although the 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 manager’s proxy voting decisions for international investments. However, the manager must be flexible in these instances and must be mindful of the varied market practices of each region.
The manager will attempt to process every proxy it receives for all domestic and foreign issuers. However, there may be situations in which the 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 manager may determine that it is not in the best interests of the Fund to recall the security for voting purposes. Also, the manager may abstain from voting under certain circumstances or vote against items such as “Other Business” when the 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 Fund’s proxy voting records are available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the SEC website at 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 Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
(a)(1) As of October 29, 2010, the portfolio managers of the Fund are as follows:
MARK MOBIUS, Ph.D, Portfolio Manager of TAML
Dr. Mobius has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception. He has primary responsibility for the investments of the Fund. He 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 TAML
Based in Hong Kong, 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 TAML
Based in Hong Kong, Mr. Wu has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its 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 August 31, 2010.
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:
Name |
Number of Other Registered Investment Companies Managed
|
Assets of Other Registered Investment Companies Managed (x $1 million) |
Number of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed1 |
Assets of Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Managed (x $1 million)1 |
Number of Other Accounts Managed1 |
Assets of Other Accounts Managed (x $1 million)1 |
Mark Mobius |
10 |
8,147.1 |
32 |
26,260.5 |
10 |
2,727.4 |
Dennis Lim |
6 |
5,864.5 |
4 |
1,080.4 |
3 |
370.3 |
Tom Wu |
5 |
5,864.5 |
4 |
1,758.6 |
1 |
139.1 |
1. The various pooled investment vehicles and accounts listed are managed by a team of investment professionals. Accordingly, the individual managers listed would not be solely responsible for managing such listed amounts.
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 manager’s compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio manager’s base pay and bonus tend to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management. As such, there may be a relationship between a portfolio manager’s 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 manager’s level of responsibility and Franklin Templeton guidelines. Portfolio managers are provided no financial incentive to favor one fund or account over another. Each portfolio manager’s 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 Fund’s 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 manager’s 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 manager’s 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):
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of Fund Shares Beneficially Owned |
Mark Mobius |
None |
Dennis Lim |
None |
Tom Wu |
None |
Note: Because the portfolio managers are all foreign nationals, they do not hold shares in this 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 Trustees that would require disclosure herein.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Mark H. Otani, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Laura F. Fergerson, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Mark H. Otani, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND
By /s/ LAURA F. FERGERSON
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer - Finance and
Administration
Date: October 28, 2010
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By /s/ LAURA F. FERGERSON
Laura F. Fergerson
Chief Executive Officer - Finance and
Administration
Date: October 28, 2010
By /s/ MARK H. OTANI
Mark H. Otani
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: October 28, 2010