# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000833040
**File Stem:** 0001655589-26-000020
**Filing Date:** 2026-1
**Character Count:** 128551
**Document Hash:** 99c58ae3883d39c87f9338b1b16103e3
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001655589-26-000020.hdr.sgml**: 20260116

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001655589-26-000020

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: DEF 14A

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 4

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260309

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260116

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260116

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FRANKLIN UNIVERSAL TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000833040

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 943077602
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** FL
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0831

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** DEF 14A
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-05569
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26537836

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY
- **CITY:** SAN MATEO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 94403-1906
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 650-312-2000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE FRANKLIN PARKWAY
- **CITY:** SAN MATEO
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 94403-1906

Schedule 14A Information

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(A) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.)

Filed by the Registrant [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]

Check the appropriate box:

[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission

[X] Definitive Proxy Statement Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

[ ] Definitive Additional Materials

[ ] Soliciting Material under Section 240.14a-12

<u>Franklin Universal Trust</u>

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[X] No fee required.

[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Total fee paid:

[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Amount Previously Paid:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Filing Party:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Date Filed:

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[FT BEN LOGO]

#### FRANKLIN UNIVERSAL TRUST

#### IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
We have enclosed important information about the Annual Shareholders' Meeting (the "Meeting") of Franklin Universal Trust (the "Fund") scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., Eastern time. These materials discuss the proposal to be voted on at the Meeting, and contain the Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card. A proxy card is, in essence, a ballot. When you vote your proxy, it tells us how you wish to vote on important issues relating to the Fund. If you complete, sign and return the proxy card, we'll vote it as you indicated. If you simply sign, date and return the proxy card, but do not specify a vote on the proposal listed thereon, your proxy will be voted **FOR** the election of the Class II nominees to the position of Trustee (the "Proposal").

**We urge you to spend a few minutes reviewing the Proposal in the proxy statement. Then, please fill out and sign the proxy card and return it to us in the enclosed postage-paid envelope so that we know how you would like to vote. When shareholders return their proxy cards promptly, the Fund may be able to save money by not having to conduct additional mailings. Returning your proxy card does not preclude you from attending the Meeting or later changing your vote prior to it being cast.**

**We are urging all shareholders to take advantage of voting by mail, Internet or telephone (separate instructions are listed on the enclosed proxy card to vote by telephone or through the Internet). Additionally, while we anticipate that the Meeting will occur as planned on March 9, 2026, there is a possibility that the Meeting may be postponed or the location or approach may need to be changed, including the possibility of holding a virtual meeting. Should this occur, we will notify you by issuing a press release and filing an announcement with the Securities and Exchange Commission as definitive additional soliciting material.**

#### We welcome your comments. If you have any questions, please call Fund Information at (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236.

#### TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING
**For your convenience, you may be able to vote by telephone or through the Internet, 24 hours a day. If your account is eligible, separate instructions are enclosed.**

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#### FRANKLIN UNIVERSAL TRUST
**NOTICE OF 2026 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING**

The Annual Shareholders' Meeting (the "Meeting") of Franklin Universal Trust (the "Fund") will be held at the Fund's offices, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301-1923, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., Eastern time.

During the Meeting, shareholders of the Fund will vote on the following Proposal:

1. To elect three Class II nominees, Harris J. Ashton, Edith E. Holiday and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., to the position of Trustee for the terms specified.

In addition, shareholders will vote on any other matters as may properly come before the Meeting. The Board of Trustees has fixed December 29, 2025, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Trustees,

Marc De Oliveira

 **Vice President & Assistant Secretary*

Dated: January 16, 2026

#### IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 9, 2026.
**The Fund's Notice of 2026 Annual Shareholders' Meeting, Proxy Statement, and form of proxy are available on the Internet at https://www.proxy-direct.com/frt-34869. The form of Proxy on the internet site cannot be used to cast your vote.**

#### Please sign and promptly return your proxy card in the self-addressed envelope regardless of the number of shares you own.

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#### FRANKLIN UNIVERSAL TRUST
**PROXY STATEMENT**

#### ♦ INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING

#### Who is asking for my vote?
The Board of Trustees (the "Board" or the "Trustees") of Franklin Universal Trust (the "Fund"), in connection with the Fund's Annual Shareholders' Meeting (the "Meeting"), has requested your vote.

#### Who is eligible to vote?
Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 29, 2025, are entitled to be present and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment of the Meeting. Eligible shareholders who intend to attend the Meeting in person will need to bring proof of share ownership, such as a shareholder statement or a letter from a custodian or broker-dealer confirming ownership, as of December 29, 2025, and a valid picture identification, such as a driver's license or passport, for admission to the Meeting.

Each share of record is entitled to one vote (and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional share) on the matter, the election of the nominees to the position of Trustee (the "Proposal"), presented at the Meeting. The Notice of Meeting, the proxy statement, and the proxy card were first mailed to shareholders of record on or about January 16, 2026.

#### On what issue am I being asked to vote?
You are being asked to vote on the following Proposal:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*·* To elect three Class II nominees, Harris J. Ashton, Edith E. Holiday and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., to the Board of Trustees of the Fund.

In addition, shareholders will vote on any other matters as may properly come before the Meeting.

#### How do the Fund's Trustees recommend that I vote?
The Trustees unanimously recommend that you vote **FOR** the election of all Class II Trustee nominees.

***How do I ensure that my vote is accurately recorded?***

You may attend the Meeting and vote in person or you may complete and return the enclosed proxy card. If you are eligible to vote by telephone or through the Internet, separate instructions are enclosed.

Proxy cards that are properly signed, dated and received at or prior to the Meeting will be voted as specified. If you specify a vote for the Proposal, your proxy will be voted as you indicate. If you simply sign, date and return the proxy card, but don't specify a vote on the Proposal, your shares will be voted **FOR** the election of the Class II nominees for the Board.

***May I revoke my proxy?***

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***You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by forwarding a written revocation or a later-dated proxy to the Fund, which must be received by the Fund at or prior to the Meeting, or by attending the Meeting and voting in-person.***

#### What if my shares are held in a brokerage account?
If your shares are held by your broker, then in order to vote in person at the Meeting, you will need to obtain a "Legal Proxy" from your broker and present it to the Inspector of Election at the Meeting. Also, in order to revoke your proxy, you may need to forward your written revocation or a later-dated proxy card to your broker rather than to the Fund.

#### ♦ THE PROPOSAL: ELECTION OF CLASS II TRUSTEES

#### How are nominees selected?
The Board has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the "Nominating Committee") comprised of Harris J. Ashton, Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson and Valerie M. Williams. None of the members of the Nominating Committee is an "interested person" of the Fund, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as the "Independent Trustees," and Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund are referred to as the "Interested Trustees."

The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting candidates to serve as Trustees for the Fund and recommending such candidates: (a) for selection and nomination as Independent Trustees by the incumbent Independent Trustees and the full Board; and (b) for selection and nomination as Interested Trustees by the full Board. In considering a candidate's qualifications, the Nominating Committee generally considers the potential candidate's educational background, business or professional experience, and reputation. In addition, the Nominating Committee has established as minimum qualifications for Board membership as an Independent Trustee: (1) that such candidate be independent from relationships with the Fund's investment manager and other principal service providers both within the terms and the spirit of the statutory independence requirements specified under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder; (2) that such candidate demonstrate an ability and willingness to make the considerable time commitment, including personal attendance at Board meetings, believed necessary to his or her function as an effective Board member; and (3) that such candidate have no continuing relationship as a director, officer or board member of any U.S. registered investment company other than those within the Franklin Templeton fund complex or a closed-end business development company primarily investing in non-public entities. The Nominating Committee has not adopted any specific policy on the issue of diversity but will take this into account, among other factors, in its consideration of new candidates for the Board.

When the Board has or expects to have a vacancy, the Nominating Committee receives and reviews information on individuals qualified to be recommended to the full Board as nominees for election as Trustees, including any recommendations by "Qualifying Fund Shareholders" (as defined below). Such individuals are evaluated based upon the criteria described above. To date, the Nominating Committee has been able to identify, and expects to continue to be able to identify, from its own resources an ample number of qualified candidates. The Nominating Committee, however, will review recommendations from Qualifying Fund Shareholders to fill

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vacancies on the Board if these recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Nominating Committee at the Fund's offices and are presented with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as a Trustee, including as an Independent Trustee, of the Fund. A Qualifying Fund Shareholder is a shareholder who (i) has continuously owned of record, or beneficially through a financial intermediary, shares of the Fund having a net asset value of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) during the twenty-four (24) month period prior to submitting the recommendation; and (ii) provides a written notice to the Nominating Committee containing the following information: (a) the name and address of the Qualifying Fund Shareholder making the recommendation; (b) the number of shares of the Fund which are owned of record and beneficially by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been so owned by the Qualifying Fund Shareholder; (c) a description of all arrangements and understandings between such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the recommendation is being made; (d) the name, age, date of birth, business address and residence address of the person or persons being recommended; (e) such other information regarding each person recommended by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") had the nominee been nominated by the Board; (f) whether the Qualifying Fund Shareholder making the recommendation believes the person recommended would or would not be an "interested person" of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act; and (g) the written consent of each person recommended to serve as a Trustee of the Fund if so nominated and elected/appointed.

The Nominating Committee may amend these procedures from time to time, including the procedures relating to the evaluation of nominees and the process for submitting recommendations to the Nominating Committee.

The Board has adopted and approved a formal written charter for the Nominating Committee. A copy of the charter is attached hereto as "Exhibit A."

***What is the background of the Fund's Class II Nominees?***

The Fund's Class II nominees are Harris J. Ashton, Edith E. Holiday and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. As described more fully below, these nominees have significant experience managing investment vehicles. The Fund's Class II nominees are also on the Boards of other open-end and closed-end Franklin Templeton funds.

Each nominee is currently available and has consented to serve as Trustee of the Fund if elected. If any of the nominees should become unavailable, the designated proxy holders will vote in their discretion for another person or persons who may be nominated as Trustees.

In addition to personal qualities, such as integrity, in considering candidates for the Board, the Nominating Committee seeks to find persons of good reputation whose experience and background evidences that such person has the ability to comprehend, discuss and critically analyze materials and issues presented in exercising judgments and reaching informed conclusions relevant to the fulfillment of a Trustee's duties and fiduciary obligations. Information on the business activities of the nominees and other Trustees during the past five years and beyond appears below and it is believed that the specific background of each Trustee evidences such ability and it is appropriate for him or her to serve on the Board. As indicated in the table below,

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Harris J. Ashton has served as a chief executive officer of a NYSE-listed public corporation; Edith E. Holiday has a legal background, including service in high level legal positions with departments of the U.S. government; and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is a high-ranking executive officer of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Resources").

#### What is other background information about the Board?
Interested Trustees of the Fund hold director and/or officer positions with, or are principal stockholders of, Resources and its affiliates. Resources is a publicly owned holding company, a principal stockholder of which is Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., who beneficially owned approximately 20% of its outstanding shares as of August 31, 2025. The shares deemed to be beneficially owned by Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. include certain shares held by a private charitable foundation or by his spouse, of which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Resources, a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton, is primarily engaged, through various subsidiaries, in providing investment management, share distribution, transfer agent and administrative services to a family of investment companies. Resources is a New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") listed holding company (NYSE: BEN). Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., an Interested Trustee of the Fund, is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson, Chair of the Board, Interested Trustee and Senior Vice President of the Fund. There are no other family relationships among the Trustees or nominees for Trustee.

Listed below, for each nominee and Board member, is his or her name, year of birth and address, as well as position and length of service with the Fund, a brief description of recent professional experience, the number of portfolios in the Franklin Templeton fund complex that he or she oversees, and other directorships held.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Year of Birth and Address** | **Position** | **Length of Time Served** | **Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member<sup>1</sup>** | **Other Directorships Held During at Least the Past 5 Years** |

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#### Class II Nominees for Independent Trustee to serve until 2029 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Harris J. Ashton (1932)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Trustee | Since 1988 | 115 | Bar-S Foods (meat packing company) (1981-2010). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Edith E. Holiday (1952)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Lead <br>Independent <br>Trustee | Trustee since<br>2004 and <br>Lead Independent <br>Trustee since 2019 | 115 | Santander Holdings USA (holding company) (2019-present); and **formerly**, Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (1993-2025), Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc. (consumer finance) (2016-2023), Canadian National Railway (railroad) (2001-2021), White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2004-2021), RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium) (1999-2015) and H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products) (1994-2013). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>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). |

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#### Class II Nominee for Interested Trustee to serve until 2029 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.<sup>2</sup> (1940)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906<br>| Trustee | Since 1988 | 115 |
| **Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director (Vice Chairman), Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, 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 certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director (Vice Chairman), Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, 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 certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director (Vice Chairman), Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, 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 certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director (Vice Chairman), Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, 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 certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Year of Birth and Address** | **Position** | **Length of Time Served** | **Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member<sup>1</sup>** | **Other Directorships Held During at Least the Past 5 Years** |

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#### Class I Independent Trustees serving until 2028 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| J. Michael Luttig (1954)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Trustee | Since 2009 | 115 | Boeing Capital Corporation (aircraft financing) (2006-2010). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Counselor and Special Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company (beverage company) (2021-2025); Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (2019-2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Counselor and Special Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company (beverage company) (2021-2025); Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (2019-2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Counselor and Special Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company (beverage company) (2021-2025); Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (2019-2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Counselor and Special Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company (beverage company) (2021-2025); Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (2019-2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Counselor and Special Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company (beverage company) (2021-2025); Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors, of The Boeing Company (aerospace company), and member of the Executive Council (2019-2020); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (2006-2019); and Federal Appeals Court Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Valerie M. Williams (1956)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Trustee | Since 2021 | 107 | Omnicom Group, Inc. (advertising and marketing communications services) (2016-present), DTE Energy Co. (gas and electric utility) (2018-present), Devon Energy Corporation (exploration and production of oil and gas) (2021-present); and **formerly**, WPX Energy, Inc. (exploration and production of oil and gas) (2018-2021). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Regional Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting) (2005-2016) and various roles of increasing responsibility at Ernst & Young (1981-2005). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Regional Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting) (2005-2016) and various roles of increasing responsibility at Ernst & Young (1981-2005). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Regional Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting) (2005-2016) and various roles of increasing responsibility at Ernst & Young (1981-2005). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Regional Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting) (2005-2016) and various roles of increasing responsibility at Ernst & Young (1981-2005). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Regional Assurance Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting) (2005-2016) and various roles of increasing responsibility at Ernst & Young (1981-2005). |

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#### Class I Interested Trustee serving until 2028 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Gregory E. Johnson<sup>3</sup> (1961)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Chairman of the Board, <br>Senior Vice President<br>and Trustee | Chairman of the Board and Senior <br>Vice President<br>since 2023 and <br>Trustee since 2013 | 124 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Executive Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and **formerly**, Chief Executive Officer (2013-2020) and President (1994-2015) Franklin Resources, Inc. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Executive Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and **formerly**, Chief Executive Officer (2013-2020) and President (1994-2015) Franklin Resources, Inc. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Executive Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and **formerly**, Chief Executive Officer (2013-2020) and President (1994-2015) Franklin Resources, Inc. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Executive Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and **formerly**, Chief Executive Officer (2013-2020) and President (1994-2015) Franklin Resources, Inc. |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Year of Birth and Address** | **Position** | **Length of Time Served** | **Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Board Member<sup>1</sup>** | **Other Directorships Held During at Least the Past 5 Years** |

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#### Class III Independent Trustees serving until 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Terrence J. Checki (1945)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Trustee | Since 2018 | 115 | Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (2014-2025). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the board of trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the board of trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present); member of the board of directors of Council of the Americas (2007-present) and the Tallberg Foundation (2018-present); and **formerly**, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the board of trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the board of trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present); member of the board of directors of Council of the Americas (2007-present) and the Tallberg Foundation (2018-present); and **formerly**, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the board of trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the board of trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present); member of the board of directors of Council of the Americas (2007-present) and the Tallberg Foundation (2018-present); and **formerly**, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the board of trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the board of trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present); member of the board of directors of Council of the Americas (2007-present) and the Tallberg Foundation (2018-present); and **formerly**, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the board of trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the board of trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present); member of the board of directors of Council of the Americas (2007-present) and the Tallberg Foundation (2018-present); and **formerly**, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Mary C. Choksi (1950)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Trustee | Since 2014 | 115 | Omnicom Group Inc. (advertising and marketing communications services) (2011-present) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2017-present); and **formerly**, Avis Budget Group Inc. (car rental) (2007-2020). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; and **formerly**, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987-2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Larry D. Thompson (1945)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Trustee | Since 2007 | 115 | Graham Holdings Company (education and media organization) (2011-2021); The Southern Company (energy company) (2014-2020; previously 2010-2012) and Cbeyond, Inc. (business communications provider) (2010-2012). |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and **formerly**, Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-2020); Executive Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); 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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and **formerly**, Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-2020); Executive Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); 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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and **formerly**, Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-2020); Executive Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); 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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and **formerly**, Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-2020); Executive Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); 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). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and **formerly**, Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017-2020); Executive Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); 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). |

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1. Information is for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted. We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.

2. Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director and a major shareholder of Resources, which is the parent company of the Fund's investment manager.

3. Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director of Resources, which is the parent company of the Fund's investment manager.

Note: Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson.

The following tables provide the estimated dollar range of equity securities of the Fund and of all funds beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Franklin Templeton fund complex estimated as of December 29, 2025.

#### Independent Trustees:
**Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Funds Overseen by the Board Member in the Franklin Templeton** <br>

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ***Name of Board Member*** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br>**Securities in the Fund<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Fund Complex** |
| Harris J. Ashton |  | Over $100,000 |
| Terrence J. Checki |  | Over $100,000 |
| Mary C. Choksi |  | Over $100,000 |
| Edith E. Holiday |  | Over $100,000 |
| J. Michael Luttig | $1 - $10000 | Over $100,000 |
| Larry D. Thompson | $10001 - $50000 | Over $100,000 |
| Valerie M. Williams |  | Over $100,000 |

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#### Interested Trustees:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ***Name of Board Member*** | **Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Funds Overseen by the Board Member in the Franklin Templeton Fund Complex** |
| Gregory E. Johnson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. | $1 - $10000 | Over $100,000 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Dollar range based on NYSE closing price on December 29, 2025.

Board members historically have followed a policy of having substantial investments in one or more of the Franklin Templeton funds, as is consistent with their individual financial goals. In February 1998, this policy was formalized through the adoption of a requirement that each board member invest one-third of fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Templeton fund (excluding committee fees) in shares of one or more Templeton funds and one-third of fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Franklin fund (excluding committee fees) in shares of one or more Franklin funds until the value of such investments equals or exceeds five times the annual retainer and regular board meeting fees paid to such board member. Investments in the name of family members or entities controlled by a board member constitute fund holdings of such board member for purposes of this policy, and a three-year phase-in period applies to such investment requirements for newly elected board members. In implementing such policy, a board member's fund holdings existing on February 27, 1998, are valued as of such date with subsequent investments valued at cost.

***How often do the Trustees meet and what are they paid?***

The role of the Trustees is to provide general oversight of the Fund's business, and to ensure that the Fund is operated for the benefit of all shareholders. The Trustees anticipate meeting at least eight times during the current fiscal year to review the operations of the Fund and the Fund's investment performance. The Trustees also oversee the services furnished to the Fund by Franklin Advisers, Inc., the Fund's investment manager (the "Investment Manager"), and various other service providers.

The Fund's Independent Trustees also serve as independent directors/trustees of a number of registered investment companies in the Franklin Templeton complex. Each Independent Trustee currently is paid an annual retainer fee of $304,000, together with a $7,000 per meeting fee for attendance at each regularly scheduled Board meeting, a portion of which fees is allocated to the Fund. To the extent held, compensation may also be paid for attendance at specially held Board meetings. The Fund's Lead Independent Trustee is paid an annual supplemental retainer of $75,000 for services to such investment companies, a portion of which is allocated to the Fund. Trustees who serve on the Audit Committee of the Fund and such other funds are paid a $10,000

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annual retainer fee, together with a $3,000 fee per Committee meeting in which they participate, a portion of which is allocated to the Fund. Terrence J. Checki, who serves as chairman of the Audit Committee of the Fund and such other funds, receives a fee of $50,000 per year in lieu of the Audit Committee member retainer fee, a portion of which is allocated to the Fund. Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings.

*During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025, there were eight meetings of the Board, five meetings of the Joint Board, nine meetings of the Audit Committee, two meetings of the Joint Audit Committee, and three meetings of the Nominating Committee. Each of the Trustees who currently serve on the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the Trustee served during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025.*

The Fund does not currently have a formal policy regarding Trustees' attendance at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting. None of the Trustees attended the Fund's last Annual Shareholders' Meeting held on March 6, 2025.

Certain Interested Trustees and officers of the Fund are shareholders of Resources and may receive indirect remuneration due to their participation in the management fees and other fees received by the Investment Manager and its affiliates from the funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. The Investment Manager or its affiliates pay the salaries and expenses of the officers. No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Fund expenses.

The table below indicates the total fees paid to the Independent Trustees by the Fund individually and by all of the funds in Franklin Templeton. These Trustees also serve as directors or trustees of other funds in Franklin Templeton, many of which hold meetings at different dates and times. The Trustees and the Fund's management believe that having the same individuals serving on the boards of many of the funds in Franklin Templeton enhances the ability of each fund to obtain, at a relatively modest cost to each separate fund, the services of high caliber, experienced and knowledgeable Independent Trustees who can bring their experience and talents to, and effectively oversee the management of, several funds.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Aggregate**<br>**Compensation** <br>**From the Fund<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Total Compensation from Franklin Templeton Fund Complex<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Number of Boards within Franklin Templeton Fund Complex on which Director Serves<sup>(3)</sup>** |
| Harris J. Ashton | $263 | $630000 | 33 |
| *Terrence J. Checki* | $319 | $725000 | 33 |
| *Mary C. Choksi* | $290 | $667000 | 33 |
| *Edith E. Holiday* | $327 | $760000 | 33 |
| J. Michael Luttig | $286 | $673000 | 33 |
| *Larry D. Thompson* | $292 | $670000 | 33 |
| *Valerie M. Williams* | $264 | $675000 | 26 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Compensation received for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025.

<sup>(2)</sup> Compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2024.

<sup>(3)</sup> We base the number of boards on the number of U.S. registered investment companies in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. This number does not include the total number of series or funds within each investment company for which the Board members are responsible.

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#### Who are the Executive Officers of the Fund?
Officers of the Fund are appointed by the Trustees and serve at the pleasure of the Board. Listed below, for each Executive Officer, are his or her name, year of birth, address, a brief description of his or her professional experience for the past 5 years, and his or her position and length of service with the Fund:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Year of Birth and Address** | **Position** | **Length of Time Served** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Gregory E. Johnson (1961)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Chairman of the Board, <br>Senior Vice President<br>and Trustee | Chairman of the Board and Senior <br>Vice President<br>since 2023 and <br>Trustee since 2013 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Please refer to the table "Class I Interested Trustee serving until 2028 Annual Shareholders' Meeting" for additional information about Mr. Gregory E. Johnson. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Please refer to the table "Class I Interested Trustee serving until 2028 Annual Shareholders' Meeting" for additional information about Mr. Gregory E. Johnson. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Please refer to the table "Class I Interested Trustee serving until 2028 Annual Shareholders' Meeting" for additional information about Mr. Gregory E. Johnson. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Bjorn A. Davis (1965)<br>100 First Stamford Place<br>Stamford, CT 06902 | Chief <br>Compliance Officer | Since 2024  |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Vice President, Franklin Templeton Global Regulatory Compliance US Advisory Services; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers LLC, Franklin Templeton Institutional LLC, Templeton Investment Counsel LLC and Templeton Global Advisors Limited (since 2023); **formerly**, Director, Franklin Templeton Global Regulatory Compliance; Chief Compliance Officer, K2 Advisors, LLC and K2/D&S Management Co., LLC (2011 - 2023). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Vice President, Franklin Templeton Global Regulatory Compliance US Advisory Services; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers LLC, Franklin Templeton Institutional LLC, Templeton Investment Counsel LLC and Templeton Global Advisors Limited (since 2023); **formerly**, Director, Franklin Templeton Global Regulatory Compliance; Chief Compliance Officer, K2 Advisors, LLC and K2/D&S Management Co., LLC (2011 - 2023). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Vice President, Franklin Templeton Global Regulatory Compliance US Advisory Services; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers LLC, Franklin Templeton Institutional LLC, Templeton Investment Counsel LLC and Templeton Global Advisors Limited (since 2023); **formerly**, Director, Franklin Templeton Global Regulatory Compliance; Chief Compliance Officer, K2 Advisors, LLC and K2/D&S Management Co., LLC (2011 - 2023). |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Sonal Desai, Ph.D. (1963)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | President and Chief Executive Officer- Investment Management | Since 2018 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director and Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director and Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Director and Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Susan Kerr (1949)<br>280 Park Avenue<br>New York, NY 10017 | Vice President - AML Compliance | Since 2021 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Compliance Analyst, Franklin Templeton; Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Legg Mason & Co., or its affiliates; Anti Money Laundering Compliance Officer; Senior Compliance Officer, Franklin Distributors, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Compliance Analyst, Franklin Templeton; Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Legg Mason & Co., or its affiliates; Anti Money Laundering Compliance Officer; Senior Compliance Officer, Franklin Distributors, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Compliance Analyst, Franklin Templeton; Chief Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Legg Mason & Co., or its affiliates; Anti Money Laundering Compliance Officer; Senior Compliance Officer, Franklin Distributors, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Christopher Kings (1974)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Chief Executive<br>Officer - Finance and Administration | Since 2024 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Navid J. Tofigh (1972)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Vice President and Secretary | Vice President since 2015 and Secretary since 2023 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton; and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex. |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Jeffrey W. White (1971)<br>One Franklin Parkway<br>San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer | Since 2024 |
| **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer & Treasurer and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; and **formerly**, Director and Assistant Treasurer within Franklin Templeton Global Fund Tax and Fund Administration and Financial Reporting (2017-2023). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer & Treasurer and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; and **formerly**, Director and Assistant Treasurer within Franklin Templeton Global Fund Tax and Fund Administration and Financial Reporting (2017-2023). | **<br>Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:** <br>Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer & Treasurer and officer of certain funds in the Franklin Templeton fund complex; and **formerly**, Director and Assistant Treasurer within Franklin Templeton Global Fund Tax and Fund Administration and Financial Reporting (2017-2023). |

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Note: Officer information is current as of the date of this proxy statement. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

#### THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH

#### OF THE CLASS II NOMINEES LISTED IN THE PROPOSAL.

#### ♦ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
***The Investment Manager.*** The Investment Manager is Franklin Advisers, Inc., a California corporation, whose principal address is One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resources.

***The Administrator.*** The administrator of the Fund is Franklin Templeton Services, LLC ("FT Services"), whose principal address is also One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403. Under an agreement with the Investment Manager, FT Services performs certain administrative functions, such as portfolio recordkeeping, for the Fund. FT Services is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Resources.

***The Transfer Agent.*** The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Fund is Computershare Inc., P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078.

***The Custodian.*** J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, acts as the custodian of the Fund's securities and other assets.

***Reports to Shareholders and Financial Statements.*** The Fund's last audited financial statements and annual report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025, are available free of charge. To obtain a copy, please visit the Fund's website at www.franklintempleton.com, or call (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 or forward a written request to Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC, P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-9983.

***Principal Shareholders.*** As of December 29, 2025, the Fund had 25,131,894 shares outstanding. The Fund's shares are listed on the NYSE (symbol: FT). From time to time, the number of shares held in "street name" accounts of various securities dealers for the benefit of their clients may exceed 5% of the total shares outstanding. To the knowledge of the Fund's management and/or based on public filings, as of December 29, 2025, there were no entities holding beneficially or of record more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding shares.

In addition, to the knowledge of the Fund's management, as of December 29, 2025, no Trustee of the Fund owned 1% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, and the officers and Trustees of the Fund owned, as a group, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

***Contacting the Board.*** If a shareholder wishes to send a communication to the Board, such correspondence should be in writing and addressed to the Board at the Fund's offices, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403. The correspondence will then be given to the Board for its review and consideration.

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***♦ AUDIT COMMITTEE***

The Board has a standing Audit Committee currently consisting of Messrs. Checki (Chairman), Luttig, Thompson, Ms. Choksi and Ms. Holiday, all of whom are Independent Trustees and also are considered to be "independent" as that term is defined by the NYSE's listing standards. The Fund's Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and retention of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm ("auditors"), including evaluating their independence, recommending the selection of the Fund's auditors to the full Board, and meeting with such auditors to consider and review matters relating to the Fund's financial reports and internal controls.

***Selection of Auditors.*** The Audit Committee and the Board have selected the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as auditors of the Fund for the current fiscal year. Representatives of PwC are not expected to be present at the Meeting, but will have the opportunity to make a statement if they wish, and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.

***Audit Fees*. The aggregate fees paid to PwC for professional services rendered by PwC for the audit of the Fund's annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by PwC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $92,823 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and $96,837 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025.**

***Audit-Related Fees*.** There were no fees paid to PwC for assurance and related services rendered by PwC to the Fund that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Fund's financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees" above for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2024, and August 31, 2025.

There were no fees paid to PwC for assurance and related services rendered by PwC to the Investment Manager and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investment Manager that provides ongoing services to the Fund that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2024, and August 31, 2025.

***Tax Fees***. The aggregate fees paid to PwC for professional services rendered by PwC to the Fund for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and $11,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.

The aggregate fees paid to PwC for professional services rendered by PwC to the Investment Manager and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investment Manager that provides ongoing services to the Fund for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $140,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025. The services for which these fees were paid included global access to tax platform International Tax View.

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***All Other Fees*.** There were no fees paid to PwC for products and services rendered by PwC to the Fund, not reported in previous paragraphs, for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2024, and August 31, 2025.

The aggregate fees paid to PwC for products and services rendered by PwC to the Investment Manager and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investment Manager that provides ongoing services to the Fund other than services reported in previous paragraphs, were $115,834 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025.

***Aggregate Non-Audit Fees*.** The aggregate non-audit fees of $255,834 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and $359,647 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025 were paid to PwC for services rendered by PwC to the Fund and the Investment Manager and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provides ongoing services to the Fund.

***Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.*** As of the date of this proxy statement, the Audit Committee has not adopted written pre-approval policies and procedures within the meaning of Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i) of Regulation S-X. As a result, the services described above that are subject to Audit Committee pre-approval and provided by PwC must be directly pre-approved by the Audit Committee or by a designated member of the Audit Committee pursuant to delegated authority.

***Audit Committee Charter*.** The Board has adopted and approved a revised formal written charter for the Audit Committee, which sets forth the Audit Committee's responsibilities. A copy of the charter is attached hereto as "Exhibit B."

As required by the charter, the Audit Committee reviewed the Fund's audited financial statements and met with management, as well as with PwC, the Fund's independent auditors, to discuss the financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025.

***Audit Committee Report.*** The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from PwC required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") regarding PwC's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee also received the report of PwC regarding the results of their audit. In connection with their review of the financial statements and PwC's report, the members of the Audit Committee discussed with a representative of PwC, PwC's independence, as well as the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and the SEC, including, but not limited to the following: PwC's responsibilities in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; PwC's responsibilities for information prepared for management that accompanies the Fund's audited financial statements and any procedures performed and the results; the initial selection of, and whether there were any changes in, significant accounting policies or their application; management's judgments and accounting estimates; whether there were any significant audit adjustments; whether there were any disagreements with management; whether there was any consultation with other accountants; whether there were any major issues discussed with management prior to PwC's retention; whether PwC encountered any difficulties in dealing with management in performing the audit; and PwC's judgments about the quality of the Fund's accounting principles.

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Based on its review and discussions with management and PwC, the Audit Committee did not become aware of any material misstatements or omissions in the Fund's financial statements.

Accordingly, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025, for filing with the SEC.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Terrence J. Checki (Chairman)

Mary C. Choksi

Edith E. Holiday

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; J. Michael Luttig

Larry D. Thompson

#### ♦ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD
***Board Role in Risk Oversight.*** The Board, as a whole, considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at regular Board meetings, through regular reports that have been developed by management, in consultation with the Board and its counsel. These reports address certain investment, valuation and compliance matters. The Board also may receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues, either upon the Board's request or upon the Investment Manager's initiative. In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board meets regularly with the Investment Manager's internal audit group to review reports on their examinations of functions and processes within Franklin Templeton that affect the Fund.

With respect to investment risk, the Board receives regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Fund. In addition, the portfolio managers of the Fund meet regularly with the Board to discuss portfolio performance, including investment risk. To the extent that the Fund changes a particular investment strategy that could have a material impact on the Fund's risk profile, the Board generally is consulted with respect to such change. To the extent that the Fund invests in certain complex securities, including derivatives, the Board receives periodic reports containing information about exposure of the Fund to such instruments. In addition, the Investment Manager's investment risk personnel meet regularly with the Board to discuss a variety of issues, including the impact on the Fund of the investment in particular securities or instruments, such as derivatives.

With respect to valuation, the Investment Manager provides periodic reports to the Board that enable the Board to oversee the Investment Manager, as the Board's Valuation Designee, in monitoring and assessing material risks associated with fair valuation determinations, including material conflicts of interest. In addition, the Board reviews the Investment Manager's performance of an annual valuation risk assessment under which the Investment Manager seeks to identify and enumerate material valuation risks which are or may be impactful to the Fund including, but not limited to (1) the types of investments held (or intended to be held) by the Fund, giving consideration to those investments' characteristics; (2) potential market or sector shocks or dislocations which may affect the ongoing valuation operations; and (3) the extent to which each fair value methodology uses unobservable inputs. The Investment Manager reports any material changes to the risk assessment, along with appropriate actions designed to manage such risks, to the Board.

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With respect to compliance risks, the Board receives regular compliance reports prepared by the Investment Manager's compliance group and meets regularly with the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. In accordance with SEC rules, the Independent Trustees meet regularly in executive session with the CCO, and the CCO prepares and presents an annual written compliance report to the Board. The Board adopts compliance policies and procedures for the Fund and approves such procedures for the Fund's service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are specifically designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws.

The Investment Manager periodically provides an enterprise risk management presentation to the Board to describe the way in which risk is managed on a complex-wide level. Such presentation covers such areas as investment risk, reputational risk, personnel risk, cybersecurity risk and business continuity risk.

***Board Structure.*** Seventy-five percent or more of Board members are Independent Trustees who are not deemed to be "interested persons" by reason of their relationship with the Fund's management or otherwise as provided under the 1940 Act. While the Chairman of the Board is an interested person, the Board is also served by a Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee, together with independent counsel, reviews proposed agendas for Board meetings and generally acts as a liaison with Fund management with respect to questions and issues raised by the Independent Trustees. The Lead Independent Trustee also presides at separate meetings of Independent Trustees held in advance of each scheduled Board meeting where various matters, including those being considered at such Board meeting, are discussed. It is believed such structure and activities assure that proper consideration is given at Board meetings to matters deemed important to the Fund and its shareholders.

#### ♦ FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING AND THE MEETING
***Solicitation of Proxies*. Your vote is being solicited by the Board.** The cost of soliciting these proxies, including the fees of any proxy soliciting agent, is borne by the Fund. The Fund reimburses brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners and soliciting them to execute their proxies. In addition, the Fund may retain a professional proxy solicitation firm to assist with any necessary solicitation of proxies. The Fund expects that the solicitation would be primarily by mail, but may also be conducted via telephone, facsimile, electronic or other means of communication. If the Fund does not receive your proxy by a certain time, you may receive a telephone call from a proxy soliciting agent asking you to vote. If professional proxy solicitors are retained, it is expected that soliciting fees would be approximately $10,000, plus expenses. The Fund does not reimburse Trustees and officers of the Fund, or regular employees and agents of the Investment Manager, involved in the solicitation of proxies. The Fund intends to pay all costs associated with the solicitation and the Meeting.

***Voting by Broker-Dealers*.** The Fund expects that, before the Meeting, broker-dealer firms holding shares of the Fund in "street name" for their customers will request voting instructions from their customers and beneficial owners. If these instructions are not received by the date specified in the broker-dealer firms' proxy solicitation materials, the Fund understands that current NYSE rules permit the broker-dealers to vote on the Proposal on behalf of their customers and beneficial owners. Certain broker-dealers may exercise discretion over shares held in their name for which no instructions are received by voting those shares in the same proportion as they vote

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shares for which they received instructions. Because there are no proposals expected to come before the Meeting for which brokers or nominees do not have discretionary voting power, the Fund does not anticipate receiving any "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter).

***Quorum*.** Forty percent of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting – present in person or represented by proxy – constitutes a quorum at the Meeting. The shares over which broker-dealers have discretionary voting power, the shares that represent "broker non-votes" (if any), and the shares whose proxies reflect an abstention on any item (if any), are all counted as shares present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether the required quorum of shares exists. However, because the Proposal is the only matter currently expected to be presented at the Meeting, the Fund does not anticipate that there will be any broker non-votes or abstentions.

***Required Vote*.** Provided that a quorum is present, the election of Trustees requires a majority of shares voted. All voting rights are non-cumulative, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of such Trustees if they choose to do so, and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.

Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be treated as votes present at the Meeting, but will not be treated as votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes, therefore, will not be counted for purposes of obtaining approval of the Proposal.

***Adjournment***. Whether or not a quorum is present at the Meeting, the Meeting may be adjourned from time to time for any reason whatsoever by vote of a majority vote of the shares represented at the Meeting, either in person or by proxy. If the Meeting is adjourned, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless a new record date of the adjourned meeting is fixed or unless the adjournment is for more than 120 days from the date set for the original Meeting, in which case the Board shall set a new date. At any adjourned Meeting, the Fund may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote in their discretion on questions of adjournment those shares for which proxies have been received.

With respect to adjournments, the Fund or its officers, as applicable, will adhere to the guidelines provided in the Statement on Adjournment of Investment Company Shareholder Meetings and Withdrawal of Proposed Rule 20a-4 and Amendment to Rule 20a-1, Investment Company Act Release No. 7659 (Feb. 6, 1973), and weigh carefully the decision whether to adjourn a shareholder meeting for the purpose of soliciting shareholders to obtain additional proxies. In any such case, the persons named as proxies and/or the officers of the Fund will consider whether an adjournment and additional solicitation is reasonable and in the interest of shareholders, or whether such procedures would constitute an abuse of office.

***Shareholder Proposals*.** The Fund anticipates mailing this proxy statement on or about January 16, 2026. A shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal for consideration for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement for the 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting must send such written proposal to the Fund's offices at 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301-1923, Attention: Secretary, so that it is received no later than September 18, 2026, in order to be

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included in the Fund's proxy statement and proxy card relating to that meeting and presented at the meeting. In the event the Fund moves the date of its 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting by more than 30 days from the anniversary of its 2026 Annual Shareholders' Meeting, shareholder submissions of proposals for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement and proxy card for the 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting, pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, must be delivered to the Fund at a reasonable time before the Fund begins to print and send its proxy materials in connection with the 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting.

A shareholder of the Fund who has not submitted a written proposal for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement by September 18, 2026, as described above, may nonetheless present a proposal at the Fund's 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting if such shareholder notifies the Fund in writing at the Fund's offices, of such proposal not earlier than 120 days and not later than 150 days in advance of the 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting. If a shareholder fails to give notice within these dates, then the matter shall not be eligible for consideration at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting. If, notwithstanding the effect of the foregoing notice provisions, a shareholder proposal is acted upon at the 2027 Annual Shareholders' Meeting, the persons designated as proxies for the 2027 Annual Meeting of Shareholders may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to any shareholder proposal not received by the Fund at the Fund's offices by December 2, 2026. A shareholder proposal may be presented at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Shareholders only if such proposal concerns a matter that may be properly brought before the meeting under applicable federal proxy rules and state law.

Submission of a proposal by a shareholder does not guarantee that the proposal will be included in the Fund's proxy statement or presented at the meeting.

No business other than the matters described above is expected to come before the Meeting, but should any other matter requiring a vote of shareholders arise, including any question as to an adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, the designated proxy holders will vote on such matters in accordance with the views of the Fund's management.

By Order of the Board of Trustees,

Marc De Oliveira

 **Vice President & Assistant Secretary*

Dated: January 16, 2026

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#### EXHIBIT A

#### FRANKLIN FUNDS BOARDS

#### NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
This Charter has been adopted by each Board (each, a "Board") of Directors/Trustees of the various Franklin Trusts<sup>1</sup> and each of their respective series (each, a "Fund") to govern its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (each, a "Committee"), which shall have the purposes, goals, responsibilities, authority and specific powers described herein.

**I. <u>The Committee</u>.** 

The Committee is a committee of, and established by, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"). The Committee consists of such number of members as set by the Board from time to time and its members shall be selected by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised entirely of "independent members." For purposes of this Charter, independent members shall mean members who are not "interested persons" of the Fund ("Disinterested Board members" or "Independent Board members") as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). A member of the Committee shall be selected by the Board of Trustees to serve as the Committee's chairperson. The Committee may delegate any portion of its authority to a subcommittee comprised solely of its members.

**II. <u>Board Size, Composition and Nominations</u>.** 

1. The Committee shall periodically review the size and composition of the Board and shall make recommendations to the full Board concerning (a) the necessity of adding one or more Independent Board members or conducting a shareholder vote to comply with the Fund Governance Policy provisions relating to Board composition, (b) the desirability of increasing or decreasing the size of the Board based on the workload of the Board, or (c) adding individuals as Independent Board members with differing backgrounds or skill sets in order to provide an appropriate mix of perspectives, diversity, knowledge and experience on the Board. The Committee shall establish processes for developing candidates for Independent Board members and for conducting searches with respect thereto, and shall recommend to the independent trustees and the full Board (i) a slate of Independent Board members to be elected at Fund shareholders meetings, or (ii) nominees to fill Independent Board member vacancies on the Board of Trustees, where and when appropriate.

2. The Committee shall evaluate candidates' qualifications for Board membership and the independence of such candidates from the Fund's investment managers and other principal service providers, consistent with the requirements of the Fund Governance Policy, based on information provided in response to a comprehensive questionnaire prepared by counsel to elicit the relevant information. Persons selected must be independent in terms of both the letter and the spirit of the 1940 Act. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, such as, business, financial or family relationships with investment managers, employees or service providers of the Fund.

3. The Committee also shall evaluate candidates' qualifications and make recommendations for "interested" members on the Board to the full Board.

<sup>1</sup> The Franklin Trusts are listed at Appendix A.

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4. The Committee may adopt from time to time specific, minimum qualifications that the Committee believes a candidate must meet before being considered as a candidate for Board membership and consider and recommend to the independent trustees or the Board, as appropriate, procedures for implementing changes required by statute, regulatory bodies and case law relating to nominating committees and the nomination, election or solicitation process with regard to election of trustees.

5. The Committee shall review shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Fund's offices. The Committee shall adopt, by resolution, a policy regarding its procedures for considering candidates for the Board, including any recommended by shareholders.

**III. <u>Committee Nominations and Functions</u>.** 

1. The Committee shall make recommendations to the full Board for independent trustee membership on committees of the Board.

2. The Committee shall review as necessary the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the independent trustees or the full Board, as appropriate.

3. The Committee shall periodically assess the membership, scope of activities and charters of all Board committees to confirm that they comply with the Fund Governance Policy, to the extent applicable.

**IV. <u>Corporate Governance</u>.** 

1. The Committee shall review proposed changes in, and where appropriate propose changes with respect to, the Fund's governing instruments, including, but not limited to, its declaration of trust and bylaws, as such documents relate to corporate governance matters.

2. The Committee shall ensure that the provisions of the Fund Governance Standards found in Rule 0-1(a)(7) under the 1940 Act, as contained in the Fund Governance Policy, are met by the Board. The Committee shall periodically review the Fund Governance Policy and other policies relating to the operation of the Board and recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board.

3. The Committee shall initiate consideration, and otherwise be available to consider, issues relating to the respective roles entrusted to the Fund's adviser, the Fund, the Board of Trustees and the independent trustees.

4. The Committee shall monitor the continued independence of Independent Board members and evaluate any circumstances that may arise through the submission of an annual questionnaire intended for this purpose or that are otherwise brought to the Committee's attention.

5. The Committee shall oversee an annual evaluation by all Board members of Board effectiveness and the adequacy of the Board's adherence to industry corporate governance best practices. This evaluation shall include a consideration of the effectiveness of the committee structure of the Board and the number of Funds on whose Boards each Trustee serves, and to make recommendations to the Board with respect to any changes to such process. The Committee shall recommend to the Board or its committees the implementation of proposed enhancements resulting from the annual evaluation.

6. The Committee shall periodically review, at such times as determined to be appropriate by the Committee or when requested by the Disinterested Board members, the compensation of the Independent

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Board members (including the compensation of the Chair of the Board and of each committee thereof) and to make recommendations to the Independent Board members regarding such compensation.

7. The Committee shall evaluate any proposed board memberships of an Independent Board member to confirm that no conflict exists with the Independent Board member's current service on the Board.

8. The Committee shall facilitate educational and training programs for Independent Board members as needs arise.

9. The Committee shall review persons who are under consideration to act as legal counsel to the Disinterested Board members and their qualifications to serve or continue to serve as "independent legal counsel" under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules, and shall make recommendations to the independent trustees with regard thereto. The Committee shall monitor the performance of legal counsel employed by the Fund and by the Disinterested Board members.

**V. <u>Other Powers and Responsibilities</u>.** 

1. The Committee shall meet at least once each year or more frequently in open or executive sessions. The Committee may invite members of management, counsel, advisers and others to attend its meetings as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have separate sessions with management and others, as and when it deems appropriate.

2. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Fund.

3. The Committee shall report its activities to the Board and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.

4. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Committee. The action of a majority of the members of the Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Committee. The Committee may meet in person or by telephonic or electronic means, and the Committee may act by written consent, to the extent permitted by law and by the Fund's by-laws. In the event of any inconsistency between this Charter and the Fund's organizational documents, the provisions of the Fund's organizational documents shall be given precedence.

5. The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board.

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#### ADDITIONAL STATEMENT FOR CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY
The Committee shall comply with any rules of any stock exchange, if any, applicable to nominating committees of closed-end funds whose shares are registered thereon.

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#### EXHIBIT B

#### FRANKLIN TEMPLETON

#### AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
**I. <u>The Committee.</u>** 

The Audit Committee ("Committee") is a committee of, and established by, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund (the "Board").<sup>1</sup> The Committee shall consist of such number of members as set by the Board from time to time, but in no event fewer than three (*NYSE-listed Funds only*), and its members shall be selected by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised entirely of members who satisfy the requirements for independence set out in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") ("Disinterested Board members").<sup>2</sup> Each member of the Committee must be financially literate, as such qualification is interpreted by the Board in its business judgment, or must become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after his or her appointment to the Committee. At least one member of the Committee must be an "audit committee financial expert," as determined by the Board and as defined in Item 3(b) of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Form N-CSR. The Committee will make recommendations to the Board for its approval with respect to such audit committee financial expert determinations at least annually.

If a Committee member of an NYSE-listed Fund simultaneously serves on the audit committee of more than three public companies, the Board must determine that such simultaneous service would not impair the ability of such member to effectively serve on the Fund's Committee. When a member serves on multiple boards in the same fund complex, such service will be counted as one board for these purposes (*NYSE-listed Funds only*).

**II. <u>Purposes of the Committee.</u>** 

The function of the Committee is to assist Board oversight of the Fund's financial statements and accounting and auditing processes, which shall include being directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm ("auditors") engaged (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Fund. It is management's responsibility to prepare the Fund's financial statements in

______________________________________________________________

<sup>1</sup> This document serves as the Charter for the Committee of certain U.S. registered investment companies within Franklin Templeton, and each series thereof as applicable (a "Fund"), including the Franklin, Templeton and New Jersey/Alternative Strategies Funds, as well as Franklin Templeton ETF Trust, Franklin ETF Trust, Franklin Templeton Trust, and Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust. Exchange-listed Funds and their principal exchanges are included on <u>Appendix A</u>.

<sup>2</sup> Each member of the Committee may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee, the Board, or any other Board committee: (A) accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Fund or any subsidiary thereof, provided that, unless the rules of the applicable national securities exchange or national securities association provide otherwise, compensatory fees do not include the receipt of fixed amounts of compensation under a retirement plan (including deferred compensation) for prior service with the Fund (provided that such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service); or (B) be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

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accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal controls. It is the auditors' responsibility to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements, to plan and carry out an audit in accordance with the standards of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") and to report directly to the Committee. It is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Fund's financial statements are complete and in accordance with GAAP.

Consistent with such allocation of functions, the purposes of the Committee are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) To oversee the Fund's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls, and to obtain, where it deems appropriate, reports on internal controls of service providers to the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) To oversee or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of the quality, objectivity and integrity of the Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To oversee or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of the Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (primarily as they relate to the Fund's accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To approve prior to appointment the engagement of the Fund's auditors and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the auditors' qualifications, independence and performance, taking into account the opinions of management;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) To act as a liaison between the Fund's auditors and the Board;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) to prepare, or authorize the preparation of, the disclosure required by Item 407(d)(3)(i) of Regulation S-K (the "Audit Committee Report") for inclusion in the Fund's annual proxy statement (*NYSE- and NYSE American-listed Funds only*); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) To consider such other matters as it deems appropriate in carrying out its purpose and any other matters that may be assigned to it by the Board.

In addition, the Committee shall serve as the Fund's Qualified Legal Compliance Committee ("QLCC") pursuant to Section 205 of the SEC's Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys Appearing and Practicing before the Commission in the Representation of an Issuer (the "Standards"). In this capacity, the Committee is required to adopt and maintain written procedures for the confidential receipt, retention and consideration of any report of evidence of a material violation. "Evidence of a material violation" means credible evidence, based upon which it would be unreasonable, under the circumstances, for a prudent and competent attorney not to conclude that it is reasonably likely that a material violation of an applicable U.S. federal or state securities law, a material breach of fiduciary (or similar) duty to the Fund arising under U.S. federal or state law, or a similar material violation of any U.S. federal or state law has occurred, is ongoing, or is about to occur.

**III. <u>Powers and Duties.</u>** 

The Committee shall have the following powers and duties to carry out its purposes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) To select the auditors, subject to approval both by the Board and by a separate vote of the Disinterested Board members, and, in connection therewith, to evaluate the independence and qualifications of the auditors in accordance with applicable federal securities laws and regulations and the rules and standards of the PCAOB.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) To be directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by, and the compensation of, the auditors, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided by the auditors to the Fund's investment adviser<sup>3</sup> or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Fund's investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Fund where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) 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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) establishment by the Committee of policies and procedures to pre-approve such services, 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 1934 Act), to management; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) delegation by the Committee to one or more designated members of the Committee who are Disinterested Board members of authority to pre-approve such services, provided the Committee is informed of the decisions of any member pursuant to such delegated authority no later than its next scheduled meeting;

subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To meet with the auditors, including private meetings, as necessary to (i) review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; (ii) discuss any matters or concerns relating to the Fund's financial statements, including any recorded and/or unrecorded adjustments to such statements recommended by the auditors, or other results of audits; (iii) consider the auditors' comments with respect to the Fund's financial, accounting and reporting policies, procedures and internal controls and management's responses thereto; and (iv) to review the form of opinion the auditors propose to render.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To meet to review and discuss the Fund's annual audited financial statements, as well as the Fund's annual shareholder report or a written summary of such report, with management and the auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) To meet to review and discuss the Fund's annual audited financial statements with management and the auditors, including reviewing the Fund's disclosures under "Management's Discussion of Fund Performance" ("MDFP") in its annual shareholder report (*NYSE-listed Funds only*). To meet to review and discuss the Fund's semi-annual financial statements with management, including reviewing the Fund's MDFP disclosures in its semi-annual shareholder report, as applicable (*NYSE-listed Funds only*). Such meetings may be telephonic.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) To consider the effect upon the Fund of any changes in accounting principles or practices proposed by management or the auditors.

______________________________________________________

<sup>3</sup> For these purposes, an investment adviser does not include an unaffiliated sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is sub-contracted or overseen by another investment adviser.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) To receive and consider reports from the auditors:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) as required by generally accepted accounting standards, including Auditing Standard ("AS") No. 1301 (Communications with Audit Committees);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) annually and by update as required by SEC Regulation S-X, regarding:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) all critical accounting policies and practices of the Fund to be used;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) all alternative treatments within GAAP for policies and practices related to material items that have been discussed with management of the Fund, including ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the auditors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) other material written communications between the auditors and management of the Fund, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) all non-audit services provided to any entity in an investment company complex, as defined in SEC Regulation S-X, that were not pre-approved by the Committee pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) at least annually regarding the auditors' internal quality-control procedures; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) at least annually regarding any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) To review (i) major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations, including any significant changes in the Fund's selection or application of accounting principles, and major issues as to the adequacy of the Fund's internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; and (ii) analyses prepared by management and/or the auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) In considering the independence of the auditors:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) at least annually to receive from the auditors a formal written statement, and other reports as necessary, describing all relationships between the auditors and the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser and service providers, and other entities advised or serviced by, including any entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with, the investment adviser or any other service providers to the Fund that, in the auditors' judgment, could be thought to bear upon the auditors' independence;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) to receive and consider, if applicable, periodic reports from the auditors regarding whether the provision of non-audit services (including tax services) is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) to request from the auditors a written affirmation that they are independent auditors under the federal securities laws and standards adopted by the PCAOB; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) to discuss with the auditors any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity, impartial judgment, and independence of the auditors and for taking, or recommending that the Board take, appropriate action to oversee the independence of the auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) To require that the auditors regularly provide timely information to the Committee with respect to new rules and pronouncements by applicable regulatory and accounting standards agencies, along with an explanation of how such developments may affect the Fund's financial statements and accounting principles and practices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) To review the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures, on the financial statements of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) To consider any reports of audit problems or difficulties that may have arisen during the course of the audit, including any limitations of the scope of the audit, and management's response thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) To review communications from the Fund's Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concerning (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Fund's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Fund's internal controls over financial reporting, and to review requested communications from management for any other purposes the Committee deems appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) In connection with the preparation of the Audit Committee Report (*NYSE and NYSE American-listed Funds only*):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to review and discuss the audited financial statements of the Fund with management;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) to discuss with the auditors the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and the SEC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) to receive the written disclosures and the letter(s) from the auditors required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the auditor's communications with the Committee concerning independence (referred to in paragraph III (i) above), and discuss with the auditors the auditor's independence; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) based on the review and discussions referred to in paragraphs (i) through (iii) above, to recommend to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Fund's annual report on Form N-CSR for the last fiscal year for filing with the SEC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) To review and discuss, as appropriate, the Fund's earnings press releases (including the type and presentation of information to be included therein, paying particular attention to any use of "pro forma," or "adjusted" non-GAAP, information), as well as any financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies. (*NYSE-listed Funds only*)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) To review and discuss the Fund's processes with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) To set clear policies relating to the hiring by entities within Franklin Templeton of employees or former employees of the auditors*.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) To evaluate, as either part of the full Board or as a Committee, its performance at least annually.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) To review potential conflict of interest situations where appropriate in connection with the Fund's ongoing review of all related party transactions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) To inform the chief legal officer ("CLO") and chief executive officer ("CEO") of the Fund (or the equivalents thereof) of any report of evidence of a material violation by the Fund, its officers, directors/trustees, employees (if any), or agents (collectively, "affiliates"). In connection therewith, the Committee shall:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) determine whether an investigation is necessary regarding any report of evidence of a material violation by the Fund or its affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) if the Committee determines such an investigation is necessary or appropriate, (A) notify the Board; (B) initiate an investigation, which may be conducted by either the CLO or by outside attorneys; and (C) retain such additional expert personnel as the Committee deems necessary to assist in the investigation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) at the conclusion of any such investigation, (A) recommend by a majority vote, that the Fund implement an appropriate response (as defined in Section 205.2(b) of the Standards) to evidence of a material violation, and (B) inform the CLO and the CEO and the Board of the results of such investigation and the appropriate remedial measures to be adopted;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) acting by majority vote, take all other appropriate action, including the authority to notify the SEC in the event the Fund fails in any material respect to implement an appropriate response that the Committee has recommended the Fund to take; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) otherwise respond to evidence of a material violation.

**IV. <u>Other Functions and Procedures of the Committee.</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Committee shall meet at least twice each year or more frequently, in open or executive sessions, as may be necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. The Committee shall meet as frequently as circumstances require with (i) the auditors as provided in III(c), above; and (ii) management's internal audit department to review and discuss internal audit functions and reports. The Committee may invite members of management, the auditors, counsel, advisers and others to attend its meetings as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall meet separately, periodically, with management and with the auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Committee shall establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Fund or the Fund's adviser regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or accounting matters relating to the Fund; and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Fund or Franklin Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Committee shall have the authority to engage special or independent counsel, experts and other advisers as and when it determines necessary to carry out its duties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Fund must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee in its capacity as a Committee of the Board, for payment of (i) compensation to any auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Fund; (ii) compensation to any advisers employed by the Committee (under paragraph (c) above); and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Committee shall have unrestricted access to the Fund's management and management of the Fund's adviser, including, but not limited to, their chief executive officer(s), chief financial officer(s), internal auditors and any other executives and financial officers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Committee shall report its activities to the Board, including any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Fund's financial statements, the Fund's compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, or the qualifications, performance and independence of the Fund's auditors, and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of this Charter annually, or more frequently if it chooses, and recommend any changes to the Board. The Board shall adopt and approve this Charter and may amend it on its own motion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Committee shall meet jointly with the Audit Committees of the other Funds within the Franklin Templeton Fund complex as may be appropriate, including to attend presentations and review proposals and other matters of common concern to all such Audit Committees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Pursuant to delegated authority from the Board, and at the request of the applicable investment manager of the Fund (the "Investment Manager"), the Committee, or an appointed delegate of the Committee as applicable, shall provide proxy voting instructions as a representative of the Fund to the Investment Manager in certain situations where the Investment Manager has identified a material conflict of interest between the Investment Manager or one of its affiliates and an issuer (*i.e.*, the Committee or its appointed delegate will approve or disapprove the Investment Manager's voting recommendation).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) To the extent applicable to the Fund, the Committee shall comply with such other rules of the applicable national securities exchanges and the SEC applicable to exchange-listed funds, as such may be adopted and amended from time to time. (*Exchange-listed Funds only*)

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#### Appendix A
*Amended as of October 8, 2025*

#### EXCHANGE-LISTED FUNDS
<u>Funds listed on New York Stock Exchange LLC ("</u>*<u>NYSE-listed Funds</u>*<u>")</u>

Franklin Universal Trust

Templeton Dragon Fund, Inc.

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund

Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund

<u>Fund listed on NYSE American LLC ("</u>*<u>NYSE American-listed Fund</u>*<u>")</u>

Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust

<u>Funds listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.</u>

Franklin ETF Trust

Franklin Short Duration U.S. Government ETF

Franklin Templeton ETF Trust

Franklin FTSE Asia ex Japan ETF

Franklin FTSE Australia ETF

Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF

Franklin FTSE Canada ETF

Franklin FTSE China ETF

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF

Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF

Franklin FTSE Germany ETF

Franklin FTSE India ETF

Franklin FTSE Japan ETF

Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF

Franklin FTSE Latin America ETF

Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF

Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia ETF

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF

Franklin FTSE Switzerland ETF

Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF

Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF

Franklin Dividend Growth ETF

Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF

Franklin Emerging Market Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF

Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF

Franklin Income Focus ETF

Franklin International Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF

Franklin International Dividend Booster Index ETF

Franklin Investment Grade Corporate ETF

Franklin Municipal Green Bond ETF

Franklin Systematic Style Premia ETF

Franklin Ultra Short Bond ETF

Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF

Franklin U.S. Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF

Franklin U.S. Dividend Booster Index ETF

Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF

Franklin U.S. Treasury Bond ETF

Putnam International Stock ETF<sup>4</sup>

Templeton International Insights ETF<sup>4</sup>

<u>Funds listed on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.</u>

Franklin Templeton ETF Trust

Franklin Disruptive Commerce ETF

Franklin Exponential Data ETF

Franklin Focused Growth ETF

Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF

Franklin High Yield Corporate ETF

Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF

Franklin International Aggregate Bond ETF

Franklin Senior Loan ETF

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Franklin U.S. Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF

Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF

Franklin U.S. Small Cap Multifactor Index ETF

Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust

Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF

<u>Funds listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC</u>

Franklin Templeton ETF Trust

BrandywineGLOBAL – Dynamic US Large Cap Value ETF

BrandywineGLOBAL – U.S. Fixed Income ETF

ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF

Franklin Multisector Income ETF

Franklin Sustainable International Equity ETF

Western Asset Bond ETF

Legg Mason ETF Investment Trust

ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Select ETF

Franklin ClearBridge Enhanced Income ETF

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF

Royce Quant Small-Cap Quality Value ETF

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#### FUT PROXY 01/26

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