Sec Form 13G Filing - FRANKLIN RESOURCES INC (BEN) filing for ACHIEVE LIFE SCIENCES INC. (ACHV) - 2024-03-11

Insider filing report for Changes in Beneficial Ownership

  • Schedule 13G & 13D forms are used to report a party's ownership of stock which exceeds 5% of a company's total stock issue.
  • Schedule 13G is a shorter version of Schedule 13D with fewer reporting requirements.
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          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 1 of 14

 

 

                                                                                   UNITED STATES

                                                              SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                                                          Washington, D.C. 20549

 

                                                                                    SCHEDULE 13G

 

                                                       Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                                                                               (Amendment No. )*

 

                                                                     Achieve Life Sciences, Inc.

                                                                                (Name of Issuer)

 

                                                                  Common Stock, par value $0.001

                                                                  (Title of Class of Securities)

 

                                                                                       004468500

                                                                                  (CUSIP Number)

 

                                                                               February 29, 2024

                                         (Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

 

             Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is

             filed:

             [X] Rule 13d‑1(b)

             [ ] Rule 13d‑1(c)

             [ ] Rule 13d‑1(d)

 

             *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's

             initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and

             for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the

             disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

 

             The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to

             be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

             ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but

             shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 2 of 14

 

 

          1.    NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

                      Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

          2.    CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

 

                      (a)

                      (b) X

 

          3.    SEC USE ONLY

 

          4.    CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                      Delaware

 

          NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH:

 

                      5.     SOLE VOTING POWER

 

                                    (See Item 4)

 

                      6.     SHARED VOTING POWER

 

                                    (See Item 4)

 

                      7.     SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                    (See Item 4)

 

                      8.     SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                    (See Item 4)

 

          9.    AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

                     4,365,7551

 

          10.   CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES

                      CERTAIN SHARES [ ]

 

          11.   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9)

 

                      12.0%

 

          12.   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

                      HC, CO (See Item 4)

 

 


1 Includes 2,181,025 shares of Common Stock issuable on the exercise of warrants.

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 3 of 14

 

 

          1.    NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.    

 

                      Charles B. Johnson2

 

          2.    CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

 

                      (a)

                      (b) X

 

          3.    SEC USE ONLY

 

          4.    CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                      USA

 

          NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH:

 

                      5.    SOLE VOTING POWER

 

                                 (See Item 4)

 

                      6.    SHARED VOTING POWER

 

                                 (See Item 4)

 

                      7.    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                 (See Item 4)

 

                      8.    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                 (See Item 4)

 

          9.    AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

                    (See Item 4)

 

          10.   CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES

                     CERTAIN SHARES [ ]

 

          11.   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9)

 

                     (See Item 4)

 

          12.   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

                     HC, IN (See Item 4)

 

 


2 shares of common stock of Franklin Resources, Inc. held in a revocable trust for which Mr. C.B. Johnson is trustee, as well as shares held in 401(k) Plan, shares held in an individual retirement account, and shares held by three private charitable foundations for which he is a trustee with shared voting and investment power (Mr. C.B. Johnson disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares).

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 4 of 14

 

 

          1.    NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.    

 

       ;                Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.3

 

          2.    CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

 

                      (a)

                      (b) X

          3.    SEC USE ONLY

 

          4.    CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                      USA

 

          NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH:

 

                      5.    SOLE VOTING POWER

 

                                  (See Item 4)

 

                      6.    SHARED VOTING POWER

 

                                  (See Item 4)

 

                      7.    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                  (See Item 4)

 

                      8.    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                  (See Item 4)

 

          9.    AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

                     (See Item 4)

 

          10.   CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES

                      CERTAIN SHARES [ ]

 

          11.   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9)

 

                      (See Item 4)

 

          12.   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

                      HC, IN (See Item 4)

 

 


3 shares of common stock of Franklin Resources, Inc. held in a revocable trust for which Mr. R. H. Johnson, Jr. is trustee, as well as shares held in 401(k) Plan, shares held in an individual retirement account, shares held by his spouse (Mr. R. H. Johnson, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares), and shares held by a private charitable foundation for which he is a trustee (Mr. R. H. Johnson, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares).

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 5 of 14

 

 

          1.    NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.    

 

                      Franklin Advisers, Inc.

 

          2.    CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

 

                      (a)

                      (b) X

 

          3.    SEC USE ONLY

 

          4.    CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                      California

 

          NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH:

 

                      5.    SOLE VOTING POWER

 

                                  4,365,755

 

                      6.    SHARED VOTING POWER

 

                                 0

 

                      7.    SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                  4,365,755

 

                      8.    SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

                                 0

 

          9.    AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

                     4,365,755

 

          10.   CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES

                      CERTAIN SHARES [ ]

 

          11.   PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9)

 

                      12.0%

 

          12.   TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

                      IA, CO (See Item 4)

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 6 of 14

 

 

          Item 1.

 

          (a)   Name of Issuer

 

                      Achieve Life Sciences, Inc.

 

          (b)   Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices

          

           22722 29th Dr. SE, Suite 100

           Seattle, WA  98021

         

     Item 2.

 

          (a)   Name of Person Filing

 

                      (i):   Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

                      (ii):  Charles B. Johnson

 

                      (iii): Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

 

                      (iv):  Franklin Advisers, Inc.

 

 

          (b)   Address of Principal Business Office or, if none, Residence

 

                      (i), (ii), and (iii):

                      One Franklin Parkway

                      San Mateo, CA 94403‑1906

 

                      (iv):  One Franklin Parkway

                                    San Mateo, CA  94403‑1906

 

          (c)   Citizenship

 

                      (i):     Delaware

 

                      (ii) and (iii): USA

                      (iv): California

 

          (d)   Title of Class of Securities

 

                      Common Stock, par value $0.001

 

          (e)   CUSIP Number

 

                      004468500

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 7 of 14

 

 

          Item 3. If this statement is filed pursuant to §§240.13d‑1(b) or 240.13d‑2(b) or (c),

                          check whether the person filing is a:

                        (a) [ ] Broker or dealer registered under section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o).

 

                        (b) [ ] Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c).

                        (c) [ ] Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C.

                                        78c).

 

                        (d) [ ] Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company

                                        Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C 80a‑8).

 

                        (e) [X] An investment adviser in accordance with §240.13d‑1(b)(1)(ii)(E);

 

                        (f) [ ] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with

                                        §240.13d‑1(b)(1)(ii)(F);

 

                        (g) [X] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with

                                        §240.13d‑1(b)(1)(ii)(G);

 

                        (h) [ ] A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit

     & #xA0;                                  Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813);

 

                        (i) [ ] A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment

                                        company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15

                                        U.S.C. 80a‑3);

 

                        (j) [ ] A non‑U.S. institution in accordance with §240.13d‑1(b)(ii)(J);

 

                        (k) [ ] Group, in accordance with §240.13d 1(b)(1)(ii)(K).

 

                        If filing as a non‑U.S. institution in accordance with §240.13d‑1(b)(1)(ii) (J).

                        please specify the type of institution:

 

          Item 4. Ownership

 

            The securities reported herein are beneficially owned by one or more open or closed end

            investment companies or other managed accounts that are investment management clients of

            investment managers that are direct and indirect subsidiaries (each, an “Investment

            Management Subsidiary” and, collectively, the “Investment Management Subsidiaries”) of

            Franklin Resources Inc. (“FRI”), including the Investment Management Subsidiaries listed

            in this Item 4.  When an investment management contract (including a sub advisory

            agreement) delegates to an Investment Management Subsidiary investment discretion or

            voting power over the securities held in the investment advisory accounts that are

            subject to that agreement, FRI treats the Investment Management Subsidiary as having sole

            investment discretion or voting authority, as the case may be, unless the agreement

            specifies otherwise. Accordingly, each Investment Management Subsidiary reports on

            Schedule 13G that it has sole investment discretion and voting authority over the

            securities covered by any such investment management agreement, unless otherwise noted in

            this Item 4.  As a result, for purposes of Rule 13d‑3 under the Act, the Investment

            Management Subsidiaries listed in this Item 4 may be deemed to be the beneficial owners

            of the securities reported in this Schedule 13G.

 

            Beneficial ownership by Investment Management Subsidiaries and other FRI affiliates is

            being reported in conformity with the guidelines articulated by the SEC staff in Release

            No. 34‑39538 (January 12, 1998) (the “1998 Release”) relating to organizations, such as

            FRI, where related entities exercise voting and investment powers over the securities

            being reported independently from each other. The voting and investment powers held by

            each of FRI’s affiliates whose ownership of securities is disaggregated from that of FRI

            in accordance with the 1998 Release (“FRI Disaggregated Affiliates”) are exercised

           independently from FRI and from all other Investment Management Subsidiaries (FRI, its

      affiliates and the Investment Management Subsidiaries other than FRI Disaggregated

      Affiliates are collectively, “FRI Aggregated Affiliates”). Furthermore, internal policies

      and procedures of, on the one hand, FRI Disaggregated Affiliates, and, on the other hand,

      FRI establish informational barriers that prevent the flow among, on the one hand, FRI

      Disaggregated Affiliates (including preventing the flow between such entities), and, on

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                    &# xA0;  13G                             Page 8 of 14

 

          the other hand, the FRI Aggregated Affiliates of information that relates to the voting

          and investment powers over the securities owned by their respective investment management

          clients. Consequently, FRI Disaggregated Affiliates report the securities over which they

          hold investment and voting power separately from the FRI Aggregated Affiliates for

          purposes of Section 13 of the Act.

 

          Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (the “Principal Shareholders”) each own in

          excess of 10% of the outstanding common stock of FRI and are the principal stockholders

          of FRI.  FRI and the Principal Shareholders may be deemed to be, for purposes of Rule

          13d‑3 under the Act, the beneficial owners of securities held by persons and entities for

          whom or for which FRI subsidiaries provide investment management services.  The number of

          shares that may be deemed to be beneficially owned and the percentage of the class of

          which such shares are a part are reported in Items 9 and 11 of the cover pages for FRI

          and each of the Principal Shareholders. FRI, the Principal Shareholders and each of the

          Investment Management Subsidiaries disclaim any pecuniary interest in any of such

          securities. In addition, the filing of this Schedule 13G on behalf of the Principal

          Shareholders, FRI and the FRI Aggregated Affiliates, as applicable, should not be

          construed as an admission that any of them is, and each of them disclaims that it is, the

          beneficial owner, as defined in Rule 13d‑3, of any of the securities reported in this

          Schedule 13G.

 

          FRI, the Principal Shareholders, and each of the Investment Management Subsidiaries

          believe that they are not a “group” within the meaning of Rule 13d‑5 under the Act and

          that they are not otherwise required to attribute to each other the beneficial ownership

          of the securities held by any of them or by any persons or entities for whom or for which

          the Investment Management Subsidiaries provide investment management services.

 

                    (a)     Amount beneficially owned:

 

                                   4,365,755

 

                    (b)     Percent of class:

 

                                    12.0%

 

                    (c)     Number of shares as to which the person has:

 

                                (i)  Sole power to vote or to direct the vote

 

                                          Franklin Resources, Inc.:                                         0

 

                                          Charles B. Johnson:                                               0

 

                                          Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.:                                           0

 

                                          Franklin Advisers, Inc.:                                  4,365,755

 

              ;                 (ii)  Shared power to vote or to direct the vote                               0

 

 

                            (iii)  Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of

 

                                          Franklin Resources, Inc.:                                         0

 

                                          Charles B. Johnson:                                               0

 

                                          Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.:                                           0

 

                                          Franklin Advisers, Inc.:                                  4,365,755

 

                               (iv)  Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of                0

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 9 of 14

 

 

          Item 5.  Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class

 

                           If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof

                           the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five

                           percent of the class of securities, check the following [ ]. 

 

         

       Item 6. Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person

 

                           The clients of the Investment Management Subsidiaries, including investment

                           companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other managed

                           accounts, have the right to receive or power to direct the receipt of dividends

                           from, and the proceeds from the sale of, the securities reported herein.

 

              Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund, a series of Franklin Strategic Series, an

              investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, has an

              interest in 4,362,050 shares, or 12.0% of the class of securities reported

              herein.

 

 

          Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security

                           Being Reported on By the Parent Holding Company

 

                           See Attached Exhibit C

 

          Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group

 

                           Not Applicable

 

          Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group

 

                           Not Applicable

 


 
 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 10 of 14

 

          Item 10.  Certification

 

          By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities

          referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and

          were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or

          influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are

          not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose

          or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §

          240.14a‑11.

 

          This report shall not be construed as an admission by the persons filing the report

          that they are the beneficial owner of any securities covered by this report.

 

          Exhibits.

                            Exhibit A Joint Filing Agreement

                            Exhibit B Limited Powers of Attorney for Section 13 Reporting Obligations

                            Exhibit C Item 7 Identification and Classification of Subsidiaries

 

                                                                                    SIGNATURE

          After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the

          information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

          Dated:  March 11, 2024

 

          Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

          Charles B. Johnson

 

          Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

 

         

          By:     /s/THOMAS C. MANDIA

                         ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

                         Thomas C. Mandia

                         Assistant Secretary of Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

                         Attorney‑in‑Fact for Charles B. Johnson pursuant to Power of Attorney

                         attached to this Schedule 13G

 

                         Attorney‑in‑Fact for Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. pursuant to Power of Attorney

                         attached to this Schedule 13G

 

           

     Franklin Advisers, Inc.

     Franklin Strategic Series on behalf of

                        Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund

 

       

 

   0;       By:     /s/ALISON E. BAUR

                         ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

                  Alison E. Baur

            Assistant Secretary of Franklin Advisers, Inc.

            Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Franklin Strategic Series

 

 

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 11 of 14

 

 

          EXHIBIT A

 

          JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

 

          In accordance with Rule 13d‑1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,

          the undersigned hereby agree to the joint filing with each other of the attached

          statement on Schedule 13G and to all amendments to such statement and that such statement

          and all amendments to such statement are made on behalf of each of them.

 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this agreement on March 11, 2024.

 

          Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

          Charles B. Johnson

 

          Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

 

         

          By:     /s/THOMAS C. MANDIA

                         ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

                         Thomas C. Mandia

                         Assistant Secretary of Franklin Resources, Inc.

 

                         Attorney‑in‑Fact for Charles B. Johnson pursuant to Power of Attorney

                         attached to this Schedule 13G

 

                         Attorney‑in‑Fact for Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. pursuant to Power of Attorney

                         attached to this Schedule 13G

 

           

     Franklin Advisers, Inc.

     Franklin Strategic Series on behalf of

                        Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund

 

       

 

          By:     /s/ALISON E. BAUR

                         ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

                  Alison E. Baur

            Assistant Secretary of Franklin Advisers, Inc.

            Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Franklin Strategic Series

         

                        

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 12 of 14

 

          EXHIBIT B

 

                                                                                       EXHIBIT B

LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

FOR SECTION 13 AND 16 REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

 

          Know all by these presents, that the undersigned hereby makes, constitutes and appoints each of Alison E. Baur, Thomas C. Mandia, Beth McAuley O’Malley, Thomas C. Merchant, Kimberly H. Novotny, Virginia E. Rosas and Navid J. Tofigh each acting individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority as hereinafter described on behalf of and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned to:

     1. prepare, execute, acknowledge, deliver and file Forms ID, Schedules 13D and 13G, and Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments thereto and any related documentation) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any national securities exchanges relating to Franklin Resources, Inc. (“FRI”) and/or any registered closed-end company to which an affiliate of FRI is an investment adviser (each, a “Reporting Entity”), as considered necessary or advisable under Regulation S-T and Sections 13(d) and 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time (the “Exchange Act”); and

     2. seek or obtain, as the undersigned’s representative and on the undersigned’s behalf, information on transactions in the securities of any Reporting Entity from any person, including brokers, employee benefit plan administrators and trustees, and the undersigned hereby authorizes any such person to release any such information to the undersigned and approves and ratifies any such release of information; and

     3. perform any and all other acts which in the discretion of such attorney-in-fact are necessary or desirable for and on behalf of the undersigned in connection with the foregoing.

     The undersigned acknowledges that:

     1. this Limited Power of Attorney authorizes, but does not require, each such attorney-in-fact to act in their discretion on information provided to such attorney-in-fact without independent verification of such information;

     2. any documents prepared and/or executed by any such attorney-in-fact on behalf of the undersigned pursuant to this Limited Power of Attorney will be in such form and will contain such information and disclosure as such attorney-in-fact, in his or her discretion, deems necessary or desirable;

     3. none of FRI, any Reporting Entity nor any of such attorneys-in-fact assumes (i) any liability for the undersigned’s responsibility to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act, (ii) any liability of the undersigned for any failure to comply with such requirements, or (iii) any obligation or liability of the undersigned for profit disgorgement under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; and

     4. this Limited Power of Attorney does not relieve the undersigned from responsibility for compliance with the undersigned’s obligations under the Exchange Act, including without limitation, the reporting requirements under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

     The undersigned hereby gives and grants each of the foregoing attorneys-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite, necessary or appropriate to be done in and about the foregoing matters as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do if present, hereby ratifying all that each such attorney-in-fact of, for and on behalf of the undersigned, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Limited Power of Attorney, and indemnifies each of the foregoing attorneys-in-fact against any loss of any nature whatsoever arising in connection therewith.

     This Limited Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect until revoked by the undersigned in a signed writing delivered to each such attorney-in-fact.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Limited Power of Attorney to be executed as of this 11th day of December, 2023.

 

 

                                                                                                                              /s/CHARLES B. JOHNSON

                                                                                                                              Signature

                                                                                                                              Charles B. Johnson ___

                                                                                                                              Print Name

 

 

 


 
 

 

          CUSIP NO. 004468500                       13G                             Page 13 of 14

 

 

          LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY

FOR SECTION 13 AND 16 REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

 

     Know all by these presents, that the undersigned hereby makes, constitutes and appoints each of Alison E. Baur, Thomas C. Mandia, Beth McAuley O’Malley, Thomas C. Merchant, Kimberly H. Novotny, Virginia E. Rosas and Navid J. Tofigh each acting individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority as hereinafter described on behalf of and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned to:

     1. prepare, execute, acknowledge, deliver and file Forms ID, Schedules 13D and 13G, and Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments thereto and any related documentation) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any national securities exchanges relating to Franklin Resources, Inc. (“FRI”) and/or any registered closed-end company to which an affiliate of FRI is an investment adviser (each, a “Reporting Entity”), as considered necessary or advisable under Regulation S-T and Sections 13(d) and 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time (the “Exchange Act”); and

     2. seek or obtain, as the undersigned’s representative and on the undersigned’s behalf, information on transactions in the securities of any Reporting Entity from any person, including brokers, employee benefit plan administrators and trustees, and the undersigned hereby authorizes any such person to release any such information to the undersigned and approves and ratifies any such release of information; and

     3. perform any and all other acts which in the discretion of such attorney-in-fact are necessary or desirable for and on behalf of the undersigned in connection with the foregoing.

     The undersigned acknowledges that:

     1. this Limited Power of Attorney authorizes, but does not require, each such attorney-in-fact to act in their discretion on information provided to such attorney-in-fact without independent verification of such information;

     2. any documents prepared and/or executed by any such attorney-in-fact on behalf of the undersigned pursuant to this Limited Power of Attorney will be in such form and will contain such information and disclosure as such attorney-in-fact, in his or her discretion, deems necessary or desirable;

     3. none of FRI, any Reporting Entity nor any of such attorneys-in-fact assumes (i) any liability for the undersigned’s responsibility to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act, (ii) any liability of the undersigned for any failure to comply with such requirements, or (iii) any obligation or liability of the undersigned for profit disgorgement under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; and

     4. this Limited Power of Attorney does not relieve the undersigned from responsibility for compliance with the undersigned’s obligations under the Exchange Act, including without limitation, the reporting requirements under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

     The undersigned hereby gives and grants each of the foregoing attorneys-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite, necessary or appropriate to be done in and about the foregoing matters as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do if present, hereby ratifying all that each such attorney-in-fact of, for and on behalf of the undersigned, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Limited Power of Attorney, and indemnifies each of the foregoing attorneys-in-fact against any loss of any nature whatsoever arising in connection therewith.

     This Limited Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect until revoked by the undersigned in a signed writing delivered to each such attorney-in-fact.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Limited Power of Attorney to be executed as of this 11th day of December, 2023.

 

                                                                                                                        /s/RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR.

                                                                                                                        Signature

 

                                                                                                                        Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.  

                                                                                                                        Print Name

 


 
 

 

CUSIP NO. 004468500                             13G                              Page 14 of 14

 

EXHIBIT C

 

          Franklin Advisers, Inc.                                     Item 3 Classification: 3(e)