PRUDENTIAL HIGH YIELD TOTAL RETURN FUND INC
497, 1998-03-30
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PRUDENTIAL HIGH YIELD TOTAL RETURN
FUND, INC.

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PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 16, 1998
    

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Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company whose investment objective is total
return through high current income and capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in high yield fixed income
securities, equity securities that were attached to or included in a unit with
fixed income securities at the time of purchase, convertible securities and
preferred stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at
least 65% of its total assets in such securities. There can be no assurance that
the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. See "How the Fund
Invests--Investment Objective and Policies." The Fund's address is Gateway
Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, and its
telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
    

THE FUND INVESTS IN LOWER RATED AND UNRATED BONDS, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "JUNK
BONDS," INCLUDING DEFAULTED AND DISTRESSED SECURITIES. THESE SECURITIES ARE
SUBJECT TO A GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF PRINCIPAL AND NONPAYMENT OF INTEREST,
INCLUDING DEFAULT RISK, THAN HIGHER RATED BONDS. PURCHASERS SHOULD CAREFULLY
ASSESS THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND. SEE "HOW THE FUND
INVESTS--INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES--RISK FACTORS RELATING TO INVESTING
IN DEBT SECURITIES RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE (JUNK BONDS)" AND "--RISK
FACTORS RELATING TO INVESTING IN DISTRESSED SECURITIES."

   
Prudential Securities Incorporated will solicit subscriptions for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class Z shares of the Fund during a subscription period
commencing on or about March 26, 1998 and currently expected to end on or about
May 8, 1998. The Fund anticipates that a continuous offering of its shares will
begin on or about June 8, 1998. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the
Fund--Continuous Offering of Shares."

This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a
prospective investor should know before investing and is available at the
Prudential Web site of The Prudential Insurance Company of America
(http://www.Prudential.com). Additional information about the Fund has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) in a
Statement of Additional Information, dated March 16, 1998, which information is
incorporated herein by reference (is legally considered a part of this
Prospectus) and is available without charge upon request to the Fund at the
address or telephone number noted above. The Commission maintains a Web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Statement of Additional Information,
material incorporated by reference and other information regarding the Fund.
    

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Investors are advised to read the Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY ORADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


<PAGE>


================================================================================
                                 FUND HIGHLIGHTS
================================================================================

     The following summary is intended to highlight certain information
contained in this Prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more
detailed information appearing elsewhere herein.

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WHAT IS PRUDENTIAL HIGH YIELD TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC.?

     Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc. is a mutual fund. A mutual
fund pools the resources of investors by selling its shares to the public and
investing the proceeds of such sale in a portfolio of securities designed to
achieve its investment objective. Technically, the Fund is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company.

WHAT IS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE?

     The Fund's investment objective is total return through high current income
and capital appreciation. It seeks to achieve this objective by investing
primarily in high yield fixed income securities, equity securities that were
attached to or included in a unit with fixed income securities at the time of
purchase, convertible securities and preferred stocks. See "How the Fund
Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 6.

WHAT ARE THE FUND'S RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS?

     The Fund invests in low quality fixed income securities commonly referred
to as "junk bonds." Investments of this type are subject to greater risk of loss
of principal and nonpayment of interest, and may be in default of principal
and/or interest payments. See "How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and
Policies--Risk Factors Relating to Investing in Debt Securities Rated Below
Investment Grade (Junk Bonds)" at page 11. The Fund may invest in securities
issued by foreign companies and foreign governments, including securities
denominated in U.S. dollars and foreign currencies, which involve risks not
typically associated with U.S. investments. See "How the Fund Invests--Risk
Factors and Special Considerations Relating to Investing in Foreign Securities"
at page 12. The Fund may invest in debt or equity securities of financially or
operationally troubled issuers (distressed securities). These securities may be
subject to greater credit or market risk or price volatility than other
securities in which the Fund may invest. See "How the Fund Invests--Investment
Objective and Policies--Risk Factors Relating to Investing in Distressed
Securities" at page 13. The Fund may also engage in various hedging and return
enhancement strategies involving derivatives, including the purchase and sale of
put and call options on securities, stock indices and foreign currencies, the
purchase and sale of foreign currency exchange contracts and transactions
involving futures contracts and related options. See "How the Fund
Invests--Risks of Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies" at page 14. The
Fund may engage in short selling, which entails additional risks. See "How the
Fund Invests--Other Investments and Investment Policies--Short Sales" at pages
16. As with an investment in any mutual fund, an investment in this Fund can
decrease in value and you canlose money.

WHO MANAGES THE FUND?

   
     Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM or the Manager) is the
manager of the Fund and is compensated for its services at an annual rate of .65
of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets. As of February 28, 1998, PIFM
served as manager or administrator to 64 investment companies, including 42
mutual funds, with aggregate assets of approximately $63 billion. The Prudential
Investment Corporation, which does business under the
    

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                                       2


<PAGE>

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name of Prudential Investments (PI, the investment adviser or the Subadviser)
furnishes investment advisory services in connection with the management of the
Fund under a Subadvisory Agreement with PIFM. See "How the Fund is
Managed--Manager" at page 17.
    

WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?

   
     Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities or the
Distributor), a major securities underwriter and securities and commodities
broker, acts as the Distributor of the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares. The Distributor is paid a distribution and service fee with
respect to Class A shares which is currently being charged at the annual rate of
 .15 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares and is paid a
distribution and service fee with respect to Class B and Class C shares which is
currently being charged at an annual rate of .75 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of each of the Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor incurs the
expenses of distributing the Class Z shares under a distribution agreement with
the Fund, none of which is reimbursed by or paid for by the Fund. See "How the
Fund is Managed--Distributor" at page 18.
    

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?

   
     The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A and Class B shares and
is $5,000 for Class C Shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for
Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class Z shares are not subject to any
minimum investment requirements. There is no minimum initial requirement for
certain retirement and employee savings plans or custodial accounts for the
benefit of minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation
Plan, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder
Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 24 and "Shareholder
Guide--Shareholder Services" at page 35.
    

HOW DO I PURCHASE SHARES?

   
     You may purchase shares of the Fund through Prudential Securities, Pruco
Securities Corporation (Prusec) or directly from the Fund, through its transfer
agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent), at the
net asset value per share (NAV) next determined after receipt of your purchase
order by the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities plus a sales charge which
may be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a
deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are offered to a
limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charge. Participants in
programs sponsored by Prudential Retirement Services should contact their client
representative for more information about Class Z shares. See "How the Fund
Values its Shares" at page 20 and "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the
Fund" at page 24.
    

WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?

     The Fund offers four classes of shares:

     o    Class A Shares: Sold with an initial sales charge of up to 4% of the
          offering price.

     o    Class B Shares: Sold without an initial sales charge but are subject
          to a contingent deferred sales charge or CDSC (declining from 5% to
          zero of the lower of the amount invested or the redemption proceeds)
          which will be imposed on certain redemptions made within six years of
          purchase. Although Class B shares are subject to higher ongoing
          distribution-related expenses than Class A shares, Class B shares will
          automatically convert to Class A shares (which are subject to lower
          ongoing distribution-related expenses) approximately seven years after
          purchase.

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                                       3


<PAGE>

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     o    Class C Shares: Sold without an initial sales charge but, for one year
          after purchase, are subject to a CDSC of 1% on redemptions. Like Class
          B shares, Class C shares are subject to higher ongoing
          distribution-related expenses than Class A shares but do not convert
          to another class.

     o    Class Z Shares: Sold without either an initial sales charge or CDSC to
          a limited group of investors. Class Z shares are not subject to any
          ongoing service or distribution-related expenses.

     See "Shareholder Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" at page 26.

HOW DO I SELL MY SHARES?

     You may redeem your shares at any time at the NAV next determined after
Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent receives your sell order. However,
the proceeds of redemptions of Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a
CDSC. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares" at page 30. Participants
in programs sponsored by Prudential Retirement Services should contact their
client representative for more information about selling their Class Z shares.

HOW ARE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID?

     The Fund expects to declare daily and pay monthly dividends of net
investment income and make distributions of any net capital gains, if any, at
least annually. Dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund at NAV without a sales charge unless you request
that they be paid to you in cash. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" at
page 21.

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                                       4


<PAGE>


================================================================================
                                  FUND EXPENSES
================================================================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       CLASS A SHARES  CLASS B SHARES   CLASS C SHARES  CLASS Z SHARES
                                                       --------------  --------------   --------------  --------------
  <S>                                                       <C>    <C>                      <C>             <C> 
  SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES_
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
     (as a percentage of offering price) .................   4%             None              None          None
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested
     Dividends ...........................................  None            None              None          None
    Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage
     of original purchase price or redemption proceeds,
     whichever is lower) .................................  None     5% during the first      1% on         None
                                                                   year, decreasing by 1%    redemp-
                                                                    annually to 1% in the   tions made
                                                                    fifth and sixth years    within one
                                                                       and 0% in the          year of
                                                                        seventh year*         purchase
    Redemption Fees ......................................  None            None               None          None
    Exchange Fees ........................................  None            None               None          None
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                         CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES CLASS Z SHARES   
                                                         -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------   
  <S>                                                         <C>         <C>            <C>              <C> 
                                                           
  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES**                       
  (as a percentage of average net assets)
    Management Fees (After Waiver) .......................   .35%          .35%           .35%            .35%
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction)__ .......................   .15%          .75%           .75%            None
    Other Expenses .......................................   .40%          .40%           .40%            .40%
                                                             ---          ----           ----             ---
    Total Fund Operating Expenses (After Waiver
     and After Reduction) ................................   .90%         1.50%          1.50%            .75%
                                                             ===          ====           ====             ===
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1 YEAR          3 YEARS
  EXAMPLE                                                                        ------          -------
  <S>                                                                              <C>             <C> 
  You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
   (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
           Class A .............................................................   $49             $68
           Class B .............................................................   $65             $77
           Class C .............................................................   $25             $47
           Class Z .............................................................   $ 8             $24
  You would pay the following expenses on the same investment, assuming no
   redemption:
           Class A .............................................................   $49             $68
           Class B .............................................................   $15             $47
           Class C .............................................................   $15             $47
           Class Z .............................................................   $ 8             $24
    

</TABLE>

The example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.

   
The purpose of this table is to assist an investor in understanding the various
types of costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear, whether
directly or indirectly. For more complete descriptions of the various costs and
expenses, see "How the Fund is Managed." The example is based on, and "Other
Expenses" include, estimated operating expenses of the Fund for the fiscal
period ending March 31, 1999, such as Directors' and professional fees,
registration fees, reports to shareholders and transfer agency and custodian
(domestic and foreign) fees (but excluding foreign withholding taxes).
    

- ----------

 *   Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately
     seven years after purchase. See "Shareholder Guide--Conversion
     Feature--Class B Shares."

   
**   Based on estimated expenses for the fiscal period ending March 31, 1999
     taking into account the management fee waiver. The Manager has agreed to
     waive .30 of 1% of the Management Fees for the fiscal period ending March
     31, 1999. Without such waiver the Management Fees would be .65% for Class
     A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares and Total Fund Operating Expenses
     would be 1.20% of the average net assets of the Fund's Class A shares,
     1.80% of the average net assets of the Fund's Class B and Class C shares
     and 1.05% of the average net assets of the Fund's Class Z shares. See "How
     the Fund is Managed--Manager--Fee Waivers and Subsidy."
    

 +   Pursuant to rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
     the aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales charges and asset-based
     sales charges (Rule 12b-1 fees) on shares of the Fund may not exceed 6.25%
     of total gross sales, subject to certain exclusions. This 6.25% limitation
     is imposed on each class of the Fund rather than on a per shareholder
     basis. Therefore, long-term shareholders of the Fund may pay more in total
     sales charges than the economic equivalent of 6.25% of such shareholders'
     investment in such shares. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor."

   
++   Although the Class A, Class B and Class C Distribution and Service Plans
     provide that the Fund may pay up to an annual rate of .30 of 1% of the
     average daily net assets of the Class A shares and up to 1% of the average
     daily net assets of the Class B and Class C shares, the Distributor has
     agreed to limit its distribution fees with respect to Class A shares of the
     Fund so as not to exceed .15 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the
     Class A shares, and to limit its distribution fees to no more than .75 of
     1% of the average daily net assets of each of the Class B and Class C
     shares, for the fiscal period ending March 31, 1999. Total Fund Operating
     Expenses without such limitations or fee waivers would be 1.35% for Class A
     shares and 2.05% for Class B and Class C shares. See "How the Fund is
     Managed--Distributor."
    

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                                       5


<PAGE>


================================================================================
                              HOW THE FUND INVESTS
================================================================================


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

   
     The Fund's investment objective is total return through high current income
and capital appreciation. The Fund will seek to achieve its objective by
investing primarily in high yield fixed income securities, equity securities
that were attached to or included in a unit with fixed income securities at the
time of purchase, convertible securities and preferred stocks. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund intends to invest 65% of its total assets in such
securities. The balance of the Fund's assets (or remaining 35%) may be invested
in any other securities believed by the Subadviser to be consistent with the
Fund's investment objective, including, higher rated fixed income securities,
equity securities that were not attached to or included in a unit with fixed
income securities at the time of purchase, loan participations and assignments,
trade claims, futures contracts and options thereon, other derivatives and
certain other investments described in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment
objective will be achieved. See "Investment Objective and Policies" and
"Portfolio Characteristics" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    

     THE FUND IS A VEHICLE FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF YOUR OVERALL PORTFOLIO. IT IS
NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A BALANCED INVESTMENT PROGRAM. AS WITH AN INVESTMENT
IN ANY MUTUAL FUND, AN INVESTMENT IN THIS FUND CAN DECREASE IN VALUE AND YOU CAN
LOSE MONEY.

     The higher yields sought by the Fund are generally obtainable from
securities rated in the lower categories by recognized rating services. The Fund
expects to seek high current income by investing in high yield fixed income
securities. High yield fixed income securities are fixed income securities rated
lower than Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's), or lower than BBB
by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (Standard & Poor's) or comparably rated by
any other Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO), or
unrated securities determined by the Subadviser to be of comparable quality.
Corporate bonds rated below Baa by Moody's and BBB by Standard & Poor's are
considered speculative. The Fund may invest in bonds rated below Caa by Moody's
or CCC by Standard & Poor's, including bonds in the lowest ratings categories (C
for Moody's and D for Standard and Poor's) and unrated bonds of comparable
quality. Such securities are highly speculative and may be in default of
principal and/or interest payments. A description of corporate bond ratings is
contained in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

     Lower rated and comparable unrated securities tend to offer higher yields
than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical
financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as
strong as that of other issuers. Since lower rated securities generally involve
greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities,
investors should consider carefully the relative risks associated with
investments in securities which carry lower ratings and in comparable unrated
securities.

     The investment adviser will perform its own investment analysis and will
not rely principally on the ratings assigned by the rating services, although
such ratings will be considered by the investment adviser. The investment
adviser will consider, among other things, the financial history and condition,
the prospects and the management of an issuer in selecting securities for the
Fund's portfolio.

   
     The Fund's portfolio may include securities of financially troubled or
bankrupt companies (financially troubled issuers) and securities of companies,
that in the view of the Subadviser are currently undervalued, out of favor or
price depressed relative to their long term potential for growth and income
(operationally troubled issuers) (collectively distressed securities).
Investment in distressed securities involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors
Relating to Investing in Distressed Securities" below.
    


                                       6

<PAGE>


   
     Equity securities include foreign and domestic common stocks and rights and
warrants. Equity securities that were attached to or included in a unit with
fixed income securities include equity securities that are issued with fixed
income securities. Such equity securities may be detachable from the fixed
income securities with which they were issued. To the extent the Fund invests in
equity securities, there may be a diminution in the Fund's overall yield.

     Convertible securities are typically corporate bonds or preferred stocks
that may be converted at a stated price within a specified period of time into a
specified number of shares of common stock of the same or a different issuer.
Convertible securities are generally senior to common stocks in a corporation's
capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar nonconvertible
securities. While providing a fixed income stream (generally higher in yield
than the income derivable from a common stock but lower than that afforded by a
similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also affords an
investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the
capital appreciation attendant upon a market price advance in the convertible
security's underlying common stock.
    

     In general, the market value of a convertible security is at least the
higher of its "investment value" (i.e., its value as a fixed income security) or
its "conversion value" (i.e., its value upon conversion into its underlying
common stock). As a fixed income security, a convertible security tends to
increase in market value when interest rates decline and tends to decrease in
value when interest rates rise. However, the price of a convertible security is
also influenced by the market value of the security's underlying common stock.
The price of a convertible security tends to increase as the market value of the
underlying stock rises, whereas it tends to decrease as the market value of the
underlying stock declines. While no securities investment is without some risk,
investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than
investments in the common stock of the same issuer.

   
     High yield fixed income securities may also provide the potential for
capital appreciation, in addition to providing the potential for high current
income. Equity securities that were attached to or included in a unit with fixed
income securities at the time of purchase, convertible securities and preferred
stock may also provide the potential for capital appreciation, and in certain
instances, the potential for high current income. The Fund will seek capital
appreciation by investing in securities which may be expected by the Subadviser
to appreciate in value as a result of declines in long term interest rates or
favorable developments affecting the business or prospects of the issuer which
may improve the issuer's financial condition and credit rating, or a combination
of both.

     As stated above, the Fund will seek to achieve its objective by investing
primarily in high yield fixed income securities, equity securities that were
attached to or included in a unit with fixed income securities at the time of
purchase, convertible securities and preferred stock. When prevailing economic
conditions cause a narrowing of the spreads between the yields derived from
lower rated or comparable unrated securities and those derived from higher rated
issues, the Fund may invest in higher rated fixed income securities which
provide similar yields but have less risk. Generally, the Fund's average
weighted maturity will range from 3 to 12 years.

     WHEN MARKET CONDITIONS DICTATE A MORE DEFENSIVE INVESTMENT STRATEGY, THE
FUND MAY INVEST TEMPORARILY WITHOUT LIMIT IN SHORT TERM OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
SECURITIES GUARANTEED BY, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, ITS AGENCIES OR
INSTRUMENTALITIES OR IN HIGH QUALITY OBLIGATIONS OF BANKS AND CORPORATIONS. THE
YIELD ON THESE SECURITIES WILL TEND TO BE LOWER THAN THE YIELD ON OTHER
SECURITIES TO BE PURCHASED BY THE FUND.
    

ZERO COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES

     THE FUND MAY INVEST IN ZERO COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND OR DEFERRED PAYMENT
SECURITIES. Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a discount to
par value and on which interest payments are not made during the life of the
security. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the
security. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of
such securities are deemed to have received annually "phantom income." The Fund
accrues income with respect to these securities for federal income tax and
accounting purposes prior to the receipt of


                                       7

<PAGE>

cash payments. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable
by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to
receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred payment securities
are securities that remain a zero coupon security until a predetermined date, at
which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable
at regular intervals. Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities
may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event
of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities paying cash
interest at regular interest payment periods. See "Portfolio
Characteristics--Zero Coupon, Pay-in-Kind or Deferred Payment Securities" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

 FOREIGN SECURITIES

     The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity and fixed
income securities of foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars and up to 5% of
its total assets in foreign currency denominated securities issued by foreign
and domestic issuers. American and global depositary receipts are not included
in this 35% limitation. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary
Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and other types of depositary
receipts evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation that have been deposited with a depositary or custodian bank,
typically a U.S. bank or trust company. Depositary receipts may be issued in
connection with an offering of securities by the issuer of the underlying
securities or issued by a depositary bank as a vehicle to promote investment and
trading in the underlying securities. While depositary receipts may not
necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities,
the risks associated with foreign securities also generally apply to depositary
receipts. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations Relating to Investing in
Foreign Securities" below.

     FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Foreign government securities include debt
securities issued or guaranteed, as to payment of principal and interest, by
governments, quasi-governmental entities, governmental agencies, supranational
entities and other governmental entities (collectively, Government Entities)
denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies. A "supranational entity" is
an entity constituted by the national governments of several countries to
promote economic development. Examples of such supranational entities include,
among others, the World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development), the European Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Debt
securities of "quasi-governmental entities" are issued by entities owned by a
national, state, or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit
that are not backed by national government's "full faith and credit" and general
taxing powers. Examples of quasi-governmental entities include, among others,
the Province of Ontarioand the City of Stockholm. Foreign government securities
also include mortgage-backed securities issued by Government Entities.

LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

     The Fund may invest in bank debt which includes interests in loans to
companies or their affiliates undertaken to finance a capital restructuring or
in connection with recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts,
refinancings or other financially leveraged transactions and may include loans
which are designed to provide temporary or "bridge" financing to a borrower
pending the sale of identified assets, the arrangement of longer term loans or
the issuance and sale of debt obligations. These loans, which may bear fixed or
floating rates, have generally been arranged through private negotiations
between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions (Lenders),
including banks. The Fund's investment may be in the form of participations in
loans (Participations) or of assignments of all or a portion of loans from third
parties (Assignments).

     Participations differ both from the public and private debt securities
typically held by the Fund and from Assignments. In Participations, the Fund has
a contractual relationship only with the Lender, not with the borrower. As a
result, the Fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and
any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender

                                       8


<PAGE>


selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the Lender of the payments
from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund
generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the
terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off
against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral
supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation. Thus, the Fund
assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the
Participation. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender, the Fund may be
treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off
between the Lender and the borrower. In Assignments, by contrast, the Fund
acquires direct rights against the borrower, except that under certain
circumstances such rights may be more limited than those held by the assigning
Lender. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Bank Debt" in the Statement of
Additional Information.

   
     The Fund may have difficulty disposing of Assignments and Participations.
Because the market for such instruments is not highly liquid, the Fund
anticipates that such instruments could be sold only to a limited number of
institutional investors. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have
an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and will have an adverse
impact on the Fund's ability to dispose of particular Assignments or
Participations in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration
in the creditworthiness of the borrower.
    

TRADE CLAIMS

     The Fund may invest in trade claims, which are non-securitized rights of
payment arising from obligations other than borrowed funds. Trade claims
typically arise when, in the ordinary course of business, vendors and suppliers
extend credit to a company by offering payment terms. Generally, when a company
files for bankruptcy protection, payments on trade claims cease and the claims
are subject to compromise along with the other debts of the company. Trade
claims typically are bought and sold at a discount reflecting the degree of
uncertainty with respect to the timing and extent of recovery. In addition to
the risks otherwise associated with low quality obligations, trade claims have
other risks, including (i) the possibility that the amount of the claim may be
disputed by the obligor, (ii) the debtor may have a variety of defenses to
assert against the claim under the bankruptcy code, (iii) volatile pricing due
to a less liquid market, including a small number of brokers for trade claims
and a small universe of potential buyers, (iv) the risk that the Fund may be
obligated to purchase a trade claim larger than initially anticipated, and (v)
the risk of failure of sellers of trade claims to indemnify the Fund against
loss due to the bankruptcy or insolvency of such sellers. The negotiation and
enforcement of rights in connection with trade claims may result in higher legal
expenses to the Fund, which may reduce return on such investments. It is not
unusual for trade claims to be priced at a discount to publicly traded
securities that have an equal or lower priority claim. Additionally, trade
claims may be treated as non-securities investments. As a result, any gains may
be considered "non-qualifying" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (Internal Revenue Code). See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES

     THE FUND MAY ENGAGE IN VARIOUS PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES, INCLUDING USING
DERIVATIVES, TO REDUCE CERTAIN RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO
ENHANCE RETURN, BUT NOT FOR SPECULATION. THESE STRATEGIES CURRENTLY INCLUDE
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON (INCLUDING INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS
AND OPTIONS THEREON), OPTIONS ON SECURITIES, FINANCIAL INDICES AND CURRENCIES,
AND FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. THE FUND, AND THUS ITS INVESTORS, MAY
LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF THESE STRATEGIES. The Fund's ability
to use these strategies may be limited by market conditions, regulatory limits
and tax considerations and there can be no assurance that any of these
strategies will succeed. See "Portfolio Characteristics" in the Statement of
Additional Information. New financial products and risk management techniques
continue to be developed and the Fund may use these new investments and
techniques to the extent consistent with its investment objective and policies.

     FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON

     THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
THEREON WHICH ARE TRADED ON A COMMODITIES EXCHANGE OR BOARD OF TRADE TO REDUCE
CERTAIN RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN 

                                       9


<PAGE>


IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
(CFTC). THESE FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS WILL BE ON DEBT SECURITIES,
INCLUDING U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, FINANCIAL INDICES AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES.
THE FUND, AND THUS ITS INVESTORS, MAY LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF
THESE STRATEGIES.A futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell an
agreed amount of securities or currencies at a set price for delivery in the
future. A stock index futures contract is an agreement to deliver an amount of
cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of
a specific stock index on an agreed future date and the contract price. The Fund
may purchase and sell futures contracts as a hedge against changes resulting
from market conditions in the value of securities which are held in the Fund's
portfolio or which the Fund intends to acquire.

     The Fund may not purchase or sell futures contracts and related options to
attempt to enhance return, if immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of
initial margin deposits on the Fund's existing futures and options on futures
and premiums paid for such related options would exceed 5% of the liquidation
value of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may purchase and sell futures
contracts and related options, without limitation, for bona fide hedging
purposes in accordance with regulations of the CFTC (i.e., to reduce certain
risks of its investments). The value of all futures contracts sold will not
exceed the total market value of the Fund's portfolio.

     Futures contracts and related options are generally subject to segregation
and coverage requirements of the CFTC or the Commission. If the Fund does not
hold the security underlying the futures contract, the Fund will be required to
segregate on an ongoing basis cash or other liquid assets in an amount at least
equal to the Fund's obligations with respect to such futures contracts.

     THE FUND'S SUCCESSFUL USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS DEPENDS
UPON THE INVESTMENT ADVISER'S ABILITY TO PREDICT THE DIRECTION OF THE MARKET AND
IS SUBJECT TO VARIOUS ADDITIONAL RISKS. The correlation between movements in the
price of a futures contract and the movements in the index or price of the
currencies being hedged is imperfect and there is a risk that the value of the
indices or currencies being hedged may increase or decrease at a greater rate
than the related futures contracts, resulting in losses to the Fund. Certain
futures exchanges or boards of trade have established daily limits on the amount
that the price of futures contracts or related options may vary, either up or
down, from the previous day's settlement price. These daily limits may restrict
the Fund's ability to purchase or sell certain futures contracts or related
options on any particular day.

     OTHER OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS

     THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND WRITE (I.E., SELL) PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON
SECURITIES, FINANCIAL INDICES AND CURRENCIES THAT ARE TRADED ON U.S. OR FOREIGN
SECURITIES EXCHANGES OR IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MARKET TO HEDGE THE FUND'S
PORTFOLIO OR TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN. These options will be on equity and
debt securities, including U.S. Government securities, financial indices,
including stock indices (e.g., S&P 500), and foreign currencies. The Fund may
write covered put and call options to attempt to generate additional income
through the receipt of premiums, purchase put options in an effort to protect
the value of securities (or currencies) that it owns against a decline in market
value and purchase call options in an effort to protect against an increase in
the price of securities (or currencies) it intends to purchase. The Fund may
also purchase put and call options to offset previously written put and call
options of the same series. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Options on
Securities" in the Statement of Additional Information.

     A CALL OPTION GIVES THE PURCHASER, IN EXCHANGE FOR A PREMIUM PAID, THE
RIGHT FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME TO PURCHASE THE SECURITIES OR CURRENCY
SUBJECT TO THE OPTION AT A SPECIFIED PRICE (THE EXERCISE PRICE OR STRIKE PRICE).
The writer of a call option, in return for the premium, has the obligation, upon
exercise of the option, to deliver, depending upon the terms of the option
contract, the underlying securities or a specified amount of cash to the
purchaser upon receipt of the exercise price. When the Fund writes a call
option, the Fund gives up the potential for gain on the underlying securities or
currency in excess of the exercise price of the option during the period that
the option is open. There is no limitation on the amount of call options the
Fund may write.


                                       10


<PAGE>

     A PUT OPTION GIVES THE PURCHASER, IN RETURN FOR A PREMIUM, THE RIGHT, FOR A
SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME, TO SELL THE SECURITIES OR CURRENCY SUBJECT TO THE
OPTION TO THE WRITER OF THE PUT AT THE SPECIFIED EXERCISE PRICE. The writer of
the put option, in return for the premium, has the obligation, upon exercise of
the option, to acquire the securities or currency underlying the option at the
exercise price. The Fund might, therefore, be obligated to purchase the
underlying securities or currency for more than their current market price.

     THE FUND WILL WRITE ONLY "COVERED" OPTIONS. A written option is covered if,
as long as the Fund is obligated under the option, it (i) owns an offsetting
position in the underlying security or currency or (ii) segregates cash or other
liquid assets in an amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the
option. Under the first circumstance, the Fund's losses are limited because it
owns the underlying security; under the second circumstance, in the case of a
written call option, the Fund's losses are potentially unlimited. See "Portfolio
Characteristics--Options on Securities" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

     THE FUND MAY ENTER INTO FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS TO
PROTECT THE VALUE OF ITS ASSETS AGAINST FUTURE CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF CURRENCY
EXCHANGE RATES. The Fund may enter into such contracts on a spot, i.e., cash,
basis at the rate then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a
forward basis, by entering into a forward contract to purchase or sell currency.
A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a
specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed
upon by the parties from the date of the contract at a price set on the date of
the contract.

     THE FUND'S DEALINGS IN FORWARD CONTRACTS WILL BE LIMITED TO HEDGING
INVOLVING EITHER SPECIFIC TRANSACTIONS OR PORTFOLIO POSITIONS. Transaction
hedging is the purchase or sale of a forward contract with respect to specific
receivables or payables of the Fund generally arising in connection with the
purchase or sale of its portfolio securities and accruals of interest or
dividends receivable and Fund expenses. Position hedging is the sale of a
foreign currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
quoted in that currency or in a different currency (cross hedge). Although there
are no limits on the number of forward contracts which the Fund may enter into,
the Fund may not position hedge (including cross hedges) with respect to a
particular currency for an amount greater than the aggregate market value
(determined at the time of making any sale of foreign currency) of the
securities being hedged. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Risks Related to
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

RISK FACTORS RELATING TO INVESTING IN DEBT SECURITIES RATED BELOW INVESTMENT
GRADE(JUNK BONDS)

     Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to
meet principal and interest payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may
also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate
sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general
market liquidity (market risk). Lower rated or unrated (i.e., high yield or high
risk) securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds") are more likely to react
to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated
securities, which react primarily to movements in the general level of interest
rates. The investment adviser considers both credit risk and market risk in
making investment decisions for the Fund. Investors should carefully consider
the relative risks of investing in high yield securities and understand that
such securities are not generally meant for short term investing.

     Under adverse economic conditions, there is a risk that highly leveraged
issuers may be unable to service their debt obligations or to repay their
obligations upon maturity. During an economic downturn or recession, securities
of highly leveraged issuers are more likely to default than securities of higher
rated issuers. In addition, the secondary market for high yield securities,
which is concentrated in relatively few market makers, may not be as liquid as
the secondary 

                                       11


<PAGE>



market for more highly rated securities. Under adverse market or economic
conditions, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract
further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a
particular issuer. As a result, the investment adviser could find it more
difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at
prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon
the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances,
may be less than the prices used in calculating the Fund's NAV. Under the
circumstances where the Fund owns the majority of an issue, market and credit
risks may be greater.

     Lower rated or unrated debt obligations also present risks based on payment
expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, the Fund may
have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a
decreased return for investors. If the Fund experiences unexpected net
redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated securities, resulting in
a decline in the overall credit quality of the Fund's portfolio and increasing
the exposure of the Fund to the risks of high yield securities.

     The Fund may invest in securities having the lowest ratings assigned by
nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations or no rating but judged
by the Subadviser to be of comparable quality. Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C
by Standard & Poor's, and debt rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca and C by Moody's is regarded
by the rating agency, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to
the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation. BB/Ba indicates the lowest degree of speculation and
D/C the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Similarly, debt
rated Ba or BB and below is regarded by the relevant rating agency as
speculative. Debt rated C by Standard & Poor's is the lowest rated debt that is
not in default as to principal or interest and such issues so rated can be
regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing. Such securities are also generally considered to be subject
to greater risk than securities with higher ratings with regard to a
deterioration of general economic conditions. Debt rated D by Standard & Poor's
is in payment default. Moody's does not have a D rating. See "Description of
Security Ratings" in the Appendix.

     Ratings of fixed income securities represent the rating agencies' opinions
regarding their credit quality and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating
agencies attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments and
do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies
may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings in response to subsequent
events, so that an issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse
than a rating indicates.

RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO INVESTING IN FOREIGN
SECURITIES

     FOREIGN SECURITIES INVOLVE CERTAIN RISKS, WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED
CAREFULLY BY AN INVESTOR IN THE FUND. THESE RISKS INCLUDE POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC
INSTABILITY IN THE COUNTRY OF THE ISSUER, THE DIFFICULTY OF PREDICTING
INTERNATIONAL TRADE PATTERNS, THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPOSITION OF EXCHANGE CONTROLS
AND THE RISK OF CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS. Such securities may be subject to greater
fluctuations in price than securities issued by U.S. corporations or issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its instrumentalities or agencies. In
addition, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company or government than about a domestic company or the U.S. Government.
Foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies. There is generally less government regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad than in the United States and
there is a possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation or diplomatic
developments which could affect investment. In many instances, foreign debt
securities may provide higher yields than securities of domestic issuers which
have similar maturities and quality. These investments, however, may be less
liquid than the securities of U.S. corporations. In the event of default of any
such foreign debt obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain
or enforce a judgment against the issuers of such securities.

     INVESTING IN THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES INVOLVES
EXPOSURE TO ECONOMIES THAT ARE GENERALLY LESS DIVERSE AND MATURE AND TO
POLITICAL SYSTEMS WHICH CAN BE EXPECTED TO HAVE LESS STABILITY THAN THOSE OF

                                       12


<PAGE>

DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT THE MARKETS OF
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN MORE VOLATILE THAN THE MARKETS OF DEVELOPED
COUNTRIES. THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES MAY BE
GREATER WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND ARE CERTAINLY
GREATER WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN THE SECURITIES OF FINANCIALLY AND
OPERATIONALLY TROUBLED ISSUERS.

     ADDITIONAL COSTS COULD BE INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUND'S
INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES. Foreign brokerage commissions are generally
higher than United States brokerage commissions. Increased custodian costs as
well as administrative difficulties (such as the applicability of foreign laws
to foreign custodians in various circumstances) may be associated with the
maintenance of assets in foreign jurisdictions.

     If the security is denominated in a foreign currency, it will be affected
by changes in currency exchange rates and in exchange control regulations, and
costs will be incurred in connection with conversions between currencies. A
change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in
a corresponding change in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's securities
denominated in that currency. Such changes also will affect the Fund's income
and distributions to shareholders. In addition, although the Fund will receive
income in such currencies, the Fund will be required to compute and distribute
its income in U.S. dollars. Therefore, if the exchange rate for any such
currency declines after the Fund's income has been accrued and translated into
U.S. dollars, the Fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to
make such distributions, particularly in instances in which the amount of income
the Fund is required to distribute is not immediately reduced by the decline in
such currency. Similarly, if an exchange rate declines between the time the Fund
incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time such expenses are paid, the amount
of such currency required to be converted into U.S. dollars in order to pay such
expenses in U.S. dollars will be greater than the equivalent amount in any such
currency of such expenses at the time they were incurred.

     The Fund may, but need not, enter into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts, options on foreign currencies and futures contracts on foreign
currencies and related options, for hedging purposes, including: locking in the
U.S. dollar price of the purchase or sale of securities denominated in a foreign
currency; locking in the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends to be paid on such
securities which are held by the Fund; and protecting the U.S. dollar value of
such securities which are held by the Fund.

RISK FACTORS RELATING TO INVESTING IN DISTRESSED SECURITIES

     Distressed securities involve a high degree of credit and market risk and
may be subject to greater price volatility than other securities in which the
Fund invests.

     Although the Fund will invest in select companies which in the view of the
Subadviser have the potential over the long term for capital growth, there can
be no assurance that such financially or operationally troubled companies can be
successfully transformed into profitable operating companies. There is a
possibility that the Fund may incur substantial or total losses on its
investments. During an economic downturn or recession, securities of financially
troubled issuers are more likely to go into default than securities of other
issuers. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain information about
financially and operationally troubled issuers.

     Securities of financially troubled issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of companies not experiencing financial difficulties.
The market prices of such securities are subject to erratic and abrupt market
movements and the spread between bid and asked prices may be greater than
normally expected. In addition, it is anticipated that many of such portfolio
investments may not be widely traded and that the Fund's position in such
securities may be substantial relative to the market for such securities. As a
result, the Fund may experience delays and incur losses and other costs in
connection with the sale of its portfolio securities.

     Distressed securities which the Fund may purchase may also include
securities of companies involved in bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations and
financial restructurings. To the extent the Fund invests in such securities, it
may have

                                       13


<PAGE>


   
a more active participation in the affairs of issuers than is generally assumed
by an investor. This may subject the Fund to litigation risks or prevent the
Fund from disposing of securities. In a bankruptcy or other proceeding, the Fund
as a creditor may be unable to enforce its rights in any collateral or may have
its security interest in any collateral challenged, disallowed or subordinated
to the claims of the creditors. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Securities of
Financially and Operationally Troubled Issuers--Bankruptcy and Other
Proceedings--Litigation Risks" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    

RISKS OF HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES

     PARTICIPATION IN THE OPTIONS OR FUTURES MARKETS AND IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE
TRANSACTIONS INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS AND TRANSACTION COSTS TO WHICH THE FUND
WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT ABSENT THE USE OF THESE STRATEGIES. THE FUND, AND THUS ITS
INVESTORS, MAY LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF THESE strategies. If
the Subadviser's predictions of movements in the direction of the securities,
foreign currency and interest rate markets are inaccurate, the adverse
consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if such
strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, foreign currency
and futures contracts and options on futures contracts include (1) dependence on
the Subadviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; (2) imperfect
correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options
thereon and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being
hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different
from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a
liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and (5) the
possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a
time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for
the Fund to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need
for the Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate securities in connection with
hedging transactions.

     The Fund will generally purchase options and futures on an exchange only if
there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such options or futures; the
Fund will generally purchase OTC options only if management believes that the
other party to options will continue to make a market for such options. However,
there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will continue to exist
or that the other party will continue to make a market. Thus, it may not be
possible to close an options or futures transaction. The inability to close
options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund's
ability to effectively hedge its portfolio. There is also the risk of loss by
the Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker
with whom the Fund has an open position in an option, a futures contract or
related option.

OTHER INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT POLICIES

     REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements whereby the seller of the
security agrees to repurchase that security from the Fund at a mutually agreed
upon time and price. The repurchase date is usually within a day or two of the
original purchase, although it may extend over a number of months. The resale
price is in excess of the purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon rate of
return effective for the period of time the Fund's money is invested in the
repurchase agreement. The Fund's repurchase agreements will at all times be
fully collateralized in an amount at least equal to the resale price. In the
event of a default or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek to
liquidate the collateral. To the extent that the proceeds from any sale of such
collateral upon a default in the obligation to repurchase are less than the
resale price, the Fund will suffer a loss. The Fund participates in a joint
repurchase account with other investment companies managed by PIFM pursuant to
an order of the Commission. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Repurchase
Agreements" in the Statement of Additional Information.


                                       14


<PAGE>

     SECURITIES LENDING

     The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers or dealers, banks or
other recognized institutional borrowers of securities, provided that the
borrower at all times maintains cash or other liquid assets or secures an
irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the Fund in an amount equal to at least
100%, determined daily, of the market value of the securities loaned which is
maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable regulations. During
the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund an
amount equivalent to any dividend or interest paid on such securities and the
Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn additional income, or it may
receive an agreed upon amount of interest income from the borrower. As with any
extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases
loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. The Fund will not lend more than 30% of the value of its total
assets. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Lending of Securities" in the Statement
of Additional Information. The Fund may pay reasonable administration and
custodial fees in connection with a loan.

     BORROWING

   
     The Fund may borrow an amount equal to no more than 33 1/3% of the value of
its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing) from banks for
temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes or for the clearance of
transactions. The Fund may pledge up to 33 1/3% of its total assets to secure
these borrowings. If the Fund's asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%,
the Fund will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings. If the 300% asset
coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the
Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities to reduce the debt and restore
the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an
investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. The Fund will not
purchase portfolio securities when borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its
total assets. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Borrowing" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
    

     ILLIQUID SECURITIES

     The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities,
including repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days,
securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale (restricted
securities) and securities that are not readily marketable in securities markets
either within or outside of the United States. Restricted securities eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the Securities Act), privately placed commercial paper and municipal lease
obligations that have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for
purposes of this limitation. The investment adviser will monitor the liquidity
of such restricted securities under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the level
of Fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become,
for a limited time, uninterested in purchasing these securities. Repurchase
agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the
applicable notice period.

     Securities of financially and operationally troubled issuers are less
liquid and more volatile than securities of companies not experiencing financial
difficulties. Many of the Fund's portfolio investments may not be widely traded.
Accordingly, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous
times and at disadvantageous prices in order to maintain no more than 15% of its
net assets in illiquid securities. This could have an adverse impact on the
Fund's performance. See "Portfolio Characteristics--Illiquid Securities" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

     WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES

     The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed
delivery basis. When-issued or delayed delivery transactions arise when
securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking
place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous
price or yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. While
the Fund will only purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis with the

                                       15


<PAGE>


intention of acquiring the securities, the Fund may sell the securities before
the settlement date, if it is deemed advisable. At the time the Fund makes the
commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis,
the Fund will record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value, each day,
of such security in determining the NAV of the Fund. At the time of delivery of
the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase price. The Fund
will segregate cash or other liquid assets having a value equal to or greater
than the Fund's purchase commitments. Subject to this requirement, the Fund may
purchase securities on such basis without limit. See "Portfolio
Characteristics--When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities" in the Statement
of Additional Information.

     SHORT SALES

     The Fund may sell a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline
in the market value of that security (short sales). To complete the transaction,
the Fund will borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is
then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market
price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less
than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is
replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender any dividends or interest
which accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund may
be required to pay a premium which would increase the cost of the security sold.
The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker to the extent
necessary to meet margin requirements until the short position is closed out.
Until the Fund replaces the borrowed security, it will (a) segregate cash or
other liquid assets at such a level that the amount deposited in the account
plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current
value of the security sold short and will not be less than the market value of
the security at the time it was sold short, or (b) otherwise cover its short
position through a short sale "against-the-box," which is a short sale in which
the Fund owns an equal amount of the securities sold short or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further
consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short. The value of securities of any one issuer in which the
Fund is short may not exceed the lesser of 2% of the value of the Fund's net
assets or 2% of the securities of any class of any issuer.

     The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of
the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates. The amount of any gain will be
decreased, and the amount of any loss will be increased, by the amount of any
premium, dividends or interest paid in connection with the short sale.

     PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

     As a result of the Fund's investment policies, its portfolio turnover rate
may exceed 100%, although the rate is not expected to exceed 150%. High
portfolio turnover (over 100%) may involve correspondingly greater brokerage
commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the
Fund. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage" in the Statement of Additional
Information. In addition, high portfolio turnover may result in increased short
term capital gains which, when distributed to shareholders, are treated as
ordinary income. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions."

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     The Fund's investment objective is not a fundamental policy, which means
that it may be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without the approval of
the Fund's shareholders. The Fund will notify its shareholders in the event of
any change in its investment objective.

     The Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions which constitute
fundamental policies. Fundamental policies cannot be changed without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(Investment Company Act). Investment policies that are not fundamental may be
modified by the Board of Directors. See "Investment Restrictions" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

                                       16


<PAGE>



================================================================================
                             HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED
================================================================================

     THE FUND HAS A BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHICH, IN ADDITION TO OVERSEEING THE
ACTIONS OF THE FUND'S MANAGER, SUBADVISER AND DISTRIBUTOR, DECIDES UPON MATTERS
OF GENERAL POLICY. THE FUND'S MANAGER CONDUCTS AND SUPERVISES THE DAILY BUSINESS
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND. THE FUND'S SUBADVISER FURNISHES DAILY INVESTMENT
ADVISORY SERVICES.

   
     The Fund is responsible for the payment of certain fees and expenses
including, among others, the following:(i) management and distribution fees;
(ii) the fees of unaffiliated Directors; (iii) the fees of the Fund'sCustodian
and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent; (iv) the fees of the Fund's legal
counsel and independent accountants; (v) brokerage commissions incurred in
connection with portfolio transactions; (vi) all taxes and charges of
governmental agencies; (vii) the reimbursement of organization expenses; and
(viii) expenses related to shareholder communications, including all expenses of
shareholders' and Board of Directors' meetings and of preparing, printing and
mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders.
    

MANAGER

   
     PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS FUND MANAGEMENT LLC (PIFM OR THE MANAGER), GATEWAY
CENTER THREE, 100 MULBERRY STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077, IS THE MANAGER
OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED FOR ITS SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF .65 OF 1%
OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS. PIFM is organized in New York as a
limited liability company. See "Fee Waivers and Subsidy" below and "Manager" in
the Statement of Additional Information.

     As of February 28, 1998, PIFM served as the manager to 42 open-end
investment companies, constituting all of the Prudential Mutual Funds, and as
manager or administrator to 22 closed-end investment companies with aggregate
assets of approximately $63 billion.
    

     UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FUND, PIFM MANAGES THE INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND AND ALSO ADMINISTERS THE FUND'S CORPORATE AFFAIRS. See
"Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.

     UNDER THE SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN PIFM AND THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC), WHICH DOES BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME OF PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS
(PI, THE SUBADVISER OR THE INVESTMENT ADVISER), PI FURNISHES INVESTMENT ADVISORY
SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND IS REIMBURSED BY PIFM
FOR ITS REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES. PIFM
continues to have responsibility pursuant to the Management Agreement for all
investment advisory services and supervises the Subadviser's performance of such
services.

   
     The co-portfolio managers of the Fund are George Edwards, Managing
Director, and Paul G. Price, CFA, Vice President of Prudential Investments.
Messrs. Edwards and Price share responsibility for the day-to-day management of
the Fund's portfolio. In addition, Messrs. Edwards and Price serve as
co-managers of the Prudential Distressed Securities Fund, Inc. Mr. Edwards has
been employed by PI as a portfolio manager since 1985 and has been a portfolio
manager of the Fund since its inception. Mr. Edwards serves as a high yield
portfolio manager of institutional accounts at PI. Mr. Price has been employed
by The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) since 1988 and has
served as co-portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception.

     Messrs. Edwards and Price are part of Prudential's high yield bond team of
11 seasoned investment professionals with more than 100 years of combined
investment experience. The team manages over $5.5 billion in high yield assets.
The portfolio managers use bottom-up analysis to consider a universe of
approximately 1,800 bond issues, analyzing such factors as liquidity, financial
strength and risk/return profile, to construct the Fund's portfolio.
    

                                       17

<PAGE>



   
     PIFM and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance
Company of America (Prudential), a major diversified insurance and financial
services company.
    

FEE WAIVERS AND SUBSIDY

   
     PIFM has agreed to waive .30 of 1% of its management fee for the fiscal
period ended March 31, 1999. The Fund is not required to reimburse PIFM for such
management fee waiver. Thereafter, PIFM may from time to time waive all or a
portion of its management fee and subsidize all or a portion of the operating
expenses of the Fund. Fee waivers and expense subsidies will increase the Fund's
total return. See "Fund Expenses" above and "Performance Information" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
    

DISTRIBUTOR

   
     PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES OR THE
DISTRIBUTOR), ONE SEAPORT PLAZA, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292, IS A CORPORATION
ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR
OF THE CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES OF THE FUND. IT IS AN
INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PRUDENTIAL.

     UNDER SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS (THE CLASS A PLAN, THE CLASS
B PLAN AND THE CLASS C PLAN, COLLECTIVELY, THE PLANS) ADOPTED BY THE FUND UNDER
RULE 12B-1 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND A DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (THE
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT), THE DISTRIBUTOR INCURS THE EXPENSES OF DISTRIBUTING THE
FUND'S CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES. The Distributor also incurs the
expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under the Distribution
Agreement, none of which is reimbursed by or paid for by the Fund. These
expenses include commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account
of, financial advisers of Prudential Securities and Pruco Securities Corporation
(Prusec), an affiliated broker-dealer, commissions and account servicing fees
paid to, or on account of, other broker-dealers or financial institutions (other
than national banks) which have entered into agreements with the Distributor,
advertising expenses, the cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential
investors and indirect and overhead costs of Prudential Securities and Prusec
associated with the sale of Fund shares, including lease, utility,
communications and sales promotion expenses.
    

     Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service
fees to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service
activities, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the
Distributor's expenses exceed its distribution and service fees, the Fund will
not be obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses
are less than such distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees
and realize a profit.

     UNDER THE CLASS A PLAN, THE FUND MAY PAY THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR ITS
DISTRIBUTION-RELATED EXPENSES WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES AT AN ANNUAL RATE
OF UP TO .30 OF 1% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS OF THE CLASS A SHARES. The
Class A Plan provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets
of the Class A shares may be used to pay for personal service and/or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts (service fee) and (ii) total distribution
fees (including the service fee of .25% of 1%) may not exceed .30 of 1% of the
average daily net assets of the Class A shares. It is expected that, in the case
of Class A shares, proceeds from the distribution fee will be used primarily to
pay account servicing fees to financial advisers. The Distributor has agreed to
limit its distribution-related fees payable under the Class A Plan to.15 of 1%
of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 1999.

     UNDER THE CLASS B AND CLASS C PLANS, THE FUND MAY PAY THE DISTRIBUTOR FOR
ITS DISTRIBUTION-RELATED EXPENSES WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES AT
AN ANNUAL RATE OF 1% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS OF EACH OF THE CLASS B AND
CLASS C SHARES. The Class B and Class C Plans provide for the payment to the
Distributor of (i) an asset-based sales charge of .75 of 1% of the average daily
net assets of the Class B and Class C shares, respectively, and (ii) a service
fee of .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of each of the Class B and
Class C shares. The service fee is used to pay for

                                       18


<PAGE>

personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor
also receives contingent deferred sales charges from certain redeeming
shareholders. The Distributor has agreed to limit its distribution-related fees
payable under each of the Class B and Class C Plans to .75 of 1% of the average
daily net assets of the Class B and Class C shares for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 1999. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges."

     The Fund records all payments made under the Plans as expenses in the
calculation of net investment income. See "Distributor" in the Statement of
Additional Information.

     Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of the Fund will be allocated to each such class based upon the
ratio of sales of each such class to the sales of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund, other than expenses allocable to a particular class. The
distribution fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize the
sale of another class.

     Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year
provided that a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a
majority of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreement related to the
Plan (the Rule 12b-1 Directors), vote annually to continue the Plan. Each Plan
may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors
or of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund.
The Fund will not be obligated to pay distribution and service fees incurred
under any Plan if it is terminated or not continued.

     In addition to distribution and service fees paid by the Fund under the
Class A, Class B and Class C Plans, the Manager (or one of its affiliates) may
make payments out of its own resources to dealers (including Prudential
Securities) and other persons which distribute shares of the Fund (including
Class Z shares). Such payments may be calculated by reference to the NAV of
shares sold by such persons or otherwise.

     The Distributor is subject to the rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) governing maximum sales charges. See
"Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information.
       

FEE WAIVERS

     The Distributor has agreed to limit its distribution fee for the Class A,
Class B and Class C shares as described above under "Distributor." Fee waivers
will increase the Fund's total return. See "Fund Expenses" above and
"Performance Information" in the Statement of Additional Information.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

     Prudential Securities may act as a broker or futures commission merchant
for the Fund provided that the commissions, fees or other remuneration it
receives are fair and reasonable. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage" in
the Statement of Additional Information.

     From time to time, Prudential Securities (and other affiliates of
Prudential) render investment banking services which may relate to or involve
issuers of securities held by the Fund or sought to be purchased or sold by the
Fund. Accordingly, Prudential Securities and its clients may have interests in
actual or potential conflict with the interests of the Fund. Under such
circumstances, the Manager will act in the best interests of the Fund without
regard to the interests of Prudential Securities or its clients.

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

   
     State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities and
cash and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and accounting books and
records pursuant to an agreement with the Fund. Its mailing address is P.O. Box
1713, Boston, Massachusetts 02105.
    

                                       19


<PAGE>


     Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent), Raritan
Plaza One, Edison, New Jersey 08837, serves as Transfer Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent and in those capacities maintains certain books and records for
the Fund. PMFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM. Its mailing address is P.O.
Box 15005, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5005.

YEAR 2000

     The services provided to the Fund and the shareholders by the Manager, the
Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Custodian depend on the smooth
functioning of their computer systems and those of their outside service
providers. Many computer software systems in use today cannot distinguish the
year 2000 from the year 1900 because of the way dates are encoded and
calculated. Such event could have a negative impact on handling securities
trades, payments of interest and dividends, pricing and account services.
Although, at this time, there can be no assurance that there will be no adverse
impact on the Fund, the Manager, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the
Custodian have advised the Fund that they have been actively working on
necessary changes to their computer systems to prepare for the year 2000 and
expect that their systems, and those of their outside service providers, will be
adapted in time for that event.

================================================================================
                         HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
================================================================================

     THE FUND'S NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE OR NAV IS DETERMINED BY SUBTRACTING
ITS LIABILITIES FROM THE VALUE OF ITS ASSETS AND DIVIDING THE REMAINDER BY THE
NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING SHARES. NAV IS CALCULATED SEPARATELY FOR EACH CLASS. For
valuation purposes, quotations of foreign securities in a foreign currency are
converted to U.S. dollar equivalents. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS FIXED THE
SPECIFIC TIME OF DAY FOR THE COMPUTATION OF THE FUND'S NAV TO BE AS OF 4:15
P.M., NEW YORK TIME.

     Portfolio securities are valued based on market quotations or, if not
readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Directors. For valuation purposes, quotations
of foreign securities in a foreign currency are converted to U.S. dollar
equivalents. See "Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.

     The Fund will compute its NAV once daily on days that the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to purchase, sell
or redeem shares have been received by the Fund or days on which changes in the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not materially affect the NAV. See
"Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.

     Although the legal rights of each class of shares are substantially
identical, the different expenses borne by each class will result in different
NAVs and dividends. The NAV of Class B and Class C shares will generally be
lower than the NAV of Class A shares as a result of the larger
distribution-related fee to which Class B and Class C shares are subject. The
NAV of Class A shares will generally be lower than the NAV of Class Z shares
because Class Z shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees.
It is expected, however, that the NAV of the four classes will tend to converge
immediately after the recording of dividends, if any, which will differ by
approximately the amount of distribution and/or service fee expense accrual
differential among the classes, unless the Fund has net operating losses.

================================================================================
                       HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
================================================================================

   
     FROM TIME TO TIME THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS TOTAL RETURN (INCLUDING
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AND AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN) AND YIELD IN
ADVERTISEMENTS OR SALES LITERATURE. TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD ARE CALCULATED
SEPARATELY FOR 
    


                                       20


<PAGE>


CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES. These figures are based on
historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. The
total return shows how much an investment in the Fund would have increased
(decreased) over a specified period of time (i.e., one, five or ten years or
since inception of the Fund) assuming that all distributions and dividends by
the Fund were reinvested on the reinvestment dates during the period and less
all recurring fees. The aggregate total return reflects actual performance over
a stated period of time. Average annual total return is a hypothetical rate of
return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the same aggregate total
return if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total return smooths out variations in performance and takes into account any
applicable initial or contingent deferred sales charges. Neither average annual
total return nor aggregate total return takes into account any federal or state
income taxes which may be payable upon redemption. The yield refers to the
income generated by an investment in the Fund over a one-month or 30-day period.
This income is then annualized; that is, the amount of income generated by the
investment during that 30-day period is assumed to be generated each 30-day
period for twelve periods and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The
income earned on the investment is also assumed to be reinvested at the end of
the sixth 30-day period. The Fund also may include comparative performance
information in advertising or marketing the Fund's shares. Such performance
information may include data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar
Publications, Inc., and other industry publications, business periodicals and
market indices. See "Performance Information" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Further performance information will be contained in the Fund's
annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, which will be available without
charge. See "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder Services--Reportsto Shareholders."

================================================================================
                       TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
================================================================================

TAXATION OF THE FUND

     THE FUND INTENDS TO QUALIFY AND ELECT TO BE TREATED AS A REGULATED
INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. AS LONG AS IT SO QUALIFIES,
THE FUND WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES ON ITS NET INVESTMENT
INCOME AND NET CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY, THAT IT DISTRIBUTES TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS.

     TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS

     All dividends out of net investment income, together with distributions of
net short-term gains (i.e., the excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses) distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as
ordinary income to the shareholder whether or not reinvested. Any net capital
gains (i.e., the excess of net capital gains from the sale of assets held for
more than 12 months over net short-term capital losses) distributed to
shareholders will be taxable as capital gains to the shareholder, whether or not
reinvested and regardless of the length of time a shareholder has owned his or
her shares. The maximum long-term capital gains rate for individual shareholders
for securities held between 12 and 18 months is currently 28% and for securities
held more than 18 months is 20%. The maximum tax rate for ordinary income is
39.6%. The maximum long-term capital gains rate for corporate shareholders is
currently the same as the maximum tax rate for ordinary income.

     Dividends received by corporate shareholders are eligible for a
dividends-received deduction of 70% to the extent the Fund's income is derived
from qualified dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations.
Dividends attributable to interest income, capital and currency gain, gain or
loss from Section 1256 contracts, dividend income from foreign corporations and
income from some other sources will not be eligible for the corporate dividends
received deduction. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of
Additional Information. Corporate shareholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding other requirements applicable to the dividends received deduction.

                                       21


<PAGE>


     Any dividends paid shortly after a purchase by an investor may have the
effect of reducing the per share NAV of the investor's shares by the per share
amount of the dividends. Furthermore, such dividends, although in effect a
return of capital, are subject to federal income taxes. Therefore, prior to
purchasing shares of the Fund, the investor should carefully consider the impact
of dividends, including capital gains distributions, which are expected to be or
havebeen announced.

     Any gain or loss realized upon a sale or redemption of shares by a
shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will generally be treated as
capital gain or loss. In the case of an individual, any such capital gain will
be treated as a short-term capital gain, taxable at ordinary income rates if the
shares were held for not more than 12 months, and as a long-term capital gain
taxable at the maximum rate of 28% if such shares were held for more than 12 but
not more than 18 months, and at the maximum rate of 20% if such shares were held
for more than 18 months. In the case of a corporation, any such capital gain
will be treated as a long-term capital gain, taxable at the same rates as
ordinary income, if such shares were held for more than 12 months. Any such loss
will be treated as a long-term capital loss if the shares were held for more
than 12 months. Moreover, any such loss with respect to shares that are held for
six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
any capital gain distributions received by the shareholder.

     A shareholder who acquires shares of the Fund and sells or otherwise
disposes of such shares within 90 days of acquisition may not be allowed to
include the sales charges incurred with respect to its initial shareholdings for
purposes of calculating gain or loss realized upon a sale or exchange of those
shares of the Fund. Instead, such charges may be treated as incurred on its
reacquisition of Fund shares.

     WITHHOLDING TAXES

     Under the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund is required to withhold and remit
to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, capital gain income and redemption
proceeds on the accounts of certain shareholders who fail to furnish their tax
identification numbers on IRS Form W-9 (or IRS Form W-8 in the case of certain
foreign shareholders) with the required certifications regarding the
shareholder's status under the federal income tax law. Withholding at this rate
is also required from dividends and capital gains distributions (but not
redemption proceeds) payable to shareholders who are otherwise subject to backup
withholding. Dividends of net investment income and net short-term capital gains
payable to a foreign shareholder will generally be subject to U.S. withholding
tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate).

     Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to federal, state or local taxes. See "Taxes, Dividends and
Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.

     DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

   
     THE FUND EXPECTS TO DECLARE DAILY AND PAY MONTHLY DIVIDENDS BASED ON ACTUAL
NET INVESTMENT INCOME DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES; HOWEVER, A PORTION OF SUCH DIVIDEND MAY ALSO INCLUDE
PROJECTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME. THE FUND EXPECTS TO MAKE DISTRIBUTIONS AT LEAST
ANNUALLY OF NET CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect
to each class of shares, to the extent any dividends are paid, will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day and will be in
the same amount except that Class A, Class B and Class C shares will bear their
own distribution charges, generally resulting in lower dividends for Class B and
Class C shares in relation to Class A shares and lower dividends for Class A
shares in relation to Class Z shares. Distribution of net capital gains, if any,
will be paid in the same amount per share for each class of shares. See "How the
Fund Values its Shares."
    

     DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE PAID IN ADDITIONAL FUND SHARES, BASED
ON THE NAV OF EACH CLASS ON THE PAYMENT DATE AND RECORD DATE, RESPECTIVELY, OR
SUCH OTHER DATE AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY DETERMINE, UNLESS THE


                                       22

<PAGE>


   
SHAREHOLDER ELECTS IN WRITING NOT LESS THAN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE
RECORD DATE TO RECEIVE SUCH DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. Such election
should be submitted to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attn: Account
Maintenance Unit, P.O. Box 15015, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5015. If you
hold shares through Prudential Securities, you should contact your financial
adviser to elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash. The Fund will
notify each shareholder after the close of the Fund's taxable year both of the
dollar amount and the taxable status of that year's dividends and distributions
on a per share basis.

     IF YOU BUY SHARES IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE RECORD DATE (THE DATE THAT
DETERMINES WHO RECEIVES THE DIVIDEND), YOU WILL RECEIVE A PORTION OF THE MONEY
YOU INVESTED AS A TAXABLE DIVIDEND. THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE TIMING OF
DIVIDENDS WHEN BUYING SHARES OF THE FUND.
    

     To the extent that, in a given year, distributions to shareholders exceed
the Fund's current and accumulated earnings profits, shareholders will receive a
return of capital in respect of such year and, in an annual statement, will be
notified of the amount of any return of capital for such year.

     Any distributions of net capital gains paid shortly after a purchase by an
investor will have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of the
investor's shares by the per share amount of the distributions. Such
distributions, although in effect a return of invested principal, are subject to
federal income taxes. Accordingly, prior to purchasing shares of the Fund, an
investor should carefully consider the impact of capital gains distributions
which are expected to be or have been announced.

================================================================================
                               GENERAL INFORMATION
================================================================================

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

   
     THE FUND WAS INCORPORATED IN MARYLAND ON FEBRUARY 18, 1997. THE FUND IS
AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE 2.5 BILLION SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $.0001 PAR VALUE PER
SHARE, DIVIDED INTO FOUR CLASSES, DESIGNATED CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS
Z COMMON STOCK. OF THE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, ONE BILLION SHARES
HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED CLASS A COMMON STOCK, 500 MILLION SHARES HAVE BEEN
DESIGNATED CLASS B COMMON STOCK, 500 MILLION SHARES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED CLASS C
COMMON STOCK AND 500 MILLION SHARES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED CLASS Z COMMON STOCK.
Each class of common stock represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund
and is identical in all respects except that (i) each class is subject to
different sales charges and distribution and/or service fees (except for Class Z
shares, which are not subject to any sales charge or distribution and/or service
fee), which may affect performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights
on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement
and has separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which
the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, (iii)
each class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature, and (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a
limited group of investors. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor."
Currently, the Fund is offering Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of
common stock. In accordance with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, the Board
of Directors may authorize the creation of additional series of common stock and
classes within such series, with such preferences, privileges, limitations and
voting and dividend rights as the Board may determine.
    

     The Board of Directors may increase or decrease the number of authorized
shares. Shares of the Fund, when issued, are fully paid, nonassessable, fully
transferable and redeemable at the option of the holder. Shares are also
redeemable at the option of the Fund under certain circumstances as described
under "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares." Each share of each class of
common stock is equal as to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except as
noted

                                       23


<PAGE>



above, and each class (with the exception of Class Z shares, which are not
subject to any distribution and/or service fees) bears the expenses related to
the distribution of its shares. Except for the conversion feature applicable to
the Class B shares, there are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription
rights. In the event of liquidation, each share of common stock of the Fund is
entitled to its portion of all of the Fund's assets after all debts and expenses
of the Fund have been paid. Since Class B and Class C shares generally bear
higher distribution expenses than Class A shares, the liquidation proceeds to
shareholders of those classes are likely to be lower than to Class A
shareholders and to Class Z shareholders, whose shares are not subject to any
distribution and/or service fees. The Fund's shares do not have cumulative
voting rights for the election of Directors.

     THE FUND DOES NOT INTEND TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW. THE FUND WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO HOLD MEETINGS OF
SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS IS REQUIRED TO BE
ACTED ON BY SHAREHOLDERS UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. SHAREHOLDERS HAVE
CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CALL A MEETING UPON A VOTE OF 10% OR MORE
OF THE FUND'S OUTSTANDING SHARES FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE REMOVAL OF ONE
OR MORE DIRECTORS OR TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     This Prospectus, including the Statement of Additional Information which
has been incorporated by reference herein, does not contain all the information
set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission
under the Securities Act. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained
at a reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge,
at the office of the Commission in Washington, D.C.

================================================================================
                                SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
================================================================================

HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND

INITIAL OFFERING OF SHARES

   
     Prudential Securities will solicit subscriptions for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares of the Fund during a subscription period (the
Subscription Period) commencing on or about March 26, 1998, and currently
expected to end on or about May 8, 1998. Shares of the Fund subscribed for
during the Subscription Period will be issued at an NAV of $10.00 per share on a
closing date (which is expected to occur on May 13, 1998). An initial sales
charge of 4% (4.17% of the net amount invested) is imposed on each transaction
in Class A shares. This initial sales charge may be reduced, depending on the
amount of the purchase, as set forth in the table under "Alternative Purchase
Plan." Each investor's dealer will notify such investor of the end of the
Subscription Period and payment will be due within three days thereafter. If any
orders received during the Subscription Period are accompanied by payment, such
payment will be returned unless instructions have been received authorizing
investment in a money market fund. All such funds received and invested in a
money market fund, including any dividends received on these funds, will be
automatically invested in the Fund on the closing date without any further
action by the investor. Shareholders who purchase their shares during the
Subscription Period will not receive stock certificates. The minimum initial
investment during the Subscription Period is $1,000 per class for Class A and
Class B shares and $5,000 for Class C shares. There are no minimum investment
requirements for Class Z shares and for certain retirement and employee saving
plans or custodial accounts for the benefit of minors.
    

     Subscribers for shares will not have any of the rights of a shareholder of
the Fund until the shares subscribed for have been paid for and their issuance
has been reflected in the books of the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to
withdraw, modify or terminate the initial offering without notice and to refuse
any order in whole or in part.


                                       24


<PAGE>


CONTINUOUS OFFERING OF SHARES

   
     The Fund anticipates that a continuous offering of its shares will begin on
or about June 8, 1998. Shareholders who purchase in the Initial Offering may
redeem shares before June 8, 1998, but cannot purchase additional shares until
the continuous offering begins.

     YOU MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, PRUSEC
OR DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND, THROUGH ITS TRANSFER AGENT, PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND
SERVICES LLC (PMFS OR THE TRANSFER AGENT), ATTENTION: INVESTMENT SERVICES, P.O.
BOX 15020, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08906-5020. Participants in programs
sponsored by Prudential Retirement Services should contact their client
representative for more information about Class Z shares. The purchase price is
the NAV next determined following receipt of an order by the Transfer Agent or
the Distributor plus a sales charge which, at your option, may be imposed either
(i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a deferred basis (Class
B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are offered to a limited group of investors
at NAV without any sales charge. Payment made by cash, wire, check or through
your brokerage account. See "Alternative Purchase Plan" below. See also "How the
Fund Values its Shares."

     The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A and Class B shares and
$5,000 for Class C shares, except that the minimum initial investment for Class
C shares may be waived from time to time. There is no minimum initial investment
requirement for Class Z shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for
all classes, except for Class Z shares, for which there is no such minimum. All
minimum investment requirements are waived for certain retirement and employee
savings plans or custodial accounts for the benefit of minors. For purchases
made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan, the minimum initial and
subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder Services" below.
    

     Application forms can be obtained from PMFS, Prudential Securities or
Prusec. If a stock certificate is desired, it must be requested in writing for
each transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who
hold their shares through Prudential Securities will not receive stock
certificates.

     The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order (including an
exchange into the Fund) or to suspend or modify the continuous offering of its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares" below.

     Your dealer is responsible for forwarding payment promptly to the Fund. The
Distributor reserves the right to cancel any purchase order for which payment
has not been received by the third business day following the investment.

     Transactions in Fund shares may be subject to postage and handling charges
imposed by your dealer.

     PURCHASE BY WIRE. For an initial purchase of shares of the Fund by wire,
you must first telephone PMFS to receive an account number at (800) 225-1852
(toll-free). The following information will be requested: your name, address,
tax identification number, class election, dividend distribution election,
amount being wired and wiring bank. Instructions should then be given by you to
your bank to transfer funds by wire to State Street Bank and Trust Company
(State Street), Boston, Massachusetts, Custody and Shareholder Services
Division, Attention: Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc., specifying
on the wire the account number assigned by PMFS and your name and identifying
the class in which you are eligible to invest (Class A, Class B, Class C or
Class Z shares).

     If you arrange for receipt by State Street of federal funds prior to the
calculation of NAV (4:15 P.M., New York time) on a business day, you may
purchase shares of the Fund as of that day. See "Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

     In making a subsequent purchase order by wire, you should wire State Street
directly and should be sure that the wire specifies Prudential High Yield Total
Return Fund, Inc., Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares and your name and
individual account number. It is not necessary to call PMFS to make subsequent
purchase orders utilizing federal funds. The minimum amount which may be
invested by wire is $1,000.


                                       25


<PAGE>


ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN

     THE FUND OFFERS FOUR CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS
Z SHARES) WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE MOST BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE
FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE, THE LENGTH
OF TIME YOU EXPECT TO HOLD THE SHARES AND OTHER RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES
(ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    ANNUAL 12B-1 FEES
                                                (AS A % OF AVERAGE DAILY
                      SALES CHARGE                     NET ASSETS)                         OTHER INFORMATION
                      ------------              -------------------------                  -----------------
  <S>       <C>                                  <C>                               <C>
  CLASS A   Maximum initial sales charge of      .30 of 1% (currently              Initial sales charge waived or reduced
            4% of the public offering price      being charged at a rate           for certain purchases
                                                 of .15 of 1%)

  CLASS     B Maximum CDSC of 5% of the          1% (currently being               Shares convert to Class A shares
            lesser of the amount invested or     charged at a rate                 approximately seven years after
            the redemption proceeds;             of .75 of 1%)                     purchase
            declines to zero after six years

  CLASS C   Maximum CDSC of 1% of the            1% (currently                     Shares do not convert to another class
            lesser of the amount invested or     being charged at a rate
            the redemption proceeds on           of .75 of 1%)
            redemptions made within one
            year of purchase

  CLASS  Z  None                                 None                              Sold to a limited group of investors


</TABLE>

   
     The four classes represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments
of the Fund and have the same rights, except that (i) each class (with the
exception of Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution or
service fees), bears the separate expenses of its Rule 12b-1 distribution and
service plan, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangements and has
separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the
interests of one class differ from the interest of any other class, (iii) each
class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature, and (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a
limited group of investors. See "How to Exchange Your Shares" below. The income
attributable to each class and the dividends payable on the shares of each class
will be reduced by the amount of the distribution-related fee (if any) of each
class. Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of a higher distribution fee
which will generally cause them to have higher expense ratios and to pay lower
dividends than the Class A and Class Z shares.
    

     Financial advisers and other sales agents who sell shares of the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares and will generally receive more compensation initially for selling Class
A and Class B shares than for selling Class C or Class Z shares.

     IN SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER
THINGS, (1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the
amount of any applicable sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase
or redemption) and distribution-related fees, as noted above, (3) whether you
qualify for any reduction or waiver of any applicable sales charge, (4) the
various exchange privileges among the different classes of shares (see "How to
Exchange Your Shares" below) and (5) the fact that Class B shares automatically
convert to Class A shares approximately seven years after purchase (see
"Conversion Feature--Class B Shares" below).

                                       26


<PAGE>


     The following is provided to assist you in determining which method of
purchase best suits your individual circumstances and is based on the fees and
expenses to be charged to the Fund:

     If you intend to hold your investment in the Fund for less than 7 years and
do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, since Class A
shares are subject to an initial sales charge of 5% and Class B shares are
subject to a CDSC of 5% which declines to zero over a 6-year period, you should
consider purchasing Class C shares over either Class A or Class B shares.

     If you intend to hold your investment for 7 years or more and do not
qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, since Class B shares
convert to Class A shares approximately 7 years after purchase and because all
of your money would be invested initially in the case of Class B shares, you
should consider purchasing Class A or Class B shares over Class C shares.

     If you qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, it may be more
advantageous for you to purchase Class A shares over either Class B or Class C
shares regardless of how long you intend to hold your investment. However,
unlike Class B and Class C shares, you would not have all of your money invested
initially because the sales charge on Class A shares is deducted at the time of
purchase.

     If you do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares and you
purchase Class B or Class C shares, you would have to hold your investment for
more than 6 years in the case of Class B shares and Class C shares for the
higher cumulative annual distribution-related fee on those shares to exceed the
initial sales charge plus cumulative annual distribution-related fees on Class A
shares. This does not take into account the time value of money, which further
reduces the impact of the higher Class B or Class C distribution-related fee on
the investment, fluctuations in NAV, the effect of the return on the investment
over this period of time or redemptions during which the CDSC is applicable.

     ALL PURCHASES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE, EITHER AS PART OF A SINGLE INVESTMENT
OR UNDER RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION OR LETTERS OF INTENT, MUST BE FOR CLASS A SHARES
UNLESS THE PURCHASER IS ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE CLASS Z SHARES. See "Reduction and
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" and "Class Z Shares" below.

CLASS A SHARES

     The offering price of Class A shares for investors choosing the initial
sales charge alternative is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge
(expressed as a percentage of the offering price and of the amount invested) as
shown in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   SALES CHARGE AS     SALES CHARGE AS     DEALER CONCESSION
                                    PERCENTAGE OF       PERCENTAGE OF      AS PERCENTAGE OF
                                   OFFERING PRICE      AMOUNT INVESTED      OFFERING PRICE
                                   ---------------     ---------------     ------------------
   <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
   Less than $50,000                    4.00%               4.17%               3.75%
   $50,000 to $99,999                   3.50                3.63                3.25
   $100,000 to $249,999                 2.75                2.83                2.50
   $250,000 to $499,999                 2.00                2.04                1.90
   $500,000 to $999,999                 1.50                1.52                1.40
   $1,000,000 and above                 None                None                None

</TABLE>

     The Distributor may reallow the entire initial sales charge to dealers.
Selling dealers may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the
Securities Act.

     In connection with the sale of Class A shares at NAV (without payment of an
initial sales charge), the Manager, the Distributor or one of their affiliates
will pay dealers, financial advisers and other persons which distribute shares a
finders' fee from its own resources based on a percentage of the NAV of shares
sold by such persons.


                                       27

<PAGE>



     REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES. Reduced sales charges are
available through Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent. Shares of the
Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds
other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) may be aggregated
to determine the applicable reduction. See "Purchase and Redemption of Fund
Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges--Class A Shares" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

     BENEFIT PLANS. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of
an initial sales charge, by pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit
plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code and deferred
compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 or 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code (collectively, Benefit Plans), provided that the Benefit Plan has
existing assets of at least $1 million invested in shares of Prudential Mutual
Funds (excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the
exchange privilege) or 250 eligible employees or participants. In the case of
Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities
does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit
Plans sponsored by Prudential Securities or its subsidiaries (Prudential
Securities or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans), Class A shares may be
purchased at NAV by participants who are repaying loans made from such plans to
the participant.

     PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PROGRAMS. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by
certain savings, retirement and deferred compensation plans, qualified or
non-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, for which Prudential serves as
the plan administrator or recordkeeper, provided that (i) the plan has at least
$1 million in existing assets or 250 eligible employees, and (ii) the Fund is an
available investment option. These plans include pension, profit-sharing,
stock-bonus or other employee benefit plans under Section 401 of the Internal
Revenue Code, deferred compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 or
403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code and plans that participate in the
Transfer Agent's PruArray and SmartPath Programs (benefit plan recordkeeping
services) (hereafter referred to as a PruArray or SmartPath Plan). All plans of
a company for which Prudential serves as plan administrator or recordkeeper are
aggregated in meeting the $1 million threshold. The term "existing assets," as
used herein includes stock issued by a plan sponsor, shares of Prudential Mutual
Funds and shares of certain unaffiliated funds that participate in the PruArray
or SmartPath Programs (Participating Funds). "Existing assets" also include
monies invested in The Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA), a group annuity
insurance product issued by Prudential, and units of The Stable Value Fund
(SVF), an unaffiliated bank collective fund. Class A shares may also be
purchased at NAV by plans that have monies invested in GIA and SVF, provided (i)
the purchase is made with the proceeds of a redemption from either GIA or SVF
and (ii) Class A shares are an investment option of the plan.

     PRUARRAY ASSOCIATION BENEFIT PLANS. Class A shares are also offered at NAV
to Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans sponsored by employers which are members
of a common trade, professional or membership association (Association) that
participate in the PruArray Program provided that the Association enters into a
written agreement with Prudential. Such Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans may
purchase Class A shares at NAV without regard to the assets or number of
participants in the individual employer's qualified Plan(s) or non-qualified
plans so long as the employers in the Association (i) have retirement plan
assets in the aggregate of at least $1 million or 250 participants in the
aggregate and (ii) maintain their accounts with the Transfer Agent.

     PRUARRAY SAVINGS PROGRAM. Class A shares are also offered at NAV to
employees of companies that enter into a written agreement with Prudential
Retirement Services to participate in the PruArray Savings Program. Under this
Program, a limited number of Prudential Mutual Funds are available for purchase
at NAV by Individual Retirement Accounts and Savings Accumulation Plans of the
company's employees. The Program is available only to (i) employees who open an
IRA or Savings Accumulation Plan account with the Transfer Agent and (ii)
spouses of employees who

                                       28


<PAGE>


open an IRA account with the Transfer Agent. The program is offered to companies
that have at least 250 eligible employees.

     SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RETIREMENT PLANS. After a Benefit Plan,
PruArray or SmartPath Plan qualifies to purchase Class A shares at NAV, all
subsequent purchases will be made at NAV.

     OTHER WAIVERS. In addition, Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, through
Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent, by the following persons: (a)
officers of the Prudential Mutual Funds (including the Fund), (b) employees of
Prudential Securities and PIFM and their subsidiaries and members of the
families of such persons who maintain an "employee related" account at
Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent, (c) employees of subadvisers of the
Prudential Mutual Funds, provided that purchases at NAV are permitted by such
person's employer, (d) Prudential employees and special agents of Prudential and
its subsidiaries and all persons who have retired directly from active service
with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries, (e) registered representatives and
employees of dealers who have entered into a selected dealer agreement with
Prudential Securities provided that purchases at NAV are permitted by such
person's employer, (f) investors who have a business relationship with a
financial adviser who joined Prudential Securities from another investment firm,
provided that (i) the purchase is made within 180 days of the commencement of
the financial adviser's employment at Prudential Securities, or within one year
in the case of Benefit Plans, (ii) the purchase is made with proceeds of a
redemption of shares of any open-end, non-money market fund sponsored by the
financial adviser's previous employer (other than a fund which imposes a
distribution or service fee of .25 of 1% or less) and (iii) the financial
adviser served as the client's broker on the previous purchase, and (g)
investors in Individual Retirement Accounts, provided the purchase is made with
the proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan for which
Prudential Investments serves as the record keeper or administrator.

     You must notify the Transfer Agent either directly or through Prudential
Securities or Prusec that you are entitled to the reduction or waiver of the
sales charge. The reduction or waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of
your entitlement. No initial sales charges are imposed upon Class A shares
purchased upon the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. See "Purchase
and Redemption of Fund Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales
Charges--Class A Shares" in the Statement of Additional Information.

CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES

     The offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors choosing one
of the deferred sales charge alternatives is the NAV next determined following
receipt of an order by the Transfer Agent, Prudential Securities or Prusec.
Although there is no sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, redemptions
of Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. See "How to Sell Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below. The Distributor will pay, from
its own resources, sales commissions of up to 4% of the purchase price of Class
B shares to dealers, financial advisers and other persons who sell Class B
shares at the time of sale from its own resources. This facilitates the ability
of the Fund to sell the Class B shares without an initial sales charge being
deducted at the time of purchase. The Distributor anticipates that it will
recoup its advancement of sales commissions from the combination of the CDSC and
the distribution fee. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor." In connection
with the sale of Class C shares, the Distributor will pay, from its own
resources, dealers, financial advisers and the other persons which distribute
Class C shares a sales commission of up to 1% of the purchase price at the time
of the sale.

CLASS Z SHARES

     Class Z shares of the Fund currently are available for purchase by the
following categories of investors: (i) pension, profit sharing or other employee
benefit plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, deferred
compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code, and non-qualified


                                       29


<PAGE>


   
plans for which the Fund is an available option (collectively, Benefit Plans),
provided such Benefit Plans (in combination with other plans sponsored by the
same employer or group of related employers) have at least $50 million in
defined contribution assets; (ii) participants in any fee-based program or trust
program sponsored by Prudential Securities, The Prudential Savings Bank, F.S.B.
or any affiliate which includes mutual funds as investment options and for which
the Fund is an available option; (iii) certain participants in the MEDLEY
Program (group variable annuity contracts) sponsored by Prudential for whom
Class Z shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds are an available option, (iv)
Benefit Plans for which Prudential Retirement Services serves as recordkeeper
and as of September 20, 1996, (a) were Class Z shareholders of the Prudential
Mutual Funds or (b) executed a letter of intent to purchase Class Z shares of
the Prudential Mutual Funds; (v) current and former Directors/Trustees of the
Prudential Mutual Funds (including the Fund); and (vi) employees of Prudential
and/or Prudential Securities who participate in a Prudential-sponsored employee
savings plan. After a Benefit Plan qualifies to purchase Class Z shares, all
subsequent purchases will be for Class Z shares.
    

     In connection with the sale of Class Z shares, the Manager, the Distributor
or one of their affiliates may pay dealers, financial advisers and other persons
which distribute shares a finders' fee, from its own resources, based on a
percentage of the NAV of shares sold by such persons.
       

HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES

     YOU CAN REDEEM SHARES OF THE FUND AT ANY TIME FOR CASH AT THE NAV PER SHARE
NEXT DETERMINED AFTER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST IS RECEIVED IN PROPER FORM BY THE
TRANSFER AGENT OR PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
In certain cases, however, redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge, as described below. See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below.

   
     IF YOU HOLD SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST
REDEEM YOUR SHARES THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PRUDENTIAL
SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER.
    

     IF YOU HOLD SHARES IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM, A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR
REDEMPTION SIGNED BY YOU EXACTLY AS THE ACCOUNT IS REGISTERED IS REQUIRED. IF
YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES, THE CERTIFICATES, SIGNED IN THE NAMES(S) SHOWN ON THE
FACE OF THE CERTIFICATES, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT IN ORDER FOR
THE REDEMPTION REQUEST TO BE PROCESSED. IF REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED BY A
CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY
ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRANSFER AGENT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE SUCH REQUEST WILL BE
ACCEPTED. All correspondence and documents concerning redemptions should be sent
to the Fund in care of its Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC,
Attention: Redemption Services, P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New Jersey
08906-5010.

     If the proceeds of the redemption (a) exceed $50,000, (b) are to be paid to
a person other than the record owner,(c) are to be sent to an address other than
the address on the Transfer Agent's records, or (d) are to be paid to a
corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, the signature(s) on the redemption
request and on the certificates, if any, or stock power must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution." An "eligible guarantor institution" includes
any bank, broker, dealer or credit union. The Transfer Agent reserves the right
to request additional information from, and make reasonable inquiries of, any
eligible guarantor institution. For clients of Prusec, a signature guarantee may
be obtained from the agency or office manager of most Prudential Insurance and
Financial Services or Prudential Preferred Financial Services offices. In the
case of redemptions from a PruArray or SmartPath Plan, if the proceeds of the
redemption are invested in another investment option of the plan, in the name of
the record holder and at the same address as reflected in the Transfer Agent's
records, a signature guarantee is not required.

   
     PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE MADE BY CHECK WITHIN
SEVEN DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE CERTIFICATE AND/OR WRITTEN
REQUEST EXCEPT AS INDICATED BELOW. IF YOU HOLD SHARES THROUGH PRUDENTIAL
SECURITIES, PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE CREDITED TO YOUR
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES ACCOUNT UNLESS YOU INDICATE OTHERWISE. Such payment may be
postponed or the right of redemption suspended at
    


                                       30


<PAGE>



times (a) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary
weekends and holidays, (b) when trading on such Exchange is restricted, (c) when
an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d) during any
other period when the Commission, by order, so permits; provided that applicable
rules and regulations of the Commission shall govern as to whether the
conditions prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.

     PAYMENT FOR REDEMPTION OF RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL
THE FUND OR ITS TRANSFER AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT THE PURCHASE CHECK HAS BEEN
HONORED, UP TO 10 CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE TIME OF RECEIPT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK
BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. SUCH DELAY MAY BE AVOIDED BY PURCHASING SHARES BY WIRE OR
BY CERTIFIED OR CASHIER'S CHECK.

     REDEMPTION IN KIND. If the Board of Directors determines that it would be
detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to
make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in
whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of
the Commission. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the
same manner as a regular redemption. See "How the Fund Values its Shares." If
your shares are redeemed in kind, you would incur transaction costs in
converting the assets into cash. The Fund has, however, elected to be governed
by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act, under which the Fund is
obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of
the NAV of the Fund during the 90-day period for any one shareholder.

     INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION. In order to reduce expenses of the Fund, the Board
of Directors may redeem all of the shares of any shareholder, other than a
shareholder which is an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement plan, whose account
has an NAV of less than $500 due to a redemption. The Fund will give any such
shareholder 60 days' prior written notice in which to purchase sufficient
additional shares to avoid such redemption. No CDSC will be imposed on any such
involuntary redemption.

     90-DAY REPURCHASE PRIVILEGE. If you redeem your shares and have not
previously exercised the repurchase privilege, you may reinvest any portion or
all of the proceeds of such redemption in shares of the Fund at the NAV next
determined after the order is received, which must be within 90 days after the
date of redemption. Any CDSC paid in connection with such redemption will be
credited (in shares) to your account. If less than a full repurchase is made,
the credit will be on a pro rata basis. You must notify the Fund's Transfer
Agent, either directly or through Prudential Securities, at the time the
repurchase privilege is exercised to adjust your account for the CDSC you
previously paid. Thereafter, any redemptions will be subject to the CDSC
applicable at the time of the redemption. See "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges" below. Exercise of the repurchase privilege may affect the federal
income tax treatment of any gain realized upon redemption.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES

     Redemptions of Class B shares will be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge or CDSC declining from 5% to zero over a six-year period. Class C
shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a 1% CDSC. The
CDSC will be deducted from the redemption proceeds and reduce the amount paid to
you. The CDSC will be imposed on any redemption by you which reduces the current
value of your Class B or Class C shares to an amount which is lower than the
amount of all payments by you for shares during the preceding six years, in the
case of Class B shares, and one year, in the case of Class C shares. A CDSC will
be applied on the lesser of the original purchase price or the current value of
the shares being redeemed. Increases in the value of your shares or shares
purchased through reinvestment of dividends or distributions are not subject to
CDSC. The amount of any CDSC will be paid to and retained by the Distributor.
See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" and "Waiver of Contingent Deferred
Sales Charges--Class B Shares" below.


                                       31


<PAGE>

     The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years
from the time of payment for the purchase of your shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all payments
during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day
of the month. The CDSC will be calculated from the first day of the month after
the initial purchase, excluding the time shares were held in a money market
fund. See "How to Exchange Your Shares" below.

     The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to
redemptions of Class B shares:

                                               CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
                                                CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE
     YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                        OF DOLLARS INVESTED OR
        PAYMENT MADE                              REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
     ------------------                         ---------------------
     First ...................................          5.0%
     Second ..................................          4.0%
     Third ...................................          3.0%
     Fourth ..................................          2.0%
     Fifth ...................................          1.0%
     Sixth ...................................          1.0%
     Seventh .................................          None

     In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be made in a manner that results generally in the lowest
possible rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts
representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions; then of amounts representing the increase in NAV above the total
amount of payments for the purchase of Fund shares made during the preceding six
years; then of amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the
applicable CDSC period; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares
held for the longest period of time within the applicable CDSC period.

     For example, assume you purchased 800 Class B shares at $12.50 per share
for a cost of $10,000. Subsequently, you acquired 5 additional Class B shares
through dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase, you
decided to redeem $5,000 of your investment. Assuming at the time of the
redemption the NAV had appreciated to $15 per share, the value of your Class B
shares would be $12,075 (805 shares at $15 per share). The CDSC would not be
applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount which
represents appreciation ($2,075). Therefore, $2,925 of the $5,000 redemption
proceeds ($5,000 minus $2,075) would be charged at a rate of 4% (the applicable
rate in the second year after purchase) for a total CDSC of $117.

     For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the CDSC will reduce the
gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount recognized on the
redemption of shares.

     WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS B SHARES. The CDSC will
be waived in the case of a redemption following the death or disability of a
shareholder or, in the case of a trust account, following the death or
disability of the grantor. The waiver is available for total or partial
redemptions of shares owned by a person, either individually or in joint tenancy
(with rights of survivorship), or a trust, at the time of death or initial
determination or disability, provided that the shares were purchased prior to
death or disability.

     The CDSC will also be waived in the case of a total or partial redemption
in connection with certain distributions made without penalty under the Internal
Revenue Code from a tax-deferred retirement plan, an IRA or Section 403(b)
custodial account. These distributions include: (i) in the case of a
tax-deferred retirement plan, a lump-sum or other distribution after retirement;
(ii) in the case of an IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account, a lump-sum or
other distribution after attaining age 591 @2; and (iii) a tax-free return of an
excess contribution or plan distributions following the death or disability of
the shareholder, provided that the shares were purchased prior to death or
disability. The waiver does not apply in the case of a tax-free rollover or
transfer of assets, other than one following a separation from service, i.e.,

                                       32


<PAGE>




   
following voluntary or involuntary termination of employment or following
retirement. Under no circumstances will the CDSC be waived on redemptions
resulting from the termination of a tax-deferred retirement plan unless such
redemptions otherwise qualify as a waiver as described above. In the case of
Direct Account and Prudential Securities or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans,
the CDSC will be waived on redemptions which represent borrowings from such
plans. Shares purchased with amounts used to repay a loan from such plans on
which a CDSC was not previously deducted will thereafter be subject to a CDSC
without regard to the time such amounts were previously invested. In the case of
a 401(k) plan, the CDSC will also be waived upon the redemption of shares
purchased with amounts used to repay loans made from the account to the
participant and from which a CDSC was previously deducted. In addition, the CDSC
will be waived on redemptions of shares held by a Director of the Fund.

     SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on certain
redemptions from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. On an annual basis, up to 12% of
the total dollar amount subject to the CDSC may be redeemed without charge. The
Transfer Agent will calculate the total amount available for this waiver
annually on the anniversary date of your purchase or for exchanged shares
purchased prior to March 1, 1997, or March 1 of the current year. The CDSC will
be waived (or reduced) on redemptions until this threshold 12% is reached.

     In addition, the CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares held by a
Director of the Fund.
    

     You must notify the Transfer Agent either directly or through Prudential
Securities or Prusec, at the time of redemption, that you are entitled to waiver
of the CDSC and provide the Transfer Agent with such supporting documentation as
it may deem appropriate. The waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of
your entitlement. See "Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares--Waiver of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

     WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS C SHARES

     PRUARRAY OR SMARTPATH PLANS. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from
certain qualified and non-qualified retirement and deferred compensation plans
that participate in the Transfer Agent's PruArray and SmartPath Programs.

CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES

     Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly
basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at
relative NAV without the imposition of any additional sales charge.

     Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought
on each purchase of Class B shares, the number of Class B shares eligible to
convert to Class A shares (excluding shares acquired through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be
determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i)
the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at least seven
years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B
shares purchased and then held in your account (ii) multiplied by the total
number of Class B shares then in your account. Each time any Eligible Shares in
your account convert to Class A shares, all shares or amounts representing Class
B shares then in your account that were acquired through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will convert to Class A
shares.

     For purposes of determining the number of Eligible Shares, if the Class B
shares in your account on any conversion date are the result of multiple
purchases at different NAVs per share, the number of Eligible Shares calculated
as described above will generally be either more or less than the number of
shares actually purchased approximately seven years before such conversion date.
For example, if 800 shares were initially purchased at $12.50 per share (for a
total of $10,000) and a second purchase of 100 shares was subsequently made at
$15 per share (for a total of $1,500), 95.24 shares would convert approximately
seven years from the initial purchase (i.e., $10,000 divided by $11,500 or
86.96% multiplied by 900 shares or 782.64 shares). The Manager reserves the
right to modify the formula for determining the number of Eligible Shares in the
future as it deems appropriate on notice to shareholders.

                                       33



<PAGE>


     Since annual distribution-related fees are lower for Class A shares than
Class B shares, the per share NAV of the Class A shares may be higher than that
of the Class B shares at the time of conversion. Thus, although the aggregate
dollar value will be the same, you may receive fewer Class A shares than Class B
shares converted. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."

     For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions,
all payments for Class B shares during a month will be deemed to have been made
on the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange,
or a series of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original
payment for purchases of such Class B shares was made. For Class B shares
previously exchanged for shares of a money market fund, the time period during
which such shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For
example, Class B shares held in a money market fund for one year will not
convert to Class A shares until approximately eight years from purchase. For
purposes of measuring the time period during which shares are held in a money
market fund, exchanges will be deemed to have been made on the last day of the
month. Class B shares acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares
after expiration of the conversion period applicable to the original purchase of
such shares.

     The conversion feature is subject to the continuing availability of
opinions of counsel or rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (i) that the
dividends and other distributions paid on Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue
Code and (ii) that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event.
The conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares may be suspended if such
opinions or rulings are no longer available. If conversions are suspended, Class
B shares will continue to be subject, possibly indefinitely, to their higher
annual distribution and service fee.

HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES

     AS A SHAREHOLDER OF THE FUND, YOU HAVE AN EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE WITH CERTAIN
OTHER PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS, INCLUDING ONE OR MORE SPECIFIED MONEY MARKET
FUNDS, SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH FUNDS. CLASS A,
CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS
C AND CLASS Z SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE BASIS OF THE RELATIVE
NAV. No sales charge will be imposed at the time of exchange. Any applicable
CDSC payable upon the redemption of shares exchanged will be that imposed by the
fund in which shares are initially purchased and will be calculated from the
first day of the month after the initial purchase, excluding the time shares
were held in a money market fund. Class B and Class C shares may not be
exchanged into money market funds other than Prudential Special Money Market
Fund, Inc. For purposes of calculating the holding period applicable to the
Class B conversion feature, the time period during which Class B shares were
held in a money market fund will be excluded. See "Conversion Feature--Class B
Shares" above. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for tax
purposes. See "Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege" in the
Statement of Additional Information.

   
     IN ORDER TO EXCHANGE SHARES BY TELEPHONE, YOU MUST AUTHORIZE TELEPHONE
EXCHANGES ON YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION FORM OR BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT AND HOLD SHARES IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM. Thereafter, you may call the Fund
at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on weekdays, except
holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., New York time. For your
protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your telephone call will be
recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal identification number. A
written confirmation of the exchange transaction will be sent to you. NEITHER
THE FUND NOR ITS AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, LIABILITY OR COST WHICH
RESULTS FROM ACTING UPON INSTRUCTIONS REASONABLY BELIEVED TO BE GENUINE UNDER
THE FOREGOING PROCEDURES. All exchanges will be made on the basis of the
relative NAV of the two funds next determined after the request is received in
good order.
    

     IF YOU HOLD SHARES THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST EXCHANGE YOUR
SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER.


                                       34


<PAGE>



     IF YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES, THE CERTIFICATES, SIGNED IN THE NAME(S) SHOWN ON
THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATES, MUST BE RETURNED IN ORDER FOR THE SHARES TO BE
EXCHANGED. SEE "HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES" ABOVE.

     You may also exchange shares by mail by writing to Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New
Jersey 08906-5010.

     IN PERIODS OF SEVERE MARKET OR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
OF SHARES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT AND YOU SHOULD MAKE EXCHANGES BY MAIL BY
WRITING TO PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC AT THE ADDRESS NOTED ABOVE.

     SPECIAL EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES. A special exchange privilege is available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV (see "Alternative
Purchase Plan--Class A Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges"
above) and for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares (see
"Alternative Purchase Plan--Class Z Shares" above). Under this exchange
privilege, amounts representing any Class B and Class C shares (which are not
subject to a CDSC) held in such a shareholder's account will be automatically
exchanged for Class A shares on a quarterly basis, unless the shareholder elects
otherwise. Similarly, shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z share will
have their Class B and Class C shares, which are not subject to a CDSC, and
their Class A shares exchanged for Class Z shares on a quarterly basis.
Eligibility for this exchange privilege will be calculated on the business day
prior to the date of the exchange. Amounts representing Class B or Class C
shares which are not subject to a CDSC include the following: (1) amounts
representing Class B or Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and distributions, (2) amounts representing the
increase in the NAV above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class
B or Class C shares and (3) amounts representing Class B or Class C shares held
beyond the applicable CDSC period. Class B and Class C shareholders must notify
the Transfer Agent either directly or through Prudential Securities or Prusec
that they are eligible for this special exchange privilege.
       

   
     Participants in any fee-based program for which the Fund is an available
option will have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares when
they elect to have those assets become a part of the fee-based program. Upon
leaving the program (whether voluntarily or not), such Class Z shares (and, to
the extent provided for in the program, Class Z shares acquired through
participation in the program) will be exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
    

     The exchange privilege is not a right and may be suspended, modified or
terminated on 60 days' notice to shareholders.
 
     FREQUENT TRADING. The Fund and the other Prudential Mutual Funds are not
intended to serve as vehicles for frequent trading in response to short-term
fluctuations in the market. Due to the disruptive effect that market timing
investment strategies and excessive trading can have on efficient portfolio
management, the Fund reserves the right to refuse purchase order and exchanges
by any person, group or commonly controlled accounts, if, in the Manager's sole
judgment, such person, group or accounts were following a market timing strategy
or were otherwise engaging in excessive trading (Market Timers).

     To implement this authority to protect the Fund and its shareholders from
excessive trading, the Fund will reject all exchanges and purchases from a
Market Timer unless the Market Timer has entered into a written agreement with
the Fund or its affiliates pursuant to which the Market Timer has agreed to
abide by certain procedures, which include a daily dollar limit on trading. The
Fund may notify the Market Timer of rejection of an exchange or purchase order
subsequent to the day on which the order was placed.

     SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

     In addition to the exchange privilege, as a shareholder in the Fund, you
can take advantage of the following additional services and privileges:

     o AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND/OR DISTRIBUTIONS WITHOUT A SALES
CHARGE. For your convenience, all dividends and distributions are automatically
reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at NAV without a sales


                                       35


<PAGE>


charge. You may direct the Transfer Agent in writing not less than 5 full
business days prior to the record date to have subsequent dividends and/or
distributions sent in cash rather than reinvested. If you hold shares through
Prudential Securities, you should contact your financial adviser.

     o AUTOMATIC SAVINGS ACCUMULATION PLAN (ASAP). Under ASAP you may make
regular purchases of the Fund's shares in amounts as little as $50 via an
automatic debit to a bank account or Prudential Securities account (including a
Command Account). For additional information about this service, you may contact
your Prudential Securities financial adviser, Prusec representative or the
Transfer Agent directly.

     o TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS. Various tax-deferred retirement plans,
including a 401(k) plan, self-directed individual retirement accounts and
"tax-sheltered accounts" under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code
are available through the Distributor. These plans are for use by both
self-employed individuals and corporate employers. These plans permit either
self-direction of accounts by participants, or a pooled account arrangement.
Information regarding the establishment of these plans, the administration,
custodial fees and other details is available from Prudential Securities or the
Transfer Agent. If you are considering adopting such a plan, you should consult
with your own legal or tax adviser with respect to the establishment and
maintenance of such a plan.

     o SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. A systematic withdrawal plan is available to
shareholders, which provides for monthly or quarterly checks. Withdrawals of
Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. See "How to Sell Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" above. See also "Shareholder
Investment Account--Systematic Withdrawal Plan" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

     o REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS. The Fund will send you annual and semi-annual
reports. The financial statements appearing in annual reports are audited by
independent accountants. In order to reduce duplicate mailing and printing
expenses, the Fund will provide one annual and semi-annual shareholder report
and annual prospectus per household. You may request additional copies of such
reports by calling (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or by writing to the Fund at
Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077. In
addition, monthly unaudited financial data are available upon request from the
Fund.

     o SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Inquiries should be addressed to the Fund at
Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, or by
telephone, at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (908)
417-7555 (collect).

     For additional information regarding the services and privileges described
above, see "Shareholder Investment Account" in the Statement of Additional
Information.


                                       36


<PAGE>


                                   APPENDIX A

                         DESCRIPTION OF SECURITY RATINGS

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.

BOND RATINGS

     AAA: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

     AA: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.

     A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

     BAA: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.

     BA: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

     B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

     CAA: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.

     CA: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.

     C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.

SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS

     Moody's Short-Term Debt Ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original
maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

     PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.

     PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.


                                      A-1


<PAGE>

     PRIME 3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an
acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.

     NOT PRIME: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime
rating categories.

  SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL RATINGS

     Moody's ratings for tax-exempt notes and other short-term loans are
designated Moody's Investment Grade (MIG). This distinction is in recognition of
the differences between short-term and long-term credit risk.

     MIG 1: Loans bearing the designation MIG 1 are of the best quality,
enjoying strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support
or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

     MIG 2: Loans bearing the designation MIG 2 are of high quality, with
margins of protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

     MIG 3: Loans bearing the designation MIG 3 are of favorable quality, with
all security elements accounted for but lacking strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.

     MIG 4: Loans bearing the designation MIG 4 are of adequate quality.
Protection commonly regarded and required of an investment security is present
and although not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific
risk.

STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP

BOND RATINGS

     AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

     AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.

     A: Debt rated A has strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

     BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than for debt in higher rated categories.

     BB, B, CCC, CC AND C: Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C
the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures
to adverse conditions.

     BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB rating.


                                      A-2


<PAGE>

     B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.

     CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.

     CC: The rating CC typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.

     C: The rating C typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating maybe used
to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt
service payments are continued.

     C1: The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.

     D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

COMMERCIAL PAPER

     Standard & Poor's commercial paper ratings are current assessments of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant
market.

     A-1: The A-1 designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is very strong.

     A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated A-1.

     A-3: Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.


                                      A-3


<PAGE>


================================================================================
                        THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY
================================================================================

     Prudential offers a broad range of mutual funds designed to meet your
individual needs. We welcome you to review the investment options available
through our family of funds. For more information on the Prudential Mutual
Funds, including charges and expenses, contact your Prudential Securities
financial adviser or Prusec representative or telephone the Fund at (800)
225-1852 for a free prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest
or send money.

  ------------------
  TAXABLE BOND FUNDS
  ------------------
  Prudential Diversified Bond Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Government Securities Trust
   Short-Intermediate Term Series
  Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.
  Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc.
   Income Portfolio
  ---------------------
  TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS
  ---------------------
  Prudential California Municipal Fund
   California Series
   California Income Series
  Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
   High Yield Series
   Insured Series
   Intermediate Term Series
  Prudential Municipal Series Fund
   Florida Series
   Maryland Series
   Massachusetts Series
   Michigan Series
   New Jersey Series
   New York Series
   North Carolina Series
   Ohio Series
   Pennsylvania Series
  Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
  ------------
  GLOBAL FUNDS
  ------------
  Prudential Europe Growth Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
   Limited Maturity Portfolio
  Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
  Prudential International Bond Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
  Prudential World Fund, Inc.
   Global Series
   International Stock Series
  The Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
  Global Utility Fund, Inc.
  ------------
  EQUITY FUNDS
  ------------
  Prudential Balanced Fund
  Prudential Distressed Securities Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Equity Income Fund
  Prudential Index Series Fund
   Prudential Bond Market Index Fund
   Prudential Europe Index Fund
   Prudential Pacific Index Fund
   Prudential Small-Cap Index Fund
   Prudential Stock Index Fund
  Prudential Jennison Series Fund, Inc.
   Prudential Jennison Active Balanced Fund
   Prudential Jennison Growth Fund
   Prudential Jennison Growth & Income Fund
  Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
   
  Prudential Real Estate Securities Fund
    
  Prudential Small-Cap Quantum Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc.
  Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
  Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
   Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
  ------------------
  MONEY MARKET FUNDS
  ------------------
  o  Taxable Money Market Funds
  Cash Accumulation Trust
   Liquid Assets Fund
   National Money Market Fund
  Prudential Government Securities Trust
   Money Market Series
   U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
  Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc.
   Money Market Series
  Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
  o  Tax-Free Money Market Funds
  Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
  Prudential California Municipal Fund
   California Money Market Series
  Prudential Municipal Series Fund
   Connecticut Money Market Series
   Massachusetts Money Market Series
   New Jersey Money Market Series
   New York Money Market Series
  o  Command Funds
  Command Money Fund
  Command Government Fund
  Command Tax-Free Fund
  o  Institutional Money Market Funds
  Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc.
   Institutional Money Market Series


                                      B-1


<PAGE>





No dealer, sales representative or any other person has been authorized to give
any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in
this Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or
made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer by the Fund or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation
of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to
any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

================================================================================
   
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
  FUND HIGHLIGHTS ........................................................   2
   What are the Fund's Risk Factors and Special
    Characteristics? .....................................................   2
  FUND EXPENSES ..........................................................   5
  HOW THE FUND INVESTS ...................................................   6
   Investment Objective and Policies .....................................   6
   Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies .............................   9
   Risk Factors Relating to Investing in Debt Securities
    Rated Below Investment Grade (Junk Bonds) ............................  11
   Risk Factors and Special Considerations Relating to
    Investing in Foreign Securities ......................................  12
   Risk Factors Relating to Investing in
    Distressed Securities ................................................  13
   Risks of Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies ....................  14
   Other Investments and Investment Policies .............................  14
   Investment Restrictions ...............................................  16
  HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED ................................................  17
   Manager ...............................................................  17
   Fee Waivers and Subsidy ...............................................  18
   Distributor ...........................................................  18
   Fee Waivers ...........................................................  19
   Portfolio Transactions ................................................  19
   Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent ..................  19
   Year 2000 .............................................................  20
  HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES .........................................  20
  HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE ....................................  20
  TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS .....................................  21
  GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................  23
   Description of Common Stock ...........................................  23
   Additional Information ................................................  24
  SHAREHOLDER GUIDE ......................................................  24
   How to Buy Shares of the Fund .........................................  24
   Alternative Purchase Plan .............................................  26
   How to Sell Your Shares ...............................................  30
   Conversion Feature--Class B Shares ....................................  33
   How to Exchange Your Shares ...........................................  34
   Shareholder Services ..................................................  35
  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITY RATINGS ........................................ A-1
  THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY ...................................... B-1
    
================================================================================

  MF181A

   
              --------------------------------
                           Class A: 74437D109
              CUSIP No.:   Class B: 74437D208
                           Class C: 74437D307
                           Class Z: 74437D406
              --------------------------------
    



  PRUDENTIAL
  HIGH YIELD
  TOTAL RETURN
  FUND, INC. 

  










                              P R O S P E C T U S

                                 MARCH 16, 1998

                               WWW.PRUDENTIAL.COM

                                     [LOGO]


<PAGE>


                  PRUDENTIAL HIGH YIELD TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC.

   
                       Statement of Additional Information
                              dated March 16, 1998

     Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company whose investment objective is total
return through high current income and capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in high yield fixed income
securities, equity securities that were attached to or included in a unit with
fixed income securities at the time of purchase, convertible securities and
preferred stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at
least 65% of its total assets in such securities. There can be no assurance that
the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. See "Investment Objective and
Policies."
    

     The Fund's address is Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark,
New Jersey 07102-4077, and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.

   
     This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be
read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus dated March 16, 1998, a copy of
which may be obtained from the Fund upon request.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
   

                                                                                           CROSS-REFERENCE
                                                                                             TO PAGE IN
                                                                                  PAGE       PROSPECTUS
                                                                                  ----     ---------------
<S>                                                                               <C>            <C> 
Investment Objective and Policies ..............................................  B- 2            6
Portfolio Characteristics ......................................................  B- 2            2
Investment Restrictions ........................................................  B-15           16
Directors and Officers .........................................................  B-16           17
Manager ........................................................................  B-19           17
Distributor ....................................................................  B-21           18
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage ...........................................  B-22           19
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares .........................................  B-23           24
Shareholder Investment Account .................................................  B-26           24
Net Asset Value ................................................................  B-29           20
Taxes, Dividends and Distributions .............................................  B-29           21
Performance Information ........................................................  B-32           20
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Independent Accountants ..  B-33           19
Financial Statements ...........................................................  B-34           --
Report of Independent Accountants ..............................................  B-36           --
Appendix I--Historical Performance Data ........................................  I-1            --
Appendix II--General Investment Information ....................................  II-1           --
Appendix III--Information Relating to Prudential ...............................  III-1          --
    
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

   
MF181B
    




<PAGE>


                        INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

   
     The Fund's investment objective is total return through high current income
and capital appreciation. The Fund will seek to achieve its objective by
investing primarily in high yield fixed income securities, equity securities
that were attached to or included in a unit with fixed income securities at the
time of purchase, convertible securities and preferred stocks. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund intends to invest 65% of its total assets in such
securities. The balance of the Fund's assets (or remaining 35%) may be invested
in any other securities believed by the Subadviser to be consistent with the
Fund's investment objective, including, higher rated fixed income securities,
equity securities that were not attached to or included in a unit with fixed
income securities at the time of purchase, loan participations and assignments,
trade claims, futures contracts and options thereon, other derivatives and
certain other investments described in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment
objective will be achieved. The investment objective and policies of the Fund
other than those described as fundamental policies under "Investment
Restrictions" may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without
shareholder approval.
    

     Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated
with the lower rated securities of the type in which the Fund may invest, the
yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for
higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the fixed income
securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers' creditworthiness tend to
occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher
quality segments of the fixed income securities market resulting in greater
yield and price volatility. Investment in these securities is a long-term
investment strategy and, accordingly, investors in the Fund should have the
financial ability and willingness to remain invested for the long term.

     Another factor which causes fluctuations in the prices of fixed income
securities is the supply and demand for similarly rated securities. In addition,
the prices of fixed income securities fluctuate in response to the general level
of interest rates. Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities subsequent
to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such securities but will
be reflected in the Fund's net asset value (NAV).

     Lower rated and comparable unrated securities tend to offer higher yields
than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical
financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as
strong as that of other issuers. Since lower rated securities generally involve
greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities,
investors should consider carefully the relative risks associated with
investments in securities which carry lower ratings and in comparable unrated
securities. In addition to the risk of default, there are the related costs of
recovery on defaulted issues. The subadviser will attempt to reduce these risks
through diversification of the portfolio and by analysis of each issuer and its
ability to make timely payments of income and principal, as well as broad
economic trends in corporate developments.

     Certain of the high yield fixed income securities in which the Fund may
invest may be purchased at a market discount. The Fund does not intend to hold
such securities until maturity unless current yields on these securities remain
attractive. Capital losses may be recognized when securities purchased at a
premium are held to maturity or are called or redeemed at a price lower than
their purchase price. Capital gains or losses may also be recognized for federal
income tax purposes on the retirement of such securities or may be recognized
upon the sale of securities.

                            PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS

     When market conditions dictate a more "defensive" investment strategy, the
Fund may invest temporarily in short-term obligations of, or securities
guaranteed by, the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities
or in high quality obligations of banks and corporations. The yield on these
securities will tend to be lower than the yield on other securities to be
purchased by the Fund. The yield on these securities will tend to be lower than
the yield on other securities to be purchased bythe Fund.

     The Fund may also employ, in its discretion, the following strategies in
order to help achieve its primary investment objective of total return through
high current income and capital appreciation.

ZERO COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND OR DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES

     The Fund may invest in zero coupon, pay-in-kind or deferred payment
securities. Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a discount to
par value and on which interest payments are not made during the life of the
security. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the
security. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of
such securities are deemed to have received annually "phantom income." The Fund
accrues income with respect to these securities for federal income tax and
accounting purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments. Pay-in-kind
securities are securities that have


                                      B-2


<PAGE>

interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder
is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred
payment securities are securities that remain a zero coupon security until a
predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and
interest becomes payable at regular intervals. Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and
deferred payment securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and
lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated
securities paying cash interest at regular intervals.

     There are certain risks related to investing in zero coupon, pay-in-kind
and deferred payment securities. These securities generally are more sensitive
to movements in interest rates and are less liquid than comparably rated
securities paying cash interest at regular intervals. Consequently, such
securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value. During a period of
severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less
liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, the Fund's
investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk,
will increase during the time these securities are held in the Fund's portfolio.
Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the
federal tax laws, the Fund is required to distribute income to its shareholders
and, consequently, may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under
disadvantageous circumstances to generate the cash, or may have to leverage
itself by borrowing the cash to satisfy these distributions, as they relate to
the distribution of "phantom income" and the value of the paid-in-kind interest.
The required distributions will result in an increase in the Fund's exposure to
such securities.

SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS

     The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity and fixed
income securities of foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars and up to 5% of
its total assets in foreign currency denominated securities issued by foreign
and domestic issuers. American and global depositary receipts are not included
in this 35% limitation.

     The Fund believes that in many instances such foreign securities may
provide higher yields than securities of domestic issuers which have similar
maturities and quality. Many of these investments currently enjoy increased
liquidity, although, under certain market conditions, such securities may be
less liquid than the securities of United States corporations, and are certainly
less liquid than securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government, its instrumentalities or agencies.

     Foreign investment involves certain risks, which should be considered
carefully by an investor in the Fund. These risks include political or economic
instability in the country of issue, the difficulty of predicting international
trade patterns and the possibility of imposition of exchange controls. Such
securities may also be subject to greater fluctuations in price than securities
issued by United States corporations or issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government, its instrumentalities or agencies. In addition, there may be
less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a
domestic company. Foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards comparable to those
applicable to domestic companies. There is generally less government regulation
of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad than in the United
States, and, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of expropriation or confiscatory taxation or diplomatic developments which could
affect investment in those countries. In the event of a default of any such
foreign debt obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain or to
enforce a judgment against the issuers of such securities. Foreign currency
denominated securities may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in
currency rates and in exchange control regulations, and costs may be incurred in
connection with conversions between various currencies. It may not be possible
to hedge against the risks of currency fluctuations.

     BRADY BONDS. The Fund is permitted to invest in debt obligations commonly
known as "Brady Bonds" which are created through the exchange of existing
commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection with
debt restructurings under a plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the
Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the Brady Plan). Brady Bonds have been issued in
connection with the restructuring of the bank loans, for example, of the
governments of Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina.

     Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and, accordingly, do not have a
long payment history. They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued
in various currencies (although most are dollar-denominated) and they are
actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market.

     Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate par
bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as
to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations which have
the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds
generally are collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the
case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest
payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value
recovery


                                      B-3


<PAGE>

payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental
interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often
viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized
repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest
payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect
to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of
the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as
collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors,
nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral
will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted
Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face
amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments which would have then
been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as
speculative.

BANK DEBT

     The Fund may invest in bank debt which includes interests in loans to
companies or their affiliates undertaken to finance a capital restructuring or
in connection with recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts,
refinancings or other financially leveraged transactions and may include loans
which are designed to provide temporary or "bridge" financing to a borrower
pending the sale of identified assets, the arrangement of longer-term loans or
the issuance and sale of debt obligations. These loans, which may bear fixed or
floating rates, have generally been arranged through private negotiations
between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions (Lenders),
including banks. The Fund's investment may be in the form of participations in
loans (Participations) or of assignments of all or a portion of loans from third
parties (Assignments).

     Participations differ both from the public and private debt securities
typically held by the Fund and from Assignments. In Participations, the Fund has
a contractual relationship only with the Lender, not with the borrower. As a
result, the Fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and
any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the Participation
and only upon receipt by the Lender of the payments from the borrower. In
connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will have no right
to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan Agreement
relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the
Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which
it has purchased the Participation. Thus, the Fund assumes the credit risk of
both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participation. In the event
of the insolvency of the Lender, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor
of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the Lender and the
borrower. In Assignments, by contrast, the Fund acquires direct rights against
the borrower, except that under certain circumstances such rights may be more
limited than those held by the assigning Lender.

     Investments in Participations and Assignments otherwise bear risks common
to other debt securities, including the risk of nonpayment of principal and
interest by the borrower, the risk that any loan collateral may become impaired
and that the Fund may obtain less than the full value for loan interests sold
because they are illiquid. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of Assignments
and Participations. Because the market for such instruments is not highly
liquid, the Fund anticipates that such instruments could be sold only to a
limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a highly liquid secondary
market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and will have
an adverse impact on the Fund's ability to dispose of particular Assignments or
Participations in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration
in the creditworthiness of the borrower. In addition to the creditworthiness of
the borrower, the Fund's ability to receive payment of principal and interest is
also dependent on the creditworthiness of any institution (i.e., the Lender)
interposed between the Fund and the borrower.

SECURITIES OF FINANCIALLY AND OPERATIONALLY TROUBLED ISSUERS

     The Fund may invest in debt or equity securities of financially troubled or
bankrupt companies (financially troubled issuers) and in debt or equity
securities of companies that in the view of the Subadviser are currently
undervalued, out-of-favor or price depressed relative to their long-term
potential for growth and income (operationally troubled issuers) (collectively
distressed securities). Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stock
and rights and warrants.

     The securities of financially and operationally troubled issuers may
require active monitoring and at times may require the Fund's investment adviser
to participate in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings on behalf of the
Fund. To the extent the investment adviser becomes involved in such proceedings,
the Fund may have a more active participation in the affairs of the issuer than
is generally assumed by an investor and such participation may subject the Fund
to the litigation risks described below. However, the Fund does not invest in
the securities of financially or operationally troubled issuers for the purpose
of exercising day-to-day management of any issuer's affairs.


                                      B-4


<PAGE>

BANKRUPTCY AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS--LITIGATION RISKS

     When a company seeks relief under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (or has a
petition filed against it), an automatic stay prevents all entities, including
creditors, from foreclosing or taking other actions to enforce claims, perfect
liens or reach collateral securing such claims. Creditors who have claims
against the company prior to the date of the bankruptcy filing must petition the
court to permit them to take any action to protect or enforce their claims or
their rights in any collateral. Such creditors may be prohibited from doing so
if the court concludes that the value of the property in which the creditor has
an interest will be "adequately protected" during the proceedings. If the
bankruptcy court's assessment of adequate protection is inaccurate, a creditor's
collateral may be wasted without the creditor being afforded the opportunity to
preserve it. Thus, even if the Fund holds a secured claim, it may be prevented
from collecting the liquidation value of the collateral securing its debt,
unless relief from the automatic stay is granted by the court.

     Security interests held by creditors are closely scrutinized and frequently
challenged in bankruptcy proceedings and may be invalidated for a variety of
reasons. For example, security interests may be set aside because, as a
technical matter, they have not been perfected properly under the Uniform
Commercial Code or other applicable law. If a security interest is invalidated,
the secured creditor loses the value of the collateral and because loss of the
secured status causes the claim to be treated as an unsecured claim, the holder
of such claim will almost certainly experience a significant loss of its
investment. While the Fund intends to scrutinize any security interests that
secure the debt it purchases, there can be no assurance that the security
interests will not be challenged vigorously and found defective in some respect,
or that the Fund will be able to prevail against the challenge.

     Moreover, debt may be disallowed or subordinated to the claims of other
creditors if the creditor is found guilty of certain inequitable conduct
resulting in harm to other parties with respect to the affairs of a company
filing for protection from creditors under the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
Creditors' claims may be treated as equity if they are deemed to be
contributions to capital, or if a creditor attempts to control the outcome of
the business affairs of a company prior to its filing under the Bankruptcy Code.
If a creditor is found to have interfered with the company's affairs to the
detriment of other creditors or shareholders, the creditor may be held liable
for damages to injured parties. While the Fund will attempt to avoid taking the
types of action that would lead to equitable subordination or creditor
liability, there can be no assurance that such claims will not be asserted or
that the Fund will be able successfully to defend against them.

     While the challenges to liens and debt described above normally occur in a
bankruptcy proceeding, the conditions or conduct that would lead to an attack in
a bankruptcy proceeding could in certain circumstances result in actions brought
by other creditors of the debtor, shareholders of the debtor or even the debtor
itself in other state or federal proceedings. As is the case in a bankruptcy
proceeding, there can be no assurance that such claims will not be asserted or
that the Fund will be able successfully to defend against them. To the extent
that the Fund assumes an active role in any legal proceeding involving the
debtor, the Fund may be prevented from disposing of securities issued by the
debtor due to the Fund's possession of material, non-public information
concerning the debtor.

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES

     The Fund may purchase put and call options and write covered put and call
options on debt and equity securities, financial indices (including stock
indices), U.S. and foreign government debt securities and foreign currencies.
These may include options traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges and options traded
on U.S. or foreign over-the-counter markets (OTC options) including OTC Options
with primary U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York.

     The purchaser of a call option has the right, for a specified period of
time, to purchase the securities subject to the option at a specified price (the
"exercise price" or "strike price"). By writing a call option, the Fund becomes
obligated during the term of the option, upon exercise of the option, to deliver
the underlying securities or a specified amount of cash to the purchaser against
receipt of the exercise price. When the Fund writes a call option, the Fund
loses the potential for gain on the underlying securities in excess of the
exercise price of the option during the period that the option is open.

     The purchaser of a put option has the right, for a specified period of
time, to sell the securities subject to the option to the writer of the put at
the specified exercise price. By writing a put option, the Fund becomes
obligated during the term of the option, upon exercise of the option, to
purchase the securities underlying the option at the exercise price. The Fund
might, therefore, be obligated to purchase the underlying securities for more
than their current market price.

     The writer of an option retains the amount of the premium, although this
amount may be offset or exceeded, in the case of a covered call option, by a
decline and, in the case of a covered put option, by an increase in the market
value of the underlying security during the option period.


                                      B-5


<PAGE>


     The Fund may wish to protect certain portfolio securities against a decline
in market value at a time when put options on those particular securities are
not available for purchase. The Fund may therefore purchase a put option on
other carefully selected securities, the values of which the investment adviser
expects will have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of such
portfolio securities. If the investment adviser's judgment is correct, changes
in the value of the put options should generally offset changes in the value of
the portfolio securities being hedged. If the investment adviser's judgment is
not correct, the value of the securities underlying the put option may decrease
less than the value of the Fund's investments and therefore the put option may
not provide complete protection against a decline in the value of the Fund's
investments below the level sought to be protected by the put option.

     The Fund may similarly wish to hedge against appreciation in the value of
securities that it intends to acquire at a time when call options on such
securities are not available. The Fund may, therefore, purchase call options on
other carefully selected securities the values of which the investment adviser
expects will have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the
securities that the Fund intends to acquire. In such circumstances the Fund will
be subject to risks analogous to those summarized above in the event that the
correlation between the value of call options so purchased and the value of the
securities intended to be acquired by the Fund is not as close as anticipated
and the value of the securities underlying the call options increases less than
the value of the securities to be acquired by the Fund.

     The Fund may write options on securities in connection with buy-and-write
transactions; that is, the Fund may purchase a security and concurrently write a
call option against that security. If the call option is exercised, the Fund's
maximum gain will be the premium it received for writing the option, adjusted
upwards or downwards by the difference between the Fund's purchase price of the
security and the exercise price of the option. If the option is not exercised
and the price of the underlying security declines, the amount of the decline
will be offset in part, or entirely, by the premium received.

     The exercise price of a call option may be below ("in-the-money"), equal to
("at-the-money") or above ("out-of-the-money") the current value of the
underlying security at the time the option is written. Buy-and-write
transactions using in-the-money call options may be used when it is expected
that the price of the underlying security will remain flat or decline moderately
during the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using at-the-money call
options may be used when it is expected that the price of the underlying
security will remain fixed or advance moderately during the option period. A
buy-and-write transaction using an out-of-the-money call option may be used when
it is expected that the premium received from writing the call option plus the
appreciation in the market price of the underlying security up to the exercise
price will be greater than the appreciation in the price of the underlying
security alone. If the call option is exercised in such a transaction, the
Fund's maximum gain will be the premium received by it for writing the option,
adjusted upwards or downwards by the difference between the Fund's purchase
price of the security and the exercise price of the option. If the option is not
exercised and the price of the underlying security declines, the amount of the
decline will be offset in part, or entirely, by the premium received.

     Prior to being notified of the exercise of the option, the writer of an
exchange-traded option that wishes to terminate its obligation may effect a
"closing purchase transaction" by buying an option of the same series as the
option previously written. (Options of the same series are options with respect
to the same underlying security, having the same expiration date and the same
strike price.) The effect of the purchase is that the writer's position will be
canceled by the exchange's affiliated clearing organization. Likewise, an
investor who is the holder of an exchange-traded option may liquidate a position
by effecting a "closing sale transaction" by selling an option of the same
series as the option previously purchased. There is no guarantee that either a
closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can be effected.

     Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated
with the exchange on which the option is listed which, in effect, gives its
guarantee to every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC options
are contracts between the Fund and its contra-party with no clearing
organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund purchases an OTC option, it relies
on the dealer from which it has purchased the OTC option to make or take
delivery of the securities underlying the option. Failure by the dealer to do so
would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of
the expected benefit of the transaction.

     When the Fund writes an OTC option, it generally will be able to close out
the OTC option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase
transaction with the dealer to which the Fund originally wrote the OTC option.
While the Fund will enter into OTC options only with dealers which agree to, and
which are expected to be capable of, entering into closing transactions with the
Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to liquidate an OTC
option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Until the Fund is
able to effect a closing purchase transaction in a covered OTC call option the
Fund has written, it will not be able to liquidate securities used as cover
until the option expires or is exercised or different cover is substituted. In
the event of insolvency of the contra-party, the Fund may be unable to liquidate
an OTC option. See "Illiquid Securities" below.


                                      B-6


<PAGE>

     OTC options purchased by the Fund will be treated as illiquid securities
subject to any applicable limitation on such securities. Similarly, the assets
used to "cover" OTC options written by the Fund will be treated as illiquid
unless the OTC options are sold to qualified dealers who Agree that the Fund may
repurchase any OTC options it writes for a maximum price to be calculated by a
formula set forth in the option Agreement. The "cover" for an OTC option written
subject to this procedure would be considered illiquid only to the extent that
the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of
the option. See "Illiquid Securities" below.

     The Fund may write only "covered" options. This means that so long as the
Fund is obligated as the writer of a call option, it will own the underlying
securities subject to the option or an option to purchase the same underlying
securities, having an exercise price equal to or less than the exercise price of
the "covered" option, or will establish and maintain for the term of the option
a segregated account consisting of cash or other liquid assets having a value
equal to or greater than the exercise price of the option. In the case of a
straddle written by the Fund, the amount maintained in the segregated account
will equal the amount, if any, by which the put is "in-the-money."

     OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. The Fund also may purchase and write call
and put options on securities indices in an attempt to hedge against market
conditions affecting the value of securities that the Fund owns or intends to
purchase. Through the writing or purchase of index options, the Fund can achieve
many of the same objectives as through the use of options on individual
securities. Options on securities indices are similar to options on a security
except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of a security at a
specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to
receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of
the securities index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case
of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option.
This amount of cash is equal to such difference between the closing price of the
index and the exercise price of the option. The writer of the option is
obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount.
Unlike security options, all settlements are in cash and gain or loss depends
upon price movements in the market generally (or in a particular industry or
segment of the market), rather than upon price movements in individual
securities. Price movements in securities that the Fund owns or intends to
purchase will probably not correlate perfectly with movements in the level of an
index and, therefore, the Fund bears the risk that a loss on an index option
would not be completely offset by movements in the price of such securities.

     When the Fund writes an option on a securities index, it will be required
to deposit and mark-to-market, eligible securities equal in value to 100% of the
exercise price in the case of a put, or the contract value in the case of a
call. In addition, where the Fund writes a call option on a securities index at
a time when the contract value exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will
segregate and mark-to-market, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or
cash equivalents equal in value to such excess.

     Options on a securities index involve risks similar to those risks relating
to transactions in financial futures contracts described below. Also, an option
purchased by the Fund may expire worthless, in which case the Fund would lose
the premium paid therefor.

RISKS OF OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS

     An exchange-traded option position may be closed out only on an exchange
which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the
Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears
to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary
market on an exchange will exist for any particular option at any particular
time, and for some exchange-traded options, no secondary market on an exchange
may exist. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing
transactions in particular options, with the result that the Fund would have to
exercise its exchange-traded options in order to realize any profit and may
incur transaction costs in connection therewith. If the Fund as a covered call
option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary
market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option
expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.

     Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include
the following: (a) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (b)
restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (c) trading halts,
suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of options or underlying securities; (d) interruption of the normal
operations on an exchange; (e) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or
clearinghouse, such as The Options Clearing Corporation (the O.C.) to handle
current trading volume; or (f) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series
of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange
that had been issued by the O.C. as a result of trades on that exchange would
generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

     In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in options transactions, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in
liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur a
loss of all or part of its


                                      B-7


<PAGE>

margin deposits with the broker. Similarly, in the event of the bankruptcy of
the writer of an OTC option purchased by the Fund, the Fund could experience a
loss of all or part of the value of the option. Transactions are entered into by
the Fund only with brokers or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the
investment adviser.

     The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which
the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets
close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and
rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected
in the option markets. 

RISKS OF OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES

     Options on foreign currencies involve the currencies of two nations and
therefore, developments in either or both countries affect the values of options
on foreign currencies. Risks include those described in the Prospectus under
"How the Fund Invests--Risk Factors and Special Considerations Relating to
Investing in Foreign Securities," including government actions affecting
currency valuation and the movements of currencies from one country to another.
The quantity of currency underlying option contracts represent odd lots in a
market dominated by transactions between banks; this can mean extra transaction
costs upon exercise. Option markets may be closed while round-the-clock
interbank currency markets are open, and this can create price and rate
discrepancies.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS

     The Fund may enter into futures contracts for the purchase or sale of debt
securities and financial indices (collectively, interest rate futures contracts)
and currencies in accordance with the Fund's investment objective. A "purchase"
of a futures contract (or a "long" futures position) means the assumption of a
contractual obligation to acquire a specified quantity of the securities
underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future date. A
"sale" of a futures contract (or a "short" futures position) means the
assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver a specified quantity of the
securities underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future
date. At the time a futures contract is purchased or sold, the Fund is required
to deposit cash or securities with a futures commission merchant or in a
segregated account representing between approximately 1 1/2 to 5% of the
contract amount, called "initial margin." Thereafter, the futures contract will
be valued daily and the payment in cash of "maintenance" or "variation margin"
may be required, resulting in the Fund paying or receiving cash that reflects
any decline or increase in the contract's value, a process known as
"marking-to-market."

     Some futures contracts by their terms may call for the actual delivery or
acquisition of the underlying assets and other futures contracts must be "cash
settled." In most cases the contractual obligation is extinguished before the
expiration of the contract by buying (to offset an earlier sale) or selling (to
offset an earlier purchase) an identical futures contract calling for delivery
or acquisition in the same month. The purchase (or sale) of an offsetting
futures contract is referred to as a "closing transaction."

     The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in futures
contracts and options on futures contracts would be impacted by the liquidity of
these markets. Although the Fund generally would purchase or sell only those
futures contracts and options thereon for which there appeared to be a liquid
market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for
any particular futures contract or option at any particular time. In the event
no liquid market exists for a particular futures contract or option thereon in
which the Fund maintains a position, it would not be possible to effect a
closing transaction in that contract or to do so at a satisfactory price and the
Fund would have to either make or take delivery under the futures contract or,
in the case of a written call option, wait to sell the underlying securities
until the option expired or was exercised, or, in the case of a purchased
option, exercise the option. In the case of a futures contract or an option on a
futures contract which the Fund had written and which the Fund was unable to
close, the Fund would be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures
contract or option and to make variation margin payments until the contract is
closed.

   
     Risks inherent in the use of these strategies include (1) dependence on the
investment adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
interest rates, securities prices and markets; (2) imperfect correlation between
the price of futures contracts and options thereon and movement in the prices of
the securities being hedged; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use these
strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4)
the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument
at any time; and (5) the possible inability of the Fund to sell a portfolio
security at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so. In the
event it did sell the security and eliminated its "cover," it would have to
replace its "cover" with an appropriate futures contract or option or segregate
securities with the required value.
    


                                      B-8

<PAGE>


     Although futures prices themselves have the potential to be extremely
volatile, in the case of any strategy involving interest rate futures contracts
and options thereon when the investment adviser's expectations are not met,
assuming proper adherence to the segregation requirement, the volatility of the
Fund as a whole should be no greater than if the same strategy had been pursued
in the cash market.

     Exchanges on which futures and related options trade may impose limits on
the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances. In addition, the
hours of trading of financial futures contracts and options thereon may not
conform to the hours during which the Fund may trade the underlying securities.
To the extent the futures markets close before the securities markets,
significant price and rate movements can take place in the securities markets
that cannot be reflected in the futures markets.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the
Commodity Exchange Act), all futures contracts and options thereon must be
traded on an exchange. Since a clearing corporation effectively acts as the
counterparty on every futures contract and option thereon, the counter party
risk depends on the strength of the clearing or settlement corporation
associated with the exchange. Additionally, although the exchanges provide a
means of closing out a position previously established, there can be no
assurance that a liquid market will exist for a particular contract at a
particular time. In the case of options on futures, if such a market does not
exist, the Fund, as the holder of an option on futures contracts, would have to
exercise the option and comply with the margin requirements for the underlying
futures contract to utilize any profit, and if the Fund were the writer of the
option, its obligation would not terminate until the option expired or the Fund
was assigned an exercise notice.

LIMITATIONS ON THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS

     CFTC LIMITS. In accordance with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
regulations, the Fund is not permitted to purchase or sell futures contracts or
options thereon for return enhancement or risk management purposes if
immediately thereafter the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on the
Fund's existing futures and premiums paid for options on futures exceed 5% of
the liquidation value of such Fund's total assets (the "5% CFTC limit"). This
restriction does not apply to the purchase and sale of futures contracts and
options thereon for bona fide hedging purposes.

     SEGREGATION REQUIREMENTS. To the extent the Fund enters into futures
contracts, it is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
Commission) to maintain a segregated asset account sufficient to cover the
Fund's obligations with respect to such futures contracts, which will consist of
cash or other liquid assets, in an amount equal to the difference between the
fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of
the initial margin deposited by the Fund with respect to such futures contracts.
Offsetting the contract by another identical contract eliminates the segregation
requirement.

     With respect to options on futures, there are no segregation requirements
for options that are purchased and owned by the Fund. However, written options,
since they involve potential obligations of the Fund, may require segregation of
Fund assets if the options are not "covered" as described below under "Options
on Futures Contracts." If the Fund writes a call option that is not "covered,"
it must segregate and maintain for the term of the option cash or liquid
securities equal to the fluctuating value of the optioned futures. If the Fund
writes a put option that is not "covered," the segregated amount would have to
be at all times equal in value to the exercise price of the put (less any
initial margin deposited by the Fund) with respect to such option.

USES OF INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS

     Futures contracts will be used for bona fide hedging, risk management and
return enhancement purposes.

     POSITION HEDGING. The Fund might sell interest rate futures contracts to
protect the Fund against a rise in interest rates which would be expected to
decrease the value of debt securities which the Fund holds. This would be
considered a bona fide hedge and, therefore, is not subject to the 5% CFTC
limit. For example, if interest rates are expected to increase, the Fund might
sell futures contracts on debt securities, the values of which historically have
correlated closely or are expected to correlate closely to the values of the
Fund's portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling
an equivalent value of the Fund's portfolio securities. If interest rates
increase, the value of the Fund's portfolio securities will decline, but the
value of the futures contracts to the Fund will increase at approximately an
equivalent rate thereby keeping the NAV of the Fund from declining as much as it
otherwise would have. The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling debt
securities with longer maturities and investing in debt securities with shorter
maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the
futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures
contracts as a hedging technique would allow the Fund to


                                      B-9


<PAGE>

maintain a defensive position without having to sell portfolio securities. If in
fact interest rates decline rather than rise, the value of the futures contract
will fall but the value of the bonds should rise and should offset all or part
of the loss. If futures contracts are used to hedge 100% of the bond position
and correlate precisely with the bond position, there should be no loss or gain
with a rise (or fall) in interest rates. However, if only 50% of the bond
position is hedged with futures, then the value of the remaining 50% of the bond
position would be subject to change because of interest rate fluctuations.
Whether the bond positions and futures contracts correlate precisely is a
significant risk factor.

     ANTICIPATORY POSITION HEDGING. Similarly, when it is expected that interest
rates may decline and the Fund intends to acquire debt securities, the Fund
might purchase interest rate futures contracts. The purchase of futures
contracts for this purpose would constitute an anticipatory hedge against
increases in the price of debt securities (caused by declining interest rates)
which the Fund subsequently acquires and would normally qualify as a bona fide
hedge not subject to the 5% CFTC limit. Since fluctuations in the value of
appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate that of the debt
securities that would be purchased, the Fund could take advantage of the
anticipated rise in the cost of the debt securities without actually buying
them. Subsequently, the Fund could make the intended purchases of the debt
securities in the cash market and concurrently liquidate thefutures positions.

     RISK MANAGEMENT AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT. The Fund might sell interest rate
futures contracts covering bonds. This has the same effect as selling bonds in
the portfolio and holding cash and reduces the duration of the portfolio.
(Duration measures the price sensitivity of the portfolio to interest rates. The
longer the duration, the greater the impact of interest rate changes on the
portfolio's price.) This should lessen the risks associated with a rise in
interest rates. In some circumstances, this may serve as a hedge against a loss
of principal, but is usually referred to as an aspect of risk management.

     The Fund might buy interest rate futures contracts covering bonds with a
longer maturity than its portfolio average. This would tend to increase the
duration and should increase the gain in the overall portfolio if interest rates
fall. This is often referred to as risk management rather than hedging but, if
it works as intended, has the effect of increasing principal value. If it does
not work as intended because interest rates rise instead of fall, the loss will
be greater than would otherwise have been the case. Futures contracts used for
these purposes are not considered bona fide hedges and, therefore, are subject
to the 5% CFTC limit.

OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS

     The Fund may enter into options on futures contracts for certain bona fide
hedging, risk management and return enhancement purposes. This includes the
ability to purchase put and call options and write (i.e., sell) "covered" put
and call options on futures contracts that are traded on commodity and futures
exchanges.

     If the Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it has the right but
not the obligation, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a
futures contract (a long position if the option is a call or a short position if
the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option
exercise period.

     Unlike purchasing an option, which is similar to purchasing insurance to
protect against a possible rise or fall of security prices or currency values,
the writer or seller of an option undertakes an obligation upon exercise of the
option to either buy or sell the underlying futures contract at the exercise
price. A writer of a call option has the obligation upon exercise to assume a
short futures position and a writer of a put option has the obligation to assume
a long futures position. Upon exercise of the option, the assumption of
offsetting futures positions by the writer and holder of the option will be
accompanied by delivery of the accumulated cash balance in the writer's futures
margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the
futures contract at exercise exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in
the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. If
there is no balance in the writer's margin account, the option is "out of the
money" and will not be exercised. The Fund, as the writer, has income in the
amount it was paid for the option. If there is a margin balance, the Fund will
have a loss in the amount of the balance less the premium it was paid for
writing the option.

         When the Fund writes a put or call option on futures contracts, the
option must either be "covered" or, to the extent not "covered," will be subject
to segregation requirements. The Fund will be considered "covered" with respect
to a call option it writes on a futures contract if the Fund owns the securities
or currency which is deliverable under the futures contract or an option to
purchase that futures contract having a strike price equal to or less than the
strike price of the "covered" option. A Fund will be considered "covered" with
respect to a put option it writes on a futures contract if it owns an option to
sell that futures contract having a strike price equal to or greater than the
strike price of the "covered" option.

   
     To the extent the Fund is not "covered" as described above with respect to
written options, it will segregate and maintain for the term of the option cash
or other liquid assets as described above under "Limitations on the Purchase and
Sale of Futures Contracts and Related Options--Segregation Requirements."
    


                                      B-10


<PAGE>

USES OF OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS

     Options on futures contracts would be used for bona fide hedging, risk
management and return enhancement purposes.

     POSITION HEDGING. The Fund may purchase put options on interest rate or
currency futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against the risk of a decline
in the value of the debt securities it owns as a result of rising interest
rates.

     ANTICIPATORY HEDGING. The Fund may also purchase call options on futures
contracts as a hedge against an increase in the value of securities the Fund
might intend to acquire as a result of declining interest rates.

     Writing a put option on a futures contract may serve as a partial
anticipatory hedge against an increase in the value of debt securities the Fund
might intend to acquire. If the futures price at expiration of the option is
above the exercise price, the Fund retains the full amount of the option premium
which provides a partial hedge against any increase that may have occurred in
the price of the debt securities the Fund intended to acquire. If the market
price of the underlying futures contract is below the exercise price when the
option is exercised, the Fund would incur a loss, which may be wholly or
partially offset by the decrease in the value of the securities the Fund might
intend to acquire.

     Whether options on futures contracts are subject to or exempt from the 5%
CFTC limit depends on whether the purposes of the options constitutes a bona
fide hedge.

     RISK MANAGEMENT AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT. Writing a put option that does not
relate to securities the Fund intends to acquire would be a return enhancement
strategy which would result in a loss if interest rates rise.

     Similarly, writing a covered call option on a futures contract is also a
return enhancement strategy. If the market price of the underlying futures
contract at expiration of a written call is below the exercise price, the Fund
would retain the full amount of the option premium increasing the income of the
Fund. If the futures price when the option is exercised is above the exercise
price, however, the Fund would sell the underlying securities which were the
"cover" for the contract and incur a gain or loss depending on the cost basis
for the underlying asset.

     Writing a covered call option as in any return enhancement strategy can
also be considered a partial hedge against a decrease in the value of a Fund's
portfolio securities. The amount of the premium received acts as a partial hedge
against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's debt securities.

     There can be no assurance that the Fund's use of futures contracts and
related options will be successful and the Fund may incur losses in connection
with its purchase and sale of future contracts and related options.

RISKS RELATED TO FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

     The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in
several circumstances. When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when the Fund
anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividends or interest payments
on a security which it holds, the Fund may desire to "lock-in" the U.S. dollar
price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest
payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for a fixed
amount of dollars, for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency
involved in the underlying transactions, the Fund may be able to protect itself
against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the
date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or
interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are madeor
received.

     Additionally, when the investment adviser believes that the currency of a
particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S.
dollar, the Fund may enter into a forward contract for a fixed amount of
dollars, to sell the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some
or all of the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency.
The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the
securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of
securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market
movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the forward
contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term
currency market movement is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of
a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. If the Fund enters into a
position hedging transaction, the transaction will be covered by the position
being hedged or the Fund will place cash or other liquid assets in a segregated
account of the Fund (less the value of the "covering" positions, if any) in an
amount equal to the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the
consummation of the given forward contract. The


                                      B-11


<PAGE>

assets placed in the segregated account will be marked-to-market daily, and if
the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the account on a daily basis so
that the value of the account will, at all times, equal the amount of the Fund's
net commitment with respect to the forward contract.

     The Fund generally will not enter into a forward contract with a term of
greater than one year. At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may
either sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or
it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver
the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the same
currency trader obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same
amount of the foreign currency.

     It is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of a
particular portfolio security at the expiration of the forward contract.
Accordingly, if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the
foreign currency and if the market value of the security is less than the amount
of foreign currency that the Fund is obligated to deliver, then it would be
necessary for the Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot
market (and bear the expense of such purchase).

     If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has
been movement in forward contract prices. Should forward contract prices decline
during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the
sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract
for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the
extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of
the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward contract prices increase,
the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the price of the currency it has
agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.

     The Fund's dealing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will
generally be limited to the transactions described above. Of course, the Fund is
not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign
currency-denominated securities. It also should be recognized that this method
of protecting the value of the Fund's portfolio securities against a decline in
the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices
of the securities which are unrelated to exchange rates. Additionally, although
such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value
of the hedged currency, at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain
which might result should the value of such currency increase.

     Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does
not intend physically to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S.
dollars on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and investors should
be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers
do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the
difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the
Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund
desire to resell that currency to the dealer.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     The Fund's repurchase agreements will be collateralized by U.S. Government
obligations. The Fund will enter into repurchase transactions only with parties
meeting creditworthiness standards approved by the Fund's Board of Directors.
The Fund's investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such parties,
under the general supervision of the Board of Directors. In the event of a
default or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek to liquidate the
collateral. To the extent that the proceeds from any sale of such collateral
upon a default in the obligation to repurchase are less than the repurchase
price, the Fund will suffer a loss.

     The Fund participates in a joint repurchase agreement account with other
investment companies managed by Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM
or the Manager) pursuant to an order of the Commission. On a daily basis, any
uninvested cash balances of the Fund may be aggregated with those of such
investment companies and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each
fund participates in the income earned or accrued in the joint account based on
the percentage ofits investment.

LENDING OF SECURITIES

     Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Fund may lend its
portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided
that outstanding loans do not exceed in the aggregate 30% of the value of the
Fund's total assets and provided that such loans are callable at any time by the
Fund and are at all times secured by cash or equivalent collateral that is equal
to at least the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The
advantage of such loans is that the Fund

                                      B-12



<PAGE>

continues to receive payments in lieu of the interest and dividends of the
loaned securities, while at the same time earning interest either directly from
the borrower or on the collateral which will be invested in short-term
obligations.

     A loan may be terminated by the borrower on one business days' notice or by
the Fund at any time. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of
collateral, the loan automatically terminates, and the Fund could use the
collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any
excess of replacement cost over collateral. As with any extensions of credit,
there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However,
these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the
investment adviser to be creditworthy. On termination of the loan, the borrower
is required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the
market price during the loan would inure to the Fund.

     Since voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to
the borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loan, in whole or
in part as may be appropriate, to permit the exercise of such rights if the
matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in the
securities which are the subject of the loan. The Fund will pay reasonable
finders', administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its
securities or may share the interest earned on collateral withthe borrower.

BORROWING

     The Fund may borrow an amount equal to no more than 33 1/3% of the value of
its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing) from banks for
temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes, or for the clearance of
transactions. The Fund may pledge up to 33 1/3% of its total assets to secure
these borrowings. If the Fund's asset covera ge for borrowings falls below 300%,
the Fund will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings. If the 300% asset
coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the
Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities to reduce the debt and restore
the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an
investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. Such liquidations could
cause the Fund to realize gains on securities held for less than three months.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

     The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements
which have a maturity of longer than seven days or in other illiquid securities,
including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily
available market (either within or outside of the United States) or legal or
contractual restrictions on resale. Historically, illiquid securities have
included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act), securities which are otherwise not readily
marketable and repurchase agreements having a maturity of longer than seven
days. Securities which have not been registered under the Securities Act are
referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased
directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual funds do not
typically hold a significant amount of these restricted or other illiquid
securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in
valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability
of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of
restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and
might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. A
mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to
dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market
conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

     In recent years, however, a large institutional market has developed for
certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act including
repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal
securities, convertible securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional
investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered
security can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for
repayment. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale
to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the
liquidity of such investments.

     Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows for a broader institutional
trading market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the
general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act for resales of certain securities to
qualified institutional buyers. The investment adviser anticipates that the
market for certain restricted securities such as institutional commercial paper
and foreign securities will expand further as a result of this regulation and
the development of automated systems for the trading, clearance and settlement
of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers, such as the PORTAL
System sponsored by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.


                                      B-13


<PAGE>

     Restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act and commercial paper for which there is a readily available
market will not be deemed to be illiquid. The investment adviser will monitor
the liquidity of such restricted securities subject to the supervision of the
Board of Directors. In reaching liquidity decisions, the investment adviser will
consider, inter alia, the following factors: (1) the frequency of trades and
quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell
the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the
security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
the transfer). In addition, in order for commercial paper that is issued in
reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act to be considered liquid, (i) it
must be rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSRO), or if only one
NRSRO rates the securities, by that NRSRO, or, if unrated, be of comparable
quality in the view of the investment adviser; and (ii) it must not be "traded
flat" (i.e., without accrued interest) or in default as to principal or
interest. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity
equal to the notice period.

     The staff of the Commission has taken the position that purchased
over-the-counter (OTC) options and the assets used as "cover" for written OTC
options are illiquid securities unless the Fund and the counterparty have
provided for the Fund, at the Fund's election, to unwind the OTC option. The
exercise of such an option would ordinarily involve the payment by the Fund of
an amount designed to reflect the counterparty's economic loss from an early
termination, but does allow the Fund to treat the securities used as "cover" as
liquid. See "How the Fund Invests--Other Investments and Investment
Policies--Illiquid Securities" in the Prospectus.

WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES

     From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Fund may
purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, that is,
delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the
transaction. The purchase price and the interest rate payable on the securities
are fixed on the transaction date. The securities so purchased are subject to
market fluctuation, and no interest accrues to the Fund until delivery and
payment take place. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, it will record the
transaction and thereafter reflect the value of such securities in determining
its NAV each day. The Fund will make commitments for such when-issued
transactions only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities. The
Fund will segregate cash or other liquid assets, marked-to-market daily, having
a value equal to or greater than such commitments. If the Fund chooses to
dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition,
it could, as with the disposition of any other portfolio security, incur a gain
or loss due tomarket fluctuations.

SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

     The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, except to
the extent permitted by applicable law. Generally, the Fund does not intend to
invest in such securities. If the Fund does invest in securities of other
investment companies, shareholders of the Fund may be subject to duplicate
management and advisory fees.

SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS

   
     When the Fund is required to segregate assets in connection with certain
hedging transactions, it will maintain cash or liquid assets in a segregated
account. "Liquid assets" mean cash, U.S. Government securities, equity
securities, debt obligations or other liquid, unencumbered assets
marked-to-market daily, including foreign securities, high yield fixed income
securities and distressed securities. See "How the Fund Invests--Risk Factors
and Special Considerations Relating to Investing in Foreign Securities," "--Risk
Factors Relating to Investing in Debt Securities Rated Below Investment Grade
(Junk Bonds)" and "--Risk Factors Relating to Investing in Distressed
Securities" in the Prospectus.
    

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

     Although the Fund does not intend to engage in substantial short-term
trading, it may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time
that they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment
opportunities or yield differentials, or because the Fund desires to preserve
gains or limit losses due to changing economic conditions or the financial
condition of the issuer. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is not expected to
exceed 150%. The portfolio turnover rate is generally the percentage computed by
dividing the lesser of portfolio purchases or sales (excluding all securities,
including options, whose maturities or expiration date at acquisition were one
year or less) by the monthly average value of the portfolio. High portfolio
turnover (over


                                      B-14

<PAGE>

100%) involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transaction costs, which are borne directly by the Fund. In addition, high
portfolio turnover may also mean that a proportionately greater amount of
distributions to shareholders will be taxed as ordinary income rather than
long-term capital gains compared to investment companies with lower portfolio
turnover. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage" and "Taxes, Dividends and
Distributions."

                             INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     The following restrictions are fundamental policies. Fundamental policies
are those which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities," when used in this Statement of Additional
Information, means the lesser of (i) 67% of the voting shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares are present in
person or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting
shares.

The Fund may not:

          1. Purchase any security (other than obligations of, or guaranteed by,
     the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if as a result: (i)
     with respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, more than 5% of the Fund's
     total assets (determined at the time of investment) would then be invested
     in securities of a single issuer, or (ii) more than 10% of the voting
     securities of any issuer.

          2. Invest 25% or more of the market or other fair value of its total
     assets in the securities of issuers, all of which conduct their principal
     business activities in the same industry. For purposes of this restriction,
     gas, electric, water and telephone utilities will each be treated as being
     a separate industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued
     or guaranteed by the United Sates Government or its agencies or
     instrumentalities.

          3. Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain such
     short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions);
     provided that the deposit or payment by the Fund of initial or maintenance
     margin in connection with futures or options is not considered the purchase
     of a security on margin.

          4. Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except
     that the Fund may borrow from banks up to 331 @3% of the value of its total
     assets (calculated when the loan is made) for temporary, extraordinary or
     emergency purposes, for the clearance of transactions. The Fund may pledge
     up to 331 @3% of the value of its total assets to secure such borrowings.
     For purposes of this restriction, the purchase or sale of securities on a
     when-issued or delayed delivery basis, forward foreign currency exchange
     contracts and collateral arrangements relating thereto, and collateral
     arrangements with respect to interest rate swap transactions, reverse
     repurchase agreements, dollar roll transactions, options, futures contracts
     and options thereon, short sales, and obligations of the Fund to Directors
     pursuant to deferred compensation arrangements are not deemed to be a
     pledge of assets or the issuance of a senior security, only so long as they
     are covered or collateralized in accordance with Securities and Exchange
     Commission guidelines.

          5. Act as underwriter of securities, except to the extent that, in
     connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed
     to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.

          6. Buy or sell real estate or interests in real estate, except that
     the Fund may purchase and sell securities whichare secured by real estate,
     securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate and securities
     of real estateinvestment trusts.

          7. Buy or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the
     Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon,
     and forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

          8. Make loans, except through the purchase of debt obligations, bank
     debt (including loan participations and assignments), trade claims,
     repurchase agreements and loans of securities.

     Whenever any fundamental investment policy or investment restriction states
a maximum percentage of the Fund's assets, it is intended that if the percentage
limitation is met at the time the investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changing total or NAVs will not be considered a
violation of such policy. However, in the event that the Fund's asset coverage
for borrowings falls below 300%, the Fund will take prompt action to reduce its
borrowings, as required by applicable law.


                                      B-15


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

                               POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS** (AGE)       WITH FUND                                 DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------       ---------                                --------------------
<S>                            <C>                <C>  

Edward D. Beach (73)           Director           President and Director of BMC Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment
                                                    company; previously, Vice Chairman of Broyhill Furniture
                                                    Industries, Inc.; Certified Public Accountant; Secretary and
                                                    Treasurer of Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.; Member of the Board
                                                    of Trustees of Mars Hill College; Director of The High Yield
                                                    Income Fund, Inc.
   
Eugene C. Dorsey (71)          Director           Retired President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Gannett
                                                    Foundation (now Freedom Forum); former Publisher of four Gannett
                                                    newspapers and Vice President of Gannett Company; past Chairman of
                                                    Independent Sector (national coalition of philanthropic
                                                    organizations); former Chairman of the American Council for the
                                                    Arts; Director of the Advisory Board of Chase Manhattan Bank of
                                                    Rochester, The High Yield Income Fund, Inc. and First Financial
                                                    Fund, Inc.
    
Delayne Dedrick Gold (59)      Director           Marketing and Management Consultant; Director of The High Yield
                                                    Income Fund, Inc.
   
*Robert F. Gunia (51)          Director and       Vice President (since September 1997) of Prudential Investments;           
                               Vice President       Executive Vice President and Treasurer (since December 1996) of       
                                                    Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM); Senior Vice        
                                                    President (since March 1987) of Prudential Securities Incorporated    
                                                    (Prudential Securities); formerly Chief Administrative Officer (July  
                                                    1990-September 1996); Director (January 1989-September 1996);         
                                                    Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (June 
                                                    1987-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. Vice  
                                                    President and Director of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (since May      
                                                    1989); Director of the High Yield Income Fund, Inc.                   

*Harry A. Jacobs Jr. (75)      Director           Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential Securities;
One Seaport Plaza                                   formerly Interim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
New York, New York                                  Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (June-September 1993);
                                                    formerly Chairman of the Board of Prudential Securities (1982-
                                                    1985) and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                    Bache Group, Inc. (1977-1982); Director of The First Australia
                                                    Fund, Inc., The First Australia Prime Income Fund, Inc. and The
                                                    High Yield Income Fund, Inc.

*Mendel A. Melzer, CFA (37)    Director           Chief Investment Officer (since October 1996) of Prudential Mutual
751 Broad Street,                                   Funds; formerly Chief Financial Officer of Prudential Investments     
Newark, NJ 07102-4077                               (November 1995-September 1996), Senior Vice President and Chief       
                                                    Financial Officer of Prudential Preferred Financial Services (April   
                                                    1993-November 1995), Managing Director of Prudential Investment       
                                                    Advisors (April 1991-April 1993), and Senior Vice President of        
                                                    Prudential Capital Corporation (July 1989-April 1991). Chairman and   
                                                    Director of Prudential Series Fund, Inc., Director of The High Yield  
                                                    Income Fund, Inc.                                                     
                                                    
    
</TABLE>

                                 B-16
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS** (AGE)       WITH FUND                                 DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------       ---------                                --------------------
<S>                            <C>                <C>  
   
Thomas T. Mooney (56)          Director           President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce;
                                                    formerly Rochester City Manager; Trustee of Center for Governmental     
                                                    Research, Inc.; Director of Blue Cross of Rochester; The Business    
                                                    Council of New York State; Executive Service Corps of Rochester;     
                                                    Monroe County Water Authority; Rochester Jobs, Inc.; Monroe County   
                                                    Industrial Development Corporation; Northeast Midwest Institute; The 
                                                    High Yield Income Fund, Inc.; Director and Treasurer of First        
                                                    Financial Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.              
    
Thomas H. O'Brien (73)         Director           President of O'Brien Associates (Financial and Management
                                                    Consultants) (since April 1984); formerly President of Jamaica
                                                    Water Securities Corp. (holding company) (February 1989-August
                                                    1990); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
                                                    (September 1987-February 1989) of Jamaica Water Supply Company and
                                                    Director (September 1987-April 1991); Director and President
                                                    Winthrop Regional Health Systems, Inc. and United Presbyterian
                                                    Homes; Director of Ridgewood Savings Bank and The High Yield Income
                                                    Fund, Inc.; Trustee of Hofstra University.
   
*Richard A. Redeker (54)       President and      Employee of Prudential Investments; formerly President, Chief
751 Broad Street               Director             Executive Officer and Director (October 1993-September 1996),
Newark, New Jersey 07102                            Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc., Executive Vice
                                                    President, of Director and Member of the Operating Committee
                                                    (October 1993-September 1996), Prudential Securities, Director
                                                    (October 1993-September 1996) of Prudential Securities Group, Inc.
                                                    (PSG), Executive Vice President, The Prudential Investment
                                                    Corporation (January 1994-September 1996), Director (January
                                                    1994-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc.
                                                    and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. and Senior Executive
                                                    Vice President and Director of Kemper Financial Services, Inc.
                                                    (September 1978-September 1993); President and Director of The
                                                    High Yield Income Fund, Inc.

Nancy H. Teeters (67)          Director           Economist; formerly Vice President and Chief Economist of
                                                   International Business Machines Corporation (March 1986-June
                                                   1990); Director of Inland Steel Industries (since July 1991) and
                                                   The High Yield Income Fund, Inc

Louis A. Weil, III (56)        Director           Publisher and Chief Executive Officer (since January 1996) and
                                                    Director (since September 1991) of Central Newspapers, Inc.;
                                                    Chairman of the Board (since January 1996), Publisher and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer (August 1991-December 1995) of Phoenix
                                                    Newspapers, Inc.; formerly, Publisher of Time Magazine (May 1989-
                                                    March 1991), President, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                    The Detroit News (February 1986-August 1989), and member of the
                                                    Advisory Board, Chase Manhattan Bank-Westchester; Director of the
                                                    High Yield Income Fund, Inc.

S. Jane Rose (52)              Secretary          Senior Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; Senior Vice
                                                    President and Senior Counsel of Prudential Securities (since July
                                                    1992); formerly Senior Vice President (January 1991-September
                                                    1996) and Senior Counsel (June 1987-September 1996) of Prudential 
                                                    Mutual Fund Management, Inc.

                                      B-17

    
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS** (AGE)       WITH FUND                                 DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ------------------------       ---------                                --------------------
<S>                            <C>                <C>  

Grace C. Torres (38)           Treasurer and      First Vice President (since December 1995) of PIFM; First Vice
                               Principal            President (since March 1994) of Prudential Securities; formerly 
                               Financial            First Vice President (March 1994-September 1996) of Prudential   
                               Accounting           Mutual Fund Management, Inc. and Vice President (July 1989-March  
                               Officer              1994)of Bankers Trust Company.                                  

Deborah A. Docs (40)           Assistant          Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; Vice President and
                               Secretary            Associate General Counsel (June 1991-September 1996) of PIFM;
                                                    Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Prudential
                                                    Securities.

Stephen M. Ungerman (44)       Assistant          Tax Director (since March 1996) of Prudential Investments and the
                               Treasurer            Private Asset Group of Prudential; formerly First Vice President
                                                    (February 1993-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                    Management, Inc. and Senior Tax Manager (1981-January 1993) of
                                                    Price Waterhouse.
</TABLE>
- -----------
 *  "Interested" Director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason
    of his affiliation with Prudential, Prudential Securities or PIFM.

**  Unless otherwise indicated, the address of the Directors and Officers is c/o
    Prudential Investments Fund Management, LLC, Gateway Center Three, Newark,
    New Jersey 07102-4077.

     Directors and officers of the Fund are also trustees, directors and
officers of some or all of the other investment companies distributed by
Prudential Securities.

     The officers conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the
Fund, while the Directors, in addition to their functions set forth under
"Manager" and "Distributor," oversee such actions and decide on general policy.

     Pursuant to the Management Agreement with the Fund, the Manager pays all
compensation of officers and employees of the Fund as well as the fees and
expenses of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Manager.

     The Fund pays each of its Directors who is not an affiliated person of PIFM
or The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC), the Subadviser or the investment
adviser) annual compensation of $3,000, in addition to certain out-of-pocket
expenses. The amount of annual compensation paid to each Director may change as
a result of the introduction of additional funds upon which the Director will be
asked to serve.

     Directors may receive their Directors' fees pursuant to a deferred fee
agreement with the Fund. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund accrues
daily the amount of Directors' fees in installments which accrue interest at a
rate equivalent to the prevailing rate applicable to 90-day U.S. Treasury bills
at the beginning of each calendar quarter or, pursuant to an Commission
exemptive order, at the daily rate of return of the Fund (the Fund rate).
Payment of the interest so accrued is also deferred and accruals become payable
at the option of the Director. The Fund's obligation to make payments of
deferred Directors' fees, together with interest thereon, is a general
obligation of the Fund.

     The Directors have adopted a retirement policy which calls for the
retirement of Directors on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age
of 72, except that retirement is being phased in for Directors who were age 68
or older as of December 31, 1993. Under this phase-in provision, Messrs. Jacobs,
Beach and O'Brien are scheduled to retire on December 31, 1998, 1999 and 1999,
respectively.


                                      B-18

<PAGE>

   
     The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation estimated to be
paid by the Fund for the fiscal period ending March 31, 1999 to the Directors
who are not affiliated with the Manager and the aggregate compensation paid to
such Directors for service on the boards of all other funds managed by PIFM
(Fund Complex) for the calendar year ended December 31, 1997.

                               COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           TOTAL
                                                                         PENSION OR                     COMPENSATION
                                                          ESTIMATED      RETIREMENT       ESTIMATED       FROM FUND
                                                          AGGREGATE   BENEFITS ACCRUED     ANNUAL         AND FUND
                                                        COMPENSATION   AS PART OF FUND  BENEFITS UPON   COMPLEX PAID
    NAME AND POSITION                                     FROM FUND       EXPENSES       RETIREMENT     TO DIRECTORS
    -----------------                                     ---------      ----------     ------------    ------------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>            <C>        <C>
Edward D. Beach, Director                                  $3,000            None           N/A        $135,000(38/63)*
Eugene C. Dorsey, Director                                 $3,000            None           N/A        $ 70,000(16/43)*
Delayne Dedrick Gold, Director                             $3,000            None           N/A        $135,000(38/63)*
Robert F. Gunia, Director+                                  None             None           N/A             --
Harry A. Jacobs, Jr., Director+                             None             None           N/A             --
Donald D. Lennox, Former Director                           None             None           N/A        $ 90,000(26/50)*
Mendel A. Melzer, Director+                                 None             None           N/A             --
Thomas T. Mooney, Director                                 $3,000            None           N/A        $115,000(31/64)*
Thomas H. O'Brien, Director                                $3,000            None           N/A        $ 45,000(11/29)*
Richard A. Redeker, Director and President+                 None             None           N/A             --
Nancy H. Teeters, Director                                 $3,000            None           N/A        $ 90,000(23/42)*
Louis A. Weil, III, Director                               $3,000            None           N/A        $ 90,000(26/50)*
    
</TABLE>
____________

 *   Indicates number of funds/portfolios in Fund Complex (including the Fund)
     to which aggregate compensation relates.

 +   Robert F. Gunia, Harry A. Jacobs, Jr., Mendel A. Melzer and Richard A.
     Redeker, who are each interested Directors do not receive compensation from
     the Fund or any fund in the Prudential Mutual Fund family.

**   Total compensation from all of the funds in the Fund complex for the
     calendar year ended December 31, 1997, includes amounts deferred at the
     election of Directors under the fund's deferred compensation plans.
     Including accrued interest, total compensation amounted to $87,401 and
     $143,909 for Dorsey and Mooney, respectively.

     As of February 17, 1998, the Directors and Officers of the Fund, as a
group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund

     As of February 17, 1998, PIFM was the sole record holder of each class of
shares of the Fund, and owned: 2,500 Class A shares; 2,500 Class B shares; 2,500
Class C shares; and 2,500 Class Z shares.

MANAGER
   
     The manager of the Fund is Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM
or the Manager), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey
07102-4077. PIFM serves as manager to all of the other investment companies
that, together with the Fund, comprise the Prudential Mutual Funds. See "How the
Fund is Managed--Manager" in the Prospectus. As of February 28, 1998, PIFM
managed and/or administered open-end and closed-end management investment
companies with assets of approximately $63 billion. According to the Investment
Company Institute, as of October 31, 1997, the Prudential Mutual Funds were the
15th largest family of mutual funds in the United States.
    
     PIFM is a subsidiary of Prudential Securities and The Prudential Insurance
Company of America (Prudential). Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or
the Transfer Agent), a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential, serves as the
transfer agent for the Prudential Mutual Funds and, in addition, provides
customer service, recordkeeping and management and administration services to
qualified plans.

     Pursuant to the Management Agreement with the Fund (the Management
Agreement), PIFM, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors
and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages both the
investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's portfolio,
including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities and other
assets. In connection therewith, PIFM is obligated to keep certain books and
records of the Fund. PIFM also administers the Fund's corporate affairs and, in
connection therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities, together with
those ordinary clerical 


                                      B-19
<PAGE>


and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by State Street Bank and
Trust Company, the Fund's custodian (the Custodian), and PMFS, the Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent. The management services of PIFM for the
Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PIFM is
free to, and does, render management services to others.

     For its services, PIFM receives, pursuant to the Management Agreement, a
fee at an annual rate of .65 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The
fee is computed daily and payable monthly. The Management Agreement also
provides that, in the event the expenses of the Fund (including the fees of
PIFM, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, distribution fees
and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not
incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business) for any fiscal year
exceed the lowest applicable annual expense limitation established and enforced
pursuant to the statutes or regulations of any jurisdiction in which the Fund's
shares are qualified for offer and sale, the compensation due to PIFM will be
reduced by the amount of such excess. No jurisdiction currently limits the
Fund's expenses.

     In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund,
PIFM bears the following expenses: 

         (a) the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Fund's personnel
     except the fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of
     PIFM or the Fund's investment adviser;

         (b) all expenses incurred by PIFM or by the Fund in connection with
     managing the ordinary course of the Fund's business, other than those
     assumed by the Fund as described below; and

         (c) the costs and expenses payable to The Prudential Investment
     Corporation, which does business under the name of Prudential Investments
     (PI, the Subadviser or the investment adviser) pursuant to the Subadvisory
     Agreement between PIFM and the Subadviser (the Subadvisory Agreement).

     Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for
the payment of the following expenses: (a) the fees payable to the Manager, (b)
the fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of the Manager
or the Fund's investment adviser, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the
Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of
providing records to the Manager in connection with its obligation of
maintaining required records of the Fund and of pricing the Fund's shares, (d)
the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the
Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to
the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and
corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any
trade associations of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of stock
certificates representing shares of the Fund, (i) the cost of fidelity and
liability insurance, (j) certain organization expenses of the Fund and the fees
and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Fund
and of its shares with the Commission, including the preparation and printing of
the Fund's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (k)
allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all
expenses of shareholders' and Directors' meetings and of preparing, printing and
mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount
necessary for distribution to the shareholders, (l) litigation and
indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the
ordinary course of the Fund's business and (m) distribution fees.

         The Management Agreement provides that PIFM will not be liable for any
error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the
matters to which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty.
The Management Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically if
assigned, and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party upon not
more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice. The Management
Agreement will continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the
date of execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually in conformity with the Investment Company Act. The Management
Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, including all
of the Directors who are not parties to the contract or interested persons of
any such party, as defined in the Investment Company Act, on May 22, 1997, and
by the initial shareholder of the Fund on February 17, 1998.

         PIFM has entered into the Subadvisory Agreement with the Subadviser, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that
the Subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the
management of the Fund. In connection therewith, the Subadviser is obligated to
keep certain books and records of the Fund. PIFM continues to have
responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management
Agreement and supervises the Subadviser's performance of such services. The
Subadviser is reimbursed by PIFM for the reasonable costs and expenses incurred
by the Subadviser in furnishing those services. Investment advisory services are
provided to the Fund by a business group at the Subadviser, known as Prudential
Investments.

         The Subadvisory Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the Directors who are not parties to the contract or
interested persons of any such party, as defined in the Investment Company Act,
on May 22, 1997, and by the initial shareholder of the Fund on February 17,
1998.


                                      B-20
<PAGE>

     The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will terminate in the event of
its assignment (as defined in the Investment Company Act) or upon the
termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement may be
terminated by the Fund, PIFM or PIC upon not more than 60 days', nor less than
30 days', written notice. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will
continue in effect for a period of more than two years from its execution only
so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in
accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act.

                                   DISTRIBUTOR
   
     Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities or the
Distributor), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, acts as the
distributor of the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares of the Fund.
    
     Pursuant to separate Distribution and Service Plans (the Class A Plan, the
Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, collectively, the Plans) adopted by the Fund
under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act and a distribution agreement
(the Distribution Agreement), the Distributor incurs the expenses of
distributing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor
also incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under a
Distribution Agreement, none of which is reimbursed or paid for by the Fund. See
"How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" in the Prospectus.

     On February 20, 1997, the Board of Directors, including a majority of the
Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of the Class A, Class B or Class C
Plan or in any agreement related to the Plans (the Rule 12b-1 Directors), at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on each Plan, adopted the Plans and
Distribution Agreement. The Class A Plan provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class A shares may be used to pay for
personal service and the maintenance of shareholder accounts (service fee) and
(ii) total distribution fees (including the service fee of .25 of 1%) may not
exceed .30 of 1%. The Class B and Class C Plans provide that (i) .25 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class B and Class C shares, respectively,
may be paid as a service fee and (ii) .75 of 1% (not including the service fee)
may be paid for distribution-related expenses with respect to the Class B and
Class C shares, respectively (asset-based sales charge). The Plans were last
approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1
Directors, on May 22, 1997.

     The Class A, Class B and Class C Plans continue in effect from year to
year, provided that each such continuance is approved at least annually by a
vote of the Board of Directors, including a majority vote of the Rule 12b-1
Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
continuance. The Plans may each be terminated at any time, without penalty, by
the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by the vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class on not more than
60 days', nor less than 30 days' written notice to any other party to the Plans.
The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amounts to be spent for
the services described therein without approval by the shareholders of the
applicable class, and all material amendments are required to be approved by the
Board of Directors in the manner described above. Each Plan will automatically
terminate in the event of its assignment. The Fund will not be obligated to pay
expenses incurred under any Plan if it is terminated or not continued.

     Pursuant to each Plan, the Board of Directors will review at least
quarterly a written report of the distribution expenses incurred on behalf of
each class of shares of the Fund by the Distributor. The report will include an
itemization of the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures.
In addition, as long as the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination
of Rule 12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Directors.

     Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify
the Distributor to the extent permitted by applicable law against certain
liabilities under federal securities laws. The Distribution Agreement was last
approved by the Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, on
May 22, 1997.

NASD MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE RULE

     Pursuant to rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(NASD), the Distributor is required to limit aggregate initial sales charges,
deferred sales charges and asset-based sales charges to 6.25% of total gross
sales of each class of shares. In the case of Class B shares, interest charges
equal to the prime rate plus one percent per annum may be added to the 6.25%
limitation. Sales from the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are not
required to be included in the calculation of the 6.25% limitation. The annual
asset-based sales charge with respect to Class B and Class C shares of the Fund
may not exceed .75 of 1%. The 6.25% limitation applies to the Fund rather than
on a per shareholder basis. If aggregate sales charges were to exceed 6.25% of
total gross sales of any class, all sales charges on shares of that class would
be suspended.


                                      B-21
<PAGE>

                      PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     The Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities,
futures and options on securities and futures for the Fund, the selection of
brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants to effect the transactions and
the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. The term "Manager" as used in
this section includes the Subadviser. In placing orders for portfolio securities
of the Fund, the Manager is required to give primary consideration to obtaining
the most favorable price and efficient execution. This means that the Manager
will seek to execute each transaction at a price and commission, if any, which
will provide the most favorable total cost or proceeds reasonably obtainable in
the circumstances. While the Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive
spreads or commissions, the Fund will not necessarily be paying the lowest
spread or commission available. Within the framework of this policy, the Manager
will consider the research and investment services provided by brokers, dealers
or futures commission merchants who effect or are parties to portfolio
transactions of the Fund, the Manager or the Manager's other clients. Such
research and investment services are those which brokerage houses customarily
provide to institutional investors and include statistical and economic data and
research reports on particular companies and industries. Such services are used
by the Manager in connection with all of its investment activities, and some of
such services obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for the
Fund may be used in managing other investment accounts. Conversely, brokers,
dealers or futures commission merchants furnishing such services may be selected
for the execution of transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate assets
are far larger than the Fund's, and the services furnished by such brokers,
dealers or futures commission merchants may be used by the Manager in providing
investment management for the Fund. Commission rates are established pursuant to
negotiations with the broker, dealer or futures commission merchant based on the
quality and quantity of execution services provided by the broker in the light
of generally prevailing rates. The Manager's policy is to pay higher commissions
to brokers, other than Prudential Securities, for particular transactions than
might be charged if a different broker had been selected, on occasions when, in
the Manager's opinion, this policy furthers the objective of obtaining best
price and execution. In addition, the Manager is authorized to pay higher
commissions on brokerage transactions for the Fund to brokers other than
Prudential Securities (or any affiliate) in order to secure research and
investment services described above, subject to the primary consideration of
obtaining the most favorable price and efficient execution in the circumstances
and subject to review by the Fund's Board of Directors from time to time as to
the extent and continuation of this practice. The allocation or orders among
brokers and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Fund's
Board of Directors.

     Broker-dealers may receive negotiated brokerage commissions on Fund
portfolio transactions, including options and the purchase and sale of
underlying securities upon the exercise of options. On foreign securities
exchanges, commissions may be fixed. Orders may be directed to any broker or
futures commission merchant including, to the extent and in the manner permitted
by applicable law, Prudential Securities and its affiliates.

     Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market and bonds,
including convertible bonds, are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers
acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although
the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In
underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes
an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the
underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market
instruments and U.S. Government agency securities may be purchased directly from
the issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. The Fund will
not deal with Prudential Securities or any affiliate in any transaction in which
Prudential Securities or any affiliate acts as principal, except in accordance
with rules of the Commission. Thus, it will not deal with Prudential Securities
acting as market maker, and it will not execute a negotiated trade with
Prudential Securities if execution involves Prudential Securities' acting as
principal with respect to any part of the Fund's order.

     Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling
syndicate of which Prudential Securities, or an affiliate, during the existence
of the syndicate, is a principal underwriter (as defined in the Investment
Company Act), except in accordance with rules of the Commission. This
limitation, in the opinion of the Manager, will not significantly affect the
Fund's ability to pursue its present investment objective. However, in the
future in other circumstances, the Fund may be at a disadvantage because of this
limitation in comparison to other funds with similar objectives but not subject
to such limitations.

     Subject to the above considerations, Prudential Securities (or any
affiliate) may act as a securities broker or futures commission merchant for the
Fund. In order for Prudential Securities (or any affiliate) to effect any
portfolio transactions for the Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration
received by Prudential Securities (or any affiliate) must be reasonable and fair
compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other brokers or
futures commission merchants in connection with comparable transactions
involving similar securities or futures being purchased or sold on an exchange
during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow Prudential
Securities (or any affiliate) to receive no more than the remuneration which
would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker or futures commission
merchant in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore, the Board of
Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the Directors who are not
"interested" 


                                      B-22
<PAGE>

persons, has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that
any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to Prudential Securities (or
any affiliate) are consistent with the foregoing standard. In accordance with
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Prudential
Securities may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national
securities exchange for the Fund unless the Fund has expressly authorized the
retention of such compensation. Prudential Securities must furnish to the Fund
at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation
retained by Prudential Securities from transactions effected for the Fund during
the applicable period. Brokerage and futures transactions with Prudential
Securities are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed by
applicable law.

                     PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES

     Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
NAV per share plus a sales charge which, at the election of the investor, may be
imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a
deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares of the Fund are
offered to a limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charges. See
"Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" in the Prospectus.

     Each class of shares represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund
and has the same rights, except that (i) each class is subject to different
sales charges and distribution and/or service fees (except for Class Z shares
which are not subject to any sales charge or distribution and/or service fees),
which may affect performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any
matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has
separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the
interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, (iii) each
class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature and (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a
limited group of investors. See "Distributor" and "Shareholder Investment
Account--Exchange Privilege."

ISSUANCE OF FUND SHARES FOR SECURITIES

     Transactions involving the issuance of Fund shares for securities (rather
than cash) will be limited to (i) reorganizations, (ii) statutory mergers, or
(iii) other acquisitions of portfolio securities that (a) meet the investment
objective and policies of the Fund, (b) are liquid and not subject to
restrictions on resale, and (c) have a value that is readily ascertainable via
listing on or trading in a recognized United States or international exchange or
market, and (d) are approved by the Fund's investment adviser.

SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP

     Under the current distribution arrangements between the Fund and the
Distributor, Class A shares are sold with an initial sales charge of 4% and
Class B*, Class C* and Class Z shares are sold at NAV. Using the Fund's NAV at
February 17, 1998, the maximum offering prices of the Fund's shares are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     <S>                                                                                       <C>   
     CLASS A
     Net asset value and redemption price per Class A share ................................   $10.00
     Maximum sales charge (4% of offering price) ...........................................      .42
                                                                                               ------
     Offering price to public ..............................................................   $10.42
                                                                                               ======
     CLASS B
     Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per Class B share* ...............   $10.00
                                                                                               ======
     CLASS C
     Net asset value, offering price and redemption price to public per Class C share* .....   $10.00
                                                                                               ======
     CLASS Z
     Net asset value, offering price and redemption price to public per Class Z share ......   $10.00
                                                                                               ======
</TABLE>
- -----------
*  Class B and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales
   charge on certain redemptions. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your
   Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.


                                      B-23
<PAGE>


REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES--CLASS A SHARES

     COMBINED PURCHASE AND CUMULATIVE PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. If an investor or
eligible group of related investors purchases Class A shares of the Fund
concurrently with Class A shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds, the purchases
may be combined to take advantage of the reduced sales charges applicable to
larger purchases. See the table of breakpoints under "Shareholder
Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" in the Prospectus.

     An eligible group of related Fund investors includes any combination of the
following: 

          (a) an individual;

          (b) the individual's spouse, their children and their parents;

          (c) the individual's and spouse's Individual Retirement Account (IRA);

          (d) any company controlled by the individual (a person, entity or
     group that holds 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a
     company will be deemed to control the company, and a partnership will be
     deemed to be controlled by each of its general partners);

          (e) a trust created by the individual, the beneficiaries of which are
     the individual, his or her spouse, parents or children;

          (f) a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
     account created by the individual or the individual's spouse; and

          (g) one or more employee benefit plans of a company controlled by an
     individual.

     In addition, an eligible group of related Fund investors may include an
employer (or group of related employers) and one or more retirement or group
plans of such employer or employers (an employer controlling, controlled by or
under common control with another employer is deemed related to that employer).

     The Distributor must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor
is entitled to a reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charge will be granted
subject to confirmation of the investor's holdings. The Combined Purchase and
Cumulative Purchase Privilege does not apply to individual participants in
pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans qualified under Section
401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code) and
deferred compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

     RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. Reduced sales charges are also available through
Rights of Accumulation, under which an investor or an eligible group of related
investors, as described above under "Combined Purchase and Cumulative Purchase
Privilege," may aggregate the value of their existing holdings of shares of the
Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds
other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) to determine the
reduced sales charge. The value of shares held directly with the Transfer Agent
and through Prudential Securities will not be aggregated to determine the
reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with the Transfer
Agent or through Prudential Securities. The value of existing holdings for
purposes of determining the reduced sales charge is calculated using the maximum
offering or price (NAV plus maximum sales charge) as of the previous business
day. See "How the Fund Values its Shares" in the Prospectus. The Distributor
must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor is entitled to a
reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charges will be granted subject to
confirmation of the investor's holdings. Rights of Accumulation are not
available to individual participants in any retirement or group plans.

     LETTERS OF INTENT. Reduced sales charges are available to investors (or an
eligible group of related investors), including retirement and group plans, who
enter into a written Letter of Intent providing for the purchase, within a
thirteen-month period, of shares of the Fund and shares of other Prudential
Mutual Funds (Investment Letter of Intent). Retirement and group plans may also
qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV by entering into a Letter of Intent
whereby they agree to enroll, within a thirteen-month period, a specified number
of eligible employees or participants (Participant Letter of Intent). All shares
of the Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market
funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) which were
previously purchased and are still owned are also included in determining the
applicable reduction. However, the value of shares held directly with the
Transfer Agent and through Prudential Securities will not be aggregated to
determine the reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with
the Transfer Agent or through Prudential Securities.

     A Letter of Intent permits a purchaser, in the case of an Investment Letter
of Intent, to establish a total investment goal to be achieved by any number of
investments over a thirteen-month period and, in the case of a Participant
Letter of Intent, to establish 


                                      B-24
<PAGE>

a minimum eligible employee or participant enrollment goal over a thirteen-month
period. Each investment made during the period, in the case of an Investment
Letter of Intent, will receive the reduced sales charge applicable to the amount
represented by the goal as if it were a single investment. In the case of a
Participant Letter of Intent, each investment made during the period will be
made at NAV. Escrowed Class A shares totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the
Letter of Intent will be held by the Transfer Agent in the name of the
purchaser, except in the case of retirement and group plans where the employer
or plan sponsor will be responsible for paying any applicable sales charge. The
effective date of an Investment Letter of Intent (except in the case of
retirement and group plans) may be back-dated up to 90 days, in order that any
investments made during this 90-day period, valued at the purchaser's cost, can
be applied to the fulfillment of the Letter of Intent goal.

     The Investment Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to purchase,
nor the Fund to sell, the indicated amount. Similarly, the Participant Letter of
Intent does not obligate the retirement or group plan to enroll the indicated
number of eligible employees or participants. In the event the Letter of Intent
goal is not achieved within the thirteen-month period, the purchaser (or the
employer or plan sponsor, in the case of any retirement or group plan) is
required to pay the difference between the sales charge otherwise applicable to
the purchases made during this period and sales charges actually paid. Such
payment may be made directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor
will liquidate sufficient escrowed shares to obtain such difference. Investors
electing to purchase Class A shares of the Fund pursuant to a Letter of Intent
should carefully read such Letter of Intent.

     The Distributor must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor
is entitled to a reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charges will, in the
case of an Investment Letter of Intent, be granted subject to confirmation of
the investor's holdings or, in the case of a Participant Letter of Intent,
subject to confirmation of the number of eligible employees or participants in
the retirement or group plan. Letters of Intent are not available to any
individual participants in any retirement or group plans.

WAIVER OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS B SHARES

     The contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is waived under circumstances
described in the Prospectus. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges--Class B Shares" in the Prospectus. In connection with these waivers,
the Transfer Agent will require you to submit the supporting documentation set
forth below. 

CATEGORY OF WAIVER                 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- ------------------                 ----------------------
Death                              A copy of the shareholder's death certificate
                                   or, in the case of a trust, a copy of the 
                                   grantor's death certificate, plus a copy of 
                                   the trust agreement identifying the grantor.
                                 
Disability--An individual will     A copy of the Social Security Administration
be considered disabled if he       award letter or a letter from a physician on
or she is unable to engage in      the physician's letterhead stating that the
any substantial gainful            shareholder (or, in the case of a trust, the
activity by reason of any          grantor) is permanently disabled. The letter
medically determinable physical    must also indicate the date of disability.
or mental impairment which can     
be expected to result in death 
or to be of long-continued and 
indefinite duration.

Distribution from an IRA           A copy of the distribution form from the 
or 403(b) Custodial Account        custodial firm indicating (i) the date of
                                   birth of the shareholder and (ii) that the
                                   shareholder is over age 59 1/2 and is taking
                                   a normal distribution--signed by the 
                                   shareholder.                        

Distribution from Retirement Plan  A letter signed by the plan administrator/
                                   trustee indicating the reason for the
                                   distribution.

Excess Contributions               A letter from the shareholder (for an IRA) 
                                   or the plan administrator/trustee on company
                                   letterhead indicating the amount of the 
                                   excess and whether or not taxes have been 
                                   paid.

     The Transfer Agent reserves the right to request such additional documents
as it may deem appropriate.


                                      B-25

<PAGE>

                         SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

     Upon the initial purchase of Fund shares, a Shareholder Investment
Account is established for each investor under which a record of the shares held
is maintained by the Transfer Agent. If a stock certificate is desired, it must
be requested in writing for each transaction. Certificates are issued only for
full shares and may be redeposited in the Account at any time. There is no
charge to the investor for issuance of a certificate. The Fund makes available
to its shareholders the following privileges and plans.

     AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. For the convenience
of investors, all dividends and distributions are automatically reinvested in
full and fractional shares of the Fund. An investor may direct the Transfer
Agent in writing not less than five full business days prior to the record date
to have subsequent dividends or distributions sent in cash rather than
reinvested. In the case of recently purchased shares for which registration
instructions have not been received on the record date, cash payment will be
made directly to the dealer. Any shareholder who receives a cash payment
representing a dividend or distribution may reinvest such dividend or
distribution at NAV by returning the check or the proceeds to the Transfer Agent
within 30 days after the payment date. Such investment will be made at the NAV
per share next determined after receipt of the check or proceeds by the Transfer
Agent. Such shareholder will receive credit for any CDSC paid in connection with
the amount of proceeds being reinvested.

     EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. The Fund makes available to its shareholders the
privilege of exchanging their shares of the Fund for shares of certain other
Prudential Mutual Funds, including one or more specified money market funds,
subject in each case to the minimum investment requirements of such funds.
Shares of such other Prudential Mutual Funds may also be exchanged for shares of
the Fund. All exchanges are made on the basis of the relative NAV next
determined after receipt of an order in proper form. An exchange will be treated
as a redemption and purchase for tax purposes. Shares may be exchanged for
shares of another fund only if shares of such fund may legally be sold under
applicable state laws. For retirement and group plans having a limited menu of
Prudential Mutual Funds, the Exchange Privilege is available for those funds
eligible for investment in the particular program.

     It is contemplated that the Exchange Privilege may be applicable to new
mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the Distributor.

     CLASS A. Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class A shares for
Class A shares of certain other Prudential Mutual Funds, shares of Prudential
Government Securities Trust (Short-Intermediate Term Series) and shares of the
money market funds specified below. No fee or sales load will be imposed upon
the exchange. Shareholders of money market funds who acquired such shares upon
exchange of Class A shares may use the Exchange Privilege only to acquire Class
A shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds participating in the Exchange Privilege.

         The following money market funds participate in the Class A Exchange
Privilege:

            Prudential California Municipal Fund
             (California Money Market Series)
   
            Prudential Government Securities Trust
             (Money Market Series) (Class A shares)
             (U.S. Treasury Money Market Series) (Class A shares)
    
            Prudential Municipal Series Fund
             (Connecticut Money Market Series)
             (Massachusetts Money Market Series)
             (New York Money Market Series)
             (New Jersey Money Market Series)

            Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc. (Class A shares)
            Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.

     CLASS B AND CLASS C. Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class B
and Class C shares for Class B and Class C shares, respectively, of certain
other Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of Prudential Special Money Market
Fund, Inc., a money market fund. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange, but
a CDSC may be payable upon the redemption of the Class B and Class C shares
acquired as a result of the exchange. The applicable sales charge will be that
imposed by the fund in which shares were initially purchased and the purchase
date will be deemed to be the date of the initial purchase, rather than the date
of the exchange.


                                      B-26
<PAGE>

     Class B and Class C shares of the Fund may also be exchanged for shares of
Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc. without imposition of any CDSC at the
time of exchange. Upon subsequent redemption from such money market fund or
after re-exchange into the Fund, such shares will be subject to the CDSC
calculated without regard to the time such shares were held in the money market
fund. In order to minimize the period of time in which shares are subject to a
CDSC, shares exchanged out of the money market fund will be exchanged on the
basis of their remaining holding periods, with the longest remaining holding
periods being transferred first. In measuring the time period shares are held in
a money market fund and "tolled" for purposes of calculating the CDSC holding
period, exchanges are deemed to have been made on the last day of the month.
Thus, if shares are exchanged into the Fund from a money market fund during the
month (and are held in the Fund at the end of the month), the entire month will
be included in the CDSC holding period. Conversely, if shares are exchanged into
a money market fund prior to the last day of the month (and are held in the
money market fund on the last day of the month), the entire month will be
excluded from the CDSC holding period.

     At any time after acquiring shares of other funds participating in the
Class B or Class C exchange privilege, a shareholder may again exchange those
shares (and any reinvested dividends and distributions) for Class B or Class C
shares of the Fund, respectively, without subjecting such shares to any CDSC.
Shares of any fund participating in the Class B or Class C exchange privilege
that were acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions may be
exchanged for Class B or Class C shares of other funds, respectively, without
being subject to any CDSC.

     CLASS Z. Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of other
Prudential Mutual Funds.

     Additional details about the Exchange Privilege and prospectuses for each
of the Prudential Mutual Funds are available from the Transfer Agent, Prudential
Securities or Prusec. The Exchange Privilege may be modified, terminated or
suspended on 60 days' notice, and any fund, including the Fund, or the
Distributor, has the right to reject any exchange application relating to such
fund's shares.

     DOLLAR COST AVERAGING. Dollar cost averaging is a method of accumulating
shares by investing a fixed amount of dollars in shares at set intervals. An
investor buys more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price
is high. The average cost per share is lower than it would be if a constant
number of shares were bought at set intervals.

     Dollar cost averaging may be used, for example, to plan for retirement, to
save for a major expenditure, such as the purchase of a home, or to finance a
college education. The cost of a year's education at a four-year college today
averages around $14,000 at a private college and around $6,000 at a public
university. Assuming these costs increase at a rate of 7% a year, as has been
projected, for the freshman class of 2011, the cost of four years at a private
college could reach $210,000 and over $90,000 at a public university.(1)

     The following chart shows how much you would need in monthly investments to
achieve specified lump sums to finance your investment goals.(2)

  PERIOD OF MONTHLY INVESTMENTS:    $100,000    $150,000    $200,000    $250,000
  ------------------------------    --------    --------    --------    --------
            25 Years .............   $  110      $  165      $  220      $  275
            20 Years .............      176         264         352         440
            15 Years .............      296         444         592         740
            10 Years .............      555         833       1,110       1,388
             5 Years .............    1,371       2,057       2,742       3,428
       
See  "Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan" below.

- -----------
(1)  Source information concerning the costs of education at public and private
     universities is available from The College Board Annual Survey of Colleges,
     1993. Average costs for private institutions include tuition, fees, room
     and board for the 1993-1994 academic year.

(2)  The chart assumes an effective rate of return of 8% (assuming monthly
     compounding). This example is for illustrative purposes only and is not
     intended to reflect the performance of an investment in shares of the Fund.
     The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate
     so that an investor's shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than
     their original cost.

                                      B-27

<PAGE>


     AUTOMATIC SAVINGS ACCUMULATION PLAN (ASAP). Under ASAP, an investor may
arrange to have a fixed amount automatically invested in shares of the Fund
monthly by authorizing his or her bank account or Prudential Securities Account
(including a Command Account) to be debited to invest specified dollar amounts
in shares of the Fund. The investor's bank must be a member of the Automatic
Clearing House System. Stock certificates are not issued to ASAP participants.

     Further information about this program and an application form can be
obtained from the Transfer Agent, Prudential Securities or Prusec.

     SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. A systematic withdrawal plan is available to
shareholders through Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent. Such
withdrawal plan provides for monthly or quarterly checks in any amount, except
as provided below, up to the value of the shares in the shareholder's account.
Withdrawals of Class B or Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. See
"Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges"
in the Prospectus.

     In the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent (i) a $10,000 minimum
account value applies, (ii) withdrawals may not be for less than $100 and (iii)
the shareholder must elect to have all dividends and/or distributions
automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares at NAV on
shares held under this plan. See "Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and
Distributions" above.

     Prudential Securities and the Transfer Agent act as agents for the
shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the
amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The systematic withdrawal plan may be
terminated at any time, and the Distributor reserves the right to initiate a fee
of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days' written notice to the shareholder.

     Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or income.
If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and
distributions, the shareholder's original investment will be correspondingly
reduced and ultimately exhausted.

     Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any
gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. In
addition, withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional shares are
inadvisable because of the sales charges applicable to (i) the purchase of Class
A shares and (ii) the withdrawal of Class B and Class C shares. Each shareholder
should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of
the plan, particularly if used in connection with a retirement plan.

     TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS. Various qualified retirement plans,
including a 401(k) plan, self-directed individual retirement accounts and
"tax-deferred accounts" under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code are
available through the Distributor. These plans are for use by both self-employed
individuals and corporate employers. These plans permit either self-direction of
accounts by participants, or a pooled account arrangement. Information regarding
the establishment of these plans, and the administration, custodial fees and
other details are available from Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent.

     Investors who are considering the adoption of such a plan should consult
with their own legal counsel or tax adviser with respect to the establishment
and maintenance of any such plan.

     INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. An individual retirement account (IRA)
permits the deferral of federal income tax on income earned in the account until
the earnings are withdrawn. The following chart represents a comparison of the
earnings in a personal savings account with those in an IRA, assuming a $2,000
annual contribution, an 8% rate of return and a 39.6% federal income tax bracket
and shows how much more retirement income can accumulate within an IRA as
opposed to a taxable individual savings account.

                           TAX-DEFERRED COMPOUNDING(1)

      CONTRIBUTIONS MADE OVER:           PERSONAL SAVINGS       IRA
      ------------------------           ----------------     --------
              10 years ................     $ 26,165          $ 31,291
              15 years ................       44,676            58,649
              20 years ................       68,109            98,846
              25 years ................       97,780           157,909
              30 years ................      135,346           244,692
- -----------
(1)  The chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the
     performance of the Fund or any specific investment. It shows taxable versus
     tax-deferred compounding for the periods and on the terms indicated.
     Earnings in a traditional IRA account will be subject to tax when withdrawn
     from the account. Distributions from a Roth IRA which meet the conditions
     required under the Internal Revenue Code will not be subject to tax upon
     withdrawal from the account.


                                      B-28
<PAGE>

MUTUAL FUND PROGRAMS

     From time to time, the Fund (or a portfolio of the Fund, if applicable) may
be included in a mutual fund program with other Prudential Mutual Funds. Under
such a program, a group of portfolios will be selected and thereafter marketed
collectively. Typically, these programs are created with an investment theme,
e.g., to seek greater diversification, protection from interest rate movements
or access to different management styles. In the event such a program is
instituted, there may be a minimum investment requirement for the program as a
whole. The Fund may waive or reduce the minimum initial investment requirements
in connection with such a program.

     The mutual funds in the program may be purchased individually or as a part
of a program. Since the allocation of portfolios included in the program may not
be appropriate for all investors, investors should consult their Prudential
Securities Financial Advisor or Prudential/Pruco Securities Representative
concerning the appropriate blend of portfolios for them. If investors elect to
purchase the individual mutual funds that constitute the program in an
investment ratio different from that offered by the program, the standard
minimum investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

     The NAV per share is the net worth of the Fund (assets, including
securities at value, minus liabilities) divided by the number of shares
outstanding. NAV is calculated separately for each class. The Fund will compute
its NAV on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading except on
days on which no orders to purchase, sell or redeem Fund shares have been
received or days on which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities do not affect NAV. In the event the New York Stock Exchange closes
early on any business day, the NAV of the Fund's shares shall be determined at a
time between such closing and 4:15 P.M., New York time. The New York Stock
Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

     Under the Investment Company Act, the Board of Directors is responsible for
determining in good faith the fair value of securities of the Fund. Portfolio
securities that are actively traded in the over-the-counter market, including
listed securities for which the primary market is believed to be
over-the-counter, are valued at prices provided by principal market makers and
other pricing agents. Any security for which the primary market is on an
exchange is valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of
valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, the last bid price quoted on
such day. Short-term investments which mature in 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity,
if their term to maturity from date of purchase exceeds 60 days, unless the
Board of Directors determines that such valuation does not represent fair value.
Securities issued in private placements shall be valued at the mean between the
bid and asked prices provided by primary market makers. Securities which are
otherwise not readily marketable or securities for which reliable market
quotations are not available are valued in good faith at fair value under the
supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund, taking into account such
factors as the cost of the securities, transactions in comparable securities,
relationships among various securities and other such factors as may be
determined by the Fund's investment adviser to materially affect the value of
such securities. The Board of Directors may consider prices provided by an
independent pricing service in determining fair value.

     NAV is calculated separately for each class. The NAV of Class B and Class C
shares will generally be lower than the NAV of Class A shares as a result of the
larger distribution-related fee to which Class B and Class C shares are subject.
The NAV of Class Z shares will generally be higher than the NAV of Class A,
Class B or Class C shares as a result of the fact that the Class Z shares are
not subject to any distribution or service fee. It is expected, however, that
the NAV per share of each class will tend to converge immediately after the
recording of dividends, if any, which will differ by approximately the amount of
the distribution and/or service fee expense accrual differential among the
classes.

                       TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

     The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. This will
relieve the Fund (but not its shareholders) from paying federal income tax on
income which is distributed to shareholders, and, permit net capital gains of
the Fund (i.e., the excess of capital gains from the sale of assets held for
more than 12 months over net short-term capital losses) to be treated as capital
gains of the shareholders.

     Qualification as a regulated investment company requires, among other
things, that (a) at least 90% of the Fund's annual gross income (without
reduction for losses from the sale or other disposition of securities) be
derived from interest, dividends, 


                                      B-29
<PAGE>

payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other
disposition of securities or options thereon or foreign currencies, or other
income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such securities
or currencies; (b) the Fund diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each
quarter of the taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets
is represented by cash, U.S. Government securities and other securities limited
in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of
the Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer,
and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities); and (c)
the Fund distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its net investment
income and net short-term gains (i.e., the excess of net short-term capital
gains over net long-term capital losses) in each year.

     Any net capital gains distributed to shareholders will be taxable as
capital gains to the shareholders, whether or not reinvested and regardless of
the length of time a shareholder has owned his or her shares. The maximum
capital gains rate for individuals is 28% with respect to assets held for more
than 12 months, but not more than 18 months, and 20% with respect to assets held
for more than 18 months. The maximum capital gains rate for corporate
shareholders currently is the same as the maximum tax rate for ordinary income.
In certain cases where the Fund acquires a put or writes a call on securities or
otherwise holds an offsetting position with respect to the securities, the
Fund's holding period in such securities may be tolled. Other gains or losses on
the sale of securities will be short-term capital gains or losses. Gains and
losses on the sale, lapse or other termination of options on securities will
generally be treated as gains and losses from the sale of securities. If an
option written by the Fund on securities lapses or is terminated through a
closing transaction, such as a repurchase by the Fund of the option from its
holder, the Fund will generally realize short-term capital gain or loss. If
securities are sold by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a call option
written by it, the Fund will include the premium received in the sale proceeds
of the securities delivered in determining the amount of gain or loss on the
sale. Certain of the Fund's transactions may be subject to wash sale, short
sale, conversion transaction, constructive sale and straddle provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code.

     Special rules apply to most options on stock indices, futures contracts and
options thereon, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts in which the
Fund may invest. See "Investment Objective and Policies." These investments will
generally constitute Section 1256 contracts and will be required to be
"marked-to-market" for federal income tax purposes at the end of the Fund's
taxable year; that is, treated as having been sold at market value. Except with
respect to certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts, 60% of any gain
or loss recognized on such "deemed sales" and on actual dispositions will be
treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the remainder will be treated as
short-term capital gain or loss.

     Gain or loss on the sale, lapse or other termination of options on stock
and on narrowly-based stock indices will be capital gain or loss and will be
long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of the option. In
addition, positions which are part of a straddle will be subject to certain wash
sale and short sale provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. In the case of a
straddle, the Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on
positions it holds to the extent of any unrecognized gain on offsetting
positions held by the Fund. The conversion transaction rules may apply to
certain transactions to treat all or a portion of the gain thereon as ordinary
income rather than as capital gain.

     Newly-enacted Internal Revenue Code Section 1259 will require the
recognition of gain (but not loss) if the Fund makes a "constructive sale" of an
appreciated financial position (e.g., stock). The Fund generally will be
considered to make a constructive sale of an appreciated financial position if
it sells the same or substantially identical property short, enters into a
futures or forward contract to deliver the same or substantially identical
property, or enters into certain other similar transactions.

     Debt securities acquired by the Fund, such as zero coupon, pay-in-kind,
deferred payment and distressed securities, may be subject to original issue
discount and market discount rules. In any such case, as income accrues it will
be treated as earned by the Fund and will be subject to the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code described above. Because the accrued
income may not be represented by cash, the Fund may have to dispose of other
securities and use the proceeds to make the required distributions.

     Under the Internal Revenue Code, gains or losses attributable to
fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities
denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such
receivables or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or ordinary
loss. Similarly, gains or losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts
or dispositions of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency
attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the security and the date of disposition also are treated
as ordinary gain or loss. These gains, referred to under the Internal Revenue
Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, increase or decrease the amount of the
Fund's investment company taxable income available to be 


                                      B-30
<PAGE>


distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or
decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capital gain. If Section 988 losses
exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund
would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, or distributions
made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a return of
capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend, reducing each
shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares.

     The Fund is required to distribute 98% of its ordinary income in the same
calendar year in which it is earned. The Fund is also required to distribute
during the calendar year 98% of the capital gain net income it earned during the
12 months ending on October 31 of such calendar year, as well as all
undistributed ordinary income and undistributed capital gain net income from the
prior year or the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of such prior year,
respectively. To the extent it does not meet these distribution requirements,
the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed
amount. For purposes of this excise tax, income on which the Fund pays income
tax is treated as distributed.

     Any dividends paid shortly after a purchase by an investor may have the
effect of reducing the per share NAV of the investor's shares by the per share
amount of the dividends. Furthermore, such dividends, although in effect a
return of capital, are subject to federal income taxes. Therefore, prior to
purchasing shares of the Fund, the investor should carefully consider the impact
of dividends, including capital gains distributions, which are expected to be or
have been announced.

     Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund
by a shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within
a 61-day period (beginning 30 days before the disposition of shares). Shares
purchased pursuant to the reinvestment of a dividend will constitute a
replacement of shares.

     A shareholder who acquires shares of the Fund and sells or otherwise
disposes of such shares within 90 days of acquisition and then reacquires shares
of the Fund pursuant to the 90-day repurchase privilege provided to Fund
shareholders may not be allowed to include the sales charges incurred with
respect to its initial shareholdings for purposes of calculating gain or loss
realized upon a sale or exchange of those shares of the Fund. Instead, such
changes may be treated as incurred on its reacquisition of Fund shares.

     The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will generally be
lower than the per share dividends on Class A and Class Z shares as a result of
the higher distribution-related fee applicable to the Class B and Class C
shares. The per share capital gains distributions, if any, will be paid in the
same amounts for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. See "Net Asset
Value."

     Dividends of net investment income and distributions of net short-term
capital gains paid to a shareholder (including a shareholder acting as a nominee
or fiduciary) who is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation or a
foreign partnership (foreign shareholder) are subject to a 30% (or lower treaty
rate) withholding tax upon the gross amount of the dividends unless the
dividends are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by
the foreign shareholder. Capital gain dividends paid to a foreign shareholder
are generally not subject to withholding tax. A foreign shareholder will,
however, be required to pay U.S. income tax on any dividends and capital gain
distributions which are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of
the foreign shareholder.

     Dividends received by corporate shareholders are eligible for a
dividends-received deduction of 70% to the extent the Fund's income is derived
from qualified dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations.
Interest income, capital gain net income, gain or loss from Section 1256
contracts (described above), dividend income from foreign corporations and
income from other sources will not constitute qualified dividends. Individual
shareholders are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

     If the Fund pays a dividend in January which was declared in the previous
October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in
one of such months, then such dividend or distribution will be treated for tax
purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by its shareholders on December
31 of the year in which such dividend was declared.

     Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be
subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Income tax
treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate
such taxes. It is impossible to determine in advance the effective rate of
foreign tax to which the Fund will be subject, since the amount of the Fund's
assets to be invested in various countries will vary. The Fund does not expect
to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for "passing-through" to
its shareholders any foreign income taxes paid.

     Foreign shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.


                                      B-31

<PAGE>

                             PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

     YIELD. The Fund may from time to time advertise its yield as calculated
over a 30-day period. Yield is calculated separately for Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class Z shares. This yield is computed by dividing the Fund's net
investment income per share earned during this 30-day period by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of this period. Yield is calculated
according to the following formula:

                                             6
                       YIELD = 2 [(a - b + 1)  -  1]
                                   -----       
                                    cd

Where:   a  =  dividends and interest earned during the period.
         b  =  expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
         c  =  the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
               that were entitled to receive dividends. 
         d  =  the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the 
               period. 

     Yield fluctuates and an annualized yield quotation is not a representation
by the Fund as to what an investment in the Fund will actually yield for any
given period. Yields for the Fund will vary based on a number of factors
including changes in NAV, market conditions, the level of interest rates and the
level of Fund income and expenses.

     AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN. The Fund may also advertise its average annual
total return. Average annual total return is determined separately for Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. See "How the Fund Calculates Performance"
in the Prospectus.

     Average annual total return is computed according to the following formula:

                                          n
                               P (1 + T )   = ERV

  Where: P   =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
         T   =  average annual total return.
         n   =  number of years.
         ERV =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
                the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods at the end of the 
                1, 5 or 10 year periods (or fractional portion thereof).

     Average annual total return takes into account any applicable initial or
deferred sales charges but does not take into account any federal or state
income taxes that may be payable upon redemption.

     AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN. The Fund may also advertise its aggregate total
return. Aggregate total return is determined separately for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares. See "How the Fund Calculates Performance" in the
Prospectus.

     Aggregate total return represents the cumulative change in the value of
an investment in the Fund and is computed according to the following formula:

                                     ERV - P
                                     -------
                                        P

  Where: P   =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
         ERV =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
                the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods at the end of the 
                1, 5 or 10 year periods (or fractional portion thereof).

     Aggregate total return does not take into account any federal or state
income taxes that may be payable upon redemption or any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges.


                                      B-32
<PAGE>


     From time to time, the performance of the Fund may be measured against
various indices. Set forth below is a chart which compares the performance of
different types of investments over the long term and the rate of inflation.(1)

                             -----------------------

                    A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE OVER THE LONG TERM
                                 AVERAGE RETURNS
                                 1/1/26-12/31/97

                                    [GRAPH]

                           11.0% -- Common Stocks

                           5.2% -- Long-Term Govt. Bonds

                           3.1% -- Inflation

- -----------
(1)  Source: Ibbotson Associates, Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation--1997
     Yearbook (annually updates the work of Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex A.
     Sinquefield). Used with permission. All rights reserved. Common stock
     returns are based on the Standard and Poor's 500 Stock Index, a
     market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks in a variety of
     industry sectors. It is a commonly used indicator of broad stock price
     movements. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended
     to represent the performance of any particular investment or fund.
     Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a
     guarantee of future results.

                CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
                           AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities and
cash and in that capacity maintains certain financial and accounting books and
records pursuant to an agreement with the Fund. Subcustodians provide custodial
services for the Fund's foreign assets held outside the United States. See "How
the Fund is Managed--Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent" in
the Prospectus.

     Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the Fund.
PMFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM. PMFS provides customary transfer
agency services to the Fund, including the handling of shareholder
communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of
shareholder account records, payment of dividends and distributions and related
functions. For these services, PMFS receives an annual fee per shareholder
account of $13.00, a new account set-up fee for each manually established
account of $2.00 and a monthly inactive zero balance account fee per shareholder
account of $.20. PMFS is also reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses,
including but not limited to postage, stationery, printing, allocable
communication expenses and other costs.

     Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
serves as the Fund's independent accountants, and in that capacity audits the
Fund's annual financial statements


                                      B-33
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  PRUDENTIAL HIGH YIELD TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC.

                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

                                                                            FEBRUARY 17, 1998
                                                                            -----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>     
ASSETS:
Cash ......................................................................     $100,000
Deferred organization and offering costs (Note 1) .........................      300,000
                                                                                --------
  Total Assets ............................................................      400,000

LIABILITIES
Deferred organization and offering costs payable (Note 1) .................      300,000
                                                                                --------
Net Assets (Note 1)
 Applicable to 10,000 shares of common stock ..............................     $100,000
                                                                                ========

CALCULATION OF OFFERING PRICE

CLASS A:
 Net asset value and redemption price per Class A share ...................      $ 10.00
  ($25,000 / 2,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)
 Maximum sales charge (4.0% of offering price) ............................          .42
                                                                                --------
 Offering price to public .................................................      $ 10.42
                                                                                ========

CLASS B:
 Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B share ...      $ 10.00
                                                                                ========
  ($25,000 / 2,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

CLASS C:
 Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C share ...      $ 10.00
                                                                                ========
  ($25,000 / 2,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

CLASS Z:
 Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class Z share ...      $ 10.00
                                                                                ========
  ($25,000 / 2,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)

</TABLE>

                        See Notes to Financial Statement

                                      B-34
<PAGE>


                  PRUDENTIAL HIGH YIELD TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT

     NOTE 1. Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc. ("the Fund"), which
was incorporated in Maryland on February 18, 1997, is an open-end diversified,
management investment company. The Fund has had no significant operations other
than the issuance of 2,500 shares each of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares of common stock for $100,000 on February 17, 1998 to Prudential
Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM).

     Costs incurred and expected to be incurred in connection with the
organization and offering of the Fund will be paid initially by PIFM and will be
repaid to PIFM upon commencement of investment operations. Offering costs will
be deferred and amortized over a period not to exceed 12 months. Organizational
costs will be deferred and amortized over the period of benefit not to exceed 60
months from the date the Fund commences investment operations. If any of the
initial shares of the Fund are redeemed by PIFM during the period of
amortization of organization expenses, the redemption proceeds will be reduced
by the pro rata amount of unamortized organization expenses based on the number
of initial shares being redeemed to the number of the initial shares
outstanding.

     NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS. The Fund has entered into a management agreement with
PIFM.

     The management fee paid PIFM will be computed daily and payable monthly, at
an annual rate of .65 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

     Pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between PIFM and The Prudential
Investment Corporation ("PIC") doing business as Prudential Investments (PI), PI
furnishes investment advisory services pursuant to the management agreement and
supervises PI's performance of such services. PIFM pays for the services of PI,
the cost of compensation of officers and employees of the Fund, occupancy and
certain clerical and accounting costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other
costs and expenses.

     PIFM has agreed that, in any fiscal year, it will reimburse the Fund for
expenses (including the fees of PIFM but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, distribution fees, litigation and indemnification expenses and
other extraordinary expenses) in excess of the most restrictive expense
limitation imposed by state securities commissions. Such expense reimbursement,
if any, will be estimated and accrued daily and payable monthly. No jurisdiction
currently limits the Fund's expenses.
   
     The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement with Prudential
Securities Incorporated (the "Distributor") for distribution of the Fund's
shares.

     Pursuant to separate Plans of Distribution (the Class A Plan, the Class B
Plan and the Class C Plan, collectively the "Plans") adopted by the Fund under
Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Distributor incurs the
expenses of distributing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. These
expenses include commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account
of, financial advisers of Prudential Securities and Pruco Securities Corporation
(Prusec), an affiliated broker-dealer, commissions paid to, or on account of,
other broker-dealers or certain financial institutions which have entered into
agreements with the Distributor, advertising expenses, the cost of printing and
mailing prospectuses to potential investors and indirect and overhead costs of
the Distributor and Prusec associated with the sale of Fund shares, including
lease, utility, communications and sales promotion expenses.

     Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund will compensate PSI for its expenses
with respect to Class A shares at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1% of the
average daily net asset value of the Class A shares. The Distributor has agreed
to limit its distribution-related fees payable under the Class A Plan to .15 of
1% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A shares for the fiscal
period ending March 31, 1999.

     Pursuant to the Class B and Class C Plans, the Fund will compensate the
Distributor for its distribution-related expenses with respect to the Class B
and C shares at an annual rate of up to 1% of the average daily net assets of
the Class B and C shares. PSI has agreed to limit its distribution-related fees
payable under the Class B and C Plans to .75 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of the Class B and C shares for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999.

     The Distributor incurs the expense of distributing the Fund's Class Z
shares under a distribution agreement with the Fund, none of which is paid for
or reimbursed by the Fund.
    
     Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ("PMFS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PIFM, serves as the Fund's transfer agent. 
   
     PIFM, PIC and the Distributor are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of The
Prudential Insurance Company of America.
    


                                      B-35

<PAGE>


                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Shareholder and Board of Directors of
Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities presents
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prudential High
Yield Total Return Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") at February 17, 1998, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. This financial statement is the
responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on this financial statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit
of this financial statement in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. 

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
February 23, 1998




                                      B-36
<PAGE>


                     APPENDIX I--HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE DATA

     The historical performance data contained in this Appendix relies on data
obtained from statistical services, reports and other services believed by the
Manager to be reliable. The information has not been independently verified by
the Manager.

     The following chart shows the long-term performance of various asset
classes and the rate of inflation.

                EACH INVESTMENT PROVIDES A DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITY

                           HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE DATA

                                     [CHART]

Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1997 Yearbook, Ibbotson Associates,
Chicago (annually updates work by Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex A. Sinquefield).
Used with permission. All rights reserved. This chart is for illustrative
purposes only and is not indicative of the past, present, or future performance
of any asset class or any Prudential Mutual Fund. 

Generally, stock returns are due to capital appreciation and reinvesting any
gains. Bond returns are due mainly to reinvesting interest. Also, stock prices
usually are more volatile than bond prices over the long-term. Small stock
returns for 1926-1980 are those of stocks comprising the 5th quintile of the New
York Stock Exchange. Thereafter, returns are those of the Dimensional Fund
Advisors (DFA) Small Company Fund. Common stock returns are based on the S&P
Composite Index, a market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 stocks (currently) in
a variety of industries. It is often used as a broad measure of stock market
performance. 

Long-term government bond returns are measured using a constant one-bond
portfolio with a maturity of roughly 20 years. Treasury bill returns are for a
one-month bill. Treasuries are guaranteed by the government as to the timely
payment of principal and interest; equities are not. Inflation is measured by
the consumer price index (CPI).


                                      I-1

<PAGE>


     Set forth below is historical performance data relating to various sectors
of the fixed income securities markets. The chart shows the historical total
returns of U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. mortgage securities, U.S. corporate bonds,
U.S. high yield bonds and world government bonds on an annual basis from 1987
through 1996. The total returns of the indices include accrued interest, plus
the price changes (gains or losses) of the underlying securities during the
period mentioned. The data is provided to illustrate the varying historical
total returns and investors should not consider this performance data as an
indication of the future performance of the Fund or of any sector in which the
Fund invests.

     All information relies on data obtained from statistical services, reports
and other services believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has
not been verified. The figures do not reflect the operating expenses and fees of
a mutual fund. See "Fund Expenses" in the Prospectus. The net effect of the
deduction of the operating expenses of a mutual fund on these historical total
returns, including the compounded effect over time, could be substantial.

            Historical Total Returns of Different Bond Market Sectors

                                     [chart]

1 LEHMAN BROTHERS TREASURY BOND INDEX is an unmanaged index made up of over 150
public issues of the U.S. Treasury having maturities of at least one year. 

2 LEHMAN BROTHERS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES INDEX is an unmanaged index that
includes over 600 15- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities of the
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage
Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC). 

3 LEHMAN BROTHERS CORPORATE BOND INDEX includes over 3,000 public fixed-rate,
nonconvertible investment-grade bonds. All bonds are U.S. dollar-denominated
issues and include debt issued or guaranteed by foreign sovereign governments,
municipalities, governmental agencies or international agencies. All bonds in
the index have maturities of at least one year. 

4 LEHMAN BROTHERS HIGH YIELD BOND INDEX is an unmanaged index comprising over
750 public, fixed-rate, nonconvertible bonds that are rated Ba1 or lower by
Moody's Investors Service (or rated BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch
Investors Service). All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.

5 SALOMON BROTHERS WORLD GOVERNMENT INDEX (NON U.S.) includes over 800 bonds
issued by various foreign governments or agencies, excluding those in the U.S.,
but including those in Japan, Germany, France, the U.K., Canada, Italy,
Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Austria. All
bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.


                                      I-2

<PAGE>


     This chart illustrates the performance of major world stock markets for the
period from 1986 through September,1997. It does not represent the performance
of any Prudential Mutual Fund.

                  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF MAJOR WORLD
                        STOCK MARKETS (12/31/86-9/30/97)

                                    [CHART]

SOURCE: MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) AND LIPPER ANALYTICAL
SERVICES, INC. USED WITH PERMISSION. MORGAN STANLEY COUNTRY INDICES ARE
UNMANAGED INDICES WHICH INCLUDE THOSE STOCKS MAKING UP THE LARGEST TWO-THIRDS OF
EACH COUNTRY'S TOTAL STOCK MARKET CAPITALIZATION. RETURNS REFLECT THE
REINVESTMENT OF ALL DISTRIBUTIONS. THIS CHART IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
AND IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF ANY SPECIFIC
INVESTMENT. INVESTORS CANNOT INVEST DIRECTLY IN STOCK INDICES.

     This chart shows the growth of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in
the stocks representing the S&P 500 stock index with and without reinvested
dividends.

                 1969-1996 CAPITAL APPRECIATION AND REINVESTING
                   DIVIDENDS--$228,266; CAPITAL APPRECIATION
                                 ONLY--$80,535

                                    [GRAPH]

SOURCE: STOCKS, BONDS, BILLS, AND INFLATION 1996 YEARBOOK, IBBOTSON ASSOCIATES,
CHICAGO (ANNUALLY UPDATES WORK BY ROGER G. IBBOTSON AND REX A. SINQUEFIELD).
USED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS CHART IS USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE
PERFORMANCE OF ANY PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND. COMMON STOCK TOTAL RETURN IS BASED ON
THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 STOCK INDEX, A MARKET-VALUE-WEIGHTED INDEX MADE UP OF
500 OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE U.S. BASED UPON THEIR STOCK MARKET VALUE.
INVESTORS CANNOT INVEST DIRECTLY IN INDICES.

                   WORLD STOCK MARKET CAPITALIZATION BY REGION
                           World Total: $9.2 Trillion

                                    [GRAPH]

SOURCE: MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL, SEPTEMBER 30, 1997. USED WITH
PERMISSION. THIS CHART REPRESENTS THE CAPITALIZATION OF MAJOR WORLD STOCK
MARKETS AS MEASURED BY THE MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) WORLD
INDEX. THE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALIZATION IS BASED ON THE VALUE OF APPROXIMATELY
1577 COMPANIES IN 22 COUNTRIES (REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 60% OF THE AGGREGATE
MARKET VALUE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGES). THIS CHART IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES
ONLY AND DOES NOT REPRESENT THE ALLOCATION OF ANY PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND.


                                      I-3

<PAGE>


     This chart below shows the historical volatility of general interest rates
as measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.

             LONG U.S. TREASURY BOND YIELD IN PERCENT [(1926-1997)(])

                                     [CHART]

- -----------
SOURCE: STOCKS, BONDS, BILLS, AND INFLATION 1997 YEARBOOK, IBBOTSON ASSOCIATES,
CHICAGO (ANNUALLY UPDATES WORK BY ROGER G. IBBOTSON AND REX A. SINQUEFIELD).
USED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE CHART ILLUSTRATES THE HISTORICAL
YIELD OF THE LONG-TERM U.S. TREASURY BOND FROM [1926-1997]. YIELDS REPRESENT
THAT OF AN ANNUALLY RENEWED ONE-BOND PORTFOLIO WITH A REMAINING MATURITY OF
APPROXIMATELY 20 YEARS. THIS CHART IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT
BE CONSTRUED TO REPRESENT THE YIELDS OF ANY PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND.


                                      I-4

<PAGE>

            RISK/REWARD CHARACTERISTICS OF ASSET CLASSES: 1980-1997(1)

 
                            [Representation of Chart]

                  ANNUALIZED TOTAL RETURNS: 1980 THROUGH 1997

                    S&P 500                          17.13%
                    DLJ HY Bonds                     13.71%

                    U.S. Long-Term Treasury          11.76%
                    U.S. Intermediate Treasury       10.16%


                            RISK: 1980 THROUGH 1997

                    S&P 500                          17.24%
                    DLJ HY Bonds                      9.19%
                    U.S. Long-Term Treasury          13.36%
                    U.S. Intermediate Treasury        7.19%


- -----------------


1    SOURCE: DLJ RESEARCH USED WITH PERMISSION. THIS CHART IS USED FOR
     ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT THE PAST,
     PRESENT OR FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF ANY PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND.

2    AS MEASURED BY STANDARD DEVIATION OF RETURNS. A STATISTICAL MEASUREMENT OF
     VOLATILITY ABOUT AN AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN, WHICH, FOR A MUTUAL FUND, DEPICTS
     HOW WIDELY THE RETURNS VARIED OVER A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME.

3    STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX IS A WEIGHTED, UNMANAGED INDEX COMPRISED OF 50
     STOCKS WHICH PROVIDES A BROAD INDICATOR OF STOCK PRICE MOVEMENTS.

4    DLJ HIGH YIELD INDEX IS AN UNMANAGED INDEX COMPRISING OVER 1,000 PUBLIC,
     FIXED-RATE BONDS THAT ARE RATED Ba-1 OR LOWER BY MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE
     (OR RATED BB+ OR LOWER BY STANDARD & POOR'S OR FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE).
     INVESTMENTS OF THIS TYPE ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF PRINCIPAL
     AND NON-PAYMENT OF INTEREST. SEE "HOW THE FUND INVESTS--INVESTMENT
     OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES--RISK FACTORS RELATING TO INVESTING IN DEBT
     SECURITIES RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE (JUNK BONDS)" IN THE PROSPECTUS.

5    U.S. TREASURY BONDS ARE OBLIGATIONS ISSUED OR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
     GOVERNMENT. THE U.S. LONG-TERM TREASURY INCLUDES U.S. TREASURY BONDS WITH A
     MATURITY OF APPROXIMATELY 20 YEARS, WHILE THE DLJ HIGH YIELD INDEX
     GENERALLY INCLUDES BONDS WITH INITIAL MATURITIES OF TEN YEARS OR LESS. THE
     U.S. INTERMEDIATE TREASURY INCLUDES U.S. TREASURY BONDS WITH MATURITIES OF
     APPROXIMATELY 5 YEARS AND HAS BEEN LESS VOLATILE THAN THE DLJ HIGH YIELD
     INDEX.

     INVESTORS SHOULD KEEP IN MIND THAT UNLIKE HIGH YIELD BONDS WHICH ARE
     SUBJECT TO THE RISK OF DEFAULT, GOVERNMENT BONDS ARE GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
     GOVERNMENT AS TO THE TIMELY PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST.

     PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS OVER DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS MAY PRODUCE DIFFERENT
     RESULTS.



                                      I-5

<PAGE>


                   APPENDIX II--GENERAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION

ASSET ALLOCATION

     Asset allocation is a technique for reducing risk, providing balance. Asset
allocation among different types of securities within an overall investment
portfolio helps to reduce risk and to potentially provide stable returns, while
enabling investors to work toward their financial goal(s). Asset allocation is
also a strategy to gain exposure to better performing asset classes while
maintaining investment in other asset classes.

DIVERSIFICATION

     Diversification is a time-honored technique for reducing risk, providing
"balance" to an overall portfolio and potentially achieving more stable returns.
Owning a portfolio of securities mitigates the individual risks (and returns) of
any one security. Additionally, diversification among types of securities
reduces the risks (and general returns) of any one type of security.

DURATION

     Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to interest rates. As
interest rates fluctuate, the value of a bond (or a bond portfolio) will
increase or decrease. Longer term bonds are generally more sensitive to changes
in interest rates. When interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

     Duration is an approximation of the price sensitivity of a bond (or a bond
portfolio) to interest rate changes. It measures the weighted average maturity
of a bond's (or a bond portfolio's) cash flows, i.e., principal and interest
rate payments. Duration is expressed as a measure of time in years--the longer
the duration of a bond (or a bond portfolio), the greater the impact of interest
rate changes on the bond's (or the bond portfolio's) price. Duration differs
from effective maturity in that duration takes into account call provisions,
coupon rates and other factors. Duration measures interest rate risk only and
not other risks, such as credit risk and, in the case of non-U.S. dollar
denominated securities, currency risk. Effective maturity measures the final
maturity dates of a bond (or a bond portfolio).

MARKET TIMING

     Market timing--buying securities when prices are low and selling them when
prices are relatively higher--may not work for many investors because it is
impossible to predict with certainty how the price of a security will fluctuate.
However, owning a security for a long period of time may help investors offset
short-term price volatility and realize positive returns.

POWER OF COMPOUNDING

     Over time, the compounding of returns can significantly impact investment
returns. Compounding is the effect of continuous investment on long-term
investment results, by which the proceeds of capital appreciation (and income
distributions, if elected) are reinvested to contribute to the overall growth of
assets. The long-term investment results of compounding may be greater than that
of an equivalent initial investment in which the proceeds of capital
appreciation and income distributions are taken in cash.

STANDARD DEVIATION

     Standard deviation is an absolute (non-relative) measure of volatility
which, for a mutual fund, depicts how widely the returns varied over a certain
period of time. When a fund has a high standard deviation, its range of
performance has been very wide, implying greater volatility potential. Standard
deviation is only one of several measures of a fund's volatility.


                                      II-1

<PAGE>


                APPENDIX III--INFORMATION RELATING TO PRUDENTIAL

     Set forth below is information relating to The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential) and its subsidiaries as well as information relating to
the Prudential Mutual Funds. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" in the
Prospectus. The data will be used in sales materials relating to the Prudential
Mutual Funds. Unless otherwise indicated, the information is as of December 31,
1996 and is subject to change thereafter. All information relies on data
provided by The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC) or from other sources
believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has not been verified
by the Fund. 

INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL

     The Manager and PIC(1) are subsidiaries of Prudential, which is one of the
largest diversified financial services institutions in the world and, based on
total assets, the largest insurance company in North America as of December 31,
1996. Principal products and services include life and health insurance, other
healthcare products, property and casualty insurance, securities brokerage,
asset management, investment advisory services and real estate brokerage.
Prudential (together with its subsidiaries) employs more than 81,000 persons
worldwide, and maintains a sales force of approximately 11,500 agents and 6,400
financial advisors. Prudential is a major issuer of annuities, including
variable annuities. Prudential seeks to develop innovative products and services
to meet consumer needs in each of its business areas. Prudential uses the Rock
of Gibraltar as its symbol. The Prudential rock is a recognized brand name
throughout the world.

     Insurance. Prudential has been engaged in the insurance business since
1875. It insures or provides financial services to nearly 50 million people
worldwide--one of every five people in the United States. Long one of the
largest issuers of individual life insurance, the Prudential has 22 million life
insurance policies in force today with a face value of $1 trillion. Prudential
has the largest capital base ($12.1 billion) of any life insurance company in
the United States. The Prudential provides auto insurance for approximately 1.6
million cars and insures approximately 1.2 million homes.

     Money Management. The Prudential is one of the largest pension fund
managers in the country, providing pension services to 1 in 3 Fortune 500 firms.
It manages $36 billion of individual retirement plan assets, such as 401(k)
plans. As of December 31, 1996, Prudential had more than $322 billion in assets
under management. Prudential's Investments, a business group of Prudential (of
which Prudential Mutual Funds is a key part) manages over $190 billion in assets
of institutions and individuals. In Pensions & Investments, May 12, 1996,
Prudential was ranked third in terms of total assets under management.

     Real Estate. The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, the fourth largest real
estate brokerage network in the United States, has more than 37,000 brokers and
agents and more than 1,100 offices in the United States.(2)

     Healthcare. Over two decades ago, the Prudential introduced the first
federally-funded, for-profit HMO in the country. Today, approximately 4.6
million Americans receive healthcare from a Prudential managed care membership.

     Financial Services. The Prudential Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Prudential, has nearly $1 billion in assets and serves nearly 1.5 million
customers across 50 states.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS

     As of October 31, 1997, Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC was the
seventeen largest mutual fund company in the country, with over 2.5 million
shareholders invested in more than 50 mutual fund portfolios and variable
annuities with more than 3.7 million shareholder accounts.

     The Prudential Mutual Funds have over 30 portfolio managers who manage over
$55 billion in mutual fund and variable annuity assets. Some of Prudential's
portfolio managers have over 20 years of experience managing investment
portfolios.

     From time to time, there may be media coverage of portfolio managers and
other investment professionals associated with the Manager and the Subadviser in
national and regional publications, on television and in other media.
Additionally, individual mutual fund portfolios are frequently cited in surveys
conducted by national and regional publications and media organizations such as
The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron's and USA Today.

- ------------------
(1)  Prudential Investments, serves as the Subadviser to substantially all of
     the Prudential Mutual Funds. Wellington Management Company serves as the
     subadviser to Global Utility Fund, Inc., Nicholas-Applegate Capital
     Management as the subadviser to Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc., Jennison
     Associates Capital Corp. as the subadviser to Prudential Jennison Series
     Fund, Inc. and Mercater Asset Management L.P. as the Subadviser to
     International Stock Series, a portfolio of Prudential World Fund, Inc.
     There are multiple subadvisers for The Target Portfolio Trust.

(2)  As of December 31, 1996.


                                     III-1
<PAGE>


     Equity Funds. Forbes magazine listed Prudential Equity Fund among twenty
mutual funds on its Honor Roll in its mutual fund issue of August 28, 1995.
Honorees are chosen annually among mutual funds (excluding sector funds) which
are open to new investors and have had the same management for at least five
years. Forbes considers, among other criteria, the total return of a mutual fund
in both bull and bear markets as well as a fund's risk profile. Prudential
Equity Fund is managed with a "value" investment style by PIC. In 1995,
Prudential Securities introduced Prudential Jennison Fund, a growth-style equity
fund managed by Jennison Associates Capital Corp., a premier institutional
equity manager and a subsidiary of Prudential.

     High Yield Funds. Investing in high yield bonds is a complex and research
intensive pursuit. A separate team of high yield bond analysts monitor
approximately 200 issues held in the Prudential High Yield Fund (currently the
largest fund of its kind in the country) along with 100 or so other high yield
bonds, which may be considered for purchase.(3) Non-investment grade bonds, also
known as junk bonds or high yield bonds, are subject to a greater risk of loss
of principal and interest including default risk than higher-rated bonds.
Prudential high yield portfolio managers and analysts meet face-to-face with
almost every bond issuer in the High Yield Fund's portfolio annually, and have
additional telephone contact throughout the year.

     Prudential's portfolio managers are supported by a large and sophisticated
research organization. Fourteen investment grade bond analysts monitor the
financial viability of approximately 1,750 different bond issuers in the
investment grade corporate and municipal bond markets--from IBM to small
municipalities, such as Rockaway Township, New Jersey. These analysts consider
among other things sinking fund provisions and interest coverage ratios.

     Prudential's portfolio managers and analysts receive research services from
almost 200 brokers and market service vendors. They also receive nearly 100
trade publications and newspapers--from Pulp and Paper Forecaster to Women's
Wear Daily--to keep them informed of the industries they follow.

     Prudential Mutual Funds' traders scan over 100 computer monitors to collect
detailed information on which to trade. From natural gas prices in the Rocky
Mountains to the results of local municipal elections, a Prudential portfolio
manager or trader is able to monitor it if it's important to a Prudential mutual
fund.

     Prudential Mutual Funds trade approximately $31 billion in U.S. and foreign
government securities a year. PIC seeks information from government policy
makers. In 1995, Prudential's portfolio managers met with several senior U.S.
and foreign government officials, on issues ranging from economic conditions in
foreign countries to the viability of index-linked securities in the United
States.

     Prudential Mutual Funds' portfolio managers and analysts met with over
1,200 companies in 1995, often with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief
Financial Officer (CFO). They also attended over 250 industry conferences.

     Prudential Mutual Fund global equity managers conducted many of their
visits overseas, often holding private meetings with a company in a foreign
language (our global equity managers speak 7 different languages, including
Mandarin Chinese).

     Trading Data.(4) On an average day, Prudential Mutual Funds' U.S. and
foreign equity trading desks traded $77 million in securities representing over
3.8 million shares with nearly 200 different firms. Prudential Mutual Funds'
bond trading desks traded $157 million in government and corporate bonds on an
average day. That represents more in daily trading than most bond funds tracked
by Lipper even have in assets.(5) Prudential Mutual Funds' money market desk
traded $3.2 billion in money market securities on an average day, or over $800
billion a year. They made a trade every 3 minutes of every trading day. In 1994,
the Prudential Mutual Funds effected more than 40,000 trades in money market
securities and held on average $20 billion of money market securities.(6)

     Based on complex-wide data, on an average day, over 7,250 shareholders
telephoned Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, the Transfer Agent of the
Prudential Mutual Funds, on the Prudential Mutual Funds' toll-free number. On an
annual basis, that represents approximately 1.8 million telephone calls
answered. 

- -----------
(3)  As of December 31, 1995. The number of bonds and the size of the Fund are
     subject to change.

(4)  Trading data represents average daily transactions for portfolios of the
     Prudential Mutual Funds for which PIC serves as the subadviser, portfolios
     of the Prudential Series Fund and institutional and non-US accounts managed
     by Prudential Mutual Fund Investment Management, a division of PIC, for the
     year ended December 31, 1995.

(5)  Based on 669 funds in Lipper Analytical Services categories of Short U.S.
     Treasury, Short U.S. Government, Intermediate U.S. Treasury, Intermediate
     U.S. Government, Short Investment Grade Debt, Intermediate Investment Grade
     Debt, General U.S. Treasury, General U.S. Government and Mortgage Funds.

(6)  As of December 31, 1994.


                                     III-2


<PAGE>


INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES

     Prudential Securities is the fifth largest retail brokerage firm in the
United States with approximately 5,600 financial advisors. It offers to its
clients a wide range of products, including Prudential Mutual Funds and
annuities. As of December 31, 1995, assets held by Prudential Securities for its
clients approximated $168 billion. During 1994, over 28,000 new customer
accounts were opened each month at PSI.(7)

     Prudential Securities has a two-year Financial Advisor training program
plus advanced education programs, including Prudential Securities "university,"
which provides advanced education in a wide array of investment areas.
Prudential Securities is the only Wall Street firm to have its own in-house
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program. In the December 1995 issue of
Registered Rep, an industry publication, Prudential Securities' Financial
Advisor training programs received a grade of A- (compared to an industry
average of B+).

     In 1995, Prudential Securities' equity research team ranked 8th in
Institutional Investor magazine's 1995 "All America Research Team" survey. Five
Prudential Securities analysts were ranked as first-team finishers.(8)

     In addition to training, Prudential Securities provides its financial
advisors with access to firm economists and market analysts. It has also
developed proprietary tools for use by financial advisors, including the
Financial ArchitectsSM, a state-of-the-art asset allocation software program
which helps Financial Advisors to evaluate a client's objectives and overall
financial plan, and a comprehensive mutual fund information and analysis system
that compares different mutual funds.

     For more complete information about any of the Prudential Mutual Funds,
including charges and expenses, call your Prudential Securities financial
adviser or Pruco/Prudential representative for a free prospectus. Read it
carefully before you invest or send money.

- ------------
(7)  As of December 31, 1994.

(8)  On an annual basis, Institutional Investor magazine surveys more than 700
     institutional money managers, chief investment officers and research
     directors, asking them to evaluate analysts in 76 industry sectors. Scores
     are produced by taking the number of votes awarded to an individual analyst
     and weighting them based on the size of the voting institution. In total,
     the magazine sends its survey to approximately 2,000 institutions and a
     group of European and Asian institutions.


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