<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.
(CLASS Z SHARES)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 1, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an open-end, diversified
management investment company whose objective is capital growth. The Fund
intends to invest principally in a carefully selected portfolio of common
stocks--generally small company stocks having prospects of a high return on
equity, increasing earnings and increasing dividends (or an expectation of
dividends). The Fund's purchase and sale of put and call options and related
short-term trading may result in a high portfolio turnover rate. These
activities may be considered speculative and may result in higher risks and
costs to the Fund. The Fund may also buy and sell stock index futures and may
buy and sell options on stock indices in accordance with limits described
herein. 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 One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, and its telephone
number is (800) 225-1852.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to participants in the PSI
401(k) Plan, an employee benefit plan sponsored by Prudential Securities
Incorporated (the PSI 401(k) Plan or the Plan). Only Class Z shares are offered
through this Prospectus. The Fund also offers Class A, Class B and Class C
shares through the attached Prospectus dated November 29, 1995 (the Retail Class
Prospectus) which is a part hereof.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a
prospective investor should know before investing. Additional information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a
Statement of Additional Information, dated November 29, 1995, 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES CLASS Z SHARES
----------------
<S> <C>
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)...................... None
Maximum Sales Load or Deferred Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends....................... None
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower)............................................................................ None
Redemption Fees................................................................................. None
Exchange Fee.................................................................................... None
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES* CLASS Z SHARES
----------------
<S> <C>
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees................................................................................. .70%
12b-1 Fees...................................................................................... None
Other Expenses.................................................................................. .38%
Total Fund Operating Expenses................................................................... 1.08%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------- ------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <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 Z............................................................................... $ 11 $ 34 $ 60 $ 132
The above example is based on expenses expected to have been incurred if Class Z shares had been in existence during the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1995. 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 investors in understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Class Z
shares of the Fund will bear, whether directly or indirectly. For more complete descriptions of the various costs and expenses,
see "How the Fund is Managed." "Other Expenses" includes operating expenses of the Fund, such as directors' and professional
fees, registration fees, reports to shareholders, transfer agency and custodian fees and franchise taxes.
<FN>
--------------
*Estimated based on expenses expected to have been incurred if Class Z shares
had been in existence during the fiscal year ended September 30,1995.
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED--DISTRIBUTOR"
IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
Prudential Securities serves as the Distributor of Class Z shares and incurs
the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under a Distribution
Agreement with the Fund, none of which is reimbursed by or paid for by the Fund.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES" IN
THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
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 Class Z shares are not
subject to any distribution and/or service fee. It is expected, however, that
the NAV of the four classes will tend to converge immediately after the
recording of dividends, which will differ by approximately the amount of the
distribution-related expense accrual differential among the classes.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND
DISTRIBUTIONS--TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
As a qualified plan, the PSI 401(k) Plan generally pays no federal income
tax. Individual participants in the Plan should consult Plan documents and their
own tax advisers for information on the tax consequences associated with
participating in the PSI 401(k) Plan.
The per share dividends on Class Z shares will generally be higher than the
per share dividends on Class A, Class B or Class C shares as a result of the
fact that Class Z shares are not subject to any distribution or service fee.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES THE INFORMATION UNDER "SHAREHOLDER
GUIDE--HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND" AND "SHAREHOLDER GUIDE--HOW TO SELL YOUR
SHARES" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
Class Z shares of the Fund are offered exclusively for sale to participants
in the PSI 401(k) Plan. Such shares may be purchased or redeemed only by the
Plan on behalf of individual plan participants at NAV without any sales or
redemption charge. Class Z shares are not subject to any minimum investment
requirements. The Plan purchases and redeems shares to implement the investment
choices of individual plan participants with respect to contributions in the
Plan. All purchases by the Plan will be for Class Z shares. Effective as of
March 1, 1996, Class A shares held through the PSI 401(k) Plan on behalf of
participants will be automatically exchanged for Class Z shares. Individual Plan
participants should contact the Prudential Securities Benefits Department for
information on making or changing investment choices. The Prudential Securities
Benefits Department is located at One Seaport Plaza, 33rd Floor, New York, New
York 10292 and may be reached by calling (212) 214-7194.
The average net asset value per share at which shares of the Fund are
purchased or redeemed by the Plan for the accounts of individual plan
participants might be more or less than the net asset value per share prevailing
at the time that such participants made their investment choices or made their
contributions to the Plan.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "SHAREHOLDER GUIDE--HOW TO EXCHANGE
YOUR SHARES" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
Class Z shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class Z shares for Class
Z shares of certain other Prudential Mutual Funds on the basis of relative net
asset value. You should contact the Prudential Securities Benefits Department
about how to exchange your Class Z shares. See "How to Buy Shares of the Fund"
above. Participants who wish to transfer their Class Z shares out of the PSI
401(k) Plan following separation from service (i.e., voluntary or involuntary
termination of employment or retirement) will have their Class Z shares
exchanged for Class A shares at net asset value.
THE INFORMATION ABOVE ALSO SUPPLEMENTS THE INFORMATION UNDER "FUND
HIGHLIGHTS" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS AS APPROPRIATE.
3
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.
Supplement dated March 1, 1996 to
Prospectus dated November 29, 1995
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "GENERAL INFORMATION--DESCRIPTION OF
COMMON STOCK" IN THE PROSPECTUS:
The Fund is authorized to offer 1 billion shares of common stock, $.01 par
value per share, divided into four classes of shares, designated Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class Z shares, each consisting of 250 million authorized shares.
Each class 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, 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 participants in the
PSI 401(k) Plan, an employee benefit plan sponsored by Prudential Securities.
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 fee. In
accordance with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may
authorize the creation of additional series and classes within such series, with
such preferences, privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as the
Directors may determine. Currently, the Fund is offering four classes,
designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares.
MF109C-2
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.
Supplement dated March 1, 1996 to
Statement of Additional Information dated
November 29, 1995
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "DISTRIBUTOR" IN THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Prudential Securities serves as the Distributor of Class Z shares and incurs
the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under a Distribution
Agreement with the Fund, none of which are reimbursed by or paid for by the
Fund.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES"
IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value 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 not subject to any sales or redemption charge and are offered exclusively
for sale to participants in the Prudential Securities 401(k) Plan, an employee
benefit plan sponsored by Prudential Securities (the PSI 401(k) Plan). See
"Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" in the Prospectus.
Each class 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 expenses, 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 participants in the
PSI 401(k) Plan. See "Distributor." Each class also has separate exchange
privileges. See "Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege."
SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP SHEET
Under the current distribution arrangements between the Fund and the
Distributor, Class A shares are sold with a maximum sales charge of 5% and Class
B*, Class C* and Class Z** shares are sold at net asset value. Using the Fund's
net asset value at September 30, 1995, the maximum offering price of the Fund's
shares is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
<S> <C>
Net asset value and redemption price per Class A share................................... $ 14.18
Maximum sales charge (5% of offering price).............................................. .75
---------
Offering price to public................................................................. $ 14.93
---------
---------
CLASS B
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B share*.................. $ 13.56
---------
---------
CLASS C
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C share*.................. $ 13.56
---------
---------
CLASS Z
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class Z share**................. $ 14.18
---------
---------
</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.
** Class Z shares did not exist prior to March 1, 1996.
1
<PAGE>
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT--EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE" IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CLASS Z. Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of the funds
listed below which participate in the PSI 401(k) Plan. No fee or sales load will
be imposed upon the exchange.
Prudential Allocation Fund
(Balanced Portfolio)
Prudential Equity Income Fund
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Securities Trust
(Money Market Series)
Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.
Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc.
(expected to be available later in 1996)
Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
MF109C-3
2
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.
- ------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 29, 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an open-end, diversified
management investment company whose objective is capital growth. The Fund
intends to invest principally in a carefully selected portfolio of common
stocks--generally small company stocks having prospects of a high return on
equity, increasing earnings and increasing dividends (or an expectation of
dividends). The Fund's purchase and sale of put and call options and related
short-term trading may result in a high portfolio turnover rate. These
activities may be considered speculative and may result in higher risks and
costs to the Fund. The Fund may also buy and sell stock index futures and may
buy and sell options on stock indices in accordance with limits described
herein. 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 One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, and its telephone
number is (800) 225-1852.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a
prospective investor should know before investing. Additional information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a
Statement of Additional Information, dated November 29, 1995, 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY 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.
WHAT IS PRUDENTIAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.?
Prudential Growth Opportunity 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 capital growth. It seeks to achieve this
objective by investing primarily in a carefully selected portfolio of common
stocks--generally small company stocks having prospects of a high return on
equity, increasing earnings, increasing dividends (or an expectation of
dividends), and price-earnings ratios which are not excessive. There can be no
assurance that the Fund's objective will be achieved. See "How the Fund
Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 8.
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund has generally
invested in common stocks with smaller market capitalizations than those of the
stocks included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the largest stocks
included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index. As a result, the
Fund's portfolio has generally been made up of common stocks issued by smaller,
less well known companies selected by the investment adviser on the basis of
fundamental investment analysis. Companies in which the Fund is likely to invest
may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may lack
management depth. The securities of these companies may have limited
marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than
securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in
general. See "How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page
8. The Fund may also engage in various hedging and return enhancement
strategies, including derivatives. See "How the Fund Invests--Hedging and Return
Enhancement Strategies-- Risks of Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies" at
page 9. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in
foreign securities. Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries
involves certain considerations and risks not typically associated with
investing in securities of domestic companies. See "How the Fund Invests--Other
Investments and Policies--Foreign Investments" at page 11.
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF or the Manager) is the Manager
of the Fund and is compensated for its services at an annual rate of .70 of 1%
of the Fund's average daily net assets. As of October 31, 1995, PMF served as
manager or administrator to 64 investment companies, including 37 mutual funds,
with aggregate assets of approximately $50 billion. The Prudential Investment
Corporation (PIC or the Subadviser) furnishes investment advisory services in
connection with the management of the Fund under a Subadvisory Agreement with
PMF. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" at page 13.
WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?
Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. (PMFD) acts as the Distributor of
the Fund's Class A shares and is paid an annual distribution and service fee
which is currently being charged at the rate of .25 of 1% of the average daily
net assets of the Class A shares.
Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities or PSI), a major
securities underwriter and securities and commodities broker, acts as the
Distributor of the Fund's Class B and Class C shares and is paid an annual
distribution and service fee at the rate of 1% of the average daily net assets
of each of the Class B and Class C shares.
See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" at page 13.
2
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class B shares is $1,000 per
class and $5,000 for Class C shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100
for all classes. There is no minimum investment 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 19 and "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder Services"
at page 27.
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, Inc. (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). See "How the Fund Values its Shares"
at page 15 and "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 19.
WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
The Fund offers three classes of shares:
- Class A Shares: Sold with an initial sales charge of up to 5% of
the offering price.
- 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.
- Class C Shares: Sold without an initial sales charge and, for one
year after purchase, are subject to a 1% CDSC 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.
See "Shareholder Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" at page 20.
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 23.
HOW ARE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID?
The Fund expects to pay dividends of net investment income, if any,
semi-annually and make distributions of any net capital gains 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 16.
3
<PAGE>
FUND EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES+ CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES
--------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)................... 5% None None
Maximum Sales Load or Deferred Sales
Load Imposed on Reinvested
Dividends......................... None None None
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage
of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is
lower)............................ None 5% during the first year, decreasing 1% on redemptions made within
by 1% annually to 1% in the fifth one year of purchase
and sixth years and 0% the seventh
year*
Redemption Fees..................... None None None
Exchange Fee........................ None None None
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES
--------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees..................... .70% .70% .70%
12b-1 Fees.......................... .25++ 1.00 1.00
Other Expenses...................... .38 .38 .38
--------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------
Total Fund Operating Expenses....... 1.33% 2.08% 2.08%
--------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------
--------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------- ------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <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............................................................................... $ 63 $ 90 $ 119 $ 202
Class B............................................................................... $ 71 $ 95 $ 122 $ 213
Class C............................................................................... $ 31 $ 65 $ 112 $ 241
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment, assuming no redemption:
Class A............................................................................... $ 63 $ 90 $ 119 $ 202
Class B............................................................................... $ 21 $ 65 $ 112 $ 213
Class C............................................................................... $ 21 $ 65 $ 112 $ 241
The above example is based on data for the Fund's fiscal year ended September 30, 1995. 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 investors in understanding the various 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." "Other Expenses" includes operating expenses of the Fund, such as directors' and professional fees, registration
fees, reports to shareholders, transfer agency and custodian fees and franchise taxes.
<FN>
------------------
*Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately
seven years after purchase. See "Shareholder Guide--Conversion
Feature--Class B Shares."
+Pursuant to rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., the aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales charges and
asset-based sales charges 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 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 Distribution and Service Plan provides that the Fund
may pay a distribution fee of up to .30 of 1% per annum of the average
daily net assets of the Class A shares, the Distributor has agreed to
limit its distribution fees with respect to Class A shares of the Fund to
no more than .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A
shares for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996. Total operating
expenses without such limitation would be 1.38%. See "How the Fund is
Managed--Distributor."
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
(CLASS A SHARES)
The following financial highlights with respect to the five-year period
ended September 30, 1995 have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto, which appear in the Statement of Additional Information. The
following financial highlights contain selected data for a Class A share of
common stock outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and other
supplemental data for the periods indicated. The information is based on data
contained in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 22,
1990 (A)
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, THROUGH
------------------------------------------------------------------ SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 (D) 1994 (D) 1993 (D) 1992 (D) 1991 1990
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period....... $ 12.40 $ 13.06 $ 11.25 $ 10.16 $ 7.36 $ 8.55
------------- ------------- -------- -------- --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income...................... .05 -- .03 .02 .05 .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions................... 2.57 .13 3.14 1.47 2.82 (1.20)
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total from investment operations........... 2.62 .13 3.17 1.49 2.87 (1.11)
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income....... -- -- -- -- (.07) (.08)
Distributions from net realized capital
gains..................................... (.84) (.79) (1.36) (.40) -- --
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total distributions........................ (.84) (.79) (1.36) (.40) (.07) (.08)
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net asset value, end of period............. $ 14.18 $ 12.40 $ 13.06 $ 11.25 $ 10.16 $ 7.36
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
TOTAL RETURN (C):.......................... 23.29% 1.13% 30.42% 15.39% 39.39% (13.19)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)............ $ 242,231 $ 103,078 $94,842 $44,845 $25,165 $17,222
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees.... 1.33% 1.33% 1.17% 1.33% 1.50% 1.61%(b)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees.... 1.08% 1.09% .97% 1.13% 1.30% 1.42%(b)
Net investment income (loss)............. .30% .00% .26% .19% .59% 1.54%(b)
Portfolio turnover......................... 64% 82% 68% 99% 111% 79%
<FN>
------------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class A shares.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return
is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale
on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a
full year are not annualized.
(d) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the
period.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
(CLASS B SHARES)
The following financial highlights with respect to the five-year period
ended September 30, 1995 have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto, which appear in the Statement of Additional Information. The
following financial highlights contain selected data for a Class B share of
common stock outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and other
supplemental data for the periods indicated. The information is based on data
contained in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 (B) 1994 (B) 1993 (B) 1992 (B) 1991 1990
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............. $ 11.99 $ 12.74 $ 11.08 $ 10.11 $ 7.34 $ 9.11
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)................... (.06) (.09) (.06) (.07) (.02) .07
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions....................... 2.47 .13 3.08 1.44 2.82 (1.75)
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total from investment operations............... 2.41 .04 3.02 1.37 2.80 (1.68)
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income........... -- -- -- -- (.03) (.09)
Distributions from net realized capital
gains......................................... (.84) (.79) (1.36) (.40) -- --
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total distributions............................ (.84) (.79) (1.36) (.40) (.03) (.09)
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year................... $ 13.56 $ 11.99 $ 12.74 $ 11.08 $ 10.11 $ 7.34
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
TOTAL RETURN (C):.............................. 22.37% .42% 29.40% 14.27% 38.33% (18.63)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).................. $361,873 $ 425,502 $376,068 $172,018 $118,660 $86,440
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees........ 2.08% 2.09% 1.97% 2.13% 2.30% 2.18%
Expenses, excluding distribution fees........ 1.08% 1.09% .97% 1.13% 1.30% 1.28%
Net investment income (loss)................. (.51%) (.76)% (.54)% (.61)% (.21)% .91%
Portfolio turnover............................. 64% 82% 68% 99% 111% 79%
<CAPTION>
1989 (A) 1988 1987 1986
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............. $ 7.47 $ 9.58 $ 9.09 $ 8.30
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)................... .06 (.08d) -- .02(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions....................... 1.65 (1.34) 2.40 1.89
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
Total from investment operations............... 1.71 (1.26) 2.40 1.91
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income........... (.07) (.03) -- (.02)
Distributions from net realized capital
gains......................................... -- (.82) (1.91) (1.10)
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
Total distributions............................ (.07) (.85) (1.91) (1.12)
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
Net asset value, end of year................... $ 9.11 $ 7.47 $ 9.58 $ 9.09
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
TOTAL RETURN (C):.............................. 23.20% (10.72)% 31.61% 26.22%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).................. $160,995 $143,263 $186,655 $87,844
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees........ 1.79% 1.66%(d) 1.61% 1.40%(d)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees........ 1.17% 1.05%(d) 1.07% 1.16%(d)
Net investment income (loss)................. .74% 1.07%(d) .08% .18%(d)
Portfolio turnover............................. 79% % 76 113% 139%
<FN>
------------------
(a) On January 31, 1989, Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. succeeded
The Prudential Insurance Company of America as investment adviser and
since then has acted as manager of the Fund. See "Manager" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
(b) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the
year.
(c) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return
is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale
on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.
(d) Net of expense reimbursement.
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
(CLASS C SHARES)
The following financial highlights have been audited by Price Waterhouse
LLP, independent accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto, which appear in the Statement of Additional Information. The
following financial highlights contain selected data for a Class C share of
common stock outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and other
supplemental data for the period indicated. The information is based on data
contained in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 1,
1994 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 (D) 1994 (D)
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........... $11.99 $11.61
------ ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)................... (.06) (.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions....................... 2.47 .39
------ ------
Total from investment operations............... 2.41 .38
------ ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized capital
gains......................................... (.84) --
------ ------
Total distributions.......................... (.84) --
------ ------
Net asset value, end of period................. $13.56 $11.99
------ ------
------ ------
TOTAL RETURN (C):.............................. 22.37% 3.27%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)................ $1,545 $ 269
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses, including distribution fees........ 2.08% 2.22%(b)
Expenses, excluding distribution fees........ 1.08% 1.22%(b)
Net investment income (loss)................. (.46)% (.31)%(b)
Portfolio turnover............................. 64% 82%
<FN>
------------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return
is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale
on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a
full year are not annualized.
(d) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the
period.
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
HOW THE FUND INVESTS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL GROWTH. THE FUND WILL ATTEMPT TO
ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A CAREFULLY SELECTED
PORTFOLIO OF COMMON STOCKS. INVESTMENT INCOME IS OF INCIDENTAL IMPORTANCE, AND
THE FUND MAY INVEST IN SECURITIES WHICH DO NOT PRODUCE ANY INCOME. HOWEVER,
THERE MAY BE PERIODS WHEN, IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER,
MARKET OR GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS JUSTIFY A TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION.
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCH OBJECTIVE WILL BE ACHIEVED. See "Investment
Objective and Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS A FUNDAMENTAL POLICY AND, THEREFORE, MAY
NOT 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 (THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT). FUND POLICIES THAT ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL
MAY BE MODIFIED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The stocks which the Fund's investment adviser generally expects to select
for the Fund's portfolio are those which, in the investment adviser's judgment,
have prospects of a high return on equity, increasing earnings and increasing
dividends (or an expectation of dividends). These criteria are not rigid, and
other stocks may be included in the Fund's portfolio if they are expected to
help the Fund attain its objective. These criteria can be changed by the Fund's
Board of Directors.
THE FUND MAY ALSO INVEST IN PREFERRED STOCKS AND BONDS, WHICH HAVE EITHER
ATTACHED WARRANTS OR A CONVERSION PRIVILEGE INTO COMMON STOCKS, AND IN WARRANTS.
IN ADDITION, THE FUND MAY PURCHASE PUT OPTIONS ON STOCKS THAT THE FUND HOLDS AS
PROTECTION AGAINST A SIGNIFICANT PRICE DECLINE, MAY PURCHASE AND SELL STOCK
INDEX OPTIONS AND FUTURES TO HEDGE OVERALL MARKET RISK AND THE INVESTMENT OF
CASH FLOWS AND WRITE LISTED PUT AND LISTED COVERED CALL OPTIONS. SEE "HEDGING
AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES" BELOW. THE FUND MAY ALSO INVEST UP TO 15% OF
ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES, WHICH MAY INVOLVE ADDITIONAL RISKS. SUCH
INVESTMENT RISKS INCLUDE FUTURE ADVERSE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS,
POSSIBLE SEIZURE OR NATIONALIZATION OF THE COMPANY IN WHOSE SECURITIES THE FUND
HAS INVESTED AND POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXCHANGE CONTROLS OR OTHER LAWS THAT
MIGHT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE REPATRIATION OF ASSETS OR THE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
IN ADDITION, A PORTFOLIO OF FOREIGN SECURITIES MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY
FLUCTUATIONS IN THE RELATIVE RATES OF EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE CURRENCIES OF
DIFFERENT NATIONS AND BY EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS. SEE "OTHER INVESTMENTS
AND POLICIES--FOREIGN INVESTMENTS" BELOW.
IN SEEKING TO ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, THE FUND HAS GENERALLY
INVESTED IN COMMON STOCKS WITH SMALLER MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS THAN THOSE OF THE
STOCKS INCLUDED IN THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE OR THE LARGEST STOCKS
INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE STOCK INDEX. As a result, the
Fund's portfolio has generally been made up of common stocks issued by smaller,
less well known companies (with market capitalizations typically less than $1
billion or a corresponding market capitalization in foreign markets) selected by
the investment adviser on the basis of fundamental investment analysis. The Fund
may, however, invest in the securities of any issuer without regard to its size
or the market capitalization of its common stock. Companies in which the Fund is
likely to invest may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources
and may lack management depth. The securities of these companies may have
limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market
movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market
averages in general.
8
<PAGE>
THE FUND MAY ALSO INVEST WITHOUT LIMIT IN HIGH QUALITY MONEY MARKET
INSTRUMENTS (A) WHEN CONDITIONS DICTATE A TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY, (B)
UNTIL THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE FUND'S SHARES HAVE BEEN INVESTED OR (C)
DURING TEMPORARY PERIODS OF PORTFOLIO RESTRUCTURING. Such instruments may
include commercial paper of domestic corporations, certificates of deposit,
repurchase agreements, bankers' acceptances and other obligations of domestic
banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
instrumentalities or its agencies.
HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
THE FUND MAY ALSO ENGAGE IN VARIOUS PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES, INCLUDING
DERIVATIVES, TO REDUCE CERTAIN RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO
ENHANCE RETURN, BUT NOT FOR SPECULATION. These strategies include the purchase
and sale of put and call options, and the purchase and sale of stock index
futures and combinations thereof. The Manager will use such techniques as market
conditions warrant. 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 "Investment Objective
and Policies" 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. In contrast to many investment companies
which invest in securities of foreign issuers, the Fund is not permitted to
enter into futures or options contracts involving foreign currencies. As a
result, there may be occasions when the investment adviser may wish, but will be
unable, to hedge the Fund's currency exposure to foreign investments.
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND WRITE (I.E., SELL) PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON EQUITY
SECURITIES THAT ARE TRADED ON NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGES OR STOCK INDICES
THAT ARE TRADED ON NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGES OR LISTED ON NASDAQ.
A CALL OPTION ON EQUITY SECURITIES GIVES THE PURCHASER, IN EXCHANGE FOR A
PREMIUM PAID, 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"). 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 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 in excess of the exercise price
of the option during the period that the option is open.
A PUT OPTION ON EQUITY SECURITIES GIVES THE PURCHASER, IN RETURN FOR A
PREMIUM, 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.
The writer of the put option, in return for the premium, has the obligation,
upon exercise of the option, to acquire the securities underlying the option at
the exercise price. The Fund as the writer of a put option might, therefore, be
obligated to purchase underlying securities for more than their current market
price.
OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES ARE SIMILAR TO OPTIONS ON EQUITY SECURITIES EXCEPT
THAT, rather than the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified
price, an option on a stock index gives the holder the right, in return for a
premium paid, to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the
closing level of the stock 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. The writer of an index option, in return for a premium, is obligated
to pay the amount of cash due upon exercise of the option.
THE FUND WILL WRITE ONLY "COVERED" OPTIONS. An option is covered if, so long
as the Fund is obligated under the option, it owns an offsetting position in the
underlying securities or maintains cash, U.S. Government securities or other
liquid high-grade debt obligations with a value sufficient at all times to cover
its obligations in a segregated account. See "Investment Objective and
Policies--Limitation on Purchase and Sale of Stock Options, Options on Stock
Indices and Stock Index Futures" in the Statement of Additional Information.
9
<PAGE>
THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON THE AMOUNT OF CALL OPTIONS THE FUND MAY WRITE. THE
FUND MAY ONLY WRITE COVERED PUT OPTIONS TO THE EXTENT THAT COVER FOR SUCH
OPTIONS DOES NOT EXCEED 25% OF THE FUND'S NET ASSETS. THE FUND WILL NOT PURCHASE
AN OPTION IF, AS A RESULT OF SUCH PURCHASE, MORE THAN 20% OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS
WOULD BE INVESTED IN PREMIUMS FOR SUCH OPTIONS.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL STOCK INDEX FUTURES WHICH ARE TRADED ON A
COMMODITIES EXCHANGE OR BOARD OF TRADE FOR CERTAIN HEDGING AND RISK MANAGEMENT
PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING
COMMISSION.
A STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACT IS AN AGREEMENT IN WHICH ONE PARTY AGREES TO
DELIVER TO ANOTHER AN AMOUNT OF CASH EQUAL TO A SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT TIMES THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPECIFIC STOCK INDEX AT THE CLOSE OF THE LAST TRADING DAY
OF THE CONTRACT AND THE PRICE AT WHICH THE AGREEMENT IS MADE. No physical
delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.
THE FUND MAY NOT PURCHASE OR SELL STOCK INDEX FUTURES IF, IMMEDIATELY
THEREAFTER, MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF ITS NET ASSETS WOULD BE HEDGED. IN ADDITION,
EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF A CALL WRITTEN AND HELD ON THE SAME INDEX, THE FUND WILL
WRITE CALL OPTIONS ON INDICES OR SELL STOCK INDEX FUTURES ONLY IF THE AMOUNT
RESULTING FROM THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE THEN CURRENT LEVEL OF THE INDEX (OR
INDICES) UPON WHICH THE OPTIONS OR FUTURES CONTRACT(S) IS BASED, THE APPLICABLE
MULTIPLIER(S), AND THE NUMBER OF FUTURES OR OPTIONS CONTRACTS WHICH WOULD BE
OUTSTANDING WOULD NOT EXCEED ONE-THIRD OF THE VALUE OF THE FUND'S NET ASSETS.
THE FUND'S SUCCESSFUL USE OF STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON
INDICES DEPENDS UPON ITS ABILITY TO PREDICT THE DIRECTION OF THE MARKET AND IS
SUBJECT TO VARIOUS ADDITIONAL RISKS. The correlation between movements in the
price of the stock index future and the price of the securities being hedged is
imperfect and there is a risk that the value of the securities being hedged may
increase or decrease at a greater rate than the related futures contract,
resulting in losses to the Fund. Certain futures exchanges or boards of trade
have established daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract
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. In
addition, if the Fund purchases futures to hedge against market advances before
it can invest in common stock in an advantageous manner and the market declines,
the Fund might create a loss on the futures contract. In addition, the ability
of the Fund to close out a futures position or an option depends on a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that liquid secondary markets will exist
for any particular futures contract or option at any particular time. See
"Investment Objective and Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
THE FUND'S ABILITY TO ENTER INTO STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND LISTED OPTIONS IS
LIMITED BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED
(THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE), FOR QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT
COMPANY. See "Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
RISKS OF HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
PARTICIPATION IN THE OPTIONS OR FUTURES MARKETS INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS AND
TRANSACTION COSTS TO WHICH THE FUND WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT ABSENT THE USE OF THESE
STRATEGIES. If the investment adviser's prediction of movements in the direction
of the securities markets is 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 and stock index futures include (1)
dependence on the investment adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in
the direction of specific securities being hedged or the movement in stock
indices; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and stock index
futures and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities being
hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different
from those needed to
10
<PAGE>
select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary
market for any particular instrument at any time; and (5) the possible need to
defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences.
See "Investment Objective and Policies" and "Taxes" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND POLICIES
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities of foreign
issuers (including securities of issuers domiciled outside of the U.S. which
trade on a national securities exchange, obligations of foreign branches of
domestic banks and American Depositary Receipts).
Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain
considerations and risks which are not typically associated with investing in
securities of domestic companies. Foreign companies are not generally subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable
to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government
supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and public
companies than exists in the United States. Dividends and interest paid by
foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes which may
decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and
interest paid to the Fund by domestic companies. There may be the possibility of
expropriations, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability
or diplomatic developments which could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign
countries. There may be less publicly available information about foreign
companies and governments compared to reports and ratings published about U.S.
companies. Foreign securities markets have substantially less volume than, for
example, the New York Stock Exchange and securities of some foreign companies
are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.
Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs of foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than in the United States. In addition, a
portfolio of foreign securities may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the
relative rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by
exchange control regulations.
The financial condition and results of operations of many domestic issuers
in which the Fund is permitted to invest may be affected by some of the
foregoing factors to the extent that their sales are made and/or their
operations are conducted outside the U.S.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may on occasion enter into repurchase agreements whereby the seller
of a security agrees to repurchase that security from the Fund at a mutually
agreed-upon time and price. The period of maturity is usually quite short,
possibly overnight or a few days, 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 security. The Fund's repurchase agreements will at all times be
fully collateralized in an amount at least equal to the purchase price,
including accrued interest earned on the underlying securities. The instruments
held as collateral are valued daily, and if the value of instruments declines,
the Fund will require additional collateral. If the seller defaults and the
value of the collateral securing the repurchase agreement declines, the Fund may
incur a loss. The Fund participates in a joint repurchase account with other
investment companies managed by Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. pursuant
to an order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
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 as much as
a month or more in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an
advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the
transaction. The Fund's Custodian will maintain, in a segregated account of the
Fund, cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid high-grade debt
obligations having a value equal to or greater than the Fund's purchase
commitments; the Custodian
11
<PAGE>
will likewise segregate securities sold on a delayed delivery basis. The
securities so purchased are subject to market fluctuation and no interest
accrues to the purchaser during the period between purchase and settlement. At
the time of delivery of the securities the value may be more or less than the
purchase price and an increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets committed
to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value.
BORROWING
The Fund may borrow an amount equal to no more than 20% of the value of its
total assets (calculated when the loan is made) from banks for temporary,
emergency or extraordinary purposes or for the clearance of transactions. The
Fund may pledge up to 20% of its total assets to secure these borrowings.
However, the Fund will not purchase portfolio securities when borrowings exceed
5% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX
The Fund may make short sales of securities or maintain a short position,
provided that at all times when a short position is open the Fund owns an equal
amount of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable,
without payment of any further consideration, for an equal amount of the
securities of the same issuer as the securities sold short (a short sale
against-the-box), and that not more than 25% of the Fund's net assets
(determined at the time of the short sale) may be subject to such sales. Short
sales will be made primarily to defer realization of gain or loss for federal
tax purposes. The Fund does not intend to have more than 5% of its net assets
(determined at the time of the short sale) subject to short sales
against-the-box during the coming year.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 10% 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. Restricted
securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the Securities Act) and privately placed commercial paper,
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.
Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to
the applicable notice period.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions which, like its
investment objective, 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.
See "Investment Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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, AS SET FORTH BELOW, 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.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, the Fund's total expenses as a
percentage of average net assets for the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C
shares were 1.33%, 2.08%, and 2.08%, respectively. See "Financial Highlights."
12
<PAGE>
MANAGER
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC. (PMF OR THE MANAGER), ONE SEAPORT
PLAZA, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292, IS THE MANAGER OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED
FOR ITS SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF .70 OF 1% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS. It was incorporated in May 1987 under the laws of the State of Delaware.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, the Fund paid management fees to
PMF of .70% of the Fund's average net assets. See "Manager" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
As of October 31, 1995, PMF served as the manager to 37 open-end investment
companies, constituting all of the Prudential Mutual Funds, and as manager or
administrator to 27 closed-end investment companies with aggregate assets of
approximately $50 billion.
UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FUND, PMF MANAGES THE INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND AND ALSO ADMINISTERS THE FUND'S CORPORATE AFFAIRS. See
"Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
UNDER A SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN PMF AND THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC OR THE SUBADVISER), PIC FURNISHES INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND IS REIMBURSED BY PMF FOR ITS
REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES. Under the
Management Agreement, PMF continues to have responsibility for all investment
advisory services and supervises PIC's performance of such services.
The current portfolio manager of the Fund is Roger E. Ford, a Managing
Director of PIC. Mr. Ford has responsibility for the day-to-day management of
the Fund's portfolio. Mr. Ford has managed the Fund's portfolio since July 1995
and manages a number of other portfolios advised by PIC. Mr. Ford has been
employed by PIC as a portfolio manager since 1972.
PMF and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance
Company of America (Prudential), a major diversified insurance and financial
services company.
DISTRIBUTOR
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC. (PMFD), 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 CLASS A SHARES OF THE FUND. IT IS A
WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PMF.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES OR PSI), 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 B AND
CLASS C 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 SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
(THE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS), PMFD AND PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES (COLLECTIVELY, THE
DISTRIBUTOR) INCUR 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
representatives of 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. The State of Texas requires that shares of the Fund may be sold in
that state only by dealers or other financial institutions which are registered
there as broker-dealers.
13
<PAGE>
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 PMFD FOR ITS DISTRIBUTION-RELATED
ACTIVITIES 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. PMFD has agreed to limit its distribution-related fees
payable under the Class A Plan to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of
the Class A shares for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996.
UNDER THE CLASS B AND CLASS C PLANS, THE FUND PAYS PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES FOR
ITS DISTRIBUTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES 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
Prudential Securities of (i) an asset-based sales charge of .75 of 1% of the
average daily net assets of each of the Class B and Class C shares, 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 personal service and/or
the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Prudential Securities also receives
contingent deferred sales charges from certain redeeming shareholders. See
"Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, the Fund paid distribution
expenses of .25%, 1% and 1% of the average net assets of the Class A, Class B
and Class C shares, respectively. The Fund records all payments made under the
Plans as expenses in the calculation of net investment income.
Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of shares of the Fund will be
allocated to each class based upon the ratio of sales of each class to the sales
of all 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 expenses 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 and other persons who
distribute shares of the Fund. Such payments may be calculated by reference to
the net asset value of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
The Distributor is subject to the rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. governing maximum sales charges. See "Distributor" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
On October 21, 1993, PSI entered into an omnibus settlement with the SEC,
state securities regulators (with the exception of the Texas Securities
Commissioner who joined the settlement on January 18, 1994) and the NASD to
resolve allegations that from 1980 through 1990 PSI sold certain limited
partnership interests in violation of securities laws to persons for whom such
securities were not suitable and misrepresented the safety, potential returns
and liquidity of these investments. Without admitting or denying the allegations
asserted against it, PSI consented to the entry of an SEC Administrative Order
which stated that PSI's conduct violated the federal securities laws, directed
PSI to cease and desist from violating the federal securities laws, pay civil
penalties, and adopt certain remedial measures to address the violations.
14
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the terms of the SEC settlement, PSI agreed to the imposition of
a $10,000,000 civil penalty, established a settlement fund in the amount of
$330,000,000 and procedures to resolve legitimate claims for compensatory
damages by purchasers of the partnership interests. PSI has agreed to provide
additional funds, if necessary, for the purpose of the settlement fund. PSI's
settlement with the state securities regulators included an agreement to pay a
penalty of $500,000 per jurisdiction. PSI consented to a censure and to the
payment of a $5,000,000 fine in settling the NASD action.
In October 1994, a criminal complaint was filed with the United States
Magistrate for the Southern District of New York alleging that PSI committed
fraud in connection with the sale of certain limited partnership interests in
violation of federal securities laws. An agreement was simultaneously filed to
defer prosecution of these charges for a period of three years from the signing
of the agreement, provided that PSI complies with the terms of the agreement.
If, upon completion of the three year period, PSI has complied with the terms of
the agreement, no prosecution will be instituted by the United States for the
offenses charged in the complaint. If on the other hand, during the course of
the three year period, PSI violates the terms of the agreement, the U.S.
Attorney can then elect to pursue these changes. Under the terms of the
agreement, PSI agreed, among other things, to pay an additional $330,000,000
into the fund established by the SEC to pay restitution to investors who
purchased certain PSI limited partnership interests.
For more detailed information concerning the foregoing matters, see
"Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information, a copy of which may be
obtained at no cost by calling 1-800-225-1852.
The Fund is not affected by PSI's financial condition and is an entirely
separate legal entity from PSI, which has no beneficial ownership therein and
the Fund's assets which are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company, an
independent custodian, are separate and distinct from PSI.
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.
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.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (PMFS), 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 PMF. Its mailing address is P. O. Box 15005, New
Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5005.
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. 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. See "Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
15
<PAGE>
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. The
New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day,
Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
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. It is
expected, however, that the NAV of the three classes will tend to converge
immediately after the recording of dividends, which will differ by approximately
the amount of the distribution-related expense accrual differential among the
classes.
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 CLASS
A, CLASS B AND CLASS C 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., other industry publications, business
periodicals and market indices. See "Performance Information" in the Statement
of Additional Information. The Fund will include performance data for each class
of shares of the Fund offered through this Prospectus in any advertisement or
information including performance data of the Fund. Further performance
information is contained in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to
shareholders, which may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder
Guide--Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
TAXATION OF THE FUND
THE FUND HAS ELECTED TO QUALIFY AND INTENDS TO REMAIN QUALIFIED AS A REGULATED
INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. ACCORDINGLY, THE FUND WILL
NOT BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES ON ITS NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND CAPITAL
GAINS, IF ANY, THAT IT DISTRIBUTES TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS. See "Taxes" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
16
<PAGE>
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
Any dividends out of net investment income, together with distributions of net
short-term capital gains (I.E., the excess of net short-term capital gains over
net long-term capital losses), will be taxable as ordinary income to the
shareholder whether or not reinvested. Any net long-term capital gains (I.E.,
the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses)
distributed to shareholders will be taxable as such to the shareholders, 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 individuals is
28%. The maximum long-term capital gains rate for corporate shareholders is
currently the same as the maximum tax rate for ordinary income.
Dividends paid by the Fund will be eligible for the 70% dividends-received
deduction for corporate shareholders to the extent that the Fund's income is
derived from certain dividends received from domestic corporations. Capital
gains distributions are not eligible for the 70% dividends-received deduction.
Any gain or loss realized upon a sale or redemption of Fund shares by a
shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will generally be treated as a
long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one
year and otherwise as a short-term capital gain or loss. Any such loss, however,
on 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 with respect to those shares.
The Fund has obtained opinions of counsel to the effect that neither (i) the
conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares nor (ii) the exchange of Class
B or Class C shares for Class A shares constitutes a taxable event for federal
income tax purposes. However, such opinions are not binding on the Internal
Revenue Service.
Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
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 distributions and redemption
proceeds payable to individuals and certain noncorporate shareholders who fail
to furnish correct tax identification numbers on IRS Form W-9 (or IRS Form W-8
in the case of certain foreign shareholders). 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 short-term capital gains to
a foreign shareholder will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the
rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate).
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
THE FUND EXPECTS TO PAY DIVIDENDS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME, IF ANY,
SEMI-ANNUALLY AND MAKE DISTRIBUTIONS AT LEAST ANNUALLY OF ANY NET CAPITAL GAINS.
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 each class will bear
its own distribution charges, generally resulting in lower dividends for Class B
and Class C shares. Distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in
the same amount 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 RECORD DATE, OR SUCH OTHER DATE AS THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS MAY DETERMINE, UNLESS THE 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, Inc., Attention: Account Maintenance, P.O. Box 15015, New
Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5015. The Fund will notify each shareholder after
the close of the Fund's taxable year of both the dollar amount and the taxable
status of that year's dividends and distributions on a per share basis. If you
hold shares through Prudential Securities, you should contact your financial
adviser to elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash.
17
<PAGE>
WHEN THE FUND GOES "EX-DIVIDEND," THE NAV OF EACH CLASS IS REDUCED BY THE
AMOUNT OF THE DIVIDEND OR DISTRIBUTION ALLOCABLE TO EACH CLASS. IF YOU BUY
SHARES JUST PRIOR TO THE EX-DIVIDEND DATE, THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL INCLUDE THE
DIVIDEND OR DISTRIBUTION AND A PORTION OF YOUR INVESTMENT WILL BE RETURNED TO
YOU AS A TAXABLE DIVIDEND OR DISTRIBUTION. YOU SHOULD, THEREFORE, CONSIDER THE
TIMING OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS WHEN MAKING YOUR PURCHASES.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
THE FUND WAS INCORPORATED IN MARYLAND ON JULY 28, 1980. THE FUND IS AUTHORIZED
TO ISSUE 750 MILLION SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE, DIVIDED
INTO THREE CLASSES, DESIGNATED CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C COMMON STOCK, EACH
OF WHICH CONSISTS OF 250 MILLION AUTHORIZED SHARES. 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 bears different distribution expenses, (ii)
each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution and
service plan (except that the Fund has agreed with the SEC in connection with
the offering of a conversion feature on Class B shares to submit any amendment
of the Class A Plan to both Class A and Class B shareholders), (iii) each class
has a different exchange privilege and (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor." The Fund has
received an order from the SEC permitting the issuance and sale of multiple
classes of common stock. Currently, the Fund is offering three classes,
designated Class A, Class B and Class C shares. 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 without the approval of shareholders. 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 above, and each class 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 debt 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. 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% 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 SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained at
a reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the
office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
18
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
YOU MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, PRUSEC OR
DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND, THROUGH ITS TRANSFER AGENT, PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND
SERVICES, INC. (PMFS OR THE TRANSFER AGENT), ATTENTION: INVESTMENT SERVICES,
P.O. BOX 15020, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08906-5020. The minimum initial
investment for Class A and Class B shares is $1,000 per class and $5,000 for
Class C shares, except that the minimum initial investment for Class C shares
may be waived from time to time. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for
all classes. 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. The minimum initial investment
requirement is waived for purchases of Class A shares effected through an
exchange of Class B shares of The BlackRock Government Income Trust. See
"Shareholder Services" below.
THE PURCHASE PRICE IS THE NAV NEXT DETERMINED FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF AN ORDER
BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OR PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES 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). SEE "ALTERNATIVE
PURCHASE PLAN" BELOW. SEE ALSO "HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES."
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 fifth 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 at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) to receive an account
number. 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, Boston,
Massachusetts, Custody and Shareholder Services Division, Attention: Prudential
Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc., specifying on the wire the account number
assigned by PMFS and your name and identifying the sales charge alternative
(Class A, Class B or Class C shares).
If you arrange for receipt by State Street of Federal Funds prior to 4:15
P.M., New York time, on a business day, you may purchase shares of the Fund as
of that day.
In making a subsequent purchase order by wire, you should wire State Street
directly and should be sure that the wire specifies Prudential Growth
Opportunity Fund, Inc., Class A, Class B or Class C 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.
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<PAGE>
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
THE FUND OFFERS THREE CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C 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 .30 of 1% (Currently being Initial sales charge waived or
of 5% of the public offering charged at a rate of .25 of reduced for certain purchases
price 1%)
CLASS B Maximum contingent deferred 1% Shares convert to Class A
sales charge or CDSC of 5% of shares approximately seven
the lesser of the amount years after purchase
invested or the redemption
proceeds; declines to zero
after six years
CLASS C Maximum CDSC of 1% of the 1% Shares do not convert to
lesser of the amount invested another class
or the redemption proceeds on
redemptions made within one
year of purchase
</TABLE>
The three classes of shares represent an interest in the same portfolio of
investments of the Fund and have the same rights, except that (i) each class
bears the separate expenses of its Rule 12b-1 distribution and service plan,
(ii) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its plan (except as
noted under the heading "General Information--Description of Common Stock"), and
(iii) only Class B shares have a conversion feature. The three classes also have
separate exchange privileges. 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 fee 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 shares.
Financial advisers and other sales agents who sell shares of the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B and Class C shares
and will generally receive more compensation initially for selling Class A and
Class B shares than for selling Class C 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).
The following is provided to assist you in determining which method of
purchase best suits your individual circumstances and is based on current fees
and expenses being 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 a maximum 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.
20
<PAGE>
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 B shares over either Class A or 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 net asset value, 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. SEE "REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES" 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
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE
- ------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000 5.00% 5.26% 4.75%
$25,000 to $49,999 4.50 4.71 4.25
$50,000 to $99,999 4.00 4.17 3.75
$100,000 to $249,999 3.25 3.36 3.00
$250,000 to $499,999 2.50 2.56 2.40
$500,000 to $999,999 2.00 2.04 1.90
$1,000,000 and above None None None
</TABLE>
Selling dealers may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in
the Securities Act.
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 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code (Benefit Plans), provided that the 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
1,000 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
21
<PAGE>
does individual account record keeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and
Benefit Plans sponsored by PSI or its subsidiaries (PSI 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 VISTA PROGRAM. Class A shares are offered at net asset value to
certain qualified employee retirement benefit plans under section 401 of the
Internal Revenue Code, for which Prudential Defined Contribution Services serves
as the recordkeeper provided that such plan is also participating in the
Prudential Vista Program (PruVista Plan), and provided further that (i) for
existing plans, the plan has existing assets of at least $1 million and at least
100 eligible employees or participants, and (ii) for new plans, the plan has at
least 500 eligible employees or participants. The term "existing assets" for
this purpose includes transferable cash and GICs (guaranteed investment
contracts) maturing within 4 years.
PRUARRAY PLANS. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by certain
retirement and deferred compensation plans, qualified or non-qualified under the
Internal Revenue Code, including pension, profit-sharing, stock-bonus or other
employee benefit plans under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code and
deferred compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the
Code that participate in the Transfer Agent's PruArray Program (a benefit plan
record keeping service) (hereafter referred to as a PruArray Plan); provided (i)
that the plan has at least $1 million in existing assets or 1,000 eligible
employees or participants and (ii) that Prudential Mutual Funds constitute at
least one-half of the plan's investment options. The term "existing assets" for
this purpose includes stock issued by a PruArray Plan sponsor and shares of
non-money market Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of certain unaffiliated
non-money market mutual funds that participate in the PruArray Program
(Participating Funds). "Existing assets" also include shares of money market
funds acquired by exchange from a Participating Fund.
SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RETIREMENT PLANS. After a Benefit Plan,
PruVista Plan or PruArray 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)
Directors and officers of the Fund and other Prudential Mutual Funds, (b)
employees of Prudential Securities and PMF 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 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, (d) 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 and (e) 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 90 days
of the commencement of the financial adviser's employment at Prudential
Securities, (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 purchases.
You must notify the Fund's 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 acquired 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 or Prudential Securities. 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."
22
<PAGE>
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
YOU CAN REDEEM YOUR SHARES AT ANY TIME FOR CASH AT THE NAV 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 BY CONTACTING 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 NAME(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, Inc., 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 Preferred Services offices.
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 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 SEC, by
order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the SEC
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 OFFICIAL BANK 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 SEC. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the same
manner as in 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, however, has 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 net asset value
of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
23
<PAGE>
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 a net asset value of less than $500 due to a redemption. The Fund will give
such shareholders 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 the
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. Therafter,
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 will generally not affect federal income tax treatment of
any gain realized upon redemption. However, if the redemption was made within a
30-day period of the repurchase and if the redemption resulted in a loss, some
or all of the loss, depending on the amount reinvested, will generally not be
allowed for federal income tax purposes.
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 acquired
through reinvestment of dividends or distributions are not subject to a CDSC.
The amount of any contingent deferred sales charge will be paid to and retained
by the Distributor. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" and "Waiver of
the Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class B Shares" below.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years
from the time of payment for the purchase of 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."
The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to
redemptions of Class B shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED
SALES
CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE
OF THE DOLLARS
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE INVESTED OR
PAYMENT MADE REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
First................................................................. 5.0%
Second................................................................ 4.0%
Third................................................................. 3.0%
Fourth................................................................ 2.0%
Fifth................................................................. 1.0%
Sixth................................................................. 1.0%
Seventh............................................................... None
</TABLE>
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation
will be made in a manner that results 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 net asset value above the total amount of
24
<PAGE>
payments for the purchase of Fund shares made during the preceding six years
(five years for Class B shares purchased prior to January 22, 1990); then of
amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the applicable CDSC period;
then of amounts representing the cost of shares acquired prior to July 1, 1985;
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 100 Class B shares at $10 per share for a
cost of $1,000. Subsequently, you acquired 5 additional Class B shares through
dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase you decided to
redeem $500 of your investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the net
asset value had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of your Class B shares
would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to
the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount which represents
appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus
$260) would be charged at a rate of 4% (the applicable rate in the second year
after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
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 THE 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), at the time of death or initial determination of
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 for 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 59 1/2; 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.,
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 for a waiver as described above. In the case of
Direct Account and PSI 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.
You must notify the Fund's 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.
A quantity discount may apply to redemptions of Class B shares purchased
prior to August 1, 1994. See "Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares--Quantity
Discount--Class B Shares Purchased Prior to August 1, 1994" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
25
<PAGE>
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 net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales charge.
The first conversion of Class B shares occurred in February 1995, when the
conversion feature was first implemented.
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 purchased and then held 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 net asset values 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 100 shares were initially purchased at $10 per
share (for a total of $1,000) and a second purchase of 100 shares was
subsequently made at $11 per share (for a total of $1,100), 95.24 shares would
convert approximately seven years from the initial purchase (i.e., $1,000
divided by $2,100 (47.62%), multiplied by 200 shares equals 95.24 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.
Since annual distribution-related fees are lower for Class A shares than
Class B shares, the per share net asset value 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 may be 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, and Class C 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 of the Fund 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
AND CLASS C SHARES MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES,
RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE BASIS OF THE RELATIVE NAV. No sales charge
will be imposed at the time of the exchange. Any applicable
26
<PAGE>
CDSC payable upon the redemption of shares exchanged 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. 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. The Exchange Privilege is available only in states where the
exchange may legally be made.
IF YOU HOLD SHARES THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST EXCHANGE YOUR
SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER.
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, Inc., 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, INC., AT THE ADDRESS NOTED ABOVE.
SPECIAL EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. 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. 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. 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 net asset value 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.
The Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time on 60 days'
notice to shareholders.
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:
- 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
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.
27
<PAGE>
- 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.
- 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.
- 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."
- 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 or by writing to the Fund at One Seaport
Plaza, New York, New York 10292. In addition, monthly unaudited financial data
are available upon request from the Fund.
- SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Inquiries should be addressed to the Fund at One
Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, 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.
28
<PAGE>
THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY
Prudential Mutual Fund Management 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 Funds 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 Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc.
Income Portfolio
Prudential U.S. Government Fund
The BlackRock Government Income Trust
TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS
Prudential California Municipal Fund
California Series
California Income Series
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
High Yield Series
Insured Series
Intermediate Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
Florida Series
Hawaii Income 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 Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
Global Assets Portfolio
Limited Maturity Portfolio
Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
Global Utility Fund, Inc.
EQUITY FUNDS
Prudential Allocation Fund
Balanced Portfolio
Strategy Portfolio
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Income Fund
Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc.
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
-TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Government Securities Trust
Money Market Series
U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
Prudential Special Money Market Fund
Money Market Series
Prudential MoneyMart Assets
-TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund
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
-COMMAND FUNDS
Command Money Fund
Command Government Fund
Command Tax-Free Fund
-INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc.
Institutional Money Market Series
A-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
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---
<S> <C>
FUND HIGHLIGHTS................................. 2
Risk Factors and Special Characteristics...... 2
FUND EXPENSES................................... 4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS............................ 5
HOW THE FUND INVESTS............................ 8
Investment Objective and Policies............. 8
Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies..... 9
Other Investments and Policies................ 11
Investment Restrictions....................... 12
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED......................... 12
Manager....................................... 13
Distributor................................... 13
Portfolio Transactions........................ 15
Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing
Agent....................................... 15
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES.................. 15
HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE............. 16
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.............. 16
GENERAL INFORMATION............................. 18
Description of Common Stock................... 18
Additional Information........................ 18
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE............................... 19
How to Buy Shares of the Fund................. 19
Alternative Purchase Plan..................... 20
How to Sell Your Shares....................... 23
Conversion Feature--Class B Shares............ 26
How to Exchange Your Shares................... 26
Shareholder Services.......................... 27
THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY............... A-1
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------
MF109A 44401I
Class A: 74435E 10 9
CUSIP Nos.: Class B: 74435E 20 8
Class C: 74435E 30 7
PRUDENTIAL
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
FUND, INC.
- --------------------
NOVEMBER 29, 1995
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS
BUILDING YOUR FUTURE
ON OUR STRENGTH-SM-
[LOGO]
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS
Supplement dated January 5, 1996
The following information supplements the Prospectus of each of the Funds listed
below.
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES.
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 and current and former Directors/Trustees of the Prudential Mutual
Funds (including the Fund), (b) employees of Prudential Securities and PMF 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 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, (d) 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 and (e) 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 fund
sponsored by the financial adviser's previous employer (other than a money
market fund or other no-load 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.
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
acquired 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.
<PAGE>
Listed below are the names of the Prudential Mutual Funds and the dates of
the Prospectuses to which this supplement relates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF FUND PROSPECTUS DATE
- ------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
<S> <C>
The BlackRock Government Income Trust August 31, 1995
Global Utility Fund, Inc. November 29, 1995
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc. March 6, 1995
Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
Prudential Allocation Fund September 29, 1995
Balanced Portfolio
Strategy Portfolio
Prudential California Municipal Fund
California Income Series November 1, 1995
California Series November 1, 1995
Prudential Diversified Bond Fund, Inc. January 3, 1995
(As supplemented on June 20, 1995)
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc. February 28, 1995
Prudential Equity Income Fund January 2, 1996
Prudential Europe Growth Fund, Inc. June 30, 1995
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc. July 31, 1995
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
Limited Maturity Portfolio January 3, 1995
Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Inc. July 31, 1995
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. May 1, 1995
Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc. November 29, 1995
Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc. February 28, 1995
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc. March 2, 1995
Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc. October 27, 1995
Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. August 25, 1995
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc. June 30, 1995
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund June 30, 1995
Insured Series
High Yield Series
Intermediate Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
Florida Series November 1, 1995
Hawaii Income Series November 1, 1995
Maryland Series November 1, 1995
Massachusetts Series November 1, 1995
Michigan Series November 1, 1995
New Jersey Series November 1, 1995
New York Series November 1, 1995
North Carolina Series November 1, 1995
Ohio Series November 1, 1995
Pennsylvania Series November 1, 1995
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc. February 28, 1995
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc. March 1, 1995
Income Portfolio
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc. March 1, 1995
</TABLE>
MF950C-17
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.
Supplement dated January 2, 1996 to
Prospectus dated November 29, 1995
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED
MANAGER
Effective January 1996, Jay Kaplan, a Vice President of The Prudential
Investment Corporation (PIC), became a co-manager of the Fund. Mr. Kaplan shares
responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio with Roger
E. Ford, the Fund's current portfolio manager. Mr. Kaplan also has
responsibility for the day-to-day management of a number of other portfolios
advised by PIC. Mr. Kaplan has been employed by PIC as a portfolio manager since
January 1995. Prior thereto he was an analyst with PIC (1991-1994) and with the
Corporate Finance Group of The Prudential Insurance Company of America between
1988 and 1991.
MF109C-1