PRUDENTIAL SMALL CO VALUE FUND INC
497, 1998-12-03
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<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 30, 1998
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
 
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an open-end, diversified
management investment company whose investment objective is capital growth. The
Fund invests primarily in a carefully selected portfolio of common
stocks--generally stocks of smaller, less well known companies that typically
have valuations which, in the investment adviser's view, are temporarily low
relative to the companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. The Fund's
purchase and sale of put and call options and related short-term trading may be
considered speculative and may result in higher risks and costs to the Fund. The
Fund may also buy and sell options on stocks, stock indices and foreign
currencies, foreign forward exchange contracts and futures contracts on stock
indices and foreign currencies and options thereon 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 Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102-4077, 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 and is available at the Web
site of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (http://www.prudential.com).
Additional information about the Fund has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the Commission) in a Statement of Additional Information,
dated November 30, 1998, which information is incorporated herein by reference
(is legally considered a part of this Prospectus) and is available without
charge upon request to the Fund, at the address or telephone number noted above.
The Commission maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the
Statement of Additional Information, material incorporated by reference and
other information regarding the Fund.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A DEPOSIT OF ANY BANK AND IS NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY.
 
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 SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND?
 
    Prudential Small Company Value 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 stocks of smaller, less well known companies (with
  market capitalizations less than $1.5 billion or a corresponding market
  capitalization in foreign markets) that typically have valuations which, in
  the investment adviser's view, are temporarily low relative to the
  companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. There can be no
  assurance that the Fund's objective will be achieved. See "How the Fund
  Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 9.
 
  WHAT ARE THE FUND'S RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS?
 
    In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund generally invests
  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. As with an investment in any mutual fund, an
  investment in this Fund can decrease in value and you can lose money. See
  "How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 9. The
  Fund may also engage in various hedging and return enhancement strategies,
  including using derivatives. See "How the Fund Invests--Hedging and Return
  Enhancement Strategies--Risks of Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies"
  at page 10. 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 "Investment
  Objective and Policies--Foreign Securities" at page 10.
 
  WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
 
    Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (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, 1998, the Manager
  served as manager or administrator to 67 investment companies, including 45
  mutual funds, with aggregate assets of approximately $68.2 billion. The
  Prudential Investment Corporation, which does business under the name of
  Prudential Investments (the Subadviser), furnishes investment advisory
  services in connection with the management of the Fund under a Subadvisory
  Agreement with the Manager. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" at page
  16.
 
  WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?
 
    Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (the Distributor) acts as
  the distributor of the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares
  and is paid a distribution and service fee at the rate of .25 of 1% of the
  average daily net assets of the Class A shares and 1% of the average daily
  net assets of each of the Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor incurs
  the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under a Distribution
  Agreement with the Fund, none of which is paid for or reimbursed by the
  Fund.
 
    See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" at page 16.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
  WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
    The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A and Class B shares
  and $2,500 for Class C shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for
  Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class Z shares are not subject to any
  minimum investment requirements. There is no minimum investment requirement
  for certain retirement and employee savings plans or custodial accounts for
  the benefit of minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Investment
  Plan, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder
  Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 22 and "Shareholder
  Guide--Shareholder Services" at page 34.
 
  HOW DO I PURCHASE SHARES?
 
    You may purchase shares of the Fund through the Distributor or brokers or
  dealers that have entered into agreements to act as participating or
  introducing brokers for the Distributor (Dealers) or directly from the Fund,
  through its transfer agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the
  Transfer Agent). In each case, sales are made at the net asset value per
  share (NAV) next determined after receipt of your purchase order by the
  Transfer Agent, a Dealer or the Distributor, plus a sales charge, which may
  be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A or Class C shares) or
  (ii) on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are
  offered to a limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charge.
  Dealers may charge their customers a separate fee for handling purchase
  transactions. Participants in programs sponsored by Prudential Retirement
  Services should contact their client representative for more information
  about Class Z shares. See "How the Fund Values its Shares" at page 19 and
  "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 22.
 
  WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
 
    The Fund offers four 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 with an initial sales charge of 1% and, for 18
                         months 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 Class C shares do
                         not convert to another class.
 
     - Class Z Shares:   Sold without either an initial sales charge or CDSC
                         to a limited group of investors. Class Z shares are
                         not subject to any ongoing service or distribution
                         expenses.
 
    See "Shareholder Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" at page 23.
 
  HOW DO I SELL MY SHARES?
 
    You may redeem your shares at any time at the NAV next determined after
  your Dealer, the Distributor 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. Dealers may charge their customers a separate fee for
  handling sale transactions. Participants in programs sponsored by Prudential
  Retirement Services should contact their client representative for more
  information about selling their Class Z shares. See "Shareholder Guide--How
  to Sell Your Shares" at page 28.
 
  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 20.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                 FUND EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A SHARES     CLASS B SHARES     CLASS C SHARES     CLASS Z SHARES
                                         -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                      <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES+
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
     Purchases (as a percentage of
     offering price)...................         5%                None                1%                None
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
     Reinvested Dividends..............        None               None               None               None
    Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as a
     percentage of original purchase
     price or redemption proceeds,
     whichever is lower)...............        None           5% during the    1% on redemptions        None
                                                               first year,      made within 18
                                                            decreasing by 1%       months of
                                                            annually to 1% in      purchase
                                                              the fifth and
                                                             sixth years and
                                                             0% the seventh
                                                                  year*
    Redemption Fees....................        None               None               None               None
    Exchange Fee.......................        None               None               None               None
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A SHARES   CLASS B SHARES   CLASS C SHARES   CLASS Z SHARES
                                          --------------   --------------   --------------   ---------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets)
    Management Fees.....................        .70%              .70%            .70%              .70%
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction)........        .25%++           1.00%           1.00%            None
    Other Expenses......................        .22%              .22%            .22%              .22%
                                                                                                     --
                                                ---               ---             ---
    Total Fund Operating Expenses (After
     Reduction).........................       1.17%             1.92%           1.92%              .92%
                                                                                                     --
                                                                                                     --
                                                ---               ---             ---
                                                ---               ---             ---
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS  10 YEARS
                                         ------  -------  -------  --------
<S>                                      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
EXAMPLE
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............................  $  61   $   85   $  111   $   185
    Class B............................  $  69   $   90   $  114   $   196
    Class C............................  $  39   $   70   $  113   $   232
    Class Z............................  $   9   $   29   $   51   $   113
You would pay the following expenses on
  the same investment, assuming no
  redemption:
    Class A............................  $  61   $   85   $  111   $   185
    Class B............................  $  19   $   60   $  104   $   196
    Class C............................  $  29   $   70   $  113   $   232
    Class Z............................  $   9   $   29   $   51   $   113
</TABLE>
 
   THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
   EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
   The purpose of this table is to assist 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." The above example is
   based on data for the Fund's fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. "Other
   Expenses" includes Directors' and professional fees, registration fees,
   reports to shareholders, transfer agency and custodian (domestic and
   foreign) fees, as reduced by the Manager's expense reimbursement, and
   franchise taxes, but excludes foreign withholding taxes.
- ---------------
 
*  Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately
       seven years after purchase. See "Shareholder Guide--Conversion Feature--
       Class B Shares."
 
+  Dealers may independently charge additional fees for shareholder transaction
       or advisory services. 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 each class of the Fund rather than on a
       per shareholder basis. Therefore, long-term shareholders of the Fund may
       pay more in total sales charges than the economic equivalent of 6.25% of
       such shareholders' investment in such shares. See "How the Fund is
       Managed--Distributor."
 
++  Although the Class A 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 of the Fund, 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. This voluntary waiver may be terminated at any time
       without notice. Total operating expenses without such limitation would be
       1.22%. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor."
 
                                       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 years ended
September 30, 1998 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers 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. Further performance information is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder
Guide--Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS A
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998 (d)   1997 (d)   1996 (d)   1995 (d)   1994 (d)   1993 (d)   1992 (d)
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..............  $ 18.95    $ 15.30    $ 14.18    $ 12.40    $ 13.06    $ 11.25    $10.16
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.............................       --        .02        .04        .05         --        .03       .02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions.........................    (3.31)      6.06       1.75       2.57        .13       3.14      1.47
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
Total from investment operations..................    (3.31)      6.08       1.79       2.62        .13       3.17      1.49
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..............       --         --         --         --         --         --        --
Distributions from net realized capital gains on
  investment transactions.........................    (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)     (1.36)     (.40)
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
Total distributions...............................    (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)     (1.36)     (.40)
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
Net asset value, end of period....................  $ 13.79    $ 18.95    $ 15.30    $ 14.18    $ 12.40    $ 13.06    $11.25
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
 
TOTAL RETURN(c):..................................   (18.90)%    45.92%     13.38%     23.29%      1.13%     30.42%    15.39%
 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)...................  $365,431   $412,980   $237,306   $242,231   $103,078   $94,842    $44,845
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees...........     1.17%      1.21%      1.24%      1.33%      1.33%      1.17%     1.33%
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees...........      .92%       .96%       .99%      1.08%      1.09%       .97%     1.13%
  Net investment income (loss)....................       --        .15%       .33%       .30%       .00%       .26%      .19%
Portfolio turnover................................       36%        58%        53%        64%        82%        68%       99%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                              JANUARY 22,
                                                               1990 (a)
                                                                THROUGH
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                     1991        1990
                                                    -------  -------------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..............  $  7.36     $  8.55
                                                    -------  -------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.............................      .05         .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions.........................     2.82       (1.20)
                                                    -------  -------------
Total from investment operations..................     2.87       (1.11)
                                                    -------  -------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..............     (.07)       (.08)
Distributions from net realized capital gains on
  investment transactions.........................       --          --
                                                    -------  -------------
Total distributions...............................     (.07)       (.08)
                                                    -------  -------------
Net asset value, end of period....................  $ 10.16     $  7.36
                                                    -------  -------------
                                                    -------  -------------
TOTAL RETURN(c):..................................    39.39%     (13.19)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)...................  $25,165     $17,222
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees...........     1.50%       1.61%(b)
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees...........     1.30%       1.42%(b)
  Net investment income (loss)....................      .59%       1.54%(b)
Portfolio turnover................................      111%         79%
</TABLE>
 
- -----------------
 
   (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.
 
                                       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 years ended
September 30, 1998 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers 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. Further performance information is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder
Services--Reports to Shareholders."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS B
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998 (b)   1997 (b)   1996 (b)   1995 (b)   1994 (b)   1993 (b)   1992 (b)
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year................  $ 17.64    $ 14.49    $ 13.56    $ 11.99    $ 12.74    $ 11.08    $10.11
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)......................     (.12)      (.09)      (.06)      (.06)      (.09)      (.06)     (.07)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions.........................    (3.04)      5.67       1.66       2.47        .13       3.08      1.44
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
Total from investment operations..................    (3.16)      5.58       1.60       2.41        .04       3.02      1.37
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..............       --         --         --         --         --         --        --
Distributions from net realized capital gains on
  investment transactions.........................    (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)     (1.36)     (.40)
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
Total distributions...............................    (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)     (1.36)     (.40)
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
Net asset value, end of year......................  $ 12.63    $ 17.64    $ 14.49    $ 13.56    $ 11.99    $ 12.74    $11.08
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------
 
TOTAL RETURN(c):..................................   (19.52)%    44.91%     12.56%     22.37%       .34%     29.40%    14.27%
 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).....................  $514,159   $645,579   $378,861   $361,873   $425,502   $376,068   $172,018
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees...........     1.92%      1.96%      1.99%      2.08%      2.09%      1.97%     2.13%
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees...........      .92%       .96%       .99%      1.08%      1.09%       .97%     1.13%
  Net investment income (loss)....................     (.75)%     (.60)%     (.42)%     (.51)%     (.76)%     (.54)%    (.61)%
Portfolio turnover................................       36%        58%        53%        64%        82%        68%       99%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                     1991       1990     1989 (a)
                                                    -------   --------   -------
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year................  $  7.34   $   9.11   $ 7.47
                                                    -------   --------   -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)......................     (.02)       .07      .06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions.........................     2.82      (1.75)    1.65
                                                    -------   --------   -------
Total from investment operations..................     2.80      (1.68)    1.71
                                                    -------   --------   -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..............     (.03)      (.09)    (.07 )
Distributions from net realized capital gains on
  investment transactions.........................       --         --       --
                                                    -------   --------   -------
Total distributions...............................     (.03)      (.09)    (.07 )
                                                    -------   --------   -------
Net asset value, end of year......................  $ 10.11   $   7.34   $ 9.11
                                                    -------   --------   -------
                                                    -------   --------   -------
TOTAL RETURN(c):..................................    38.33%    (18.63)%  23.20%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).....................  $118,660  $ 86,440   $160,995
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees...........     2.30%      2.18%    1.79%
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees...........     1.30%      1.28%    1.17%
  Net investment income (loss)....................     (.21)%      .91%     .74%
Portfolio turnover................................      111%        79%      79%
</TABLE>
 
- -----------------
 
   (a)  On January 31, 1989, Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.
        succeeded The Prudential Insurance Company of America as Manager of
        the Fund.
 
   (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. Total returns for
        periods of less than a full year are not annualized.
 
   (d)  Net of expense reimbursement.
 
                                       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 PricewaterhouseCoopers
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 periods indicated. The information is based on data
contained in the financial statements. Further performance information is
contained in the Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See
"Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CLASS C
                                            ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          AUGUST 1,
                                                                                          1994 (a)
                                                    YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,               THROUGH
                                            -----------------------------------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                            1998 (d)   1997 (d)   1996 (d)   1995 (d)     1994 (d)
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------   -------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period......   $17.64     $14.49     $13.56     $11.99       $11.61
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment loss.......................     (.12)      (.09)      (.06)      (.06)        (.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain on
  investment transactions.................    (3.04)      5.67       1.66       2.47          .39
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
Total from investment operations..........    (3.16)      5.58       1.60       2.41          .38
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized capital
  gains on investment transactions........    (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)          --
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
Net asset value, end of period............   $12.63     $17.64     $14.49     $13.56       $11.99
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
TOTAL RETURN(c):..........................   (19.52)%    44.91%     12.56%     22.37%        3.19%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)...........   $26,804    $22,049    $4,323     $1,545       $  269
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees...     1.92%      1.96%      1.99%      2.08%        2.22%(b)
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees...      .92%       .96%       .99%      1.08%        1.22%(b)
  Net investment loss.....................     (.75)%     (.60)%     (.42)%     (.46)%       (.31)%(b)
Portfolio turnover........................       36%        58%        53%        64%          82%
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
  (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.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
                                (CLASS Z SHARES)
 
  The following financial highlights have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
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 Z 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. Further performance information is
contained in the Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See
"Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               CLASS Z
                                                           ------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                MARCH 1,
                                                              YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,          1996 (a)
                                                                                                THROUGH
                                                           -------------------------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              1998 (d)         1997 (d)         1996 (d)
                                                           --------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>              <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.....................      $    19.04       $    15.32       $13.69
                                                           --------------   --------------      -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income....................................             .04              .06          .05
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment
  transactions...........................................           (3.31)            6.09         1.58
                                                           --------------   --------------      -------
Total from investment operations.........................           (3.27)            6.15         1.63
                                                           --------------   --------------      -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized capital gains on
  investment transactions................................           (1.85)           (2.43)          --
                                                           --------------   --------------      -------
Net asset value, end of period...........................      $    13.92       $    19.04       $15.32
                                                           --------------   --------------      -------
                                                           --------------   --------------      -------
TOTAL RETURN(c):.........................................          (18.58)%          46.38%       11.91%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)..........................      $  125,770       $  151,215       $68,516
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses...............................................            %.92             %.96          .99%(b)
  Net investment income (loss)...........................            %.25             %.40          .58%(b)
Portfolio turnover.......................................            % 36             % 58           53%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
  (a)  Commencement of offering of Class Z 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.
 
                                       8
<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 PRIMARILY 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 SUBADVISER, 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. As with an investment in
any mutual fund, an investment in this Fund can decrease in value and
shareholders can lose money.
 
  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 Subadviser generally expects to select for the
Fund's portfolio are those stocks of smaller, less well known companies which,
in the Subadviser's judgment, have valuations that are temporarily low relative
to the companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and 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 invest in equity related securities. Equity related securities
include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible or exchangeable
for common stocks or preferred stocks, equity investments in partnerships, joint
ventures, other forms of non-corporate investments, American Depositary Receipts
(ADRs), American Depository Shares (ADSs), and warrants and rights exercisable
for equity securities. ADRs and ADSs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates or
shares issued by a United States bank or trust company and represent the right
to receive securities of a foreign issuer deposited in a domestic bank or
foreign branch of a United States bank and are traded on a United States
exchange or over-the-counter market.
 
  IN ADDITION, THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON STOCKS,
STOCK INDICES AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES, AND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FOREIGN CURRENCY
FORWARD CONTRACTS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND STOCK INDICES
AND OPTIONS THEREON TO HEDGE ITS PORTFOLIO AND TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN. 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 (S&P 500). As a
result, the Fund's portfolio will generally be made up of common stocks issued
by smaller, less well known companies (market capitalizations typically less
than $1.5 billion or a corresponding market capitalization in foreign markets)
selected by the Subadviser on the basis of fundamental investment analysis.
Market capitalization is measured at the time of purchase. 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
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
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.
 
  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.
 
  REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
 
  The Fund may invest in securities of real estate investment trusts or REITs.
Unlike corporations, REITs do not have to pay income taxes if they meet certain
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue
Code). To qualify, a REIT must distribute at least 95% of its taxable income to
its shareholders and receive at least 75% of that income from rents, mortgages
and sales of property. REITs offer investors greater liquidity and
diversification than direct ownership of a handful of properties, as well as
greater income potential than an investment in common stocks. Like any
investment in real estate, though, a REIT's performance depends on several
factors, such as its ability to find tenants for its properties, to renew leases
and to finance property purchases and renovations.
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES
 
  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 and obligations of foreign branches of
domestic banks. For purposes of this limitation, ADRs and ADSs are not deemed to
be foreign securities.
 
  Investing in securities of foreign issuers and countries involves certain
considerations and risks which are not typically associated with investing in
securities of domestic companies. Foreign issuers 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 exist 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. In addition, a portfolio containing 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. There may
be less publicly available information about foreign issuers 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 issuers 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.
 
  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 United States.
 
HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
 
  THE FUND MAY ENGAGE IN VARIOUS PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES, INCLUDING USING
DERIVATIVES, TO REDUCE CERTAIN RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO
ENHANCE RETURN, BUT NOT FOR SPECULATION. The Fund, and thus investors, may lose
money
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
through any unsuccessful use of these strategies. These strategies include the
use of derivatives, such as options, futures contracts and options thereon. The
Subadviser 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" and "Taxes,
Dividends and Distributions" 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.
 
  OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND WRITE (I.E., SELL) PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON EQUITY
SECURITIES AND STOCK INDICES THAT ARE TRADED ON U.S. OR FOREIGN SECURITIES
EXCHANGES OR IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MARKET TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN
OR TO HEDGE ITS PORTFOLIO. THESE OPTIONS WILL BE ON EQUITY SECURITIES AND STOCK
INDICES (E.G., S&P 500). THE FUND MAY WRITE PUT AND CALL OPTIONS TO GENERATE
ADDITIONAL INCOME THROUGH THE RECEIPT OF PREMIUMS, PURCHASE PUT OPTIONS IN AN
EFFORT TO PROTECT THE VALUE OF SECURITIES THAT IT OWNS AGAINST A DECLINE IN
MARKET VALUE AND PURCHASE CALL OPTIONS IN AN EFFORT TO PROTECT AGAINST AN
INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF SECURITIES (OR CURRENCIES) IT INTENDS TO PURCHASE. THE
FUND MAY ALSO PURCHASE PUT AND CALL OPTIONS TO OFFSET PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN PUT AND
CALL OPTIONS OF THE SAME SERIES.
 
  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.
 
  THE FUND WILL WRITE ONLY "COVERED" OPTIONS. An option is covered if, as long
as the Fund is obligated under the option it (i) owns an offsetting position in
the underlying security or (ii) segregates cash or other liquid assets in an
amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the option. Under the first
circumstance, the Fund's losses are limited because it owns the underlying
position; under the second circumstance, in the case of a written call option,
the Fund's losses are potentially unlimited. There is no limitation on the
amount of call options the Fund may write. See "Investment Objective and
Policies-- Limitations on Purchase and Sale of Stock Options, Options on Stock
Indices and Stock Index Futures" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  PURCHASES AND SALES OF OTC OPTIONS SUBJECT THE FUND TO RISKS NOT PRESENT WITH
RESPECT TO EXCHANGE TRADED OPTIONS. Unlike exchange traded options, OTC options
are contracts between the Fund and its counterparty without the interposition of
any clearing organization. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that the
counterparty will default on, or be unable to complete, due to bankruptcy or
otherwise, its obligation on the option. Consequently, the value of an OTC
option to the Fund is dependent on the financial viability of the OTC
counterparty. See "Investment Objective and Policies--Limitations on Purchase
and Sale of Stock Options, Options on Stock Indices and Stock Index
Futures--Additional Risks of Purchasing OTC Options" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
  OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
 
  The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies
traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade (foreign and domestic) for
hedging purposes in a manner similar to that in which forward foreign currency
exchange contracts and futures contracts on foreign currencies will be employed.
Options on foreign currencies are similar to options on stock, except that the
Fund has the right to take or make delivery of a specified amount of foreign
currency, rather than stock.
 
  The Fund may purchase and write options to hedge the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in foreign currencies. If there is a decline in the
dollar value of a foreign currency in which the Fund's portfolio securities are
denominated, the dollar value of such securities will decline even though the
foreign currency value remains the same. See "Risks of Hedging and Return
Enhancement Strategies" below. To hedge against the decline of the foreign
currency, the Fund may purchase put options on such foreign currency. If the
value of the foreign currency declines, the gain realized on the put option
would offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect such decline would have on
the value of the portfolio securities. Alternatively, the Fund may write a call
option on the foreign currency. If the value of the foreign currency declines,
the option would not be exercised and the decline in the value of the portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency would be offset in part by the
premium the Fund received for the option.
 
  If, on the other hand, the Subadviser anticipates purchasing a foreign
security and also anticipates a rise in the value of such foreign currency
(thereby increasing the cost of such security), the Fund may purchase call
options on the foreign currency. The purchase of such options could offset, at
least partially, the effects of the adverse movements of the exchange rates.
Alternatively, the Fund could write a put option on the currency and, if the
exchange rates move as anticipated, the option would expire unexercised.
 
  FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD CONTRACTS
 
  A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell
a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time
of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted
directly between currency traders (typically large commercial banks) and their
customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirements and
commissions are charged for such trades.
 
  When the Fund invests in foreign securities, the Fund may enter into forward
contracts in several circumstances to protect the value of its portfolio. The
Fund may not use forward contracts to generate income, although the use of such
contracts may incidentally generate income. There is no limitation on the value
of forward contracts into which the Fund may enter. However, the Fund's dealings
in forward contracts will be limited to hedging involving either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale
of a forward contract with respect to specific receivables or payables of the
Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio
securities and accruals of interest or dividends receivable and Fund expenses.
Position hedging is the sale of a foreign currency with respect to portfolio
security positions denominated or quoted in that currency. The Fund will not
speculate in forward contracts. The Fund may not position hedge (including cross
hedges) with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater than the
aggregate market value (determined at the time of making any sale of a forward
contract) of securities being hedged held in its portfolio denominated or quoted
in, or currently convertible into, such currency.
 
  When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a
foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds,
the Fund may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or the
U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be.
By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars for the
purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
transaction, the Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible loss
resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and
the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the
security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is
declared, and the date on which such payments
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
are made or received. Additionally, when the Subadviser believes that the
currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline
against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may enter into a forward contract, for a fixed
amount of dollars, to sell the amount of foreign currency approximating the
value of some or all of the portfolio securities of the Fund denominated in such
foreign currency. Requirements under the Internal Revenue Code for qualification
as a regulated investment company may limit
the Fund's ability to engage in transactions in forward contracts. See
"Investment Objective and Policies-- Risks Related to Foreign Currency Forward
Contracts" and "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON
WHICH ARE TRADED ON A COMMODITIES EXCHANGE OR BOARD OF TRADE TO REDUCE CERTAIN
RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN IN ACCORDANCE WITH
REGULATIONS OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (CFTC). THE FUND, AND
THUS INVESTORS, MAY LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF THESE STRATEGIES.
These futures contracts and related options will be on stock indices and foreign
currencies. A futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell an agreed
amount of securities or currencies at a set price for delivery in the future. A
stock index futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell cash equal to a
specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of 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 purchase and sell futures contracts or related
options as a hedge against changes in market conditions.
 
  The Fund may not purchase or sell futures contracts and related options to
attempt to enhance return, if immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of
initial margin deposits on the Fund's existing futures and options on futures
and premiums paid for such related options would exceed 5% of the market value
of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and
related options, without limitation, for BONA FIDE hedging purposes in
accordance with regulations of the CFTC (I.E., to reduce certain risks of its
investments). The value of all futures contracts sold will not exceed the total
market value of the Fund's portfolio.
 
  Futures contracts and related options are generally subject to segregation
requirements of the Commission and coverage requirements of the CFTC. If the
Fund does not hold the security or currency underlying the futures contract, the
Fund will be required to segregate on an ongoing basis with its Custodian cash
or other liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the Fund's obligations
with respect to such futures contracts. The Fund may place and maintain cash,
securities and similar investments with a futures commissions merchant in
amounts necessary to effect the Fund's transactions in exchange traded futures
contracts and options thereon, provided certain conditions are satisfied.
 
  THE FUND'S SUCCESSFUL USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS DEPENDS
UPON THE SUBADVISER'S ABILITY TO PREDICT THE DIRECTION OF THE MARKET AND IS
SUBJECT TO VARIOUS ADDITIONAL RISKS. The correlation between movements in the
price of a futures contract and the movements in the index or price of the
currencies underlying the futures contract is imperfect and there is a risk that
the value of the indices or currencies underlying the futures contract may
increase or decrease at a greater rate than the related futures contracts,
resulting in losses to the Fund. Certain futures exchanges or boards of trade
have established daily limits on the amount that the price of futures contracts
or related options may vary, either up or down, from the previous day's
settlement price. These daily limits may restrict the Fund's ability to purchase
or sell certain futures contracts or related options on any particular day.
 
  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. THE FUND, AND THUS INVESTORS, MAY LOSE MONEY IF THE FUND IS
UNSUCCESSFUL IN ITS USE OF THESE STRATEGIES. If the Subadviser'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
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
not used. Risks inherent in the use of options and stock index futures include:
(1) dependence on the Subadviser'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 select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid
secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; (5) the risk that
the counterparty may be unable to complete the transaction; and (6) the possible
inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that
otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund
to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the
Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate liquid assets in connection with
hedging transactions. See "Investment Objective and Policies" and "Taxes,
Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  Additionally, the Fund's successful use of foreign currency forward contracts,
options on foreign currencies, futures contracts on foreign currencies and
options on such contracts depends upon the Subadviser's ability to predict the
direction of the market and political conditions, which requires different
skills and techniques than predicting changes in the securities markets
generally. For instance, if the value of the securities being hedged moves in a
favorable direction, the advantage to the Fund would be wholly or partially
offset by a loss in the forward contracts or futures contracts. Further, if the
value of the securities being hedged does not change, the Fund's net income
would be less than if the Fund had not hedged since there are transactional
costs associated with the use of these investment practices.
 
  These practices are subject to various additional risks. The correlation
between movements in the price of options and futures contracts and the price of
the currencies being hedged is imperfect. The use of these instruments will
hedge only the currency risks associated with investments in foreign securities,
not market risks. In addition, if the Fund purchases these instruments to hedge
against currency advances before it invests in securities denominated in such
currency and the currency market declines, the Fund might incur a loss on the
futures contract. The Fund's ability to establish and maintain positions will
depend on market liquidity. The ability of the Fund to close out a futures
position or an option depends upon 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. There can be no assurance that the
Fund will be able to successfully hedge its portfolio or that foreign exchange
rates will be sufficiently predictable to enable the Subadviser to employ
hedging (including cross-hedging) techniques.
 
  The Fund will generally purchase options and futures on an exchange only if
there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such options or futures; the
Fund will generally purchase OTC options only if the Subadviser believes that
the other party to the options will continue to make a market for such options.
 
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND POLICIES
 
  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 resale price. The
instruments held as collateral are valued daily, and if the value of the
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 the PIFM, pursuant to an
order of the Commission.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
  WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
 
  The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis. When-issued or delayed delivery transactions arise when securities are
purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the
future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and
yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. The Fund's
Custodian will segregate cash or other liquid assets having a value equal to or
greater than the Fund's purchase commitments; the Custodian 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 NAV.
 
  BORROWING
 
  The Fund may borrow up to 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 for
such securities of the same issuer) as the securities sold short (a short sale
against-the-box). No more than 25% of the Fund's net assets (determined at the
time of the short sale) may be subject to such sales.
 
  ILLIQUID SECURITIES
 
  The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities,
including repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days,
securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale (restricted
securities) and securities that are not readily marketable. 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 Subadviser will monitor the liquidity of such restricted
securities under the supervision of the Board of Directors. The Fund's
investment in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a
limited time, uninterested in purchasing Rule 144A securities. 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.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Fund's total expenses as a
percentage of average net assets for the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares were 1.17%, 1.92%, 1.92%, and .92%, respectively. See "Financial
Highlights."
 
MANAGER
 
  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS FUND MANAGEMENT LLC (PIFM OR THE MANAGER), GATEWAY
CENTER THREE, 100 MULBERRY STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077, IS THE MANAGER
OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED FOR ITS SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF .70 OF 1%
OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS. PIFM is organized in New York as a
limited liability company. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the
Fund incurred management fees payable to the Manager of .70% of the Fund's
average net assets. See "Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  As of October 31, 1998, PIFM served as the manager to 67 open-end investment
companies, constituting all of the Prudential Mutual Funds, and as manager or
administrator to 22 closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of
approximately $68.2 billion.
 
  UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FUND, PIFM MANAGES THE INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND AND ALSO ADMINISTERS THE FUND'S CORPORATE AFFAIRS. See
"Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  UNDER A SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN PIFM AND THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC), DOING BUSINESS AS PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS (PI, THE SUBADVISER
OR THE INVESTMENT ADVISER), THE SUBADVISER FURNISHES INVESTMENT ADVISORY
SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND IS REIMBURSED BY THE
MANAGER FOR ITS REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN PROVIDING SUCH
SERVICES. PIC'S ADDRESS IS PRUDENTIAL PLAZA, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, 07102-3777.
Under the Management Agreement, the Manager continues to have responsibility for
all investment advisory services and supervises Prudential Investments'
performance of such services.
 
  The Fund is managed by Roger E. Ford and Jay S. Kaplan, both of the
Subadviser. As a team, they have responsibility for the day-to-day management of
the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's portfolio managers share a value investment
style, focusing on strong companies selling at a discount from their perceived
true worth. Messrs. Ford and Kaplan select stocks for the Fund's portfolio at
prices which in their view are temporarily low relative to the company's
earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. Mr. Ford has managed the Fund's
portfolio since July 1995 and manages a number of other portfolios advised by
the Subadviser. Mr. Ford has been employed by the Subadviser as a portfolio
manager since 1972. Mr. Kaplan, who became the co-manager of the Fund in January
1996, has been involved in the management of a number of value-oriented equity
investment portfolios since joining Prudential Mutual Funds in 1993. Prior to
joining Prudential Mutual Funds, Mr. Kaplan was employed by the Prudential
Capital Management Group as a high yield credit analyst.
 
  PIFM and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential), a major diversified insurance and financial services
company.
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC (THE DISTRIBUTOR), GATEWAY
CENTER THREE, 100 MULBERRY STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077, IS A LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND SERVES
AS THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES OF THE
FUND. IT IS AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PRUDENTIAL. Prudential
Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities), One Seaport Plaza, New York,
New York 10292, previously served as the distributor of Fund shares. Prudential
Securities is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential.
 
  UNDER SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS (THE CLASS A PLAN, THE CLASS B
PLAN AND THE CLASS C PLAN, COLLECTIVELY, THE PLANS) ADOPTED BY THE FUND UNDER
RULE 12b-1 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND A DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (THE
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT), THE DISTRIBUTOR INCURS THE EXPENSE OF DISTRIBUTING THE
FUND'S CLASS A, CLASS B
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
AND CLASS C SHARES. The Distributor also incurs the expense of distributing the
Fund's Class Z shares under the Distribution Agreement, none of which is paid
for or reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses include commissions and account
servicing fees paid to, or on account of, Dealers or financial institutions
which have entered into agreements with the Distributor, advertising expenses,
the cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and
indirect and overhead costs of the Distributor associated with the sale of Fund
shares, including lease, utility, communications and sales promotion expenses.
 
  Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees
to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service activities,
not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the Distributor's
expenses exceed its distribution and service fees, the Fund will not be
obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses are less
than such distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees and
realize a profit.
 
  The distribution and/or service fees may also be used by the Distributor to
compensate on a continuing basis Dealers in consideration for the distribution,
marketing, administrative and other services and activities provided by Dealers
with respect to the promotion of the sale of the Fund's shares and the
maintenance of related shareholder accounts.
 
  UNDER THE CLASS A PLAN, THE FUND MAY PAY THE DISTRIBUTOR 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 OF THE
FUND. 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. The Distributor has
voluntarily limited 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. This
voluntary waiver may be terminated at any time without notice.
 
  UNDER THE CLASS B AND CLASS C PLANS, THE FUND PAYS THE DISTRIBUTOR 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 the
Distributor 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. The Distributor also receives CDSCs from
certain redeeming shareholders. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
 
  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Fund incurred 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. See "Distributor"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund will be allocated to each such class based upon the ratio of
sales of each such class to the sales of Class A, Class B or Class C shares of
the Fund other than expenses allocable to a particular class. The distribution
fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize the sale of
another class.
 
  Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year provided
that a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of
the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any agreement related to the Plan (the Rule 12b-1
Directors), vote annually to continue the Plan. Each Plan may be terminated at
any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or of a majority of
the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. The Fund will not be
obligated to pay expenses incurred under any Plan if it is terminated or not
continued.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
  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 which distribute
shares of the Fund (including Class Z shares). Such payments may be calculated
by reference to the NAV of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
 
  The Distributor is subject to the rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) governing maximum sales charges. See
"Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
FEE WAIVERS AND SUBSIDY
 
  PIFM may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and
subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund. In addition,
the Distributor has waived a portion of its distribution fees for the Class A
shares as described under "Distributor" above. Fee waivers and subsidies will
increase the Fund's total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at
any time without notice. See "Performance Information" in the Statement of
Additional Information and "Fund Expenses" above.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Affiliates of the Distributor may act as brokers or futures commission
merchants for the Fund, provided that the commissions, fees or other
remuneration they receive 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.
 
  The Fund's Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, 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. The Transfer Agent is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager. Its
mailing address is P.O. Box 15005, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5005.
 
YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
 
  The services provided to the Fund and the shareholders by the Manager, the
Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Custodian depend on the smooth
functioning of their computer systems and those of outside service providers.
Many computer software systems in use today cannot distinguish the year 2000
from the year 1900 because of the way dates are encoded and calculated. Such
event could have a negative impact on handling securities trades, payments of
interest and dividends, pricing and account services. Although, at this time,
there can be no assurance that there will be no adverse impact on the Fund, the
Manager, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Custodian have advised the
Fund that they have been actively working on necessary changes to their computer
systems to prepare for the year 2000 and expect that their systems, and those of
outside service providers, will be adapted in time for that event.
 
  Additionally, issuers of securities generally as well as those purchased by
the Fund may confront year 2000 compliance issues which, if material and not
resolved, could have an adverse impact on securities markets and/or a specific
issuer's performance and result in a decline in the value of securities held by
the Fund.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                         HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
 
  THE FUND'S 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. For valuation purposes, quotations
of foreign securities in a foreign currency are converted to U.S. dollar
equivalents. See "Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  The Fund will compute its NAV once daily on days that the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to purchase, sell
or redeem shares have been received by the Fund or days on which changes in the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not materially affect the NAV.
 
  Although the legal rights of each class of shares are substantially identical,
the different expenses borne by each class will result in different NAVs and
dividends. The NAV of Class B and Class C shares will generally be lower than
the NAV of Class A shares as a result of the larger distribution-related fee to
which Class B and Class C shares are subject. The NAV of Class Z shares will
generally be higher than the NAV of the other three classes because Class Z
shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees. It is expected,
however, that the NAV of the four classes will tend to converge immediately
after the recording of dividends, if any, which will differ by approximately the
amount of the distribution and/or service fee expense accrual differential among
the classes.
 
                      HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
 
  FROM TIME TO TIME THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN,
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD IN ADVERTISEMENTS OR SALES LITERATURE. TOTAL
RETURN AND YIELD ARE CALCULATED SEPARATELY FOR CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND
CLASS Z SHARES. THESE FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND ARE NOT
INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. The total return shows how much an
investment in the Fund would have increased (decreased) over a specified period
of time (I.E., one, five or ten years or since inception of the Fund) assuming
that all distributions and dividends by the Fund were reinvested on the
reinvestment dates during the period and less all recurring fees. The aggregate
total return reflects actual performance over a stated period of time. Average
annual total return is a hypothetical rate of return that, if achieved annually,
would have produced the same aggregate total return if performance had been
constant over the entire period. Average annual total return smooths out
variations in performance and takes into account any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges. Neither average annual total return nor
aggregate total return takes into account any federal or state income taxes
which may be payable upon redemption. The yield refers to the income generated
by an investment in the Fund over a one-month or 30-day period. This income is
then "annualized;" that is, the amount of income generated by the investment
during that 30-day period is assumed to be generated each 30-day period for
twelve periods and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The income earned
on the investment is also assumed to be reinvested at the end of the sixth
30-day period. The Fund also may include comparative performance information in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares. Such performance information may
include data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications,
Inc., other industry publications, business periodicals and market indices. See
"Performance Information" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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."
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                       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 NET
CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY, THAT IT DISTRIBUTES TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS. See "Taxes,
Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Any dividends out of net investment income, together with distributions of net
short-term gains (I.E., the excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses), distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as
ordinary income to the shareholder whether or not reinvested. Any net capital
gains (I.E., the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term
capital losses) distributed to shareholders will be taxable as long-term capital
gains to the shareholders, whether or not reinvested and regardless of the
length of time a shareholder has owned his or her shares. The maximum federal
long-term capital gains rate for individual shareholders is 20%, and the maximum
statutory federal income tax rate for ordinary income is 39.6%. The maximum
statutory federal long-term capital gains rate and the maximum statutory federal
tax rate for ordinary income for corporate shareholders currently is 35%.
 
  Both regular and capital gains dividends are taxable to shareholders in the
year in which received, whether they are received in cash or in additional
shares. In addition, certain dividends declared by the Fund will be treated as
received by shareholders on December 31 of the year the dividends are declared.
This rule applies to dividends declared by the Fund in October, November or
December of a calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a date in any
such month if such dividends are paid during January of the following calendar
year.
 
  Dividends received by corporate shareholders are eligible for a
dividends-received deduction of 70% to the extent the Fund's income is derived
from qualified dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations.
Dividends attributable to foreign corporations, interest income, capital and
currency gain, gain or loss from Section 1256 contracts and income from some
other sources will not be eligible for the corporate dividends-received
deduction. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of
Additional Information. Corporate shareholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding other requirements applicable to the dividends-received deduction.
 
  Any gain or loss realized upon a sale or redemption of Fund shares by a
shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will 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 on shares that are
held for six months or less, however, will be treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the
shareholder. With respect to non-corporate shareholders, gain or loss on shares
held more than one year will be considered in determining a holder's adjusted
net capital gain subject to a maximum statutory tax rate of 20%.
 
  The Fund has obtained opinions of counsel to the effect that (i) the
conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares or (ii) the exchange of any
class of the Fund's shares for any other class of its shares does not constitute
a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. However, such opinions are not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service.
 
WITHHOLDING TAXES
 
  Under U.S. Treasury Regulations, the Fund is required to withhold and remit to
the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, capital gain distributions and redemption
proceeds payable to certain shareholders who fail to furnish their correct tax
identification numbers to the IRS on IRS Form W-9 (or IRS Form W-8 in the case
of certain foreign shareholders) with the required certifications
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
regarding the shareholder's status under the federal income tax laws.
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 gains to a foreign shareholder will generally be subject to U.S.
withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate).
 
  Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to federal, state or local taxes. See "Taxes, Dividends and
Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  THE FUND EXPECTS TO 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 (other
than Class Z) will bear its own distribution charges. This generally will result
in lower dividends for Class B and Class C shares in relation to Class A and
Class Z shares and lower dividends for Class A shares in relation to Class Z
shares. Distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same
amount per share for each class of shares. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE PAID IN ADDITIONAL FUND SHARES BASED ON
THE NAV OF EACH CLASS ON THE 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 the Fund's Transfer
Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LCC, 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 BUY SHARES ON OR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE RECORD DATE (THE DATE THAT
DETERMINES WHO RECEIVES THE DIVIDEND), YOU WILL RECEIVE A PORTION OF THE MONEY
YOU INVESTED AS A TAXABLE DIVIDEND. THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE TIMING OF
DIVIDENDS WHEN BUYING SHARES OF THE FUND.
 
                              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 FOUR CLASSES, DESIGNATED CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z COMMON
STOCK. CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS Z SHARES EACH CONSISTS OF 200 MILLION
AUTHORIZED SHARES; CLASS C SHARES CONSIST OF 150 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 (except Class Z shares,
which are not subject to any sales charges and distribution and/or service
fees), 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 a
limited group of investors. 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
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
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 (with the exception of Class
Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution and/or service fee). 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 and Class Z shareholders, whose
shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees. The Fund's
shares do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of Directors.
 
  THE FUND DOES NOT INTEND TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW. THE FUND WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO HOLD MEETINGS OF
SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS IS REQUIRED TO BE
ACTED ON BY SHAREHOLDERS UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. SHAREHOLDERS HAVE
CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CALL A MEETING UPON A VOTE OF 10% OF THE
FUND'S OUTSTANDING SHARES FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE REMOVAL OF ONE OR
MORE DIRECTORS OR TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  This Prospectus, including the Statement of Additional Information which has
been incorporated by reference herein, does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained
at a reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge,
at the office of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
 
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
 
  YOU MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTOR, THROUGH DEALERS,
INCLUDING PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, PRUSEC OR DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND, THROUGH ITS
TRANSFER AGENT, PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC (PMFS OR THE TRANSFER
AGENT), ATTENTION: INVESTMENT SERVICES, P.O. BOX 15020, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW
JERSEY 08906-5020. Participants in programs sponsored by Prudential Retirement
Services should contact their client representative for more information about
Class Z shares. The purchase price is the NAV next determined following receipt
of an order in proper form (in accordance with procedures established by the
Transfer Agent in connection with investors' accounts) by the Transfer Agent,
your Dealer or the Distributor plus a sales charge which, at your option, may be
imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A or Class C shares) or (ii)
on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are offered to a
limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charge. Payment may be made
by wire, check or through your brokerage account. See "Alternative Purchase
Plan" and "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  In order to receive that day's NAV, your order must be received before the
Fund's NAV is computed (currently 4:15 P.M., New York time). If you purchase
shares through your Dealer, the Dealer must receive your order before the Fund's
NAV is computed that day and must transmit the order to the Distributor that
same day for you to receive that day's NAV.
 
  The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A and Class B shares and
$2,500 for Class C shares except that the minimum for Class C shares may be
waived from time to time. There is no minimum investment requirement for Class Z
shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for all classes, except for
Class Z shares for which there is no such minimum. All minimum investment
requirements are waived for certain retirement and employee savings plans or
custodial accounts for the benefit of minors. For purchases made through the
Automatic Investment Plan, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50.
See "Shareholder Services" below.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
  Application forms can be obtained from the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or
a Dealer. If a stock certificate is desired, it must be requested in writing for
each transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who
hold their shares through Prudential Securities will not receive stock
certificates.
 
  The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order (including an
exchange into the Fund) or to suspend or modify the continuous offering of its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares" below.
 
  Your Dealer is responsible for forwarding payment promptly to the Fund. The
Distributor reserves the right to cancel any purchase order for which payment
has not been received by the third business day following the placement of the
order.
 
  Dealers may charge their customers a separate fee for processing purchases and
redemptions. In addition, transactions in Fund shares may be subject to postage
and handling charges imposed by your Dealer. Any such charges are retained by
the Dealer and are not remitted to the Fund.
 
  PURCHASE BY WIRE. For an initial purchase of shares of the Fund by wire, you
must complete an application and telephone the Transfer Agent 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 (State Street), Boston, Massachusetts,
Custody and Shareholder Services Division, Attention: Prudential Small Company
Value Fund, Inc., specifying on the wire the account number assigned by the
Transfer Agent and your name and identifying the class in which you are eligible
to invest (Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares).
 
  If you arrange for receipt by State Street of federal funds prior to the
calculation of NAV (4:15 P.M., New York time) on a business day, you may
purchase shares of the Fund as of that day. See "Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  In making a subsequent purchase order by wire, you should wire State Street
directly and should be sure that the wire specifies Prudential Small Company
Value Fund, Inc., Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares and your name and
individual account number. It is not necessary to call the Transfer Agent to
make subsequent purchase orders utilizing federal funds. The minimum amount
which may be invested by wire is $1,000.
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
 
  THE FUND OFFERS FOUR CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z
SHARES) WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE MOST BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE
FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE, THE LENGTH
OF TIME YOU EXPECT TO HOLD THE SHARES AND OTHER RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES
(ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ANNUAL 12b-1 FEES
                                                           (AS A % OF AVERAGE
                        SALES CHARGE                        DAILY NET ASSETS)                     OTHER INFORMATION
             -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                   <C>                                   <C>
CLASS A...   Maximum initial sales charge of 5%    .30 of 1% (currently being charged    Initial sales charge waived or
             of the public offering price          at a rate of .25 of 1%)               reduced for certain purchases
 
CLASS B      Maximum CDSC of 5% of the lesser of                   1%                    Shares convert to Class A shares
             the amount invested or the                                                  approximately seven years after
             redemption proceeds; declines to                                            purchase
             zero after six years
</TABLE>
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ANNUAL 12b-1 FEES
                                                           (AS A % OF AVERAGE
                        SALES CHARGE                        DAILY NET ASSETS)                     OTHER INFORMATION
             -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                   <C>                                   <C>
CLASS C      Maximum initial sales charge of 1%                    1%                    Shares do not convert to another
             of the public offering price and                                            class
             maximum CDSC of 1% of the lesser of
             the amount invested or the
             redemption proceeds and redemptions
             made within 18 months of purchase
 
CLASS Z      None                                                 None                   Sold to a limited group of
                                                                                         investors
</TABLE>
 
  The four 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
(with the exception of Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution
and/or service fees) bears the separate expenses of its Rule 12b-1 distribution
and service plan, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has
separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the
interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, (iii) each
class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature and (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a
limited group of investors. 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, if any, of each class. Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of a higher distribution fee, which will generally cause them to have
higher expense ratios and to pay lower dividends than the Class A and Class Z
shares.
 
  Financial advisers and other sales agents who sell shares of the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares and will generally receive more compensation initially for selling Class
A and Class B shares than for selling Class C and Class Z shares.
 
  IN SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
(1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the amount of any
applicable sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase or redemption)
and distribution-related fees, as noted above, (3) whether you qualify for any
reduction or waiver of any applicable sales charge, (4) the various exchange
privileges among the different classes of shares (see "How to Exchange Your
Shares" below) and (5) the fact that Class B shares automatically convert to
Class A shares approximately seven years after purchase (see "Conversion
Feature--Class B Shares" below).
 
  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 4 years and do
not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, since Class A shares
are subject to an initial sales charge of 5% and Class B shares are subject to a
CDSC of 5% which declines to zero over a 6-year period, you should consider
purchasing Class C shares over either Class A or Class B shares.
 
  If you intend to hold your investment for longer than 4 years, but less than 5
years, and do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, you
should consider purchasing Class B or Class C shares over Class A shares. This
is because the sales charge plus the cumulative annual distribution-related fee
on Class A shares would exceed those of the Class B and Class C shares if you
redeem your investment during this time period. In addition, more of your money
would be invested initially in the case of Class C shares, because of the
relatively low initial sales charge, and all of your money would be invested
initially in the case of Class B shares, which are sold at NAV.
 
  If you intend to hold your investment for longer than 5 years, you should
consider purchasing Class A shares over either Class B or Class C shares. This
is because the maximum sales charge plus the cumulative annual
distribution-related fee on Class A shares would be less than those of the Class
B and Class C shares.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
  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 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 for more than 5 years in the
case of Class C shares for the higher cumulative annual distribution-related fee
on those shares plus, in the case of Class C shares, the 1% initial sales charge
to exceed the initial sales charge plus the cumulative annual
distribution-related fees on Class A shares. This does not take into account the
time value of money, which further reduces the impact of the higher Class B or
Class C distribution-related fee on the investment, fluctuations in NAV, the
effect of the return on the investment over this period of time or redemptions
when the CDSC is applicable.
 
  ALL PURCHASES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE, EITHER AS PART OF A SINGLE INVESTMENT OR
UNDER RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION OR LETTERS OF INTENT, MUST BE FOR CLASS A SHARES,
UNLESS THE PURCHASER IS ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE CLASS Z SHARES. See "Reduction and
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" and "Class Z Shares" below.
 
  CLASS A SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class A shares for investors choosing the initial sales
charge alternative is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge (expressed as
a percentage of the offering price and of the amount invested) as shown in the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SALES CHARGE AS   SALES CHARGE AS   DEALER CONCESSION
                                     PERCENTAGE OF     PERCENTAGE OF    AS PERCENTAGE OF
             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>
 
  The Distributor may reallow the entire sales charge to Dealers. Dealers may be
deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined under the federal securities
laws. The Distributor reserves the right, without prior notice to any Dealer, to
suspend or eliminate Dealer concessions or commissions.
 
  In connection with the sale of Class A shares at NAV (without payment of an
initial sales charge), the Manager, Prudential Securities or one of their
affiliates may pay Dealers, financial advisers and other persons which
distribute shares a finder's fee from its own resources based on a percentage of
the NAV of shares sold by such persons.
 
  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
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
plans under Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, "rabbi"
trusts and non-qualified deferred compensation plans that are sponsored by any
employer that has a tax qualifed plan with Prudential (collectively, Benefit
Plans), provided that the Benefit Plan has existing assets of at least $1
million invested in shares of Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market
funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) or 250
eligible employees or participants. In the case of Benefit Plans whose accounts
are held directly with the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities and for which
the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities does individual account
recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit Plans sponsored by
Prudential, Prudential Securities or its subsidiaries (Prudential Securities or
Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans), Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by
participants who are repaying loans made from such plans to the participant.
 
  PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PROGRAMS. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by
certain savings, retirement and deferred compensation plans, qualified or
non-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, for which Prudential provides
administrative or recordkeeping services, provided that (i) the plan has at
least $1 million in existing assets or 250 eligible employees and (ii) the Fund
is an available investment option. These plans include pension, profit-sharing,
stock-bonus or other employee benefit plans under Section 401 of the Internal
Revenue Code, deferred compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 or
403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code and plans that participate in the
PruArray Program (benefit plan recordkeeping service) (hereafter referred to as
a PruArray Plan). All Benefit Plans of a company (or affiliated companies under
common control) for which Prudential serves as plan administrator or
recordkeeper are aggregated in meeting the $1 million threshold, provided that
Prudential has been notified in advance of the entitlement to the waiver of the
sales charge based on the aggregated assets. The term "existing assets" as used
herein includes stock issued by a plan sponsor, shares of Prudential Mutual
Funds and shares of certain unaffiliated mutual funds that participate in the
PruArray Plan (Participating Funds). "Existing assets" also include monies
invested in The Guaranteed Investment Account (GIA), a group annuity insurance
product issued by Prudential, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account, a
separate account offered by Prudential and units of The Stable Value Fund (SVF),
an unaffiliated bank collective fund. Class A shares may also be purchased at
NAV by plans that have monies invested in GIA and SVF, provided (i) the purchase
is made with the proceeds of a redemption from either GIA or SVF and (ii) Class
A shares are an investment option of the plan.
 
  PRUARRAY ASSOCIATION BENEFIT PLANS. Class A shares are also offered at NAV to
Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans sponsored by employers which are members of
a common trade, professional or membership association (Association) that
participate in the PruArray Plan provided that the Association enters into a
written agreement with Prudential. Such Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans may
purchase Class A shares at NAV without regard to the assets or number of
participants in the individual employer's qualified plan(s) or non-qualified
plans so long as the employers in the Association (i) have retirement plan
assets in the aggregate of at least $1 million or 250 participants in the
aggregate and (ii) maintain their accounts with the Transfer Agent.
 
  PRUARRAY SAVINGS PROGRAM. Class A shares are also offered at NAV to employees
of companies that enter into a written agreement with Prudential Retirement
Services to participate in the PruArray Savings Program. Under this Program, a
limited number of Prudential Mutual Funds are available for purchase at NAV by
Individual Retirement Accounts and Savings Accumulation Plans of the company's
employees. The Program is available only to (i) employees who open an IRA or
Savings Accumulation Plan account with the Transfer Agent and (ii) spouses of
employees who open an IRA account with the Transfer Agent. The program is
offered to companies that have at least 250 employees.
 
  SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RETIREMENT PLANS. After a Benefit 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
the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, by the following persons: (a) officers of
the Prudential Mutual Funds (including the Fund); (b) employees of the
Distributor, Prudential Securities and the Manager and their subsidiaries and
members of the families of such persons who maintain an "employee related"
account at Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent; (c) employees of
subadvisers of the Prudential Mutual Funds provided that purchases at NAV are
permitted by such person's employer; (d) Prudential, employees and special
agents of Prudential and its subsidiaries and all persons who have retired
directly from active service with Prudential or one of its
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
subsidiaries; (e) registered representatives and employees of Dealers who have
entered into a selected dealer agreement with the Distributor, provided that
purchases at NAV are permitted by such person's employer; (f) investors who have
a business relationship with a financial adviser who joined Prudential
Securities from another investment firm, provided that (i) the purchase is made
within 180 days of the commencement of the financial adviser's employment at
Prudential Securities, or within one year in the case of Benefit Plans, (ii) the
purchase is made with proceeds of a redemption of shares of any open-end
non-money market fund sponsored by the financial adviser's previous employer
(other than a fund which imposes a distribution or service fee of .25 of 1% or
less) and (iii) the financial adviser served as the client's broker on the
previous purchase; (g) investors in Individual Retirement Accounts, provided the
purchase is made in a directed rollover to such Individual Retirement Account or
with the proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan for which
Prudential provides administrative or recordkeeping services and further
provided that such purchase is made within 60 days of receipt of the Benefit
Plan distribution; (h) orders placed by broker-dealers, investment advisers or
financial planners who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor, who
place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients and who
charge a management, consulting or other fee for their services (e.g. mutual
fund "wrap" or asset allocation programs); and (i) orders placed by clients of
broker-dealers, investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for
customer accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account of such
broker-dealer, investment adviser or financial planner and the broker-dealer,
investment adviser or financial planner charges its clients a separate fee for
its services (e.g. mutual fund "supermarket programs").
 
  For an investor to obtain any reduction or waiver of the initial sales
charges, at the time of the sale either the Transfer Agent must be notified
directly by the investor or the Distributor must be notified by the Dealer
facilitating the transaction that the sale qualifies for the reduced or waived
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 in proper form by the Transfer Agent, your Dealer or the
Distributor, plus in the case of Class C shares, an initial sales charge of 1%.
Redemptions of Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. See "How to
Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
 
  The Distributor will pay, from its own resources, sales commissions of up to
4% of the purchase price of Class B shares, to Dealers, financial advisers and
other persons which sell Class B shares at the time of sale. This facilitates
the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B shares without an initial sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. Prudential Securities anticipates
that it will recoup its advancement of sales commissions from the combination of
the CDSC and the distribution fee. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor"
above. In connection with the sale of Class C shares, Prudential Securities will
pay, from its own resources, Dealers, financial advisers and other persons which
distribute Class C shares a sales commission of up to 1% of the purchase price
at the time of the sale.
 
  WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGE--CLASS C SHARES
 
  BENEFIT PLANS. Class C shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of an
initial sales charge, by Benefit Plans (as defined above). In the case of
Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities
does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit
Plans sponsored by Prudential, Prudential Securities or its subsidiaries
(Prudential Securities or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans), Class C shares
may be purchased at NAV by participants who are repaying the loans made from
such plans to the participant.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
  PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PLANS. The initial sales charge will be waived with
respect to purchases of Class C shares by qualified and non-qualified retirement
and deferred compensation plans participating in the PruArray Plan and other
plans for which Prudential provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
  INVESTMENTS OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS FROM OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Investors
may purchase Class C shares at NAV, without the initial sales charge, with the
proceeds from the redemption of shares of any unaffiliated registered investment
company which were not held through an account with any Prudential affiliate.
Such purchases must be made within 60 days of the redemption. Investors eligible
for this waiver include: (i) investors purchasing shares through an account at
Prudential Securities; (ii) investors purchasing shares through an ADVANTAGE
Account or an Investor Account with Pruco Securities Corporation (Prusec); and
(iii) investors purchasing shares through other Dealers. This waiver is not
available to investors who purchase shares directly from the Transfer Agent. You
must notifiy the Transfer Agent directly or through your Dealer if you are
entitled to this waiver and provide the Transfer Agent with such supporting
documents as it may deem appropriate.
 
  CLASS Z SHARES
 
  Class Z shares of the Fund are currently available for purchase by the
following categories of investors: (i) pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, deferred
compensation plans and annuity plans under Section 457 and 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code, and non-qualified plans for which the Fund is an
available option (collectively, Benefit Plans), provided that such Benefit Plans
(in combination with other plans sponsored by the same employer or group of
related employers) have at least $50 million in defined contribution assets;
(ii) participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by an
affiliate of the Distributor which includes mutual funds as investment options
and for which the Fund is an available option; (iii) certain participants in the
MEDLEY Program (group variable annuity contracts) sponsored by an affiliate of
the Distributor for whom Class Z shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds are an
available investment option; (iv) Benefit Plans for which an affiliate of the
Distributor provides administrative or recordkeeping services and as of
September 20, 1996, (a) were Class Z shareholders of Prudential Mutual Funds or
(b) executed a letter of intent to purchase Class Z shares of the Prudential
Mutual Funds; (v) current and former Directors/Trustees of the Prudential Mutual
Funds (including the Fund); (vi) employees of Prudential or Prudential
Securities who participate in a Prudential-sponsored employee savings plan and
(vii) Prudential with an investment of $10 million or more. After a Benefit Plan
qualifies to purchase Class Z shares, all subsequent purchases will be for Class
Z shares.
 
  In connection with the sale of Class Z shares, the Manager, the Distributor or
one of their affiliates may pay Dealers, financial advisers and other persons
which distribute shares a finders' fee from its own resources based on a
percentage of the NAV of shares sold by such persons.
 
  Participants in programs sponsored by Prudential Retirement Services should
contact their group representative for more information about Class Z shares.
 
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 (IN ACCORDANCE WITH
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT IN CONNECTION WITH INVESTORS'
ACCOUNTS) BY THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE DISTRIBUTOR OR YOUR DEALER. SEE "HOW THE
FUND VALUES ITS SHARES." In certain cases, however, redemption proceeds will be
reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC, as described below. See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below. If you are redeeming your shares
through a Dealer, your Dealer must receive your sell order before the Fund
computes its NAV for that day (I.E., 4:15 P.M., New York time) in order to
receive that day's NAV. Your Dealer will be responsible for furnishing all
necessary documentation to the Distributor and may charge you for its services
in connection with redeeming shares of the Fund.
 
  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
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATES, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE DISTRIBUTOR OR YOUR
DEALER IN ORDER FOR THE REDEMPTION REQUEST TO BE PROCESSED. IF REDEMPTION IS
REQUESTED BY A CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF
AUTHORITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRANSFER AGENT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE SUCH REQUEST
WILL BE ACCEPTED. All correspondence and documents concerning redemptions should
be sent to the Fund in care of its Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC, Attention: Redemption Services, P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New
Jersey 08906-5010, the Distributor or to your Dealer.
 
  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. In the case of
redemptions from a PruArray Plan, if the proceeds of the redemption are invested
in another investment option of the plan, in the name of the record holder and
at the same address as reflected in the Transfer Agent's records, a signature
guarantee is not required.
 
  PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE MADE BY CHECK WITHIN SEVEN
DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE DISTRIBUTOR OR YOUR DEALER OF THE
CERTIFICATE AND/OR WRITTEN REQUEST, EXCEPT AS INDICATED BELOW. IF YOU HOLD
SHARES THROUGH A DEALER, PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE
CREDITED TO YOUR ACCOUNT AT YOUR DEALER, 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 Commission, by order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions
prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
 
  PAYMENT FOR REDEMPTION OF RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL THE
FUND OR ITS TRANSFER AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT THE PURCHASE CHECK HAS BEEN
HONORED, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO 10 CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE TIME OF RECEIPT OF THE
PURCHASE CHECK BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. SUCH DELAY MAY BE AVOIDED BY PURCHASING
SHARES BY WIRE OR BY CERTIFIED OR CASHIER'S CHECK.
 
  REDEMPTION IN KIND. If the Board of Directors determines that it would be
detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to
make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in
whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of
the Commission. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the
same manner as 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 NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
 
  INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION. In order to reduce expenses of the Fund, the Board of
Directors may redeem all of the shares of any shareholder, other than a
shareholder which is an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement plan, whose account
has a NAV 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.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
  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 Transfer Agent, either
directly or through the Distributor or your Dealer, at the time the repurchase
privilege is exercised to adjust your account for the CDSC you previously paid.
Thereafter, any redemptions will be subject to the CDSC applicable at the time
of the redemption. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below. Exercise of
the repurchase privilege 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, may not be allowed for
federal income tax purposes. For more information on the rule which disallows a
loss on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund which are replaced, see
"Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
 
  Redemptions of Class B shares will be subject to a CDSC declining from 5% to
zero over a six-year period. Class C shares redeemed within 18 months of
purchase (or one year in the case of shares purchased prior to November 2, 1998)
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 18
months, in the case of Class C shares (or one year in the case of shares
purchased prior to November 2, 1998). 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 CDSC
will be paid to and retained by the Distributor. See "How the Fund is
Managed--Distributor" and "Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class B
Shares" below.
 
  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" below.
 
  The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to redemptions
of Class B shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
                                              OF THE DOLLARS INVESTED
          YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                           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 NAV above the total amount of payments
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
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 NAV
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 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 are: (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 (including a Roth IRA), a lump-sum or other distribution after
attaining age 59 1/2 or a periodic distribution based on life expectancy; (iii)
in the case of a section 403(b) custodial account, a lump sum or other
distribution after attaining 59 1/2; and (iv) 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. Finally, the CDSC will be waived to the extent that the proceeds
from shares redeemed are invested in Prudential Mutual Funds, The Guaranteed
Investment Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account, or units of The
Stable Value Fund. 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 Prudential Securities and 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.
 
  SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on certain
redemption from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. On a annual basis, up to 12% of
the total dollar amount subject to the CDSC may be redeemed without charge. The
Transfer Agent will calculate the total amount available for this waiver
annually on the anniversary date of your purchase or, for shares purchased prior
to March 1, 1997, on March 1 of the current year. The CDSC will be waived (or
reduced) on redemptions until this threshold 12% amount is reached.
 
  In addition, the CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares held by a
Director of the Fund.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
  You must notify the Transfer Agent either directly or through your Dealer, 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.
 
  WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS C SHARES
 
  PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PLANS. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from
qualified and non-qualified retirement and deferred compensation plans that
participate in the PruArray Plan and other plans for which Prudential provides
administrative or recordkeeping services. The CDSC will also be waived on
redemptions from Benefit Plans sponsored by Prudential and its affiliates to the
extent that the redemption proceeds are invested in The Guaranteed Investment
Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account, and units of The Stable
Value Fund.
 
  OTHER BENEFIT PLANS. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from Benefit Plans
holding shares through a Dealer not affiliated with Prudential and for whom the
Dealer provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
 
  Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly
basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at
relative NAV without the imposition of any additional sales charge.
 
  Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought on
each purchase of Class B shares, the number of Class B shares eligible to
convert to Class A shares (excluding shares acquired through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be
determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i)
the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at least seven
years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B
shares purchased and then held in your account (ii) multiplied by the total
number of Class B shares 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 NAVs, 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 NAV of the Class A shares may be higher than that of the
Class B shares at the time of conversion. Thus, although the aggregate dollar
value will be the same, you may receive fewer Class A shares than Class B shares
converted. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all
payments for Class B shares during a month will be deemed to have been made on
the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a
series of
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
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, Class C and Class Z
shares will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue
Code and (ii) that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event.
The conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares may be suspended if such
opinions or rulings are no longer available. If conversions are suspended, Class
B shares 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,
CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND
CLASS Z SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE BASIS OF THE RELATIVE NAV.
No sales charge will be imposed at the time of the exchange. Any applicable 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, Inc. For purposes of calculating the holding period applicable to the
Class B conversion feature, the time period during which Class B shares were
held in a money market fund will be excluded. See "Conversion Feature--Class B
Shares" above. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for tax
purposes. See "Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  IN ORDER TO EXCHANGE SHARES BY TELEPHONE, YOU MUST AUTHORIZE TELEPHONE
EXCHANGES ON YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION FORM OR BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT AND HOLD SHARES IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM. Thereafter, you may call the Fund
at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on weekdays, except
holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., New York time. For your
protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your telephone call will be
recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal identification number. A
written confirmation of the exchange transaction will be sent to you. NEITHER
THE FUND NOR ITS AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, LIABILITY OR COST WHICH
RESULTS FROM ACTING UPON INSTRUCTIONS REASONABLY BELIEVED TO BE GENUINE UNDER
THE FOREGOING PROCEDURES. All exchanges will be made on the basis of the
relative NAV of the two funds next determined after the request is received in
good order.
 
  IF YOU HOLD SHARES THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST EXCHANGE YOUR
SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER.
 
  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 the Transfer Agent,
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P.O. Box
15010, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5010.
 
  IN PERIODS OF SEVERE MARKET OR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE OF
SHARES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT AND YOU SHOULD MAKE EXCHANGES BY MAIL BY
WRITING TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, AT THE ADDRESS NOTED ABOVE.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
  SPECIAL EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES. A special exchange privilege is available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV (see "Alternative
Purchase Plan--Class A Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges"
above) and for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares (see
"Alternative Purchase Plan--Class Z Shares" above). Under this exchange
privilege, amounts representing any Class B and Class C shares (neither of which
are subject to a CDSC) held in such a shareholder's account will be
automatically exchanged for Class A shares for shareholders who qualify to
purchase Class A shares at NAV on a quarterly basis, unless the shareholder
elects otherwise. Similarly, shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares
will have their Class B and Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC and
their Class A shares exchanged for Class Z shares on a quarterly basis.
Eligibility for this exchange privilege will be calculated on the business day
prior to the date of the exchange. Amounts representing Class B or Class C
shares which are not subject to a CDSC include the following: (1) amounts
representing Class B or Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and distributions, (2) amounts representing the
increase in the NAV above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class
B or Class C shares and (3) amounts representing Class B or Class C shares held
beyond the applicable CDSC period. Class B and Class C shareholders must notify
the Transfer Agent either directly or through Prudential Securities, Prusec or
another Dealer that they are eligible for this special exchange privilege.
 
  Participants in any fee-based program for which the Fund is an available
option will have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares when
they elect to have those assets become a part of the fee-based program. Upon
leaving the program (whether voluntarily or not), such Class Z shares (and, to
the extent provided for in the program, Class Z shares acquired through
participation in the program) will be exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
Similarly, participants in Prudential Securities' 401(k) Plan for which the
Fund's Class Z shares are an available option and who wish to transfer their
Class Z shares out of the Prudential Securities 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 NAV.
 
  The exchange privilege is not a right and may be modified, suspended or
terminated upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
 
  FREQUENT TRADING. The Fund and the other Prudential Mutual Funds are not
intended to serve as vehicles for frequent trading in response to short-term
fluctuations in the market. Due to the disruptive effect that market timing
investment strategies and excessive trading can have on efficient portfolio
management, the Fund reserves the right to refuse purchase orders and exchanges
by any person, group or commonly controlled accounts, if, in the Manager's sole
judgment, such person, group or accounts were following a market timing strategy
or were otherwise engaging in excessive trading (Market Timers).
 
  To implement this authority to protect the Fund and its shareholders from
excessive trading, the Fund will reject all exchanges and purchases from a
Market Timer unless the Market Timer has entered into a written agreement with
the Fund or its affiliates pursuant to which the Market Timer has agreed to
abide by certain procedures, which include a daily dollar limit on trading. The
Fund may notify the Market Timer of rejection of an exchange or purchase order
subsequent to the day on which the order was placed.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
  In addition to the exchange privilege, as a shareholder in the Fund, you can
take advantage of the following additional services and privileges:
 
  - 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
your Dealer, you should contact your Dealer.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
  - AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP). Under AIP 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 brokerage account (including a Command Account). For additional
information about this service, you may contact the Distributor, your Dealer 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 your Dealer 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."
 
  - THE PRUTECTOR PROGRAM-OPTIONAL GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE. Prudential makes
available optional group term life insurance coverage to purchasers of shares of
certain Prudential Mutual Funds which are held in an eligible brokerage account.
This insurance protects the value of your mutual fund investment for your
beneficiaries against market downturns. The insurance benefit is based on the
difference at the time of the insured's death between the "protected value" and
the then current market value of the shares. This coverage is not available in
all states and is subject to various restrictions and limitations. For more
complete information about this program, including charges and expenses, please
contact your Prudential representative.
 
  - 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 Gateway Center
Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077. In addition, monthly
unaudited financial data are available upon request from the Fund.
 
  - SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Inquiries should be addressed to the Fund at Gateway
Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, or by
telephone at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (732)
417-7555 (collect).
 
  For additional information regarding the services and privileges described
above, see "Shareholder Investment Account" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
                       THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY
  Prudential offers a broad range of mutual funds designed to meet your
individual needs. We welcome you to review the investment options available
through our family of funds. For more information on the Prudential Mutual
Funds, including charges and expenses, contact your Prudential Securities
Financial Adviser or Prusec representative or telephone the 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 High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc.
Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc.
    Income Portfolio
 
      TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS
    -----------------------------
Prudential California Municipal Fund
    California Series
    California Income Series
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
    High Income Series
    Insured Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
    Florida Series
    Massachusetts Series
    New Jersey Series
    New York Series
    North Carolina Series
    Ohio Series
    Pennsylvania Series
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
 
      GLOBAL FUNDS
    --------------------
Prudential Developing Markets Fund
    Prudential Developing Markets Equity Fund
    Prudential Latin American Equity Fund
Prudential Europe Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
    Limited Maturity Portfolio
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential International Bond Fund, Inc.
Prudential Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential World Fund, Inc.
    Global Series
    International Stock Series
The Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
Global Utility Fund, Inc.
 
      EQUITY FUNDS
    --------------------
Prudential Balanced Fund
Prudential Diversified Funds
Prudential Distressed Securities Fund, Inc.
Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Income Fund
Prudential Index Series Fund
    Prudential Bond Market Index Fund
    Prudential Europe Index Fund
    Prudential Pacific Index Fund
    Prudential Small-Cap Index Fund
    Prudential Stock Index Fund
The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc.
    Prudential Active Balanced Fund
    Prudential Jennison Growth Fund
    Prudential Jennison Growth & Income Fund
Prudential Mid-Cap Value Fund
Prudential Real Estate Securities Fund
Prudential Small-Cap Quantum Fund, Inc.
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc.
Prudential 20/20 Focus Fund
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
    Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
 
      MONEY MARKET FUNDS
    --------------------------
- - TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Cash Accumulation Trust
    Liquid Assets Fund
    National Money Market Fund
Prudential Government Securities Trust
    Money Market Series
    U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc.
    Money Market Series
Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
- - TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
Prudential California Municipal Fund
    California Money Market Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
    Connecticut Money Market Series
    Massachusetts Money Market Series
    New Jersey Money Market Series
    New York Money Market Series
- - 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
  What are the Fund's Risk Factors and Special Characteristics?.............    2
FUND EXPENSES...............................................................    4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................................    5
HOW THE FUND INVESTS........................................................    9
  Investment Objective and Policies.........................................    9
  Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies.................................   10
  Other Investments and Policies............................................   14
  Investment Restrictions...................................................   15
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED.....................................................   15
  Manager...................................................................   16
  Distributor...............................................................   16
  Fee Waivers and Subsidy...................................................   18
  Portfolio Transactions....................................................   18
  Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent......................   18
  Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure............................................   18
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES..............................................   19
HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE.........................................   19
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS..........................................   20
GENERAL INFORMATION.........................................................   21
  Description of Common Stock...............................................   21
  Additional Information....................................................   22
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE...........................................................   22
  How to Buy Shares of the Fund.............................................   22
  Alternative Purchase Plan.................................................   23
  How to Sell Your Shares...................................................   28
  Conversion Feature--Class B Shares........................................   32
  How to Exchange Your Shares...............................................   33
  Shareholder Services......................................................   34
THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY...........................................  A-1
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------
 
MF109A
 
                                       Class A:    743968 10 9
                                       Class B:    743968 20 8
                        CUSIP Nos.:    Class C:    743968 30 7
                                       Class Z:    743968 40 6
 
PRUDENTIAL
SMALL
COMPANY
VALUE
FUND, INC.
 
                                              PROSPECTUS
                                              November 30, 1998
                                              www.prudential.com
           -----------------
 
         [LOGO]
<PAGE>
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc.
- --------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 30, 1998
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
 
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an open-end, diversified
management investment company whose investment objective is capital growth. The
Fund invests primarily in a carefully selected portfolio of common
stocks--generally stocks of smaller, less well known companies that typically
have valuations which, in the investment adviser's view, are temporarily low
relative to the companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. The Fund's
purchase and sale of put and call options and related short-term trading may be
considered speculative and may result in higher risks and costs to the Fund. The
Fund may also buy and sell options on stocks, stock indices and foreign
currencies, foreign currency forward contracts and futures contracts on stock
indices and foreign currencies and options thereon 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 Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102-4077, 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 (the
Commission) in a Statement of Additional Information, dated November 30, 1998,
which information is incorporated herein by reference (is legally considered a
part of this Prospectus) and is available without charge upon request to the
Fund, at the address or telephone number noted above. The Commission maintains a
Web site (http:/www.sec.gov) that contains the Statement of Additional
Information, material incorporated by reference and other information regarding
the Fund.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A DEPOSIT OF ANY BANK AND IS NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE 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 SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND, INC.?
 
    Prudential Small Company Value 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 stocks of smaller, less well known companies (with
  market capitalizations less than $1.5 billion or a corresponding market
  capitalization in foreign markets) that typically have valuations which, in
  the investment adviser's view, are temporarily low relative to the
  companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. There can be no
  assurance that the Fund's objective will be achieved. See "How the Fund
  Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 9.
 
  WHAT ARE THE FUND'S RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS?
 
    In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund generally invests
  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. As with an investment in any mutual fund, an
  investment in this Fund can decrease in value and you can lose money. See
  "How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 9. The
  Fund may also engage in various hedging and return enhancement strategies,
  including using derivatives. See "How the Fund Invests--Hedging and Return
  Enhancement Strategies--Risks of Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies"
  at page 10. 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--Investment Objective and Policies--Foreign Securities" at page 10.
 
  WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
 
    Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (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, 1998, the Manager
  served as manager or administrator to 67 investment companies, including 45
  mutual funds, with aggregate assets of approximately 68.2 billion. The
  Prudential Investment Corporation, which does business under the name of
  Prudential Investments (the Subadviser), furnishes investment advisory
  services in connection with the management of the Fund under a Subadvisory
  Agreement with the Manager. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" at page
  15.
 
  WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?
 
    Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (the Distributor) acts as
  the Distributor of the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares.
  The Distributor is paid a distribution and service fee at the rate of .25 of
  1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares and 1% of the
  average daily net assets of each of the Class B and Class C shares. The
  Distributor incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares
  under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund, none of which is paid for or
  reimbursed by the Fund.
 
    See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" at page 16.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
  WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
    The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A and Class B shares
  and $2,500 for Class C shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for
  Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class Z shares are not subject to any
  minimum investment requirements. There is no minimum investment requirement
  for certain retirement and employee savings plans or custodial accounts for
  the benefit of minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Investment
  Plan, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder
  Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 22 and "Shareholder
  Guide--Shareholder Services" at page 33.
 
  HOW DO I PURCHASE SHARES?
 
    You may purchase shares of the Fund through the Distributor or brokers or
  dealers that have entered into agreements to act as participating or
  introducing brokers for the Distributor (Dealers) or directly from the Fund
  through its transfer agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (the
  Transfer Agent). In each case, sales are made at the net asset value per
  share (NAV) next determined after receipt of your purchase order by the
  Transfer Agent, a Dealer or the Distributor, plus a sales charge which may
  be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A or Class C shares) or
  (ii) on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are
  offered to a limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charge.
  Dealers may charge their customers a separate fee for handling purchase
  transactions. See "How the Fund Values its Shares" at page 18 and
  "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 22.
 
  WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
 
    The Fund offers four 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 with an initial sales charge of 1% and, for 18
                         months 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 Class C shares do
                         not convert to another class.
 
     - Class Z Shares:   Sold without either an initial sales charge or CDSC
                         to a limited group of investors. Class Z shares are
                         not subject to any ongoing service or distribution
                         expenses.
 
    See "Shareholder Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" at page 23.
 
  HOW DO I SELL MY SHARES?
 
    You may redeem your shares at any time at the NAV next determined after
  your Dealer, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent receives your sell order.
  The proceeds of redemptions of Class B and Class C shares may be subject to
  a CDSC. Dealers may charge their customers a separate fee for handling sale
  transactions. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares" at page 27.
 
  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 19.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                 FUND EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           CLASS A SHARES     CLASS B SHARES     CLASS C SHARES     CLASS Z SHARES
                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES+
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
     Purchases (as a percentage of
     offering price)....................         5%                None                1%                None
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
     Reinvested Dividends...............        None               None               None               None
    Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as a
     percentage of original purchase
     price or redemption proceeds,
     whichever is lower)................        None           5% during the    1% on redemptions        None
                                                                first year,      made within 18
                                                             decreasing by 1%       months of
                                                             annually to 1% in      purchase
                                                               the fifth and
                                                              sixth years and
                                                              0% the seventh
                                                                   year*
    Redemption Fees.....................        None               None               None               None
    Exchange Fee........................        None               None               None               None
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           CLASS A SHARES      CLASS B SHARES      CLASS C SHARES      CLASS Z SHARES
                                          -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets)
    Management Fees.....................          .70%                 .70%               .70%                .70%
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction)........          .25%++              1.00%              1.00%              None
    Other Expenses......................          .22%                 .22%               .22%                .22%
                                                                                                               --
                                                  ---                  ---                ---
    Total Fund Operating Expenses (After
     Reduction).........................         1.17%                1.92%              1.92%                .92%
                                                                                                               --
                                                                                                               --
                                                  ---                  ---                ---
                                                  ---                  ---                ---
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS  10 YEARS
                                         ------  -------  -------  --------
<S>                                      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
EXAMPLE
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............................  $  61   $   85   $  111   $   185
    Class B............................  $  69   $   90   $  114   $   196
    Class C............................  $  39   $   70   $  113   $   232
    Class Z............................  $   9   $   29   $   51   $   113
You would pay the following expenses on
  the same investment, assuming no
  redemption:
    Class A............................  $  61   $   85   $  111   $   185
    Class B............................  $  19   $   60   $  104   $   196
    Class C............................  $  29   $   70   $  113   $   232
    Class Z............................  $   9   $   29   $   51   $   113
</TABLE>
 
   THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
   EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
   The purpose of this table is to assist 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." The above example is
   based on data for the Fund's fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. "Other
   Expenses" includes Directors' and professional fees, registration fees,
   reports to shareholders, transfer agency and custodian (domestic and
   foreign) fees, as reduced by the Manager's expense reimbursement, and
   franchise taxes, but excludes foreign withholding taxes.
- ---------------
 
*  Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately
       seven years after purchase. See "Shareholder Guide--Conversion Feature--
       Class B Shares."
 
+  Dealers may independently charge additional fees for shareholder transactions
       or advisory services. 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 each class of the Fund rather than on a
       per shareholder basis. Therefore, long-term shareholders of the Fund may
       pay more in total sales charges than the economic equivalent of 6.25% of
       such shareholders' investment in such shares. See "How the Fund is
       Managed--Distributor."
 
++  Although the Class A 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 of the Fund, 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. This voluntary waiver may be terminated at any time
       without notice. Total operating expenses without such limitation would be
       1.22%. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor."
 
                                       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 years ended
September 30, 1998 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers 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. Further performance information is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder
Guide--Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CLASS A
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1998 (d)    1997 (d)   1996 (d)   1995 (d)   1994 (d)   1993 (d)   1992 (d)     1991
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                            <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
 
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of
  period.....................  $   18.95   $  15.30   $  14.18   $  12.40   $  13.06   $ 11.25    $ 10.16    $   7.36
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net investment income........         --        .02        .04        .05         --       .03        .02         .05
Net realized and unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  transactions...............      (3.31)      6.06       1.75       2.57        .13      3.14       1.47        2.82
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total from investment
  operations.................      (3.31)      6.08       1.79       2.62        .13      3.17       1.49        2.87
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment
  income.....................         --         --         --         --         --        --         --        (.07)
Distributions from net
  realized capital gains on
  investment transactions....      (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)    (1.36)      (.40)         --
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total distributions..........      (1.85)     (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)    (1.36)      (.40)       (.07)
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net asset value, end of
  period.....................  $   13.79   $  18.95   $  15.30   $  14.18   $  12.40   $ 13.06    $ 11.25    $  10.16
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                               ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 
TOTAL RETURN (c):............     (18.90)%    45.92%     13.38%     23.29%      1.13%    30.42%     15.39%      39.39%
 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
  (000)......................   $365,431   $412,980   $237,306   $242,231   $103,078   $94,842    $44,845     $25,165
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including
   distribution fees.........       1.17%      1.21%      1.24%      1.33%      1.33%     1.17%      1.33%       1.50%
  Expenses, excluding
   distribution fees.........        .92%       .96%       .99%      1.08%      1.09%      .97%      1.13%       1.30%
  Net investment income
   (loss)....................         --        .15%       .33%       .30%       .00%      .26%       .19%        .59%
Portfolio turnover...........         36%        58%        53%        64%        82%       68%        99%        111%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                JANUARY 22,
                                 1990 (a)
                                  THROUGH
                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                   1990
                               -------------
<S>                            <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of
  period.....................     $  8.55
                                   ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
Net investment income........         .09
Net realized and unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  transactions...............       (1.20)
                                   ------
Total from investment
  operations.................       (1.11)
                                   ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment
  income.....................        (.08)
Distributions from net
  realized capital gains on
  investment transactions....          --
                                   ------
Total distributions..........        (.08)
                                   ------
Net asset value, end of
  period.....................     $  7.36
                                   ------
                                   ------
TOTAL RETURN (c):............      (13.19)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
  (000)......................     $17,222
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including
   distribution fees.........        1.61%(b)
  Expenses, excluding
   distribution fees.........        1.42%(b)
  Net investment income
   (loss)....................        1.54%(b)
Portfolio turnover...........          79%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   (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.
 
                                       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 years ended
September 30, 1998 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers 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. Further performance information is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder
Services--Reports to Shareholders."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                CLASS B
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1998 (b)   1997 (b)   1996 (b)   1995 (b)   1994 (b)   1993 (b)   1992 (b)     1991
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year...... $ 17.64      $14.49   $  13.56   $  11.99   $  12.74   $  11.08   $  10.11   $   7.34
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
 
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)............    (.12)       (.09)      (.06)      (.06)      (.09)      (.06)      (.07)      (.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investment transactions............   (3.04)       5.67       1.66       2.47        .13       3.08       1.44       2.82
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
Total from investment operations........   (3.16)       5.58       1.60       2.41        .04       3.02       1.37       2.80
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income....      --          --         --         --         --         --         --       (.03)
Distributions from net realized capital
  gains on investment transactions......   (1.85)      (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)     (1.36)      (.40)        --
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
Total distributions.....................   (1.85)      (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)      (.79)     (1.36)      (.40)      (.03)
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
Net asset value, end of year............ $ 12.63    $  17.64   $  14.49   $  13.56   $  11.99   $  12.74   $  11.08   $  10.11
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
 
TOTAL RETURN (c):.......................  (19.52)%     44.91%     12.56%     22.37%       .34%     29.40%     14.27%     38.33%
 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)........... $514,159   $645,579   $378,861   $361,873   $425,502   $376,068   $172,018   $118,660
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution
   fees.................................    1.92%       1.96%      1.99%      2.08%      2.09%      1.97%      2.13%      2.30%
  Expenses, excluding distribution
   fees.................................     .92%        .96%       .99%      1.08%      1.09%       .97%      1.13%      1.30%
  Net investment income (loss)..........    (.75)%      (.60)%     (.42)%     (.51)%     (.76)%     (.54)%     (.61)%     (.21)%
Portfolio turnover......................      36%         58%        53%        64%        82%        68%        99%       111%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                            1990     1989 (a)
                                          --------   --------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year......  $   9.11   $   7.47
                                          --------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)............       .07        .06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investment transactions............     (1.75)      1.65
                                          --------   --------
Total from investment operations........     (1.68)      1.71
                                          --------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income....      (.09)      (.07)
Distributions from net realized capital
  gains on investment transactions......        --         --
                                          --------   --------
Total distributions.....................      (.09)      (.07)
                                          --------   --------
Net asset value, end of year............  $   7.34   $   9.11
                                          --------   --------
                                          --------   --------
TOTAL RETURN (c):.......................    (18.63)%    23.20%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)...........   $86,440   $160,995
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution
   fees.................................      2.18%      1.79%
  Expenses, excluding distribution
   fees.................................      1.28%      1.17%
  Net investment income (loss)..........       .91%       .74%
Portfolio turnover......................        79%        79%
</TABLE>
 
- -----------------
 
   (a)  On January 31, 1989, Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.
        succeeded The Prudential Insurance Company of America as Manager of
        the Fund.
 
   (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. Total returns for
        periods of less than a full year are not annualized.
 
   (d)  Net of expense reimbursement.
 
                                       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 PricewaterhouseCoopers
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 periods indicated. The information is based on data
contained in the financial statements. Further performance information is
contained in the Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See
"Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            CLASS C
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 AUGUST 1,
                                                                                 1994 (a)
                                           YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,               THROUGH
                                   -----------------------------------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                   1998 (d)   1997 (d)   1996 (d)   1995 (d)     1994 (d)
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------   -------------
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of
  period.........................   $ 17.64    $ 14.49    $13.56     $11.99       $11.61
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment loss..............      (.12)      (.09)     (.06)      (.06)        (.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain
  (loss) on investment
  transactions...................     (3.04)      5.67      1.66       2.47          .39
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
Total from investment
  operations.....................     (3.16)      5.58      1.60       2.41          .38
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized
  capital gains on investment
  transactions...................     (1.85)     (2.43)     (.67)      (.84)          --
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
Net asset value, end of period...   $ 12.63    $ 17.64    $14.49     $13.56       $11.99
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
                                   --------   --------   --------   --------      ------
TOTAL RETURN (c):................    (19.52)%    44.91%    12.56%     22.37%        3.19%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
  (000)..........................   $26,804    $22,049    $4,323     $1,545         $269
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including
   distribution fees.............      1.92%      1.96%     1.99%      2.08%        2.22%(b)
  Expenses, excluding
   distribution fees.............       .92%       .96%      .99%      1.08%        1.22%(b)
  Net investment loss............      (.75)%     (.60)%    (.42)%     (.46)%       (.31)%(b)
Portfolio turnover...............        36%        58%       53%        64%          82%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
  (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.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
                                (CLASS Z SHARES)
 
  The following financial highlights have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
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 Z 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. Further performance information is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder
Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CLASS Z
                                           ----------------------------------------------
                                                                              MARCH 1,
                                                                              1996 (a)
                                             YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,         THROUGH
                                           -----------------------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                             1998 (d)        1997 (d)         1996 (d)
                                           ------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>              <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.....      $19.04         $15.32           $13.69
                                               ------         ------           ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income....................         .04            .06              .05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investment transactions.............       (3.31)          6.09             1.58
                                               ------         ------           ------
Total from investment operations.........       (3.27)          6.15             1.63
                                               ------         ------           ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized capital
  gains on investment transactions.......       (1.85)         (2.43)              --
                                               ------         ------           ------
Net asset value, end of period...........      $13.92         $19.04           $15.32
                                               ------         ------           ------
                                               ------         ------           ------
TOTAL RETURN (c):........................      (18.58)%        46.38%           11.91%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)..........    $125,770       $151,215          $68,516
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses...............................         .92%           .96%             .99%(b)
  Net investment income (loss)...........         .25%           .40%             .58%(b)
Portfolio turnover.......................          36%            58%              53%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
  (a)  Commencement of offering of Class Z 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.
 
                                       8
<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 PRIMARILY 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 SUBADVISER, 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. As with an investment in
any mutual fund, an investment in this Fund can decrease in value and
shareholders can lose money.
 
  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 Subadviser generally expects to select for the
Fund's portfolio are those stocks of smaller, less well known companies which,
in the Subadviser's judgment, have valuations that are temporarily low relative
to the companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and 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 invest in equity related securities. Equity related securities
include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible or exchangeable
for common stocks or preferred stocks, equity investments in partnerships, joint
ventures, other forms of non-corporate investments, American Depositary Receipts
(ADRs), American Depositary Shares (ADSs), and warrants and rights exercisable
for equity securities. ADRs and ADSs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates or
shares issued by a United States bank or trust company and represent the right
to receive securities of a foreign issuer deposited in a domestic bank or
foreign branch of a United States bank and are traded on a United States
exchange or over-the-counter market.
 
  IN ADDITION, THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON STOCKS,
STOCK INDICES AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES, AND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FOREIGN CURRENCY
FORWARD CONTRACTS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND STOCK INDICES
AND OPTIONS THEREON TO HEDGE ITS PORTFOLIO AND TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN. 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 (S&P 500). As a
result, the Fund's portfolio will generally be made up of common stocks issued
by smaller, less well known companies (market capitalizations typically less
than $1.5 billion or a corresponding market capitalization in foreign markets)
selected by the Subadviser on the basis of fundamental investment analysis.
Market capitalization is measured at the time of purchase. 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.
 
                                       9
<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.
 
  REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
 
  The Fund may invest in securities of real estate investment trusts or REITs.
Unlike corporations, REITs do not have to pay income taxes if they meet certain
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue
Code). To qualify, a REIT must distribute at least 95% of its taxable income to
its shareholders and receive at least 75% of that income from rents, mortgages
and sales of property. REITs offer investors greater liquidity and
diversification than direct ownership of a handful of properties, as well as
greater income potential than an investment in common stocks. Like any
investment in real estate, though, a REIT's performance depends on several
factors, such as its ability to find tenants for its properties, to renew leases
and to finance property purchases and renovations.
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES
 
  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 and obligations of foreign branches of
domestic banks. For purposes of this limitation, ADRs and ADSs are not deemed to
be foreign securities.
 
  Investing in securities of foreign issuers and countries involves certain
considerations and risks which are not typically associated with investing in
securities of domestic companies. Foreign issuers 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 exist 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. In addition, a portfolio containing 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. There may
be less publicly available information about foreign issuers 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 issuers 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.
 
  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 United States.
 
HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
 
  THE FUND MAY ENGAGE IN VARIOUS PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES, INCLUDING USING
DERIVATIVES, TO REDUCE CERTAIN RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO
ENHANCE RETURN, BUT NOT FOR SPECULATION. The Fund, and thus investors, may lose
money through any unsuccessful use of these strategies. These strategies include
the use of derivatives, such as options, futures contracts and options thereon.
The Subadviser 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
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
any of these strategies will succeed. See "Investment Objective and Policies"
and "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" 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.
 
  OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND WRITE (I.E., SELL) PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON EQUITY
SECURITIES AND STOCK INDICES THAT ARE TRADED ON U.S. OR FOREIGN SECURITIES
EXCHANGES OR IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MARKET TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN
OR TO HEDGE ITS PORTFOLIO. THESE OPTIONS WILL BE ON EQUITY SECURITIES AND STOCK
INDICES (E.G., S&P 500). THE FUND MAY WRITE PUT AND CALL OPTIONS TO GENERATE
ADDITIONAL INCOME THROUGH THE RECEIPT OF PREMIUMS, PURCHASE PUT OPTIONS IN AN
EFFORT TO PROTECT THE VALUE OF SECURITIES THAT IT OWNS AGAINST A DECLINE IN
MARKET VALUE AND PURCHASE CALL OPTIONS IN AN EFFORT TO PROTECT AGAINST AN
INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF SECURITIES (OR CURRENCIES) IT INTENDS TO PURCHASE. THE
FUND MAY ALSO PURCHASE PUT AND CALL OPTIONS TO OFFSET PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN PUT AND
CALL OPTIONS OF THE SAME SERIES.
 
  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.
 
  THE FUND WILL WRITE ONLY "COVERED" OPTIONS. An option is covered if, as long
as the Fund is obligated under the option it (i) owns an offsetting position in
the underlying security or (ii) segregates cash or other liquid assets in an
amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the option. Under the first
circumstance, the Fund's losses are limited because it owns the underlying
position; under the second circumstance, in the case of a written call option
the Fund's losses are potentially unlimited. There is no limitation on the
amount of call options the Fund may write. See "Investment Objective and
Policies-- Limitations on Purchase and Sale of Stock Options, Options on Stock
Indices and Stock Index Futures" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  PURCHASES AND SALES OF OTC OPTIONS SUBJECT THE FUND TO RISKS NOT PRESENT WITH
RESPECT TO EXCHANGE TRADED OPTIONS. Unlike exchange traded options, OTC options
are contracts between the Fund and its counterparty without the interposition of
any clearing organization. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that the
counterparty will default on, or be unable to complete, due to bankruptcy or
otherwise, its obligation on the option. Consequently, the value of an OTC
option to the Fund is dependent on the financial viability of the OTC
counterparty. See "Investment Objective and Policies--Limitations on Purchase
and Sale of Stock Options, Options on Stock Indices and Stock Index
Futures--Additional Risks of Purchasing OTC Options" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
  OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
 
  The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies
traded on securities exchanges or boards of trade (foreign and domestic) for
hedging purposes in a manner similar to that in which forward foreign currency
exchange contracts and futures contracts on foreign currencies will be employed.
Options on foreign currencies are similar to options on stock, except that the
Fund has the right to take or make delivery of a specified amount of foreign
currency, rather than stock.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
  The Fund may purchase and write options to hedge the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in foreign currencies. If there is a decline in the
dollar value of a foreign currency in which the Fund's portfolio securities are
denominated, the dollar value of such securities will decline even though the
foreign currency value remains the same. See "Risks of Hedging and Return
Enhancement Strategies" below. To hedge against the decline of the foreign
currency, the Fund may purchase put options on such foreign currency. If the
value of the foreign currency declines, the gain realized on the put option
would offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect such decline would have on
the value of the portfolio securities. Alternatively, the Fund may write a call
option on the foreign currency. If the value of the foreign currency declines,
the option would not be exercised and the decline in the value of the portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency would be offset in part by the
premium the Fund received for the option.
 
  If, on the other hand, the Subadviser anticipates purchasing a foreign
security and also anticipates a rise in the value of such foreign currency
(thereby increasing the cost of such security), the Fund may purchase call
options on the foreign currency. The purchase of such options could offset, at
least partially, the effects of the adverse movements of the exchange rates.
Alternatively, the Fund could write a put option on the currency and, if the
exchange rates move as anticipated, the option would expire unexercised.
 
  FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD CONTRACTS
 
  A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell
a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time
of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted
directly between currency traders (typically large commercial banks) and their
customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirements and
commissions are charged for such trades.
 
  When the Fund invests in foreign securities, the Fund may enter into forward
contracts in several circumstances to protect the value of its portfolio. The
Fund may not use forward contracts to generate income, although the use of such
contracts may incidentally generate income. There is no limitation on the value
of forward contracts into which the Fund may enter. However, the Fund's dealings
in forward contracts will be limited to hedging involving either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale
of a forward contract with respect to specific receivables or payables of the
Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio
securities and accruals of interest or dividends receivable and Fund expenses.
Position hedging is the sale of a foreign currency with respect to portfolio
security positions denominated or quoted in that currency. The Fund will not
speculate in forward contracts. The Fund may not position hedge (including cross
hedges) with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater than the
aggregate market value (determined at the time of making any sale of a forward
contract) of securities being hedged held in its portfolio denominated or quoted
in, or currently convertible into, such currency.
 
  When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a
foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds,
the Fund may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or the
U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be.
By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars for the
purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
transaction, the Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible loss
resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and
the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the
security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is
declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received.
Additionally, when the Subadviser believes that the currency of a particular
foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, the
Fund may enter into a forward contract, for a fixed amount of dollars, to sell
the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the
portfolio securities of the Fund denominated in such foreign currency.
Requirements under the Internal Revenue Code for qualification as a regulated
investment company may limit the Fund's ability to engage in transactions in
forward contracts. See "Investment Objective and Policies-- Risks Related to
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts" and "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON
WHICH ARE TRADED ON A COMMODITIES EXCHANGE OR BOARD OF TRADE TO REDUCE CERTAIN
RISKS OF ITS INVESTMENTS AND TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN IN ACCORDANCE WITH
REGULATIONS OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (CFTC). THE FUND, AND
THUS INVESTORS, MAY LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF THESE STRATEGIES.
These futures contracts and related options will be on stock indices and foreign
currencies. A futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell an agreed
amount of securities or currencies at a set price for delivery in the future. A
stock index futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell cash equal to a
specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of 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 purchase and sell futures contracts or related
options as a hedge against changes in market conditions.
 
  The Fund may not purchase or sell futures contracts and related options to
attempt to enhance return, if immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of
initial margin deposits on the Fund's existing futures and options on futures
and premiums paid for such related options would exceed 5% of the market value
of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and
related options, without limitation, for BONA FIDE hedging purposes in
accordance with regulations of the CFTC (I.E., to reduce certain risks of its
investments). The value of all futures contracts sold will not exceed the total
market value of the Fund's portfolio.
 
  Futures contracts and related options are generally subject to segregation
requirements of the Commission and coverage requirements of the CFTC. If the
Fund does not hold the security or currency underlying the futures contract, the
Fund will be required to segregate on an ongoing basis with its Custodian cash
or other liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the Fund's obligations
with respect to such futures contracts. The Fund may place and maintain cash,
securities and similar investments with a futures commissions merchant in
amounts necessary to effect the Fund's transactions in exchange traded futures
contracts and options thereon, provided certain conditions are satisfied.
 
  THE FUND'S SUCCESSFUL USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS DEPENDS
UPON THE SUBADVISER'S ABILITY TO PREDICT THE DIRECTION OF THE MARKET AND IS
SUBJECT TO VARIOUS ADDITIONAL RISKS. The correlation between movements in the
price of a futures contract and the movements in the index or price of the
currencies underlying the futures contract is imperfect and there is a risk that
the value of the indices or currencies underlying the futures contract may
increase or decrease at a greater rate than the related futures contracts,
resulting in losses to the Fund. Certain futures exchanges or boards of trade
have established daily limits on the amount that the price of futures contracts
or related options may vary, either up or down, from the previous day's
settlement price. These daily limits may restrict the Fund's ability to purchase
or sell certain futures contracts or related options on any particular day.
 
  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. THE FUND, AND THUS INVESTORS, MAY LOSE MONEY IF THE FUND IS
UNSUCCESSFUL IN ITS USE OF THESE STRATEGIES. If the Subadviser's prediction of
movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency or interest rate
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
Subadviser'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
select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary
market for any particular instrument at any time; (5) the risk that the
counterparty may be unable to complete the transaction; and (6) the possible
inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that
otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund
to
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the
Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate liquid assets in connection with
hedging transactions. See "Investment Objective and Policies" and "Taxes,
Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  Additionally, the Fund's successful use of foreign currency forward contracts,
options on foreign currencies, futures contracts on foreign currencies and
options on such contracts depends upon the Subadviser's ability to predict the
direction of the market and political conditions, which requires different
skills and techniques than predicting changes in the securities markets
generally. For instance, if the value of the securities being hedged moves in a
favorable direction, the advantage to the Fund would be wholly or partially
offset by a loss in the forward contracts or futures contracts. Further, if the
value of the securities being hedged does not change, the Fund's net income
would be less than if the Fund had not hedged since there are transactional
costs associated with the use of these investment practices.
 
  These practices are subject to various additional risks. The correlation
between movements in the price of options and futures contracts and the price of
the currencies being hedged is imperfect. The use of these instruments will
hedge only the currency risks associated with investments in foreign securities,
not market risks. In addition, if the Fund purchases these instruments to hedge
against currency advances before it invests in securities denominated in such
currency and the currency market declines, the Fund might incur a loss on the
futures contract. The Fund's ability to establish and maintain positions will
depend on market liquidity. The ability of the Fund to close out a futures
position or an option depends upon 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. There can be no assurance that the
Fund will be able to successfully hedge its portfolio or that foreign exchange
rates will be sufficiently predictable to enable the Subadviser to employ
hedging (including cross-hedging) techniques.
 
  The Fund will generally purchase options and futures on an exchange only if
there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such options or futures; the
Fund will generally purchase OTC options only if the Subadviser believes that
the other party to the options will continue to make a market for such options.
 
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND POLICIES
 
  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 resale price. The
instruments held as collateral are valued daily, and if the value of the
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 the PIFM, pursuant to an
order of the Commission.
 
  WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
 
  The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis. When-issued or delayed delivery transactions arise when securities are
purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the
future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and
yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. The Fund's
Custodian will segregate cash or other liquid assets having a value equal to or
greater than the Fund's purchase commitments; the Custodian 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 NAV.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
  BORROWING
 
  The Fund may borrow up to 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 for
such securities of the same issuer) as the securities sold short (a short sale
against-the-box). No more than 25% of the Fund's net assets (determined at the
time of the short sale) may be subject to such sales.
 
  ILLIQUID SECURITIES
 
  The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities,
including repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days,
securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale (restricted
securities) and securities that are not readily marketable. 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 Subadviser will monitor the liquidity of such restricted
securities under the supervision of the Board of Directors. The Fund's
investment in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a
limited time, uninterested in purchasing Rule 144A securities. 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, 1998, the Fund's total expenses as a
percentage of average net assets for the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares were 1.17%, 1.92%, 1.92%, and .92%, respectively. See "Financial
Highlights."
 
MANAGER
 
  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS FUND MANAGEMENT LLC (PIFM OR THE MANAGER), GATEWAY
CENTER THREE, 100 MULBERRY STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077, IS THE MANAGER
OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED FOR ITS SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF .70 OF 1%
OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS. PIFM is organized in New York as a
limited liability company. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the
Fund incurred management fees payable to the Manager of .70% of the Fund's
average net assets. See "Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
  As of October 31, 1998, PIFM served as the manager to 67 open-end investment
companies, constituting all of the Prudential Mutual Funds, and as manager or
administrator to 22 closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of
approximately $68.2 billion.
 
  UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FUND, THE MANAGER 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 PIFM AND THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC), DOING BUSINESS AS PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS (PI, THE SUBADVISER
OR THE INVESTMENT ADVISER), THE SUBADVISER FURNISHES INVESTMENT ADVISORY
SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND IS REIMBURSED BY THE
MANAGER FOR ITS REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN PROVIDING SUCH
SERVICES. PIC's address is Prudential Plaza, Newark, New Jersey 07102-3777.
Under the Management Agreement, the Manager continues to have responsibility for
all investment advisory services and supervises Prudential Investments'
performance of such services.
 
  The Fund is managed by Roger E. Ford and Jay S. Kaplan, both of the
Subadviser. As a team, they have responsibility for the day-to-day management of
the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's portfolio managers share a value investment
style, focusing on strong companies selling at a discount from their perceived
true worth. Messrs. Ford and Kaplan select stocks for the Fund's portfolio at
prices which in their view are temporarily low relative to the company's
earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. Mr. Ford has managed the Fund's
portfolio since July 1995 and manages a number of other portfolios advised by
the Subadviser. Mr. Ford has been employed by the Subadviser as a portfolio
manager since 1972. Mr. Kaplan, who became the co-manager of the Fund in January
1996, has been involved in the management of a number of value-oriented equity
investment portfolios since joining Prudential Mutual Funds in 1993. Prior to
joining Prudential Mutual Funds, Mr. Kaplan was employed by the Prudential
Capital Management Group as a high yield credit analyst.
 
  PIFM and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential), a major diversified insurance and financial services
company.
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC (THE DISTRIBUTOR), GATEWAY
CENTER THREE, 100 MULBERRY STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077, IS A LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND SERVES
AS THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES OF THE
FUND. IT IS AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PRUDENTIAL. Prudential
Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities), One Seaport Plaza, New York,
New York 10292, previously served as the distributor of Fund shares. Prudential
Securities is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential.
 
  UNDER SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS (THE CLASS A PLAN, THE CLASS B
PLAN AND THE CLASS C PLAN, COLLECTIVELY, THE PLANS) ADOPTED BY THE FUND UNDER
RULE 12b-1 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND A DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (THE
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT), THE DISTRIBUTOR INCURS THE EXPENSE OF DISTRIBUTING THE
FUND'S CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES. The Distributor also incurs the
expense of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under the Distribution
Agreement, none of which is paid for or reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses
include commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account of,
Dealers or financial institutions which have entered into agreements with the
Distributor, advertising expenses, the cost of printing and mailing prospectuses
to potential investors and indirect and overhead costs of the Distributor
associated with the sale of the Fund's shares, including lease, utility,
communications and sales promotion expenses.
 
  Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees
to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service activities,
not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the Distributor's
expenses exceed its distribution and service fees, the Fund will not be
obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses are less
than such distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees and
realize a profit.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
  The distribution and/or service fees may also be used by the Distributor to
compensate on a continuing basis Dealers in consideration for the distribution,
marketing, administrative and other services and activities provided by Dealers
with respect to the promotion of the sale of the Fund's shares and the
maintenance of related shareholder accounts.
 
  UNDER THE CLASS A PLAN, THE FUND MAY PAY THE DISTRIBUTOR 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 OF THE
FUND. 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. The Distributor has
voluntarily limited 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. This
voluntary waiver may be terminated at any time without notice.
 
  UNDER THE CLASS B AND CLASS C PLANS, THE FUND PAYS THE DISTRIBUTOR 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 the
Distributor 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. The Distributor also receives CDSCs from
certain redeeming shareholders. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
 
  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Fund incurred 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. See "Distributor"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund will be allocated to each such class based upon the ratio of
sales of each such class to the sales of Class A, Class B or Class C shares of
the Fund other than expenses allocable to a particular class. The distribution
fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize the sale of
another class.
 
  Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year provided
that a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of
the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any agreement related to the Plan (the Rule 12b-1
Directors), vote annually to continue the Plan. Each Plan may be terminated at
any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or of a majority of
the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. The Fund will not be
obligated to pay 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 which distribute
shares of the Fund (including Class Z shares). Such payments may be calculated
by reference to the NAV of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
 
  The Distributor is subject to the rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. governing maximum sales charges. See "Distributor" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
FEE WAIVERS AND SUBSIDY
 
  PIFM may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and
subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund. In addition,
the Distributor has waived a portion of its distribution fees for the Class A
shares as described under "Distribution" above. Fee waivers and subsidies will
increase the Fund's total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at
any time without notice. See "Performance Information" in the Statement of
Additional Information and "Fund Expenses" above.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Affiliates of the Distributor may act as brokers or futures commission
merchants for the Fund, provided that the commissions, fees or other
remuneration they receive 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.
 
  The Fund's Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, 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. The Transfer Agent is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager. Its
mailing address is P.O. Box 15035, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5035.
 
YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
 
  The services provided to the Fund and the shareholders by the Manager, the
Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Custodian depend on the smooth
functioning of their computer systems and those of outside service providers.
Many computer software systems in use today cannot distinguish the year 2000
from the year 1900 because of the way dates are encoded and calculated. That
failure could have a negative impact on handling securities trades, payments of
interest and dividends, pricing and account services. Although at this time
there can be no assurance that there will be no adverse impact on the Fund, the
Manager, the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Custodian have advised the
Fund that they have been actively working on necessary changes to their computer
systems to prepare for the year 2000 and expect that their systems, and those of
outside service providers, will be adapted in time for that event.
 
  Additionally, issuers of securities generally as well as those purchased by
the Fund may confront year 2000 compliance issues which, if material and not
resolved, could have an adverse impact on securities markets and/or a specific
issuer's performance and result in a decline in the value of securities held by
the Fund.
 
                         HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
 
  THE FUND'S 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. For valuation purposes, quotations
of foreign securities in a foreign currency are converted to U.S. dollar
equivalents. See "Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  The Fund will compute its NAV once daily on days that the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to purchase, sell
or redeem shares have been received by the Fund or days on which changes in the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not materially affect the NAV.
 
  Although the legal rights of each class of shares are substantially identical,
the different expenses borne by each class will result in different NAVs and
dividends. The NAV of Class B and Class C shares will generally be lower than
the NAV of Class A shares as a result of the larger distribution-related fee to
which Class B and Class C shares are subject. The NAV of Class Z shares will
generally be higher than the NAV of the other three classes because Class Z
shares are not subject to any distribution and/or
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
service fees. It is expected, however, that the NAV of the four classes will
tend to converge immediately after the recording of dividends, if any, which
will differ by approximately the amount of the distribution and/or service fee
expense accrual differential among the classes.
 
                      HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
 
  FROM TIME TO TIME THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN,
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD IN ADVERTISEMENTS OR SALES LITERATURE. TOTAL
RETURN AND YIELD ARE CALCULATED SEPARATELY FOR CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND
CLASS Z SHARES. THESE FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND ARE NOT
INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. The total return shows how much an
investment in the Fund would have increased (decreased) over a specified period
of time (I.E., one, five or ten years or since inception of the Fund) assuming
that all distributions and dividends by the Fund were reinvested on the
reinvestment dates during the period and less all recurring fees. The aggregate
total return reflects actual performance over a stated period of time. Average
annual total return is a hypothetical rate of return that, if achieved annually,
would have produced the same aggregate total return if performance had been
constant over the entire period. Average annual total return smooths out
variations in performance and takes into account any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges. Neither average annual total return nor
aggregate total return takes into account any federal or state income taxes
which may be payable upon redemption. The yield refers to the income generated
by an investment in the Fund over a one-month or 30-day period. This income is
then "annualized;" that is, the amount of income generated by the investment
during that 30-day period is assumed to be generated each 30-day period for
twelve periods and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The income earned
on the investment is also assumed to be reinvested at the end of the sixth
30-day period. The Fund also may include comparative performance information in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares. Such performance information may
include data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications,
Inc., other industry publications, business periodicals and market indices. See
"Performance Information" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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 NET
CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY, THAT IT DISTRIBUTES TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS. See "Taxes,
Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Any dividends out of net investment income, together with distributions of net
short-term gains (I.E., the excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses), distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as
ordinary income to the shareholder whether or not reinvested. Any net capital
gains (I.E., the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term
capital losses) distributed to shareholders will be taxable as long-term capital
gains to the shareholders, whether or not reinvested and regardless of the
length of time a shareholder has owned his or her shares. The maximum federal
long-term capital gains rate for individual shareholders is 20% and the maximum
statutory tax rate for ordinary income is 39.6%. The maximum statutory federal
long-term capital gains rate and the maximum statutory federal tax rate for
ordinary income for corporate shareholders is currently 35%.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
  Both regular and capital gains dividends are taxable to shareholders in the
year in which received, whether they are received in cash or in additional
shares. In addition, certain dividends declared by the Fund will be treated as
received by shareholders on December 31 of the year the dividends are declared.
This rule applies to dividends declared by the Fund in October, November or
December of a calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a date in any
such month if such dividends are paid during January of the following calendar
year.
 
  Dividends received by corporate shareholders are eligible for a
dividends-received deduction of 70% to the extent the Fund's income is derived
from qualified dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations.
Dividends attributable to foreign corporations, interest income, capital and
currency gain, gain or loss from Section 1256 contracts and income from some
other sources will not be eligible for the corporate dividends-received
deduction. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of
Additional Information. Corporate shareholders should consult their tax advisers
regarding other requirements applicable to the dividends-received deduction.
 
  Any gain or loss realized upon a sale or redemption (including any exchange of
Fund shares for property other than Fund shares of another class) of Fund shares
by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will 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 on shares
that are held for six months or less, however, will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the
shareholder. With respect to non-corporate shareholders, gain or loss on shares
held more than one year will be considered in determining a holder's adjusted
net capital gain subject to a maximum statutory tax rate of 20%.
 
  The Fund has obtained opinions of counsel to the effect that (i) the
conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares or (ii) the exchange of any
class of the Fund's shares for any other class of its shares does not constitute
a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. However, such opinions are not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service.
 
  WITHHOLDING TAXES
 
  Under U.S. Treasury Regulations, the Fund is required to withhold and remit to
the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, capital gain distributions and redemption
proceeds payable to certain shareholders who fail to furnish their correct tax
identification numbers to the IRS on IRS Form W-9 (or IRS Form W-8 in the case
of certain foreign shareholders) with the required certifications regarding the
shareholder's status under the federal income tax laws. 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 gains to a
foreign shareholder will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the
rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate).
 
  Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to federal, state or local taxes. See "Taxes, Dividends and
Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  THE FUND EXPECTS TO 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 (other
than Class Z) will bear its own distribution charges. This generally will result
in lower dividends for Class B and Class C shares in relation to Class A and
Class Z shares and lower dividends for Class A shares in relation to Class Z
shares. Distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same
amount per share for each class of shares. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE PAID IN ADDITIONAL FUND SHARES BASED ON
THE NAV OF EACH CLASS ON THE 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
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
should be submitted to the Fund's Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LCC, Attention: Account Maintenance, P.O. Box 15035, New Brunswick, New
Jersey 08906-5035. 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 BUY SHARES ON OR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE RECORD DATE (THE DATE THAT
DETERMINES WHO RECEIVES THE DIVIDEND), YOU WILL RECEIVE A PORTION OF THE MONEY
YOU INVESTED AS A TAXABLE DIVIDEND. THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE TIMING OF
DIVIDENDS WHEN BUYING SHARES OF THE FUND.
 
                              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 FOUR CLASSES, DESIGNATED CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z COMMON
STOCK. CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS Z SHARES EACH CONSISTS OF 200 MILLION
AUTHORIZED SHARES; CLASS C SHARES CONSIST OF 150 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 (except Class Z shares,
which are not subject to any sales charges and distribution and/or service
fees), 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 a
limited group of investors. 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 (with the exception of Class
Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution and/or service fee). 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 and Class Z shareholders, whose
shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees. The Fund's
shares do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of Directors.
 
  THE FUND DOES NOT INTEND TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW. THE FUND WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO HOLD MEETINGS OF
SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS IS REQUIRED TO BE
ACTED ON BY SHAREHOLDERS UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. SHAREHOLDERS HAVE
CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CALL A MEETING UPON A VOTE OF 10% 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.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  This Prospectus, including the Statement of Additional Information which has
been incorporated by reference herein, does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained
at a reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined, without charge,
at the office of the Commission in Washington, D.C.
 
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
 
  YOU MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTOR, THROUGH DEALERS
OR DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND THROUGH ITS TRANSFER AGENT, PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND
SERVICES LLC (PMFS OR THE TRANSFER AGENT), ATTENTION: INVESTMENT SERVICES, P.O.
BOX 15035, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08906-5035. The purchase price is the NAV
next determined following receipt of an order in proper form (in accordance with
procedures established by the Transfer Agent in connection with investors'
accounts) by the Distributor, your Dealer or the Transfer Agent, plus a sales
charge which, at your option, may be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase
(Class A or Class C shares) or (ii) on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C
shares). Class Z shares are offered to a limited group of investors at NAV
without any sales charge. Payment may be made by wire, check or through your
brokerage account. See "Alternative Purchase Plan" and "How the Fund Values its
Shares."
 
  In order to receive that day's NAV, your order must be received before the
Fund's NAV is computed (currently 4:15 P.M., New York time). If you purchase
shares through your Dealer, the Dealer must receive your order before the Fund's
NAV is computed that day and must transmit the order to the Distributor that
same day for you to receive that day's NAV.
 
  The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A and Class B shares and
$2,500 for Class C shares except that the minimum for Class C shares may be
waived from time to time. There is no minimum investment requirement for Class Z
shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for all classes, except for
Class Z shares for which there is no such minimum. All minimum investment
requirements are waived for certain retirement and employee savings plans or
custodial accounts for the benefit of minors. For purchases made through the
Automatic Investment Plan, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50.
 
  Application forms can be obtained from the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or
a Dealer. 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 in street name with their Dealer will not receive stock
certificates.
 
  The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order (including an
exchange into the Fund) or to suspend or modify the continuous offering of its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares" below.
 
  Your Dealer is responsible for forwarding payment promptly to the Fund. The
Distributor reserves the right to cancel any purchase order for which payment
has not been received by the third business day following the placement of the
order.
 
  Dealers may charge their customers a separate fee for processing purchases and
redemptions. In addition, transactions in Fund shares may be subject to postage
and handling charges imposed by your Dealer. Any such charges are retained by
the Dealer and are not remitted to the Fund.
 
  PURCHASE BY WIRE. For an initial purchase of shares of the Fund by wire, you
must complete an application and telephone the Transfer Agent 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 (State
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
Street), Boston, Massachusetts, Custody and Shareholder Services Division,
Attention: Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc., specifying on the wire the
account number assigned by the Transfer Agent and your name and identifying the
class in which you are eligible to invest (Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z
shares).
 
  If you arrange for receipt by State Street of federal funds prior to the
calculation of NAV (4:15 P.M., New York time) on a business day, you may
purchase shares of the Fund as of that day. See "Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  In making a subsequent purchase order by wire, you should wire State Street
directly and should be sure that the wire specifies Prudential Small Company
Value Fund, Inc., Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares and your name and
individual account number. It is not necessary to call the Transfer Agent to
make subsequent purchase orders utilizing federal funds. The minimum amount
which may be invested by wire is $1,000.
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
 
  THE FUND OFFERS FOUR CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z
SHARES) WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE MOST BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE
FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE, THE LENGTH
OF TIME YOU EXPECT TO HOLD THE SHARES AND OTHER RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES
(ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ANNUAL 12b-1 FEES
                                                           (AS A % OF AVERAGE
                        SALES CHARGE                        DAILY NET ASSETS)                     OTHER INFORMATION
             -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------
<S>          <C>                                   <C>                                   <C>
CLASS A      Maximum initial sales charge of 5%    .30 of 1% (currently being charged    Initial sales charge waived or
             of the public offering price          at a rate of .25 of 1%)               reduced for certain purchases
 
CLASS B      Maximum CDSC of 5% of the lesser of                   1%                    Shares convert to Class A shares
             the amount invested or the                                                  approximately seven years after
             redemption proceeds; declines to                                            purchase
             zero after six years
 
CLASS C      Maximum initial sales charge of 1%                    1%                    Shares do not convert to another
             of the public offering price and                                            class
             maximum CDSC of the lesser of the
             amount invested or the redemption
             proceeds on redemptions made within
             18 months of purchase
 
CLASS Z      None                                                 None                   Sold to a limited group of
                                                                                         investors
</TABLE>
 
  The four 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
(with the exception of Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution
and/or service fees) bears the separate expenses of its Rule 12b-1 distribution
and service plan, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has
separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the
interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, (iii) each
class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature, and; (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to
a limited group of investors. 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, if any, of each class. Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of a higher distribution fee, which will generally cause them to have
higher expense ratios and to pay lower dividends than the Class A and Class Z
shares.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
  Financial advisers and other sales agents who sell shares of the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares and will generally receive more compensation initially for selling Class
A and Class B shares than for selling Class C and Class Z shares.
 
  IN SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
(1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the amount of any
applicable sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase or redemption)
and distribution-related fees, as noted above, (3) whether you qualify for any
reduction or waiver of any applicable sales charge, (4) the various exchange
privileges among the different classes of shares (see "How to Exchange Your
Shares" below) and (5) the fact that Class B shares automatically convert to
Class A shares approximately seven years after purchase (see "Conversion
Feature--Class B Shares" below).
 
  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 4 years and do
not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, since Class A shares
are subject to an initial sales charge of 5% and Class B shares are subject to a
CDSC of 5% which declines to zero over a 6-year period, you should consider
purchasing Class C shares over either Class A or Class B shares.
 
  If you intend to hold your investment for longer than 4 years, but less than 5
years, and do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, you
should consider purchasing Class B or Class C shares over Class A shares. This
is because the sales charge plus the cumulative annual distribution-related fee
on Class A shares would exceed those of the Class B and Class C shares if you
redeem your investment during this time period. In addition, more of your money
would be invested initially in the case of Class C shares, because of the
relatively low initial sales charge, and all of your money would be invested
initially in the case of Class B shares, which are sold at NAV.
 
  If you intend to hold your investment for longer than 5 years, you should
consider purchasing Class A shares over either Class B or Class C shares. This
is because the maximum sales charge plus the cumulative annual
distribution-related fee on Class A shares would be less than those of the Class
B and 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 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 for more than 5 years in the
case of Class C shares for the higher cumulative annual distribution-related fee
on those shares plus, in the case of Class C shares, the 1% initial sales charge
to exceed the initial sales charge plus the cumulative annual
distribution-related fees on Class A shares. This does not take into account the
time value of money, which further reduces the impact of the higher Class B or
Class C distribution-related fee on the investment, fluctuations in NAV, the
effect of the return on the investment over this period of time or redemptions
when the CDSC is applicable.
 
  ALL PURCHASES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE, EITHER AS PART OF A SINGLE INVESTMENT OR
UNDER RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION OR LETTERS OF INTENT, MUST BE FOR CLASS A SHARES,
UNLESS THE PURCHASER IS ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE CLASS Z SHARES. See "Reduction and
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" and "Class Z Shares" below.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
  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>
 
  The Distributor may reallow the entire sales charge to Dealers. Dealers may be
deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined under the federal securities
laws. The Distributor reserves the right, without prior notice to any Dealer, to
suspend or eliminate Dealer concessions or commissions.
 
  In connection with the sale of Class A shares at NAV (without payment of an
initial sales charge), the Manager, the Distributor or one of their affiliates
may pay Dealers, financial advisers and other persons which distribute shares a
finder's fee from its own resources based on a percentage of the NAV of shares
sold by such persons.
 
  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 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the
Internal Revenue Code and "rabbi trusts" (collectively, Benefit Plans), provided
that the Benefit Plan has existing assets of at least $1 million invested in
shares of Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds other than those
acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) or 250 eligible employees or
participants. In the case of Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with
the Transfer Agent and for which the Transfer Agent does individual account
recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans), Class A shares may be purchased at
NAV by participants who are repaying loans made from such plans to the
participant.
 
  SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RETIREMENT PLANS. After a Benefit 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
the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, by the following persons: (a) officers of
the Prudential Mutual Funds (including the Fund); (b) employees of the
Distributor and PIFM and their subsidiaries and members of the families of such
persons who maintain an "employee related" account at the Transfer Agent; (c)
employees of subadvisers of the Prudential Mutual Funds provided that purchases
at NAV are permitted by such person's employer; (d) Prudential, employees and
special agents of Prudential and its subsidiaries and all persons who have
retired directly from active service with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries;
(e) registered representatives and employees of Dealers who have entered into a
selected dealer agreement with the Distributor, provided that purchases at NAV
are permitted by such person's employer; (f) investors in Individual Retirement
Accounts, provided the purchase is made in a directed rollover to
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
such Individual Retirement Account or with the proceeds of a tax-free rollover
of assets from a Benefit Plan for which Prudential provides administrative or
recordkeeping services and further provided that such purchase is made within 60
days of receipt of the Benefit Plan distribution; (g) investors previously
eligible to purchase Class A shares at NAV because of their participation in
programs sponsored by an affiliate of the Distributor for certain retirement
plan or deferred compensation plan participants; (h) orders placed by
broker-dealers, investment advisers or financial planners who have entered into
an agreement with the Distributor, who place trades for their own accounts or
the accounts of their clients and who charge a management, consulting or other
fee for their services (E.G., mutual fund "wrap" or asset allocation programs);
and (i) orders placed by clients of broker-dealers, investment advisers or
financial planners for customer accounts if the accounts are linked to the
master account of such broker-dealer, investment adviser or financial planner
and the broker-dealer, investment adviser or financial planner charges its
clients a separate fee for its services (E.G., mutual fund "supermarket"
programs).
 
  For an investor to obtain any reduction or waiver of the initial sales
charges, at the time of the sale, either the Transfer Agent must be notified
directly by the investor or the Distributor must be notified by the Dealer
facilitating the transaction that the sale qualifies for the reduced or waived
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 in proper form by the Transfer Agent, your Dealer or the
Distributor, plus in the case of Class C shares, an initial sales charge of 1%.
Redemptions of Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. See "How to
Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
 
  The Distributor will pay, from its own resources, sales commissions of up to
4% of the purchase price of Class B shares, to Dealers, financial advisers and
other persons which sell Class B shares at the time of sale. This facilitates
the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B shares without an initial sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. The Distributor anticipates that
it will recoup its advancement of sales commissions from the combination of the
CDSC and the distribution fee. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" above.
In connection with the sale of Class C shares, the Distributor will pay, from
its own resources, Dealers, financial advisers and other persons which
distribute Class C shares a sales commission of up to 1% of the purchase price
at the time of the sale.
 
  WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGE--CLASS C SHARES
 
  BENEFIT PLANS. Class C shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of an
initial sales charge, by Benefit Plans (as defined above). In the case of
Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities
does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit
Plans sponsored by Prudential, Prudential Securities or its subsidiaries
(Prudential Securities or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans), Class C shares
may be purchased at NAV by participants who are repaying the loans made from
such plans to the participant.
 
  PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PLANS. The initial sales charge will be waived with
respect to purchases of Class C shares by qualified and non-qualified retirement
and deferred compensation plans participating in the PruArray Plan and other
plans for which Prudential provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
  INVESTMENTS OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS FROM OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Investors
may purchase Class C shares at NAV, without the initial sales charge, with the
proceeds from the redemption of shares of any unaffiliated registered investment
company which were not held through an account with any Prudential affiliate.
Such purchases must be made within 60 days of
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
the redemption. Investors eligible for this waiver include: (i) investors
purchasing shares through an account at Prudential Securities; (ii) investors
purchasing shares through an ADVANTAGE Account or an Investor Account with Pruco
Securities Corporation (Prusec); and (iii) investors purchasing shares through
other Dealers. This waiver is not available to investors who purchase shares
directly from the Transfer Agent. You must notify the Transfer Agent directly or
through your Dealer if you are entitled to this waiver and provide the Transfer
Agent with such supporting documents as it may deem appropriate.
 
  CLASS Z SHARES
 
  Class Z shares of the Fund are currently available for purchase by: (i)
pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans qualified under Section
401 of the Internal Revenue Code, deferred compensation plans and annuity plans
under Section 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, and non-qualified
plans for which the Fund is an available option (collectively, Benefit Plans),
provided that such Benefit Plans (in combination with other plans sponsored by
the same employer or group of related employers) have at least $50 million in
defined contribution assets; (ii) participants in any fee-based program or trust
program sponsored by an affiliate of the Distributor which includes mutual funds
as investment options and for which the Fund is an available option; (iii)
certain participants in the MEDLEY Program (group variable annuity contracts)
sponsored by an affiliate of the Distributor for whom Class Z shares of the
Prudential Mutual Funds are an available investment option; (iv) Benefit Plans
for which an affiliate of the Distributor provides administrative or
recordkeeping services and as of September 20, 1996, (a) were Class Z
shareholders of the Prudential Mutual Funds or (b) executed a letter of intent
to purchase Class Z shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds; (v) current and
former Directors/Trustees of the Prudential Mutual Funds (including the Fund);
(vi) employees of certain affiliates of the Distributor who participate in a
Prudential-sponsored employee savings plan and (vii) Prudential with an
investment of $10 million or more. After a Benefit Plan qualifies to purchase
Class Z shares, all subsequent purchases will be for Class Z shares.
 
  In connection with the sale of Class Z shares, the Manager, the Distributor or
one of their affiliates may pay Dealers, financial advisers and other persons
which distribute shares a finders' fee from its own resources based on a
percentage of the NAV of shares sold by such persons.
 
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
 
  YOU CAN REDEEM YOUR SHARES AT ANY TIME FOR CASH AT THE NAV NEXT DETERMINED
AFTER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST IS RECEIVED IN PROPER FORM (IN ACCORDANCE WITH
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT IN CONNECTION WITH INVESTORS'
ACCOUNTS) BY THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE DISTRIBUTOR OR YOUR DEALER. SEE "HOW THE
FUND VALUES ITS SHARES." In certain cases, however, redemption proceeds will be
reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC, as described below. See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below. If you are redeeming your shares
through a Dealer, your Dealer must receive your sell order before the Fund
computes its NAV for that day (I.E., 4:15 P.M., New York time) in order to
receive that day's NAV. Your Dealer will be responsible for furnishing all
necessary documentation to the Distributor and may charge you for its services
in connection with redeeming shares of the Fund.
 
  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, THE DISTRIBUTOR OR YOUR
DEALER IN ORDER FOR THE REDEMPTION REQUEST TO BE PROCESSED. IF REDEMPTION IS
REQUESTED BY A CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF
AUTHORITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRANSFER AGENT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE SUCH REQUEST
WILL BE ACCEPTED. All correspondence and documents concerning redemptions should
be sent to the Fund in care of its Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC, Attention: Redemption Services, P.O. Box 15035, New Brunswick, New
Jersey 08906-5035, the Distributor or your Dealer.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
  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.
 
  PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE MADE BY CHECK WITHIN SEVEN
DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE DISTRIBUTOR OR YOUR DEALER OF THE
CERTIFICATE AND/OR WRITTEN REQUEST, EXCEPT AS INDICATED BELOW. If you hold
shares through a Dealer, payment for shares presented for redemption will be
credited to your account at your Dealer 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 Commission, by order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and
regulations of the Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions
prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
 
  PAYMENT FOR REDEMPTION OF RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL THE
FUND OR ITS TRANSFER AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT THE PURCHASE CHECK HAS BEEN
HONORED WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO 10 CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE TIME OF RECEIPT OF THE
PURCHASE CHECK BY THE FUND OR THE TRANSFER AGENT. SUCH DELAY MAY BE AVOIDED BY
PURCHASING SHARES BY WIRE OR BY CERTIFIED OR CASHIER'S CHECK.
 
  REDEMPTION IN KIND. If the Board of Directors determines that it would be
detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to
make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in
whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of
the Commission. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the
same manner as 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 NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
 
  INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION. In order to reduce expenses of the Fund, the Board of
Directors may redeem all of the shares of any shareholder, other than a
shareholder which is an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement plan, whose account
has a NAV 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 Transfer Agent, either
directly or through your Dealer or the Distributor, at the time the repurchase
privilege is exercised to adjust your account for the CDSC you previously paid.
Thereafter, any redemptions will be subject to the CDSC applicable at the time
of the redemption. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below. Exercise of
the repurchase privilege 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, may not be allowed for
federal income tax purposes. For more information on the rule which disallows a
loss on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund which are replaced, see
"Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
  CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
 
  Redemptions of Class B shares will be subject to a CDSC declining from 5% to
zero over a six-year period. Class C shares redeemed within 18 months of
purchase (or one year in the case of shares purchased prior to November 2, 1998)
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 (or one year in the case of shares purchased
prior to November 2, 1998). 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 CDSC will be paid to
and retained by the Distributor. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" and
"Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class B Shares" below.
 
  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" below.
 
  The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to redemptions
of Class B shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
                                              OF THE DOLLARS INVESTED
          YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                           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 NAV above the total amount of 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 NAV
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.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
  For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the CDSC will reduce the gain
or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount recognized on the
redemption of shares.
 
  WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS B SHARES. The CDSC will be
waived in the case of a redemption following the death or disability of a
shareholder or, in the case of a trust account, following the death or
disability of the grantor. The waiver is available for total or partial
redemptions of shares owned by a person, either individually or in joint tenancy
(with rights of survivorship), 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 are: (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 (including a Roth IRA), a lump-sum or other distribution after
attaining age 59 1/2 or a periodic distribution based on life expectancy; (iii)
in the case of a Section 403(b) custodial account, a lump-sum or other
distribution after attaining age 59 1/2; and (iv) 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. Finally, the CDSC will be waived to the extent that the proceeds
from shares redeemed are invested in Prudential Mutual Funds, The Guaranteed
Investment Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account, or units of The
Stable Value Fund. 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. 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.
 
  SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on certain
redemption from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. On an annual basis, up to 12% of
the total dollar amount subject to the CDSC may be redeemed without charge. The
Transfer Agent will calculate the total amount available for this waiver
annually on the anniversary date of your purchase or, for shares purchased prior
to March 1, 1997, on March 1 of the current year. The CDSC will be waived (or
reduced) on redemptions until this threshold 12% amount is reached.
 
  You must notify the Transfer Agent either directly or through your Dealer, 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.
 
  WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS C SHARES
 
  PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PLANS. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from
qualified and non-qualified retirement and deferred compensation plans that
participate in the PruArray Plan and other plans for which Prudential provides
administrative or recordkeeping services. The CDSC will also be waived on
redemptions from Benefit Plans sponsored by Prudential and its affiliates to the
extent that the redemption proceeds are invested in The Guaranteed Investment
Account, a group annuity insurance product issued by Prudential, the Guaranteed
Insulated Separate Account, a separate account offered by Prudential, and units
of The Stable Value Fund, an unaffiliated bank collective fund.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
  OTHER BENEFIT PLANS. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from Benefit Plans
holding shares through a Dealer not affiliated with Prudential and for whom the
Dealer provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
 
  Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly
basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at
relative NAV without the imposition of any additional sales charge.
 
  Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought on
each purchase of Class B shares, the number of Class B shares eligible to
convert to Class A shares (excluding shares acquired through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be
determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i)
the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at least seven
years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B
shares purchased and then held in your account (ii) multiplied by the total
number of Class B shares 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 NAVs, 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 NAV of the Class A shares may be higher than that of the
Class B shares at the time of conversion. Thus, although the aggregate dollar
value will be the same, you may receive fewer Class A shares than Class B shares
converted. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all
payments for Class B shares during a month will be deemed to have been made on
the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a
series of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original payment
for purchases of such Class B shares was made. For Class B shares previously
exchanged for shares of a money market fund, the time period during which such
shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For example, Class B
shares held in a money market fund for one year will not convert to Class A
shares until approximately eight years from purchase. For purposes of measuring
the time period during which shares are held in a money market fund, exchanges
will be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month. Class B shares
acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares after expiration of the
conversion period applicable to the original purchase of such shares.
 
  The conversion feature 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, Class C and Class Z
shares will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue
Code and (ii) that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event.
The conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares may be suspended if such
opinions or rulings are no longer available. If conversions are suspended, Class
B shares of the Fund will continue to be subject, possibly indefinitely, to
their higher annual distribution and service fee.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
 
  AS A SHAREHOLDER OF THE FUND YOU HAVE AN EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE WITH CERTAIN OTHER
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS, INCLUDING ONE OR MORE SPECIFIED MONEY MARKET FUNDS,
SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH FUNDS. CLASS A, CLASS B,
CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND
CLASS Z SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE BASIS OF THE RELATIVE NAV.
No sales charge will be imposed at the time of the exchange. Any applicable 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, Inc. For purposes of calculating the holding period applicable to the
Class B conversion feature, the time period during which Class B shares were
held in a money market fund will be excluded. See "Conversion Feature--Class B
Shares" above. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for tax
purposes. See "Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  IN ORDER TO EXCHANGE SHARES BY TELEPHONE, YOU MUST AUTHORIZE TELEPHONE
EXCHANGES ON YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION FORM OR BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT AND HOLD SHARES IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM. Thereafter, you may call the Fund
at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on weekdays, except
holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., New York time. For your
protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your telephone call will be
recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal identification number. A
written confirmation of the exchange transaction will be sent to you. NEITHER
THE FUND NOR ITS AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, LIABILITY OR COST WHICH
RESULTS FROM ACTING UPON INSTRUCTIONS REASONABLY BELIEVED TO BE GENUINE UNDER
THE FOREGOING PROCEDURES. All exchanges will be made on the basis of the
relative NAV of the two funds next determined after the request is received in
good order.
 
  IF YOU HOLD 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 the Transfer Agent,
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P.O. Box
15035, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5035.
 
  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 THE TRANSFER AGENT, AT THE ADDRESS NOTED ABOVE.
 
  SPECIAL EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES. A special exchange privilege is available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV (see "Alternative
Purchase Plan--Class A Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges"
above) and for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares (see
"Alternative Purchase Plan--Class Z Shares" above). Under this exchange
privilege, amounts representing any Class B and Class C shares (neither of which
are subject to a CDSC) held in such a shareholder's account will be
automatically exchanged for Class A shares for shareholders who qualify to
purchase Class A shares at NAV on a quarterly basis, unless the shareholder
elects otherwise. Similarly, shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares
will have their Class B and Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC and
their Class A shares exchanged for Class Z shares on a quarterly basis.
Eligibility for this exchange privilege will be calculated on the business day
prior to the date of the exchange. Amounts representing Class B or Class C
shares which are not subject to a CDSC include the following: (1) amounts
representing Class B or Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and distributions, (2) amounts representing the
increase in the NAV above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class
B or Class C shares and (3) amounts representing Class B or Class C shares held
beyond the applicable CDSC period. Class B and Class C shareholders must notify
the Transfer Agent either directly or through their Dealer that they are
eligible for this special exchange privilege.
 
  Participants in any fee-based program for which the Fund is an available
option will have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares when
they elect to have those assets become a part of the fee-based program. Upon
leaving the program (whether voluntarily or not), such Class Z shares (and, to
the extent provided for in the program, Class Z shares acquired through
participation in the program) will be exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
  The exchange privilege is not a right and may be modified, suspended or
terminated upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
 
  FREQUENT TRADING. The Fund and the other Prudential Mutual Funds are not
intended to serve as vehicles for frequent trading in response to short-term
fluctuations in the market. Due to the disruptive effect that market timing
investment strategies and excessive trading can have on efficient portfolio
management, the Fund reserves the right to refuse purchase orders and exchanges
by any person, group or commonly controlled accounts, if, in the Manager's sole
judgment, such person, group or accounts were following a market timing strategy
or were otherwise engaging in excessive trading (Market Timers).
 
  To implement this authority to protect the Fund and its shareholders from
excessive trading, the Fund will reject all exchanges and purchases from a
Market Timer unless the Market Timer has entered into a written agreement with
the Fund or its affiliates pursuant to which the Market Timer has agreed to
abide by certain procedures, which include a daily dollar limit on trading. The
Fund may notify the Market Timer of rejection of an exchange or purchase order
subsequent to the day on which the order was placed.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
  In addition to the exchange privilege, as a shareholder in the Fund, you can
take advantage of the following additional services and privileges:
 
  - 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.
 
  - AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP). Under AIP 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 brokerage account. For additional information about this service, you
may contact the Distributor, your Dealer 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 your Dealer 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 Gateway Center
Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077. In addition, monthly
unaudited financial data are available upon request from the Fund.
 
  - SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Inquiries should be addressed to the Fund at Gateway
Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, or by
telephone at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (732)
417-7555 (collect).
 
  For additional information regarding the services and privileges described
above, see "Shareholder Investment Account" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
 
                                       33
<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
  What are the Fund's Risk Factors and Special Characteristics?.............    2
FUND EXPENSES...............................................................    4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................................    5
HOW THE FUND INVESTS........................................................    9
  Investment Objective and Policies.........................................    9
  Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies.................................   10
  Other Investments and Policies............................................   14
  Investment Restrictions...................................................   15
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED.....................................................   15
  Manager...................................................................   15
  Distributor...............................................................   16
  Fee Waivers and Subsidy...................................................   17
  Portfolio Transactions....................................................   18
  Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent......................   18
  Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure............................................   18
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES..............................................   18
HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE.........................................   19
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS..........................................   19
GENERAL INFORMATION.........................................................   21
  Description of Common Stock...............................................   21
  Additional Information....................................................   22
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE...........................................................   22
  How to Buy Shares of the Fund.............................................   22
  Alternative Purchase Plan.................................................   23
  How to Sell Your Shares...................................................   27
  Conversion Feature--Class B Shares........................................   31
  How to Exchange Your Shares...............................................   32
  Shareholder Services......................................................   33
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------
 
MF109P
 
                                       Class A:    743968 10 9
                                       Class B:    743968 20 8
                        CUSIP Nos.:    Class C:    743968 30 7
                                       Class Z:    743968 40 6
 
                   Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc.
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                                   [GRAPHIC]
 
                               NOVEMBER 30, 1998
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                             PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS
<PAGE>
                   PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND, INC.
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               NOVEMBER 30, 1998
 
    Prudential  Small  Company  Value Fund,  Inc.  (the Fund),  is  an open-end,
diversified, management investment  company whose objective  is capital  growth.
The Fund intends to invest primarily in a carefully selected portfolio of common
stocks,  generally stocks of  smaller, less well  known companies that typically
have valuations which,  in the  investment adviser's view,  are temporarily  low
relative to the companies' earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. The Fund's
purchase  and sale of put and call options and related short-term trading may be
considered speculative and may result in higher risks and costs to the Fund. The
Fund may  also  buy  and sell  options  on  stocks, stock  indices  and  foreign
currencies,  foreign currency forward  contracts and futures  contracts on stock
indices and foreign currencies and options thereon in accordance with the limits
described herein. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective
will be achieved. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
 
    The Fund's address is Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102-4077, and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
 
    This Statement of Additional Information is  not a prospectus and should  be
read  in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus, dated November 30, 1998. A copy
of the Prospectus may be obtained from the Fund upon request.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PAGE
                                                         ----
<S>                                                      <C>
General Information...................................   B-2
Investment Objective and Policies.....................   B-2
Investment Restrictions...............................   B-9
Directors and Officers................................   B-10
Manager...............................................   B-14
Distributor...........................................   B-16
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage..................   B-18
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares................   B-19
Shareholder Investment Account........................   B-23
Net Asset Value.......................................   B-26
Performance Information...............................   B-27
Taxes, Dividends and Distributions....................   B-29
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and
 Independent Accountants..............................   B-31
Financial Statements..................................   B-32
Report of Independent Accountants.....................   B-45
Appendix I -- General Investment Information..........   I-1
Appendix II -- Historical Performance Data............   II-1
Appendix III -- Information Relating to The
 Prudential...........................................   III-1
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MF109B
<PAGE>
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
    At  a  special  meeting held  on  July  19, 1994,  shareholders  approved an
amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to change the Fund's name from
Prudential-Bache Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc. to Prudential Growth  Opportunity
Fund,  Inc. By an amendment  to the Fund's Articles  of Incorporation filed with
the Maryland Secretary of State  on June 10, 1996,  the Fund's name was  changed
from  Prudential Growth  Opportunity Fund,  Inc., to  Prudential Small Companies
Fund, Inc. At a meeting of the Fund's  Board of Directors held on May 21,  1997,
an  amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation was approved to change the
Fund's name  from Prudential  Small  Companies Fund,  Inc. to  Prudential  Small
Company Value Fund, Inc.
 
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    The  Fund's investment objective  is capital growth.  It attempts to achieve
such objective  by investing  primarily  in a  carefully selected  portfolio  of
common  stocks generally  of smaller, less  well known  companies that typically
have valuations which, in the Subadviser's view, are temporarily low relative to
the companies'  earnings, assets,  cash  flow and  dividends.  There can  be  no
assurance  that the Fund's  investment objective will be  achieved. See "How the
Fund Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus.
 
    The Subadviser believes that, in seeking to attain capital appreciation,  it
is  important to  attempt to minimize  losses. Accordingly,  the Subadviser will
attempt to anticipate periods when stock prices generally decline. When, in  the
Subadviser's  judgment, such a period is  imminent, the Fund will take defensive
measures, such as investing  all or part  of the Fund's  assets in money  market
instruments  during this period. The Fund may also engage in various derivatives
transactions, such as the purchase and sale of options on stocks, stock  indices
and foreign currencies, foreign currency forward contracts and futures contracts
on  stock  indices  and foreign  currencies  and  options thereon  to  hedge its
portfolio and to attempt to enhance return.
 
    The Fund may 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  United  States  Government,   its
instrumentalities or its agencies.
 
LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASE AND SALE OF STOCK OPTIONS, OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES AND
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
 
    CALL  OPTIONS ON STOCK. The Fund may,  from time to time, write call options
on its portfolio  securities. The  Fund may only  write call  options which  are
"covered,"  meaning that the Fund either owns  the underlying security or has an
absolute and  immediate  right  to acquire  that  security,  without  additional
consideration, upon conversion or exchange of other securities currently held in
its  portfolio.  In  addition, the  Fund  will  not permit  the  call  to become
uncovered prior to the expiration of the option or termination through a closing
purchase transaction as described below. If  the Fund writes a call option,  the
purchaser of the option has the right to buy (and the Fund has the obligation to
sell)  the underlying security at the exercise  price throughout the term of the
option. The  amount paid  to the  Fund by  the purchaser  of the  option is  the
"premium."  The  Fund's obligation  to deliver  the underlying  security against
payment of the  exercise price  would terminate  either upon  expiration of  the
option  or earlier if the  Fund were to effect  a "closing purchase transaction"
through the purchase of  an equivalent option  on an exchange.  There can be  no
assurance that a closing purchase transaction can be effected.
 
    In  order to  write a call  option on an  exchange, the Fund  is required to
comply with  the rules  of  The Options  Clearing  Corporation and  the  various
exchanges  with respect  to collateral requirements.  The Fund  may not purchase
call options except  in connection with  a closing purchase  transaction. It  is
possible  that  the cost  of  effecting a  closing  purchase transaction  may be
greater than the premium received by the Fund for writing the option.
 
    Generally, the  Subadviser  intends to  write  listed covered  call  options
during  periods when it  anticipates declines in the  market values of portfolio
securities because the premiums received may  offset to some extent the  decline
in the Fund's net asset value (NAV) occasioned by such declines in market value.
Except  as part  of the "sell  discipline" described below,  the Subadviser will
generally not write  listed covered call  options when it  anticipates that  the
market values of the Fund's portfolio securities will increase.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
    One  reason  for the  Fund  to write  call  options is  as  part of  a "sell
discipline." If  the  Subadviser decides  that  a portfolio  security  would  be
overvalued  and should be sold at a certain price higher than the current price,
the Fund could  write an option  on the stock  at the higher  price. Should  the
stock subsequently reach that price and the option be exercised, the Fund would,
in  effect, have increased the selling price  of that stock, which it would have
sold at that price in any event, by the amount of the premium. In the event  the
market  price  of the  stock declined  and  the option  were not  exercised, the
premium would offset all or some portion of the decline. It is possible that the
price of the stock could increase beyond the exercise price; in that event,  the
Fund would forego the opportunity to sell the stock at that higher price.
 
    In  addition, call options  may be used  as part of  a different strategy in
connection with  sales of  portfolio  securities. If,  in  the judgment  of  the
Subadviser, the market price of a stock is overvalued and it should be sold, the
Fund may elect to write a call option with an exercise price substantially below
the  current  market price.  As long  as  the value  of the  underlying security
remains above the exercise price during the term of the option, the option will,
in all probability, be  exercised, in which  case the Fund  will be required  to
sell the stock at the exercise price. If the sum of the premium and the exercise
price  exceeds the  market price  of the stock  at the  time the  call option is
written, the Fund  would, in  effect, have increased  the selling  price of  the
stock.  The Fund would not write a call option in these circumstances if the sum
of the premium and the exercise price were less than the current market price of
the stock.
 
    PUT OPTIONS ON STOCK.  The Fund may  also write listed  put options. If  the
Fund  writes a  put option, it  is obligated to  purchase a given  security at a
specified price at any time during the term of the option.
 
    Writing listed put options  is a useful  portfolio investment strategy  when
the  Fund has  cash or other  reserves available  for investment as  a result of
sales of Fund  shares or, more  importantly, because the  Subadviser believes  a
more  defensive and less fully invested position is desirable in light of market
conditions. If the Fund wishes  to invest its cash  or reserves in a  particular
security  at a price lower than current market  value, it may write a put option
on that security  at an  exercise price  which reflects  the lower  price it  is
willing  to pay.  The buyer of  the put  option generally will  not exercise the
option unless the market  price of the underlying  security declines to a  price
near  or below the exercise price. If the Fund writes a listed put, the price of
the underlying stock declines and the  option is exercised, the premium, net  of
transaction  charges, will reduce  the purchase price  paid by the  Fund for the
stock. The price of the stock may decline by an amount in excess of the premium,
in which event the Fund would have foregone an opportunity to purchase the stock
at a lower price.
 
    If, prior to the exercise of a put option, the Subadviser determines that it
no longer  wishes to  invest in  the  stock on  which the  put option  had  been
written,  the Fund may  be able to  effect a closing  purchase transaction on an
exchange by purchasing a put option of the  same series as the one which it  has
previously  written. The cost of effecting a closing purchase transaction may be
greater than the  premium received on  writing the  put option and  there is  no
guarantee that a closing purchase transaction can be effected.
 
    At  the time a put option is written, the Fund will be required to segregate
until the put is exercised or has expired, with its custodian, State Street Bank
and Trust Company (the Custodian), cash or other liquid assets, marked-to-market
daily, equal in  value to  the amount  the Fund will  be obligated  to pay  upon
exercise of the put option.
 
    STOCK  INDEX OPTIONS.  Except as described  below, the Fund  will write call
options on indices only if on such date it holds a portfolio of stocks at  least
equal  to  the value  of  the index  times the  multiplier  times the  number of
contracts. When the Fund  writes a call option  on a broadly-based stock  market
index,  the Fund  will segregate  or pledge  to a  broker as  collateral for the
option, cash or other liquid assets, marked-to-market daily, with a market value
at the time the  option is written of  not less than 100%  of the current  index
value times the multiplier times the number of contracts.
 
    If the Fund has written an option on an industry or market segment index, it
will segregate with the Fund's Custodian or pledge to a broker as collateral for
the  option, at  least ten  "qualified securities,"  which are  securities of an
issuer in such industry or market segment,  with a market value at the time  the
option  is written of  not less than 100%  of the current  index value times the
multiplier times the number  of contracts. Such  securities will include  stocks
which  represent at least 50% of the weighting of the industry or market segment
index and will represent at least 50% of the Fund's holdings in that industry or
market segment.  No individual  security will  represent more  than 25%  of  the
amount  so segregated  or pledged. If  at the close  of business on  any day the
market value of such qualified securities  so segregated or pledged falls  below
100%  of  the current  index  value times  the  multiplier times  the  number of
contracts, the Fund will segregate or pledge  an amount in cash or other  liquid
assets  equal in value  to the difference.  In addition, when  the Fund writes a
call on an index which is in-the-money at the time the call is written, the Fund
will segregate with the Custodian or pledge to the broker as collateral cash  or
other liquid assets, marked-to-market daily,
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
equal  in  value to  the  amount by  which the  call  is in-the-money  times the
multiplier times the number of contracts. Any amount segregated pursuant to  the
foregoing  sentence  may  be  applied  to  the  Fund's  obligation  to segregate
additional amounts  in  the  event  that  the  market  value  of  the  qualified
securities  falls below  100% of  the current  index value  times the multiplier
times the number  of contracts.  A "qualified  security" is  an equity  security
which  is listed  on a  national securities exchange  or listed  on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated  Quotation System against which  the
Fund  has not written a stock  call option and which has  not been hedged by the
Fund by the sale of  stock index futures. However, if  the Fund holds a call  on
the  same index as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is
equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the
exercise price of the call written if  the difference is segregated by the  Fund
in cash or other liquid assets with the Fund's Custodian, it will not be subject
to the requirements described in this paragraph.
 
    STOCK  INDEX FUTURES.  The Fund will  engage in transactions  in stock index
futures contracts as a hedge against changes resulting from market conditions in
the values of  securities which are  held in  the Fund's portfolio  or which  it
intends  to purchase. The  Fund will engage  in such transactions  when they are
economically appropriate  for the  reduction of  risks inherent  in the  ongoing
management  of the Fund or for return  enhancement. The Fund may not purchase or
sell stock index futures if, immediately thereafter, more than one-third of  its
net  assets would be hedged  and, in addition, except  as described above in the
case of a call written  and held on the same  index, 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 option or future 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. In instances  involving
the  purchase of stock index futures contracts by the Fund, an amount of cash or
other liquid assets, marked-to-market daily, having a value equal to the  market
value  of the futures contracts, will be segregated with the Fund's Custodian, a
futures commissions  merchant, and/or  in  a margin  account  with a  broker  to
collateralize  the position and thereby  insure that the use  of such futures is
unleveraged.
 
    Under regulations  of  the  Commodity  Exchange  Act,  investment  companies
registered  under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment
Company Act),  are exempt  from  the definition  of "commodity  pool  operator,"
provided  all of the Fund's commodity  futures or commodity options transactions
constitute BONA FIDE hedging transactions within the meaning of the  regulations
of  the Commodity  Futures Trading  Commission (CFTC).  The Fund  will use stock
index futures and options on futures as described herein in a manner  consistent
with this requirement.
 
    RISKS  OF TRANSACTIONS IN  STOCK OPTIONS. Writing  options involves the risk
that there will be no market in which to effect a closing transaction. An option
position may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market
for an option of the  same series. Although the  Fund will generally write  only
those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is
no  assurance that a liquid  secondary market on an  exchange will exist for any
particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no  secondary
market  on an exchange may exist. If the Fund as a covered call option writer is
unable to effect a closing purchase  transaction in a secondary market, it  will
not  be able  to sell  the underlying  security until  the option  expires or it
delivers the underlying security  upon exercise. The  Fund, and thus  investors,
may lose money if the Fund is unsuccessful in its use of these strategies.
 
    RISKS  OF OPTIONS  ON INDICES.  The Fund's purchase  and sale  of options on
indices will be subject to risks described above under "Risks of Transactions in
Stock Options."  In  addition, the  distinctive  characteristics of  options  on
indices create certain risks that are not present with stock options.
 
    Because  the value of an index option depends upon movements in the level of
the index rather than  the price of  a particular stock,  whether the Fund  will
realize  a gain or loss on the purchase or sale of an option on an index depends
upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market generally or  in
an industry or market segment rather than movements in the price of a particular
stock.  Accordingly, successful use by  the Fund of options  on indices would be
subject to  the  Subadviser's ability  to  predict correctly  movements  in  the
direction  of  the stock  market  generally or  of  a particular  industry. This
requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the price of
individual stocks.
 
    Index prices may be distorted if  trading of certain stocks included in  the
index  is interrupted. Trading in  the index options also  may be interrupted in
certain circumstances, such as if trading were halted in a substantial number of
securities included in the index. If this  occurred, the Fund would not be  able
to  close out options which it had  purchased or written and, if restrictions on
exercise were imposed, may be unable to exercise an option it holds, which could
result in substantial losses to the Fund. It is the Fund's policy to purchase or
write options only  on indices which  include a number  of stocks sufficient  to
minimize the likelihood of a trading halt in the index.
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
    Although  the  markets for  certain  index option  contracts  have developed
rapidly, the markets for other index options are still relatively illiquid.  The
ability  to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not  certain
that  this market will develop in all  index option contracts. The Fund will not
purchase or sell any index option contract unless and until, in the Subadviser's
opinion, the market for such options has developed sufficiently that the risk in
connection with such transactions is no greater than the risk in connection with
options on stocks.
 
    SPECIAL RISKS  OF  WRITING CALLS  ON  INDICES. Because  exercises  of  index
options are settled in cash, a call writer such as the Fund cannot determine the
amount  of its  settlement obligations  in advance  and, unlike  call writing on
specific stocks,  cannot  provide  in  advance  for,  or  cover,  its  potential
settlement  obligations  by  acquiring and  holding  the  underlying securities.
However,  the  Fund  will  write  call   options  on  indices  only  under   the
circumstances  described above under "Limitations on  Purchase and Sale of Stock
Options, Options on Stock Indices and Stock Index Futures."
 
    Price  movements  in  the  Fund's  portfolio  probably  will  not  correlate
precisely  with movements  in the  level of the  index and,  therefore, the Fund
bears the  risk that  the price  of  the securities  held by  the Fund  may  not
increase  as much as the index. In such event, the Fund would bear a loss on the
call which is  not completely offset  by movements  in the price  of the  Fund's
portfolio. It is also possible that the index may rise when the Fund's portfolio
of  stocks does not rise. If this occurred,  the Fund would experience a loss on
the call which is not  offset by an increase in  the value of its portfolio  and
might  also experience a loss in its  portfolio. However, because the value of a
diversified portfolio will, over time, tend to move in the same direction as the
market, movements in  the value of  the Fund  in the opposite  direction as  the
market would be likely to occur for only a short period or to a small degree.
 
    Unless  the Fund has other liquid assets which are sufficient to satisfy the
exercise of a call, the Fund would be required to liquidate portfolio securities
in order to  satisfy the exercise.  Because an exercise  must be settled  within
hours after receiving the notice of exercise, if the Fund fails to anticipate an
exercise,  it may  have to borrow  (in amounts  not exceeding 20%  of the Fund's
total assets) pending settlement of the sale of securities in its portfolio  and
would incur interest charges thereon.
 
    When  the Fund has written a call, there  is also a risk that the market may
decline between the time the  Fund has a call exercised  against it, at a  price
which is fixed as of the closing level of the index on the date of exercise, and
the  time  the Fund  is able  to sell  stocks  in its  portfolio. As  with stock
options, the Fund will not learn that  an index option has been exercised  until
the  day following the exercise date but, unlike  a call on stock where the Fund
would be able to deliver the  underlying securities in settlement, the Fund  may
have  to sell part of  its stock portfolio in order  to make settlement in cash,
and the price of  such securities might  decline before they  can be sold.  This
timing   risk  makes   certain  strategies   involving  more   than  one  option
substantially more  risky  with  index  options than  with  stock  options.  For
example,  even if an  index call which the  Fund has written  is "covered" by an
index call held by the Fund with the  same strike price, the Fund will bear  the
risk that the level of the index may decline between the close of trading on the
date the exercise notice is filed with the clearing corporation and the close of
trading  on the date the Fund  exercises the call it holds  or the time the Fund
sells the  call  which in  either  case would  occur  no earlier  than  the  day
following the day the exercise notice was filed.
 
    SPECIAL  RISKS OF PURCHASING PUTS AND CALLS ON INDICES. If the Fund holds an
index option and exercises  it before final determination  of the closing  index
value  for that day, it runs the risk that the level of the underlying index may
change before closing.  If such  a change causes  the exercised  option to  fall
out-of-the-money,  the Fund will  be required to pay  the difference between the
closing index value and the exercise  price of the option (times the  applicable
multiple) to the assigned writer. Although the Fund may be able to minimize this
risk  by withholding exercise  instructions until just before  the daily cut off
time or by  selling rather than  exercising an  option when the  index level  is
close  to the  exercise price,  it may  not be  possible to  eliminate this risk
entirely because the cut off times for  index options may be earlier than  those
fixed  for other types of options and  may occur before definitive closing index
values are announced.
 
    ADDITIONAL RISKS  OF PURCHASING  OTC  OPTIONS. In  addition to  those  risks
described  in the Prospectus under "Investment Objective and Policies -- Hedging
and Return  Enhancement Strategies  -- Options  Transactions," OTC  options  are
subject  to certain  additional risks.  It is not  possible to  effect a closing
transaction in  OTC options  in the  same  manner as  listed options  because  a
clearing  corporation  is not  interposed between  the buyer  and seller  of the
option. In order to terminate the  obligation represented by an OTC option,  the
holder  must agree  to the termination  of the OTC  option and may  be unable or
unwilling to  do  so  on  terms  acceptable to  the  writer.  In  any  event,  a
cancellation,  if agreed  to, may  require the  writer to  pay a  premium to the
counterparty. Although it does not eliminate counterparty risk, the Fund may  be
able to eliminate the market risk of an option it
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
has  written by writing  or purchasing an  offsetting position with  the same or
another  counterparty.  However,   the  Fund  would   remain  exposed  to   each
counterparty's  credit  risk on  the call  or  put option  until such  option is
exercised or expires. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to  write
put  or  call options,  as  the case  may be,  that  will effectively  offset an
existing position.
 
    OTC options  are issued  in privately  negotiated transactions  exempt  from
registration  under the Securities Act  of 1933 and, as  a result, are generally
subject to substantial legal and contractual  limitations on sale. As a  result,
there is no secondary market for OTC options and the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) has taken the position that OTC options held by an
investment  company, as well as securities used  to cover OTC options written by
one, are illiquid securities, unless the Fund and its counterparty have provided
for the Fund  at its  option to unwind  the option.  Such provisions  ordinarily
involve  the payment by  the Fund to  the counterparty to  compensate it for the
economic loss caused  by an early  termination. In the  absence of a  negotiated
unwind  provision, the Fund  may be unable  to terminate its  obligation under a
written option or to enter into an offsetting transaction eliminating its market
risk.
 
    There are currently legal and regulatory limitations on the Fund's  purchase
or  sale of OTC options.  These limitations are not  fundamental policies of the
Fund and the  Fund's obligation  to comply with  them could  be changed  without
approval  of the Fund's shareholders in the event of modification or elimination
of such laws or regulations in the future.
 
    There can  be no  assurance  that the  Fund's use  of  OTC options  will  be
successful  and the Fund  may incur losses  in connection with  the purchase and
sale of OTC options.
 
RISKS RELATED TO FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD CONTRACTS
 
    The Fund's  dealings  in  forward  contracts  will  be  limited  to  hedging
involving  either  specific  transactions  or  portfolio  positions. Transaction
hedging is the purchase or sale of  a forward contract with respect to  specific
receivables  or payables  of the Fund  generally arising in  connection with the
purchase or  sale  of its  portfolio  securities  and accruals  of  interest  or
dividends  receivable  and Fund  expenses.  Position hedging  is  the sale  of a
foreign currency with  respect to  portfolio security  positions denominated  or
quoted in that currency or in a different currency (cross hedge). Although there
are  no limits on the number of forward contracts which the Fund may enter into,
the Fund  may not  position hedge  (including cross  hedges) with  respect to  a
particular  currency  for  an amount  greater  than the  aggregate  market value
(determined at  the  time  of  making  any sale  of  forward  currency)  of  the
securities being hedged.
 
    The  Fund  may  enter into  foreign  currency forward  contracts  in several
circumstances. When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale  of
a  security denominated in a foreign currency,  or when the Fund anticipates the
receipt in a foreign  currency of dividends or  interest payments on a  security
which  it holds, the Fund  may desire to "lock-in" the  U.S. dollar price of the
security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment,  as
the  case may  be. By  entering into a  forward contract  for a  fixed amount of
dollars, for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved  in
the  underlying transactions, the Fund  may be able to  protect itself against a
possible loss resulting from an adverse  change in the relationship between  the
U.S. dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the date on which
the  security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment
is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received.
 
    Additionally, when the Subadviser believes that the currency of a particular
foreign country may suffer  a substantial decline against  the U.S. dollar,  the
Fund  may enter into a  forward contract for a fixed  amount of dollars, to sell
the amount of foreign  currency approximating the  value of some  or all of  the
Fund's  portfolio securities denominated  in such foreign  currency. The precise
matching of  the  forward contract  amounts  and  the value  of  the  securities
involved  will not generally be possible since the future value of securities in
foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value
of those securities between  the date on which  the forward contract is  entered
into  and  the date  it matures.  The projection  of short-term  currency market
movement is extremely difficult,  and the successful  execution of a  short-term
hedging strategy is highly uncertain. If the Fund enters into a position hedging
transaction,  the transaction will be "covered" by the position being hedged, or
the Fund's Custodian  will segregate cash  or other liquid  assets in an  amount
equal  to the value of the Fund's  total assets committed to the consummation of
such forward contracts (less the value of the "covering" positions, if any). The
assets segregated will be marked-to-market daily, and if the value of the assets
segregated declines, additional cash  or other liquid assets  will be placed  in
the  account so  that the  value of the  account will,  at all  times, equal the
amount of the Fund's  net commitment with respect  to such contract. The  Fund's
ability  to  enter into  foreign currency  forward contracts  may be  limited by
certain requirements for qualification as  a regulated investment company  under
the Internal Revenue Code. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions."
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
    The  Fund generally will  not enter into  a forward contract  with a term of
greater than one  year. At  the maturity  of a  forward contract,  the Fund  may
either sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or
it  may retain the security and  terminate its contractual obligation to deliver
the foreign  currency  by purchasing  an  "offsetting" contract  with  the  same
currency  trader obligating it to purchase, on  the same maturity date, the same
amount of the foreign currency.
 
    It is impossible to forecast with  absolute precision the market value of  a
particular  portfolio  security  at  the  expiration  of  the  forward contract.
Accordingly, if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the
foreign currency and if the market value of the security is less than the amount
of foreign currency  that the Fund  is obligated  to deliver, then  it would  be
necessary  for  the Fund  to purchase  additional foreign  currency on  the spot
market (and bear the expense of such purchase).
 
    If the Fund  retains the  portfolio security  and engages  in an  offsetting
transaction,  the Fund will incur a gain or  a loss to the extent that there has
been movement in forward contract prices. Should forward contract prices decline
during the period between  the Fund's entering into  a forward contract for  the
sale  of a foreign currency  and the date it  enters into an offsetting contract
for the purchase of the  foreign currency, the Fund will  realize a gain to  the
extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of
the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward contract prices increase,
the  Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the price of the currency it has
agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
 
    The Fund's dealing in foreign  currency forward contracts will generally  be
limited to the transactions described above. Of course, the Fund is not required
to  enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency-denominated
securities. It also  should be  recognized that  this method  of protecting  the
value  of the Fund's  portfolio securities against  a decline in  the value of a
currency does  not  eliminate  fluctuations  in the  underlying  prices  of  the
securities  which are unrelated  to exchange rates.  Additionally, although such
contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the
hedged currency, at the same  time they tend to  limit any potential gain  which
might  result should the value of such  currency increase. The Fund's ability to
enter into  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  may  be  limited  by  certain
requirements  for  qualification as  a  regulated investment  company  under the
Internal Revenue Code. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions."
 
    Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it  does
not  intend physically to  convert its holdings of  foreign currencies into U.S.
dollars on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and investors  should
be  aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers
do not  charge a  fee for  conversion, they  do realize  a profit  based on  the
difference  (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer  to sell a foreign currency to  the
Fund  at one  rate, while  offering a  lesser rate  of exchange  should the Fund
desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
 
RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
    There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a
hedging device. Due to  the imperfect correlation between  the price of  futures
contracts  and movements  in the  prices of equity  securities or  a currency or
group of currencies, the price of a futures contract may move more or less  than
the  price of  the equity  securities or  currencies being  hedged. Therefore, a
contract  forecast  of   equity  prices,  currency   rates,  market  trends   or
international  political  trends by  the Subadviser  may still  not result  in a
successful hedging transaction.
 
    Although the Fund will purchase or sell futures contracts only on  exchanges
where  there appears to be  an adequate secondary market,  there is no assurance
that a liquid  secondary market  on an exchange  will exist  for any  particular
contract  or at any particular time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that
it will be possible, at any particular time, to close a futures position. In the
event the Fund could not close a futures position and the value of such position
declined, the Fund would be required to continue to make daily cash payments  of
variation  margin. However,  in the  event a futures  contract has  been used to
hedge portfolio securities, such securities will  not be sold until the  futures
contract  can be terminated. In such circumstances,  an increase in the price of
the securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures
contract. However,  there  is no  guarantee  that  the price  movements  of  the
securities  will, in  fact, correlate  with the  price movements  in the futures
contracts and thus provide an offset to losses on a futures contract. Currently,
futures contracts  are  available  on  the  Australian  Dollar,  British  Pound,
Canadian  Dollar,  French  Franc, Japanese  Yen,  Swiss Franc,  German  Mark and
Eurodollars.
 
    Under regulations  of  the  Commodity  Exchange  Act,  investment  companies
registered  under the Investment  Company Act are exempt  from the definition of
"commodity pool operator,"  subject to compliance  with certain conditions.  The
exemption  is conditioned upon a  requirement that all of  the Fund's futures or
options transactions constitute BONA FIDE hedging transactions
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
within the meaning  of the  CFTC's regulations. The  Fund will  use stock  index
futures  and currency futures and options on futures in a manner consistent with
this requirement.  The Fund  may  also enter  into  futures or  related  options
contracts  for income enhancement and risk  management purposes if the aggregate
initial margin and option premiums do not  exceed 5% of the market value of  the
Fund's total assets.
 
    Successful  use of  futures contracts  by the  Fund is  also subject  to the
ability of the Fund's Subadviser to predict correctly movements in the direction
of  markets  and  other  factors  affecting  equity  securities  and  currencies
generally.  For example, if  the Fund has  hedged against the  possibility of an
increase in the  price of  securities in  its portfolio  and the  price of  such
securities  increases instead, the Fund will lose  part or all of the benefit of
the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses  in
its  futures  positions.  In  addition,  in such  situations,  if  the  Fund has
insufficient cash to meet  daily variation margin requirements,  it may need  to
sell  securities to meet such requirements. Such sales of securities may be, but
will not necessarily be,  at increased prices which  reflect the rising  market.
The  Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do
so.
 
    The hours  of trading  of futures  contracts may  not conform  to the  hours
during  which the Fund may  trade the underlying securities.  To the extent that
the futures markets close before  the securities markets, significant price  and
rate movements can take place in the securities markets that cannot be reflected
in the futures markets.
 
SEGREGATED ASSETS
 
    The  Fund will  segregate with  its Custodian,  State Street  Bank and Trust
Company (State  Street), cash,  U.S.  Government securities,  equity  securities
(including  foreign securities),  debt securities or  other liquid, unencumbered
assets equal in  value to its  obligations in respect  of potentially  leveraged
transactions.  These include forward contracts, when-issued and delayed delivery
securities, futures contracts, written options and options on futures  contracts
(unless   otherwise  covered).  If  collateralized   or  otherwise  covered,  in
accordance with Commission  guidelines, these will  not be deemed  to be  senior
securities. The assets segregated will be marked-to-market daily.
 
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
 
    The  Fund  may  not hold  more  than 15%  of  its net  assets  in repurchase
agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days or in other  illiquid
securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a
readily  available market  (either within  or outside  of the  United States) or
legal or contractual  restrictions on  resale. The Subadviser  will monitor  the
liquidity  of such restricted  securities under the supervision  of the Board of
Directors.
 
    Historically,  illiquid  securities  have  included  securities  subject  to
contractual  or  legal  restrictions  on  resale  because  they  have  not  been
registered under  the  Securities Act  of  1933, as  amended  (Securities  Act),
securities  which are otherwise not readily marketable and repurchase agreements
having a maturity  of longer  than seven days.  Securities which  have not  been
registered  under the  Securities Act are  referred to as  private placements or
restricted securities  and are  purchased directly  from the  issuer or  in  the
secondary  market. Mutual  funds do not  typically hold a  significant amount of
these restricted  or other  illiquid  securities because  of the  potential  for
delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an
adverse  effect on the  marketability of portfolio securities  and a mutual fund
might be unable to dispose of  restricted or other illiquid securities  promptly
or  at  reasonable prices  and  might thereby  experience  difficulty satisfying
redemptions within seven days.  A mutual fund might  also have to register  such
restricted  securities  in  order to  dispose  of them  resulting  in additional
expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering
of securities.
 
    In recent years,  however, a  large institutional market  has developed  for
certain  securities that are  not registered under  the Securities Act including
repurchase  agreements,   commercial   paper,  foreign   securities,   municipal
securities,  convertible securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional
investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the  unregistered
security  can be  readily resold on  an issuer's  ability to honor  a demand for
repayment. The fact that there are  contractual or legal restrictions on  resale
to  the general public or  to certain institutions may  not be indicative of the
liquidity of such investments.
 
    Rule 144A  under  the Securities  Act  allows for  a  broader  institutional
trading  market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the
general public.  Rule 144A  establishes a  "safe harbor"  from the  registration
requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  for  resales  of  certain  securities to
qualified institutional buyers. The Subadviser  anticipates that the market  for
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
certain restricted securities such as institutional commercial paper and foreign
securities  will  expand  further  as  a  result  of  this  regulation  and  the
development of automated systems  for the trading,  clearance and settlement  of
unregistered  securities of  domestic and  foreign issuers,  such as  the PORTAL
System sponsored by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
 
    Restricted securities eligible for  resale pursuant to  Rule 144A under  the
Securities  Act  and commercial  paper for  which there  is a  readily available
market will  not be  deemed to  be  illiquid. The  Subadviser will  monitor  the
liquidity  of such restricted securities subject to the supervision of the Board
of Directors. In  reaching liquidity  decisions, the  Subadviser will  consider,
INTER  ALIA, the following factors:  (1) the frequency of  trades and quotes for
the security; (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security
and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make  a
market in the security; and (4) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (E.G., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of  soliciting offers and the mechanics of  the transfer). In addition, in order
for commercial  paper  that  is  issued  in reliance  on  Section  4(2)  of  the
Securities  Act to be considered liquid, (i) it  must be rated in one of the two
highest rating  categories by  at least  two nationally  recognized  statistical
rating organizations (NRSRO), or if only one NRSRO rates the securities, by that
NRSRO,  or, if unrated, be of comparable  quality in the view of the Subadviser;
and (ii) it must  not be "traded  flat" (I.E., without  accrued interest) or  in
default as to principal or interest. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are
deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.
 
    The   staff  of  the  Commission  has  taken  the  position  that  purchased
over-the-counter  options  and   the  assets   used  as   "cover"  for   written
over-the-counter  options  are  illiquid  securities  unless  the  Fund  and the
counterparty have provided for the Fund,  at the Fund's election, to unwind  the
over-the-counter option. The exercise of such an option ordinarily would involve
the  payment by  the Fund  of an amount  designed to  reflect the counterparty's
economic loss from an early  termination, but does allow  the Fund to treat  the
assets used as "cover" as "liquid."
 
SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 
    The  Fund  may invest  up to  10% of  its  total assets  in shares  of other
investment companies. Generally, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 5%
of its total assets in  such securities. To the extent  the Fund does invest  in
securities  of  other  investment  companies,  shareholders  may  be  subject to
duplicate management and advisory fees.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
    The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will not exceed
100% in normal circumstances. For the  years ended September 30, 1998 and  1997,
the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 36% and 53%, respectively.
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
    The  following restrictions  are fundamental  policies. Fundamental policies
are those which  cannot be  changed without  the approval  of the  holders of  a
majority  of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting  securities,"  when  used in  this  Statement  of  Additional
Information,  means the lesser of (i) 67%  of the voting shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of  the outstanding voting shares are present  in
person  or represented by proxy or (ii)  more than 50% of the outstanding voting
shares.
 
    The Fund may not:
 
    (1) With respect to 75% of the  Fund's total assets, invest more than 5%  of
the  value of its total  assets in the securities of  any one issuer (other than
obligations issued or guaranteed by  the United States Government, its  agencies
or  instrumentalities). It is the current  policy (but not a fundamental policy)
of the Fund  not to invest  more than  5% of the  value of its  total assets  in
securities of any one issuer.
 
    (2)  Purchase more than 10% of the  outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer.
 
    (3) Invest more than 25% of the  value of its total assets in securities  of
issuers  in any  one industry.  This restriction  does not  apply to obligations
issued or  guaranteed  by  the  United States  Government  or  its  agencies  or
instrumentalities.
 
    (4) Purchase or sell real estate or interests therein, although the Fund may
purchase  securities  of  issuers which  engage  in real  estate  operations and
securities which are secured by real estate or interests therein.
 
                                      B-9
<PAGE>
    (5) Purchase or sell commodities or commodity futures contracts, except that
transactions  in  foreign  currency  financial  futures  contracts  and  forward
contracts  and  related  options  are  not  considered  to  be  transactions  in
commodities or commodity contracts.
 
    (6) Purchase oil, gas or other  mineral leases, rights or royalty  contracts
or  exploration or development programs, except that  the Fund may invest in the
securities of companies which operate, invest in or sponsor such programs.
 
    (7) Purchase securities of other  investment companies, except by  purchases
in  the  open market  involving only  customary brokerage  commissions and  as a
result of which not more than 10% of its total assets (determined at the time of
investment) would be invested in such securities or except in connection with  a
merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of assets.
 
    (8)  Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that
the Fund may borrow up to 20% of the value of the total assets (calculated  when
the  loan is made) for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes or for the
clearance of transactions. The  Fund may pledge  up to 20% of  the value of  its
total  assets to secure such borrowings. Secured borrowings may take the form of
reverse repurchase agreements, pursuant to  which the Fund would sell  portfolio
securities  for cash and simultaneously agree  to repurchase them at a specified
date for the same  amount of cash  plus an interest  component. For purposes  of
this  restriction, obligations  of the  Fund to  Directors pursuant  to deferred
compensation arrangements, the purchase and sale of securities on a  when-issued
or  delayed delivery  basis, the purchase  and sale of  forward foreign currency
exchange contracts  and  financial futures  contracts  and related  options  and
collateral  arrangements with respect to margins for financial futures contracts
and with  respect to  options are  not deemed  to be  the issuance  of a  senior
security or a pledge of assets.
 
    (9)  Make  loans of  money or  securities,  except by  the purchase  of debt
obligations in  which  the Fund  may  invest consistently  with  its  investment
objective and policies or by investment in repurchase agreements.
 
    (10) Make short sales of securities except short sales against-the-box.
 
    (11)  Purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term loans as are
necessary for  the clearance  of  purchases of  portfolio securities.  (For  the
purpose  of this restriction, the  deposit or payment by  the Fund of initial or
maintenance margin  in  connection  with  financial  futures  contracts  is  not
considered the purchase of a security on margin.)
 
    (12)  Engage in the  underwriting of securities, except  insofar as the Fund
may be  deemed  an underwriter  under  the Securities  Act,  in disposing  of  a
portfolio security.
 
    (13) Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of any other
issuer.
 
    Whenever  any fundamental investment policy or investment restriction states
a maximum percentage of the Fund's assets, it is intended that if the percentage
limitation is  met  at the  time  the investment  is  made, a  later  change  in
percentage  resulting  from  changing total  or  net  asset values  will  not be
considered a violation  of such policy.  However, in the  event that the  Fund's
asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, the Fund will take prompt action
to reduce its borrowings, as required by applicable law.
 
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           POSITION                                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE (1)                 WITH FUND                                  DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------  ------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
Edward D. Beach (73)            Director                        President and Director of BMC Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment
                                                                 company; formerly, Vice Chairman of Broyhill Furniture
                                                                 Industries, Inc.; Certified Public Accountant; Secretary and
                                                                 Treasurer of Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.; Member of the
                                                                 Board of Trustees of Mars Hill College; Director of The High
                                                                 Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Delayne Dedrick Gold (59)       Director                        Marketing and Management Consultant; Director of The High Yield
                                                                 Income Fund, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           POSITION                                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE (1)                 WITH FUND                                  DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------  ------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
*Robert F. Gunia (51)           Vice President and Director     Vice President (since September 1997) of Prudential; Executive
                                                                 Vice President and Treasurer (since December 1996) of Prudential
                                                                 Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM); Senior Vice President
                                                                 (since March 1987) of Prudential Securities Incorporated
                                                                 (Prudential Securities); formerly Chief Administrative Officer
                                                                 (July 1990-September 1996), Director (January 1989-September
                                                                 1996); Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
                                                                 Officer (June 1987-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                                 Management, Inc.; Vice President and Director of The Asia
                                                                 Pacific Fund, Inc. (since May 1989); Director of The High Yield
                                                                 Income Fund, Inc.
Douglas H. McCorkindale (58)    Director                        Vice Chairman (since March 1984) and President (since September
                                                                 1997) of Gannett Co. Inc. (publishing and media) (since March
                                                                 1984); Director of Gannett Co. Inc., Frontier Corporation and
                                                                 Continental Airlines, Inc.
*Mendel A. Melzer, CFA (38)     Director                        Chief Investment Officer (since October 1996) of Prudential
751 Broad St.                                                    Mutual Funds; formerly Chief Financial Officer (November
Newark, NJ 07102                                                 1995-September 1996) of Prudential Investments; Senior Vice
                                                                 President and Chief Financial Officer (April 1993-November 1995)
                                                                 of Prudential Preferred Financial Services, Managing Director
                                                                 (April 1991-April 1993) of Prudential Investment Advisors and
                                                                 Senior Vice President (July 1989-April 1991) of Prudential
                                                                 Capital Corporation; Chairman and Director of Prudential Series
                                                                 Fund, Inc.; Director of The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Thomas T. Mooney (56)           Director                        President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce;
                                                                 former Rochester City Manager; Trustee of Center for
                                                                 Governmental Research, Inc.; Director of Blue Cross of
                                                                 Rochester, Monroe County Water Authority, Rochester Jobs, Inc.,
                                                                 Executive Service Corps of Rochester, Monroe County Industrial
                                                                 Development Corporation, Northeast Midwest Institute and The
                                                                 High Yield Income Fund, Inc.; President, Director and Treasurer
                                                                 of First Financial Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
Stephen P. Munn (55)            Director                        Chairman (since January 1994), Director and President (since
                                                                 1988) and Chief Executive Officer (1988-December 1993) of
                                                                 Carlisle Companies Incorporated (manufacturer of industrial
                                                                 products).
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           POSITION                                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE (1)                 WITH FUND                                  DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------  ------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
*Richard A. Redeker (54)        Director                        Employee of Prudential Investments; formerly President, Chief
751 Broad St.                                                    Executive Officer and Director (October 1993-September 1996),
Newark, NJ 07102                                                 Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.; Executive Vice
                                                                 President, Director and Member of Operating Committee (October
                                                                 1993-September 1996), Prudential Securities. Director (October
                                                                 1993-September 1996) of Prudential Securities Group, Inc.,
                                                                 Executive Vice President, The Prudential Investment Corporation
                                                                 (January 1994-September 1996); Director (January 1994-September
                                                                 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. and
                                                                 Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. and Senior Executive Vice
                                                                 President and Director of Kemper Financial Services, Inc.
                                                                 (September 1978-September 1993); President and Director of The
                                                                 High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Robin B. Smith (58)             Director                        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since August 1996) of
                                                                 Publisher's Clearing House; formerly President and Chief
                                                                 Executive Officer (January 1988-August 1996) and President and
                                                                 Chief Operating Officer (September 1981-December 1988) of
                                                                 Publishers Clearing House; Director of BellSouth Corporation,
                                                                 Texaco Inc., Springs Industries Inc. and Kmart Corporation.
Brian M. Storms (44)            President and Director          President (since October 1998) of Prudential Investments;
                                                                 formerly President (September 1996-October 1998) of Prudential
                                                                 Mutual Funds, Annuities and Investment Management Services;
                                                                 Managing Director (July 1991-September 1996) of Fidelity
                                                                 Investment Institutional Services Company, Inc.; President,
                                                                 (October 1989-September 1991) of J.K. Schofield; Senior Vice
                                                                 President (September 1982-October 1989) of INVEST Financial
                                                                 Corporation.
Louis A. Weil, III (57)         Director                        Publisher and Chief Executive Officer (since January 1996) and
                                                                 Director (since September 1991) of Central Newspapers, Inc.;
                                                                 Chairman of the Board (since January 1996), Publisher and Chief
                                                                 Executive Officer (August 1991-December 1995) of Phoenix
                                                                 Newspapers, Inc.; formerly Publisher of Time Magazine (May
                                                                 1989-March 1991); President, Publisher and Chief Executive
                                                                 Officer of The Detroit News (February 1986-August 1989); and
                                                                 Member of the Advisory Board, Chase Manhattan Bank-Westchester;
                                                                 Director of The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Clay T. Whitehead (59)          Director                        President of National Exchange Inc. (new business development
                                                                 firm) (since May 1983).
Grace C. Torres (39)            Treasurer and Principal         First Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; First Vice
                                 Financial and                   President (since March 1993) of Prudential Securities; formerly
                                 Accounting Officer              First Vice President (March 1994-September 1996) of Prudential
                                                                 Mutual Fund Management, Inc. and Vice President (July 1989-March
                                                                 1994) of Bankers Trust Corporation.
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           POSITION                                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE (1)                 WITH FUND                                  DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------  ------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
Stephen M. Ungerman (44)        Assistant Treasurer             Tax Director (since March 1996) of Prudential Investments; and
                                                                 the Private Asset Group of The Prudential Insurance Company of
                                                                 America (Prudential); formerly First Vice President of
                                                                 Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (February 1993-September
                                                                 1996).
Marguerite E. H. Morrison (42)  Secretary                       Vice President (since December 1996) of PIFM; Vice President and
                                                                 Associate General Counsel (since September 1987) of Prudential
                                                                 Securities; formerly Vice President and Associate General
                                                                 Counsel (June 1991-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                                 Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) Unless  otherwise stated, the  address of the Directors  and officers is c/o
    Prudential Investments  Fund  Management  LLC,  Gateway  Center  Three,  100
    Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.
 * "Interested" director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason of
   his affiliation with Prudential Securities, The Prudential Insurance Company
   of America (Prudential) or PIFM.
 
    Directors and officers of the Fund are also trustees, directors and officers
of  some  or all  of the  other investment  companies distributed  by Prudential
Investment Management Services LLC.
 
    The officers  conduct and  supervise the  daily business  operations of  the
Fund,  while  the Directors,  in  addition to  their  functions set  forth under
"Manager" and "Distributor," review such actions and decide on general policy.
 
    The Board of Directors has adopted  a retirement policy which calls for  the
retirement  of Directors on December 31 of the  year in which they reach the age
of 72, except that retirement is being  phased in for Directors who were age  68
or  older as of December  31, 1993. Under this  phase-in provision, Mr. Beach is
scheduled to retire on December 31, 1999.
 
    Pursuant to the  Management Agreement with  the Fund, the  Manager pays  all
compensation  of officers  and employees  of the  Fund as  well as  the fees and
expenses of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Manager.
The Fund currently pays each of its Directors who is not an affiliated person of
the Manager annual compensation of $3,000, in addition to certain  out-of-pocket
expenses.  The amount of annual compensation paid to each Director may change as
a result of  the introduction of  additional funds  on the boards  of which  the
Director will be asked to serve.
 
    Directors  may  receive their  Director's fees  pursuant  to a  deferred fee
agreement with the  Fund. Under  the terms of  the agreement,  the Fund  accrues
daily  the  amount of  such  Director's fee  which  accrues interest  at  a rate
equivalent to the prevailing  rate applicable to 90-day  U.S. Treasury Bills  at
the  beginning of each  calendar quarter or, pursuant  to a Commission exemptive
order, at the daily rate of return of  the Fund (the Fund rate). Payment of  the
interest  so accrued is also deferred and  accruals become payable at the option
of the Director. The Fund's obligation  to make payments of deferred  Directors'
fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Fund.
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>
    The  following table sets forth the  aggregate compensation paid by the Fund
for the  fiscal year  ended September  30, 1998  to the  Directors who  are  not
affiliated  with  the  Manager  and  the  aggregate  compensation  paid  to such
Directors for service on the Fund's board and that of all other funds managed by
the Manager (Fund Complex) for the calendar year ended December 31, 1997.
 
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 TOTAL 1997
                                                                       PENSION OR                               COMPENSATION
                                                                       RETIREMENT                                 FROM FUND
                                                     AGGREGATE      BENEFITS ACCRUED      ESTIMATED ANNUAL        AND FUND
                                                   COMPENSATION      AS PART OF FUND        BENEFITS UPON       COMPLEX PAID
                NAME OF DIRECTOR                     FROM FUND          EXPENSES             RETIREMENT         TO DIRECTORS
- -------------------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------------  -------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>                    <C>                  <C>
Edward D. Beach                                      $   2,875               None                   N/A       $  135,000(38/63)*
Delayne Dedrick Gold                                     2,875               None                   N/A          135,000(38/63)*
Robert F. Gunia+                                          None               None                   N/A             None
Donald Lennox, Former Director                             625               None                   N/A           90,000(26/50)
Douglas H. McCorkindale**                                2,875               None                   N/A           70,000(20/35)*
Mendel A. Melzer+                                         None               None                   N/A             None
Thomas T. Mooney**                                       2,875               None                   N/A          115,000(31/64)*
Stephen P. Munn                                          2,875               None                   N/A           45,000(15/21)*
Richard A. Redeker+                                       None               None                   N/A             None
Robin B. Smith**                                         2,875               None                   N/A           90,000(29/34)*
Louis A. Weil, III                                       2,875               None                   N/A           90,000(26/50)*
Clay T. Whitehead                                        2,875               None                   N/A           45,000(15/21)*
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 * Indicates number  of  funds/portfolios in  Fund  Complex to  which  aggregate
   compensation relates.
** Total compensation from all of the funds in the Fund Complex for the calendar
   year  ended December 31,  1997, includes amounts deferred  at the election of
   Directors under  the funds'  deferred compensation  plans. Including  accrued
   interest,  total compensation amounted to  $71,640, $143,909 and $139,097 for
   Douglas H. McCorkindale, Thomas T. Mooney and Robin B. Smith, respectively.
 + Robert F. Gunia, Mendel A. Melzer and Richard A. Redeker, who are  interested
   Directors did not receive compensation from the Fund or any other fund in the
   Fund Complex.
 
    As of November 13, 1998, the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Fund.
 
    As  of November 13, 1998, the only beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
of more than 5% of  the outstanding shares of  any class of beneficial  interest
was: Boston Safe Deposit & Trust as Trustee for K-Mart 401K, PRT. S, 1 Cabot Rd.
#28-0035, Medford, MA 02155 which held 833,449 Class Z shares (8.6%).
 
    As  of November  13, 1998, Prudential  Securities was the  record holder for
other  beneficial  owners  of  13,403,338  Class  A  shares  (or  49.6%  of  the
outstanding  Class  A  shares),  28,037,111  Class B  shares  (or  68.5%  of the
outstanding Class  B  shares),  1,414,565  Class  C  shares  (or  64.7%  of  the
outstanding  Class  C  shares), and  899,070  Class  Z shares  (or  9.3%  of the
outstanding Class  Z shares)  of  the Fund.  In the  event  of any  meetings  of
shareholders,  Prudential Securities will  forward, or cause  the forwarding of,
proxy materials to the beneficial owners for which it is the record holder.
 
                                    MANAGER
 
    The Manager  of  the Fund  is  Prudential Investments  Fund  Management  LLC
(formerly,  Prudential Mutual  Fund Management  LLC), Gateway  Center Three, 100
Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077. The Manager serves as manager to
all of the other  open-end management investment  companies that, together  with
the   Fund,  comprise  the  Prudential  Mutual  Funds.  See  "How  the  Fund  Is
Managed--Manager" in the Prospectus. As of October 31, 1998, the Manager managed
and/or administered open-end and closed-end management investment companies with
assets of  approximately  68.2  billion. According  to  the  Investment  Company
Institute,  as of October  31, 1998, the  Prudential Mutual Funds  were the 18th
largest family of mutual funds in the United States.
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>
    The Manager  is a  subsidiary of  Prudential Securities  and The  Prudential
Insurance  Company of America (Prudential).  Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
(the Transfer Agent),  a wholly owned  subsidiary of the  Manager serves as  the
transfer  agent  for  the Prudential  Mutual  Funds and,  in  addition, provides
customer service, record keeping and  management and administration services  to
qualified plans.
 
    Pursuant   to  the  Management  Agreement  with  the  Fund  (the  Management
Agreement), the  Manager, subject  to the  supervision of  the Fund's  Board  of
Directors  and in conformity with the stated  policies of the Fund, manages both
the investment  operations  of  the  Fund and  the  composition  of  the  Fund's
portfolio,   including  the   purchase,  retention,  disposition   and  loan  of
securities. In connection therewith,  the Manager is  obligated to keep  certain
books and records of the Fund. The Manager also administers the Fund's corporate
affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities,
together  with those  ordinary clerical and  bookkeeping services  which are not
being furnished by the Fund's Custodian and the Transfer Agent. The services  of
the  Manager for the  Fund are not  exclusive under the  terms of the Management
Agreement and the Manager  is free to, and  does, render management services  to
others.
 
    For   its  services,  the  Manager  receives,  pursuant  to  the  Management
Agreement, a fee at an annual rate of .70 of 1% of the Fund's average daily  net
assets.  The fee is computed daily and payable monthly. The Management Agreement
also provides that, in the event the expenses of the Fund (including the fees of
the Manager, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,  distribution
fees  and  litigation  and  indemnification  expenses  and  other  extraordinary
expenses not incurred  in the ordinary  course of the  Fund's business) for  any
fiscal  year exceed the lowest  applicable annual expense limitation established
and enforced pursuant  to the  statutes or  regulations of  any jurisdiction  in
which  the Fund's shares are qualified for  offer and sale, the compensation due
to the Manager  will be  reduced by  the amount  of such  excess. Reductions  in
excess  of the  total compensation payable  to the  Manager will be  paid by the
Manager to the Fund. No jurisdiction currently limits the Fund's expenses.
 
    In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund,  the
Manager bears the following expenses:
 
    (a)  the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Fund's personnel except
the fees  and  expenses of  Directors  who are  not  affiliated persons  of  the
Manager;
 
    (b)  all expenses incurred by the Manager  or by the Fund in connection with
managing the ordinary course of the Fund's business, other than those assumed by
the Fund as described below; and
 
    (c) the costs and expenses payable to The Prudential Investment Corporation,
doing business as Prudential Investments, pursuant to the subadvisory  agreement
between the Manager and the Subadviser (the Subadvisory Agreement).
 
    Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the
payment  of the following expenses: (a) the fees payable to the Manager, (b) the
fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of the Manager  or
the  Subadviser, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian and Transfer
Agent, including the cost of providing records to the Manager in connection with
its obligation of maintaining  required records of the  Fund and of pricing  the
Fund's  shares, (d)  the charges and  expenses of legal  counsel and independent
accountants for the Fund,  (e) brokerage commissions and  any issue or  transfer
taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f)
all  taxes and corporate fees payable by  the Fund to governmental agencies, (g)
the fees of any trade  associations of which the Fund  may be a member, (h)  the
cost  of stock  certificates representing  shares of the  Fund, (i)  the cost of
fidelity and  liability  insurance,  (j)  the  fees  and  expenses  involved  in
registering  and maintaining registration of the Fund and of its shares with the
Commission and the states, including the preparation and printing of the  Fund's
registration  statements  and  prospectuses  for  such  purposes,  (k) allocable
communications expenses with respect  to investor services  and all expenses  of
shareholders'  and Directors'  meetings and  of preparing,  printing and mailing
reports, proxy  statements  and  prospectuses  to  shareholders  in  the  amount
necessary   for   distribution   to  the   shareholders,   (l)   litigation  and
indemnification expenses and  other extraordinary expenses  not incurred in  the
ordinary course of the Fund's business, and (m) distribution fees.
 
    The  Management Agreement provides  that the Manager will  not be liable for
any error of judgment or  for any loss suffered by  the Fund in connection  with
the  matters to which the Management  Agreement relates, except a loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith,  gross negligence or reckless disregard  of
duty.  The Management Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically if
assigned, and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party upon not
more than  60  days' nor  less  than 30  days'  written notice.  The  Management
Agreement  will continue in effect for a period  of more than two years from the
date of execution only so long  as such continuance is specifically approved  at
least annually in conformity with the
 
                                      B-15
<PAGE>
Investment  Company Act. The Management Agreement was last approved by the Board
of Directors of  the Fund, including  a majority  of the Directors  who are  not
parties  to the contract or  interested persons of any  such party as defined in
the Investment Company Act, on May 14, 1998, and by shareholders of the Fund  on
April 28, 1988.
 
    For  the fiscal  years ended  September 30,  1998, 1997  and 1996,  the Fund
incurred management fees of $9,138,728, $5,864,087 and $4,336,587, respectively.
 
    The Manager has entered into the Subadvisory Agreement with the  Subadviser.
The  Subadvisory Agreement provides that  the Subadviser will furnish investment
advisory services in connection with the  management of the Fund. In  connection
therewith,  the Subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the
Fund. The Manager continues to  have responsibility for all investment  advisory
services  pursuant to the  Management Agreement and  supervises the Subadviser's
performance of such services.  The Subadviser is reimbursed  by the Manager  for
the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Subadviser in furnishing those
services.
 
    The  Subadvisory  Agreement was  last approved  by  the Board  of Directors,
including a majority of  the Directors who  are not parties  to the contract  or
interested  persons of any such party as  defined in the Investment Company Act,
on May 14, 1998, and by shareholders of the Fund on April 28, 1988.
 
    The Subadvisory Agreement provides  that it will terminate  in the event  of
its  assignment  (as  defined  in  the  Investment  Company  Act)  or  upon  the
termination of  the  Management  Agreement. The  Subadvisory  Agreement  may  be
terminated  by the  Fund, the Manager  or the  Subadviser upon not  more than 60
days', nor  less  than  30  days', written  notice.  The  Subadvisory  Agreement
provides  that it will  continue in effect for  a period of  more than two years
from its execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved  at
least  annually in  accordance with the  requirements of  the Investment Company
Act.
 
                                  DISTRIBUTOR
 
    Prudential Investment  Management Services  LLC (the  Distributor),  Gateway
Center  Three, 100 Mulberry  Street, Newark, New Jersey  07102-4077, acts as the
distributor of shares of the Fund. Prior to June 1, 1998, Prudential  Securities
Incorporated (Prudential Securities) was the Fund's Distributor.
 
    Pursuant  to separate Distribution and Service  Plans (the Class A Plan, the
Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, collectively, the Plans) adopted by the  Fund
under  Rule 12b-1 under the Investment  Company Act and a distribution agreement
(the Distribution Agreement), the Distributor incurs the expense of distributing
the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor also incurs  the
expenses  of  distributing  the Fund's  Class  Z shares  under  the Distribution
Agreement, none of which are  paid for or reimbursed by  the Fund. See "How  the
Fund is Managed--Distributor" in the Prospectus.
 
    Prior  to January 22, 1990,  the Fund offered only  one class of shares (the
then existing  Class B  shares). On  October 6,  1989, the  Board of  Directors,
including a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund
and  who had no  direct or indirect  financial interest in  the operation of the
Class A or Class  B Plan or in  any agreement related to  either Plan (the  Rule
12b-1  Directors), at a meeting  called for the purpose  of voting on each Plan,
adopted a new plan of distribution for the Class A shares of the Fund (the Class
A Plan) and approved an amended  and restated plan of distribution with  respect
to  the Class B shares of the Fund (the  Class B Plan). On February 8, 1993, the
Board of  Directors, including  a majority  of the  Rule 12b-1  Directors, at  a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on each Plan, approved modifications to
the Fund's Class A and Class B Plans and Distribution Agreements to conform them
to  recent amendments  to the National  Association of  Securities Dealers, Inc.
(NASD) maximum sales charge  rule described below. As  so modified, the Class  A
Plan  provides that (i) up to  .25 of 1% of the  average daily net assets of the
Class A shares may be  used to pay for personal  service and the maintenance  of
shareholder  accounts (service fee) and  (ii) total distribution fees (including
the service fee of  .25 of 1%)  may not exceed  .30 of 1%.  As so modified,  the
Class  B Plan provides that (i) up to .25  of 1% of the average daily net assets
of the Class B shares may be paid as a service fee and (ii) up to .75 of 1% (not
including the service fee) of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares
(asset-based sales charge) may be used as reimbursement for distribution-related
expenses with  respect to  the Class  B shares.  On May  3, 1993,  the Board  of
Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, at a meeting called
for  the purpose of voting on each Plan,  adopted a plan of distribution for the
Class C shares  of the  Fund and  approved further  amendments to  the plans  of
distribution  for the  Fund's Class  A and  Class B  shares, changing  them from
reimbursement type plans to compensation type  plans. The Class C Plan  provides
that  (i) up to .25 of 1% of the  average daily net assets of the Class C shares
may be  paid  for  providing personal  service  and/or  maintaining  shareholder
accounts and (ii) up to .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class C
shares  may be  paid for distribution-related  expenses with respect  to Class C
shares. The
 
                                      B-16
<PAGE>
Plans were last approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of  the
Rule  12b-1  Directors, on  May  14, 1998.  The Class  A  Plan, as  amended, was
approved by Class A and Class B shareholders of the Fund, and the Class B  Plan,
as  amended, was approved by Class B shareholders of the Fund, on July 19, 1994.
The Class C Plan was approved by the  sole shareholder of Class C shares of  the
Fund on August 1, 1994.
 
    CLASS  A PLAN. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Distributor
and Prudential Securities received payments of $1,107,973 on behalf of the  Fund
under  the  Class A  Plan. This  amount  was primarily  expended for  payment of
account servicing fees to financial advisers and other persons who sell Class  A
shares.  For  the fiscal  year ended  September 30,  1998, the  Distributor also
received approximately  $1,354,000  on  behalf  of the  Fund  in  initial  sales
charges.
 
    CLASS  B  PLAN. For  the fiscal  year ended  September 30,  1998, Prudential
Securities and the Distributor received $6,784,624 from the Fund under the Class
B Plan and  spent approximately $6,095,929  in distributing the  Fund's Class  B
shares.  It is estimated that of  the latter amount, approximately $20,688 (.4%)
was spent  on  printing  and  mailing of  prospectuses  to  other  than  current
shareholders;   $1,429,082   (23.4%)   on  compensation   to   Pruco  Securities
Corporation, an affiliated broker-dealer, for commissions to its representatives
and other expenses,  including an allocation  on account of  overhead and  other
branch  office distribution-related expenses, incurred by it for distribution of
Fund shares;  and  $4,646,159  (76.2%)  on the  aggregate  of  (i)  payments  of
commissions  and  account servicing  fees  to financial  advisers  $2,243,642 or
(36.8%) and (ii) an  allocation on account of  overhead and other branch  office
distribution-related  expenses  $2,402,517 or  (39.4%).  The term  "overhead and
other branch office distribution-related  expenses" represents (a) the  expenses
of  operating branch offices  of Prudential Securities  and Prusec in connection
with the sale of Fund shares,  including lease costs, the salaries and  employee
benefits   of   operations   and  sales   support   personnel,   utility  costs,
communications costs and the costs of stationery and supplies, (b) the costs  of
client sales seminars, (c) expenses of mutual fund sales coordinators to promote
the  sale of Fund shares;  and (d) other incidental  expenses relating to branch
promotion of Fund shares.
 
    The Distributor  also receives  the proceeds  of contingent  deferred  sales
charges  paid  by investors  upon  certain redemptions  of  Class B  shares. See
"Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales  Charges"
in the Prospectus. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Distributor
and Prudential Securities received approximately $901,000 in contingent deferred
sales charge attributable to Class B shares.
 
    CLASS  C PLAN. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Distributor
and Prudential Securities received $292,592 from the Fund under the Class C Plan
and spent approximately $279,582 in distributing Class C shares. It is estimated
that of the latter amount, approximately $1,666 (.5%) was spent on printing  and
mailing  of prospectuses to  other than current  shareholders; $12,442 (4.5%) on
compensation to  Prusec, an  affiliated broker-dealer,  for commissions  to  its
representatives  and  other  expenses,  including an  allocation  on  account of
overhead and other branch office  distribution-related expenses, incurred by  it
for  distribution of Fund shares;  and $265,474 (95.0%) on  the aggregate of (i)
$197,805 or (70.8%)  as payments of  commissions and account  servicing fees  to
financial  advisers  and (ii)  $67,669 or  (24.2%) as  allocation on  account of
overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses. The  Distributor
receives  the proceeds  of contingent deferred  sales charges  paid by investors
upon certain redemptions of Class C shares. See "Shareholder Guide--How to  Sell
Your  Shares--Contingent  Deferred Sales  Charges"  in the  Prospectus.  For the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Distributor and Prudential  Securities
received approximately $26,000 in contingent deferred sales charges attributable
to Class C shares.
 
    The Class A, Class B and Class C Plans continue in effect from year to year,
provided  that each such continuance is approved  at least annually by a vote of
the Board of Directors, including a  majority vote of the Rule 12b-1  Directors,
cast  in  person  at  a  meeting  called  for  the  purpose  of  voting  on such
continuance. The Plans may each be  terminated at any time, without penalty,  by
the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by the vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class on not more than
30  days' written notice to any  other party to the Plans.  The Plans may not be
amended to  increase  materially  the  amounts to  be  spent  for  the  services
described  therein without approval by the  shareholders of the applicable class
(by both Class A  and Class B  shareholders, voting separately,  in the case  of
material  amendments  to the  Class  A Plan),  and  all material  amendments are
required to be approved by the Board of Directors in the manner described above.
Each Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The  Fund
will  not be contractually obligated to pay  expenses incurred under any Plan if
it is terminated or not continued.
 
    Pursuant to each Plan, the Board of Directors will review at least quarterly
a written report of the distribution  expenses incurred on behalf of each  class
of shares of the Fund by the Distributor. The report will include an itemization
of the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures. In addition,
as  long as the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of the Rule
12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Directors.
 
                                      B-17
<PAGE>
    Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify the
Distributor  to  the  extent  permitted   by  applicable  law  against   certain
liabilities  under federal  securities laws. The  amended Distribution Agreement
was last approved by the  Board of Directors, including  a majority of the  Rule
12b-1 Directors, on May 14, 1998.
 
    NASD  MAXIMUM  SALES  CHARGE  RULE.  Pursuant  to  rules  of  the  NASD, the
Distributor is required to limit aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales
charges and asset-based  sales charges  to 6.25% of  total gross  sales of  each
class of shares. Interest charges on unreimbursed distribution expenses equal to
the  prime rate plus one percent per annum may be added to the 6.25% limitation.
Sales from the reinvestment of dividends  and distributions are not included  in
the  calculation of the 6.25% limitation. The annual asset-based sales charge on
shares of the  Fund may not  exceed .75 of  1% per class.  The 6.25%  limitation
applies  to each class  of the Fund rather  than on a  per shareholder basis. If
aggregate sales charges were to exceed 6.25% of total gross sales of any  class,
all sales charges on shares of that class would be suspended.
 
                      PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
 
    The Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, options
on  securities and  futures contracts  for the  Fund, the  selection of brokers,
dealers and  futures commission  merchants to  effect the  transactions and  the
negotiation  of brokerage commissions, if any. For purposes of this section, the
term "Manager" includes the "Subadviser."  Purchases and sales of securities  or
futures  contracts  on a  securities  exchange or  board  of trade  are effected
through brokers  or futures  commission merchants  who charge  a commission  for
their  services.  Orders may  be directed  to any  broker or  futures commission
merchant, including, to  the extent and  in the manner  permitted by  applicable
law,  Prudential Securities and its  affiliates. Brokerage commissions on United
States securities, options and futures exchanges or boards of trade are  subject
to  negotiation  between  the  Manager  and  the  broker  or  futures commission
merchant.
 
    In the over-the-counter market, securities  are generally traded on a  "net"
basis  with dealers acting as principal for  their own accounts without a stated
commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to  the
dealer.  In underwritten  offerings, securities are  purchased at  a fixed price
which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally  referred
to  as  the underwriter's  concession or  discount.  On occasion,  certain money
market instruments may be  purchased directly from an  issuer, in which case  no
commissions  or  discounts are  paid.  The Fund  will  not deal  with Prudential
Securities in any transaction in which Prudential Securities (or any  affiliate)
acts  as principal.  Thus it will  not deal in  over-the-counter securities with
Prudential Securities  acting  as  market  maker, and  it  will  not  execute  a
negotiated  trade with  Prudential Securities  if execution  involves Prudential
Securities acting as principal with respect to any part of the Fund's order.
 
    In placing orders for portfolio securities or futures contracts of the Fund,
the Manager is  required to  give primary  consideration to  obtaining the  most
favorable  price and efficient  execution. Within the  framework of this policy,
the Manager  will consider  the  research and  investment services  provided  by
brokers,  dealers or futures  commission merchants who effect  or are parties to
portfolio transactions of the Fund, the Manager or the Manager's other  clients.
Such   research  and  investment  services  are  those  which  brokerage  houses
customarily provide  to  institutional  investors and  include  statistical  and
economic  data and research reports on particular companies and industries. Such
services are  used by  the Manager  in  connection with  all of  its  investment
activities,  and some of such services obtained in connection with the execution
of transactions for the Fund may be used in managing other investment  accounts.
Conversely,  brokers, dealers  or futures  commission merchants  furnishing such
services may  be  selected for  the  execution  of transactions  of  such  other
accounts,  whose aggregate assets are far larger than the Fund, and the services
furnished by such brokers, dealers or  futures commission merchants may be  used
by the Manager in providing investment management for the Fund. Commission rates
are  established pursuant  to negotiations  with the  broker, dealer  or futures
commission merchant  based on  the quality  and quantity  of execution  services
provided  by the broker, dealer  or futures commission merchant  in the light of
generally prevailing rates. The Manager's policy is to pay higher commissions to
brokers, other  than Prudential  Securities,  for particular  transactions  than
might  be charged if a different broker had been selected, on occasions when, in
the Manager's  opinion, this  policy furthers  the objective  of obtaining  best
price  and  execution. In  addition,  the Manager  is  authorized to  pay higher
commissions on  brokerage  transactions for  the  Fund to  brokers,  dealers  or
futures commission merchants other than Prudential Securities in order to secure
research  and  investment services  described above,  subject  to review  by the
Fund's Board of Directors from time to time as to the extent and continuation of
this practice.  The allocation  of  orders among  brokers, dealers  and  futures
commission  merchants and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by
the Fund's Board of  Directors. Portfolio securities may  not be purchased  from
any  underwriting or  selling syndicate of  which Prudential  Securities (or any
affiliate), during the existence  of the syndicate,  is a principal  underwriter
(as  defined in the Investment Company Act),  except in accordance with rules of
the Commission. This limitation, in the opinion of the
 
                                      B-18
<PAGE>
Fund,  will not  significantly affect the  Fund's ability to  pursue its present
investment objective. However, in  the future in  other circumstances, the  Fund
may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other funds
with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.
 
    Subject  to  the  above  considerations,  the  Manager  may  use  Prudential
Securities as a securities broker or  futures commission merchant for the  Fund.
In  order for Prudential  Securities (or any affiliate)  to effect any portfolio
transactions for the Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration  received
by Prudential Securities (or any affiliate) must be reasonable and fair compared
to  the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other brokers or futures
commission  merchants  in  connection  with  comparable  transactions  involving
similar securities or futures being purchased or sold on an exchange or board of
trade  during a comparable period of  time. This standard would allow Prudential
Securities (or any  affiliate) to receive  no more than  the remuneration  which
would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker or futures commission
merchant  in a commensurate arm's-length  transaction. Furthermore, the Board of
Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the non-interested Directors, has
adopted  procedures  which   are  reasonably  designed   to  provide  that   any
commissions,  fees or other  remuneration paid to  Prudential Securities (or any
affiliate) are  consistent  with  the foregoing  standard.  In  accordance  with
Section  11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Prudential Securities may
not retain  compensation for  effecting transactions  on a  national  securities
exchange  for the Fund unless the Fund has expressly authorized the retention of
such compensation.  Prudential Securities  must  furnish to  the Fund  at  least
annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained
by  Prudential Securities  from transactions  effected for  the Fund  during the
applicable period. Brokerage and futures transactions with Prudential Securities
(or any  affiliate) are  also subject  to  such fiduciary  standards as  may  be
imposed upon Prudential Securities (or such affiliate) by applicable law.
 
    Transactions  in  options  by  the  Fund  will  be  subject  to  limitations
established by each  of the exchanges  governing the maximum  number of  options
which  may be written or held by a  single investor or group of investors acting
in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or
different exchanges or are written  or held in one  or more accounts or  through
one  or more brokers.  Thus, the number of  options which the  Fund may write or
hold may  be affected  by  options written  or held  by  the Manager  and  other
investment   advisory  clients  of  the  Manager.  An  exchange  may  order  the
liquidation of positions  found to  be in  excess of  these limits,  and it  may
impose certain other sanctions.
 
    The table presented below shows certain information regarding the payment of
commissions  by  the Fund,  including  the amount  of  such commissions  paid to
Prudential Securities for the three-year period ended September 30, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              1998        1997        1996
                                            --------    --------    --------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Total brokerage commissions paid by the
 Fund...................................    $1,812,871  $1,594,915  $954,560
Total brokerage commissions paid to
 Prudential Securities..................    $  2,049    $  1,380    $  0
Percentage of total brokerage
 commissions paid to Prudential
 Securities.............................        .001%        .09%      0%
</TABLE>
 
    Of the total  brokerage commissions  paid by the  Fund for  the fiscal  year
ended  September 30, 1998,  $1,127,040 (69.42% of  gross brokerage transactions)
was paid  to  firms  which  provided research,  statistical  or  other  services
provided  to the Manager on  behalf of the Fund.  The Manager has not separately
identified a  portion  of  such  brokerage  commissions  as  applicable  to  the
provision of such research, statistical or other services.
 
                     PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
 
    Shares  of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
NAV per share plus a sales charge which, at the election of the investor, may be
imposed either  (i) at  the time  of  purchase (Class  A shares)  or (ii)  on  a
deferred  basis (Class  B or  Class C shares).  Class Z  shares of  the Fund are
offered to a limited group  of investors at NAV  without any sales charges.  See
"Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" in the Prospectus.
 
    Each  class of shares represents an interest  in the same assets of the Fund
and is identical  in all  respects, except  that (i)  each class  is subject  to
different  sales  charges and  distribution  and/or service  expenses  (with the
exception of Class  Z shares, which  are not  subject to any  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,
 
                                      B-19
<PAGE>
(iii)  each class has a  different exchange privilege, (iv)  only Class B shares
have a conversion  feature and (v)  Class Z shares  are offered exclusively  for
sale  to  a  limited  group of  investors.  See  "Distributor"  and "Shareholder
Investment Account--Exchange Privilege."
 
ISSUANCE OF FUND SHARES FOR SECURITIES
 
    Transactions involving the  issuance of Fund  shares for securities  (rather
than  cash) will be limited to:  (i) reorganizations, (ii) statutory mergers, or
(iii) other acquisitions of portfolio  securities that; (a) meet the  investment
objective  and  policies  of  the  Fund,  (b)  are  liquid  and  not  subject to
restrictions on  resale, (c)  have a  value that  is readily  ascertainable  via
listing on or trading in a recognized United States or international exchange of
market, and (d) are approved by the Fund's investment adviser.
 
SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP
 
    Under  the  current  distribution  arrangements  between  the  Fund  and the
Distributor, Class A shares are sold at  a maximum sales charge of 5%, Class  C*
shares are sold with a 1% sales charge, and Class B* and Class Z shares are sold
at  NAV. Using the Fund's NAV at  September 30, 1998, the maximum offering price
of the Fund's shares is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
CLASS A
Net asset value and redemption price per Class A share...................  $   13.79
Maximum sales charge (5% of offering price)..............................        .73
                                                                           ---------
Maximum offering price to public.........................................  $   14.52
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
CLASS B
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price to public per Class
 B share*................................................................  $   12.63
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
CLASS C
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price to public per Class
 C share*................................................................  $   12.63
Sales charge (1% of offering price)......................................        .13
                                                                           ---------
Offering price to public.................................................      12.76
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
CLASS Z
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price to public per Class
 Z share.................................................................  $   13.92
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
        --------------------
         * 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.
</TABLE>
 
REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES--CLASS A SHARES
 
    COMBINED PURCHASE  AND  CUMULATIVE PURCHASE  PRIVILEGE.  If an  investor  or
eligible  group  of  related investors  purchases  Class  A shares  of  the Fund
concurrently with Class A shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds, the purchases
may be combined  to take advantage  of the reduced  sales charges applicable  to
larger   purchases.   See   the   table   of   breakpoints   under  "Shareholder
Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" in the Prospectus.
 
    An eligible group of related Fund investors includes any combination of  the
following:
 
    (a) an individual;
 
    (b) the individual's spouse, their children and their parents;
 
    (c) the individual's and spouse's Individual Retirement Account (IRA);
 
    (d) any company controlled by the individual (a person, entity or group that
holds  25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a corporation will be
deemed to  control the  corporation, and  a  partnership will  be deemed  to  be
controlled by each of its general partners);
 
    (e)  a trust created by  the individual, the beneficiaries  of which are the
individual, his or her spouse, parents or children;
 
    (f) a Uniform Gifts  to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers  to Minors Act  account
created by the individual or the individual's spouse; and
 
    (g)  one  or more  employee  benefit plans  of  a company  controlled  by an
individual.
 
                                      B-20
<PAGE>
    In addition, an  eligible group  of related  Fund investors  may include  an
employer  (or group of  related employers) and one  or more qualified retirement
plans of such employer or employers  (an employer controlling, controlled by  or
under common control with another employer is deemed related to that employer).
 
    The  Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your  Dealer must be notified at the
time of purchase that the  investor is entitled to  a reduced sales charge.  The
reduced  sales charges will be granted subject to confirmation of the investor's
holdings. The Combined Purchase and Cumulative Purchase Privilege does not apply
to individual participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
    RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION.  Reduced sales  charges are  also available  through
Rights  of Accumulation, under which an investor or an eligible group of related
investors, as described above under  "Combined Purchase and Cumulative  Purchase
Privilege,"  may aggregate the value of their existing holdings of shares of the
Fund and shares of other Prudential  Mutual Funds (excluding money market  funds
other  than those acquired pursuant to  the exchange privilege) to determine the
reduced sales  charge. However,  the  value of  shares  held directly  with  the
Transfer  Agent  and through  Prudential Securities  will  not be  aggregated to
determine the reduced sales charge. The value of existing holdings for  purposes
of determining the reduced sales charge is calculated using the maximum offering
price  (NAV plus maximum sales charge) as of the previous business day. See "How
the Fund Values its Shares" in  the Prospectus. The Distributor or the  Transfer
Agent  must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor is entitled to
a reduced sales  charge. The  reduced sales charge  will be  granted subject  to
confirmation  of  the  investor's  holdings.  Rights  of  accumulation  are  not
available to individual participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
    LETTERS OF INTENT. Reduced sales charges are also available to investors (or
an eligible group of related  investors), including retirement and group  plans,
who  enter into a written Letter of  Intent providing for the purchase, within a
thirteen-month period, of  shares of  the Fund  and shares  of other  Prudential
Mutual  Funds (Investment Letter of Intent). Retirement and group plans may also
qualify to purchase Class A  shares at NAV by entering  into a Letter of  Intent
whereby they agree to enroll, within a thirteen-month period, a specified number
of eligible employees or participants (Participant Letter of Intent).
 
    For  purposes of the Investment Letter of Intent, all shares of the Fund and
shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds other than
those acquired  pursuant  to  the  exchange  privilege)  which  were  previously
purchased  and are still  owned are also included  in determining the applicable
reduction. However, the value  of shares held directly  with the Transfer  Agent
and  through  Prudential  Securities will  not  be aggregated  to  determine the
reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with the  Transfer
Agent or through your Dealer.
 
    A  Letter of Intent permits a purchaser, in the case of an Investment Letter
of Intent, to establish a total investment goal to be achieved by any number  of
investments  over  a thirteen-month  period and,  in the  case of  a Participant
Letter of  Intent,  to establish  a  minimum eligible  employee  or  participant
enrollment  goal over a  thirteen-month period. Each  investment made during the
period, in the case of an Investment Letter of Intent, will receive the  reduced
sales  charge applicable to the amount represented by  the goal, as if it were a
single investment.  In  the  case  of  a  Participant  Letter  of  Intent,  each
investment  made during  the period  will be made  at net  asset value. Escrowed
Class A shares totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of Intent will  be
held  by the Transfer Agent in the name  of the purchaser, except in the case of
retirement  and  group  plans  where  the  employer  or  plan  sponsor  will  be
responsible  for paying  any applicable sales  charge. The effective  date of an
Investment Letter of Intent (except in  the case of retirement and group  plans)
may  be back-dated up to 90 days, in order that any investments made during this
90-day period, valued at the purchaser's cost, can be applied to the fulfillment
of the Letter of Intent goal.
 
    The Investment Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to  purchase,
nor the Fund to sell, the indicated amount. Similarly, the Participant Letter of
Intent  does not obligate the  retirement or group plan  to enroll the indicated
number of eligible employees or participants. In the event the Letter of  Intent
goal  is not  achieved within the  thirteen-month period, the  purchaser (or the
employer or  plan sponsor,  in the  case of  any retirement  or group  plan)  is
required  to pay the difference between the sales charge otherwise applicable to
the purchases  made during  this period  and sales  charge actually  paid.  Such
payment may be made directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor
will  liquidate sufficient escrowed shares  to obtain such difference. Investors
electing to purchase Class A shares of  the Fund pursuant to a Letter of  Intent
should carefully read such Letter of Intent.
 
    The  Distributor must be notified at the  time of purchase that the investor
is entitled to a  reduced sales charge.  The reduced sales  charge will, in  the
case  of an Investment Letter  of Intent, be granted  subject to confirmation of
the investor's  holdings or,  in the  case of  a Participant  Letter of  Intent,
subject  to confirmation of the number  of eligible employees or participants in
the retirement or group plan. Letters of Intent are not available to  individual
participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
                                      B-21
<PAGE>
WAIVER OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS B SHARES
 
    The  contingent deferred sales  charge (CDSC) is  waived under circumstances
described  in  the  Prospectus.  See   "Shareholder  Guide--How  to  Sell   Your
Shares--Waiver  of  Contingent Deferred  Sales Charges--Class  B Shares"  in the
Prospectus. In connection with  these waivers, the  Transfer Agent will  require
you to submit the supporting documentation set forth below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORY OF WAIVER                       REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
<S>                                      <C>
Death                                    A  copy of the  shareholder's death certificate or,
                                         in the case  of a  trust, a copy  of the  grantor's
                                         death   certificate,  plus  a  copy  of  the  trust
                                         agreement identifying the grantor.
Disability  -  An  individual  will  be  A  copy of the Social Security Administration award
considered disabled  if  he or  she  is  letter   or  a  letter  from  a  physician  on  the
unable to  engage  in  any  substantial  physician's letterhead stating that the shareholder
gainful   activity  by  reason  of  any  (or, in  the  case  of a  trust,  the  grantor)  is
medically   determinable   physical  or  permanently disabled. The letter must also indicate
mental impairment which can be expected  the date of disability.
to  result  in  death   or  to  be   of
long-continued and indefinite duration.
Distribution  from  an  IRA  or  403(b)  A copy of the distribution form from the  custodial
Custodial Account                        firm  indicating  (i)  the  date  of  birth  of the
                                         shareholder and (ii) that  the shareholder is  over
                                         age    59    1/2   and    is   taking    a   normal
                                         distribution--signed by the shareholder.
Distribution from Retirement Plan        A letter signed  by the plan  administrator/trustee
                                         indicating the reason for the distribution.
Excess Contributions                     A  letter from the shareholder  (for an IRA) or the
                                         plan administrator/ trustee  on company  letterhead
                                         indicating  the amount of the excess and whether or
                                         not taxes have been paid.
</TABLE>
 
    The Transfer Agent reserves the  right to request such additional  documents
as it may deem appropriate.
 
QUANTITY DISCOUNT--CLASS B SHARES PURCHASED PRIOR TO AUGUST 1, 1994
 
    The  CDSC is reduced on redemptions of  Class B shares of the Fund purchased
prior to August  1, 1994 if  immediately after  a purchase of  such shares,  the
aggregate  cost of  all Class B  shares of  the Fund owned  by an  investor in a
single account exceeded $500,000. For example, if an investor purchased $100,000
of Class B  shares of the  Fund and  the following year  purchase an  additional
$450,000  of Class B shares  with the result that  the aggregate cost of his/her
Class B  shares of  the Fund  following the  second purchase  was $550,000,  the
quantity discount would be available for the second purchase of $450,000 but not
for the first purchase of $100,000. The quantity discount will be imposed at the
following rates depending on whether the aggregate value exceeded $500,000 or $1
million:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
                             AS A PERCENTAGE OF DOLLARS INVESTED
                                    OR REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
   YEAR SINCE PURCHASE     ----------------------------------------
      PAYMENT MADE         $500,001 TO $1 MILLION   OVER $1 MILLION
- -------------------------  ----------------------   ---------------
<S>                        <C>                      <C>
First....................           3.0%                   2.0%
Second...................           2.0%                   1.0%
Third....................           1.0%                   0%
Fourth and thereafter....           0%                     0%
</TABLE>
 
    Shareholders  must  notify  the  Fund's Transfer  Agent  either  directly or
through the Distributor or your Dealer, at the time of redemption, that they are
entitled to  the reduced  CDSC. The  reduced  CDSC will  be granted  subject  to
confirmation of the shareholder's holdings.
 
                                      B-22
<PAGE>
                         SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
 
    Upon  the initial purchase of Fund  shares, a Shareholder Investment Account
is established  for  each investor  under  which the  shares  are held  for  the
investor  by the Transfer Agent.  If a stock certificate  is desired, it must be
requested in writing for each transaction. Certificates are issued only for full
shares and may be redeposited in the Account at any time. There is no charge  to
the  investor for  issuance of  a certificate. The  Fund makes  available to the
shareholders the following privileges and plans.
 
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND/OR DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    For the  convenience  of  investors, all  dividends  and  distributions  are
automatically  reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund. An investor
may direct the Transfer Agent in writing  not less than five full business  days
prior  to the record date to have subsequent dividends and/or distributions sent
in cash rather  than reinvested. In  the case of  recently purchased shares  for
which  registration instructions have not been received on the record date, cash
payment will be made directly to the dealer. Any shareholder who receives a cash
payment representing a dividend or  distribution may reinvest such  distribution
at  NAV by returning the  check or the proceeds to  the Transfer Agent within 30
days after the payment date. Such investment  will be made at the NAV per  share
next  determined after receipt of  the check or proceeds  by the Transfer Agent.
Such shareholder will receive  credit for any CDSC  paid in connection with  the
amount of proceeds being reinvested.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    The  Fund makes  available to its  shareholders the  privilege of exchanging
their shares of the  Fund for shares of  certain other Prudential Mutual  Funds,
including  one or more specified money market funds, subject in each case to the
minimum investment requirements of such  funds. Shares of such other  Prudential
Mutual  Funds may also  be exchanged for  shares of the  Fund. All exchanges are
made on the basis of the relative NAV next determined after receipt of an  order
in proper form. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for tax
purposes.  Shares may be exchanged for shares  of another fund only if shares of
such fund may legally  be sold under applicable  state laws. For retirement  and
group  plans  having a  limited menu  of Prudential  Mutual Funds,  the exchange
privilege is available for those funds eligible for investment in the particular
program.
 
    It is contemplated  that the  exchange privilege  may be  applicable to  new
mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the Distributor.
 
    CLASS  A. Shareholders  of the  Fund may exchange  their Class  A shares for
Class A shares of  certain other Prudential Mutual  Funds, shares of  Prudential
Government  Securities Trust (Short-Intermediate Term  Series) and shares of the
money market funds specified below.  No fee or sales  load will be imposed  upon
the  exchange. Shareholders of money market  funds who acquired such shares upon
exchange of Class A shares may use the exchange privilege only to acquire  Class
A shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds participating in the exchange privilege.
 
    The  following  money  market  funds participate  in  the  Class  A exchange
privilege:
 
       Prudential California Municipal Fund
         (California Money Market Series)
       Prudential Government Securities Trust
         (Money Market Series)
         (U.S. Treasury 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)
       Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc. (Class A shares)
       Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
 
    CLASS B AND CLASS  C. Shareholders of  the Fund may  exchange their Class  B
shares  and Class C shares of the Fund for Class B and Class C shares of certain
other Prudential  Mutual Funds  and shares  of Prudential  Special Money  Market
Fund, Inc. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange, but a CDSC may be payable
upon the redemption of the Class B and Class C
 
                                      B-23
<PAGE>
shares  acquired as a result of an exchange. The applicable sales charge will be
that imposed  by the  fund in  which  shares were  initially purchased  and  the
purchase  date will be deemed to be the first day of the month after the initial
purchase, rather than the date of the exchange.
 
    Class B and Class C shares of the  Fund may also be exchanged for shares  of
an  eligible money  market fund without  imposition of  any CDSC at  the time of
exchange. Upon subsequent redemption  from such money market  fund or after  re-
exchange  into the  Fund, such  shares will  be subject  to the  CDSC calculated
without regard to the time  such shares were held in  the money market fund.  In
order  to minimize  the period of  time in which  shares are subject  to a CDSC,
shares exchanged out of the money market fund will be exchanged on the basis  of
their  remaining  holding periods,  with the  longest remaining  holding periods
being transferred first. In measuring the time period shares are held in a money
market fund and "tolled"  for purposes of calculating  the CDSC holding  period,
exchanges  are deemed to have been  made on the last day  of the month. Thus, if
shares are exchanged into  the Fund from  a money market  fund during the  month
(and  are held in the  Fund at the end  of the month), the  entire month will be
included in the CDSC holding period. Conversely, if shares are exchanged into  a
money  market fund prior to the last day of the month (and are held in the money
market fund on the  last day of  the month), the entire  month will be  excluded
from the CDSC holding period. For purposes of calculating the seven year 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.
 
    At any time after acquiring shares of other funds participating in the Class
B or Class C exchange privilege,  a shareholder may again exchange those  shares
(and  any reinvested dividends and distributions) for  Class B or Class C shares
of the Fund, respectively, without subjecting such shares to any CDSC. Shares of
any fund participating in the  Class B or Class  C exchange privilege that  were
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions may be exchanged for
Class B or Class C shares of other funds, respectively, without being subject to
any CDSC.
 
    CLASS  Z.  Class Z  shares  may be  exchanged for  Class  Z shares  of other
Prudential Mutual Funds.
 
    Additional details about the exchange privilege and prospectuses for each of
the Prudential Mutual Funds  are available from the  Fund's Transfer Agent,  the
Distributor  or your Dealer. The exchange  privilege may be modified, terminated
or suspended  on 60  days' notice,  and any  fund, including  the Fund,  or  the
Distributor,  has the right to reject  any exchange application relating to such
fund's shares.
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
    Dollar cost averaging  is a  method of  accumulating shares  by investing  a
fixed amount of dollars in shares at set intervals. An investor buys more shares
when  the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. The average cost
per share is lower than it would be  if a constant number of shares were  bought
at set intervals.
 
    Dollar  cost averaging may be used, for  example, to plan for retirement, to
save for a major expenditure,  such as the purchase of  a home, or to finance  a
college  education. The cost of a year's  education at a four-year college today
averages around  $14,000 at  a private  college and  around $6,000  at a  public
university.  Assuming these costs increase  at a rate of 7%  a year, as has been
projected, for the freshman class of 2011,  the cost of four years at a  private
college could reach $210,000 and over $90,000 at a public university.(1)
 
                                      B-24
<PAGE>
    The  following chart shows how much you would need in monthly investments to
achieve specified lump sums to finance your investment goals.(2)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD OF
MONTHLY INVESTMENTS:                                                 $100,000     $150,000     $200,000     $250,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
25 Years..........................................................   $     110    $     165    $     220    $     275
20 Years..........................................................         176          264          352          440
15 Years..........................................................         296          444          592          740
10 Years..........................................................         555          833        1,110        1,388
 5 Years..........................................................       1,371        2,057        2,742        3,428
See "Automatic Investment Plan."
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
    (1)Source information  concerning  the  costs of  education  at  public  and
private  universities  is  available from  The  College Board  Annual  Survey of
Colleges, 1993. Average  costs for private  institutions include tuition,  fees,
room and board for the 1993-1994 academic year.
    (2)The  chart assumes  an effective rate  of return of  8% (assuming monthly
compounding). This example is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended
to reflect  the  performance  of  an  investment in  shares  of  the  Fund.  The
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an
investor's  shares when redeemed may  be worth more or  less than their original
cost.
 
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN (AIP)
 
    Under AIP, an  investor may  arrange to  have a  fixed amount  automatically
invested in shares of the Fund monthly by authorizing his or her bank account or
brokerage  account  (including a  Prudential Securities  Command Account)  to be
debited to invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The investor's
bank must be a member of the Automatic Clearing House System. Share certificates
are not issued to AIP participants.
 
    Further information  about  this program  and  an application  form  can  be
obtained from the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
 
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
    A  systematic  withdrawal  plan  is available  to  shareholders  through the
Distributor, the Transfer Agent  or your Dealer.  Such withdrawal plan  provides
for  monthly or quarterly checks in any  amount, except as provided below, up to
the value of the shares in the shareholder's account. Withdrawals of Class B  or
Class  C shares may be  subject to a CDSC. See  "Shareholder Guide-- How to Sell
Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.
 
    In the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent (i) a $10,000  minimum
account  value applies, (ii) withdrawals may not be for less than $100 and (iii)
the  shareholder  must  elect  to   have  all  dividends  and/or   distributions
automatically  reinvested in  additional full  and fractional  shares at  NAV on
shares held  under this  plan.  See "Shareholder  Investment  Account--Automatic
Reinvestment of Dividends and/or Distributions."
 
    The  Distributor and the Transfer Agent act as agents for the shareholder in
redeeming sufficient full  and fractional shares  to provide the  amount of  the
periodic withdrawal payment. The systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at
any  time, and Prudential Securities reserves the  right to initiate a fee of up
to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days' written notice to the shareholder.
 
    Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or  income.
If   periodic   withdrawals   continuously  exceed   reinvested   dividends  and
distributions, the  shareholder's original  investment will  be  correspondingly
reduced and ultimately exhausted.
 
    Furthermore,  each withdrawal  constitutes a  redemption of  shares, and any
gain or  loss realized  must  generally be  recognized  for federal  income  tax
purposes.   In  addition,  withdrawals  made   concurrently  with  purchases  of
additional shares are inadvisable because of the sales charge applicable to  (i)
the  purchase of Class A shares  and (ii) the withdrawal of  Class B and Class C
shares. Each shareholder should consult his  or her own tax adviser with  regard
to  the tax consequences of the systematic withdrawal plan, particularly if used
in connection with a retirement plan.
 
                                      B-25
<PAGE>
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  Prudential
Securities.  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 the Distributor or the Transfer Agent.
 
    Investors  who are  considering the adoption  of such a  plan should consult
with their own legal  counsel or tax adviser  with respect to the  establishment
and maintenance of any such plan.
 
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
    INDIVIDUAL  RETIREMENT  ACCOUNTS.  An  individual  retirement  account (IRA)
permits the deferral of federal income tax on income earned in the account until
the earnings are withdrawn. The following  chart represents a comparison of  the
earnings  in a personal savings account with  those in an IRA, assuming a $2,000
annual contribution, an 8% rate of return and a 39.6% federal income tax bracket
and shows  how much  more retirement  income  can accumulate  within an  IRA  as
opposed to a taxable individual savings account.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          TAX-DEFERRED COMPOUNDING(1)
CONTRIBUTIONS              PERSONAL
MADE OVER:                 SAVINGS       IRA
- ------------------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>
10 years................  $   26,165  $   31,291
15 years................      44,675      58,649
20 years................      68,109      98,846
25 years................      97,780     157,909
30 years................     135,346     244,692
<FN>
- ------------------------
  (1)  The chart is  for illustrative purposes  only and does  not represent the
performance of the  Fund or  any specific  investment. It  shows taxable  versus
tax-deferred compounding for the periods and on the terms indicated. Earnings in
a  traditional  IRA account  will  be subject  to  tax when  withdrawn  from the
account. Distributions from a Roth IRA which meet the conditions required  under
the  Internal Revenue Code will  not be subject to  tax upon withdrawal from the
account.
</TABLE>
 
MUTUAL FUND PROGRAMS
 
    From time to time, the  Fund may be included in  a mutual fund program  with
other  Prudential Mutual Funds. Under such a program, a group of portfolios will
be selected and thereafter marketed collectively. Typically, these programs  are
created  with  an  investment  theme,  E.G.,  to  seek  greater diversification,
protection from  interest  rate  movements or  access  to  different  management
styles.  In  the event  such a  program is  instituted, there  may be  a minimum
investment requirement for the program as a whole. The Fund may waive or  reduce
the minimum initial investment requirements in connection with such a program.
 
    The  mutual funds in the program may be purchased individually or as part of
a program. Since the allocation of portfolios included in the program may not be
appropriate for all investors, investors should consult their financial  advisor
concerning  the appropriate blend of portfolios  for them. If investors elect to
purchase  the  individual  mutual  funds  that  constitute  the  program  in  an
investment  ratio  different  from that  offered  by the  program,  the standard
minimum investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
 
    Under the Investment Company Act, the Board of Directors is responsible  for
determining  in  good  faith  the  fair value  of  securities  of  the  Fund. In
accordance with  procedures adopted  by the  Board of  Directors, the  value  of
investments  listed on a  securities exchange and  NASDAQ National Market System
securities (other than  options on stock  and stock indices)  are valued at  the
last  sales price on the day of valuation or,  if there was no sale on such day,
the mean between the  last bid and asked  prices on such day,  as provided by  a
pricing   service  or  principal  market  maker.  Corporate  bonds  (other  than
convertible debt securities)  and U.S. Government  securities that are  actively
traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities for which the
 
                                      B-26
<PAGE>
primary market is believed by the Manager in consultation with the Subadviser to
be over-the-counter, are valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing
service which uses information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations
from  bond dealers, agency ratings, market transactions in comparable securities
and various relationships between  securities in determining value.  Convertible
debt  securities  that  are  actively  traded  in  the  over-the-counter market,
including listed  securities for  which the  primary market  is believed  to  be
over-the-counter, are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked
prices  provided  by  principal  market makers  or  independent  pricing agents.
Options on stock and stock indices traded on an exchange are valued at the  mean
between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on the respective exchange
and  futures contracts and options thereon are  valued at their last sale prices
as of the close of trading on the applicable commodities exchange. Quotations of
foreign  securities  in  a  foreign  currency  are  converted  to  U.S.   dollar
equivalents  at the current rate obtained from  a recognized bank or dealer, and
forward currency exchange contracts are valued  at the current cost of  covering
or  offsetting such contracts. Should an extraordinary event, which is likely to
affect the value of the security, occur after the close of an exchange on  which
a  portfolio security  is traded,  such security  will be  valued at  fair value
considering factors determined  in good  faith by the  investment adviser  under
procedures  established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Board
of Directors.
 
    Securities or  other assets  for which  reliable market  quotations are  not
readily available, or for which the pricing agent or principal market maker does
not  provide a valuation  or methodology or provides  a valuation or methodology
that, in the judgment  of the Manager or  Subadviser (or Valuation Committee  or
Board  of Directors) does not represent fair  value, are valued by the Valuation
Committee or Board in consultation with the Manager or Subadviser including  its
portfolio  managers, traders and its research  and credit analysts, on the basis
of the  following factors:  cost  of the  security, transactions  in  comparable
securities, relationships among various securities and such other factors as may
be  determined by  the Manager,  the investment  adviser, Board  of Directors or
Valuation Committee to materially affect  the value of the security.  Short-term
debt  securities are valued at cost, with interest accrued or discount amortized
to the date of maturity, if their original maturity was 60 days or less,  unless
this  is  determined by  the Board  of  Directors not  to represent  fair value.
Short-term securities with remaining  maturities of 60 days  or more, for  which
market  quotations are  readily available,  are valued  at their  current market
quotations as  supplied by  an  independent pricing  agent or  principal  market
maker.  The Fund will compute its  NAV at 4:15 P.M., New  York time, on each day
the New York  Stock Exchange  is open  for trading except  on days  on which  no
orders  to purchase, sell  or redeem Fund  shares have been  received or days on
which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not affect NAV.
In the event the New York Stock  Exchange closes early on any business day,  the
NAV  of the Fund's shares shall be determined at a time between such closing and
4:15 P.M., New York time. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following
holidays: New Year's  Day, Martin Luther  King, Jr. Day,  Presidents' Day,  Good
Friday,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor  Day,  Thanksgiving  Day  and
Christmas Day.
 
    NAV is calculated separately for each class. The NAV of Class B and Class  C
shares  will generally be lower than  the NAV of Class A  or Class Z shares as a
result of  the larger  distribution-related fee  to which  Class B  and Class  C
shares  are subject. The NAV of Class Z shares will generally be higher than the
NAV of Class A, Class B or Class C  shares as a result of the fact that Class  Z
shares  are not subject to  any distribution and/or service  fee. It is expected
however that  the NAV  per  share of  the four  classes  will tend  to  converge
immediately  after  the recording  of dividends,  if any,  which will  differ by
approximately the amount of the distribution and/or service fee expense  accrual
differential among the classes.
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
    AVERAGE  ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN. The  Fund may from time  to time advertise its
average  annual  total  return.  Average  annual  total  return  is   determined
separately  for Class A, Class B, Class C  and Class Z shares. See "How the Fund
Calculates Performance" in the Prospectus.
 
    Average annual total return is computed according to the following formula:
 
                         P(1+T)to the power of n = ERV
 
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
       T = average annual total return.
       n = number of years.
       ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods
             (or fractional portion thereof) of a hypothetical $1000 investment
             made at the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods.
 
                                      B-27
<PAGE>
    Average annual total  return takes  into account any  applicable initial  or
contingent  deferred sales charges but does not take into account any federal or
state income taxes that may be payable upon redemption.
 
    The average annual total returns for Class  A shares for the one year,  five
year  and since  inception (January 22,  1990) periods ended  September 30, 1998
were (22.96)%, 9.71% and 13.02%, respectively. The average annual total  returns
for  Class B shares for  the one, five and ten  year periods ended September 30,
1998 were  (24.52)%, 9.88%  and 12.71%  respectively. The  average annual  total
returns  for Class  C shares for  the one  year and since  inception, (August 1,
1994) periods ended September 30,  1998 were (20.52)% and 12.90%,  respectively.
The  average total annual returns for Class Z  shares for the one year and since
inception (March 1, 1996)  periods ended September 30,  1998, were (18.58)%  and
11.80%, respectively.
 
    AGGREGATE  TOTAL RETURN.  The Fund  may also  advertise its  aggregate total
return. Aggregate total return  is determined separately for  Class A, Class  B,
Class  C and Class  Z shares. See  "How the Fund  Calculates Performance" in the
Prospectus.
 
    Aggregate total return represents the cumulative  change in the value of  an
investment in the Fund and is computed according to the following formula:
 
                                    ERV - P
                                    -------
 
                                       P
 
    Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
           ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the 1, 5, or 10 year
                 periods (or fractional portion thereof) of a hypothetical $1000
                 investment made at the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year
                 periods.
 
    Aggregate  total  return does  not take  into account  any federal  or state
income taxes that may  be payable upon redemption  or any applicable initial  or
contingent deferred sales charges.
 
    The  aggregate total returns for Class A  shares for the one year, five year
and since inception  (January 22, 1990)  periods ended September  30, 1998  were
(18.90)%,  67.29%  and 204.85%,  respectively. The  aggregate total  returns for
Class B shares for  the one, five  and ten year periods  ended on September  30,
1998  were  (19.52)%,  61.19%  and 230.70%,  respectively.  The  aggregate total
returns for Class C shares for the one year and since inception (August 1, 1994)
periods ended September  30, 1998  were (19.52)% and  65.77%, respectively.  The
aggregate  total returns for Class Z shares for the one year and since inception
(March 1,  1996) periods  ended September  30, 1998  were (18.58)%  and  33.37%,
respectively.
 
    YIELD. The Fund may from time to time advertise its yield as calculated over
a  30-day period. Yield is  calculated separately for Class  A, Class B, Class C
and Class Z  shares. This  yield will  be computed  by dividing  the Fund's  net
investment  income per  share earned  during this  30-day period  by the maximum
offering price per share  on the last  day of this  period. Yield is  calculated
according to the following formula:
 
                            a - b
               YIELD = 2[( -------   +1)to the power of 6 - 1]
                             cd
 
Where: a=dividends and interest earned during the period.
     b=expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
     c=the average daily number of shares outstanding during the
       period that were entitled to receive dividends.
     d=the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
 
    Yield  fluctuates and an annualized yield  quotation is not a representation
by the Fund as  to what an investment  in the Fund will  actually yield for  any
given period.
 
                                      B-28
<PAGE>
    From  time to  time, the  performance of  the Fund  may be  measured against
various indices. Set forth  below is a chart  which compares the performance  of
different types of investments over the long-term and the rate of inflation.(1)
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE
   OVER THE LONG-TERM
 AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
    1/1/26 - 12/31/97
<S>                        <C>                      <C>
COMMON STOCKS                LONG-TERM GOVT. BONDS   INFLATION
11.0%                                         5.2%        3.1%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1)Source: Ibbotson   Associates.  "STOCKS,  BONDS,  BILLS  AND  INFLATION--1998
           YEARBOOK" (annually updates the work of Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex  A.
           Sinquefield). Used with permission. All rights reserved. Common stock
           returns  are  based  on the  Standard  &  Poor's 500  Stock  Index, a
           market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks in a variety of
           industry sectors.  It is  a commonly  used indicator  of broad  stock
           price  movements. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and is
           not  intended  to  represent   the  performance  of  any   particular
           investment  or fund.  Investors cannot  invest directly  in an index.
           Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
 
                       TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    The Fund  expects  to  pay  dividends of  net  investment  income,  if  any,
semi-annually. The Board of Directors of the Fund will determine at least once a
year  whether to distribute any net capital  gains of the Fund (I.E., the excess
of  net  long-term  capital  gains  over  net  short-term  capital  losses).  In
determining  amounts  of  capital  gains to  be  distributed,  any  capital loss
carryforwards from prior years will offset capital gains. Distributions will  be
paid  in additional  Fund shares based  on the net  asset value at  the close of
business on the record date, unless  the shareholder elects in writing not  less
than  five  full  business  days  prior  to  the  record  date  to  receive such
distributions in cash.
 
    The Fund  is  qualified and  intends  to  remain qualified  as  a  regulated
investment  company  under  Subchapter  M of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code. This
relieves the Fund (but not its  shareholders) from paying federal income tax  on
income  and capital gains which are distributed to shareholders, and permits net
capital gains  to the  Fund to  be treated  as long-term  capital gains  of  the
shareholders,  regardless of how long shareholders have held their shares in the
Fund.
 
    Qualification of  the  Fund as  a  regulated investment  company  under  the
Internal Revenue Code requires, among other things, that (a) at least 90% of the
Fund's  annual gross income, without reduction for losses from the sale or other
disposition of securities  be derived  from dividends,  interest, payments  with
respect  to securities  loans and  gains from the  sale or  other disposition of
securities or options thereon or foreign currencies, or other income  (including
but  not limited  to gains from  options, futures or  forward contracts) derived
with respect to its business of investing in such securities or currencies;  (b)
the  Fund diversify  its holdings  so that, at  the end  of each  quarter of the
taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets is  represented
by  cash, U.S. government securities and  other securities limited in respect of
any one issuer  to an  amount not greater  than 5%  of the value  of the  Fund's
assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not
more  than 25% of the value  of its assets is invested  in the securities of any
one issuer (other than U.S. government securities); and (c) the Fund distributes
to its shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income and net short-term
gains (I.E.,  the excess  of net  short-term capital  gains over  net  long-term
capital  losses) in each year. A 4%  nondeductible excise tax will be imposed on
the Fund  to the  extent the  Fund does  not meet  certain minimum  distribution
requirements  by the end of each calendar  year. For this purpose, any income or
gain retained by the  Fund which is  subject to tax will  be considered to  have
been distributed by year-end.
 
                                      B-29
<PAGE>
In  addition, dividends  declared in October,  November and  December payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in October, November and December and
paid in the following January  will be treated as having  been paid by the  Fund
and received by each shareholder in such prior year. Under this rule, therefore,
a  shareholder may be taxed  in one year on  dividends or distributions actually
received in January  of the  following year. (The  Fund intends  to make  timely
distributions  of the Fund's income in  compliance with these requirements. As a
result, it is expected that the Fund will not be subjected to the excise tax.)
 
    Gains or  losses on  sales of  securities by  the Fund  will be  treated  as
long-term  capital gains or  losses if the  securities have been  held by it for
more than one year,  except in certain  cases where the Fund  acquires a put  or
writes  a call thereon or otherwise holds an offsetting position with respect to
the securities.  Other  gains  or losses  on  the  sale of  securities  will  be
short-term capital gains or losses. Gains and losses on the sale, lease or other
termination  of options on securities  will be treated as  gains and losses from
the sale of securities. If an option written by the Fund lapses or is terminated
through a closing transaction, such  as a repurchase by  the Fund of the  option
from  its holder, the  Fund will realize  a short-term capital  gain or loss. If
securities are  sold by  the Fund  pursuant to  the exercise  of a  call  option
written  by it, the Fund will include the premium received in the sales proceeds
of the securities delivered  in determining the  amount of gain  or loss on  the
sale.  If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put
option written by it, the Fund will subtract the premium received from its  cost
basis  in  the securities  purchased. Certain  transactions of  the Fund  may be
subject to  wash  sale,  short  sale,  constructive  sale,  straddle  and  anti-
conversion  provisions  of  the Internal  Revenue  Code which  may,  among other
things, require  the Fund  to defer  recognition of  losses. In  addition,  debt
securities  acquired by the Fund  may be subject to  original issue discount and
market discount rules which, respectively, may  cause the Fund to accrue  income
in  advance of the receipt of cash with respect to interest or cause gains to be
treated as ordinary income.
 
    Certain futures contracts and certain listed options (referred to as Section
1256 Contracts) held by the Fund will  be required to be "marked to market"  for
federal  income tax purposes,  I.E., treated as  having been sold  at their fair
market value on the last day of the Fund's taxable year. 60% of any gain or loss
recognized on these deemed sales and  on actual dispositions will be treated  as
long-term  capital gain or loss, and the remainder will be treated as short-term
capital gain or loss. Under  the "straddle" rules, the  Fund may be required  to
defer  the recognition of losses on securities and options and futures contracts
to the extent of any unrecognized gain on offsetting positions held by the Fund.
Other special  rules may  apply to  positions held  as part  of a  straddle;  in
particular,  the deductibility of interest or other charges incurred to purchase
or carry such positions will be subject to limitations.
 
    Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund by
a shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within  a
61-day  period  (beginning 30  days before  the  disposition of  shares). Shares
purchased pursuant  to  the reinvestment  of  a dividend  or  distribution  will
constitute a replacement of shares.
 
    A  shareholder  who  acquires shares  of  the  Fund and  sells  or otherwise
disposes of such  shares within 90  days of  acquisition may not  be allowed  to
include  certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes of
calculating gain or loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund.
 
    The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares, if any, will be lower
than the per share  dividends on Class A  or Class Z shares  as a result of  the
higher  distribution-related fee applicable with the  Class B and Class C shares
and lower  on Class  A shares  in  relation to  Class Z  shares. The  per  share
distributions  of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same amount for
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. See "Net Asset Value."
 
    Any dividends or distributions paid shortly after a purchase by an  investor
may  have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of the investor's
shares by the per share amount  of the dividends or distributions.  Furthermore,
such  dividends or  distributions, although in  effect a return  of capital, are
subject to  federal  income taxes.  Prior  to  purchasing shares  of  the  Fund,
therefore,  the investor  should carefully consider  the impact  of dividends or
capital gains distributions which are expected to be or have been announced.
 
    Dividends and distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes.
 
    The Fund  may, from  time  to time,  invest  in Passive  Foreign  Investment
Companies  (PFICs). PFICs  are foreign corporations  which derive  a majority of
their income from passive sources. For  tax purposes, the Fund's investments  in
PFICs  may subject the Fund to federal  income taxes on certain income and gains
realized by the  Fund. Under proposed  Treasury regulations, the  Fund would  be
able  to  avoid such  taxes  and interest  by  electing to  "mark-to-market" its
investments in PFICs (I.E., treat them as sold for fair market value at the  end
of the year).
 
                                      B-30
<PAGE>
    Under   the  Internal  Revenue   Code,  gains  or   losses  attributable  to
fluctuations in exchange  rates which occur  between the time  the Fund  accrues
interest   or  other  receivables  or  accrues  expenses  or  other  liabilities
denominated in a foreign currency and  the time the Fund actually collects  such
receivables  or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or ordinary
loss. Similarly, gains or losses on forward foreign currency exchange  contracts
or   dispositions  of  debt   securities  denominated  in   a  foreign  currency
attributable to fluctuations in  the value of the  foreign currency between  the
date  of acquisition  of the security  and the  date of disposition  also may be
treated as ordinary gain  or loss. These gains,  referred to under the  Internal
Revenue  Code as "Section 988" gains or  losses, increase or decrease the amount
of the Fund's investment company taxable  income available to be distributed  to
its  shareholders as ordinary  income, rather than  increasing or decreasing the
amount of  the Fund's  net capital  gain.  If Section  988 losses  exceed  other
investment  company taxable income during a taxable  year, the Fund would not be
able to make any ordinary  dividend distributions, or distributions made  before
the  losses were  realized would  be recharacterized as  a return  of capital to
shareholders, rather than as an  ordinary dividend, reducing each  shareholder's
basis in his or her Fund shares.
 
    Income  received by  the Fund from  sources within foreign  countries may be
subject to withholding  and other taxes  imposed by such  countries. Income  tax
treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate
such  taxes. It  is impossible  to determine  in advance  the effective  rate of
foreign tax to which the  Fund will be subject, since  the amount of the  Fund's
assets to be invested in various countries is not known.
 
    Foreign  shareholders are  advised to  consult their  own tax  advisors with
respect to particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
 
               CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
                          AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    State Street  Bank and  Trust  Company, One  Heritage Drive,  North  Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities and
cash and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and accounting books and
records  pursuant  to  an  agreement  with  the  Fund.  See  "How  the  Fund  Is
Managed--Custodian  and  Transfer   and  Dividend  Disbursing   Agent"  in   the
Prospectus.
 
    Prudential  Mutual Fund Services LLC, Raritan  Plaza One, Edison, New Jersey
08837, serves as the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the Fund. It is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of  the Manager. The  Transfer Agent provides  customary
transfer  agency services  to the  Fund, including  the handling  of shareholder
communications, the processing of  shareholder transactions, the maintenance  of
shareholder  account  records, the  payment of  dividends and  distributions and
related functions. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
per shareholder account, a new account set-up fee for each manually  established
account and a monthly inactive zero balance account fee per shareholder account.
The Transfer Agent is also reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses, including,
but  not  limited to,  postage,  stationery, printing,  allocable communications
expenses and other costs. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the Fund
incurred fees  of approximately  $1,770,000  for the  services of  the  Transfer
Agent.
 
    PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
10036, serves  as  the  Fund's  independent accountants  and  in  that  capacity
examines the Fund's annual financial statements.
 
                                      B-31
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS          PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998                VALUE FUND, INC.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES       DESCRIPTION                         VALUE (NOTE 1)
<C>          <S>                                 <C>        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--94.1%
COMMON STOCKS--93.7%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
AEROSPACE/DEFENSE--1.5%
 443,600     Doncasters PLC (ADR)
                (United Kingdom)(a)              $    4,935,050
 444,100     DRS Technologies, Inc.                   4,302,219
 153,800     Precision Castparts Corp.                6,344,250
                                                 --------------
                                                     15,581,519

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
APPAREL--0.5%
 507,600     Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.                4,822,200

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOTIVE--3.0%
 514,600     Excel Industries, Inc.                   6,432,500
 198,800     Midas, Inc.                              4,820,900
 401,600     Simpson Industries, Inc.                 4,041,100
 348,000     Standard Products Co.                    6,090,000
 363,400     Strattec Security Corp.(a)               9,630,100
                                                 --------------
                                                     31,014,600

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BANKS--0.3%
 118,700     Commercial Federal Corp.                 2,796,869

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION--2.8%
 365,300     Crossmann Communities, Inc.(a)           7,351,662
 235,400     Nortek Incorporated                      6,414,650
 449,900     NVR, Inc.(a)                            14,846,700
                                                 --------------
                                                     28,613,012

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BUILDING & PRODUCTS--0.7%
 661,700     Cameron Ashley Building
                Products(a)                           7,402,769

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS SERVICES--0.7%
 589,600     World Fuel Services Corp.                7,333,150

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS--1.2%
 391,700     Centennial Cellular Corp.(a)            12,534,400

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS--1.1%
1,297,300    Agrium, Inc. (Canada)               $   11,027,050

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COAL--0.5%
 329,300     Arch Coal Inc.                           4,898,338

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE & SERVICES--1.4%
1,004,300    Banctec, Inc.(a)                        14,311,275

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING--1.6%
 366,500     ACX Technologies, Inc.(a)                4,718,687
 338,400     Shorewood Packaging Corp.(a)             4,568,400
 463,400     U.S. Can Corp.(a)                        6,777,225
                                                 --------------
                                                     16,064,312

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT--0.6%
 495,200     Belden, Inc.                             6,654,250

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL UTILITIES--0.8%
 247,200     TNP Enterprises, Inc.                    8,636,550

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS--1.6%
 463,200     Marshall Industries(a)                  10,219,350
1,050,400    Pioneer-Standard Electronics,
                Inc.                                  6,630,650
                                                 --------------
                                                     16,850,000

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES--0.2%
 141,197     BHA Group, Inc.                          1,659,065

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD DISTRIBUTION--1.5%
 248,500     Dominicks Supermarkets, Inc.(a)         10,623,375
 346,600     Richfood Holdings, Inc.                  5,328,975
                                                 --------------
                                                     15,952,350

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.     

                             B-32


<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS          PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998                VALUE FUND, INC.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES       DESCRIPTION                         VALUE (NOTE 1)
<C>          <S>                                 <C>           
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD/DRUG RETAIL--0.5%
 165,300     Suiza Foods Corp.(a)                $    5,165,625

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
FURNITURE--0.7%
 284,000     Furniture Brands International,
                Inc.(a)                               5,538,000
 108,500     Stanley Furniture Company,
                Inc.(a)                               1,885,188
                                                 --------------
                                                      7,423,188

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
GAS DISTRIBUTION--2.3%
 251,900     Eastern Enterprises, Inc.               10,611,287
 570,400     UGI Corp.                               13,190,500
                                                 --------------
                                                     23,801,787

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH SERVICES--2.8%
 781,832     Mariner Post-Acute Network, Inc.         4,006,889
 646,800     Raytel Medical Corp.(a)                  2,951,025
 867,350     Sierra Health Services, Inc.(a)         17,075,953
 757,700     Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.               4,925,050
                                                 --------------
                                                     28,958,917

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT--2.0%
 499,700     Universal Health Services, Inc.,
                Class B(a)                           20,862,475

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS--1.8%
 666,000     Premark International, Inc.             18,689,625

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE--10.4%
 475,027     Amerus Life Holdings, Inc.              10,420,905
 257,700     ARM Financial, Inc.                      4,574,175
 580,000     Capital Re Corp.                        15,877,500
 378,100     CNA Surety Corp.                         5,482,450
 606,200     Enhance Financial Services Group,
                Inc.                                 17,920,787
 565,700     Financial Security Assurance
                Holdings, Ltd.                       27,577,875
 473,900     Harleysville Group, Inc.                 9,774,188
  77,611     Liberty Corp.                       $    3,225,707
 681,600     MMI Cos., Inc.                          12,226,200
                                                 --------------
                                                    107,079,787

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
LODGING/GAMING--1.4%
 852,100     Red Roof Inns, Inc.(a)                  14,325,931

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MACHINERY--2.0%
 594,780     Allied Products Corp.                    3,717,375
 829,800     CTB International Corp.(a)               5,704,875
 193,000     Gleason Corp.                            3,100,063
 864,500     Omniquip International, Inc.(a)          8,104,687
                                                 --------------
                                                     20,627,000

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA--3.0%
 647,500     Century Communications Corp.,
                Class A(a)                           15,459,062
 749,290     Granite Broadcasting Corp.(a)            4,776,724
 309,300     Young Broadcasting, Inc., Class
                A(a)                                 10,516,200
                                                 --------------
                                                     30,751,986

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
METALS PROCESSING--3.2%
 441,450     Chase Industries, Inc.(a)                6,263,072
 557,900     Hawk Corporation                         5,369,787
 685,900     Ladish Co., Inc.                         6,044,494
 454,900     Ryerson Tull, Inc., Class A(a)           5,998,994
 447,500     Wolverine Tube, Inc.(a)                  9,425,469
                                                 --------------
                                                     33,101,816

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIAL--14.9%
  62,414     American Woodmark Corp.                  1,583,755
 567,787     Applied Industrial Technologies,
                Inc.                                  9,262,026
 986,000     Blount International, Inc., Class
                A                                    23,417,500
 134,200     Carlisle Companies, Inc.                 5,225,413
 348,950     Clarcor, Inc.                            5,365,106
 590,000     Coinmach Laundry Corp.(a)                5,826,250
 621,200     DT Industries, Inc.                     10,560,400

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.     

                          B-33
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS          PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998                VALUE FUND, INC.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES       DESCRIPTION                         VALUE (NOTE 1)
<C>          <S>                                 <C>          
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIAL (CONT'D.)
  325,700    Graco, Inc.                         $    7,572,525
  605,800    Griffon Corp.                            5,300,750
  457,000    Kimball International, Inc.,
               Class B                               7,026,375
  464,500    Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.         10,799,625
  523,046    Mark IV Industries, Inc.                 7,616,857
  311,600    Pentair, Inc.                           10,049,100
  597,200    Regal Beloit Corp.                      13,287,700
  370,735    Robbins & Myers, Inc.                    7,854,948
  602,600    Servico, Inc.                            4,519,500
  737,400    United Dominion Industries, Ltd.
                (Canada)                             13,365,375
  567,700    Vari-Lite International, Inc.(a)         1,561,175
  120,915    Varlen Corp.                             3,355,391
                                                 --------------
                                                    153,549,771

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
OIL & GAS EXPLORATION/PRODUCTION--6.1%
  715,200    Bellwether Exploration Co.               4,335,900
1,213,900    Comstock Resources, Inc.(a)              7,131,662
  620,900    Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas
                Corp.(a)                              9,003,050
  358,200    Pioneer Natural Resources Co.            5,037,188
1,172,000    Santa Fe Energy Resources,
                Inc.(a)                              11,060,750
  274,100    Snyder Oil Corp.                         4,368,469
  423,300    St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.         10,106,287
1,019,100    Vintage Petroleum, Inc.                 11,719,650
                                                 --------------
                                                     62,762,956

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PAPER & PACKAGING--1.1%
  544,300    Schweitzer-Mauduit International,
                Inc.                                 11,838,525

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTING & PUBLISHING--3.4%
  824,600    Big Flower Holdings, Inc.(a)            19,275,025
  499,100    World Color Press, Inc.(a)              15,472,100
                                                 --------------
                                                     34,747,125

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
REGIONAL BANKS--1.1%
  233,800    Community First Bankshares, Inc.         4,149,950
  388,000    Peoples Heritage Financial Group         6,959,750
                                                 --------------
                                                     11,109,700

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RESTAURANTS--3.6%
  791,000    Host Marriott Services Corp.        $    7,217,875
  565,600    Ruby Tuesday, Inc.(a)                    8,554,700
1,215,300    Ryan's Family Steak Houses,
                Inc.(a)                              14,507,644
  470,100    VICORP Restaurants, Inc.(a)              6,375,731
                                                 --------------
                                                     36,655,950

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL--4.0%
  512,300    BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.(a)            18,827,025
  520,100    Dress Barn, Inc.(a)                      6,306,212
  395,800    Reebok International, Ltd.               5,368,038
  209,450    Regis Corp.                              6,597,675
  209,500    Tractor Supply Co.(a)                    4,137,625
                                                 --------------
                                                     41,236,575

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SAVINGS & LOAN--1.7%
  420,200    Astoria Financial Corp.                 17,700,925

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIALTY CHEMICALS--2.3%
  422,500    Cambrex Corp.                            9,955,156
  464,400    Lilly Industries, Inc., Class A          8,185,050
  527,500    M.A. Hanna Co.                           5,934,375
                                                 --------------
                                                     24,074,581

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
STEEL - PRODUCERS--0.8%
  221,900    Northwest Pipe Co.(a)                    4,105,150
  223,600    Quanex Corp.                             4,430,075
                                                 --------------
                                                      8,535,225

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES--1.7%
  919,400    Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.         17,468,600

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TEXTILES--1.9%
  593,300    Dan River Inc., Class A(a)               6,526,300
  268,700    Dixie Group, Inc.                        1,746,550
  754,800    Guilford Mills, Inc.                    11,227,650
                                                 --------------
                                                     19,500,500

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.


                             B-34

<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS          PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998                VALUE FUND, INC.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES        DESCRIPTION                        VALUE (NOTE 1)
<C>          <S>                                 <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tobacco--0.4%
 429,500     Dimon, Inc.                         $    4,536,594
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Trucking & Shipping--0.6%
 517,800     Interpool, Inc.                          6,116,513
                                                 --------------
             Total common stocks
                (cost $1,050,561,367)               966,773,386
                                                 --------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED STOCK--0.2%
 197,500     DECS Trust, Convertible, 8.50%
                (Industrial)
                (cost $4,665,937)                     2,357,656
                                                 --------------

<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT 
(000)        DESCRIPTION                         VALUE (NOTE 1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<C>          <S>                                 <C>
CONVERTIBLE BOND--0.2%
$  2,679     Robbins & Myers, Inc.,
                Convertible to 36.7 shares per
                1,000 Par until 9/1/03
                6.50%, 9/1/03
                (Misc. Industrial)
                (cost $2,679,000)                $    2,539,692
                                                 --------------
             Total long-term investments
                (cost $1,057,906,304)               971,670,734
                                                 --------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT--5.9%
  60,297     Joint Repurchase Agreement
                Account,
                5.52%, 10/1/98
                (cost $60,297,000; Note 5)           60,297,000
                                                 --------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--100.0%
             (cost $1,118,203,304; Note 4)        1,031,967,734
             Other assets in excess of
                liabilities                             196,322
                                                 --------------
             Net Assets--100%                    $1,032,164,056
                                                 --------------
                                                 --------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
ADR--American Depository Receipt.
(a) Non-income producing security.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

See Notes to Financial Statements.

                             B-35

<PAGE>
                                       PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES    VALUE FUND, INC.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS                                                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                                                                                           ------------------
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
Investments, at value (cost $1,118,203,304)............................................................        $1,031,967,734
Receivable for investments sold........................................................................             4,766,114
Receivable for Fund shares sold........................................................................             2,542,588
Dividends and interest receivable......................................................................               964,119
Deferred expense and other assets......................................................................                23,826
                                                                                                           ------------------
   Total assets........................................................................................         1,040,264,381
                                                                                                           ------------------
LIABILITIES
Bank overdraft.........................................................................................               100,625
Payable for Fund shares reacquired.....................................................................             4,250,456
Payable for investments purchased......................................................................             2,124,120
Management fee payable.................................................................................               609,885
Distribution fee payable...............................................................................               536,557
Accrued expenses.......................................................................................               478,682
                                                                                                           ------------------
   Total liabilities...................................................................................             8,100,325
                                                                                                           ------------------
NET ASSETS.............................................................................................        $1,032,164,056
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                           ------------------
Net assets were comprised of:
   Common stock, at par................................................................................        $      783,552
   Paid-in capital in excess of par....................................................................           980,743,580
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                                  981,527,132
   Accumulated net realized gain on investments........................................................           136,872,494
   Net unrealized depreciation on investments..........................................................           (86,235,570)
                                                                                                           ------------------
Net assets, September 30, 1998.........................................................................        $1,032,164,056
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                           ------------------
Class A:
   Net asset value and redemption price per share
      ($365,431,000 DIVIDED BY 26,498,663 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...............                $13.79
   Maximum sales charge (5% of offering price).........................................................                   .73
                                                                                                           ------------------
   Maximum offering price to public....................................................................                $14.52
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                           ------------------
Class B:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($514,158,573 DIVIDED BY 40,696,869 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...............                $12.63
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                           ------------------
Class C:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($26,804,222 DIVIDED BY 2,121,574 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).................                $12.63
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                           ------------------
Class Z:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($125,770,261 DIVIDED BY 9,038,120 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)................                $13.92
                                                                                                           ------------------
                                                                                                           ------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.     


                           B-36

<PAGE>

PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
VALUE FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED
NET INVESTMENT INCOME                          SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                               ------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Income
   Dividends (net of foreign withholding
      taxes of $48,147).....................   $      9,857,636
   Interest.................................          5,397,823
                                               ----------------
      Total income..........................         15,255,459
                                               ----------------
Expenses
   Management fee...........................          9,138,728
   Distribution fee--Class A................          1,107,973
   Distribution fee--Class B................          6,784,624
   Distribution fee--Class C................            292,592
   Transfer agent's fees and expenses.......          2,042,000
   Reports to shareholders..................            275,000
   Registration fees........................            256,000
   Custodian's fees and expenses............            230,000
   Legal fees and expenses..................             22,000
   Audit fee and expenses...................             25,000
   Directors' fees..........................             24,000
   Miscellaneous............................              3,595
                                               ----------------
      Total expenses........................         20,201,512
                                               ----------------
Net investment income (loss)................         (4,946,053)
                                               ----------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain on investment
   transactions.............................        150,641,304
Net change in unrealized appreciation
   (depreciation) on investments............       (392,297,749)
                                               ----------------
Net loss on investments.....................       (241,656,445)
                                               ----------------
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................   $   (246,602,498)
                                               ----------------
                                               ----------------
</TABLE>

PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
VALUE FUND, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
INCREASE (DECREASE)             ------------------------------------
IN NET ASSETS                         1998                 1997
                                ----------------      --------------
<S>                             <C>                   <C>
Operations
   Net investment income
      (loss)..................  $     (4,946,053)     $   (1,914,727)
   Net realized gain on
      investments.............       150,641,304         138,255,423
   Net change in unrealized
      appreciation
      (depreciation) on
      investments.............      (392,297,749)        201,444,620
                                ----------------      --------------
   Net increase (decrease) in
      net assets resulting
      from operations.........      (246,602,498)        337,785,316
                                ----------------      --------------
Distributions from net
   realized gains (Note 1)
   Class A....................       (40,869,566)        (35,968,641)
   Class B....................       (70,405,034)        (62,311,718)
   Class C....................        (2,549,512)           (737,555)
   Class Z....................       (14,791,748)        (10,814,701)
                                ----------------      --------------
                                    (128,615,860)       (109,832,615)
                                ----------------      --------------
Fund share transactions (net
   of conversions) (Note 6)
   Proceeds from shares
      sold....................       864,798,421       1,508,723,401
   Net asset value of shares
      issued in reinvestment
      of distributions........       124,093,166         105,395,777
   Cost of shares
      reacquired..............      (813,331,700)     (1,299,254,732)
                                ----------------      --------------
   Net increase in net assets
      from Fund share
      transactions............       175,559,887         314,864,446
                                ----------------      --------------
Total increase (decrease).....      (199,658,471)        542,817,147
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year.............     1,231,822,527         689,005,380
                                ----------------      --------------
End of year...................  $  1,032,164,056      $1,231,822,527
                                ----------------      --------------
                                ----------------      --------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.     


                           B-37

<PAGE>
                                           PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS              VALUE FUND, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc. is registered under the Investment 
Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company. 
The investment objective of the Fund is to achieve capital growth by 
investing 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.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the 
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. 

SECURITIES VALUATIONS: Investments traded on a national securities exchange 
are valued at the last reported sales price on the primary exchange on which 
they are traded. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market (including 
securities listed on exchanges whose primary market is believed to be 
over-the-counter) and listed securities for which no sale was reported on 
that date are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked 
prices. Any security for which a reliable market quotation is unavailable is 
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of 
the Fund's Board of Directors. Short-term securities which mature in more 
than 60 days are valued based upon current market quotations. Short-term 
securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.

In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements with U.S. financial 
institutions, it is the Fund's policy that its custodian or designated 
subcustodians, as the case may be under triparty repurchase agreements, take 
possession of the underlying collateral securities, the value of which 
exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued 
interest. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or 
if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the 
security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.

All securities are valued as of 4:15 p.m., New York time.

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND NET INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions 
are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of 
investments are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is 
recorded on the ex-dividend date; interest income is recorded on the accrual 
basis. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis which may require the use 
of certain estimates by management.

Net investment income (loss), other than distribution fees, and unrealized 
and realized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares of 
the Fund based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at 
the beginning of the day.

TAXES: It is the Fund's policy to continue to meet the requirements of the 
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to 
distribute all of its taxable net income to its shareholders. Therefore, no 
federal income tax provision is required.

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance 
with the Fund's understanding of the applicable country's tax rules and 
rates. 

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 and distributions are recorded 
on the ex-dividend date.

Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in 
accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from generally 
accepted accounting principles.

RECLASSIFICATION OF CAPITAL ACCOUNTS: The Fund accounts and reports for 
distributions to shareholders in accordance with the American Institute of 
Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 93-2: Determination, 
Disclosure, and Financial Statement Presentation of Income, Capital Gain, and 
Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies. The effect of 
applying this statement was to increase undistributed net investment income 
and decrease accumulated net realized gain on investments by $4,946,053 for 
net operating losses during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. Net 
investment income, net realized gains and net assets were not affected by 
this change.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS

The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Investments Fund 
Management LLC ("PIFM"). Pursuant to this agreement, PIFM has responsibility 
for all investment advisory services and supervises the subadviser's 
performance of such services. Pursuant to a subadvisory agreement between 
PIFM and The Prudential Investment Corporation ("PIC"), PIC furnishes 
investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. 
PIFM pays for the cost of the subadviser's services, the compensation of 
officers of the Fund, occupancy and certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of 
the Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses.

The management fee paid PIFM is computed daily and payable monthly, at an 
annual rate of .70 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    B-38

<PAGE>

                                            PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS               VALUE FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fund had a distribution agreement with Prudential Securities Incorporated 
("PSI"), which acted as the distributor of the Class A, Class B, Class C and 
Class Z shares of the Fund through May 31, 1998. Prudential Investment 
Management Services LLC ("PIMS") became the distributor of the Fund effective 
June 1, 1998 and is serving the Fund under the same terms and conditions as 
under the arrangement with PSI. The Fund compensated PSI and PIMS for 
distributing and servicing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, 
pursuant to plans of distribution, (the "Class A, B and C Plans"), regardless 
of expenses actually incurred by them. The distribution fees are accrued 
daily and payable monthly. No distribution or service fees are paid to PIMS 
as distributor of the Class Z shares of the Fund.

Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensated PSI and PIMS for 
distribution-related activities at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1%, 1% and 
1%, of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B and C shares, 
respectively. Such expenses were .25 of 1%, 1% and 1% of the average daily 
net assets of the Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for the 
year ended September 30, 1998.

PSI and PIMS have advised the Fund that they received approximately 
$1,354,000 in front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares 
during the year ended September 30, 1998. From these fees, PSI and PIMS paid 
such sales charges to affiliated broker-dealers, which in turn paid 
commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs.

PSI and PIMS have advised the Fund that for the year ended September 30, 
1998, they received approximately $901,000 and $26,000 in contingent deferred 
sales charges imposed upon certain redemptions by Class B and Class C 
shareholders, respectively.

PSI, PIFM, PIMS and PIC are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of The 
Prudential Insurance Company of America.

The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the 
"Funds"), has a credit agreement (the "Agreement") with an unaffiliated 
lender. The maximum commitment under the Agreement is $200,000,000. Interest 
on any such borrowings outstanding will be at market rates. The purposes of 
the Agreement is to serve as an alternative source of funding for capital 
share redemptions. The Fund did not borrow any amounts pursuant to the 
Agreement during the year ended September 30, 1998. The Funds pay a 
commitment fee at an annual rate of .055 of 1% on the unused portion of the 
credit facility. The commitment fee is accrued and paid quarterly on a pro 
rata basis by the Funds. The Agreement expired on December 30, 1997 and has 
been extended through December 29, 1998 under the same terms.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3. OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ("PMFS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of PIFM,
serves as the Fund's transfer agent. During the year ended September 30, 1998,
the Fund incurred fees of approximately $1,770,000 for the services of PMFS. As
of September 30, 1998, approximately $155,000 of such fees were due to PMFS.
Transfer agent fees and expenses in Statement of Operations include certain
out-of-pocket expenses paid to nonaffliates.

For the year ended September 30, 1998, PSI earned approximately $2,000 in 
brokerage commissions from portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the 
Fund.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments,
for the year ended September 30, 1998 were $533,194,027 and $426,319,234,
respectively.

The federal income tax basis of the Fund's investments at September 30, 1998 was
$1,118,616,469 and, accordingly, net unrealized appreciation for federal income
tax purposes was $86,648,735 (gross unrealized appreciation--$126,808,356 gross
unrealized depreciation--$213,457,091).

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 5. JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT ACCOUNT

The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies, 
transfers uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily 
aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements 
collateralized by U.S. Treasury or federal agency obligations. As of 
September 30, 1998, the Fund had an 8.17% undivided interest in the joint 
account. The undivided interest for the Fund represents $60,297,000 in the 
principal amount. As of such date, each repurchase agreement in the joint 
account and the collateral therefor were as follows:

Bear Stearns & Co., 5.58%, in the principal amount of $210,000,000, 
repurchase price $210,032,550, due 10/1/98. The value of the collateral 
including accrued interest was $214,893,617.

Credit Suisse First Boston Corp., 5.55%, in the principal amount of 
$107,606,000, repurchase price $107,622,589, due 10/1/98. The value of the 
collateral including accrued interest was $111,084,883.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  B-39
<PAGE>

                                               PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                  VALUE FUND, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goldman Sachs & Co., 5.45%, in the principal amount of $210,000,000, 
repurchase price $210,031,792, due 10/1/98. The value of the collateral 
including accrued interest was $214,200,293.

Warburg Dillon Read LLC, 5.52%, in the principal amount of $210,000,000, 
repurchase price $210,032,200, due 10/1/98. The value of the collateral 
including accrued interest was $214,255,819.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6. CAPITAL

The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. Class A shares 
are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to to 5%. Class B shares are 
sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 5% to zero 
depending on the period of time the shares are held. Prior to November 2, 
1998, Class C shares are sold with a contingent deferred slaes charge of 1% 
during the first year. Effective November 2, 1998, Class C shares are sold 
with a Front-end sales charge of 1% and a contingent deferred sales charge of 
1% during the first 18 months. Class B shares will automatically convert to 
Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven years after purchase. 
A special exchange privilege is also available for shareholders who qualify 
to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Class Z shares are not subject 
to any sales or redemption charge and are offered exclusively for sale to a 
limited group of investors.

There are 750 million shares of common stock authorized $.01 par value per 
share, divided into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and 
Class Z common stock. Class A, Class B and Class Z shares each consist of 200 
million authorized shares. Class C shares consist of 150 million authorized 
shares.

Transactions in shares of common stock for the years ended September 30, 1998 
and 1997 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A                                Shares         Amount
- -------                              -----------   -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended September 30, 1998:
Shares sold........................   16,276,703   $ 281,232,761
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................    2,427,115      39,246,447
Shares reacquired..................  (15,693,393)   (272,105,329)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares outstanding
  before conversion................    3,010,425      48,373,879
Shares issued upon conversion from
  Class B..........................    1,693,186      28,221,380
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    4,703,611   $  76,595,259
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
Class A                                Shares         Amount
- -------                              -----------   -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended September 30, 1997:
Shares sold........................   58,541,824   $ 901,368,248
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................    2,537,905      34,540,892
Shares reacquired..................  (56,528,491)   (869,785,004)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares outstanding
  before conversion................    4,551,238      66,124,136
Shares issued upon conversion from
  Class B..........................    1,732,321      27,796,514
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    6,283,559   $  93,920,650
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
Class B
- -------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended September 30, 1998:
Shares sold........................   20,431,318   $ 330,294,528
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................    4,531,677      67,567,307
Shares reacquired..................  (19,026,353)   (301,792,212)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares outstanding
  before conversion................    5,936,642      96,069,623
Shares reacquired upon conversion
  into Class A.....................   (1,842,451)    (28,221,380)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    4,094,191   $  67,848,243
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
Year ended September 30, 1997:
Shares sold........................   20,787,255   $ 309,922,681
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................    4,656,202      59,320,016
Shares reacquired..................  (13,133,974)   (187,564,507)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares outstanding
  before conversion................   12,309,483     181,678,190
Shares reacquired upon conversion
  into Class A.....................   (1,856,230)    (27,796,514)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................   10,453,253   $ 153,881,676
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
Class C
- -------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended September 30, 1998:
Shares sold........................    1,868,621   $  30,323,339
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................      167,005       2,490,049
Shares reacquired..................   (1,164,216)    (18,657,047)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................      871,410   $  14,156,341
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
Year ended September 30, 1997:
Shares sold........................    1,398,968   $  20,854,398
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................       56,529         720,186
Shares reacquired..................     (503,684)     (7,062,824)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................      951,813   $  14,511,760
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------


                              B-40
<PAGE>

                                            PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS               VALUE FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class Z                                Shares         Amount
- -------                              -----------   -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended September 30, 1998:
Shares sold........................   12,690,019   $ 222,947,793
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................      908,438      14,789,363
Shares reacquired..................  (12,501,837)   (220,777,112)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    1,096,620   $  16,960,044
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
Year ended September 30, 1997:
Shares sold........................   17,575,451   $ 276,578,074
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions....................      792,865      10,814,683
Shares reacquired..................  (14,899,669)   (234,842,397)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    3,468,647   $  52,550,360
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------


                            B-41
<PAGE>
                                         PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                     VALUE FUND, INC.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Class A
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Year Ended September 30,
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1998         1997         1996         1995         1994
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a):
Net asset value, beginning of year......   $  18.95     $  15.30     $  14.18     $  12.40     $  13.06
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)............      --             .02          .04          .05        --
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   on investment transactions...........      (3.31)        6.06         1.75         2.57          .13
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
   Total from investment operations.....      (3.31)        6.08         1.79         2.62          .13
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized gains...      (1.85)       (2.43)        (.67)        (.84)        (.79)
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net asset value, end of year............   $  13.79     $  18.95     $  15.30     $  14.18     $  12.40
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
TOTAL RETURN(b):........................     (18.90)%      45.92%       13.38%       23.29%        1.13%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)...........   $365,431     $412,980     $237,306     $242,231     $103,078
Average net assets (000)................   $443,189     $287,894     $223,091     $174,449     $ 97,877
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution
      fees..............................       1.17%        1.21%        1.24%        1.33%        1.33%
   Expenses, excluding distribution
      fees..............................        .92%         .96%         .99%        1.08%        1.09%
   Net investment income (loss).........         --          .15%         .33%         .30%         .00%
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:
   Portfolio turnover...................         36%          58%          53%          64%          82%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the year.
(b) 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 year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.     


                                     B-42

<PAGE>
                                           PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                       VALUE FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Class B
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Year Ended September 30,
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1998         1997         1996         1995         1994
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a):
Net asset value, beginning of year......   $  17.64     $  14.49     $  13.56     $  11.99     $  12.74
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)............       (.12)        (.09)        (.06)        (.06)        (.09)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   on investment transactions...........      (3.04)        5.67         1.66         2.47          .13
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
   Total from investment operations.....      (3.16)        5.58         1.60         2.41          .04
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized gains...      (1.85)       (2.43)        (.67)        (.84)        (.79)
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net asset value, end of year............   $  12.63     $  17.64     $  14.49     $  13.56     $  11.99
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                           --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
TOTAL RETURN(b):........................     (19.52)%      44.91%       12.56%       22.37%         .34%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)...........   $514,159     $645,579     $378,861     $361,873     $425,502
Average net assets (000)................   $678,462     $443,761     $355,636     $349,929     $399,920
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution
      fees..............................       1.92%        1.96%        1.99%        2.08%        2.09%
   Expenses, excluding distribution
      fees..............................        .92%         .96%         .99%        1.08%        1.09%
   Net investment income (loss).........       (.75)%       (.60)%       (.42)%       (.51)%       (.76)%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the year.
(b) 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 year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.     


                                      B-43

<PAGE>
                                          PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                      VALUE FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Class C                                       Class Z
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------     ---------------------
                                                                                            August 1,
                                                                                             1994(d)             Year Ended
                                                    Year Ended September 30,                 Through            September 30,
                                           ------------------------------------------     September 30,     ---------------------
                                             1998        1997        1996       1995          1994            1998         1997
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------     -------------     --------     --------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a):
Net asset value, beginning of period....   $  17.64     $ 14.49     $13.56     $11.99        $ 11.61        $  19.04     $  15.32
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------          -----        --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)............       (.12)       (.09)      (.06)      (.06)          (.01)            .04          .06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   on investment transactions...........      (3.04)       5.67       1.66       2.47            .39           (3.31)        6.09
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------          -----        --------     --------
   Total from investment operations.....      (3.16)       5.58       1.60       2.41            .38           (3.27)        6.15
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------          -----        --------     --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized gains...      (1.85)      (2.43)      (.67)      (.84)         --              (1.85)       (2.43)
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------          -----        --------     --------
Net asset value, end of period..........   $  12.63     $ 17.64     $14.49     $13.56        $ 11.99        $  13.92     $  19.04
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------          -----        --------     --------
                                           --------     -------     ------     ------          -----        --------     --------
TOTAL RETURN(b):........................     (19.52)%     44.91%     12.56%     22.37%          3.19%         (18.58)%      46.38%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000).........   $ 26,804     $22,049     $4,323     $1,545        $   269        $125,770     $151,215
Average net assets (000)................   $ 29,259     $ 8,762     $2,786     $  784        $   179        $154,623     $ 97,310
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution
      fees..............................       1.92%       1.96%      1.99%      2.08%          2.22%(c)         .92%         .96%
   Expenses, excluding distribution
      fees..............................        .92%        .96%       .99%      1.08%          1.22%(c)         .92%         .96%
   Net investment income (loss).........       (.75)%      (.60)%     (.42)%     (.46)%         (.31)%(c)        .25%         .40%
<CAPTION>
 
                                            March 1,
                                             1996(e)
                                             Through
                                          September 30,
                                              1996
                                          -------------
<S>                                       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a):
Net asset value, beginning of period....     $ 13.69
                                              ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)............         .05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
   on investment transactions...........        1.58
                                              ------
   Total from investment operations.....        1.63
                                              ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions from net realized gains...          --
                                              ------
Net asset value, end of period..........     $ 15.32
                                              ------
                                              ------
TOTAL RETURN(b):........................       11.91%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000).........     $68,516
Average net assets (000)................     $66,228
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution
      fees..............................         .99%(c)
   Expenses, excluding distribution
      fees..............................         .99%(c)
   Net investment income (loss).........         .58%(c)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) 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.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(e) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.     


                                      B-44

<PAGE>
                                             PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS            VALUE FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Prudential Small Company Value
Fund, Inc., at September 30, 1998, the results of its operations for the year
then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods
presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as
"financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at
September 30, 1998 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
November 20, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     B-45


<PAGE>
                   APPENDIX I--GENERAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
 
    The following terms are used in mutual fund investing.
 
ASSET ALLOCATION
 
    Asset  allocation is a technique for reducing risk, providing balance. Asset
allocation among  different types  of securities  within an  overall  investment
portfolio  helps to reduce risk and to potentially provide stable returns, while
enabling investors to work toward  their financial goal(s). Asset allocation  is
also  a  strategy to  gain  exposure to  better  performing asset  classes while
maintaining investment in other asset classes.
 
DIVERSIFICATION
 
    Diversification is  a time-honored  technique for  reducing risk,  providing
"balance" to an overall portfolio and potentially achieving more stable returns.
Owning a portfolio of securities mitigates the individual risks (and returns) of
any  one  security.  Additionally,  diversification  among  types  of securities
reduces the risks (and general returns) of any one type of security.
 
DURATION
 
    Debt securities have  varying levels  of sensitivity to  interest rates.  As
interest  rates  fluctuate, the  value  of a  bond  (or a  bond  portfolio) will
increase or decrease. Longer term bonds are generally more sensitive to  changes
in  interest  rates.  When  interest rates  fall,  bond  prices  generally rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
 
    Duration is an approximation of the price  sensitivity of a bond (or a  bond
portfolio)  to interest rate changes. It  measures the weighted average maturity
of a bond's  (or a bond  portfolio's) cash flows,  I.E., principal and  interest
rate  payments. Duration is expressed as a  measure of time in years--the longer
the duration of a bond (or a bond portfolio), the greater the impact of interest
rate changes on  the bond's (or  the bond portfolio's)  price. Duration  differs
from  effective maturity  in that duration  takes into  account call provisions,
coupon rates and other  factors. Duration measures interest  rate risk only  and
not  other  risks, such  as  credit risk  and, in  the  case of  non-U.S. dollar
denominated securities,  currency risk.  Effective maturity  measures the  final
maturity dates of a bond (or a bond portfolio).
 
MARKET TIMING
 
    Market  timing--buying securities when prices are  low and selling them when
prices are relatively  higher--may not  work for  many investors  because it  is
impossible to predict with certainty how the price of a security will fluctuate.
However,  owning a security for a long  period of time may help investors offset
short-term price volatility and realize positive returns.
 
POWER OF COMPOUNDING
 
    Over time, the  compounding of returns  can significantly impact  investment
returns.  Compounding  is  the  effect  of  continuous  investment  on long-term
investment results, by which  the proceeds of  capital appreciation (and  income
distributions, if elected) are reinvested to contribute to the overall growth of
assets. The long-term investment results of compounding may be greater than that
of   an  equivalent  initial  investment  in   which  the  proceeds  of  capital
appreciation and income distributions are taken in cash.
 
STANDARD DEVIATION
 
    Standard deviation  is  an  absolute (non-relative)  measure  of  volatility
which,  for a mutual fund, depicts how  widely the returns varied over a certain
period of  time.  When a  fund  has a  high  standard deviation,  its  range  of
performance  has been very wide, implying greater volatility potential. Standard
deviation is only one of several measures of a fund's volatility.
 
                                      I-1
<PAGE>
                    APPENDIX II--HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
 
    The historical performance data  contained in this  Appendix relies on  data
obtained  from statistical services, reports and  other services believed by the
Manager to be reliable. The information  has not been independently verified  by
the Manager.
 
This chart shows the long-term performance of various asset classes and the rate
of inflation.
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF $1.00 INVESTED ON
 1/1/26 THROUGH 12/31/97.
<S>                          <C>
SMALL STOCKS                 $5,519.97
COMMON STOCKS                $1,828.33
LONG-TERM BONDS                 $39.07
TREASURY BILLS                  $14.25
INFLATION                        $9.02
</TABLE>
 
Source:  Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1998 Yearbook, Ibbotson Associates,
Chicago (annually updates  work by Roger  G. Ibbotson and  Rex A.  Sinquefield).
Used  with  permission.  All rights  reserved.  This chart  is  for illustrative
purposes only and is not indicative of the past, present, or future  performance
of any asset class or any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
Generally,  stock returns  are due to  capital appreciation  and reinvesting any
gains. Bond returns are due mainly  to reinvesting interest. Also, stock  prices
usually  are  more volatile  than bond  prices over  the long-term.  Small stock
returns for 1926-1980 are those of stocks comprising the 5th quintile of the New
York Stock  Exchange. Thereafter,  returns  are those  of the  Dimensional  Fund
Advisors  (DFA) Small Company  Fund. Common stock  returns are based  on the S&P
Composite Index, a market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 stocks (currently) in
a variety of industries.  It is often  used as a broad  measure of stock  market
performance.
 
Long-term  government  bond  returns  are  measured  using  a  constant one-bond
portfolio with a maturity of roughly 20  years. Treasury bill returns are for  a
one-month  bill. Treasuries  are guaranteed by  the government as  to the timely
payment of principal and  interest; equities are not.  Inflation is measured  by
the consumer price index (CPI).
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
    Set  forth below is historical performance  data relating to various sectors
of the fixed-income  securities markets.  The chart shows  the historical  total
returns  of U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. mortgage securities, U.S. corporate bonds,
U.S. high yield bonds and  world government bonds on  an annual basis from  1987
through  1997. The total  returns of the indices  include accrued interest, plus
the price changes  (gains or  losses) of  the underlying  securities during  the
period  mentioned. The  data is  provided to  illustrate the  varying historical
total returns and  investors should  not consider  this performance  data as  an
indication  of the future performance of the Fund  or of any sector in which the
Fund invests.
 
    All information relies on data  obtained from statistical services,  reports
and  other services believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has
not been verified. The figures do not reflect the operating expenses and fees of
a mutual fund.  See "Fund Expenses"  in the  prospectus. The net  effect of  the
deduction  of the operating expenses of a  mutual fund on these historical total
returns, including the compounded effect over time, could be substantial.
 
           HISTORICAL TOTAL RETURNS OF DIFFERENT BOND MARKET SECTORS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        '87     '88     '89      '90      '91     '92     '93     '94      '95     '96    '97
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT TREASURY BONDS(1)        2.0%    7.0%    14.4%     8.5%   15.3%    7.2%   10.7%    (3.4)%  18.4%    2.7%    9.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT MORTGAGE SECURITIES(2)   4.3%    8.7%    15.4%    10.7%   15.7%    7.0%    6.8%    (1.6)%  16.8%    5.4%    9.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE
 BONDS(3)                                2.6%    9.2%    14.1%     7.1%   18.5%    8.7%   12.2%    (3.9)%  22.3%    3.3%   10.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS(4)       5.0%   12.5%     0.8%    (9.6)%  46.2%   15.8%   17.1%    (1.0)%  19.2%   11.4%   12.8%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD GOVERNMENT BONDS(5)               35.2%    2.3%    (3.4)%   15.3%   16.2%    4.8%   15.1%     6.0%   19.6%    4.1%   (4.3)%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGHEST
 AND LOWEST RETURN PERCENT              33.2    10.2     18.8     24.9    30.9    11.0    10.3      9.9     5.5     8.7   17.12
</TABLE>
 
(1) LEHMAN BROTHERS TREASURY BOND  INDEX is an unmanaged  index made up of  over
    150  public issues of  the U.S. Treasury  having maturities of  at least one
    year.
(2) LEHMAN BROTHERS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES INDEX is an unmanaged index  that
    includes  over 600 15- and  30-year fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities of
    the  Government  National  Mortgage  Association  (GNMA),  Federal  National
    Mortgage  Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
    (FHLMC).
(3) LEHMAN BROTHERS CORPORATE BOND INDEX includes over 3,000 public  fixed-rate,
    nonconvertible investment-grade bonds. All bonds are U.S. dollar-denominated
    issues   and  include  debt  issued   or  guaranteed  by  foreign  sovereign
    governments,  municipalities,   governmental   agencies   or   international
    agencies. All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
(4) LEHMAN  BROTHERS HIGH YIELD BOND INDEX is an unmanaged index comprising over
    750 public, fixed-rate, nonconvertible bonds that are rated Ba1 or lower  by
    Moody's  Investors Service (or  rated BB+ or  lower by Standard  & Poor's or
    Fitch Investors Service). All bonds in the index have maturities of at least
    one year.
(5) SALOMON BROTHERS WORLD GOVERNMENT INDEX  (NON U.S.) includes over 800  bonds
    issued  by various foreign  governments or agencies,  excluding those in the
    U.S., but  including those  in  Japan, Germany,  France, the  U.K.,  Canada,
    Italy,  Australia,  Belgium, Denmark,  the  Netherlands, Spain,  Sweden, and
    Austria. All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
This chart illustrates the performance of major
world stock markets for the period from 1986
through December 31, 1997. It does not represent the
performance of any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
         TOTAL RETURNS OF MAJOR WORLD STOCK MARKETS 12/31/86 - 12/31/97
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>
THE NETHERLANDS        20.5%
SWEDEN                 20.4%
SPAIN                  20.4%
HONG KONG              19.7%
BELGIUM                19.5%
SWITZERLAND            17.9%
USA                    17.1%
UK                     16.6%
FRANCE                 15.6%
GERMANY                12.1%
AUSTRIA                 9.6%
JAPAN                   6.6%
</TABLE>
 
Source: Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. as of 12/31/97. Used with permission.
Morgan Stanley Country indices are unmanaged indices which
include those stocks making up the largest two-thirds of each
country's total stock market capitalization. Returns reflect the
reinvestment of all distributions. This chart is for illustrative
purposes only and is not indicative of the past, present or
future performance of any specific investment. Investors
cannot invest directly in stock indices.
 
This chart shows the growth of a hypothetical
$10,000 investment made in the stocks representing
the S&P 500 stock index with and without reinvested
dividends.
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
Capital Appreciation and Reinvesting
Dividends                                  $304,596
Capital Appreciation only                  $105,413
</TABLE>
 
                                    [CHART]
Capital Appreciation and Reinvesting Dividends $228,266
Capital Appreciation Only $80,535
$10,000 Investment in 1969 through 1996
 
Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1998 Yearbook, Ibbotson
Associates, Chicago (annually updates work by Roger G. Ibbotson
and Rex A. Sinquefield). Used with permission. All rights reserved.
This chart is used for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to
represent the past, present or future performance of any Prudential
Mutual Fund. Common stock total return is based on the Standard
& Poor's 500 Stock Index, a market-value-weighted index made up
of 500 of the largest stocks in the U.S. based upon their stock
market value. Investors cannot invest directly in indices.
 
           ---------------------------------------------------------
                  WORLD STOCK MARKET CAPITALIZATION BY REGION
                          WORLD TOTAL: $12.5 TRILLION
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>
CANADA               2.5%
U.S.                49.8%
PACIFIC BASIN       15.6%
EUROPE              32.1%
</TABLE>
 
Source: Morgan Stanley Capital International, December 31, 1997.
Used with permission. This chart represents the capitalization of
major world stock markets as measured by the Morgan Stanley
Capital International (MSCI) World Index. The total market
capitalization is based on the value of approximately 1577 companies in 22
countries (representing approximately 60% of the aggregate
market value of the stock exchanges). This chart is for illustrative
purposes only and does not represent the allocation of any
Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
            This chart below shows the historical volatility of general
            interest rates as measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.
 
              LONG U.S. TREASURY BOND YIELD IN PERCENT (1926-1997)
 
                                    [CHART]
 
                                    YEAR-END
      Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1998 Yearbook, Ibbotson
      Associates, Chicago (annually updates work by Roger G. Ibbotson and Rex A.
      Sinquefield). Used with permission. All rights reserved. This chart
      illustrates the historical yield of the long-term U.S. Treasury Bond from
      1926-1997. Yields represent that of an annually renewed one-bond portfolio
      with a remaining maturity of approximately 20 years. This chart is for
      illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to represent the
      yields of any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
            The following chart, although not
            relevant to share ownership in the Fund, may provide useful
            information about the effects of a hypothetical investment
            diversified over different asset portfolios. The chart shows the
            range of annual total returns for major stock and bond indices
            for the period from December 31, 1977 through December 31, 1997.
            The horizontal "Best Returns Zone" band shows that a hypothetical
            blend portfolio constructed of one-third U.S. stocks (S&P 500),
            one-third foreign stocks (EAFE Index), and one-third U.S. bonds
            (Lehman Index) would have eliminated the "highest highs" and
            "lowest lows" of any single asset class.
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 THE RANGE OF ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR MAJOR STOCK & BOND
              INDICES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS
                   (12/31/77-12/31/97)*
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
S&P 500                                                          37.6%      -7.2%
EAFE                                                             69.9%     -23.2%
Lehman Aggregate                                                 32.6%      -2.9%
"BEST RETURNS ZONE"
WITH A DIVERSIFIED BLEND
1/3 S&P 500 INDEX
1/3 EAFE INDEX
1/3 LEHMAN AGGREGATE INDEX
</TABLE>
 
            * Source: Prudential Investment Corporation based on data from
            Lipper Analytical New Applications (LANA). Past performance is
            not indicative of future results. The S&P 500 Index is a
            weighted, unmanaged index comprised of 500 stocks which provides
            a broad indication of stock price movements. The Morgan Stanley
            EAFE Index is an unmanaged index comprised of 20 overseas stock
            markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East. The
            Lehman Aggregate Index includes all publicly-issued investment
            grade debt with maturities over one year, including U.S.
            government and agency issues, 15 and 30-year fixed-rate
            government agency mortgage securities, dollar denominated SEC
            registered corporate and government securities, as well as
            asset-backed securities. Investors cannot invest directly in
            stock or bond market indices.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
              APPENDIX III--INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PRUDENTIAL
 
    Set  forth below is information relating to The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential) and its subsidiaries as well as information relating  to
the  Prudential  Mutual  Funds. See  "Management  of the  Fund--Manager"  in the
Prospectus. The data will be used in sales materials relating to the  Prudential
Mutual  Funds. Unless otherwise indicated, the information is as of December 31,
1997 and  is  subject to  change  thereafter.  All information  relies  on  data
provided  by The Prudential  Investment Corporation (PIC)  or from other sources
believed by the Manager to be  reliable. Such information has not been  verified
by the Fund.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL
 
    The  Manager and PIC(1) are subsidiaries of  Prudential, which is one of the
largest diversified financial services institutions  in the world and, based  on
total  assets, the largest insurance company in North America as of December 31,
1997. Principal products and services  include life and health insurance,  other
healthcare  products,  property  and casualty  insurance,  securities brokerage,
asset management,  investment  advisory  services  and  real  estate  brokerage.
Prudential  (together  with  its  subsidiaries)  employs  almost  79,000 persons
worldwide, and maintains a sales force of approximately 10,000 agents and nearly
6,500 domestic  and  international financial  advisors.  Prudential is  a  major
issuer  of annuities, including variable  annuities. Prudential seeks to develop
innovative products and services to meet consumer needs in each of its  business
areas.  Prudential uses the rock of Gibraltar as its symbol. The Prudential rock
is a recognized brand name throughout the world.
 
    INSURANCE. Prudential has been engaged in the insurance business since 1875.
It insures or provides financial services to nearly 40 million people worldwide.
Long one of  the largest issuers  of life insurance,  Prudential has 25  million
life  insurance policies in force today with a face value of almost $1 trillion.
Prudential has the largest  capital base ($12.1 billion)  of any life  insurance
company  in the United States. Prudential  provides auto insurance for more than
1.5 million cars and insures approximately 1.2 million homes.
 
    MONEY MANAGEMENT. Prudential is one of the largest pension fund managers  in
the  country, providing pension services to 1 in 3 Fortune 500 firms. It manages
$36 billion of individual  retirement plan assets, such  as 401(k) plans. As  of
December  31,  1997,  Prudential had  more  than  $370 billion  in  assets under
management. Prudential Investments,  a business  group of  Prudential (of  which
Prudential  Mutual Funds is a  key part) manages over  $211 billion in assets of
institutions  and  individuals.  In  PENSIONS  &  INVESTMENTS,  May  12,   1997,
Prudential was ranked third in terms of total assets under management.
 
    REAL  ESTATE. The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, the fourth largest real
estate brokerage network in the United States, has more than 37,000 brokers  and
agents and more than 1,100 offices throughout the United States.(2)
 
    HEALTHCARE.   Over  two   decades  ago,  Prudential   introduced  the  first
federally-funded, for-profit  HMO  in  the  country.  Today,  approximately  4.9
million Americans receive healthcare from a Prudential managed care membership.
 
    FINANCIAL  SERVICES.  The  Prudential  Bank,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of
Prudential, has  over  $4  billion  in assets  and  serves  nearly  1.5  million
customers across 50 states.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
    As  of December 30, 1997, Prudential Investments Fund Management is the 18th
largest mutual fund company in the  country, with over 2.5 million  shareholders
invested in more than 50 mutual fund portfolios and variable annuities with more
than 3.7 million shareholder accounts.
 
    The  Prudential Mutual Funds have over 30 portfolio managers who manage over
$55 billion in  mutual fund and  variable annuity assets.  Some of  Prudential's
portfolio  managers  have  over  20  years  of  experience  managing  investment
portfolios.
 
- --------------
(1) PIC serves as the subadviser to  substantially all of the Prudential  Mutual
    Funds.  Wellington  Management Company  serves as  the subadviser  to Global
    Utility Fund, Inc., Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management as the  subadviser
    to  Nicholas-Applegate Fund,  Inc., Jennison  Associates LLC  as one  of the
    subadvisers to The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. and Mercator Asset
    Management LP as the subadviser  to International Stock Series, a  portfolio
    of  Prudential World Fund, Inc. and  BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. as
    the subadviser to The BlackRock Government Income Trust. There are  multiple
    subadvisers for The Target Portfolio Trust.
(2) As of December 31, 1996
 
                                     III-1
<PAGE>
    From  time to time,  there may be  media coverage of  portfolio managers and
other investment professionals associated with the Manager and the Subadviser in
national  and  regional  publications,  on   television  and  in  other   media.
Additionally,  individual mutual fund portfolios are frequently cited in surveys
conducted by national and regional publications and media organizations such  as
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE NEW YORK TIMES, BARRON'S and USA TODAY.
 
    EQUITY  FUNDS. Forbes  magazine listed  Prudential Equity  Fund among twenty
mutual funds on  its Honor Roll  in its mutual  fund issue of  August 28,  1995.
Honorees  are chosen annually among mutual  funds (excluding sector funds) which
are open to new  investors and have  had the same management  for at least  five
years. Forbes considers, among other criteria, the total return of a mutual fund
in  both bull  and bear  markets as  well as  a fund's  risk profile. Prudential
Equity Fund  is  managed  with a  "value"  investment  style by  PIC.  In  1995,
Prudential Securities introduced Prudential Jennison Fund, a growth-style equity
fund  managed by Jennison Associates LLC, a premier institutional equity manager
and a subsidiary of Prudential.
 
    HIGH YIELD FUNDS. Investing  in high yield bonds  is a complex and  research
intensive  pursuit.  A  separate  team  of  high  yield  bond  analysts  monitor
approximately 200 issues held in the  Prudential High Yield Fund (currently  the
largest  fund of its kind in the country)  along with 100 or so other high yield
bonds, which may be considered for purchase.(3) Non-investment grade bonds, also
known as junk bonds or high yield bonds,  are subject to a greater risk of  loss
of  principal  and  interest  including default  risk  than  higher-rated bonds.
Prudential high yield  portfolio managers  and analysts  meet face-to-face  with
almost  every bond issuer in the High  Yield Fund's portfolio annually, and have
additional telephone contact throughout the year.
 
    Prudential's portfolio managers are supported  by a large and  sophisticated
research  organization.  Fourteen  investment grade  bond  analysts  monitor the
financial viability  of  approximately  1,750  different  bond  issuers  in  the
investment  grade  corporate  and  municipal  bond  markets--from  IBM  to small
municipalities, such as Rockaway Township,  New Jersey. These analysts  consider
among other things sinking fund provisions and interest coverage ratios.
 
    Prudential's  portfolio managers and analysts receive research services from
almost 200 brokers  and market  service vendors.  They also  receive nearly  100
trade  publications and  newspapers--from PULP  and PAPER  FORECASTER to WOMEN'S
WEAR DAILY--to keep them informed of the industries they follow.
 
    Prudential Mutual Funds' traders scan over 100 computer monitors to  collect
detailed  information on which  to trade. From  natural gas prices  in the Rocky
Mountains to the results  of local municipal  elections, a Prudential  portfolio
manager or trader is able to monitor it if it's important to a Prudential Mutual
Fund.
 
    Prudential  Mutual Funds trade approximately $31 billion in U.S. and foreign
government securities  a  year. PIC  seeks  information from  government  policy
makers.  In 1995, Prudential's  portfolio managers met  with several senior U.S.
and foreign government officials, on issues ranging from economic conditions  in
foreign  countries to  the viability  of index-linked  securities in  the United
States.
 
    Prudential Mutual Funds' portfolio managers and analysts met with over 1,200
companies in  1995,  often with  the  Chief  Executive Officer  (CEO)  or  Chief
Financial Officer (CFO). They also attended over 250 industry conferences.
 
    Prudential Mutual Fund global equity managers conducted many of their visits
overseas,  often holding private  meetings with a company  in a foreign language
(our global  equity managers  speak 7  different languages,  including  Mandarin
Chinese).
 
    TRADING  DATA.(4)  On  an average  day,  Prudential Mutual  Funds'  U.S. and
foreign equity trading desks traded $77 million in securities representing  over
3.8  million shares  with nearly 200  different firms.  Prudential Mutual Funds'
bond trading desks traded $157 million  in government and corporate bonds on  an
average  day. That represents more in daily trading than most bond funds tracked
by Lipper even  have in assets.(5)  Prudential Mutual Funds'  money market  desk
traded  $3.2 billion in money market securities  on an average day, or over $800
billion a year. They made a trade every 3 minutes of every trading day. In 1994,
the Prudential Mutual  Funds effected more  than 40,000 trades  in money  market
securities and held on average $20 billion of money market securities.(6)
 
- --------------
(3) As  of December 31, 1996. The  number of bonds and the  size of the Fund are
    subject to change.
(4) Trading data represents  average daily  transactions for  portfolios of  the
    Prudential  Mutual Funds for which PIC  serves as the subadviser, portfolios
    of the Prudential Series Fund and institutional and non-US accounts  managed
    by  Prudential  Investments, a  business group  of PIC,  for the  year ended
    December 31, 1995.
(5) Based on 559 funds  in Lipper Analytical Services  categories of Short  U.S.
    Treasury,  Short U.S.  Government, Intermediate  U.S. Treasury, Intermediate
    U.S. Government, Short Investment Grade Debt, Intermediate Investment  Grade
    Debt, General U.S. Treasury, General U.S. Government and Mortgage Funds.
(6) As of December 31, 1994
 
                                     III-2
<PAGE>
    Based  on  complex-wide data,  on an  average  day, over  7,250 shareholders
telephoned Prudential  Mutual  Fund Services  LLC,  the Transfer  Agent  of  the
Prudential Mutual Funds, on the Prudential Mutual Funds' toll-free number. On an
annual   basis,  that  represents  approximately  1.8  million  telephone  calls
answered.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
 
    Prudential Securities  is the  fifth largest  retail brokerage  firm in  the
United  States with  approximately 6,000  financial advisors.  It offers  to its
clients a  wide  range  of  products,  including  Prudential  Mutual  Funds  and
annuities. As of December 31, 1997, assets held by Prudential Securities for its
clients  approximated  $235  billion.  During  1997,  over  29,000  new customer
accounts were opened each month at Prudential Securities.(7)
 
    Prudential Securities has a two-year Financial Advisor training program plus
advanced education programs, including Prudential Securities "university," which
provides advanced education in a wide array of investment areas.
 
    In  1995,  Prudential  Securities'  equity  research  team  ranked  8th   in
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR magazine's 1995 "All America Research Team" survey. Three
Prudential Securities analysts were ranked as first-team finishers.(8)
 
    In  addition  to  training,  Prudential  Securities  provides  its financial
advisors with  access  to firm  economists  and  market analysts.  It  has  also
developed  proprietary  tools  for  use  by  financial  advisors,  including the
Financial Architects-SM-, a state-of-the-art  asset allocation software  program
which  helps Financial  Advisors to evaluate  a client's  objectives and overall
financial plan, and a comprehensive mutual fund information and analysis  system
that compares different mutual funds.
 
    For  more complete  information about  any of  the Prudential  Mutual Funds,
including charges  and  expenses,  call  your  Prudential  Securities  financial
adviser  or  Pruco/Prudential  representative  for a  free  prospectus.  Read it
carefully before you invest or send money.
 
- --------------
(7) As of December 31, 1996.
(8) On an annual basis,  INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR magazine  surveys more than  700
    institutional   money  managers,  chief  investment  officers  and  research
    directors, asking them to evaluate  analysts in 76 industry sectors.  Scores
    are  produced by taking the number of votes awarded to an individual analyst
    and weighting them based  on the size of  the voting institution. In  total,
    the  magazine sends  its survey  to approximately  2,000 institutions  and a
    group of European and Asian institutions.
 
                                     III-3


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