PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND INC
497, 1996-05-02
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<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 29, 1996
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Prudential  Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (the  Fund), formerly the Prudential GNMA
Fund, Inc., is  an open-end,  diversified, management  investment company  whose
investment  objective is to  achieve a high  level of income  over the long term
consistent with providing reasonable safety  in the value of each  shareholder's
investment.  In  pursuing  this objective,  the  Fund will  invest  primarily in
mortgage-related instruments, including mortgage-backed securities guaranteed as
to timely payment of principal and interest by the Government National  Mortgage
Association  (GNMA), other  mortgage-backed securities  issued or  guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities  of the U.S.  Government, and non-agency  mortgage
instruments,  along with obligations using mortgages as collateral. The Fund may
utilize other derivatives,  including writing  covered call and  put options  on
U.S.   Government  securities  and  entering  into  closing  purchase  and  sale
transactions with respect to certain of  such options. To hedge against  changes
in  interest  rates,  the Fund  may  also  purchase put  options  and  engage in
transactions  involving  interest  rate  futures  contracts,  options  on   such
contracts  and interest rate  swap transactions. There can  be no assurance that
the  Fund's  investment  objective   will  be  achieved.   See  "How  the   Fund
Invests--Investment  Objective and Policies." The  Fund's address is One Seaport
Plaza, New York, New York 10292, and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
 
This Prospectus  sets forth  concisely the  information about  the Fund  that  a
prospective  investor should know before investing. Additional information about
the Fund  has  been filed  with  the Securities  and  Exchange Commission  in  a
Statement  of Additional Information, dated April 29, 1996, which information is
incorporated herein by  reference (is legally  considered to be  a part of  this
Prospectus)  and is  available without  charge upon request  to the  Fund at the
address or telephone number noted above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
   The following summary is intended to highlight certain information contained
 in  this Prospectus  and is  qualified in  its entirety  by the  more detailed
 information appearing elsewhere herein.
 
WHAT IS PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.?
 
  Prudential Mortgage Income 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 to achieve a high level of income over the
long term  consistent with  providing reasonable  safety in  the value  of  each
shareholder's  investment.  It  seeks  to achieve  this  objective  by investing
primarily in mortgage-related instruments, including securities guaranteed as to
timely payment of  principal and  interest by the  Government National  Mortgage
Association  (GNMA), other  mortgage-backed securities  issued or  guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities  of the U.S.  Government, and non-agency  mortgage
instruments,  along with obligations using mortgages as collateral. There can be
no assurance  that the  Fund's objective  will be  achieved. See  "How the  Fund
Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 8.
 
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
 
  The  Fund will  invest at  least 65%  of its  total assets  in mortgage-backed
securities which may  decrease in  value as a  result of  increases in  interest
rates  and may  benefit less than  other fixed-income  securities from declining
interest rates  because  of the  risk  of prepayment  of  the principal  on  the
underlying mortgage loans.
 
  In  seeking  to achieve  its  investment objective,  the  Fund may  also write
covered call  and put  options  on U.S.  Government  securities and  enter  into
closing  purchase and sale transactions with respect to certain of such options.
To hedge  against changes  in interest  rates, the  Fund may  also purchase  put
options and engage in transactions involving interest rate futures contracts and
options  on such  contracts and engage  in interest rate  swap transactions. See
"How the  Fund Invests--Investment  Objective  and Policies"  at page  8.  These
various  hedging  and  return  enhancement  strategies,  including  the  use  of
derivatives, may be considered  speculative and may result  in higher risks  and
costs  to the  Fund. See "How  the Fund Invests--Hedging  and Return Enhancement
Strategies--Risks of Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies" at page 12.
 
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
 
  Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF or the Manager) is the Manager of
the Fund and is compensated for its services  at an annual rate of .50 of 1%  of
the Fund's average daily net assets. As of March 31, 1996, PMF served as manager
or  administrator to  60 investment companies,  including 38  mutual funds, with
aggregate  assets  of  approximately  $53  billion.  The  Prudential  Investment
Corporation  (PIC or the  Subadviser) furnishes investment  advisory services in
connection with the management  of the Fund under  a Subadvisory Agreement  with
PMF. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" at page 15.
 
WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?
 
  Prudential  Securities Incorporated  (Prudential Securities  or PSI),  a major
securities underwriter  and  securities  and commodities  broker,  acts  as  the
Distributor  of the Fund's  Class A, Class B  and Class C shares  and is paid an
annual distribution and service fee which is currently being charged at the rate
of .15 of 1% of the  average daily net assets of  the Class A shares, an  annual
distribution  and service fee at the rate of  .75 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of the Class B shares and an annual distribution and service fee which is
currently being charged at the rate of .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets
of the Class C shares.
 
  See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" at page 16.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
  The minimum initial investment for  Class A and Class  B shares is $1,000  per
class  and $5,000 for Class C shares.  The minimum subsequent investment is $100
for all  classes.  There  is  no  minimum  investment  requirement  for  certain
retirement  and employee savings plans or  custodial accounts for the benefit of
minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan,  the
minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder Guide--How to
Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 22 and "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder Services"
at page 30.
 
HOW DO I PURCHASE SHARES?
 
  You  may  purchase shares  of the  Fund  through Prudential  Securities, Pruco
Securities Corporation (Prusec) or directly  from the Fund through its  transfer
agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (PMFS or the Transfer Agent) at the
net  asset value per share (NAV) next  determined after receipt of your purchase
order by the Transfer Agent or  Prudential Securities plus a sales charge  which
may  be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a
deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). See "How the Fund Values its Shares"
at page 18 and "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 22.
 
WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
 
  The Fund offers three classes of shares:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>
- - Class A Shares:   Sold with  an  initial sales  charge  of  up to  4%  of  the
                    offering price.
- - Class B Shares:   Sold  without an initial  sales charge but  are subject to a
                    contingent deferred sales charge or CDSC (declining from  5%
                    to  zero  of  the  lower  of  the  amount  invested  or  the
                    redemption  proceeds)  which  will  be  imposed  on  certain
                    redemptions  made  within  six years  of  purchase. Although
                    Class   B   shares   are    subject   to   higher    ongoing
                    distribution-related  expenses than Class  A shares, Class B
                    shares will automatically convert  to Class A shares  (which
                    are  subject to lower ongoing distribution-related expenses)
                    approximately seven years after purchase.
- - Class C Shares:   Sold without an initial sales charge and, for one year after
                    purchase, are  subject to  a 1%  CDSC on  redemptions.  Like
                    Class B shares, Class C shares are subject to higher ongoing
                    distribution-related expenses than Class A shares but do not
                    convert to another class.
</TABLE>
 
  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
Prudential Securities or the Transfer  Agent receives your sell order.  However,
the  proceeds of redemptions of Class  B and Class C shares  may be subject to a
CDSC. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares" at page 25.
 
HOW ARE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID?
 
  The Fund expects to declare daily and pay monthly dividends of net  investment
income,  if  any, 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>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES+       CLASS A SHARES             CLASS B SHARES                     CLASS C SHARES
                                        --------------      -----------------------------      -----------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                                <C>
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
     Purchases (as a percentage of
     offering price)...............           4%                        None                               None
    Maximum Sales Load or Deferred
     Sales Load Imposed on
     Reinvested Dividends..........          None                       None                               None
    Deferred Sales Load (as a
     percentage of original
     purchase price or redemption
     proceeds, whichever is
     lower)........................          None           5%  during  the  first  year,      1% on redemptions made within
                                                            decreasing by 1% annually  to      one year of purchase
                                                            1%  in  the  fifth  and sixth
                                                            years  and  0%  the   seventh
                                                            year*
    Redemption Fees................          None                       None                               None
    Exchange Fee...................          None                       None                               None
 
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net
assets)                                 CLASS A SHARES             CLASS B SHARES                     CLASS C SHARES
                                        --------------      -----------------------------      -----------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                                <C>
                                              .50%                        .50%                               .50%
    Management Fees................
                                              .15++                       .75                                .75++
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction)...
                                              .62                         .62                                .62
    Other Expenses.................
                                              ---                         ---                                ---
    Total Fund Operating Expenses
     (After Reduction).............          1.27%                       1.87%                              1.87%
                                              ---                         ---                                ---
                                              ---                         ---                                ---
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                                                            1       3       5       10
                                                                  YEAR    YEARS   YEARS   YEARS
                                                                  ----    ----    ----    -----
<S>                                                               <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
  assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end
  of each time period:
    Class A...................................................    $52     $79     $107    $187
    Class B...................................................    $69     $89     $111    $181
    Class C...................................................    $29     $59     $101    $219
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment,
  assuming no redemption:
    Class A...................................................    $52     $79     $107    $187
    Class B...................................................    $19     $59     $101    $196
    Class C...................................................    $19     $59     $101    $219
The  above example is  based on data  for the Fund's  fiscal year ended  December 31, 1995. THE
EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION  OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL  EXPENSES
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
The  purpose  of this  table is  to assist  investors  in understanding  the various  costs and
expenses that an  investor in  the Fund  will bear, whether  directly or  indirectly. For  more
complete  descriptions of the various costs and expenses, see "How the Fund is Managed." "Other
Expenses" includes operating expenses  of the Fund, such  as Directors' and professional  fees,
registration  fees, reports to  shareholders, transfer agency and  custodian fees and franchise
taxes.
<FN>
- ------------------------------
 * Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares  approximately
   seven years after purchase. See "Shareholder Guide--Conversion Feature--Class
   B Shares."
 + Pursuant to rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
   the aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales charges and asset-based
   sales  charges on shares of  the Fund may not  exceed 6.25% of total gross
   sales, subject to certain exclusions. This 6.25% limitation is imposed  on
   each  class of shares 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 and Class C Distribution and Service Plans provide that
   the Fund may pay a distribution fee of up to .30 of 1% and 1% per annum of
   the average daily net assets of the Class A and Class C shares, respectively,
   the Distributor has agreed to limit its distribution fees with respect  to
   Class A and Class C shares of the Fund to no more than .15 of 1% and .75 of
   1%  of the  average daily net  assets of the  Class A and  Class C shares,
   respectively, for the  fiscal year  ending December 31,  1996. Total  Fund
   Operating Expenses without such limitation would be 1.42% and 2.12% for the
   Class  A and Class C shares, respectively.  See "How the Fund is Managed--
   Distributor."
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
                                (CLASS A SHARES)
   The  following financial  highlights, with  respect to  the five-year period
 ended December  31, 1995,  have been  been audited  by Price  Waterhouse  LLP,
 independent   accountants,   whose  report   thereon  was   unqualified.  This
 information should be read  in conjunction with  the financial statements  and
 notes  thereto, which appear  in the Statement  of Additional Information. The
 following financial highlights contain  selected data for a  share of Class  A
 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 annual  report which  may be  obtained without  charge. See
 "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             CLASS A
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         JANUARY 22,
                                                                                            1990*
                                                                                           THROUGH
                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      DECEMBER
                             --------------------------------------------------------        31,
                               1995        1994        1993        1992        1991         1990
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period................   $ 13.50     $ 14.75     $ 15.07     $ 15.30     $ 14.84       $ 14.73
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS
Net investment income.....       .89         .90         .95        1.10        1.14          1.17
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss) on
 investment
 transactions.............      1.18       (1.19)       (.21)       (.15)        .61           .15
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
  Total from investment
   operations.............      2.07        (.29)        .74         .95        1.75          1.32
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders
 from net investment
 income...................      (.89)       (.90)       (.95)      (1.10)      (1.14)        (1.17)
Dividends to shareholders
 in excess of net
 investment income........      (.07)      --           (.11)       (.08)       (.15)         (.04)
Tax return of capital
 distributions............     --           (.06)      --          --          --           --
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
  Total distributions.....      (.96)       (.96)      (1.06)      (1.18)      (1.29)        (1.21)
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
Net asset value, end of
 period...................   $ 14.61     $ 13.50     $ 14.75     $ 15.07     $ 15.30       $ 14.84
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
TOTAL RETURN@:............     15.53%      (2.01)%      4.97%       6.42%      12.48%         9.41%
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000)....................   $99,183     $ 8,762     $10,863     $ 9,045     $ 6,268       $ 1,604
Average net assets
 (000)....................   $90,854     $ 9,874     $10,199     $ 6.651     $ 3,035       $   756
Ratios to average net
 assets:
  Expenses, including
   distribution fees......      1.27%       1.13%       1.00%       1.00%       1.11%         1.15%+
  Expenses, excluding
   distribution fees......      1.12%        .98%        .85%        .85%        .96%          .99%+
  Net investment income...      6.27%       6.42%       6.42%       7.26%       7.81%         9.16%+
Portfolio turnover........       193%        560%        134%         33%        118%          481%
<FN>
- ------------------------------
  * Commencement of offering of Class A shares.
  + Annualized.
  @ 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.
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
                                (CLASS B SHARES)
   The following financial  highlights, with  respect to  the five-year  period
 ended   December  31,  1995,  have  been  audited  by  Price  Waterhouse  LLP,
 independent  accountants,   whose  report   thereon  was   unqualified.   This
 information  should be read  in conjunction with  the financial statements and
 notes thereto, which appear  in the Statement  of Additional Information.  The
 following  financial highlights contain  selected data for a  share of Class B
 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 annual  report which  may be  obtained without  charge.  See
 "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CLASS B
                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1995      1994      1993      1992      1991      1990      1989       1988 #        1987      1986
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
<S>                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
 beginning
 of year........... $13.47    $14.71    $15.04    $15.27    $14.81    $14.86    $14.29       $ 14.76     $15.94    $15.94
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
INCOME FROM
 INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS
Net investment
 income............    .82       .82       .87      1.02      1.06      1.15      1.19          1.17       1.14      1.13
Net realized and
 unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investment
 transactions......   1.15     (1.19)     (.23)     (.16)      .60      (.01)      .59          (.48)      (.98)      .48
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
  Total from
   investment
   operations......   1.97      (.37)      .64       .86      1.66      1.14      1.78           .69        .16      1.61
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to
 shareholders from
 net investment
 income............   (.82)     (.82)     (.87)    (1.02)    (1.06)    (1.15)    (1.19)        (1.16)     (1.14)    (1.18)
Distributions to
 shareholders from
 net realized gain
 on investment
 transactions......   --        --        --        --        --        --        --          --           (.20)     (.43)
Dividends to
 shareholders in
 excess of net
 investment
 income............   (.05)     --        (.10)     (.07)     (.14)     (.04)     (.02)       --           --        --
Tax return of
 capital
 distributions.....   --        (.05)     --        --        --        --        --          --           --        --
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
  Total
   distributions...   (.87)     (.87)     (.97)    (1.09)    (1.20)    (1.19)    (1.21)        (1.16)     (1.34)    (1.61)
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
Net asset value,
 end of year....... $14.57    $13.47    $14.71    $15.04    $15.27    $14.81    $14.86       $ 14.29     $14.76    $15.94
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
TOTAL RETURN@:.....  14.78%    (2.57)%    4.29%     5.80%    11.82%     8.10%    12.93%         4.80%      1.10%    10.64%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end of
 year (000)........ $125,463  $245,437  $319,401  $325,969  $272,661  $226,605  $221,938     $236,626    $263,914  $284,421
Average net assets
 (000)............. $146,240  $279,946  $332,731  $295,255  $243,749  $218,749  $223,251     $252,814    $278,475  $254,992
Ratios to average
 net assets:
  Expenses,
   including
   distribution
   fees ...........   1.87%     1.73%     1.60%     1.60%     1.71%     1.74%     1.56%         1.52%      1.65%     1.39%
  Expenses,
   excluding
   distribution
   fees ...........   1.12%      .98%      .85%      .85%      .96%      .99%      .98%          .91%      1.01%      .80%
  Net investment
   income..........   5.82%     5.82%     5.82%     6.66%     7.21%     7.96%     8.16%         7.83%      7.17%     7.21%
Portfolio
 turnover..........    193%      560%      134%       33%      118%      481%      200%          216%       331%      254%
<FN>
- ----------------------------------
  # On  May  2,  1988, Prudential  Mutual  Fund Management,  Inc.  succeeded The
    Prudential Insurance Company of America as investment adviser and since then
    has acted as manager of the Fund.
  @ 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.
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE INDICATED PERIODS)
                                (CLASS C SHARES)
   The  following financial  highlights have  been audited  by Price Waterhouse
 LLP, independent  accountants,  whose  report thereon  was  unqualified.  This
 information  should be read  in conjunction with  the financial statements and
 notes thereto, which appear  in the Statement  of Additional Information.  The
 following  financial highlights contain  selected data for a  Class C share of
 common stock outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and other
 supplemental data for the periods indicated. The information is based on  data
 contained  in  the financial  statements.  Further performance  information is
 contained in  the annual  report which  may be  obtained without  charge.  See
 "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder Services--Reports to Shareholders."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CLASS C
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                            AUGUST
                                                                              1,
                                                                            1994+
                                                                YEAR       THROUGH
                                                               ENDED       DECEMBER
                                                              DECEMBER       31,
                                                              31, 1995       1994
                                                              --------     --------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................  $13.47       $14.01
                                                              --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.......................................     .81          .30
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
 transactions...............................................    1.16         (.49)
                                                              --------     --------
  Total from investment operations..........................    1.97         (.19)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income........................    (.81)        (.30)
Distributions to shareholders in excess of net investment
 income.....................................................    (.06)          --
Tax return of capital distributions.........................      --         (.05)
                                                              --------     --------
  Total distributions.......................................    (.87)        (.35)
                                                              --------     --------
Net asset value, end of period..............................  $14.57       $13.47
                                                              --------     --------
                                                              --------     --------
TOTAL RETURN#:..............................................   14.78%       (1.32)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000).............................  $  655       $  515
Average net assets (000)....................................  $  599       $  460
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees.....................    1.87%        1.82%*
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees.....................    1.12%        1.08%*
  Net investment income.....................................    5.72%        5.32%*
Portfolio turnover..........................................     193%         560%
<FN>
- -------------
 *Annualized.
 +Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
#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.
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                              HOW THE FUND INVESTS
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
  THE  FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO ACHIEVE A HIGH LEVEL OF INCOME OVER THE
LONG TERM  CONSISTENT WITH  PROVIDING REASONABLE  SAFETY IN  THE VALUE  OF  EACH
SHAREHOLDER'S  INVESTMENT.  IN PURSUING  THIS  OBJECTIVE, THE  FUND  WILL INVEST
PRIMARILY IN READILY MARKETABLE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES THAT PROVIDE  ATTRACTIVE
YIELDS  BUT DO NOT INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL RISK  OF LOSS OF CAPITAL THROUGH DEFAULT,
PRINCIPALLY MORTGAGE-RELATED INSTRUMENTS, INCLUDING SECURITIES GUARANTEED AS  TO
TIMELY  PAYMENT OF  PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST  BY THE  GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE
ASSOCIATION (GNMA),  OTHER MORTGAGE-BACKED  SECURITIES ISSUED  OR GUARANTEED  BY
AGENCIES  OR INSTRUMENTALITIES OF  THE U.S. GOVERNMENT,  AND NON-AGENCY MORTGAGE
INSTRUMENTS, ALONG WITH OBLIGATIONS USING MORTGAGES AS COLLATERAL. THERE CAN  BE
NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCH OBJECTIVE WILL BE ACHIEVED. See "Investment Objective and
Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  THE  FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE  IS A FUNDAMENTAL  POLICY AND, THEREFORE, MAY
NOT BE CHANGED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF  THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE  FUND'S
OUTSTANDING  VOTING SECURITIES AS DEFINED IN THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AS AMENDED (THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT). FUND POLICIES THAT ARE NOT  FUNDAMENTAL
MAY BE MODIFIED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
  Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets  in mortgage-backed securities. The Fund will invest the remainder of its
assets in U.S. Government securities, corporate bonds, notes and debentures  and
high  quality  money market  instruments and  engage in  the hedging  and return
enhancement strategies  described below.  See  "Hedging and  Return  Enhancement
Strategies" below. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in securities
rated  at least A  by Moody's Investors  Service (Moody's) or  Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group  (S &  P)  or similarly  rated  by another  nationally  recognized
statistical rating organization or in non-rated securities which, in the view of
the  investment  adviser,  are  of  comparable  quality.  The  remainder  of the
portfolio will be rated at least Aa by Moody's or AA by S & P or similarly rated
by another nationally recognized statistical  rating organization or, if not  so
rated,  of  comparable  quality  in  the  view  of  the  investment  adviser.  A
description of security ratings is contained in an Appendix to the Statement  of
Additional Information.
 
  THE  FUND MAY VARY THE PROPORTION OF ITS HOLDINGS OF LONG- AND SHORT-TERM DEBT
SECURITIES IN ORDER TO REFLECT ITS ASSESSMENT OF PROSPECTIVE CHANGES IN INTEREST
RATES EVEN IF SUCH ACTION MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT CURRENT INCOME. For example,  if,
in  the opinion of the investment adviser, interest rates generally are expected
to decline, the Fund  may sell its shorter  term securities and purchase  longer
term  securities  in  order  to benefit  from  greater  expected  relative price
appreciation; the securities  sold may have  a higher current  yield than  those
being  purchased. The  success of  this strategy  will depend  on the investment
adviser's ability  to forecast  changes in  interest rates.  Moreover, the  Fund
intends  to  manage  its  portfolio  actively  by  taking  advantage  of trading
opportunities such  as sales  of portfolio  securities and  purchases of  higher
yielding  securities  of  similar quality  due  to distortions  in  normal yield
differentials.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  Mortgage-backed  securities  are  securities   that  directly  or   indirectly
represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans
secured   by  real   property.  There  are   currently  three   basic  types  of
mortgage-backed  securities:  (i)  those  issued  or  guaranteed  by  the   U.S.
Government  or one of  its agencies or instrumentalities,  such as GNMA, Federal
National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage  Corporation
(FHLMC);  (ii) those issued by private issuers  that represent an interest in or
are collateralized by  mortgage-backed securities  issued or  guaranteed by  the
U.S.  Government or  one of its  agencies or instrumentalities;  and (iii) those
issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by
whole
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities without a government guarantee  but
usually  having some form  of private credit  enhancement. See "Private Mortgage
Pass-Through Securities" below. The Fund may invest in adjustable rate and fixed
rate mortgage securities.
 
  The Fund  may  invest  in  mortgage-backed  securities  and  other  derivative
mortgage  products, including those representing an undivided ownership interest
in a pool of mortgages, E.G., GNMA,  FNMA and FHLMC certificates where the  U.S.
Government  or  its  agencies  or instrumentalities  guarantees  the  payment of
interest and principal of  these securities. These guarantees  do not extend  to
the  yield or  value of  the securities  or the  Fund's shares.  See "Investment
Objective and  Policies--Mortgage-Backed Securities--Non-Agency  Mortgage-Backed
Securities"  in the Statement of  Additional Information. These certificates are
in most cases "pass-through"  instruments, through which  the holder receives  a
share  of all interest and principal  payments from the mortgages underlying the
certificate, net of  certain fees. The  value of these  securities is likely  to
vary inversely with fluctuations in interest rates.
 
  Mortgage-backed  securities are subject to the  risk that the principal on the
underlying mortgage loans  may be prepaid  at any time.  Although the extent  of
prepayments  on a pool of  mortgage loans depends on  various economic and other
factors, as  a  general rule  prepayments  on  fixed rate  mortgage  loans  will
increase  during a period of falling interest rates and decrease during a period
of rising interest rates. Accordingly, amounts available for reinvestment by the
Fund are likely to be greater during  a period of declining interest rates  and,
as  a result,  likely to  be reinvested  at lower  interest rates  than during a
period of  rising interest  rates. Mortgage-backed  securities may  decrease  in
value as a result of increases in interest rates and may benefit less than other
fixed  income securities  from declining interest  rates because of  the risk of
prepayment.
 
  COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS AND MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
 
  A  collateralized  mortgage  obligation  (CMO)  is  a  security  issued  by  a
corporation  or U.S. Government  agency or instrumentality which  is backed by a
portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. The issuer's obligation to
make interest and principal payments is  secured by the underlying portfolio  of
mortgages  or mortgage-backed securities. Multiclass pass-through securities are
equity interests in a trust composed of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities.
Payments of principal of and interest on the underlying mortgage assets, and any
reinvestment income thereon, provide the funds  to pay debt service on the  CMOs
or  make scheduled distributions on the multiclass pass-through securities. CMOs
may be issued  by agencies or  instrumentalities of the  U.S. Government, or  by
private  originators of, or  investors in, mortgage  loans, including depository
institutions, mortgage banks, investment banks and special purpose  subsidiaries
of  the foregoing. The issuer of  a series of CMOs may  elect to be treated as a
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit  (REMIC). All future references to  CMOs
shall  also  be deemed  to include  securities issued  by REMICs  and multiclass
pass-through securities.
 
  In a CMO, a  series of bonds  or certificates is  issued in multiple  classes.
Each  class of CMOs, often  referred to as a "tranche,"  is issued at a specific
fixed or floating coupon  rate and has a  stated maturity or final  distribution
date. Principal prepayments on the underlying mortgage assets may cause the CMOs
to  be  retired  substantially earlier  than  their stated  maturities  or final
distribution dates. Interest  is paid or  accrues on  classes of the  CMOs on  a
monthly,  quarterly or semi-annual  basis. The principal of  and interest on the
underlying mortgage assets may be allocated  among the several classes of a  CMO
series  in a number of different ways.  Generally, the purpose of the allocation
of the cash flow of a CMO to the various classes is to obtain a more predictable
cash flow to the individual tranches than exists with the underlying  collateral
of  the CMO. As a general  rule, the more predictable the  cash flow is on a CMO
tranche, the lower the anticipated yield will be on that tranche at the time  of
issuance  relative to  prevailing market  yields on  mortgage-backed securities.
Certain classes  of CMOs  may have  priority  over others  with respect  to  the
receipt of prepayments.
 
  In  reliance  on  rules and  interpretations  of the  Securities  and Exchange
Commission (SEC), the Fund's investments  in certain qualifying CMOs and  REMICs
are  not  subject  to  the  Investment  Company  Act's  limitation  on acquiring
interests  in  other  investment   companies.  See  "Investment  Objective   and
Policies--Mortgage-Backed  Securities--Collateralized  Mortgage  Obligations" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
  STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The Fund may also invest in  mortgage-backed security strips (MBS strips)  (i)
issued  by  the U.S.  Government or  its agencies  or instrumentalities  or (ii)
issued by private  originators of,  or investors in,  mortgage loans,  including
depository  institutions, mortgage  banks, investment banks  and special purpose
subsidiaries of the foregoing  (derivative multiclass mortgage securities).  MBS
strips   are  usually  structured  with   two  classes  that  receive  different
proportions of the interest  and principal distributions on  a pool of  mortgage
assets.  A  common  type  of  stripped mortgage  security  will  have  one class
receiving some  of the  interest and  most of  the principal  from the  mortgage
assets,  while  the  other class  will  receive  most of  the  interest  and the
remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all
of the interest (the  interest-only or "IO" class),  while the other class  will
receive  all of the principal (the principal-only  or "PO" class). The yields to
maturity on IOs and  POs are sensitive  to the expected  or anticipated rate  of
principal  payments (including  prepayments) on the  related underlying mortgage
assets, and principal payments may have a material effect on yield to  maturity.
If   the  underlying   mortgage  assets  experience   greater  than  anticipated
prepayments of principal, the Fund may  not fully recoup its initial  investment
in  IOs.  Conversely, if  the underlying  mortgage  assets experience  less than
anticipated prepayments  of principal,  the  yield on  POs could  be  materially
adversely  affected.  See  "Investment  Objective  and Policies--Mortgage-Backed
Securities"   in   the   Statement   of   Additional   Information.   Derivative
mortgage-backed securities such as MBS strips are highly sensitive to changes in
prepayment and interest rates.
 
  PRIVATE MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
 
  Private mortgage pass-through securities are structured similarly to the GNMA,
FNMA and FHLMC mortgage pass-through securities and are issued by originators of
and  investors in  mortgage loans,  including depository  institutions, mortgage
banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. These
securities usually are backed by a pool of conventional fixed rate or adjustable
rate mortgage loans.  Since private mortgage  pass-through securities  typically
are  not guaranteed  by an  entity having  the credit  status of  GNMA, FNMA and
FHLMC, such securities generally are structured with one or more types of credit
enhancement.
 
OTHER FIXED-INCOME OBLIGATIONS
 
  IN ADDITION  TO  MORTGAGE-BACKED  SECURITIES,  THE FUND  MAY  INVEST  IN  U.S.
GOVERNMENT   AND  CORPORATE  BONDS,  NOTES   AND  DEBENTURES  AND  MONEY  MARKET
INSTRUMENTS. The  value of  fixed-income  securities generally  fluctuates  with
changes  in  the  creditworthiness  of issuers  and  inversely  with  changes in
interest rates.  There  are  risks in  any  investment,  including  fixed-income
securities,  and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to achieve
its investment objective.
 
  Obligations issued or  guaranteed as  to principal  and interest  by the  U.S.
Government  may be acquired by  the Fund in the  form of custodial receipts that
evidence ownership of future  interest payments, principal  payments or both  on
certain  U.S. Treasury notes or bonds. Such  notes and bonds are held in custody
by a  bank  on behalf  of  the owners.  These  custodial receipts  are  commonly
referred to as Treasury strips.
 
  Other  fixed-income obligations  that the Fund  may invest  in include certain
U.S. dollar denominated debt securities  of foreign issuers, provided that  such
investments  do not,  in the judgment  of the Fund's  investment adviser, entail
substantial additional risk to  the Fund. See  "Investment Restrictions" in  the
Statement  of Additional Information. Securities  of foreign issuers may involve
considerations and risks not present in domestic securities, such as the risk to
the issuer  of nationalization,  confiscation  or other  national  restrictions.
There  may be less information about  foreign issuers publicly available than is
generally the  case  with  respect to  domestic  issuers.  Furthermore,  foreign
issuers  are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, practices and  requirements comparable to those  applicable
to domestic issuers.
 
  ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The  Fund may invest in asset-backed securities. Through the use of trusts and
special purpose corporations, various types of assets, primarily automobile  and
credit  card  receivables  and  home  equity  loans,  have  been  securitized in
pass-through structures
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
similar to the mortgage  pass-through structures or  in a pay-through  structure
similar  to the CMO structure.  The Fund may invest in  these and other types of
asset-backed  securities  that   may  be   developed  in   the  future.   Unlike
mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities do not have the benefit of a
security  interest  in  the  related collateral.  Credit  card  receivables, for
example, are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the  protection
of  a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, some of which may reduce
the ability to obtain full payment.  In the case of automobile receivables,  the
security  interests in the underlying automobiles are often not transferred when
the pool is created, with the resulting possibility that the collateral could be
resold. In  general, these  types of  loans  are of  shorter average  life  than
mortgage  loans and  are less  likely to  have substantial  prepayments. In many
instances,  asset-backed  securities  are  over-collateralized  to  ensure   the
relative stability of their credit quality.
 
  ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES
 
  The  Fund is  permitted to  invest in  adjustable rate  or floating  rate debt
securities, including corporate securities, securities issued by U.S. Government
agencies and mortgage-backed  securities, whose interest  rate is calculated  by
reference  to a specified index such as the constant maturity Treasury rate, the
T-bill rate or LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) and is reset  periodically.
Adjustable  rate  securities  allow  the Fund  to  participate  in  increases in
interest rates through these  periodic adjustments. The  value of adjustable  or
floating  rate  securities  will,  like other  debt  securities,  generally vary
inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates. The value of adjustable  or
floating  rate securities is  unlikely to rise in  periods of declining interest
rates to the  same extent as  fixed rate instruments  of similar maturities.  In
periods  of rising interest rates, changes in the coupon will lag behind changes
in the market rate resulting in a lower net asset value until the coupon  resets
to market rates.
 
HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
 
  THE FUND ALSO MAY ENGAGE IN VARIOUS PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES, INCLUDING THE USE OF
DERIVATIVES,  TO  REDUCE CERTAIN  RISKS  OF ITS  INVESTMENTS  AND TO  ATTEMPT TO
ENHANCE RETURN, BUT NOT FOR SPECULATION. These strategies currently include  the
use  of options on U.S. Government  securities and futures contracts and options
thereon. 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--Interest Rate  Futures and Options  Thereon" 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  U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES THAT ARE TRADED ON NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGES OR IN THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET WITH PRIMARY GOVERNMENT SECURITIES DEALERS RECOGNIZED BY
THE  BOARD OF GOVERNORS  OF THE FEDERAL  RESERVE SYSTEM TO  ENHANCE INCOME OR TO
HEDGE THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO. The Fund may  write covered put and call options  to
attempt  to generate additional income through the receipt of premiums, purchase
put options in an effort to protect the value of a security 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 it intends to purchase. The Fund
may also purchase put and call options to offset previously written put and call
options of  the  same series.  See  "Investment Objective  and  Policies--Option
Writing and Related Risks" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  A  CALL OPTION GIVES THE PURCHASER, IN EXCHANGE FOR A PREMIUM PAID, THE RIGHT,
FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME, TO PURCHASE THE SECURITIES SUBJECT TO THE OPTION
AT A SPECIFIED PRICE (THE EXERCISE PRICE OR STRIKE PRICE). The writer of a  call
option,  in return  for the  premium, has the  obligation, upon  exercise of the
option, to  deliver,  depending upon  the  terms  of the  option  contract,  the
underlying  securities  or a  specified  amount of  cash  to the  purchaser upon
receipt of the  exercise price. When  the Fund  writes a call  option, the  Fund
gives  up the potential for  gain on the underlying  securities in excess of the
exercise price of the option during the period that the option is open.
 
  A PUT OPTION 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
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
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
might, therefore, be obligated  to purchase the  underlying securities for  more
than their current market price.
 
  THE  FUND WILL WRITE ONLY "COVERED" OPTIONS.  An option is covered if, so long
as the Fund is obligated under the option, it owns an offsetting position in the
underlying security  or  maintains cash,  U.S.  Government securities  or  other
liquid high-grade debt obligations with a value sufficient at all times to cover
its   obligations  in  a  segregated  account.  See  "Investment  Objective  and
Policies--Option Writing  and  Related Risks"  in  the Statement  of  Additional
Information.
 
  THERE  IS NO LIMITATION ON THE AMOUNT OF  CALL OPTIONS THE FUND MAY WRITE. THE
FUND WILL NOT PURCHASE AN OPTION IF, AS A RESULT OF SUCH PURCHASE, MORE THAN 10%
OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS WOULD BE INVESTED IN PREMIUMS FOR OPTIONS.
 
  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  FOR  CERTAIN
HEDGING,  RETURN  ENHANCEMENT AND  RISK MANAGEMENT  PURPOSES IN  ACCORDANCE WITH
REGULATIONS OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION. These futures contracts
and options thereon will  be on financial indices  (including futures linked  to
the London Interbank offered rate) and U.S. Government securities.
 
  A  FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACT  IS AN AGREEMENT  TO PURCHASE OR  SELL AN AGREED
AMOUNT OF SECURITIES AT A SET PRICE FOR DELIVERY IN THE FUTURE.
 
  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  THE  FUND'S  PURCHASING  AND  SELLING  FUTURES
CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON  FOR BONA FIDE HEDGING  PURPOSES, EXCEPT THAT  THE
FUND  MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FUTURES CONTRACTS  AND OPTIONS THEREON FOR ANY OTHER
PURPOSE TO THE EXTENT THAT THE  AGGREGATE INITIAL MARGIN AND OPTION PREMIUMS  DO
NOT  EXCEED 5%  OF THE  LIQUIDATION VALUE OF  THE FUND'S  TOTAL ASSETS. ALTHOUGH
THERE ARE NO  OTHER LIMITS  APPLICABLE TO FUTURES  CONTRACTS, THE  VALUE OF  ALL
FUTURES  CONTRACTS SOLD  WILL NOT  EXCEED THE TOTAL  MARKET VALUE  OF THE FUND'S
PORTFOLIO.
 
  THE FUND'S SUCCESSFUL  USE OF  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND  OPTIONS THEREON  DEPENDS
UPON THE INVESTMENT ADVISER'S ABILITY TO PREDICT THE DIRECTION OF THE MARKET AND
IS SUBJECT TO VARIOUS ADDITIONAL RISKS. The correlation between movements in the
price  of a  futures contract and  the price  of the securities  being hedged is
imperfect and there is a risk that the value of the securities being hedged  may
increase  or  decrease at  a  greater rate  than  the related  futures contract,
resulting in losses to  the Fund. Certain futures  exchanges or boards of  trade
have established daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract
or  option  thereon  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 options thereon on any particular day.
 
  THE FUND'S ABILITY  TO ENTER  INTO FUTURES  CONTRACTS AND  OPTIONS THEREON  IS
LIMITED  BY THE REQUIREMENTS  OF THE INTERNAL  REVENUE CODE OF  1986, AS AMENDED
(THE INTERNAL  REVENUE  CODE),  FOR  QUALIFICATION  AS  A  REGULATED  INVESTMENT
COMPANY.  SEE  "INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE AND  POLICIES--INTEREST  RATE  FUTURES AND
OPTIONS THEREON" AND "TAXES" IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
  RISKS OF HEDGING AND RETURN ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
 
  PARTICIPATION IN THE OPTIONS AND FUTURES MARKETS INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS AND
TRANSACTION COSTS TO WHICH THE FUND WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT ABSENT THE USE OF THESE
STRATEGIES.  If  the  investment  adviser's  predictions  of  movements  in  the
direction  of  the  securities and  interest  rate markets  are  inaccurate, the
adverse consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than  if
such  strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options and futures
contracts and  options  on  futures  contracts include  (1)  dependence  on  the
investment  adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
interest rates  and securities  prices; (2)  imperfect correlation  between  the
price  of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the
prices of the securities being  hedged; (3) the fact  that skills needed to  use
these strategies are
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
different  from those  needed to select  portfolio securities;  (4) the possible
absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any  time;
and (5) the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid
adverse   tax  consequences.  See   "Taxes"  in  the   Statement  of  Additional
Information.
 
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND POLICIES
 
  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.  Investing in  Rule 144A  securities could,  however, have  the
effect  of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified
institutional buyers  become, for  a limited  time, uninterested  in  purchasing
these  securities. The Fund intends to comply with any applicable state blue sky
laws restricting the Fund's investments in illiquid securities. See  "Investment
Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional Information. The investment adviser
will  monitor the liquidity of such  restricted securities under the supervision
of the Board of Directors. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to
have a maturity equal to the applicable notice period.
 
  The staff of the  SEC 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."
 
  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  maintain,  in a  segregated  account  of the  Fund,  cash,  U.S.
Government securities or other liquid high-grade debt obligations having a value
equal  to  or  greater  than  the  Fund's  purchase  commitments.  The  value of
securities so  purchased  are subject  to  market fluctuation  and  no  interest
accrues  to the purchaser during the  period between purchase and settlement. At
the time of delivery of  the securities the value may  be more or less than  the
purchase  price and an increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets committed
to the purchase  of securities on  a when-issued or  delayed delivery basis  may
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value.
 
  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 not be for a number of months.
The resale price is in excess  of the purchase price, reflecting an  agreed-upon
rate  of return effective for the period of time the Fund's money is invested in
the repurchase agreement. The Fund's repurchase agreements will at all times  be
fully  collateralized  in an  amount at  least  equal to  the resale  price. 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  Prudential  Mutual  Fund
Management,  Inc. pursuant to an order of the SEC. See "Investment Objective and
Policies--Repurchase Agreements" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
  DOLLAR ROLLS
 
  The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the Fund sells securities to  be
issued  and  delivered  in the  current  month and  simultaneously  contracts to
repurchase  substantially  similar  (same  type  and  coupon)  securities  on  a
specified  future date  from the  same party. During  the roll  period, the Fund
forgoes principal and interest paid on  the securities. The Fund is  compensated
by  the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the
future purchase (often referred  to as the  "drop") as well  as by the  interest
earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.
 
  A  "covered roll"  is a  specific type of  dollar roll  for which  there is an
offsetting cash position or a cash equivalent security position which matures on
or before the  forward settlement date  of the dollar  roll transaction.  Dollar
rolls  (other  than covered  rolls) are  considered borrowings  by the  Fund for
purposes of the percentage limitations applicable to borrowings. Covered  rolls,
however,  are not treated as  borrowings or other senior  securities and will be
excluded from  the  calculation  of  the  Fund's  borrowings  and  other  senior
securities.
 
  The  Fund will establish a  segregated account with its  Custodian in which it
will maintain cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid, high-grade  debt
obligations equal in value to its obligations in respect of dollar rolls.
 
  SECURITIES LENDING
 
  The  Fund may lend  its portfolio securities  to brokers or  dealers, banks or
other recognized  institutional  borrowers  of  securities,  provided  that  the
borrower  at  all times  maintains cash  or equivalent  collateral or  secures a
letter of credit in favor of the Fund in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
market value of the securities loaned. During the time portfolio securities  are
on  loan, the borrower will pay the Fund an amount equivalent to any dividend or
interest paid on such securities and the Fund may invest the cash collateral and
earn additional income,  or it  may receive an  agreed upon  amount of  interest
income  from the  borrower. See  "Investment Objective  and Policies--Lending of
Portfolio Securities" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  BORROWING
 
  The Fund may borrow an amount  equal to no more than  20% of the value of  its
total  assets  (calculated when  the  loan is  made)  from banks  for temporary,
extraordinary or emergency purposes  or for the  clearance of transactions.  The
Fund may pledge up to 20% of its total assets to secure these borrowings.
 
  INTEREST RATE SWAPS
 
  The  Fund may enter into interest rate  swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the
exchange by the Fund with another  party of their respective commitments to  pay
or  receive interest (E.G., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate
payments). The  Fund  expects to  enter  into these  transactions  primarily  to
preserve  a  return or  spread  on a  particular  investment or  portion  of its
portfolio or to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund
anticipates  purchasing  at  a  later  date.  The  Fund  intends  to  use  these
transactions  as a hedge and  not as a speculative  investment. The risk of loss
with respect to interest  rate swaps is  limited to the  net amount of  interest
payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make and will not exceed 5%
of the Fund's net assets.
 
  When  the Fund enters into interest rate swaps  on other than a net basis, the
entire amount of the Fund's obligations,  if any, with respect to such  interest
rate  swaps will be treated as illiquid. To the extent that the Fund enters into
interest rate swaps on a net basis, the net amount of the excess, if any, of the
Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap
will be treated as illiquid.
 
  See "Investment  Objective and  Policies--Interest Rate  Transactions" in  the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
  PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
  Although  the Fund has no fixed policy  with respect to portfolio turnover, it
may sell portfolio  securities without regard  to the length  of time that  they
have  been held in  order to take  advantage of new  investment opportunities or
yield differentials, or  because the  Fund desires  to preserve  gains or  limit
losses due to changing economic conditions. Accordingly, it is possible that the
portfolio  turnover  rate of  the  Fund may  reach,  or even  exceed,  350%. The
portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the amount of  the
securities   purchased  or  securities  sold  (excluding  all  securities  whose
maturities at acquisition were one year or less) by the average monthly value of
such securities owned  during the  year. A higher  rate of  turnover results  in
increased  transaction costs to the Fund. See "Investment Objective and Policies
- -- Portfolio Turnover" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
  The Fund  is  subject  to  certain investment  restrictions  which,  like  its
investment   objectives,  constitute  fundamental   policies.  Such  fundamental
policies are those which 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  December 31, 1995, the  Fund's total expenses as  a
percentage  of average net  assets for the Fund's  Class A, Class  B and Class C
shares were 1.27%, 1.87% and 1.87%, respectively. See "Financial Highlights."
 
MANAGER
 
  PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL  FUND MANAGEMENT,  INC. (PMF  OR THE  MANAGER), ONE  SEAPORT
PLAZA,  NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292, IS THE  MANAGER OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED
FOR ITS SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF .50 OF 1% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY  NET
ASSETS.  PMF  was  incorporated in  May  1987 under  the  laws of  the  State of
Delaware. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Fund paid  management
fees  to PMF  of .50%  of the Fund's  average net  assets. See  "Manager" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  As of March  31, 1996, PMF  served as  the manager to  37 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 $53 billion.
 
  UNDER  THE  MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT  WITH THE  FUND,  PMF MANAGES  THE INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND  AND ALSO ADMINISTERS THE  FUND'S CORPORATE AFFAIRS.  See
"Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  UNDER  A  SUBADVISORY  AGREEMENT  BETWEEN PMF  AND  THE  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC OR THE SUBADVISER), PIC FURNISHES INVESTMENT ADVISORY  SERVICES
IN  CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  AND IS REIMBURSED BY PMF FOR ITS
REASONABLE COSTS AND  EXPENSES INCURRED  IN PROVIDING SUCH  SERVICES. Under  the
Management  Agreement, PMF continues  to have responsibility  for all investment
advisory services and supervises PIC's performance of such services.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
  Barbara L.  Kenworthy, a  managing director  and senior  portfolio manager  of
Prudential  Mutual  Fund Investment  Management,  a unit  of  PIC, has  been the
portfolio manager  of  the Fund  since  May 1995.  She  is responsible  for  the
day-to-day  management of the portfolio. Ms.  Kenworthy joined PIC in July 1994,
having previously been employed  by The Dreyfus Corporation  (from June 1985  to
June  1994)  where she  served as  president and  portfolio manager  for several
Dreyfus fixed-income funds. Ms. Kenworthy  also serves as the portfolio  manager
of other investment companies advised by PIC.
 
  PMF  and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential),  a major diversified  insurance and financial  services
company.
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES OR PSI), ONE SEAPORT
PLAZA,  NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10292, IS A CORPORATION  ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND SERVES AS  THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE SHARES OF THE  FUND.
IT IS AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PRUDENTIAL.
 
  UNDER  SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS (THE  CLASS A PLAN, THE CLASS B
PLAN AND THE CLASS C  PLAN, COLLECTIVELY, THE PLANS)  ADOPTED BY THE FUND  UNDER
RULE 12B-1 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
(THE  DISTRIBUTION  AGREEMENTS), PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES (ALSO,  THE DISTRIBUTOR)
INCURS THE EXPENSES  OF DISTRIBUTING THE  FUND'S CLASS  A, CLASS B  AND CLASS  C
SHARES.  These expenses include commissions and  account servicing fees paid to,
or  on   account   of,  financial   advisers   of  Prudential   Securities   and
representatives   of  Pruco  Securities   Corporation  (Prusec),  an  affiliated
broker-dealer, commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account of,
other broker-dealers or financial institutions (other than national banks) which
have entered into  agreements with  the Distributor,  advertising expenses,  the
cost  of printing and  mailing prospectuses to  potential investors and indirect
and overhead costs of Prudential Securities and Prusec associated with the  sale
of  Fund shares,  including lease,  utility, communications  and sales promotion
expenses. The State of  Texas requires that  shares of the Fund  may be sold  in
that  state only by dealers or other financial institutions which are registered
there as broker-dealers.
 
  Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees
to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service  activities,
not  as  reimbursement  for  specific expenses  incurred.  If  the Distributor's
expenses exceed  its  distribution  and  service fees,  the  Fund  will  not  be
obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses are less
than  such  distribution and  service fees,  it  will retain  its full  fees and
realize a profit.
 
  UNDER THE  CLASS  A PLAN,  THE  FUND MAY  PAY  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES  FOR  ITS
DISTRIBUTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES AT AN ANNUAL RATE
OF  UP TO .30 OF 1%  OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS  OF THE CLASS A SHARES. The
Class A Plan provides that (i) up to  .25 of 1% of the average daily net  assets
of  the  Class A  shares may  be used  to  pay for  personal service  and/or the
maintenance of shareholder  accounts (service fee)  and (ii) total  distribution
fees  (including the service fee of  .25 of 1%) may not  exceed .30 of 1% of the
average daily net assets of the Class A shares. It is expected that in the  case
of  Class A shares, proceeds from the distribution fee will be used primarily to
pay account  servicing fees  to financial  advisers. Prudential  Securities  has
agreed  to limit its distribution-related fees payable under the Class A Plan to
 .15 of 1% of the average daily net  assets of the Class A shares for the  fiscal
year ending December 31, 1996.
 
  UNDER  THE CLASS B AND  CLASS C PLANS, THE  FUND MAY PAY PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
FOR ITS DISTRIBUTION-RELATED  ACTIVITIES WITH  RESPECT TO  CLASS B  AND CLASS  C
SHARES  AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF UP  TO .75 OF 1% AND UP  TO 1% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY
NET ASSETS OF THE  CLASS B AND  CLASS C SHARES, RESPECTIVELY.  The Class B  Plan
provides  for the payment  to Prudential Securities of  (i) an asset-based sales
charge of up to .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares,
and (ii) a service fee of up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the
Class B shares; provided that the total distribution-related fee does not exceed
 .75 of 1%. The Class C Plan provides for the payment to Prudential Securities of
(i) an asset-based  sales charge of  up to .75  of 1% of  the average daily  net
assets  of the Class C shares, and (ii) a service  fee of up to .25 of 1% of the
average daily net assets of the Class C  shares. The service fee is used to  pay
for  personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Prudential
Securities has agreed to limit  its distribution-related fees payable under  the
Class C Plan to .75
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
of  1% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares for the fiscal year
ending  December  31,  1996.  Prudential  Securities  also  receives  contingent
deferred  sales charges  from certain  redeeming shareholders.  See "Shareholder
Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
 
  For the  fiscal year  ended  December 31,  1995,  the Fund  paid  distribution
expenses  of .15%, .75% and .75% of the average daily 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 shares of the Fund will  be
allocated to each class based upon the ratio of sales of each class to the sales
of  all shares of the Fund other  than expenses allocable to a particular class.
The distribution fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize
the sale of another class.
 
  Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year provided
that a majority of the Board of  Directors of the Fund, including a majority  of
the  Directors who are not  "interested persons" of the  Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any  agreement related to the Plan (the Rule  12b-1
Directors),  vote annually to continue the Plan.  Each Plan may be terminated at
any time by vote of a majority of  the Rule 12b-1 Directors or of a majority  of
the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. The Fund will not be
obligated  to pay distribution and service fees incurred under any Plan if it is
terminated or not continued.
 
  In addition to distribution and service fees paid by the Fund under the  Class
A,  Class B and Class C  Plans, the Manager (or one  of its affiliates) may make
payments out of its own resources to dealers and other persons which  distribute
shares  of the  Fund. Such payments  may be  calculated by reference  to the net
asset value of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
 
  The Distributor  is  subject to  the  rules  of the  National  Association  of
Securities   Dealers,  Inc.   (NASD),  governing  maximum   sales  charges.  See
"Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  On October 21,  1993, PSI  entered into an  omnibus settlement  with the  SEC,
state  securities  regulators  (with  the  exception  of  the  Texas  Securities
Commissioner, who joined  the settlement on  January 18, 1994)  and the NASD  to
resolve  allegations  that  from  1980 through  1990  PSI  sold  certain limited
partnership interests in violation of securities  laws to persons for whom  such
securities  were not suitable  and misrepresented the  safety, potential returns
and liquidity of these investments. Without admitting or denying the allegations
asserted against it, PSI consented to  the entry of an SEC Administrative  Order
which  stated that PSI's conduct violated  the federal securities laws, directed
PSI to cease and  desist from violating the  federal securities laws, pay  civil
penalties, and adopt certain remedial measures to address the violations.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the SEC settlement, PSI agreed to the imposition of a
$10,000,000  civil  penalty,  established a  settlement  fund in  the  amount of
$330,000,000 and  procedures  to  resolve  legitimate  claims  for  compensatory
damages  by purchasers of  the partnership interests.  PSI's settlement with the
state securities regulators included an agreement  to pay a penalty of  $500,000
per  jurisdiction. PSI has agreed to provide additional funds, if necessary, for
the purpose  of the  settlement fund.  PSI consented  to a  censure and  to  the
payment of a $5,000,000 fine in settling the NASD action.
 
  In  October  1994,  a criminal  complaint  was  filed with  the  United States
Magistrate for the  Southern District of  New York alleging  that PSI  committed
fraud  in connection with  the sale of certain  limited partnership interests in
violation of federal securities laws.  An agreement was simultaneously filed  to
defer  prosecution of these charges for a period of three years from the signing
of the agreement, provided  that PSI complies with  the terms of the  agreement.
If, upon completion of the three year period, PSI has complied with the terms of
the  agreement, no prosecution will  be instituted by the  United States for the
offenses charged in the complaint. If, on  the other hand, during the course  of
the  three  year period,  PSI  violates the  terms  of the  agreement,  the U.S.
Attorney can  then  elect  to pursue  these  charges.  Under the  terms  of  the
agreement,  PSI agreed,  among other things,  to pay  an additional $330,000,000
into the  fund  established by  the  SEC to  pay  restitution to  investors  who
purchased certain PSI limited partnership interests.
 
  For   more  detailed   information  concerning  the   foregoing  matters,  see
"Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information, a copy of which may be
obtained at no cost by calling 1-800-225-1852.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
  The Fund  is not  affected by  PSI's financial  condition and  is an  entirely
separate  legal entity from PSI, which  has no beneficial ownership therein, and
the Fund's assets, which  are held by  State Street Bank  and Trust Company,  an
independent custodian, are separate and distinct from PSI.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Prudential  Securities may also act as a broker or futures commission merchant
for the  Fund, provided  that the  commissions, fees  or other  remuneration  it
receives  are fair and reasonable. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
 
  State Street  Bank  and  Trust  Company, One  Heritage  Drive,  North  Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities and
cash and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and accounting books and
records  pursuant to an agreement with the Fund. Its mailing address is P.O. Box
1713, Boston, Massachusetts 02105.
 
  Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.  (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison,  New
Jersey  08837, serves  as Transfer  Agent and  Dividend Disbursing  Agent and in
those capacities maintains  certain books and  records for the  Fund. PMFS is  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of PMF.  Its mailing  address is  P.O. Box  15005, New
Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5005.
 
                         HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
 
  THE FUND'S NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE  OR NAV IS DETERMINED BY SUBTRACTING  ITS
LIABILITIES  FROM THE  VALUE OF  ITS ASSETS  AND DIVIDING  THE REMAINDER  BY THE
NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING SHARES. NAV IS  CALCULATED SEPARATELY FOR EACH CLASS.  THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS FIXED THE SPECIFIC TIME OF DAY FOR THE COMPUTATION OF THE
FUND'S NAV TO BE AS OF 4:15 P.M., NEW YORK TIME.
 
  Portfolio  securities are valued based on market quotations or, if not readily
available,  at  fair  value  as  determined  in  good  faith  under   procedures
established  by the  Fund's Board  of Directors.  See "Net  Asset Value"  in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  The Fund will  compute its  NAV once  daily on days  that the  New York  Stock
Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to purchase, sell
or  redeem shares have been received by the Fund or days on which changes in the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities  do not materially affect the NAV.  The
New  York Stock Exchange  is closed on  the following holidays:  New Year's Day,
Presidents' Day,  Good  Friday,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor  Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
  Although the legal rights of each class of shares are substantially identical,
the  different expenses borne by each  class will result in different dividends.
As long as the Fund  declares dividends daily, the NAV  of the Class A, Class  B
and Class C shares will generally be the same. It is expected, however, that the
dividends  will differ by  approximately the amount  of the distribution-related
expense accrual differential among the classes.
 
                      HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
 
  FROM TIME  TO TIME  THE FUND  MAY  ADVERTISE ITS  "YIELD" AND  "TOTAL  RETURN"
(INCLUDING  "AVERAGE  ANNUAL"  TOTAL  RETURN AND  "AGGREGATE"  TOTAL  RETURN) IN
ADVERTISEMENTS OR  SALES  LITERATURE.  YIELD AND  TOTAL  RETURN  ARE  CALCULATED
SEPARATELY  FOR CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS  C SHARES. THESE FIGURES ARE BASED ON
HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND  ARE NOT  INTENDED TO INDICATE  FUTURE PERFORMANCE.  The
"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
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
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 "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 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  CAPITAL
GAINS,  IF ANY,  THAT IT  DISTRIBUTES TO  ITS SHAREHOLDERS.  See "Taxes"  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 long-term
capital gains rate for individuals is  28%. The maximum long-term capital  gains
rate  for corporate shareholders is  currently the same as  the maximum tax rate
for ordinary income.
 
  Any gain  or loss  realized upon  a sale  or redemption  of Fund  shares by  a
shareholder  who is  not a  dealer in  securities generally  will be  treated as
long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held more than one  year,
and  otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. Any such loss with respect to
shares that are held for six months or less, however, although otherwise treated
as a short-term capital loss, will be  treated as long-term capital loss to  the
extent  of any  capital gain distributions  received by the  shareholder on such
shares.
 
  The Fund has obtained opinions of counsel  to the effect that neither (i)  the
conversion  of Class B shares into Class A shares nor (ii) the exchange of Class
B or Class C shares for Class  A shares constitutes a taxable event for  federal
income  tax purposes.  However, such  opinions are  not binding  on the Internal
Revenue Service.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
  Shareholders  are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to federal, state or local  taxes. See "Taxes" in the Statement  of
Additional Information.
 
WITHHOLDING TAXES
 
  Under  the Internal Revenue  Code, the Fund generally  is required to withhold
and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, capital gain distributions  and
redemption  proceeds on the  accounts of those shareholders  who fail to furnish
their tax identification numbers on IRS Form W-9 (or IRS Form W-8 in the case of
certain  foreign  shareholders)   or  who  are   otherwise  subject  to   backup
withholding. Dividends of net investment income and net short-term capital gains
paid  to a foreign shareholder will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax
at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate).
 
DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  THE FUND INTENDS TO  DECLARE DAILY AND PAY  MONTHLY INCOME DIVIDENDS BASED  ON
ACTUAL  NET INVESTMENT INCOME,  IF ANY, DETERMINED  IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY
ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES; HOWEVER,  A PORTION OF  SUCH DIVIDENDS MAY  ALSO
INCLUDE  PROJECTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME. The Fund expects to make distributions
of net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends paid by the Fund with
respect to each class of shares, to  the extent any dividends are paid, will  be
calculated  in the same manner, at the same time, on the same day and will be in
the same amount except that each  class will bear its own distribution  charges,
generally  resulting  in  lower  dividends  for  Class  B  and  Class  C shares.
Distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same amount  for
each class of shares. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  DIVIDENDS  AND DISTRIBUTIONS WILL  BE PAID IN ADDITIONAL  FUND SHARES BASED ON
THE NAV OF EACH  CLASS ON THE  RECORD DATE OR  SUCH OTHER DATE  AS THE BOARD  OF
DIRECTORS  MAY DETERMINE, UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER ELECTS IN WRITING NOT LESS THAN
FIVE BUSINESS  DAYS PRIOR  TO THE  RECORD  DATE TO  RECEIVE SUCH  DIVIDENDS  AND
DISTRIBUTIONS  IN CASH. Such  election should be  submitted to Prudential Mutual
Fund Services,  Inc.,  Attention:  Account  Maintenance,  P.O.  Box  15015,  New
Brunswick,  New  Jersey  08906-5015.  If  you  hold  shares  through  Prudential
Securities, you  should  contact your  financial  adviser to  elect  to  receive
dividends and distributions in cash. The Fund will notify each shareholder after
the  close of the Fund's taxable year of  both the dollar amount and the taxable
status of that year's dividends and distributions on a per share basis.
 
  As of December 31, 1995, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward for  federal
income  tax purposes of $25,068,500.  Accordingly, no capital gains distribution
is expected to be  paid to shareholders  until net gains  have been realized  in
excess of such carryforward amount.
 
  To  the extent  that, in  a given  year, distributions  to shareholders exceed
recognized net investment income and recognized short-term and long-term capital
gains for the year, shareholders will receive a return of capital in respect  of
such  year and, in  an annual statement, will  be notified of  the amount of any
return of capital for such year.
 
  WHEN THE FUND  GOES "EX-DIVIDEND," THE  NAV OF  EACH CLASS IS  REDUCED BY  THE
AMOUNT  OF THE  DIVIDEND OR  DISTRIBUTION ALLOCABLE  TO EACH  CLASS. IF  YOU BUY
SHARES JUST PRIOR TO THE EX-DIVIDEND DATE (WHICH GENERALLY OCCURS FOUR  BUSINESS
DAYS  PRIOR TO THE RECORD DATE), THE PRICE  YOU PAY WILL INCLUDE THE DIVIDEND OR
DISTRIBUTION AND A  PORTION OF  YOUR INVESTMENT  WILL BE  RETURNED TO  YOU AS  A
TAXABLE  DIVIDEND OR DISTRIBUTION. YOU SHOULD, THEREFORE, CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE
TIMING OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS WHEN MAKING YOUR PURCHASES.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
  THE FUND  WAS  INCORPORATED  IN MARYLAND  ON  JANUARY  4, 1982.  THE  FUND  IS
AUTHORIZED  TO ISSUE  500 MILLION  SHARES OF  COMMON STOCK,  $.01 PAR  VALUE PER
SHARE, DIVIDED  INTO THREE  CLASSES, DESIGNATED  CLASS A,  CLASS B  AND CLASS  C
COMMON   STOCK,  WHICH  CONSISTS  OF  166,666,666  AUTHORIZED  CLASS  A  SHARES,
166,666,666 AUTHORIZED CLASS B SHARES AND 166,666,668 AUTHORIZED CLASS C SHARES.
Each class of common stock represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund
and is identical  in all  respects except that  (i) each  class bears  different
distribution  expenses, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect
to its distribution and service plan (except  that the Fund has agreed with  the
SEC in connection with the offering of a conversion feature on Class B shares to
submit  any  amendment  of  the  Class  A Plan  to  both  Class  A  and  Class B
shareholders), (iii) each class has a different exchange privilege and (iv) only
Class  B   shares  have   a   conversion  feature.   See   "How  the   Fund   is
Managed--Distributor."  The Fund has  received an order  from the SEC permitting
the issuance and sale of multiple  classes of common stock. Currently, the  Fund
is  offering three classes, designated  Class A, Class B  and Class C shares. In
accordance with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may
authorize the creation of additional series  of common stock and classes  within
such  series,  with such  preferences,  privileges, limitations  and  voting and
dividend rights as the Board may determine.
 
  The Board  of Directors  may increase  or decrease  the number  of  authorized
shares  without approval by  the shareholders. Shares of  the Fund, when issued,
are fully paid, nonassessable, fully  transferable and redeemable at the  option
of  the  holder. Shares  are also  redeemable at  the option  of the  Fund under
certain circumstances as  described under "Shareholder  Guide--How to Sell  Your
Shares."  Each share  of each  class of  common stock  is equal  as to earnings,
assets and voting privileges,  except as noted above,  and each class bears  the
expenses  related to the  distribution of its shares.  Except for the conversion
feature applicable to the Class B shares, there are no conversion, preemptive or
other subscription rights.  In the event  of liquidation, each  share of  common
stock  of the Fund is entitled to its  portion of all of the Fund's assets after
all debt and expenses of the Fund have been paid. 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
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
ON BY SHAREHOLDERS UNDER THE  INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. SHAREHOLDERS HAVE  CERTAIN
RIGHTS,  INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CALL A MEETING  UPON A VOTE OF 10% OF THE FUND'S
OUTSTANDING SHARES FOR  THE PURPOSE  OF VOTING  ON THE  REMOVAL OF  ONE OR  MORE
DIRECTORS OR TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  This  Prospectus, including the Statement  of Additional Information which has
been incorporated by reference herein, does not contain all the information  set
forth  in the Registration  Statement filed by  the Fund with  the SEC under the
Securities Act.  Copies of  the  Registration Statement  may  be obtained  at  a
reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the office
of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
 
  YOU  MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE  FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, PRUSEC OR
DIRECTLY FROM  THE  FUND THROUGH  ITS  TRANSFER AGENT,  PRUDENTIAL  MUTUAL  FUND
SERVICES,  INC. (PMFS  OR THE  TRANSFER AGENT),  ATTENTION: INVESTMENT SERVICES,
P.O. BOX 15020, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08906-5020. The purchase price is  the
NAV  next determined  following receipt  of an  order by  the Transfer  Agent or
Prudential Securities plus a sales charge which, at your option, may be  imposed
either  (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a deferred basis
(Class B or  Class C shares).  See "Alternative Purchase  Plan" below. See  also
"How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  Application  forms can be obtained from PMFS, Prudential Securities or Prusec.
If a stock  certificate is desired,  it must  be requested in  writing for  each
transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who hold
their shares through Prudential Securities will not receive stock certificates.
 
  The  minimum initial investment for  Class A and Class  B shares is $1,000 per
class and $5,000 for Class C  shares. The minimum subsequent investment is  $100
for  all classes.  All minimum  investment requirements  are waived  for certain
retirement and employee savings plans or  custodial accounts for the benefit  of
minors.  For purchases made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan, the
minimum initial and  subsequent investment  is $50.  See "Shareholder  Services"
below.
 
  The  Fund  reserves  the right  to  reject  any purchase  order  (including an
exchange into the Fund) or to suspend  or modify the continuous offering of  its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares" below.
 
  Your  dealer is responsible  for forwarding payment promptly  to the Fund. The
Distributor reserves the right  to cancel any purchase  order for which  payment
has not been received by the third business day following the investment.
 
  Transactions  in Fund  shares may be  subject to postage  and handling charges
imposed by your dealer.
 
  PURCHASE BY WIRE. For an initial purchase  of shares of the Fund by wire,  you
must  first telephone PMFS  at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free)  to receive an account
number. The following  information will  be requested: your  name, address,  tax
identification  number, class  election, dividend  distribution election, amount
being wired and wiring bank.  Instructions should then be  given by you to  your
bank  to transfer funds by wire to  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston,
Massachusetts, Custody and Shareholder Services Division, Attention:  Prudential
Mortgage  Income Fund, Inc., specifying on  the wire the account number assigned
by PMFS and  your name and  identifying the sales  charge alternative (Class  A,
Class B or Class C shares).
 
  If  you arrange  for receipt  by State  Street of  Federal Funds  prior to 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 Mortgage Income
Fund, Inc., Class  A, Class B  or Class C  shares and your  name and  individual
account  number. It is  not necessary to  call PMFS to  make subsequent purchase
orders utilizing Federal Funds. The minimum amount which may be invested by wire
is $1,000.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
 
  THE FUND OFFERS THREE CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C  SHARES)
WHICH  ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE MOST  BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE FOR YOUR
INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVEN THE  AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE,  THE LENGTH OF  TIME
YOU  EXPECT TO  HOLD THE  SHARES AND  OTHER RELEVANT  CIRCUMSTANCES (ALTERNATIVE
PURCHASE PLAN).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ANNUAL 12B-1 FEES
                                                     (AS A % OF AVERAGE
                                                            DAILY
                        SALES CHARGE                     NET ASSETS)                  OTHER INFORMATION
           --------------------------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                     <C>                      <C>
CLASS A    Maximum initial sales charge of 4% of   .30 of 1% (Currently     Initial sales charge waived or reduced
           the public offering price               being charged at a rate  for certain purchases
                                                   of .15 of 1%)
 
CLASS B    Maximum contingent deferred sales       .75 of 1%                Shares convert to Class A shares
           charge or CDSC of 5% of the lesser of                            approximately seven years after
           the amount invested or the redemption                            purchase
           proceeds; declines to zero after six
           years
 
CLASS C    Maximum CDSC of 1% of the lesser of     1% (Currently being      Shares do not convert to another class
           the amount invested or the redemption   charged at a rate of
           proceeds on redemptions made within     .75 of 1%)
           one year of purchase
</TABLE>
 
  The three classes  of shares represent  an interest in  the same portfolio  of
investments  of the Fund  and have the  same rights, except  that (i) each class
bears the separate  expenses of its  Rule 12b-1 distribution  and service  plan,
(ii)  each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its plan (except as
noted under the heading "General Information--Description of Common Stock"), and
(iii) only Class B shares have a conversion feature. The three classes also have
separate exchange  privileges. See  "How  to Exchange  Your Shares"  below.  The
income  attributable to each  class and the  dividends payable on  the shares of
each class will be reduced by the amount of the distribution fee of each  class.
Class  B and Class C shares bear the expenses of a higher distribution fee which
will generally  cause  them to  have  higher expense  ratios  and to  pay  lower
dividends than the Class A shares.
 
  Financial  advisers and other  sales agents who  sell shares of  the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class  A, Class B and Class C  shares
and  will generally receive more compensation  initially for selling Class A and
Class B shares than for selling Class C shares.
 
  IN SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER  THINGS,
(1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the amount of any
applicable  sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase or redemption)
and distribution-related fees, as noted above,  (3) whether you qualify for  any
reduction  or waiver  of any applicable  sales charge, (4)  the various exchange
privileges among the  different classes  of shares  (see "How  to Exchange  Your
Shares"  below) and (5)  the fact that  Class B shares  automatically convert to
Class A  shares  approximately  seven  years  after  purchase  (see  "Conversion
Feature--Class B Shares" below).
 
  The  following  is  provided to  assist  you  in determining  which  method of
purchase best suits your individual circumstances  and is based on current  fees
and expenses being charged to the Fund:
 
  If you intend to hold your investment in the Fund for less than 7 years and do
not  qualify for a reduced sales charge on  Class A shares, since Class A shares
are subject to  a maximum  initial sales  charge of 4%  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  more than  6 years,  you  should
consider  purchasing  Class A  shares  over either  Class  B or  Class  C shares
regardless of whether or not you qualify  for a reduced sales charge on Class  A
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 and Class C shares, you would not have your entire purchase price
invested initially because the sales charge on Class A shares is deducted at the
time of purchase.
 
  If you do not  qualify for a reduced  sales charge on Class  A shares and  you
purchase  Class B or Class C shares, you  would have to hold your investment for
more than 6  years in the  case of  Class B shares  and Class C  shares for  the
higher  cumulative annual distribution-related fee on those shares to exceed the
initial sales charge plus cumulative annual distribution-related fee on Class  A
shares.  This does not take into account  the time value of money, which further
reduces the impact of the higher Class B or Class C distribution-related fee  on
the investment, fluctuations in net asset value, the effect of the return on the
investment over this period of time or redemptions 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.
See "Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" below.
 
  CLASS A SHARES
 
  The  offering price of Class A shares for investors choosing the initial sales
charge alternative is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge (expressed  as
a  percentage of the offering price and of  the amount invested) as shown in the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DEALER
                                  SALES                   CONCESSION
                                CHARGE AS      SALES          AS
                                PERCENTAGE   CHARGE AS    PERCENTAGE
                                    OF       PERCENTAGE       OF
                                 OFFERING    OF AMOUNT     OFFERING
        AMOUNT OF PURCHASE        PRICE       INVESTED      PRICE
- ------------------------------  ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>
Less than $50,000                      4.00%        4.17%        3.75%
$50,000 to $99,999                     3.50%        3.63%        3.25%
$100,000 to $249,999                   2.75%        2.83%        2.50%
$250,000 to $499,999                   2.00%        2.04%        1.90%
$500,000 to $999,999                   1.50%        1.52%        1.40%
$1,000,000 and above                None         None         None
</TABLE>
 
  Selling dealers may be deemed to be  underwriters, as that term is defined  in
the Securities Act.
 
  REDUCTION  AND  WAIVER OF  INITIAL SALES  CHARGES.  Reduced sales  charges are
available through Rights of  Accumulation and Letters of  Intent. Shares of  the
Fund  and shares of other Prudential  Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds
other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) may be  aggregated
to  determine the  applicable reduction.  See "Purchase  and Redemption  of Fund
Shares--Reduction and Waiver of  Initial Sales Charges--Class  A Shares" in  the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  BENEFIT  PLANS.  Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of an
initial sales charge, by pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans
qualified  under  Section  401  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and   deferred
compensation  and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code (Benefit Plans), provided that  the plan has existing assets of  at
least  $1 million invested in shares of Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money
market funds other than those
acquired pursuant  to the  exchange privilege)  or 1,000  eligible employees  or
participants. In the case of Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with
the  Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities  does  individual account  recordkeeping  (Direct  Account
Benefit  Plans) and Benefit Plans  sponsored by PSI or  its subsidiaries (PSI or
Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans), Class A  shares may be purchased at NAV  by
participants who are repaying loans made from such plans to the participant.
 
  PRUARRAY  PLANS.  Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by certain retirement
and deferred compensation plans, qualified  or non-qualified under the  Internal
Revenue  Code, including pension, profit-sharing,  stock-bonus or other employee
benefit plans
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
under Section 401  of the Internal  Revenue Code and  deferred compensation  and
annuity  plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7)  of the Code that participate in
the Transfer Agent's  PruArray Program  (a benefit  plan recordkeeping  service)
(hereafter  referred to as a  PruArray Plan); provided (i)  that the plan has at
least $1 million in existing assets or 1,000 eligible employees or  participants
and (ii) that Prudential Mutual Funds constitute at least one-half of the plan's
investment  options. The term "existing assets"  for this purpose includes stock
issued by a  PruArray Plan  sponsor and  shares of  non-money market  Prudential
Mutual  Funds and shares  of certain unaffiliated  non-money market mutual funds
that participate  in  the  PruArray  Program  (Participating  Funds).  "Existing
assets"  also include shares of  money market funds acquired  by exchange from a
Participating Fund. After a PruArray Plan  qualifies to purchase Class A  shares
at NAV, all subsequent purchases will be made at NAV.
 
  OTHER  WAIVERS.  In addition, Class A  shares may be purchased at NAV, through
Prudential Securities  or the  Transfer  Agent, by  the following  persons:  (a)
officers  and  current and  former Directors/Trustees  of the  Prudential Mutual
Funds (including the Fund), (b) employees  of Prudential Securities and PMF  and
their  subsidiaries and members of the families  of such persons who maintain an
"employee related" account at Prudential  Securities or the Transfer Agent,  (c)
employees  and special agents of Prudential and its subsidiaries and all persons
who have retired  directly from  active service with  Prudential or  one of  its
subsidiaries,  (d) registered representatives and  employees of dealers who have
entered into a  selected dealer  agreement with  Prudential Securities  provided
that  purchases at NAV are permitted by such person's employer and (e) investors
who have a business relationship with a financial adviser who joined  Prudential
Securities  from another investment firm, provided that (i) the purchase is made
within 180 days  of the commencement  of the financial  adviser's employment  at
Prudential Securities, or within one year in the case of Benefit Plans, (ii) the
purchase  is made with proceeds  of a redemption of  shares of any open-end fund
sponsored by  the financial  adviser's  previous employer  (other than  a  money
market  or other no-load fund which imposes a distribution or service fee of .25
of 1% or less) and (iii) the financial adviser served as the client's broker  on
the previous purchase.
 
  You  must  notify the  Transfer Agent  either  directly or  through Prudential
Securities or Prusec that  you are entitled  to the reduction  or waiver of  the
sales charge. The reduction or waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of
your  entitlement.  No initial  sales charges  are imposed  upon Class  A shares
acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. See "Purchase and
Redemption of Fund Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges-- Class
A Shares" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors choosing one of
the deferred  sales charge  alternatives is  the NAV  next determined  following
receipt  of an  order by the  Transfer Agent or  Prudential Securities. Although
there is no sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, redemptions of Class B
and  Class  C  shares  may  be  subject  to  a  CDSC.  See  "How  to  Sell  Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below.
 
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
 
  YOU  CAN REDEEM YOUR  SHARES AT ANY TIME  FOR CASH AT  THE NAV NEXT DETERMINED
AFTER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST IS RECEIVED IN PROPER FORM BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OR
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES. SEE "HOW THE FUND  VALUES ITS SHARES." In certain  cases,
however,  redemption proceeds  will be reduced  by the amount  of any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, as  described below. See "Contingent  Deferred
Sales Charges" below.
 
  IF  YOU HOLD SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST REDEEM
SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER. IF YOU  HOLD
SHARES  IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM, A WRITTEN  REQUEST FOR REDEMPTION SIGNED BY YOU
EXACTLY AS THE ACCOUNT IS REGISTERED IS REQUIRED. IF YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES,  THE
CERTIFICATES,  SIGNED IN THE NAME(S) SHOWN ON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATES, MUST
BE RECEIVED BY  THE TRANSFER AGENT  IN ORDER  FOR THE REDEMPTION  REQUEST TO  BE
PROCESSED.  IF REDEMPTION IS  REQUESTED BY A  CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR
FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRANSFER AGENT MUST BE SUBMITTED  BEFORE
SUCH  REQUEST  WILL BE  ACCEPTED.  All correspondence  and  documents concerning
redemptions should be sent to the Fund in care of its Transfer Agent, Prudential
Mutual Fund Services, Inc., Attention: Redemption Services, P.O. Box 15010,  New
Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5010.
 
  If  the proceeds of the redemption (a) exceed $50,000, (b) are to be paid to a
person other than the record owner, (c) are to be sent to an address other  than
the  address  on the  Transfer  Agent's records,  or  (d) are  to  be paid  to a
corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, the signature(s) on the redemption
request and on the certificates, if any, or stock power must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution." An  "eligible guarantor institution"  includes
any  bank, broker, dealer or credit union. The Transfer Agent reserves the right
to request additional information  from, and make  reasonable inquiries of,  any
eligible guarantor institution. For clients of Prusec, a signature guarantee may
be  obtained from the agency or office  manager of most Prudential Insurance and
Financial Services or Preferred Services offices.
 
  PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE MADE BY CHECK WITHIN SEVEN
DAYS AFTER  RECEIPT BY  THE TRANSFER  AGENT OF  THE CERTIFICATE  AND/OR  WRITTEN
REQUEST,  EXCEPT  AS  INDICATED BELOW.  IF  YOU HOLD  SHARES  THROUGH PRUDENTIAL
SECURITIES, PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE CREDITED TO YOUR
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES ACCOUNT, UNLESS YOU  INDICATE OTHERWISE. Such payment  may
be postponed or the right of redemption suspended at times (a) when the New York
Stock  Exchange is  closed for other  than customary weekends  and holidays, (b)
when trading on such Exchange is restricted,  (c) when an emergency exists as  a
result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably
practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine
the  value of its  net assets, or (d)  during any other period  when the SEC, by
order, so permits;  provided that applicable  rules and regulations  of the  SEC
shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
 
  PAYMENT  FOR REDEMPTION OF RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL THE
FUND OR ITS TRANSFER  AGENT HAS BEEN  ADVISED THAT THE  PURCHASE CHECK HAS  BEEN
HONORED,  UP TO 10 CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE  TIME OF RECEIPT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK
BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. SUCH DELAY MAY BE AVOIDED BY PURCHASING SHARES BY WIRE OR
BY CERTIFIED OR OFFICIAL BANK CHECK.
 
  REDEMPTION IN KIND.  If the  Board of Directors  determines that  it would  be
detrimental  to the best interests of the  remaining shareholders of the Fund to
make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price  in
whole  or in part  by a distribution  in kind of  securities from the investment
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of  cash, in conformity with applicable rules  of
the  SEC. Securities will be  readily marketable and will  be valued in the same
manner as in a regular redemption. See "How the Fund Values its Shares." If your
shares are redeemed in kind, you will incur transaction costs in converting  the
assets  into cash. The Fund,  however, has elected to  be governed by Rule 18f-1
under the Investment Company  Act, under which the  Fund is obligated to  redeem
shares  solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value
of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
 
  INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION. In order to reduce expenses of the Fund, the Board  of
Directors  may  redeem  all of  the  shares  of any  shareholder,  other  than a
shareholder which is an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement plan, whose account
has a net asset value of less than $500 due to a redemption. The Fund will  give
such  shareholders 60 days' prior written notice in which to purchase sufficient
additional shares to avoid such redemption. No CDSC will be imposed on any  such
involuntary redemption.
 
  90-DAY REPURCHASE PRIVILEGE. If you redeem your shares and have not previously
exercised  the repurchase privilege, you may reinvest  any portion or all of the
proceeds of such redemption  in shares of  the Fund at  the NAV next  determined
after  the order is received, which must be within 90 days after the date of the
redemption. Any CDSC paid  in connection with such  redemption will be  credited
(in shares) to your account. (If less than a full repurchase is made, the credit
will  be on a PRO RATA basis.) You must notify the Fund's Transfer Agent, either
directly or through Prudential Securities, at the time the repurchase  privilege
is  exercised  to  adjust  your  account  for  the  CDSC  you  previously  paid.
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
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
affect federal  income  tax treatment  of  any gain  realized  upon  redemption.
However, if the redemption was made within a 30 day period of the repurchase and
if  the redemption resulted in a loss, some or all of the loss, depending on the
amount reinvested,  will  generally  not  be  allowed  for  federal  income  tax
purposes.
 
  CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
 
  Redemptions  of Class B shares will be  subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge or CDSC declining from 5% to zero over a six-year period. Class C  shares
redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a 1% CDSC. The CDSC will
be  deducted from the redemption proceeds and reduce the amount paid to you. The
CDSC will be imposed on any redemption by you which reduces the current value of
your Class B or Class C  shares to an amount which  is lower than the amount  of
all  payments by you for  shares during the preceding six  years, in the case of
Class B shares, and  one year, in  the case of  Class C shares.  A CDSC will  be
applied on the lesser of the original purchase price or the current value of the
shares  being redeemed. Increases in the value of your shares or shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends  or distributions are not  subject to a  CDSC.
The  amount of any contingent deferred sales charge will be paid to and retained
by the Distributor. See  "How the Fund is  Managed--Distributor" and "Waiver  of
the Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class B Shares" below.
 
  The  amount of the  CDSC, if any, will  vary depending on  the number of years
from the time of payment for the purchase of shares until the time of redemption
of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of years from  the
time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all payments during a month will
be  aggregated and deemed  to have been made  on the last day  of the month. The
CDSC will  be calculated  from the  first day  of the  month after  the  initial
purchase,  excluding the time shares were held  in a money market fund. See "How
to Exchange Your Shares."
 
  The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to redemptions
of Class B shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
                                             CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE
          YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                OF DOLLARS INVESTED OR
          PAYMENT MADE                         REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
          -------------------------------   -------------------------
          <S>                               <C>
          First..........................              5.0%
          Second.........................              4.0%
          Third..........................              3.0%
          Fourth.........................              2.0%
          Fifth..........................              1.0%
          Sixth..........................              1.0%
          Seventh........................             None
</TABLE>
 
  In determining whether a CDSC is  applicable to a redemption, the  calculation
will  be made in a manner  that results in the lowest  possible rate. It will be
assumed that  the  redemption  is  made first  of  amounts  representing  shares
acquired  pursuant to the  reinvestment of dividends  and distributions; then of
amounts representing the increase in net  asset value above the total amount  of
payments  for the purchase  of Fund shares  made during the  preceding six years
(five years for Class  B shares purchased  prior to January  22, 1990); then  of
amounts  representing the cost of shares held beyond the applicable CDSC period;
then of amounts representing the cost of shares acquired prior to July 1,  1985;
and  finally, of amounts  representing the cost  of shares held  for the longest
period of time within the applicable CDSC period.
 
  For example, assume you purchased  100 Class B shares at  $10 per share for  a
cost  of $1,000. Subsequently, you acquired  5 additional Class B shares through
dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase you decided  to
redeem  $500 of your investment. Assuming at  the time of the redemption the net
asset value had appreciated to $12 per  share, the value of your Class B  shares
would  be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to
the value of  the reinvested  dividend shares  and the  amount which  represents
appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus
$260)  would be charged at a rate of  4% (the applicable rate in the second year
after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
 
                                       28
<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 THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS B SHARES. The CDSC will
be waived in the  case of a  redemption following the death  or disability of  a
shareholder  or,  in  the  case  of a  trust  account,  following  the  death or
disability of  the  grantor.  The  waiver is  available  for  total  or  partial
redemptions of shares owned by a person, either individually or in joint tenancy
(with  rights of survivorship), at the time of death or initial determination of
disability,  provided  that  the  shares  were  purchased  prior  to  death   or
disability.
 
  The  CDSC will also be waived in the  case of a total or partial redemption in
connection with certain  distributions made without  penalty under the  Internal
Revenue  Code  from a  tax-deferred retirement  plan, an  IRA or  Section 403(b)
custodial  account.  These  distributions  include:   (i)  in  the  case  of   a
tax-deferred retirement plan, a lump-sum or other distribution after retirement;
(ii)  in the case of  an IRA or Section 403(b)  custodial account, a lump-sum or
other distribution after attaining age 59 1/2; and (iii) a tax-free return of an
excess contribution or plan distributions  following the death or disability  of
the  shareholder,  provided that  the shares  were purchased  prior to  death or
disability. The waiver  does not apply  in the  case of a  tax-free rollover  or
transfer  of assets, other  than one following a  separation from service (I.E.,
following voluntary  or  involuntary  termination  of  employment  or  following
retirement).  Under  no circumstances  will the  CDSC  be waived  on redemptions
resulting from the termination  of a tax-deferred  retirement plan, unless  such
redemptions  otherwise qualify for a  waiver as described above.  In the case of
Direct Account and PSI or Subsidiary  Prototype Benefit Plans, the CDSC will  be
waived  on  redemptions  which  represent  borrowings  from  such  plans. Shares
purchased with amounts used to repay a loan from such plans on which a CDSC  was
not  previously deducted will thereafter be subject  to a CDSC without regard to
the time such amounts were  previously invested. In the  case of a 401(k)  plan,
the  CDSC  will also  be waived  upon  the redemption  of shares  purchased with
amounts used to repay loans  made from the account  to the participant and  from
which a CDSC was previously deducted.
 
  In  addition,  the CDSC  will be  waived on  redemptions of  shares held  by a
Director of the Fund.
 
  You must  notify the  Transfer  Agent either  directly or  through  Prudential
Securities or Prusec, at the time of redemption, that you are entitled to waiver
of the CDSC and provide the Transfer Agent with such supporting documentation as
it  may deem appropriate. The waiver will  be granted subject to confirmation of
your entitlement. See  "Purchase and  Redemption of Fund  Shares--Waiver of  the
Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge  --  Class B  Shares"  in  the  Statement of
Additional Information.
 
  A quantity discount may apply to redemptions of Class B shares purchased prior
to August  1,  1994.  See  "Purchase and  Redemption  of  Fund  Shares--Quantity
Discount--Class  B Shares Purchased Prior to August 1, 1994" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
 
  Class B shares  will automatically convert  to Class A  shares on a  quarterly
basis  approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at
relative net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales  charge.
The  first conversion  of Class  B shares  occurred in  February 1995,  when the
conversion feature was first implemented.
 
  Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought  on
each  purchase  of Class  B shares,  the number  of Class  B shares  eligible to
convert to  Class A  shares  (excluding shares  acquired through  the  automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be
determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i)
the  ratio of (a) the  amounts paid for Class B  shares purchased at least seven
years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class  B
shares  purchased and  then held  in your account  (ii) multiplied  by the total
number of Class B shares purchased and then held in your account. Each time  any
Eligible Shares in your account convert to Class A shares, all shares or amounts
representing  Class B shares then in your account that were acquired through the
automatic reinvestment  of dividends  and other  distributions will  convert  to
Class A shares.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
  For  purposes of  determining the  number of Eligible  Shares, if  the Class B
shares in  your  account on  any  conversion date  are  the result  of  multiple
purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible Shares
calculated  as described above  will generally be  either more or  less than the
number of  shares  actually  purchased approximately  seven  years  before  such
conversion  date. For example, if 100 shares were initially purchased at $10 per
share (for  a  total  of  $1,000)  and a  second  purchase  of  100  shares  was
subsequently  made at $11 per share (for  a total of $1,100), 95.24 shares would
convert approximately  seven  years  from the  initial  purchase  (I.E.,  $1,000
divided  by $2,100 (47.62%)  multiplied by 200 shares  equals 95.24 shares). The
Manager reserves the right to modify  the formula for determining the number  of
Eligible Shares in the future as it deems appropriate on notice to shareholders.
 
  Since annual distribution-related fees are lower for Class A shares than Class
B shares, the per share net asset value of the Class A shares may be higher than
that  of  the Class  B  shares at  the time  of  conversion. Thus,  although the
aggregate dollar value will be  the same, you may  receive fewer Class A  shares
than Class B shares converted. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all
payments  for Class B shares during a month  will be deemed to have been made on
the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a
series of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original  payment
for  purchases of such  Class B shares  was made. For  Class B shares previously
exchanged for shares of a money market  fund, the time period during which  such
shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For example, Class B
shares  held in a  money market fund  for one year  will not convert  to Class A
shares until approximately eight years from purchase. For purposes of  measuring
the  time period during which shares are  held in a money market fund, exchanges
will be deemed to have been  made on the last day  of the month. Class B  shares
acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares after expiration of the
conversion period applicable to the original purchase of such shares.
 
  The  conversion  feature  may be  subject  to the  continuing  availability of
opinions of counsel  or rulings  of the Internal  Revenue Service  that (i)  the
dividends  and other distributions paid  on Class A, Class  B and Class C shares
will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code and
(ii) 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  (THE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE),  INCLUDING ONE OR  MORE
SPECIFIED  MONEY MARKET FUNDS, SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS OF
SUCH FUNDS. CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES OF THE FUND MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR
CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE  BASIS
OF  THE  RELATIVE NAV.  No  sales charge  will  be imposed  at  the time  of the
exchange. Any applicable CDSC  payable upon the  redemption of shares  exchanged
will  be calculated from the first day  of the month after the initial purchase,
excluding the time shares were held in a money market fund. Class B and Class  C
shares  may  not be  exchanged  into money  market  funds other  than Prudential
Special Money  Market  Fund. For  purposes  of calculating  the  holding  period
applicable to the Class B conversion feature, the time period during which Class
B  shares were  held in a  money market  fund will be  excluded. See "Conversion
Feature--Class B Shares" above. An exchange will be treated as a redemption  and
purchase   for  tax  purposes.  See  "Shareholder  Investment  Account--Exchange
Privilege" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  IN ORDER  TO  EXCHANGE  SHARES  BY TELEPHONE,  YOU  MUST  AUTHORIZE  TELEPHONE
EXCHANGES  ON YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION FORM OR BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT AND HOLD SHARES IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM. Thereafter, you may call the Fund
at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on weekdays, except
holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., New York time. For  your
protection  and to  prevent fraudulent  exchanges, your  telephone call  will be
recorded and you
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
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.  (The Fund or its agents could  be subject to liability if they fail
to employ reasonable procedures.) All exchanges will be made on the basis of the
relative NAV of the two funds next  determined after the request is received  in
good  order.  The  Exchange Privilege  is  available  only in  states  where the
exchange may legally be made.
 
  IF YOU  HOLD SHARES  THROUGH  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES,  YOU MUST  EXCHANGE  YOUR
SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER.
 
  IF YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES, THE CERTIFICATES, SIGNED IN THE NAME(S) SHOWN ON THE
FACE  OF  THE CERTIFICATES,  MUST  BE RETURNED  IN ORDER  FOR  THE SHARES  TO BE
EXCHANGED. SEE "HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES" ABOVE.
 
  You may also  exchange shares  by mail by  writing to  Prudential Mutual  Fund
Services,  Inc., Attention: Exchange Processing,  P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick,
New Jersey 08906-5010.
 
  IN PERIODS OF SEVERE MARKET OR  ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE  OF
SHARES  MAY BE DIFFICULT TO  IMPLEMENT AND YOU SHOULD  MAKE EXCHANGES BY MAIL BY
WRITING TO PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC., AT THE ADDRESS NOTED ABOVE.
 
  SPECIAL EXCHANGE  PRIVILEGE. A  special exchange  privilege is  available  for
shareholders  who qualify  to purchase Class  A shares at  NAV. See "Alternative
Purchase Plan  --  Class A  Shares  -- Reduction  and  Waiver of  Initial  Sales
Charges"  above. Under this exchange privilege, amounts representing any Class B
and Class  C  shares  (which  are  not  subject  to  a  CDSC)  held  in  such  a
shareholder's  account will be  automatically exchanged for Class  A shares on a
quarterly basis, unless the shareholder  elects otherwise. Eligibility for  this
exchange  privilege will be calculated on the  business day prior to the date of
the exchange.  Amounts representing  Class B  or Class  C shares  which are  not
subject  to a CDSC  include the following:  (1) amounts representing  Class B or
Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of dividends  and
distributions,  (2) amounts  representing the  increase in  the net  asset value
above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class B or Class C shares
and (3)  amounts  representing  Class  B  or Class  C  shares  held  beyond  the
applicable  CDSC  period.  Class B  and  Class  C shareholders  must  notify the
Transfer Agent either directly or  through Prudential Securities or Prusec  that
they are eligible for this special exchange privilege.
 
  The  Exchange Privilege may be modified or  terminated at any time on 60 days'
notice to shareholders.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
  In addition to the Exchange Privilege, as  a shareholder in the Fund, you  can
take advantage of the following additional services and privileges:
 
  -  AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT  OF DIVIDENDS  AND/OR DISTRIBUTIONS  WITHOUT A SALES
CHARGE. For your convenience, all dividends and distributions are  automatically
reinvested  in full  and fractional shares  of the  Fund at NAV  without a sales
charge. You  may direct  the Transfer  Agent in  writing not  less than  5  full
business  days  prior to  the record  date to  have subsequent  dividends and/or
distributions sent in cash  rather than reinvested. If  you hold shares  through
Prudential Securities, you should contact your financial adviser.
 
  -  AUTOMATIC SAVINGS ACCUMULATION PLAN (ASAP). Under ASAP you may make regular
purchases of the  Fund's shares in  amounts as  little as $50  via an  automatic
debit  to a bank  account or Prudential Securities  account (including a Command
Account). For additional information  about this service,  you may contact  your
Prudential  Securities financial adviser, Prusec  representative or the Transfer
Agent directly.
 
  -  TAX-DEFERRED  RETIREMENT  PLANS.  Various  tax-deferred  retirement  plans,
including  a  401(k)  plan,  self-directed  individual  retirement  accounts and
"tax-sheltered accounts" under  Section 403(b)(7) of  the Internal Revenue  Code
are available through the
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
Distributor.  These  plans are  for use  by  both self-employed  individuals and
corporate employers. These  plans permit  either self-direction  of accounts  by
participants,  or  a  pooled  account  arrangement.  Information  regarding  the
establishment of  these  plans, the  administration,  custodial fees  and  other
details  is available from  Prudential Securities or the  Transfer Agent. If you
are considering adopting such a plan, you should consult with your own legal  or
tax adviser with respect to the establishment and maintenance of such a plan.
 
  -  SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL  PLAN. A systematic  withdrawal plan  is available to
shareholders which  provides for  monthly or  quarterly checks.  Withdrawals  of
Class  B and  Class C shares  may be subject  to a  CDSC. See "How  to Sell Your
Shares-- Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" above.
 
  - REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS.  The Fund will send  to you annual and  semi-annual
reports.  The financial  statements appearing in  annual reports  are audited by
independent accountants.  In  order to  reduce  duplicate mailing  and  printing
expenses,  the Fund will  provide one annual  and semi-annual shareholder report
and annual prospectus per household. You  may request additional copies of  such
reports  by calling  (800) 225-1852  or by  writing to  the Fund  at One Seaport
Plaza, New York, New York 10292.  In addition, monthly unaudited financial  data
are available upon request from the Fund.
 
  -  SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES.  Inquiries should  be addressed  to the  Fund at One
Seaport Plaza, New  York, New  York 10292, or  by telephone,  at (800)  225-1852
(toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (908) 417-7555 (collect).
 
  For  additional information  regarding the  services and  privileges described
above, see  "Shareholder  Investment Account"  in  the Statement  of  Additional
Information.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                       THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY
 
  Prudential  Mutual  Fund  Management  offers a  broad  range  of  mutual funds
designed to meet your individual needs. We welcome you to review the  investment
options  available  through our  family of  funds. For  more information  on the
Prudential Mutual Funds, including charges and expenses, contact your Prudential
Securities financial adviser or Prusec representative or telephone the Funds  at
(800)  225-1852 for a free prospectus.  Read the prospectus carefully before you
invest or send money.
 
      TAXABLE BOND FUNDS
Prudential Diversified Bond Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Securities Trust
  Short-Intermediate Term Series
Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.
Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc.
  Income Portfolio
The BlackRock Government Income Trust
     TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS
Prudential California Municipal Fund
  California Series
  California Income Series
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
  High Yield Series
  Insured Series
  Intermediate Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
  Florida Series
  Hawaii Income Series
  Maryland Series
  Massachusetts Series
  Michigan Series
  New Jersey Series
  New York Series
  North Carolina Series
  Ohio Series
  Pennsylvania Series
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
     GLOBAL FUNDS
Prudential Europe Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
  Limited Maturity Portfolio
Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
Global Utility Fund, Inc.
The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc.
The Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
 
     EQUITY FUNDS
Prudential Allocation Fund
  Balanced Portfolio
  Strategy Portfolio
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Income Fund
Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc.
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
  Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS
- -TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Government Securities Trust
  Money Market Series
  U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
Prudential Special Money Market Fund, 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
  Risk Factors and Special Characteristics..............................      2
FUND EXPENSES...........................................................      4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS....................................................      5
HOW THE FUND INVESTS....................................................      8
  Investment Objective and Policies.....................................      8
  Hedging and Return Enhancement Strategies.............................     11
  Other Investments and Policies........................................     13
  Investment Restrictions...............................................     15
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED.................................................     15
  Manager...............................................................     15
  Distributor...........................................................     16
  Portfolio Transactions................................................     18
  Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent..................     18
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES..........................................     18
HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE.....................................     18
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS......................................     19
GENERAL INFORMATION.....................................................     21
  Description of Common Stock...........................................     21
  Additional Information................................................     21
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE.......................................................     22
  How to Buy Shares of the Fund.........................................     22
  Alternative Purchase Plan.............................................     23
  How to Sell Your Shares...............................................     25
  Conversion Feature--Class B Shares....................................     28
  How to Exchange Your Shares...........................................     29
  Shareholder Services..................................................     30
THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY.......................................    A-1
</TABLE>
 
                  -------------------------------------------
MF102A                                                                   440002K
 
                                   Class A: 743915-20-9
                        CUSIP No.: Class B: 743915-10-0
                                   Class C: 743915-30-8
 
PRUDENTIAL
MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------
 
                                                                       APRIL 29,
                                                                            1996
 
                                     [LOGO]
<PAGE>
                     PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              DATED APRIL 29, 1996
 
    Prudential  Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.,  formerly Prudential GNMA Fund, Inc.
(the Fund), is  an open-end,  diversified, management  investment company  whose
investment  objective is to  achieve a high  level of income  over the long term
consistent with providing reasonable safety  in the value of each  shareholder's
investment.  In  pursuing  this objective,  the  Fund will  invest  primarily in
mortgage-related instruments, including mortgage-backed securities guaranteed as
to timely payment of principal and interest by the Government National  Mortgage
Association  (GNMA), other  mortgage-backed securities  issued or  guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities  of the U.S.  Government, and non-agency  mortgage
instruments,  along with obligations using mortgages as collateral. The Fund may
utilize other derivatives,  including writing  covered call and  put options  on
U.S.   Government  securities  and  entering  into  closing  purchase  and  sale
transactions with respect to certain of  such options. To hedge against  changes
in  interest  rates,  the Fund  may  also  purchase put  options  and  engage in
transactions  involving  interest  rate  futures  contracts,  options  on   such
contracts  and interest rate swap contracts. There  can be no assurance that the
Fund's investment  objective will  be achieved.  See "Investment  Objective  and
Policies."
 
    The  Fund's address is One Seaport Plaza,  New York, New York 10292, and its
telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
 
    This Statement of Additional Information is  not a prospectus and should  be
read  in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus, dated April 29, 1996, a copy of
which may be obtained from the Fund upon request.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              CROSS-
                                                                            REFERENCE
                                                                            TO PAGE IN
                                                                   PAGE     PROSPECTUS
                                                                   -----    ----------
<S>                                                                <C>      <C>
General Information and History..................................  B-2         21
Investment Objective and Policies................................  B-2          8
Investment Restrictions..........................................  B-11        15
Directors and Officers...........................................  B-12        15
Manager..........................................................  B-15        15
Distributor......................................................  B-18        16
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.............................  B-20        18
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares...........................  B-21        23
Shareholder Investment Account...................................  B-25        31
Net Asset Value..................................................  B-28        18
Dividends and Distributions......................................  B-29        19
Taxes............................................................  B-29        19
Performance Information..........................................  B-30        18
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Independent
 Accountants.....................................................  B-33        18
Financial Statements.............................................  B-34        --
Report of Independent Accountants................................  B-42        --
Appendix A--Description of Corporate Bond Ratings................  A-1         --
Appendix I--General Investment Information.......................  I-1         --
Appendix II--Historical Performance Data.........................  II-1        --
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MF102B
<PAGE>
                        GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
 
    At  a  meeting held  on  May 5,  1995, the  Board  of Directors  approved an
amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to change the Fund's name from
Prudential GNMA Fund, Inc. to Prudential  Mortgage Income Fund, Inc., to  become
effective  upon  approval  by  the Fund's  shareholders  of  certain  changes in
investment policy, which approval was obtained at a shareholder meeting held  on
August 16, 1995.
 
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    The  Fund's investment objective is  to achieve a high  level of income over
the long term consistent with providing  reasonable safety in the value of  each
shareholder's  investment. In pursuing this objective it is expected that, under
normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total  assets
in  mortgage-backed securities. The Fund also intends to invest in other readily
marketable fixed-income securities which provide attractive yields but which  do
not  involve substantial risk of loss of capital through default, and may engage
in the  writing of  covered put  and  call options,  closing purchase  and  sale
transactions  with respect to such options and interest rate futures and options
thereon. 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  Fund's   investments   are   expected   to   consist   principally   of
mortgage-backed securities. A description of their characteristics follows.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
    MORTGAGE-RELATED   SECURITIES  ISSUED   BY  U.S.   GOVERNMENT  AGENCIES  AND
INSTRUMENTALITIES.  The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities, including
those which represent undivided ownership  interests in pools of mortgages.  The
U.S.  Government or the issuing agency or instrumentality guarantees the payment
of interest on and principal of these securities. However, the guarantees do not
extend to the yield or value of  the securities nor do the guarantees extend  to
the  yield or value of the Fund's shares. Mortgages backing the securities which
may be  purchased  by  the  Fund  include  conventional  thirty-year  fixed-rate
mortgages,  graduated payment mortgages, fifteen-year mortgages, adjustable rate
mortgages and  balloon  payment  mortgages. A  balloon  payment  mortgage-backed
security  is an amortized  mortgage security with  installments of principal and
interest, the last installment of which is predominantly principal. All of these
mortgages can be used to create pass-through securities. A pass-through security
is formed when mortgages are pooled together and undivided interests in the pool
or pools are sold.  The cash flow  from the mortgages is  passed through to  the
holders  of  the  securities  in  the form  of  periodic  payments  of interest,
principal and prepayments  (net of a  service fee). Prepayments  occur when  the
holder  of  an undivided  mortgage prepays  the  remaining principal  before the
mortgage's  scheduled  maturity  date.  As  a  result  of  the  pass-through  of
prepayments   of  principal   on  the   underlying  securities,  mortgage-backed
securities are often subject  to more rapid prepayment  of principal than  their
stated maturity would indicate. The remaining expected average life of a pool of
mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-backed security is a prediction of when the
mortgage  loans will be repaid  and is based upon a  variety of factors, such as
the  demographic  and  geographic  characteristics  of  the  borrowers  and  the
mortgaged  properties, the length  of time that  each of the  mortgage loans has
been outstanding,  the interest  rates payable  on the  mortgage loans  and  the
current interest rate environment.
 
    During   periods  of  declining  interest  rates,  prepayment  of  mortgages
underlying mortgage-backed  securities  can  be  expected  to  accelerate.  When
mortgage  obligations are  prepaid, the  Fund reinvests  the prepaid  amounts in
securities, the yields of which reflect interest rates prevailing at that  time.
Therefore,   the  Fund's  ability  to  maintain  a  portfolio  of  high-yielding
mortgage-backed securities  will  be  adversely  affected  to  the  extent  that
prepayments  of mortgages are  reinvested in securities  which have lower yields
than the prepaid  mortgages. Moreover, prepayments  of mortgages which  underlie
securities purchased at a premium generally will result in capital losses.
 
    GNMA  CERTIFICATES.    Certificates  of  the  Government  National  Mortgage
Association (GNMA Certificates) are mortgage-backed securities which evidence an
undivided interest in a pool or  pools of mortgages. GNMA Certificates that  the
Fund may purchase are the "modified pass-through" type, which entitle the holder
to  receive timely  payment of  all interest and  principal payments  due on the
mortgage pool, net of fees paid to the "issuer" and GNMA, regardless of  whether
or  not the  mortgagor actually  makes the  payment. The  GNMA Certificates will
represent a PRO RATA  interest in one  or more pools of  the following types  of
mortgage  loans: (i)  fixed rate level  payment mortgage loans;  (ii) fixed rate
graduated payment  mortgage  loans; (iii)  fixed  rate growing  equity  mortgage
loans;  (iv) fixed rate  mortgage loans secured  by manufactured (mobile) homes;
(v) mortgage loans on
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
multifamily residential properties  under construction; (vi)  mortgage loans  on
completed  multifamily projects;  (vii) fixed  rate mortgage  loans as  to which
escrowed funds are  used to reduce  the borrower's monthly  payments during  the
early  years of the  mortgage loans ("buydown"  mortgage loans); (viii) mortgage
loans that provide  for adjustments  in payments  based on  periodic changes  in
interest  rates  or in  other  payment terms  of  the mortgage  loans;  and (ix)
mortgage-backed serial notes. All of these  mortgage loans will be FHA Loans  or
VA  Loans and,  except as  otherwise specified  above, will  be fully-amortizing
loans secured by first liens on  one- to four-family housing units.  Legislative
changes  may be  proposed from  time to  time in  relation to  the Department of
Housing and Urban Development  which, if adopted, could  alter the viability  of
investing  in GNMAs. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information,
no such legislation has been enacted.
 
    FNMA CERTIFICATES.    FNMA is  a  federally chartered  and  privately  owned
corporation   organized  and  existing  under   the  Federal  National  Mortgage
Association Charter Act. FNMA provides funds to the mortgage market primarily by
purchasing home mortgage  loans from local  lenders, thereby replenishing  their
funds  for additional  lending. FNMA  acquires funds  to purchase  home mortgage
loans from  many capital  market investors  that may  not ordinarily  invest  in
mortgage loans directly.
 
    Each  FNMA Certificate will entitle the registered holder thereof to receive
amounts, representing such  holder's PRO  RATA interest  in scheduled  principal
payments  and interest payments  (at such FNMA  Certificate's pass-through rate,
which is net  of any  servicing and guarantee  fees on  the underlying  mortgage
loans),  and  any  principal  prepayments  on the  mortgage  loans  in  the pool
represented by such FNMA Certificate and such holder's proportionate interest in
the full  principal amount  of any  foreclosed or  otherwise finally  liquidated
mortgage  loan. The full  and timely payment  of principal and  interest on each
FNMA Certificate will be  guaranteed by FNMA, which  guarantee is not backed  by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
 
    Each  FNMA Certificate  will represent  a PRO RATA  interest in  one or more
pools of FHA  Loans, VA  Loans or  conventional mortgage  loans (I.E.,  mortgage
loans  that are  not insured  or guaranteed by  any governmental  agency) of the
following types: (i) fixed  rate level payment mortgage  loans; (ii) fixed  rate
growing  equity  mortgage loans;  (iii)  fixed rate  graduated  payment mortgage
loans; (iv) variable rate California  mortgage loans; (v) other adjustable  rate
mortgage  loans;  and  (vi) fixed  rate  mortgage loans  secured  by multifamily
projects.
 
    FHLMC SECURITIES.  The  Federal Home Loan  Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)  was
created in 1970 through enactment of Title III of the Emergency Home Finance Act
of  1970 (FHLMC  Act). Its  purpose is  to promote  development of  a nationwide
secondary market in conventional residential mortgages.
 
    The FHLMC issues  two types  of mortgage  pass-through securities,  mortgage
participation  certificates (PCs)  and guaranteed  mortgage certificates (GMCs).
PCs resemble GNMA Certificates in  that each PC represents  a PRO RATA share  of
all  interest and principal payments made and  owned on the underlying pool. The
FHLMC guarantees timely  monthly payment  of interest  on PCs  and the  ultimate
payment of principal.
 
    GMCs  also represent a  PRO RATA interest  in a pool  of mortgages. However,
these instruments pay interest semi-annually and return principal once a year in
guaranteed minimum payments. The  expected average life  of these securities  is
approximately ten years.
 
    FHLMC  CERTIFICATES.   FHLMC is  a corporate  instrumentality of  the United
States created  pursuant to  the  FHLMC Act.  The  principal activity  of  FHLMC
consists of the purchase of first lien, conventional, residential mortgage loans
and  participation  interests  in such  mortgage  loans  and the  resale  of the
mortgage loans so purchased in the form of mortgage securities, primarily  FHLMC
Certificates.
 
    FHLMC  guarantees to  each registered  holder of  the FHLMC  Certificate the
timely payment of interest at the  rate provided for by such FHLMC  Certificate,
whether  or not received. FHLMC  also guarantees to each  registered holder of a
FHLMC Certificate ultimate collection of  all principal on the related  mortgage
loans,  without any offset or deduction,  but does not, generally, guarantee the
timely payment of scheduled principal. FHLMC may remit the amount due on account
of its guarantee  of collection of  principal at  any time after  default on  an
underlying  mortgage loan, but not later  than 30 days following (i) foreclosure
sale, (ii) payment of a claim by any mortgage insurer or (iii) the expiration of
any right of redemption, whichever occurs later, but in any event no later  than
one  year after demand has been made  upon the mortgagor for accelerated payment
of principal.  The obligations  of  FHLMC under  its guarantee  are  obligations
solely  of FHLMC and  are not backed  by the full  faith and credit  of the U.S.
Government.
 
    FHLMC Certificates represent  a PRO  RATA interest  in a  group of  mortgage
loans  (a  FHLMC  Certificate  group) purchased  by  FHLMC.  The  mortgage loans
underlying the FHLMC Certificates will consist of fixed rate or adjustable  rate
mortgage loans with
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
original terms to maturity of between ten and thirty years, substantially all of
which  are secured by first liens  on one- to four-family residential properties
or multifamily projects. Each mortgage  loan must meet the applicable  standards
set  forth in the FHLMC Act. An FHLMC Certificate group may include whole loans,
participation interests in whole  loans and undivided  interests in whole  loans
and participations comprising another FHLMC Certificate group.
 
    The  market  value  of  mortgage  securities,  like  other  securities, will
generally vary inversely with changes  in market interest rates, declining  when
interest  rates rise and  rising when interest  rates decline. However, mortgage
securities, while having  comparable risk  of decline during  periods of  rising
rates,   usually  have  less  potential  for  capital  appreciation  than  other
investments  of  comparable  maturities  due  to  the  likelihood  of  increased
prepayments  of mortgages as interest rates  decline. In addition, to the extent
such mortgage securities are purchased  at a premium, mortgage foreclosures  and
unscheduled  principal prepayments  generally will  result in  some loss  of the
holders' principal to the extent of the premium paid. On the other hand, if such
mortgage securities are purchased  at a discount,  an unscheduled prepayment  of
principal  will  increase  current and  total  returns and  will  accelerate the
recognition of income which when distributed to shareholders will be taxable  as
ordinary income.
 
    NON-AGENCY  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  Certain non-agency private entities
also issue mortgage-backed securities. Other  than lacking the guarantee by  the
full  faith  and credit  of the  United  States, the  mortgage-backed securities
issued by private issuers generally have characteristics and risks comparable to
those issued by GNMA, as discussed above. Some mortgage-backed securities issued
by non-agency  private issuers  may be  supported  by a  pool of  mortgages  not
acceptable  to the agency issuers and thus may carry greater risks. The Fund may
invest in these mortgage-backed securities issued by non-agency private  issuers
if  they are rated  at least A  by Moody's Investors  Service, Inc. (Moody's) or
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (S&P).
 
    ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE  SECURITIES.  Adjustable  rate mortgage  securities
(ARMs)  are pass-through  mortgage securities  collateralized by  mortgages with
adjustable rather than fixed  rates. Generally, ARMs  have a specified  maturity
date  and amortize principal  over their life. In  periods of declining interest
rates, there  is a  reasonable likelihood  that ARMs  will experience  increased
rates of prepayment of principal. However, the major difference between ARMs and
fixed  rate  mortgage securities  is  that the  interest  rate and  the  rate of
amortization of principal of ARMs can and do change in accordance with movements
in a particular, pre-specified, published interest rate index.
 
    The amount of interest on an ARM is calculated by adding a specified amount,
the "margin," to the  index, subject to limitations  on the maximum and  minimum
interest that can be charged to the mortgagor during the life of the mortgage or
to  maximum and  minimum changes  to that interest  rate during  a given period.
Because the  interest rate  on ARMs  generally moves  in the  same direction  as
market  interest rates, the  market value of  ARMs tends to  be more stable than
that of long-term fixed rate securities.
 
    There are  two main  categories of  indices which  serve as  benchmarks  for
periodic  adjustments  to coupon  rates on  ARMs: those  based on  U.S. Treasury
securities and those derived from a calculated  measure such as a cost of  funds
index  or a moving average of  mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indices include
the  one-year  and  five-year  constant   maturity  Treasury  Note  rates,   the
three-month  Treasury  Bill  rate,  the 180-day  Treasury  Bill  rate,  rates on
longer-term Treasury securities, the 11th  District Federal Home Loan Bank  Cost
of Funds, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month or three-month London
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial
paper  rates. Some indices, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury Note
rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the
11th District Home Loan Bank Cost of  Funds index (often related to ARMs  issued
by FNMA), tend to lag changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less
volatile.
 
    COLLATERALIZED  MORTGAGE  OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  issuers  of collateralized
mortgage obligations  (CMOs), including  certain CMOs  that have  elected to  be
treated as Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (REMICS), are not considered
investment  companies pursuant to a rule  recently adopted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC),  and the Fund  may invest in  the securities of  such
issuers  without the limitations imposed by  the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the  Investment Company  Act) on investments  by the  Fund in  other
investment companies. In addition, in reliance on an earlier SEC interpretation,
the  Fund's investments in certain other qualifying CMOs, which cannot or do not
rely on the  rule, are  also not  subject to  the limitation  of the  Investment
Company Act on acquiring interests in other investment companies. In order to be
able  to rely on the  SEC's interpretation, these CMOs  must be unmanaged, fixed
asset issuers, that (a) invest  primarily in mortgage-backed securities, (b)  do
not  issue  redeemable securities,  (c) operate  under general  exemptive orders
exempting them from all provisions of the Investment Company Act and (d) are not
registered   or    regulated   under    the    Investment   Company    Act    as
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
investment  companies. To the extent  that the Fund selects  CMOs or REMICs that
cannot rely on the rule or do not meet the above requirements, the Fund may  not
invest more than 10% of its assets in all such entities and may not acquire more
than 3% of the voting securities of any single such entity.
 
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
 
    Consistent  with applicable regulatory  requirements, the Fund  may lend its
portfolio securities in any amount to broker-dealers, banks or other  recognized
institutional  borrowers of securities, provided that  the borrower at all times
maintains cash or equivalent collateral or  secures a letter of credit in  favor
of  the Fund  equal in value  to at  least 100% of  the value  of the securities
loaned. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays  the
Fund  an amount equivalent to any interest paid on such securities, and the Fund
may invest the cash collateral and earn additional income, or it may receive  an
agreed-upon  amount  of  interest income  from  the borrower  who  has delivered
equivalent collateral  or secured  a  letter of  credit.  Loans are  subject  to
termination  at  the  option of  the  Fund or  the  borrower. The  Fund  may pay
reasonable administrative and custodial fees in  connection with a loan and  may
pay  a  negotiated portion  of the  interest  earned on  the cash  or equivalent
collateral to the borrower or placing broker.  The Fund does not have the  right
to vote securities on loan, but would terminate the loan and regain the right to
vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
    The  Fund's repurchase agreements will  be collateralized by U.S. Government
obligations. The Fund will enter into repurchase transactions only with  parties
meeting  creditworthiness standards approved  by the Fund's  Board of Directors.
The Fund's investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such parties,
under the general  supervision of  the Board  of Directors.  In the  event of  a
default  or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek to liquidate the
collateral. To the  extent that the  proceeds from any  sale of such  collateral
upon  a default  in the  obligation to repurchase  are less  than the repurchase
price, the Fund will suffer a loss.
 
    The Fund participates in  a joint repurchase  account with other  investment
companies  managed by Prudential Mutual Fund  Management, Inc. (PMF) pursuant to
an order of the SEC. On a daily basis, any uninvested cash balances of the  Fund
may be aggregated with those of such investment companies and invested in one or
more  repurchase  agreements. Each  fund participates  in  the income  earned or
accrued in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
    Although the Fund has no fixed policy with respect to portfolio turnover, it
may sell portfolio  securities without regard  to the length  of time that  they
have  been held in  order to take  advantage of new  investment opportunities or
yield differentials, or  because the  Fund desires  to preserve  gains or  limit
losses due to changing economic conditions. Accordingly, it is possible that the
portfolio  turnover  rate of  the  Fund may  reach,  or even  exceed,  350%. The
portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the amount of  the
securities   purchased  or  securities  sold  (excluding  all  securities  whose
maturities at acquisition were one year or less) by the average monthly value of
such securities owned  during the year.  A 100% turnover  rate would occur,  for
example,  if all of the  securities held in the portfolio  of the Fund were sold
and replaced  within  one  year.  However, when  portfolio  changes  are  deemed
appropriate due to market or other conditions, such turnover rate may be greater
than  anticipated. A  higher rate of  turnover results  in increased transaction
costs to the Fund. The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund for the fiscal years
ended December 31,  1994 and 1995  was 560% and  193%, respectively. The  Fund's
portfolio  turnover rate in 1994 resulted in  part from the repositioning of its
portfolio by its former portfolio manager. It also resulted from efforts to take
advantage of yield differentials  which existed between mortgage  "pass-through"
securities and U.S. Treasuries during a year when short-term interest rates were
particularly  volatile.  These  efforts, which  involved  sales  of pass-through
securities in order to buy Treasuries and vice versa, added significantly to the
Fund's higher turnover rate.
 
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  or  legal  or  contractual  restrictions  on  resale.
Historically,   illiquid   securities  have   included  securities   subject  to
contractual  or  legal  restrictions  on  resale  because  they  have  not  been
registered  under  the  Securities Act  of  1933, as  amended  (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
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
on resale  may  have  an  adverse  effect  on  the  marketability  of  portfolio
securities  and a mutual fund might be  unable to dispose of restricted or other
illiquid  securities  promptly  or  at  reasonable  prices  and  might   thereby
experience  difficulty satisfying redemptions  within seven days.  A mutual fund
might also have to  register such restricted securities  in order to dispose  of
them  resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could
impede such a public offering of securities.
 
    In recent years,  however, a  large institutional market  has developed  for
certain  securities that are not registered  under the Securities Act, including
repurchase  agreements,   commercial   paper,  foreign   securities,   municipal
securities,  convertible securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional
investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the  unregistered
security  can be readily resold or on an  issuer's ability to honor a demand for
repayment. The fact that there are  contractual or legal restrictions on  resale
to  the general public or  to certain institutions may  not be indicative of the
liquidity of such investments.
 
    Rule 144A  under  the Securities  Act  allows for  a  broader  institutional
trading  market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the
general public.  Rule 144A  establishes a  "safe harbor"  from the  registration
requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  for  resales  of  certain  securities to
qualified institutional  buyers. The  investment  adviser anticipates  that  the
market  for certain restricted securities such as institutional commercial paper
and foreign securities will  expand further as a  result of this regulation  and
the  development of automated systems for  the trading, clearance and settlement
of unregistered securities of domestic and  foreign issuers, such as the  PORTAL
System  sponsored by the  National Association of  Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
NASD).
 
    Restricted securities eligible for  resale pursuant to  Rule 144A under  the
Securities  Act  and commercial  paper for  which there  is a  readily available
market will not be  deemed to be illiquid.  The investment adviser will  monitor
the  liquidity of such  restricted securities subject to  the supervision of the
Board of Directors. In reaching liquidity decisions, the investment adviser will
consider, INTER ALIA,  the following factors:  (1) the frequency  of trades  and
quotes  for the security; (2) the number  of dealers wishing to purchase or sell
the  security  and  the  number  of  other  potential  purchasers;  (3)   dealer
undertakings to make a market in the security and (4) the nature of the security
and  the nature of the  marketplace trades (E.G., the  time needed to dispose of
the security,  the  method  of  soliciting  offers  and  the  mechanics  of  the
transfer). In addition, in order for commercial paper that is issued in reliance
on  Section 4(2) of the  Securities Act to be considered  liquid, (i) it must be
rated in one of  the two highest  rating categories by  at least two  nationally
recognized  statistical rating organizations (NRSRO), or if only one NRSRO rates
the securities, by that NRSRO, or, if  unrated, be of comparable quality in  the
view  of the investment  adviser; and (ii)  it must not  be "traded flat" (I.E.,
without accrued interest) or in default as to principal or interest.  Repurchase
agreements  subject to demand are deemed to  have a maturity equal to the notice
period.
 
OPTION WRITING AND RELATED RISKS
 
    CHARACTERISTICS.   The Fund  may write  (I.E., sell)  covered put  and  call
options  on U.S. Government securities which are traded on registered securities
exchanges or which result from separate, privately negotiated transactions  with
primary  U.S. Government securities dealers recognized by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System (OTC  options). A call option gives the  purchaser
of  the option  the right  to buy, and  the writer  the obligation  to sell, the
underlying security at the exercise price during the option period.  Conversely,
a  put  option  gives  the purchaser  the  right  to sell,  and  the  writer the
obligation to buy,  the underlying  security at  the exercise  price during  the
option period.
 
    So  long as the obligation of the writer of the option continues, the writer
is subject  to the  exercise  of the  option, either  by  the assignment  of  an
exercise  notice by the  broker-dealer through whom  the option was  sold in the
case of an exchange-traded option or directly  by notice from the holder in  the
case  of an OTC  option. Upon exercise the  Fund is required  to deliver, in the
case of a  call, or  take delivery  of, in  the case  of a  put, the  underlying
security  against payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates upon
expiration of  the option,  or at  such earlier  time that  the Fund  effects  a
closing  purchase transaction, either by purchasing  an option covering the same
underlying security and having the same  exercise price and expiration date  (of
the  same series) as that on which it  desires to terminate its obligation or by
terminating the option contract through separate negotiation. The effect of such
closing purchase  is that  the  writer's position  will  be cancelled.  Once  an
exchange-traded  option has been exercised, the writer may not execute a closing
purchase  transaction   with  respect   thereto.  Effecting   closing   purchase
transactions  in OTC options is subject to  negotiation between the Fund and the
holder of the option.
 
    The principal reason  for writing options  on a securities  portfolio is  to
attempt  to realize, through  the receipt of premiums,  a greater current return
than would be realized on the  underlying securities alone. The premium paid  by
the purchaser of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of
the  exercise  price  to  the  market price  and  volatility  of  the underlying
security,
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
the remaining  term of  the option,  supply and  demand and  interest rates.  In
return  for  the  premium, the  covered  call  option writer  has  given  up the
opportunity for profit from  a price increase in  the underlying security  above
the  exercise price so long as the option  remains open, but retains the risk of
loss should the price of the security decline. Conversely, the put option writer
gains a  profit, in  the  form of  the premium,  so  long as  the price  of  the
underlying  security remains above the exercise price, but assumes an obligation
to purchase the  underlying security from  the buyer  of the put  option at  the
exercise price even though the price of the security may fall below the exercise
price,  at any time during  the option period. If  an option expires, the writer
realizes a gain in the amount of the premium. Such a gain may, in the case of  a
covered  call  option,  be  offset by  a  decline  in the  market  value  of the
underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the
writer realizes a gain or  loss from the sale of  the underlying security. If  a
put  option is exercised, the writer must fulfill its obligation to purchase the
underlying security at the  exercise price, which will  usually exceed the  then
current  market value of  the underlying security.  The Fund would  then incur a
loss equal  to the  difference between  the price  at which  it is  required  to
purchase  the underlying security and its market value at the time the option is
exercised, less the premium received for writing the option. If the Fund is able
to enter into a closing purchase transaction,  it will realize a profit or  loss
from  such transaction if the cost of such  transaction is less or more than the
premium received from writing the option.
 
    Because the Fund may write only covered  options, it may at times be  unable
to  write additional options unless it sells a portion of its portfolio holdings
to obtain  new debt  securities against  which it  can write  options. This  may
result  in  higher  portfolio  turnover  and  correspondingly  greater brokerage
commissions and other transaction costs.
 
    PURCHASING OPTIONS.   The  Fund may  purchase put  options in  an effort  to
protect  the value of a security that it owns against a decline in market value,
and may  also  purchase  put or  call  options  for the  purpose  of  offsetting
previously  written  put or  call  options of  the  same series.  For  a further
description of such transactions see  "How the Fund Invests--Hedging and  Return
Enhancement Strategies--Options Transactions" in the Prospectus.
 
    RISKS  AND LIMITATIONS  PERTAINING TO OPTIONS  TRANSACTIONS.   When the Fund
enters  into  options  transactions  as   a  hedge  against  its  portfolio   of
mortgage-backed  securities,  it intends  to use  OTC  options because  there is
currently no GNMA  option listed  on a  national securities  exchange. There  is
currently no secondary market for OTC options.
 
    Exchange-traded  options are  currently available for  other U.S. Government
securities. An exchange-traded  option position  may be  closed out  only on  an
exchange  that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. OTC
options are not  generally terminable at  the option  of the writer  and may  be
closed  out only by  negotiation with the  holder. There is  no assurance that a
liquid secondary market  on an  exchange will  exist. In  addition, because  OTC
options are issued in privately negotiated transactions exempt from registration
under  the Securities Act, there  is no assurance that  the Fund will succeed in
negotiating a closing  out of an  OTC option  for any particular  option at  any
particular  time. In  such event,  it might  not be  possible to  effect closing
transactions in  particular options.  If  the Fund,  as  a covered  call  option
writer,  is unable  to effect  a closing  purchase transaction  in the secondary
market or otherwise, it will not be  able to sell the underlying security  until
the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.
 
    Reasons  for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include
the following:  (i)  insufficient  trading interest  in  certain  options;  (ii)
restrictions  on  transactions  imposed  by an  exchange;  (iii)  trading halts,
suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes  or
series  of options  or underlying  securities; (iv)  interruption of  the normal
operations on an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or  a
clearing corporation to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one
or  more exchanges to discontinue the trading  of options (or a particular class
or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange  (or
in  that class or series of options)  would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that exchange  that had been  issued by a  clearing corporation as  a
result  of trades on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in
accordance with their terms.
 
    The Fund's  ability  to write  exchange-traded  options on  U.S.  Government
securities  is  subject to  limitations established  by  each of  the applicable
exchanges governing the  maximum number of  options in each  class which may  be
written by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless
of  whether the options  are written on  the same or  different exchanges or are
held or written in one  or more accounts or through  one or more brokers.  Thus,
the number of exchange-traded options which the Fund may write may be limited by
options  written by other investment advisory clients of its investment adviser.
An exchange may  order the liquidation  of positions  found to be  in excess  of
these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
    The  hours  of trading  for options  on U.S.  Government securities  may not
conform to the hours during which  the underlying securities are traded. To  the
extent  that  the option  markets close  before the  markets for  the underlying
securities,  significant  price  and  rate  movements  can  take  place  in  the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
 
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO OPTIONS
 
    ON TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES.  Because trading interest in Treasury Bonds and
Notes  tends to center on the most recently auctioned issues, the exchanges will
not indefinitely continue to introduce new series of options with expirations to
replace  expiring  options  on  particular  issues.  Instead,  the   expirations
introduced  at the commencement of options trading on a particular issue will be
allowed to run their course, with the  possible addition of a limited number  of
new  expirations as the original ones expire.  Options trading on each series of
Bonds or Notes will  thus be phased out  as new options are  listed on the  more
recent  issues, and  a full  range of  expiration dates  will not  ordinarily be
available for every series on which options are traded.
 
    ON TREASURY BILLS.  Because the deliverable Treasury Bill changes from  week
to  week, writers of  Treasury Bill call  options cannot provide  in advance for
their potential exercise  settlement obligations  by acquiring  and holding  the
underlying  security. However,  if the  Fund holds  a long  position in Treasury
Bills with a  principal amount corresponding  to the option  contract size,  the
Fund  may be hedged from a risk standpoint, although the long position may be in
Treasury Bills with  maturities varying  from those  on which  the options  were
written.  The  Fund will  maintain in  a segregated  account with  its custodian
Treasury Bills maturing no  later than those which  would be deliverable in  the
event of an assignment of an exercise notice to ensure that it can meet its open
option obligations.
 
    ON  MORTGAGE  CERTIFICATES.    Options  on  Mortgage  Certificates  are  not
currently traded  on  any exchange.  However,  the  Fund intends  to  engage  in
transactions in OTC options on Mortgage Certificates.
 
    Since the remaining principal balance of Mortgage Certificates declines each
month as a result of mortgage principal payments and prepayments, the Fund, as a
writer  of a  covered call  option holding  Mortgage Certificates  as "cover" to
satisfy its delivery obligation in the  event that the option is exercised,  may
find  that  its  Mortgage Certificates  no  longer have  a  sufficient remaining
principal balance for this purpose. Should this occur, the Fund will attempt  to
effect  a  closing purchase  transaction  or will  purchase  additional Mortgage
Certificates  from  the  same  pool  (if  obtainable)  or  replacement  Mortgage
Certificates in the cash market in order to remain covered.
 
INTEREST RATE FUTURES AND OPTIONS THEREON
 
    INTEREST  RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS.   The Fund may  purchase and sell interest
rate futures contracts (futures contracts)  that are traded on U.S.  commodities
exchanges  as a hedge against interest rate related fluctuations in the value of
securities which are held in the Fund's  portfolio or which the Fund intends  to
purchase.  The Fund will engage in  such transactions consistent with the Fund's
investment objective. Currently futures contracts are available on several types
of fixed-income securities, including U.S.  Treasury Bonds, U.S. Treasury  Notes
and  on U.S.  Treasury Bills  and Certificates  of Deposit  on the International
Monetary Market Division of the Chicago  Mercantile Exchange. The Fund may  also
purchase  and sell Eurodollar futures and  options thereon which are U.S. dollar
denominated instruments linked to the London Interbank rate and currently traded
on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
 
    There are  a number  of  reasons why  entering  into interest  rate  futures
contracts  for hedging  purposes can be  beneficial to the  Fund. First, futures
markets may be more liquid than the corresponding cash markets on the underlying
securities. Such  enhanced liquidity  results from  the standardization  of  the
futures contracts and the large transaction volumes. Greater liquidity permits a
portfolio  manager to effect  a desired hedge  both more quickly  and in greater
volume than would be  possible in the  cash market. Second,  a desired sale  and
subsequent  purchase can generally  be accomplished in the  futures market for a
fraction of the transaction costs that might be incurred in the cash market.
 
    When a  purchase or  sale of  an interest  rate futures  contract occurs,  a
deposit  of high quality,  liquid securities called "initial  margin" is made by
both buyer and  seller with  a custodian  or otherwise  for the  benefit of  the
broker.  Unlike other types of margin, a futures margin account does not involve
any loan or borrowing but is merely a good faith deposit that must be maintained
in a minimum amount of cash or U.S. Treasury Bills, currently equal to 2% of the
contract amount for futures on Treasury Bonds, 1 1/2% of the contract amount for
futures on Treasury  Notes, 1/10 of  1% of  the contract amount  for futures  on
Treasury  Bills and 2% for GNMA securities. All futures positions, both long and
short, are marked-to-market daily, with cash payments called "variation  margin"
being  made by buyers  and sellers to  the custodian, and  passed through to the
sellers and buyers, to reflect daily changes in contract values.
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
    Although most  interest rate  futures contracts  call for  making or  taking
delivery of the underlying securities, these obligations are typically cancelled
or  closed out before the scheduled settlement date. The closing is accomplished
by purchasing (or selling) an identical  futures contract to offset a short  (or
long)   position.  Such  an  offsetting   transaction  cancels  the  contractual
obligations established  by the  original futures  transaction. Other  financial
futures contracts call for cash settlements rather than delivery of securities.
 
    If  the price of an offsetting futures  transaction varies from the price of
the original  futures  transaction, the  hedger  will  realize a  gain  or  loss
corresponding  to the  difference. That  gain or  loss will  tend to  offset the
unrealized loss or gain on the hedged securities position, but may not always or
completely do so.
 
    In accordance with current rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(the CFTC),  the  Fund  may not  purchase  or  sell any  interest  rate  futures
contracts  or options thereon for return enhancement or risk management purposes
if, immediately thereafter,  the sum of  initial margin deposits  on the  Fund's
futures  positions and premiums paid for options  thereon would exceed 5% of the
liquidation value of  the Fund's total  assets. The Fund  may purchase and  sell
futures  contracts and  options thereon for  BONA FIDE  hedging purposes without
limitation.
 
    RISKS AND LIMITATIONS INVOLVED  IN FUTURES HEDGING.   There are a number  of
risks  associated  with  futures hedging.  Changes  in  the price  of  a futures
contract generally parallel but do not  necessarily equal changes in the  prices
of  the securities being hedged. The  risk of imperfect correlation increases if
the composition of the Fund's securities portfolio diverges from the  securities
that are the subject of the futures contract. Because the change in price of the
futures contract may be more or less than the change in prices of the underlying
securities, even a correct forecast of interest rate changes may not result in a
successful hedging transaction.
 
    The  Fund intends to  purchase and sell futures  contracts only on exchanges
where there  appears to  be a  market  in such  futures sufficiently  active  to
accommodate the volume of its trading activity. There can be no assurance that a
liquid  market will always  exist for any particular  contract at any particular
time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that it will always be possible  to
close  a futures  position when  such closing  is desired  and, in  the event of
adverse price movements, the  Fund would continue to  be required to make  daily
cash  payments of variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have
been sold to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not be sold  until
the  offsetting  futures  contracts can  be  executed. Similarly,  in  the event
futures have  been  bought  to  hedge  anticipated  securities  purchases,  such
purchases  will not  be executed until  the offsetting futures  contracts can be
sold.
 
    Successful use  of futures  contracts by  the Fund  is also  subject to  the
ability  of  the  investment  adviser  to  predict  correctly  movements  in the
direction of interest rates and other factors affecting markets for  securities.
For  example, if the Fund  has hedged against the  possibility of an increase in
interest rates  that would  adversely  affect the  price  of securities  in  its
portfolio  and prices  of such securities  increase 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  have to sell  securities to meet  such requirements. Such
sales of securities  may be, but  will not necessarily  be, at increased  prices
that  reflect the rising market. The Fund may  have to sell securities at a time
when it  is disadvantageous  to do  so.  Where futures  are purchased  to  hedge
against  a possible increase in the price  of securities before the Fund is able
to invest its cash  in an orderly  fashion, it is possible  that the market  may
decline  instead; if the Fund then concludes not to invest in securities at that
time because  of concern  as to  possible further  market decline  or for  other
reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures contract that is not offset
by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
 
    The selling of futures contracts by the Fund and use of related transactions
in  options  on  futures contracts  (discussed  below) are  subject  to position
limits, which are affected by the  activities of the Fund's investment  adviser,
similar to the option trading limits discussed under "Option Writing and Related
Risks."
 
    The  hours of trading of interest rate  futures contracts may not conform to
the hours during  which the Fund  may trade U.S.  Government securities. To  the
extent  that the  futures markets  close before  the U.S.  Government securities
markets, significant  price  and rate  movements  can  take place  in  the  U.S.
Government securities markets that cannot be reflected in the futures markets.
 
    Pursuant  to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act, investment companies
registered under the Investment  Company Act are exempt  from the definition  of
"commodity  pool operator" in the Commodity  Exchange Act, subject to compliance
with certain conditions. The  exemption is conditioned  upon a requirement  that
all  of  the investment  company's  commodity futures  transactions  and options
thereon constitute  BONA FIDE  hedging transactions,  except that  the Fund  may
purchase and sell futures
 
                                      B-9
<PAGE>
and  options thereon  for any  other purpose  to the  extent that  the aggregate
initial margin and option premiums do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value  of
the Fund's total assets. With respect to long positions assumed by the Fund, the
Fund will segregate with its custodian, or in a margin account with a broker, an
amount  of cash  and other  assets permitted  by CFTC  regulations equal  to the
market value of the futures contracts and thereby insure that the use of futures
contracts is unleveraged. The  Fund will use interest  rate futures in a  manner
consistent with these requirements.
 
    OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The Fund will purchase put options on futures
contracts  to hedge its portfolio of debt  securities against the risk of rising
interest rates, and  the consequent  decline in  the prices  of U.S.  Government
securities  it owns. The Fund will also  write call options on futures contracts
as a hedge against  a modest decline  in prices of debt  securities held in  the
Fund's portfolio. If the futures price at expiration of a written call option is
below  the exercise price,  the Fund will  retain the full  amount of the option
premium, thereby partially hedging against any decline that may have occurred in
the Fund's holdings of debt securities. If the futures price when the option  is
exercised  is above  the exercise  price, however, the  Fund will  incur a loss,
which may be  wholly or partially  offset by the  increase of the  value of  the
security in the Fund's portfolio which was being hedged.
 
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS
 
    The  Fund may enter  into interest rate  swaps, and will  usually enter into
interest rate swaps on  a net basis,  I.E., the two  payment streams are  netted
out,  with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount
of the  two payments.  The net  amount  of the  excess, if  any, of  the  Fund's
obligations  over its entitlements with respect  to each interest rate swap will
be accrued on  a daily basis  and an amount  of cash or  liquid high-grade  debt
securities  having an aggregate  net asset value  at least equal  to the accrued
excess will be maintained in a segregated account by a custodian that  satisfies
the  requirements of  the Investment  Company Act. To  the extent  that the Fund
enters into interest rate swaps on other than a net basis, the amount maintained
in a segregated account will  be the full amount  of the Fund's obligations,  if
any,  with  respect to  such  interest rate  swaps,  accrued on  a  daily basis.
Inasmuch as segregated accounts are established for these hedging  transactions,
the  investment adviser and the Fund  believe such obligations do not constitute
senior securities and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to  its
borrowing  restrictions. The  Fund will not  enter into any  interest rate swaps
unless the short-term debt of  the other party thereto  is rated in the  highest
rating category of at least one nationally recognized rating organization at the
time of entering into such transaction. If there is a default by the other party
to  such a transaction, the Fund will  have contractual remedies pursuant to the
agreement related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in
recent years with a  large number of banks  and investment banking firms  acting
both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a
result, the swap market has become relatively liquid.
 
    The  use  of interest  rate  swaps is  a  highly speculative  activity which
involves investment techniques  and risks different  from those associated  with
ordinary  portfolio  securities transactions.  If incorrect  in its  forecast of
market values,  interest  rates and  other  applicable factors,  the  investment
performance  of the Fund would  diminish compared to what  it would have been if
this investment technique was never used.
 
    The Fund may  only enter into  interest rate swaps  to hedge its  portfolio.
Interest  rate  swaps  do  not  involve  the  delivery  of  securities  or other
underlying assets or principal.  Accordingly, the risk of  loss with respect  to
interest  rates swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the
Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest  rate
swap  defaults, the Fund's risk  of loss consists of  the net amount of interest
payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Since interest rate
swaps are individually  negotiated, the  Fund expects to  achieve an  acceptable
degree  of correlation between  its rights to receive  interest on its portfolio
securities and its rights and obligations  to receive and pay interest  pursuant
to interest rate swaps.
 
                                      B-10
<PAGE>
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
    The  following restrictions  are fundamental  policies. Fundamental policies
are those which  cannot be  changed without  the approval  of the  holders of  a
majority  of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting  securities,"  when  used in  this  Statement  of  Additional
Information,  means the lesser of (i) 67%  of the voting shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of  the outstanding voting shares are present  in
person  or represented by proxy or (ii)  more than 50% of the outstanding voting
shares.
 
    The Fund may not:
 
    (1) Purchase any security  (other than obligations  of the U.S.  Government,
its  agencies, or instrumentalities) if  as a result with  respect to 75% of the
Fund's total assets, more than 5% of  the Fund's total assets (taken at  current
value) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer.
 
    (2) Make short sales of securities or purchase securities on margin (but the
Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
transactions).  For  purposes of  this  investment restriction,  the  deposit or
payment  by  the  Fund  of  initial  or  variation  margin  in  connection  with
transactions  in interest rate futures contracts or related options transactions
and collateralization  arrangements  with  respect to  exchange-traded  and  OTC
options  on debt  securities are  not considered the  purchase of  a security on
margin.
 
    (3) Concentrate its investments in any one industry (no more than 25% of the
Fund's total assets will be invested in any one industry or in the securities of
issuers located in any one foreign country); however, there is no limitation  as
to   investments  in  obligations  of  the  U.S.  Government,  its  agencies  or
instrumentalities.
 
    (4) Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except  that
the  Fund may borrow up to 20% of the value of its 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.  For purposes  of  this  restriction,
obligations   of  the  Fund  to  Directors  pursuant  to  deferred  compensation
arrangements, the purchase  or sale of  securities on a  when-issued or  delayed
delivery  basis,  the purchase  and sale  of options  and futures  contracts and
collateral arrangements with  respect to the  purchase and sale  of options  and
futures  contracts are not deemed  to be the issuance of  a senior security or a
pledge of assets.
 
    (5) Purchase any security if as a result the Fund would then have more  than
5%  of  its total  assets (taken  at  current value)  invested in  securities of
companies (including predecessors) less than three years old.
 
    (6) Buy  or sell  commodities  or commodity  contracts,  or real  estate  or
interests  in real estate, except it may  purchase and sell securities which are
secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in  real
estate,  interest rate futures  contracts and other  financial futures contracts
and options thereon.
 
    (7) Act as  underwriter except to  the extent that,  in connection with  the
disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under
certain federal securities laws.
 
    (8) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
 
    (9)  Invest in 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 5% of its total  assets (taken at current value)
would  be  invested  in  such  securities,  or  except  as  part  of  a  merger,
consolidation or other acquisition.
 
   (10)  Invest  in  interests  in  oil, gas  or  other  mineral  exploration or
development programs.
 
   (11) Make loans, except through (i)  repurchase agreements and (ii) loans  of
portfolio  securities.  (The purchase  of a  portion of  an issue  of securities
distributed publicly,  whether or  not  the purchase  is  made on  the  original
issuance, is not considered the making of a loan.)
 
   (12)   Purchase  securities  of  foreign   issuers  other  than  U.S.  dollar
denominated debt securities rated at  least Aa by Moody's or  AA by S&P or  U.S.
dollar  denominated obligations of foreign branches  of domestic banks or of any
bank  organized  under  the  laws   of  Canada,  France,  Germany,  Japan,   the
Netherlands,  Switzerland or the United Kingdom, provided that such bank has, at
the time of the Fund's investment, total  assets of at least $10 billion or  the
equivalent.
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>
   (13)  Purchase or sell puts or calls or combinations thereof, except that the
Fund may  write covered  put and  call options  on U.S.  Government  securities,
purchase  put and  call options on  U.S. Government securities  and purchase and
sell interest rate futures contracts  and other financial futures contracts  and
options  thereon, and, in  connection with the purchase  of other securities, it
may acquire warrants or other rights to subscribe for securities of companies or
parents or subsidiaries of such companies.
 
    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.
 
    In order to comply with certain state "blue sky" restrictions, the Fund will
not as a matter of operating policy (i) purchase any security if as a result the
Fund would hold more than  10% of any class of  securities of an issuer  (taking
all  debt issues of an issuer as a  single class) in companies in which officers
and directors  of the  Fund  or the  manager own  more  than 1/2  of 1%  of  the
outstanding  securities of such company, (ii)  purchase securities of any issuer
if, to the knowledge of the Fund, any officer or director of the Fund or of  the
Manager  owns more than 1/2 of 1%  of the outstanding securities of such issuer,
and such officers and directors who own more than 1/2 of 1% own in the aggregate
more than 5%  of the  outstanding securities of  such issuer  or (iii)  purchase
warrants  if as a result the Fund would then have more than 5% of its net assets
(determined at the time  of investment) invested in  warrants. Warrants will  be
valued  at the lower of cost or market  and investment in warrants which are not
listed on the New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange will be limited
to 2% of the Fund's net assets  (determined at the time of investment). For  the
purpose of this limitation, warrants acquired in units or attached to securities
are deemed to be without value.
 
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE             WITH FUND                               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------  --------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
Edward D. Beach (71)              Director        President and Director of BMC Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          company; previously, Vice Chairman of Broyhill Furniture Industries,
Management, Inc.                                    Inc.; Certified Public Accountant; Secretary and Treasurer of
One Seaport Plaza                                   Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.; Member of the Board of Trustees of
New York, New York                                  Mars Hill College; President and Director of The High Yield Income
                                                    Fund, Inc. and First Financial Fund, Inc.
 
Eugene C. Dorsey (69)             Director        Retired President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Gannett
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          Foundation (now Freedom Forum); former Publisher of four Gannett
Management, Inc.                                    newspapers and Vice President of Gannett Company; past Chairman of
One Seaport Plaza                                   Independent Sector (national coalition of philanthropic
New York, New York                                  organizations) (since October 1989); former Chairman of the American
                                                    Council for the Arts; Director of the Advisory Board of Chase
                                                    Manhattan Bank of Rochester and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
 
Delayne Dedrick Gold (57)         Director        Marketing and Management Consultant.
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund
Management, Inc.
One Seaport Plaza
New York, New York
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE             WITH FUND                               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------  --------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
*Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. (74)        Director        Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential Securities
One Seaport Plaza                                   Incorporated (Prudential Securities); formerly Interim Chairman and
New York, New York                                  Chief Executive Officer of PMF (June-September 1993); formerly
                                                    Chairman of the Board of Prudential Securities (1982-1985) and
                                                    Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Bache Group Inc.
                                                    (1977-1982); Director of The First Australia Fund, Inc. and The First
                                                    Australia Prime Income Fund, Inc.; Trustee of The Trudeau Institute.
 
Thomas T. Mooney (54)             Director        President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce; formerly
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          Rochester City Manager; Trustee of Center for Governmental Research,
Management, Inc.                                    Inc.; Director of Blue Cross of Rochester, Monroe County Water
One Seaport Plaza                                   Authority, Rochester Jobs, Inc., Northeast Midwest Institute,
New York, New York                                  Executive Service Corps of Rochester and Monroe County Industrial
                                                    Development Corporation, First Financial Fund, Inc. and The High
                                                    Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
 
Thomas H. O'Brien (71)            Director        President, O'Brien Associates (Financial and Management Consultants)
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          (since April 1984); formerly President of Jamaica Water Securities
Management, Inc.                                    Corp. (holding company) (February 1989-August 1990); Director
One Seaport Plaza                                   (September 1987-April 1991) and Chairman of the Board and Chief
New York, New York                                  Executive Officer (September 1987-February 1989) of Jamaica Water
                                                    Supply Company; Director of Ridgewood Savings Bank and Yankee Energy
                                                    System, Inc.; Trustee of Hofstra University.
 
*Richard A. Redeker (52)          President and   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (since October 1993),
One Seaport Plaza                 Director          PMF; Executive Vice President, Director and Member of the Operating
New York, New York                                  Committee (since October 1993), Prudential Securities; Director
                                                    (since October 1993) of Prudential Securities Group, Inc.; Executive
                                                    Vice President, The Prudential Investment Corporation (since July
                                                    1994); Director (since January 1994) of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                    Distributors, Inc. (PMFD) and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
                                                    (PMFS); formerly Senior Executive Vice President and Director of
                                                    Kemper Financial Services, Inc. (September 1978-September 1993);
                                                    President and Director of The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
 
Nancy H. Teeters (65)             Director        Economist; formerly Vice President and Chief Economist (March 1986-June
c/o Prudential Mutual                               1990) of International Business Machines Corporation; Director of
Fund Management, Inc.                               Inland Steel Corporation (since 1991) and the First Financial Fund,
One Seaport Plaza                                   Inc.
New York, New York
 
David W. Drasnin (59)             Vice President  Vice President and Branch Manager of Prudential Securities.
39 Public Square, Suite 500
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
 
Robert F. Gunia (49)              Vice President  Chief Administrative Officer (since July 1990), Director (since January
One Seaport Plaza                                   1989) and Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
New York, New York                                  Officer (since June 1987) of PMF; Senior Vice President (since March
                                                    1987) of Prudential Securities; Executive Vice President, Treasurer,
                                                    Comptroller and Director (since March 1991) of PMFD; Director (since
                                                    June 1987) of PMFS; Vice President and Director of The Asia Pacific
                                                    Fund, Inc. (since May 1989).
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE             WITH FUND                               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------  --------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
S. Jane Rose (50)                 Secretary       Senior Vice President (since January 1991) and Senior Counsel (since
One Seaport Plaza                                   June 1987) of PMF; Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (since
New York, New York                                  July 1992) of Prudential Securities; formerly Vice President and
                                                    Associate General Counsel of Prudential Securities.
 
Grace Torres (36)                 Treasurer and   First Vice President (since March 1994) Prudential Mutual Fund
One Seaport Plaza                 Principal         Management, Inc.; First Vice President of Prudential Securities
New York, New York                Financial and     (since March 1994); prior thereto, Vice President of Bankers Trust
                                  Accounting        Corporation.
                                  Officer
 
Deborah A. Docs (38)              Assistant       Vice President, Associate General Counsel (since January 1993),
One Seaport Plaza                 Secretary         Associate Vice President (January 1990-December 1992), Assistant
New York, New York                                  General Counsel (November 1991-December 1992) and Assistant Vice
                                                    President (January 1989-December 1989) of PMF; Vice President and
                                                    Associate General Counsel (since January 1993), Associate Vice
                                                    President (January 1992-December 1992) and Assistant General Counsel
                                                    (January 1992-January 1993) of Prudential Securities.
 
Stephen M. Ungerman (42)          Assistant       First Vice President of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (since
One Seaport Plaza                 Treasurer         February 1993); prior thereto, Senior Tax Manager of Price Waterhouse
New York, New York                                  (1981-January 1993).
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*"Interested"  Director, as defined in the  Investment Company Act, by reason of
 his affiliation with Prudential Securities or PMF.
 
    Directors and officers of the Fund are also trustees, directors and officers
of some  or all  of the  other investment  companies distributed  by  Prudential
Securities or Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc.
 
    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  Fund pays each of its Directors who  is not an affiliated person of the
Manager annual  compensation of  $7,500, in  addition to  certain  out-of-pocket
expenses.
 
    Directors  may  receive their  Director's fees  pursuant  to a  deferred fee
arrangement with the Fund.  Under the terms of  the agreement, the Fund  accrues
daily  the  amount  of such  Director's  fee  which accrue  interest  at  a rate
equivalent to the prevailing  rate applicable to 90-day  U.S. Treasury bills  at
the  beginning of each calendar quarter or,  pursuant to an SEC exemptive order,
at the daily rate of return of the  Fund. 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  Director's fees, together  with
interest  thereon, is a  general obligation of  the Fund. Mr.  Dorsey elected to
receive his Director's fee  pursuant to a deferred  fee agreement with the  Fund
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
 
    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, Messrs. Beach,
Jacobs and O'Brien are scheduled to retire on December 31, 1999, 1998 and  1999,
respectively.
 
    Pursuant to the terms of 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  following table sets forth the  aggregate compensation paid by the Fund
for the  fiscal year  ended  December 31,  1995 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 the Boards of any other investment
companies managed by PMF (Fund Complex) for the calendar year ended December 31,
1995.
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          TOTAL
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                        FROM FUND
                                                    PENSION OR                          AND FUND
                                                    RETIREMENT                           COMPLEX
                                   AGGREGATE     BENEFITS ACCRUED   ESTIMATED ANNUAL      PAID
                                  COMPENSATION   AS PART OF FUND     BENEFITS UPON         TO
NAME AND POSITION                  FROM FUND         EXPENSES          RETIREMENT       DIRECTORS
- --------------------------------  ------------   ----------------   ----------------   -----------
<S>                               <C>            <C>                <C>                <C>
Edward D. Beach, Director            $7,500            None               N/A            $183,500(22/43)**
Eugene C. Dorsey, Director           $7,500            None               N/A            $77,375(10/34)**/*
Delayne Dedrick Gold, Director       $7,500            None               N/A            $183,250(22/45)**
Thomas T. Mooney, Director           $7,500            None               N/A            $129,625(14/19)**
Thomas H. O'Brien, Director          $7,500            None               N/A            $44,000(6/24)**
Nancy H. Teeters, Director           $7,500            None               N/A            $107,500(13/31)**
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 * All compensation for  the calendar  year ended December  31, 1995  represents
   deferred  compensation. Aggregate compensation  from the Fund  for the fiscal
   year ended December 31, 1995, including accrued interest, amounted to $8,516.
   Aggregate compensation from  all of  the funds in  the Fund  Complex for  the
   calendar  year ended December 31,  1995, including accrued interest, amounted
   to approximately $85,783.
 
** Indicates number of funds/portfolios in Fund Complex (including the Fund)  to
   which aggregate compensation relates.
 
    As  of February 9, 1996, the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Fund.
 
    The Board of Directors has nominated a  new slate of Directors for the  Fund
which  will be submitted  to shareholders at  a special meeting  scheduled to be
held in or about October 1996.
 
    As of February 9, 1996, the only beneficial owners, directly or  indirectly,
of  more than 5% of the  outstanding shares of any class  of common stock of the
Fund were Patricia A. Vogel, 1660 Oliver Springs Highway, Clinton, TN 37716-5246
who held 5,052 Class C shares of the Fund (11.1%); The Cornelia Boss Trust,  370
Woodland  Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030-1450 which held 6,253 Class C shares of the
Fund (13.8%);  and the  Delaware Charter  T/F Kenneth  R. Kahn,  P.O. Box  8963,
Wilmington, DE 19899-8999 which held 7,408 Class C shares of the Fund (16.3%).
 
    As  of February  9, 1996,  Prudential Securities  was the  record holder for
other beneficial owners of 1,347,002 Class  A shares (or 20% of the  outstanding
Class  A shares), 3,524,031  Class B shares  (or 41% of  the outstanding Class B
shares) and 39,043 Class C shares (or 79% of the outstanding Class C 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  Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF or
the Manager), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292. PMF serves as manager
to all of the other investment companies that, together with the Fund,  comprise
the  Prudential  Mutual Funds.  See "How  the Fund  is Managed--Manager"  in the
Prospectus. As of March 31, 1996,  PMF managed and/or administered open-end  and
closed-end  management  investment companies  with  assets of  approximately $53
billion. According to the Investment Company Institute, as of December 31, 1995,
the Prudential Mutual Funds were the 13th largest family of mutual funds in  the
United States.
 
    PMF is a subsidiary of Prudential Securities Incorporated and The Prudential
Insurance   Company  of   America  (Prudential).  PMF   has  three  wholly-owned
subsidiaries: Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc., Prudential Mutual  Fund
Services,  Inc.  (PMFS  or  the  Transfer  Agent)  and  Prudential  Mutual  Fund
Investment Management, Inc. PMFS serves as the transfer agent for the Prudential
Mutual Funds  and, in  addition, provides  customer service,  recordkeeping  and
management and administration services to qualified plans.
 
    Pursuant   to  the  Management  Agreement  with  the  Fund  (the  Management
Agreement), PMF, 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
 
                                      B-15
<PAGE>
the  Fund and the  composition of the Fund's  portfolio, including the purchase,
retention, disposition and loan of  securities. In connection therewith, PMF  is
obligated  to keep certain books  and records of the  Fund. PMF 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 State Street Bank and Trust  Company,
the  Fund's custodian,  and PMFS,  the Fund's  transfer and  dividend disbursing
agent. The management services of PMF for  the Fund are not exclusive under  the
terms  of  the  Management  Agreement  and PMF  is  free  to,  and  does, render
management services to others.
 
    For its services, PMF receives, pursuant to the Management Agreement, a  fee
at  an annual rate of .50 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 PMF, 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 PMF  will be
reduced by  the  amount  of such  excess.  Reductions  in excess  of  the  total
compensation  payable to PMF will be paid by PMF to the Fund. No such reductions
were required during  the fiscal year  ended December 31,  1995. Currently,  the
Fund  believes that the most restrictive  expense limitation of state securities
commissions is 2 1/2% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $30  million,
2% of the next $70 million of such assets and 1 1/2% of such assets in excess of
$100 million.
 
    In  connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund, PMF
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 PMF or the
Fund's investment adviser;
 
    (b) all expenses incurred by PMF 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
(PIC) pursuant to the subadvisory agreement between PMF and PIC (the Subadvisory
Agreement).
 
    Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the
payment of the following expenses: (a) the fees payable to the Manager, (b)  the
fees  and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or
the Fund's  investment  adviser,  (c)  the fees  and  certain  expenses  of  the
Custodian  and Transfer  and Dividend  Disbursing Agent,  including the  cost of
providing  records  to  the  Manager  in  connection  with  its  obligation   of
maintaining  required records of the Fund and  of pricing the Fund's shares, (d)
the charges and expenses  of legal counsel and  independent accountants for  the
Fund,  (e) brokerage commissions  and any issue or  transfer taxes chargeable to
the Fund  in connection  with its  securities transactions,  (f) all  taxes  and
corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any
trade  associations of  which the Fund  may be a  member, (h) the  cost of stock
certificates representing  shares of  the Fund,  (i) the  cost of  fidelity  and
liability  insurance,  (j) the  fees and  expenses  involved in  registering and
maintaining registration of the Fund and of its shares with the SEC, registering
the Fund and qualifying  its shares under state  securities laws, 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 PMF will not be liable for any error
of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the  matters
to  which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad  faith, gross  negligence or  reckless disregard  of duty.  The
Management  Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically if assigned,
and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party upon not more than
60 days' nor less  than 30 days' written  notice. The Management Agreement  will
continue  in  effect for  a  period of  more  than two  years  from the  date of
execution only so  long as such  continuance is specifically  approved at  least
annually in conformity with the Investment Company Act. The Management Agreement
was last approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, including 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 5,  1995 and  by
shareholders of the Fund on April 29, 1988.
 
    For  the fiscal years ended December 31,  1993, 1994 and 1995, the Fund paid
management fees to PMF of $1,714,652, $1,450,053 and $1,188,713, respectively.
 
                                      B-16
<PAGE>
    PMF has entered into the Subadvisory Agreement with PIC (the Subadviser),  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Prudential. The  Subadvisory Agreement provides that
PIC will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the  management
of the Fund. In connection therewith, PIC is obligated to keep certain books and
records  of the  Fund. PMF continues  to have responsibility  for all investment
advisory services  pursuant to  the Management  Agreement and  supervises  PIC's
performance  of such services. PIC is reimbursed by PMF for the reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by PIC  in furnishing those services. Investment  advisory
services  are  provided  to the  Fund  by a  unit  of the  Subadviser,  known as
Prudential Mutual Fund Investment Management.
 
    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 5, 1995, and by shareholders of the Fund on April 29, 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, PMF or PIC upon not more than 60 days', nor less than 30
days', written notice. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will  continue
in effect for a period of more than two years from its execution only so long as
such  continuance is specifically approved at  least annually in accordance with
the requirements of the Investment Company Act.
 
    The Manager and the Subadviser 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, 1994. Its primary business is to offer a full range of products and
services   in  three  areas:  insurance,  investments  and  home  ownership  for
individuals and families; health-care management and other benefit programs  for
employees  of  companies  and  members  of  groups;  and  asset  management  for
institutional clients  and  their  associates.  Prudential  (together  with  its
subsidiaries)  employs nearly 100,000  persons worldwide, and  maintains a sales
force  of  approximately  19,000  agents,  3,400  insurance  brokers  and  6,000
financial advisors. It insures or provides other financial services to more than
50  million  people  worldwide.  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. For the year
ended December 31, 1994, Prudential through its subsidiaries provided  financial
services  to more than 50 million people  worldwide--more than one of every five
people in the  United States. As  of December 31,  1994, Prudential through  its
subsidiaries  provided automobile insurance  for more than  1.8 million cars and
insured more than 1.5 million homes. For  the year ended December 31, 1994,  The
Prudential  Bank, a  subsidiary of  Prudential, served  940,000 customers  in 50
states providing credit card services and loans totaling more than $1.2 billion.
Assets held by Prudential Securities Incorporated (PSI) for its clients  totaled
approximately  $150 billion at  December 31, 1994. During  1994, over 28,000 new
customer accounts were  opened each  month at  PSI. The  Prudential Real  Estate
Affiliates,  the  fourth largest  real estate  brokerage  network in  the United
States, has more than 34,000 brokers and  agents and more than 1,100 offices  in
the United States.
 
    Based  on data for the period from January 1, 1995 to September 30, 1995 for
the Prudential Mutual  Funds, on  an average  day, there  are approximately  $80
million in common stock transactions, over $150 million in bond transactions and
over  $3.1 billion in money market  transactions. 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. Based on complex-wide data for
the period from January 1, 1995 to  September 30, 1995, on an average day,  over
7,000  shareholders  telephoned  Prudential  Mutual  Fund  Services,  Inc.,  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.
 
    The Subadviser maintains a  credit unit which  provides credit analysis  and
research  on both tax-exempt and  taxable fixed-income securities. The portfolio
manager  routinely  consults  with  the  credit  unit  in  managing  the  Fund's
portfolio. The credit unit reviews on an ongoing basis issuers of tax-exempt and
taxable  fixed-income obligations, including prospective purchases and portfolio
holdings of  the  Fund.  Credit  analysts have  broad  access  to  research  and
financial reports, data retrieval services and industry analysts.
 
    With  respect to  taxable fixed-income  obligations, credit  analysts review
financial statements  published  by  corporate  (and  governmental)  issuers  to
examine  income statements, balance sheets and  cash flow numbers. They evaluate
this data against  their expectations of  sales, earnings growth  and trends  in
credit  ratios.  They study  the impact  of  economic, regulatory  and political
developments on  companies and  industries and  look at  the relative  value  of
companies.  They are  in regular communication  both in person  and by telephone
with company management, Wall Street analysts and rating agencies.
 
                                      B-17
<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,  or   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.
 
                                  DISTRIBUTOR
 
    Prudential Securities  Incorporated  (Prudential  Securities  or  PSI),  One
Seaport  Plaza, New York, New York 10292,  acts as the distributor of the shares
of the Fund. Prior to January 2, 1996, Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc.
(PMFD), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, acted as distributor of the
Class A shares of the Fund.
 
    Pursuant to separate Distribution and Service  Plans (the Class A Plan,  the
Class  B Plan and the Class C Plan, collectively, the Plans) adopted by the Fund
under Rule  12b-1 under  the Investment  Company Act  and separate  distribution
agreements  (the  Distribution  Agreements),  Prudential  Securities  (also, the
Distributor) incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. 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 19,  1989, the  Board of Directors,
including a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund
and who have no direct  or indirect financial interest  in the operation of  the
Class  A 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 May 6, 1993, the  Board
of  Directors, including  a majority  of the  Rule12b-1 Directors,  at a meeting
called for the  purpose of voting  on each Plan,  approved modifications of  the
Fund's  Class A and  Class B Plans  and Distribution Agreements  to conform them
with 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/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%.  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%  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.  The  aggregate  distribution  fee  for  Class  B  shares
(asset-based sales charge  plus service fee)  may not  exceed .75 of  1% of  the
average  daily  net assets  of Class  B shares.  On  May 6,  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  Plans  were last
approved by  the Board  of Directors,  including a  majority of  the Rule  12b-1
Directors,  on May 5,  1995. The Class A  Plan, as amended,  was approved by the
Class A and Class B shareholders and the Class B Plan, as amended, was  approved
by  Class B shareholders on July 19, 1994.  The Class C Plan was approved by the
sole shareholder of the Class C shares on August 1, 1994.
 
    CLASS A PLAN.  For  the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1995, PMFD  received
payments  of $136,281 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 December 31, 1995, PMFD also
received approximately $37,000 in initial sales charges.
 
    CLASS B PLAN.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the PSI received
$1,097,175 from the Fund under the Class B Plan and spent approximately $396,000
in distributing the  Fund's shares. It  is estimated that  of the latter  amount
approximately  $18,000 or 4.6% was spent on printing and mailing of prospectuses
to other than current shareholders; $145,000  or 36.6% on compensation to  Pruco
Securities Corporation (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 $233,000 or 58.8%  on the aggregate of (i)
payments of commissions to  financial advisers ($168,000 or  42.4%) and (ii)  an
allocation  on account of overhead  and other branch office distribution-related
expenses ($65,000  or  16.4%).  The  term  "overhead  and  other  branch  office
distribution-related  expenses"  represents (a)  the  expenses of  operating the
Distributor's branch  offices  in  connection  with the  sale  of  Fund  shares,
including lease costs,
 
                                      B-18
<PAGE>
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 sales.
 
    Prudential  Securities  also receives  the  proceeds of  contingent deferred
sales charges paid  by holders  of Class B  shares 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  December
31,  1995, Prudential  Securities received approximately  $502,000 in contingent
deferred sales charges with respect to Class B shares.
 
    CLASS C  PLAN.   For the  fiscal year  ended December  31, 1995,  Prudential
Securities  received  $4,491 from  the Fund  under  the Class  C Plan  and spent
approximately $3,100 in distributing the Fund's Class C shares. It is  estimated
that  of the latter amount approximately $100  or 3.2% was spent on printing and
mailing of prospectuses  to other than  current shareholders; $500  or 16.1%  on
compensation  to  Prusec  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 $2,500 or 80.7% on the aggregate of (i) payments of commissions to financial
advisers  ($1,800 or 58.1%)  and (ii) an  allocation on account  of overhead and
other branch  office distribution-related  expenses ($700  or 22.6%).  The  term
"overhead  and other branch office distribution-related expenses" represents (a)
the expenses of operating  the Distributor's branch  offices 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  sales. Prudential Securities  also 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  December
31,  1995, Prudential Securities  received no contingent  deferred sales charges
with respect 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 includes an itemization  of
the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures. In addition, as
long  as the Plans remain in effect,  the selection and nomination of Rule 12b-1
Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Directors.
 
    Pursuant to each Distribution  Agreement, the Fund  has agreed to  indemnify
PMFD and Prudential Securities to the extent permitted by applicable law against
certain  liabilities  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended.  Each
Distribution Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors, including  a
majority  of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, on May  5, 1995. On November 3, 1995, the
Board of Directors approved the transfer of the Distribution Agreement for Class
A shares with PMFD to Prudential Securities.
 
    On October 21, 1993,  PSI entered into an  omnibus settlement with the  SEC,
state  securities  regulators  in  51  jurisdictions  and  the  NASD  to resolve
allegations that PSI sold interests in more than 700 limited partnerships (and a
limited number  of other  types  of securities)  from  January 1,  1980  through
December  31, 1990,  in violation  of securities laws  to persons  for whom such
securities were not suitable in light of the individuals' financial condition or
investment objectives. It was  also alleged that  the safety, potential  returns
and   liquidity  of  the  investments   had  been  misrepresented.  The  limited
partnerships principally involved real estate, oil and gas producing  properties
and  aircraft leasing ventures.  The SEC Order (i)  included findings that PSI's
conduct violated the federal securities laws and that an order issued by the SEC
in 1986  requiring PSI  to  adopt, implement  and maintain  certain  supervisory
procedures  had not been  complied with; (ii)  directed PSI to  cease and desist
from violating  the federal  securities laws  and imposed  a $10  million  civil
penalty; and (iii) required PSI to adopt certain remedial measures including the
 
                                      B-19
<PAGE>
establishment  of a Compliance Committee of  its Board of Directors. Pursuant to
the terms of the SEC settlement, PSI established a settlement fund in the amount
of  $330,000,000  and   procedures,  overseen   by  a   court  approved   Claims
Administrator,   to  resolve  legitimate  claims  for  compensatory  damages  by
purchasers of the partnership  interests. PSI has  agreed to provide  additional
funds,  if  necessary,  for  that  purpose.  PSI's  settlement  with  the  state
securities regulators included  an agreement to  pay a penalty  of $500,000  per
jurisdiction. PSI consented to a censure and to the payment of a $5,000,000 fine
in  settling  the NASD  action. In  settling the  above referenced  matters, PSI
neither admitted nor denied the allegations asserted against it.
 
    On January 18, 1994, PSI agreed to the entry of a Final Consent Order and  a
Parallel  Consent  Order by  the Texas  Securities  Commissioner. The  firm also
entered into a  related agreement  with the Texas  Securities Commissioner.  The
allegations were that the firm had engaged in improper sales practices and other
improper  conduct  resulting in  pecuniary losses  and  other harm  to investors
residing in Texas  with respect to  purchases and sales  of limited  partnership
interests  during  the period  of  January 1,  1980  through December  31, 1990.
Without admitting  or denying  the allegations,  PSI consented  to a  reprimand,
agreed  to cease  and desist  from future  violations, and  to provide voluntary
donations to the State of Texas in the aggregate amount of $1,500,000. The  firm
agreed   to  suspend  the  creation  of   new  customer  accounts,  the  general
solicitation of new accounts, and  the offer for sale  of securities in or  from
PSI's North Dallas office to new customers during a period of twenty consecutive
business  days, and agreed that its other  Texas offices would be subject to the
same restrictions  for a  period of  five consecutive  business days.  PSI  also
agreed to institute training programs for its securities salesmen in Texas.
 
    On October 27, 1994, Prudential Securities Group, Inc. (PSG) and PSI entered
into  agreements with the United States Attorney deferring prosecution (provided
PSI complies with the terms  of the agreement for  three years) for any  alleged
criminal  activity related to  the sale of  certain limited partnership programs
from 1983 to 1990. In  connection with these agreements,  PSI agreed to add  the
sum  of  $330,000,000  to  the  fund  established  by  the  SEC  and  executed a
stipulation providing for a reversion of such funds to the United States  Postal
Inspection  Service. PSI further agreed to  obtain a mutually acceptable outside
director to sit on the Board of Directors of PSG and the Compliance Committee of
PSI. The new  director will also  serve as an  independent "ombudsman" whom  PSI
employees  can  call anonymously  with complaints  about ethics  and compliance.
Prudential Securities  shall report  any allegations  or instances  of  criminal
conduct  and material improprieties  to the new director.  The new director will
submit compliance reports which shall identify all such allegations or instances
of criminal  conduct  and  material  improprieties  every  three  months  for  a
three-year period.
 
    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 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. Fixed-income 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 acts as  principal.
Purchases  and sales of securities or futures contracts on a securities exchange
or board  of  trade will  be  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.
 
    In  placing  orders for  portfolio securities  of the  Fund, the  Manager is
required to give primary consideration to obtaining the most favorable price and
efficient execution.  This means  that the  Manager will  seek to  execute  each
transaction  at a price and commission, if any, which provide the most favorable
total cost or  proceeds reasonably  attainable in the  circumstances. While  the
Manager  generally seeks reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Fund
will not necessarily be paying the lowest
 
                                      B-20
<PAGE>
spread or commission available. Within the framework of the policy of  obtaining
the  most favorable  price and  efficient execution,  the Manager  will consider
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 merchant 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, dealers and futures
commission  merchants,  other   than  Prudential   Securities,  for   particular
transactions  than might  be charged  if a  different broker,  dealer or futures
commission merchant  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 and futures commission
merchants other  than Prudential  Securities  in order  to secure  research  and
investment  services described  above, subject  to the  primary consideration of
obtaining the most favorable price and efficient execution in the  circumstances
and  subject to review by the Fund's Board  of Directors from time to time as to
the extent and  continuation of this  practice. The allocation  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 SEC. This  limitation, in the opinion of the 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, Prudential  Securities may  act as  a
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. During
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, no brokerage commissions  were
paid by the Fund to Prudential Securities.
 
                     PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
 
    Shares  of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value  per share plus  a sales charge  which, at the  election of  the
investor,  may be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or
(ii) on  a  deferred  basis  (Class  B or  Class  C  shares).  See  "Shareholder
Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" in the Prospectus.
 
    Each  class  of  shares represents  an  interest  in the  same  portfolio of
investments of the  Fund and has  the same  rights, except that  (i) each  class
bears  the separate  expenses of its  Rule 12b-1 distribution  and service plan,
(ii) each class  has exclusive voting  rights with respect  to its plan  (except
that  the Fund  has agreed  with the SEC  in connection  with the  offering of a
conversion
 
                                      B-21
<PAGE>
feature on Class B shares  to submit any amendment  of the Class A  distribution
and  service plan to both Class A and Class B shareholders) and (iii) only Class
B shares  have a  conversion feature.  See "Distributor."  Each class  also  has
separate  exchange  privileges.  See  "Shareholder  Investment Account--Exchange
Privilege."
 
SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP
    Under the  current  distribution  arrangements  between  the  Fund  and  the
Distributor, Class A shares of the Fund are sold at a maximum sales charge of 4%
and  Class B* and Class C* shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value. Using
the Fund's net asset value at December  31, 1995, 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...........  $14.61
                                                                   ------
Maximum sales charge (4% of offering price)......................     .61
                                                                   ------
Maximum offering price to public.................................  $15.22
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
CLASS B
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B
 share*..........................................................  $14.57
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
CLASS C
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C
 share*..........................................................  $14.57
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
<FN>
- ------------------------
*  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.
 
    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 Distributor must be notified at  the time of purchase that the  investor
is  entitled to a reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charge will be granted
subject to confirmation of  the investor's holdings.  The Combined Purchase  and
Cumulative  Purchase Privilege does not apply  to individual participants in 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  or  through Prudential  Securities  will not  be  aggregated to
determine the reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with
the Transfer Agent or through Prudential
 
                                      B-22
<PAGE>
Securities. The  value of  existing  holdings for  purposes of  determining  the
reduced  sales charge is calculated using  the maximum offering price (net asset
value plus maximum sales charge) as of  the previous business day. See "How  the
Fund  Values its Shares" in the Prospectus.  The Distributor must be notified at
the time of purchase that  the investor is entitled  to a reduced sales  charge.
The  reduced  sales  charges will  be  granted  subject to  confirmation  of the
investor's holdings.  Rights of  Accumulation are  not available  to  individual
participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
    LETTER  OF INTENT.  Reduced sales charges  are available to investors (or an
eligible group of related investors), including retirement and group plans,  who
enter  into a  written Letter  of Intent  providing for  the purchase,  within a
thirteen-month period, of  shares of  the Fund  and shares  of other  Prudential
Mutual Funds. All shares of the Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds
(excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange
privilege) which were previously purchased and are still owned are also included
in  determining  the applicable  reduction. However,  the  value of  shares held
directly with the Transfer Agent and  through Prudential Securities will not  be
aggregated to determine the reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either
directly   with  the  Transfer  Agent  or  through  Prudential  Securities.  The
Distributor must  be notified  at the  time  of purchase  that the  investor  is
entitled  to a reduced  sales charge. The  reduced sales charge  will be granted
subject to confirmation of  the investor's holdings. Letters  of Intent are  not
available to individual participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
    A  Letter of Intent permits a purchaser to establish a total investment goal
to be achieved by any number  of investments over a thirteen-month period.  Each
investment  made  during  the  period  will  receive  the  reduced  sales charge
applicable to  the amount  represented  by the  goal, as  if  it were  a  single
investment.  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 a Letter of Intent 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, except in
the case of retirement and group plans.
 
    The Letter of  Intent does not  obligate the investor  to purchase, nor  the
Fund  to sell, the indicated  amount. In the event the  Letter of Intent goal is
not achieved within the thirteen-month period, the purchaser (or the employer or
plan sponsor in the case of any retirement or group plan) is required to pay the
difference between the sales charge  otherwise applicable to the purchases  made
during  this period and  sales charges actually  paid. Such payment  may be made
directly to the  Distributor or,  if not  paid, the  Distributor will  liquidate
sufficient  escrowed  shares to  obtain such  difference. Investors  electing to
purchase Class  A shares  of the  Fund pursuant  to a  Letter of  Intent  should
carefully read such Letter of Intent.
 
WAIVER OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS B SHARES
    The contingent deferred sales charge is waived under circumstances described
in  the Prospectus. See  "Shareholder Guide--How to  Sell Your Shares--Waiver of
the 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  considered  A  copy of the  Social Security Administration
disabled if he or she  is unable to engage  in  award  letter or a letter  from a physician on
any substantial gainful activity by reason  of  the  physician's  letterhead stating  that the
any medically determinable physical or  mental  shareholder  (or, in the case  of a trust, the
impairment which can be expected to result  in  grantor)  is permanently  disabled. The letter
death  or   to   be  of   long-continued   and  must also indicate the date of disability.
indefinite duration.
Distribution  from an IRA  or 403(b) Custodial  A copy  of  the  distribution  form  from  the
Account                                         custodial  firm  indicating  (i)  the  date of
                                                birth of  the shareholder  and (ii)  that  the
                                                shareholder is over age 59 1/2 and is taking a
                                                normal distribution--signed by the
                                                shareholder.
Distribution from Retirement Plan               A letter signed by the plan
                                                administrator/trustee  indicating  the  reason
                                                for the distribution.
Excess Contributions                            A letter from the shareholder (for an IRA)  or
                                                the   plan  administrator/trustee  on  company
                                                letterhead indicating the amount of the excess
                                                and whether or not taxes have been paid.
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-23
<PAGE>
    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 you  in a single
account exceeded $500,000.  For example, if  you 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 your 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
                                            -------------------------
                                             $500,001
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                           TO $1         OVER $1
PAYMENT MADE                                 MILLION        MILLION
- ----------------------------------------    ----------     ----------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>
First...................................        3.0%           2.0%
Second..................................        2.0%           1.0%
Third...................................        1.0%             0%
Fourth and thereafter...................          0%             0%
</TABLE>
 
    You must  notify  the  Fund's  Transfer Agent  either  directly  or  through
Prudential  Securities  or  Prusec, at  the  time  of redemption,  that  you are
entitled to  the reduced  CDSC. The  reduced  CDSC will  be granted  subject  to
confirmation of your holdings.
 
                                      B-24
<PAGE>
                         SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
 
    Upon  the initial purchase of Fund  shares, a Shareholder Investment Account
is established for  each investor under  which a  record of the  shares held  is
maintained by the Transfer Agent. If delivery of 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  Shareholder  Investment
Account  at any  time. There  is no  charge to  the investor  for issuance  of a
certificate.  The  Fund  makes  available  to  its  shareholders  the  following
privileges and plans.
 
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND/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 5  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 net asset value 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 net
asset value per share next determined after receipt of the check or proceeds  by
the  Transfer  Agent.  A  shareholder will  receive  credit  for  any contingent
deferred sales  charge 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 relative net  asset value 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.
       Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
 
    CLASS B AND CLASS C.   Shareholders of the Fund  may exchange their Class  B
and  Class C  shares for Class  B and  Class C shares,  respectively, of certain
other Prudential  Mutual Funds  and shares  of Prudential  Special Money  Market
Fund, a money market fund. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange but a CDSC
may    be    payable    upon   the    redemption    of   the    Class    B   and
 
                                      B-25
<PAGE>
Class C 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
Prudential Special 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 may  be subject to  the CDSC calculated by
excluding 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 respectively, of other funds, without being subject to
any CDSC.
 
    Additional details about the Exchange Privilege and prospectuses for each of
the Prudential  Mutual  Funds are  available  from the  Fund's  Transfer  Agent,
Prudential  Securities  or  Prusec.  The  Exchange  Privilege  may  be modified,
terminated or suspended on sixty days' notice, and any fund, including the Fund,
or the Distributor, has the right to reject any exchange application relating to
such fund's shares.
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
    Dollar cost averaging  is a  method of  accumulating shares  by investing  a
fixed amount of dollars in shares at set intervals. An investor buys more shares
when  the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. The average cost
per share is lower than it would be  if a constant number of shares were  bought
at set intervals.
 
    Dollar  cost averaging may be used, for  example, to plan for retirement, to
save for a major expenditure,  such as the purchase of  a home, or to finance  a
college  education. The cost of a year's  education at a four-year college today
averages around  $14,000 at  a private  college and  around $6,000  at a  public
university.  Assuming these costs increase  at a rate of 7%  a year, as has been
projected, for the freshman class of 2011,  the cost of four years at a  private
college could reach $210,000 and over $90,000 at a public university.(1)
 
    The  following chart shows how much you would need in monthly investments to
achieve specified lump sums to finance your investment goals.(2)
 
<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 Savings Accumulation Plan."
<FN>
- ------------
(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.
</TABLE>
 
                                      B-26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>
(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.
</TABLE>
 
AUTOMATIC SAVINGS ACCUMULATION PLAN (ASAP)
 
    Under  ASAP, an  investor may arrange  to have a  fixed amount automatically
invested in shares of the Fund monthly by authorizing his or her bank account or
Prudential Securities account  (including a  Command Account) to  be debited  to
invest  specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The investor's bank must
be a member of the Automatic  Clearing House System. Share certificates are  not
issued to ASAP participants.
 
    Further  information  about  this program  and  an application  form  can be
obtained from the Transfer Agent, Prudential Securities or Prusec.
 
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
    A systematic withdrawal plan is available to shareholders through Prudential
Securities or the Transfer Agent. Such  withdrawal plan provides for monthly  or
quarterly checks in any amount, except as provided below, up to the value of the
shares  in the shareholder's account.  Withdrawals of Class B  or Class C shares
may  be  subject  to  a  CDSC.  See  "Shareholder  Guide--  How  to  Sell   Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.
 
    In  the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent (i) a $10,000 minimum
account value applies, (ii) withdrawals may not be for less than $100 and  (iii)
the   shareholder  must  elect  to   have  all  dividends  and/or  distributions
automatically reinvested in additional full  and fractional shares at net  asset
value  on shares held under this  plan. See "Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
and/or Distributions."
 
    Prudential  Securities  and  the  Transfer  Agent  act  as  agents  for  the
shareholder  in redeeming sufficient  full and fractional  shares to provide the
amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The systematic withdrawal plan may be
terminated at any time, and the Distributor reserves the right to initiate a fee
of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days' written notice to the shareholder.
 
    Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or  income.
If   periodic   withdrawals   continuously  exceed   reinvested   dividends  and
distributions, the  shareholder's original  investment will  be  correspondingly
reduced and ultimately exhausted.
 
    Furthermore,  each withdrawal  constitutes a  redemption of  shares, and any
gain or  loss realized  must  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 plan,  particularly if used in connection with a
retirement plan.
 
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 are available from Prudential Securities or the Transfer Agent.
 
    Investors  who are  considering the adoption  of such a  plan should consult
with their own legal  counsel or tax adviser  with respect to the  establishment
and maintenance of any such plan.
 
    INDIVIDUAL  RETIREMENT  ACCOUNTS.  An  individual  retirement  account (IRA)
permits the deferral of federal income tax on income earned in the account until
the earnings are withdrawn. The following  chart represents a comparison of  the
earnings  in a personal savings account with  those in an IRA, assuming a $2,000
annual contribution, an 8% rate of return and a 39.6% federal income tax bracket
and shows  how much  more retirement  income  can accumulate  within an  IRA  as
opposed to a taxable individual savings account.
 
                                      B-27
<PAGE>
                          TAX-DEFERRED COMPOUNDING(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    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 the IRA account will be subject to tax when withdrawn from the account.
</TABLE>
 
MUTUAL FUND PROGRAMS
 
    From time to time, the Fund (or a portfolio of the Fund, if applicable)  may
be  included in a mutual fund program  with other Prudential Mutual Funds. Under
such a program, a group of  portfolios will be selected and thereafter  marketed
collectively.  Typically, these programs  are created with  an investment theme,
E.G., to seek greater diversification,  protection from interest rate  movements
or  access  to different  management  styles. In  the  event such  a  program is
instituted, there may be a minimum  investment requirement for the program as  a
whole.  The Fund may waive or reduce the minimum initial investment requirements
in connection with such a program.
 
    The mutual funds in the program may  be purchased individually or as a  part
of a program. Since the allocation of portfolios included in the program may not
be  appropriate  for all  investors, investors  should consult  their Prudential
Securities  Financial  Advisor  or  Prudential/Pruco  Securities  Representative
concerning  the appropriate blend of portfolios  for them. If investors elect to
purchase  the  individual  mutual  funds  that  constitute  the  program  in  an
investment  ratio  different  from that  offered  by the  program,  the standard
minimum investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
 
    The net asset value per share is the net worth of the Fund (assets including
securities  at  value  minus  liabilities)  divided  by  the  number  of  shares
outstanding.  Net  asset  value is  calculated  separately for  each  class. The
securities owned by the Fund are traded on national securities exchanges as well
as in the over-the-counter market. Currently, the value of portfolio securities,
including GNMA securities,  is determined  by reference  to quotations  received
from  a pricing service as of 2:30 and  3:00 P.M., New York time. In addition to
market prices, the pricing service considers such factors as maturities, yields,
call features, and developments relating  to specific securities in arriving  at
valuations for normal institutional size trading units of securities.
 
    Short-term  securities  which mature  in  more than  60  days are  valued at
current market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less
are valued at amortized cost,  if their term to  maturity from date of  purchase
was  60 days  or less, or  by amortizing  their value on  the 61st  day prior to
maturity, if their  term to  maturity from date  of purchase  exceeded 60  days,
unless  such valuation is determined not to represent fair value by the Board of
Directors.
 
    Exchange-traded options on  U.S. Government securities  are valued at  their
last  sale price as of the close of options trading on the applicable exchanges,
which is  currently 4:10  P.M.,  New York  time.  If there  is  no sale  on  the
applicable options exchange on a given day, options are valued at the average of
the  quoted bid  and asked prices  as of  the close of  the applicable exchange.
Futures contracts are marked to market daily, and options thereon are valued  at
their  last sale price, as of the close of the applicable commodities exchanges,
which is currently  4:15 P.M.,  New York time.  Securities or  other assets  for
which  market quotations are not readily  available (including OTC options) will
be valued at their fair value as  determined in good faith by the Manager  under
procedures established by the Fund's Board of Directors.
 
    The  Fund will compute its net asset value once daily 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  the net  asset value. In  the event  the New York  Stock Exchange closes
early on any business  day, the net  asset value 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,
Presidents'  Day,  Good  Friday,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
                                      B-28
<PAGE>
    In the event  that the New  York Stock Exchange  or the national  securities
exchanges  on which  stock options are  traded adopt different  trading hours on
either a permanent or temporary basis, the  Board of Directors of the Fund  will
reconsider  the time at which net asset value is computed. In addition, the Fund
may compute  its net  asset  value as  of any  time  permitted pursuant  to  any
exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.
 
                          DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    The  Fund declares  dividends daily  based on  actual net  investment income
determined in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A
portion of such dividends may also include projected net investment income. Such
dividends will be payable monthly. The Fund expects to make distributions of net
capital  gains, if any, at least annually.  In determining the amount of capital
gains to be distributed, any capital loss carryforwards from prior years will be
offset against capital gains.  For federal income tax  purposes, the Fund has  a
capital  loss carryforward as of December  31, 1995 of approximately $25,068,500
of which  $3,126,000 expires  in 1996,  $3,073,700 expires  in 1997,  $2,647,800
expires  in 1998, and $16,221,000 expires in 2002. Accordingly, no capital gains
distribution is expected to be paid to shareholders until net capital gains have
been realized in  excess of such  carryforwards. Distributions will  be paid  in
additional  Fund shares based on net  asset value, 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 per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the
per   share  dividends   on  Class   A  shares  as   a  result   of  the  higher
distribution-related fee applicable to the Class  B and Class C shares. The  per
share  distributions of  net capital  gains, if  any, will  be paid  in the same
amount for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See "Net Asset Value."
 
                                     TAXES
 
    The Fund  has  elected to  qualify  and intends  to  remain qualified  as  a
regulated  investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the  Internal Revenue Code). Under  Subchapter M, the Fund  is
not  subject to  federal income  taxes on the  taxable income  it distributes to
shareholders, provided it distributes to shareholders each year at least 90%  of
its  net investment  income and  net short-term capital  gains in  excess of net
long-term capital losses, if any. In addition, Subchapter M permits net  capital
gains  of the  Fund (I.E., the  excess of  net long-term capital  gains over net
short-term capital  losses) to  be treated  as long-term  capital gains  of  the
shareholders, regardless of how long shares in the Fund are held.
 
    Qualification  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  be  derived from  interest,  proceeds from  loans  of securities,
dividends and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities 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  derives less than  30% of its
annual gross income from gains from the sale or other disposition of  securities
or  options thereon held for less than  three months; and (c) the Fund diversify
its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the
market 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 market  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 the Fund's assets is  invested in the securities of any one  issuer
(other than U.S. Government securities). The Fund generally will be subject to a
nondeductible  excise tax  of 4%  to the  extent that  it does  not meet certain
minimum distribution requirements as of the end of each calendar year. The  Fund
intends  to make  timely distributions of  the Fund's income  in compliance with
these requirements. As a  result, it is  anticipated that the  Fund will not  be
subject to the excise tax.
 
    The  "straddle" provisions of the Internal  Revenue Code may also affect the
taxation of the  Fund's transactions  in options  on securities,  and limit  the
deductibility  of any loss from  the disposition of a  position to the extent of
the unrealized gain  on any offsetting  position. Further, any  position in  the
straddle (E.G., a put option acquired by the Fund) may affect the holding period
of  the  offsetting  position for  purposes  of  the 30%  of  gross  income test
described above, and accordingly the Fund's ability to enter into straddles  and
dispose of the offsetting positions may be limited.
 
    Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund by
a  shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a
61-day period  (beginning 30  days  before the  disposition of  shares).  Shares
purchased  pursuant  to  the  reinvestment  of  a  dividend  will  constitute  a
replacement of shares.
 
                                      B-29
<PAGE>
    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   Fund  has  obtained  a  written   letter  of  determination  from  the
Pennsylvania Department of  Revenue that,  as a  registered foreign  corporation
"doing  business"  in  Pennsylvania, the  Fund  is subject  to  the Pennsylvania
foreign franchise tax. Accordingly, it is  believed that Fund shares are  exempt
from  Pennsylvania personal  property taxes. The  Fund anticipates  that it will
continue such business activities but reserves the right to suspend them at  any
time, resulting in the termination of the exemption.
 
    The  Fund may be subject to state or local tax in certain other states where
it is deemed to be  doing business. Further, in  those states which have  income
tax  laws, the tax  treatment of the Fund  and of shareholders  of the Fund with
respect to distributions  by the  Fund may  differ from  federal tax  treatment.
Distributions  to  shareholders may  be subject  to  additional state  and local
taxes. Shareholders  are  urged to  consult  their own  tax  advisers  regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
    YIELD.   The Fund  may from time  to time advertise  its yield as calculated
over a 30-day period. Yield  is calculated separately for  Class A, Class B  and
Class C shares. The 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.
 
    The  Fund's 30-day yields for the 30 days ended December 31, 1995 were 4.5%,
4.1% and 4.1% for the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively.
 
    AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  The Fund may also advertise its average annual
total return. Average annual total return is determined separately for Class  A,
Class  B and Class  C 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-30
<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 return  for Class A shares  for the one year,  five
year  and since inception (January 22, 1990) periods ended December 31, 1995 was
10.9%, 6.5% and  7.0%, respectively.  The average  annual total  return for  the
Class  B shares  of the Fund  for the  one, five and  ten year  periods ended on
December 31, 1995  was 9.8%,  6.5% and  7.1%, respectively.  The average  annual
total  return for Class C shares for the one year and since inception (August 1,
1994) periods ended December 31, 1995 was 13.8% and 9.2%, respectively.
 
    AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN.   The Fund  may also advertise  its aggregate  total
return. Aggregate total return is determined separately for Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. See "How the Fund Calculates Performance" in the Prospectus.
 
                                      B-31
<PAGE>
    Aggregate  total return represents the cumulative  change in the value of an
investment in the Fund and is computed by the following formula:
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
 ERV - P
 -------
    P
</TABLE>
 
    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
                 payment 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  Fund's aggregate total return for Class A shares for the one year, five
year and since inception periods ended on December 31, 1995 was 15.5%, 42.3% and
55.6%, respectively. The aggregate total return for Class B shares for the  one,
five and ten year periods ended on December 31, 1995 was 14.8%, 38.1% and 97.5%,
respectively.  The aggregate total  return for Class  C shares for  one year and
since  inception  periods  ended  December   31,  1995  was  14.8%  and   13.3%,
respectively.
 
    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
<S>                                    <C>
(19261994)
                                             Average Annual
                                                     Return
Common Stocks                                          10.2
Long-Term Government Bonds                              4.8
Inflation                                               3.1
</TABLE>
 
    (1)Source:  Ibbotson Associates,  "Stocks, Bonds,  Bills and Inflation--1995
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.
 
                                      B-32
<PAGE>
               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, Inc. (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the  Fund.
PMFS  is  a wholly-owned  subsidiary of  PMF.  PMFS provides  customary transfer
agency  services   to  the   Fund,  including   the  handling   of   shareholder
communications,  the processing of shareholder  transactions, the maintenance of
shareholder account records,  the payment  of dividends  and distributions,  and
related  functions.  For  these  services,  PMFS  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.
PMFS  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 December 31, 1995, the Fund incurred fees
of $523,000 for the services of PMFS.
 
    Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York  10036
serves  as the  Fund's independent accountants  and in that  capacity audits the
Fund's annual financial statements.
 
                                      B-33



<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS 
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995      PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                             
AMOUNT                                                                
(000)        DESCRIPTION                     VALUE (NOTE 1)            
<C>          <S>                                    <C>                
     ------------------------------------------------------------      
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--99.0%
     ------------------------------------------------------------      
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH OBLIGATIONS--18.5%
             Federal National Mortgage
               Association,
 $      10   7.00%, 4/01/08                         $      10,325
    31,479   7.50%, 5/01/24 - 9/01/25                  32,270,806
     9,173   8.00%, 10/01/24 - 9/01/25                  9,503,883
                                                    -------------
             Total U.S. government agency
               mortgage
               pass-through obligations
               (cost $40,930,159)                      41,785,014
                                                    -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES--72.2%
             Government National Mortgage
               Association,
    67,270   7.00%, 7/15/22 - 8/15/24                  68,342,047
    27,553   7.50%, 7/15/07 - 6/15/25                  28,465,992
    41,553   8.00%, 2/15/04 - 11/15/25                 43,380,066
    21,046   9.00%, 4/15/01 - 4/15/25                  22,406,625
                                                    -------------
             Total mortgage-related securities
               (cost $153,050,278)                    162,594,730
                                                    -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATION--2.7%
             Greenwich Capital Acceptance, Inc.,
    62,623   2.24%, 1/25/24, (Interest only)            2,074,384
             Structured Asset Securities Corp.,
     4,000   7.375%, 9/25/24                            3,945,000
                                                    -------------
             Total collateralized mortgage
               obligations
               (cost $8,730,593)                        6,019,384
                                                    -------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--5.6%
             United States Treasury Bonds,
    $2,500   6.875%, 8/15/25                        $   2,819,525
     4,000   10.75%, 2/15/03                            5,219,360
             United States Treasury Notes,
     4,000   7.50%, 2/15/05                             4,533,760
                                                    -------------
             Total U.S. government obligations
               (cost $12,263,281)                      12,572,645
                                                    -------------
             Total long-term investments
               (cost $214,974,311)                    222,971,773
                                                    -------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--0.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT--0.8%
             Joint Repurchase Agreement Account,
     1,814   5.85%, 1/02/96 (Note 5)
             (cost $1,814,000)                          1,814,000
                                                    -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--99.8%
             (cost $216,788,311; Note 4)              224,785,773
             Other assets in excess of
               liabilities--0.2%                          514,708
                                                    -------------
             Net Assets--100%                       $ 225,300,481
                                                    -------------
                                                    -------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*See Page 6
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                                                                      B-34 -----
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES       PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
ASSETS                                                                        
                                                                                                            DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                                                            -----------------
Investments, at value (cost $216,788,311)...............................................................        $ 224,785,773
Cash....................................................................................................               28,158
Interest receivable.....................................................................................            1,713,861
Receivable for Fund shares sold.........................................................................               84,128
Deferred expenses and other assets......................................................................                6,130
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Total assets.........................................................................................          226,618,050
                                                                                                              -----------------
LIABILITIES
Payable for Fund shares reacquired......................................................................              507,751
Dividends payable.......................................................................................              352,828
Accrued expenses........................................................................................              246,608
Due to Manager..........................................................................................               95,637
Due to Distributor......................................................................................               93,385
Deferred directors fees.................................................................................               21,360
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Total liabilities....................................................................................            1,317,569
                                                                                                              -----------------
NET ASSETS..............................................................................................        $ 225,300,481
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Net assets were comprised of:
   Common stock, at par.................................................................................        $     154,474
   Paid-in capital in excess of par.....................................................................          241,474,544
                                                                                                              ---------------
                                                                                                                  241,629,018
   Undistributed net investment income..................................................................              742,368
   Accumulated net realized loss on investments.........................................................          (25,068,367)
   Net unrealized appreciation on investments...........................................................            7,997,462
                                                                                                              ----------------
Net assets, December 31, 1995...........................................................................        $ 225,300,481
                                                                                                              ----------------
                                                                                                              ----------------
Class A:
   Net asset value and redemption price per share
      ($99,182,844 / 6,790,320 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...........................                $14.61
   Maximum sales charge (4% of offering price)..........................................................                   .61
   Maximum offering price to public.....................................................................                $15.22
                                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                                        ------
Class B:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($125,462,863 / 8,612,143 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)..........................                $14.57
                                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                                        ------
Class C:
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($654,774 / 44,945 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).................................                $14.57
                                                                                                                        ------
                                                                                                                        ------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  *See Page 6 
                                              See Notes to Financial Statements.
- ----- B-35
<PAGE>

PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*                            
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS                                           
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED
INVESTMENT INCOME                              DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                               -----------------
<S>                                            <C>
Income
   Interest.................................     $  18,147,455
                                               -----------------
Expenses
   Distribution fee--Class A................           136,281
   Distribution fee--Class B................         1,097,175
   Distribution fee--Class C................             4,491
   Management fee...........................         1,188,713
   Transfer agent's fees and expenses.......           523,000
   Custodian's fees and expenses............           456,000
   Reports to shareholders..................           219,000
   Registration fees........................            77,000
   Franchise taxes..........................            56,000
   Audit fee and expenses...................            54,000
   Directors' fees and expenses.............            47,000
   Legal fees and expenses..................            35,000
   Miscellaneous............................            16,300
                                               -----------------
      Total expenses........................         3,909,960
                                               -----------------
Net investment income.......................        14,237,495
                                               -----------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain on investment
   transactions.............................         4,861,866
Net change in unrealized appreciation of
   investments..............................        14,956,033
                                               -----------------
Net gain on investments.....................        19,817,899
                                               -----------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations...................     $  34,055,394
                                               -----------------
                                               -----------------
</TABLE>

PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*                            
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCREASE (DECREASE)                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
<S>                                 <C>             <C>
IN NET ASSETS                           1995            1994
                                    ------------    ------------
Operations
   Net investment income..........  $ 14,237,495    $ 16,926,800
   Net realized gain (loss) on
      investments.................     4,861,866     (18,606,161)
   Net change in unrealized
      appreciation-depreciation of
      investments.................    14,956,033      (6,286,536)
                                    ------------    ------------
   Net Increase (decrease) in net
      assets resulting from
      operations..................    34,055,394      (7,965,897)
                                    ------------    ------------
Dividends and distributions (Note
   1)
   Dividends to shareholders from
      net investment income
      Class A.....................    (5,693,222)       (634,109)
      Class B.....................    (8,509,991)    (16,282,437)
      Class C.....................       (34,282)        (10,254)
                                    ------------    ------------
                                     (14,237,495)    (16,926,800)
                                    ------------    ------------
   Dividends to shareholders in
      excess of net investment
      income
      Class A.....................      (460,031)             --
      Class B.....................      (480,301)             --
      Class C.....................        (2,442)             --
                                    ------------    ------------
                                        (942,774)             --
                                    ------------    ------------
   Tax return of capital
      distributions
      Class A.....................            --         (37,535)
      Class B.....................            --      (1,004,614)
      Class C.....................            --          (1,833)
                                    ------------    ------------
                                              --      (1,043,982)
                                    ------------    ------------
Fund share transactions (net of
   share conversions) (Note 6)
   Proceeds from shares sold......    12,534,281      27,166,084
   Net asset value of shares
      issued in reinvestment of
      dividends...................     8,784,795      10,985,801
   Cost of shares reacquired......   (69,607,739)    (87,764,556)
                                    ------------    ------------
   Net decrease in net assets from
      Fund share transactions.....   (48,288,663)    (49,612,671)
                                    ------------    ------------
Total decrease....................   (29,413,538)    (75,549,350)
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period...............   254,714,019     330,263,369
                                    ------------    ------------
End of period.....................  $225,300,481    $254,714,019
                                    ------------    ------------
                                    ------------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*See Page 6
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                                                                      B-36 -----
  

<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS              PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. (the ``Fund''), 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 a high
level of income over the long-term consistent with providing reasonable safety
by investing primarily in mortgage-related instruments, including securities
guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by the Government
National Mortgage Association (GNMA), other mortgage-backed securities issued or
guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, and
non-agency mortgage instruments, along with obligations using mortgages as
collateral. The ability of issuers of debt securities, held by the Fund, other
than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, to meet their
obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific industry or
region. The Fund changed its name from the Prudential GNMA Fund, Inc. to the
Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc., effective August 16, 1995.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

SECURITY VALUATION: The Fund values portfolio securities on the basis of prices
provided by dealers or by a pricing service which uses information such as
market values, maturities, yields, call features and developments relating to
specific securities in determining values.

Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current
market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost which approximates market value.

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, takes
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.

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND NET INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Since certain mortgage-backed securities, such as
GNMAs, only settle on one day each month, there can be occasions when, pending
settlement, there may be substantial short-term securities in the portfolio
available to fund the purchases of these mortgage-backed securities. Realized
gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost
basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes
original issue discount paid on purchases of portfolio securities as adjustments
to interest income. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis which may require
the use of certain estimates by management.

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

DOLLAR ROLLS: The Fund enters into mortgage dollar rolls in which the Fund sells
mortgage securities for delivery in the current month, realizing a gain or loss,
and simultaneously contracts to repurchase somewhat similar (same type, coupon
and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period the
Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Fund is
compensated by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale and
by the lower repurchase price at the future date. The difference between the
sale proceeds and the lower repurchase price is taken into income. The Fund
maintains a segregated account, the dollar value of which is equal to its
obligations, in respect of dollar rolls.

FEDERAL INCOME 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 and net capital gains,
if any, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is
required.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income are declared
daily and paid monthly. The Fund will distribute at least annually any net
capital gains in excess of loss carryforwards. 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 Accountant's 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 decrease paid-in capital and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----- B-37
  

<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS              PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
increase undistributed net investment income by $621,652 for the year ended
December 31, 1995. Net realized gains and net assets were not affected by this
change.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS
The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.
(``PMF''). Pursuant to this agreement, PMF has responsibility for all investment
advisory services and supervises the subadviser's performance of such services.
PMF has entered into a subadvisory agreement with The Prudential Investment
Corporation (``PIC''); PIC furnishes investment advisory services in connection
with the management of the Fund. PMF 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 PMF is computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual
rate of .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Fund had a distribution agreement with Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors,
Inc. (``PMFD''), which acted as the distributor of the Class A shares of the
Fund through January 1, 1996. Prudential Securities Incorporated (``PSI'') is
distributor of the Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The Fund compensated
PMFD and PSI 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. Effective January 2, 1996, PSI
became the distributor of the Class A shares of the Fund and is serving the Fund
under the same terms and conditions as under the arrangement with PMFD.

Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensates PSI, and PMFD for
the year ended December 31, 1995 with respect to Class A shares, for
distribution-related activities at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1%, .75 of 1%
and 1%, of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B and C shares,
respectively. Such expenses under the Class A Plan were .15 of 1% of the average
daily net assets of Class A shares and under the Class B and C Plans, .75 of 1%
of the average daily net assets of both the Class B and Class C shares,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1995.

PMFD has advised the Fund that it has received approximately $37,000 in
front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the year
ended December 31, 1995. From these fees, PMFD paid such sales charges to
dealers (PSI and Prusec) which in turn paid commissions to salespersons.

PSI advised the Fund that for the year ended December 31, 1995, it received
approximately $502,000 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon certain
redemptions by Class B and C shareholders.

PMFD is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PMF; PSI, PMF and PIC are indirect,
wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3. OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (``PMFS''), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PMF, serves as the Fund's transfer agent and during the year ended December 31,
1995, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $347,000 for the services of PMFS.
As of December 31, 1995, approximately $27,000 of such fees were due to PMFS.
Transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain
out-of-pocket expenses paid to non-affiliates.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 4. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments
and dollar rolls, for the year ended December 31, 1995 aggregated $455,588,225
and $504,223,671, respectively.

The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes is substantially
the same as the basis for financial reporting purposes and, accordingly, as of
December 31, 1995 net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal income
tax purposes was $7,997,462 (gross unrealized appreciation--$10,999,191; gross
unrealized depreciation--$3,001,729).

The Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of December 31, 1995 of
approximately $25,068,500 of which $3,126,000 expires in 1996, $3,073,700
expires in 1997, $2,647,800 expires in 1998 and $16,221,000 expires in 2002.
Such carryforward is after utilization of approximately $2,476,540 of net
taxable gains realized and recognized during the year ended December 31, 1995.
Accordingly, no capital gains distribution is expected to be paid to
shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of such carryforward.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     B-38 -----
  

<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS              PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements
collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Federal agency obligations. As of December
31, 1995, the Fund has a 0.2% undivided interest in the joint account. The
undivided interest for the Fund represents $1,814,000 in the principal amount.
As of such date, each repurchase agreement in the joint account and the
collateral therefore were as follows:

Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., 5.80%, in the principal amount of $262,000,000,
repurchase price $262,168,844, due 1/2/96. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest is $267,947,172.

BT Securities Corp., 5.75%, in the principal amount of $61,765,000, repurchase
price $61,804,461, due 1/2/96. The value of the collateral including accrued
interest is $63,059,883.

Goldman, Sachs & Co., 5.90%, in the principal amount of $365,000,000, repurchase
price $365,239,278 due 1/2/96. The value of the collateral including accrued
interest is $372,300,053.

Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., 5.89%, in the principal amount of $103,000,000,
repurchase price $103,067,408, due 1/2/96. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest is $105,192,608.

Smith Barney, Inc., 5.83%, in the principal amount of $365,000,000, repurchase
price $365,236,439, due 1/2/96. The value of the collateral including accrued
interest is $372,300,416.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6. CAPITAL
The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class A shares are sold
with a front-end sales charge of up to 4%. 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. Class C shares are sold with a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% during the first year. 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 qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. Each
class of shares has equal rights as to earnings, assets and voting privileges
except that each class bears different distribution expenses and has exclusive
voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The Fund has authorized 500
million shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, equally divided into
three classes, designated Class A, Class B and Class C.

Transactions in shares of common stock were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A                                 Shares        Amount
- ------------------------------------  ----------   -------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Shares sold.........................     232,288   $   3,271,412
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......     278,118       3,964,381
Shares reacquired...................  (2,365,659)  $ (33,244,174)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
  before conversion.................  (1,855,253)    (26,008,381)
Shares issued upon conversion from
  Class B...........................   7,996,682     110,374,476
                                      ----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding.......................   6,141,429   $  84,366,095
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Shares sold.........................     160,285   $   2,252,534
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......      23,025         322,132
Shares reacquired...................    (271,037)     (3,788,946)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.......................     (87,727)  $  (1,214,280)
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
Class B
- ------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Shares sold.........................     649,378   $   9,115,051
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......     341,323       4,813,667
Shares reacquired...................  (2,581,546)    (36,305,288)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
  before conversion.................  (1,590,845)    (22,376,570)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
  into Class A......................  (8,019,907)   (110,374,476)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.......................  (9,610,752)  $(132,751,046)
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Shares sold.........................   1,730,458   $  24,377,281
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......     764,245      10,662,126
Shares reacquired...................  (5,988,535)    (83,970,630)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.......................  (3,493,832)  $ (48,931,223)
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
Class C
- ------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Shares sold.........................      10,317   $     147,818
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......         475           6,747
Shares reacquired...................      (4,061)        (58,277)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding.......................       6,731   $      96,288
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
August 1, 1994* through
  December 31, 1994:
Shares sold.........................      38,470   $     536,269
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......         114           1,543
Shares reacquired...................        (370)         (4,980)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding.......................      38,214   $     532,832
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----- B-39
  

<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                     PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Class A
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1995          1994       1993        1992       1991
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..........    $   13.50      $14.75     $ 15.07     $15.30     $14.84
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................          .89         .90         .95       1.10       1.14
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................         1.18       (1.19)       (.21)      (.15)       .61
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
   Total from investment operations...........         2.07        (.29)        .74        .95       1.75
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment
   income.....................................         (.89)       (.90)       (.95)     (1.10)     (1.14)
Dividends to shareholders in excess of net
   investment income..........................         (.07)         --        (.11)      (.08)      (.15)
   Tax return of capital distributions........           --        (.06)         --         --         --
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
   Total distributions........................         (.96)       (.96)      (1.06)     (1.18)     (1.29)
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
Net asset value, end of period................    $   14.61      $13.50     $ 14.75     $15.07     $15.30
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
                                                 -----------     ------     -------     ------     ------
TOTAL RETURN(a):..............................        15.53%      (2.01)%      4.97%      6.42%     12.48%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Net assets, end of period (000)...............      $99,183      $8,762     $10,863     $9,045     $6,268
Average net assets (000)......................      $90,854      $9,874     $10,199     $6,651     $3,035
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......         1.27%       1.13%       1.00%      1.00%      1.11%
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......         1.12%        .98%        .85%       .85%       .96%
   Net investment income......................         6.27%       6.42%       6.42%      7.26%      7.81%
Portfolio turnover............................          193%        560%        134%        33%       118%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 (a)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.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*See Page 6
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                                                                      B-40 ----

  

<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                      PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       Class C
                                                                             Class B                                 ------------
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Year Ended December 31,                          Year Ended
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------    December 31,
                                                     1995           1994         1993         1992         1991          1995
<S>                                              <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------     ------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..........     $  13.47       $  14.71     $  15.04     $  15.27     $  14.81       $  13.47
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................          .82            .82          .87         1.02         1.06            .81
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................         1.15          (1.19)        (.23)        (.16)         .60           1.16
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
   Total from investment operations...........         1.97           (.37)         .64          .86         1.66           1.97
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment
   income.....................................         (.82)          (.82)        (.87)       (1.02)       (1.06)          (.81)
Dividends to shareholders in excess of net
   investment income..........................         (.05)            --         (.10)        (.07)        (.14)          (.06)
Tax return of capital distributions...........           --           (.05)          --           --           --             --
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
   Total distributions........................         (.87)          (.87)        (.97)       (1.09)       (1.20)          (.87)
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
Net asset value, end of period................     $  14.57       $  13.47     $  14.71     $  15.04     $  15.27       $  14.57
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
                                                 ------------     --------     --------     --------     --------       --------
TOTAL RETURN(b):                                      14.78%         (2.57)%       4.29%        5.80%       11.82%         14.78%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Net assets, end of period (000)...............     $125,463       $245,437     $319,401     $325,969     $272,661           $655
Average net assets (000)......................     $146,290       $279,946     $332,731     $295,255     $243,749           $599
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......         1.87%          1.73%        1.60%        1.60%        1.71%          1.87%
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......         1.12%           .98%         .85%         .85%         .96%          1.12%
   Net investment income......................         5.82%          5.82%        5.82%        6.66%        7.21%          5.72%
Portfolio turnover............................          193%           560%         134%          33%         118%           193%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 August 1,
                                                  1994(c)
                                                  through
                                                December 31,
                                                    1994
<S>                                              <C>
                                                ------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..........    $  14.01
                                                    ------
 
Income from investment operations
Net investment income.........................         .30
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................        (.49)
                                                    ------
 
   Total from investment operations...........        (.19)
                                                    ------
 
Less distributions
Dividends to shareholders from net investment
   income.....................................        (.30)
Dividends to shareholders in excess of net
   investment income..........................          --
Tax return of capital distributions...........        (.05)
                                                    ------
 
   Total distributions........................        (.35)
                                                    ------
 
Net asset value, end of period................    $  13.47
                                                    ------
                                                    ------
 
TOTAL RETURN(b):                                     (1.32)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Net assets, end of period (000)...............        $515
Average net assets (000)......................        $460
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......        1.82%(a)
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......        1.08%(a)
   Net investment income......................        5.32%
Portfolio turnover............................         560%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 (a) Annualized.
 (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) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           *See Page 6.
                                  See Notes to Financial Statements.

 ---- B-41
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS         PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Prudential Mortgage Income 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 Mortgage Income Fund,
Inc. (the ``Fund'') at December 31, 1995, 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
indicated, 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
December 31, 1995 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
February 26, 1996
TAX INFORMATION                           PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We wish to advise you that the corporate dividends received deduction for the
Fund is zero. Only funds that invest in U.S. equity securities are entitled to
pass-through a corporate dividends received deduction.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*See Page 6
See Notes to Financial Statements.
                                  
                                                                         B-42 


<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
                     DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
 
    Aaa--Bonds  which are rated Aaa  are judged to be  of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree  of investment risk and  are generally referred to  as
"gilt  edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to  impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
 
    Aa--Bonds  which  are rated  Aa  are judged  to be  of  high quality  by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high-grade bonds. They are  rated lower than Aaa  because margins of  protection
may  not be as large as in  Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude  or there may be  other elements present which  make
the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
 
    A--Bonds  which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving  security
to  principal and interest are considered  adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
 
    Moody's applies  numerical modifiers  1, 2  and 3  in the  Aa and  A  rating
categories. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks in the higher end of
its  generic rating category; the modifier  2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks at the lower end of its  generic
rating category.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP DEBT RATINGS:
 
    AAA--Debt  rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
    AA--Debt rated  AA has  a very  strong capacity  to pay  interest and  repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
 
    A--Debt  rated A has a  strong capacity to pay  interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat  more susceptible to the  adverse effects of changes  in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
 
                                      A-1
<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 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 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.
 
                                      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.
 
                               [GRAPH]
 
Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills and  Inflation 1995 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 of  the past,  present, or future  performance of any
asset class or any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
Generally, stock  returns  are  attributable to  capital  appreciation  and  the
reinvestment  of  distributions. Bond  returns  are attributable  mainly  to the
reinvestment of distributions. Also, stock prices are usually more volatile than
bond prices over the long-term.
 
Small stock  returns  for 1926-1989  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 represented  by a portfolio that contains
only one bond with a maturity of roughly 20 years. At the beginning of each year
a new  bond with  a then-current  coupon replaces  the old  bond. 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).
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION. The "real" rate of investment return is that which  exceeds
the  rate of inflation, the percentage change in the value of consumer goods and
the general cost of living. A common  goal of long-term investors is to  outpace
the erosive impact of inflation on investment returns.
 
                                      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  1995. 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>
                                                                                               YTD
                       '87      '88      '89      '90      '91      '92      '93      '94      9/95
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <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)%   13.2%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT
MORTGAGE
SECURITIES(2)            4.3%     8.7%    15.4%    10.7%    15.7%     7.0%     6.8%    (1.6)%   13.1%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. INVESTMENT
GRADE
CORPORATE
BONDS(3)                 2.6%     9.2%    14.1%     7.1%    18.5%     8.7%    12.2%    (3.9)%   16.5%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.
HIGH YIELD
CORPORATE
BONDS(4)                 5.0%    12.5%     0.8%    (9.6)%   46.2%    15.8%    17.1%    (1.0)%   15.6%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
GOVERNMENT
BONDS(5)                35.2%     2.3%    (3.4)%   15.3%    16.2%     4.8%    15.1%     6.0%    18.1%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
HIGHEST
AND LOWEST RETURN
PERCENT                 33.2     10.2     18.8     24.9     30.9     11.0     10.3      9.9      4.0
</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 below shows  the historical volatility of  general interest rates  as
measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.
 
                               [GRAPH]
- ------------------------
Source:  Stocks, Bonds, Bills and  Inflation 1995 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 1926-1994. Yields represent that
of  an  annually  renewed  one-bond  portfolio  with  a  remaining  maturity  of
approximately  20 years. This chart is  for illustrative purposes and should not
be construed to represent the yields of any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
                                      II-3


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