PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND INC
485A24E, 1997-03-04
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<PAGE>
   
              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                                on March 4, 1997
    
 
                                         Securities Act Registration No. 2-76061
                                Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-3397
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ----------------
 
                                   FORM N-1A
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                          PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.                        / /
 
   
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 23                      /X/
    
 
                                     AND/OR
 
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE                     / /
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 24                             /X/
    
 
                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)
                                ----------------
 
   
                     PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
    
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
   
                              GATEWAY CENTER THREE
                            NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
    
              (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
   
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (201) 367-7530
    
 
   
                               S. JANE ROSE, ESQ.
                              GATEWAY CENTER THREE
                            NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
               (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS)
    
 
                 APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
                   AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
                      DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
 
             IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE
                            (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX):
 
                      / / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
   
                      / / on date pursuant to paragraph (b)
    
 
   
                      /X/ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
    
 
                      / / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
                      / / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
 
                      / / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485
 
                         If appropriate, check the following box:
 
                      / / this post-effective amendment designates a new
                          effective date for a previously filed post-effective
                          amendment
                                ----------------
 
   
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PROPOSED MAXIMUM  PROPOSED MAXIMUM    AMOUNT OF
                                          AMOUNT BEING    OFFERING PRICE      AGGREGATE       REGISTRATION
 TITLES OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED     REGISTERED       PER SHARE*      OFFERING PRICE        FEE
<S>                                      <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
 share.................................    2,084,517          $14.81             N/A               $0
</TABLE>
    
 
   
* The  total number of shares redeemed during the fiscal year ended December 31,
  1996 amounted to 3,236,342  shares. Of this number,  no shares have been  used
  for  reduction pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 24e-2 in all previous filings
  of post-effective amendments during the current year and 1,151,825 shares have
  been used  for  reduction pursuant  to  paragraph (c)  or  Rule 24f-2  in  all
  previous filings during the current year. 2,084,517 of the redeemed shares for
  the  fiscal year ended December 31, 1995  are being used for the reductions in
  the post-effective amendment being filed herein.
    
 
   
  Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares under the  Securities
Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
Rule  24f-2 Notice for the Registrant's fiscal  year ended December 31, 1996 was
filed on February 27, 1997.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                           (AS REQUIRED BY RULE 495)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-1A ITEM NO.                                         LOCATION
- ----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
<S>    <C>  <C>                                       <C>
PART A
Item    1.  Cover Page..............................  Cover Page
Item    2.  Synopsis................................  Fund Expenses; Fund Highlights
Item    3.  Condensed Financial Information.........  Fund Expenses; Financial Highlights; How
                                                      the Fund Calculates Performance
Item    4.  General Description of Registrant.......  Cover Page; Fund Highlights; How the
                                                      Fund Invests; General Information
Item    5.  Management of Fund......................  Financial Highlights; How the Fund is
                                                      Managed; General Information
Item   5A.  Management's Discussion of Fund
            Performance.............................  Financial Highlights
Item    6.  Capital Stock and Other Securities......  Taxes, Dividends and Distributions;
                                                      General Information
Item    7.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered....  Shareholder Guide; How the Fund Values
                                                      its Shares
Item    8.  Redemption or Repurchase................  Shareholder Guide; How the Fund Values
                                                      its Shares; General Information
Item    9.  Pending Legal Proceedings...............  Not Applicable
PART B
Item   10.  Cover Page..............................  Cover Page
Item   11.  Table of Contents.......................  Table of Contents
Item   12.  General Information and History.........  General Information and History
Item   13.  Investment Objectives and Policies......  Investment Objective and Policies;
                                                      Investment Restrictions
Item   14.  Management of the Fund..................  Directors and Officers; Manager;
                                                      Distributor
Item   15.  Control Persons and Principal Holders of
            Securities..............................  Not Applicable
Item   16.  Investment Advisory and Other
            Services................................  Manager; Distributor; Custodian,
                                                      Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent
                                                      and Independent Accountants
Item   17.  Brokerage Allocation and Other
            Practices...............................  Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
Item   18.  Capital Stock and Other Securities......  Not Applicable
Item   19.  Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
            Securities Being Offered................  Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares;
                                                      Shareholder Investment Account; Net
                                                      Asset Value
Item   20.  Tax Status..............................  Dividends and Distributions; Taxes
Item   21.  Underwriters............................  Distributor
Item   22.  Calculation of Performance Data.........  Performance Information
Item   23.  Financial Statements....................  Financial Statements
PART C
       Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate Item,
       so numbered, in Part C to this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement.
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
            [PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND LOGO]
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 5, 1997
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
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 Gateway
Center Three,  Newark, New  Jersey  07102, 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  March 5, 1997, 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 NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR  ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    
<PAGE>
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
   The following summary is intended to highlight certain information contained
 in  this Prospectus  and is  qualified in  its entirety  by the  more detailed
 information appearing elsewhere herein.
 
WHAT IS PRUDENTIAL 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.
 
   
WHAT ARE THE FUND'S 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 13.  As
with  an investment in any mutual fund,  an investment in this Fund can decrease
in value and you can lose money.
    
 
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
 
   
  Prudential Mutual Fund Management LLC (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 January  31, 1997,  PMF served  as
manager  or administrator to 62 investment companies, including 40 mutual funds,
with aggregate assets of approximately $55.8 billion. The Prudential  Investment
Corporation,  which does business under the  name of Prudential Investments (PI,
the  Subadviser  or  the  investment  adviser),  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, Class C  and Class Z 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. Prudential Securities incurs the expense
of distributing the Fund's  Class Z shares under  a Distribution Agreement  with
the Fund, none of which is reimbursed or paid for by the Fund. 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  Class A, Class B and Class C shares.  Class Z shares are not subject to any
minimum investment requirements. There is no minimum investment requirement  for
certain  retirement and  employee savings  plans or  custodial accounts  for the
benefit of minors. For purchases made through the Automatic 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 32.
    
 
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). Class  Z shares are  offered to a
limited group of investors at net asset value without any sales charge. See "How
the Fund Values its Shares" at page 18 and "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares
of the Fund" at page 22.
    
 
   
WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
    
 
   
  The Fund offers four classes of shares:
    
 
   
<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.
 
- - Class Z Shares:   Sold  without either an initial or contingent deferred sales
                    charge to a limited group  of investors. Class Z shares  are
                    not subject to any ongoing service or distribution expenses.
</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 27.
    
 
   
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 Imposed on
      Reinvested Dividends.........          None                       None                               None
    Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as
      a percentage of original
      purchase price or redemption
      proceeds, whichever is
      lower).......................          None           5%  during  the  first  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>
    Management Fees (Before                   .50%                        .50%                               .50%
      Waiver)......................
                                              .15++                       .75                                .75++
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction)...
                                              .54                         .54                                .54
    Other Expenses.................
                                              ---                         ---                                ---
    Total Fund Operating Expenses
      (Before Waiver)..............          1.19%                       1.79%                              1.79%
                                              ---                         ---                                ---
                                              ---                         ---                                ---
 
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES+           CLASS Z SHARES
                                     -----------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
      Purchases (as a percentage of
      offering price)..............              None
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
      Reinvested Dividends.........              None
    Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as
      a percentage of original
      purchase price or redemption
      proceeds, whichever is
      lower).......................              None
 
    Redemption Fees................              None
    Exchange Fee...................              None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net
assets)                                    CLASS Z SHARES**
                                     -----------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
    Management Fees (Before                        .50%
      Waiver)......................
                                                 None
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction)...
                                                   .54
    Other Expenses.................
                                                   ---
    Total Fund Operating Expenses
      (Before Waiver)..............               1.04%
                                                   ---
                                                   ---
</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     $76     $103    $179
    Class B...................................................    $68     $86     $107    $185
    Class C...................................................    $28     $56     $97     $211
    Class Z**.................................................    $11     $33     $57     $127
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment,
  assuming no redemption:
    Class A...................................................    $52     $76     $103    $179
    Class B...................................................    $18     $56     $97     $185
    Class C...................................................    $18     $56     $97     $211
    Class Z**.................................................    $11     $33     $57     $127
The  above example is  based on data  for the Fund's  fiscal year ended  December 31, 1996. 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."
** Estimated based on expenses expected to have been incurred if Class Z shares
   had been in existence throughout the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
 + 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,  1997. Total  Fund
   Operating Expenses without such limitation would be 1.34% and 2.04% 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 each of the five years
 in the  period  ended December  31,  1996, 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,
                               1996        1995        1994        1993        1992        1991         1990
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period................   $ 14.61     $ 13.50     $ 14.75     $ 15.07     $ 15.30     $ 14.84       $ 14.73
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS
Net investment income.....       .93#        .89         .90         .95        1.10        1.14          1.17
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss) on
 investment
 transactions.............      (.39)       1.18       (1.19)       (.21)       (.15)        .61           .15
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
  Total from investment
    operations............       .54        2.07        (.29)        .74         .95        1.75          1.32
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders
 from net investment
 income...................      (.90)       (.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.....      (.90)       (.96)       (.96)      (1.06)      (1.18)      (1.29)        (1.21)
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
Net asset value, end of
 period...................   $ 14.25     $ 14.61     $ 13.50     $ 14.75     $ 15.07     $ 15.30       $ 14.84
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
TOTAL RETURN@:............      4.12%      15.53%      (2.01)%      4.97%       6.42%      12.48%         9.41%
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
                             --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000)....................   $93,555     $99,183     $ 8,762     $10,863     $ 9,045     $ 6,268       $ 1,604
Average net assets
 (000)....................   $93,766     $90,854     $ 9,874     $10,199     $ 6.651     $ 3,035       $   756
Ratios to average net
 assets:
  Expenses, including
    distribution fees.....      1.12%#      1.27%       1.13%       1.00%       1.00%       1.11%         1.15%+
  Expenses, excluding
    distribution fees.....       .97%#      1.12%        .98%        .85%        .85%        .96%          .99%+
  Net investment income...      6.56%#      6.27%       6.42%       6.42%       7.26%       7.81%         9.16%+
Portfolio turnover........        65%        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.
  # Net of management fee waiver.
</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 each of the five  years
 period  ended December  31, 1996, 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,
                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1996      1995      1994      1993      1992      1991      1990        1989        1988 #     1987
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
<S>                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
 beginning
 of year........... $14.57    $13.47    $14.71    $15.04    $15.27    $14.81    $14.86       $ 14.29     $14.76    $15.94
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
INCOME FROM
 INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS
Net investment
 income............    .85+      .82       .82       .87      1.02      1.06      1.15          1.19       1.17      1.14
Net realized and
 unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investment
 transactions......   (.39)     1.15     (1.19)     (.23)     (.16)      .60      (.01)          .59       (.48)     (.98)
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
  Total from
    investment
    operations.....    .46      1.97      (.37)      .64       .86      1.66      1.14          1.78        .69       .16
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to
 shareholders from
 net investment
 income............   (.81)     (.82)     (.82)     (.87)    (1.02)    (1.06)    (1.15)        (1.19)     (1.16)    (1.14)
Distributions to
 shareholders from
 net realized gain
 on investment
 transactions......   --        --        --        --        --        --        --          --           --        (.20)
Dividends to
 shareholders in
 excess of net
 investment
 income............   --        (.05)     --        (.10)     (.07)     (.14)     (.04)         (.02)      --        --
Tax return of
 capital
 distributions.....   --        --        (.05)     --        --        --        --          --           --        --
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
  Total
   distributions...   (.81)     (.87)     (.87)     (.97)    (1.09)    (1.20)    (1.19)        (1.21)     (1.16)    (1.34)
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
Net asset value,
 end of year....... $14.22    $14.57    $13.47    $14.71    $15.04    $15.27    $14.81       $ 14.86     $14.29    $14.76
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
                    --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  --------  --------
TOTAL RETURN@:.....   3.53%    14.78%    (2.57)%    4.29%     5.80%    11.82%     8.10%        12.93%      4.80%     1.10%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end of
 year (000)........ $96,016   $125,463  $245,437  $319,401  $325,969  $272,661  $226,605     $221,938    $236,626  $263,914
Average net assets
 (000)............. $109,812  $146,240  $279,946  $332,731  $295,255  $243,749  $218,749     $223,251    $252,814  $278,475
Ratios to average
 net assets:
  Expenses,
    including
    distribution
    fees ..........   1.72%+    1.87%     1.73%     1.60%     1.60%     1.71%     1.74%         1.56%      1.52%     1.65%
  Expenses,
    excluding
    distribution
    fees ..........    .97%+    1.12%      .98%      .85%      .85%      .96%      .99%          .98%       .91%     1.01%
  Net investment
    income.........   5.95%+    5.82%     5.82%     5.82%     6.66%     7.21%     7.96%         8.16%      7.83%     7.17%
Portfolio
 turnover..........     65%      193%      560%      134%       33%      118%      481%          200%       216%      331%
<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.
  + Net of management fee waiver.
</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 ENDED DECEMBER     THROUGH
                                                                      31,             DECEMBER
                                                              -------------------       31,
                                                                1996       1995         1994
                                                              --------   --------     --------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>          <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................  $14.57     $13.47       $14.01
                                                              --------   --------     --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.......................................     .85@       .81          .30
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
 transactions...............................................    (.39)      1.16         (.49)
                                                              --------   --------     --------
  Total from investment operations..........................     .46       1.97         (.19)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income........................    (.81)      (.81)        (.30)
Distributions to shareholders in excess of net investment
 income.....................................................      --       (.06)          --
Tax return of capital distributions.........................      --         --         (.05)
                                                              --------   --------     --------
  Total distributions.......................................    (.81)      (.87)        (.35)
                                                              --------   --------     --------
Net asset value, end of period..............................  $14.22     $14.57       $13.47
                                                              --------   --------     --------
                                                              --------   --------     --------
TOTAL RETURN#:..............................................    3.53%     14.78%       (1.32)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000).............................  $  854     $  655       $  515
Average net assets (000)....................................  $  746     $  599       $  460
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees.....................    1.72%@     1.87%        1.82%*
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees.....................     .97%@     1.12%        1.08%*
  Net investment income.....................................    5.95%@     5.72%        5.32%*
Portfolio turnover..........................................      65%       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.
@Net of management fee waiver.
</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.
 
   
  As  with an  investment in  any mutual  fund, an  investment in  this Fund can
decrease in value and you can lose money.
    
 
  THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE  IS A FUNDAMENTAL  POLICY AND, THEREFORE,  MAY
NOT  BE CHANGED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE  HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE FUND'S
OUTSTANDING VOTING SECURITIES AS DEFINED IN THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF  1940,
AS  AMENDED (THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT). FUND POLICIES THAT ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL
MAY BE MODIFIED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
   
  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 (NRSRO) 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 NRSRO 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
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
its agencies or  instrumentalities; and  (iii) those issued  by private  issuers
that  represent an interest in or are  collateralized by whole 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.  During periods of rising interest  rates, the rate of prepayment of
mortgages underlying  mortgage-backed securities  can  be expected  to  decline,
extending  the  projected  average  maturity  of  mortgage-backed  securities. A
decline in the  rate of repayment  may effectively change  a security which  was
considered  short- or intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a long-term
security. Long-term securities  generally fluctuate more  widely in response  to
changes in interest rates than short- or intermediate-term securities.
    
 
  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
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.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
  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.
 
  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
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
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 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. THE FUND, AND  THUS THE INVESTOR, MAY
LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY  UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF  THESE STRATEGIES. 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, AND THUS  THE INVESTOR,  MAY LOSE  MONEY
THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF THESE STRATEGIES. 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.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
  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 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,  equity
securities  or other liquid, unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily, 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
AND RISK MANAGEMENT PURPOSES AND TO ATTEMPT TO ENHANCE RETURN IN ACCORDANCE WITH
REGULATIONS OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION. THE FUND, AND THUS  THE
INVESTOR, MAY LOSE MONEY THROUGH ANY UNSUCCESSFUL USE OF THESE STRATEGIES. 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 OR CLOSE  OUT 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
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
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.  THE  FUND,  AND  THUS  THE INVESTOR,  MAY  LOSE  MONEY  THROUGH ANY
UNSUCCESSFUL 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  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.  The investment  adviser will  monitor  the liquidity  of such
restricted securities under the supervision of the Board of Directors. Investing
in Rule 144A securities could, 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.  Repurchase
agreements  subject  to  demand are  deemed  to  have a  maturity  equal  to the
applicable notice period.
    
 
  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, equity securities  or other liquid, unencumbered  assets,
marked-to-market  daily,  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
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
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 LLC pursuant
to an  order of  the  SEC. See  "Investment Objective  and  Policies--Repurchase
Agreements" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
  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, equity  securities  or other
liquid, unencumbered  assets,  marked-to-market daily,  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.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
  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.
 
  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, 1996, 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 1.12%,  1.72% and 1.72%,  respectively. See "Financial  Highlights."
During this period, there were no Class Z shares outstanding.
    
 
MANAGER
 
   
  PRUDENTIAL  MUTUAL FUND  MANAGEMENT LLC (PMF  OR THE  MANAGER), GATEWAY CENTER
THREE, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102, 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 is organized in New York  as a limited liability company. It is  the
successor  to  Prudential Mutual  Fund Management,  Inc., which  transferred its
assets to PMF in September  1996. For the fiscal  year ended December 31,  1996,
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 January 31, 1997,  PMF served as the  manager to 40 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 $55.8 billion.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
  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), DOING BUSINESS AS PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS (PI, THE  SUBADVISER
OR  THE  INVESTMENT  ADVISER),  PI, FURNISHES  INVESTMENT  ADVISORY  SERVICES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE  MANAGEMENT OF THE  FUND AND  IS REIMBURSED BY  PMF FOR  ITS
REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES. PMF continues
to  have responsibility  for all  investment advisory  services pursuant  to the
Management Agreement and supervises PI's performance of such services.
    
 
   
  The current portfolio managers of the Fund are Barbara L. Kenworthy and Sharon
Fera. Ms. Kenworthy is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager and  Ms.
Fera  is a  Vice President  and Portfolio  Manager of  Prudential Investments, a
business group of The Prudential Investment Corporation. Ms. Fera is responsible
for day-to-day management for the Fund  under the supervision of Ms.  Kenworthy,
who  remains  responsible  for  overall portfolio  strategy  for  the  Fund. Ms.
Kenworthy has managed the Fund's portfolio since May 1995. Ms. Kenworthy  joined
Prudential  Investments 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  managed  by
Prudential  Investments. Ms. Fera joined Prudential Investments in May 1996 as a
fixed-income portfolio manager. Prior  thereto, she was  employed by Aetna  Life
and  Casualty (May 1993 to May 1996)  as a Portfolio Manager responsible for the
fixed-income  portion  of  Aetna's  Capital  and  Surplus  Portfolio  and  as  a
fixed-income  analyst  responsible  for  the  Capital  Goods  and Transportation
sectors. Prior to joining Aetna, she was a fixed-income trader at Hartford  Life
Insurance  Company (May  1992 to May  1993) and at  Equitable Capital Management
Corporation (August 1985 to May 1992).
    
 
   
  PMF and PIC are wholly-owned  subsidiaries of 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  A DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (THE
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT),  PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES (THE  DISTRIBUTOR)  INCURS  THE
EXPENSES  OF  DISTRIBUTING THE  FUND'S  CLASS A,  CLASS  B AND  CLASS  C SHARES.
Prudential Securities also incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's  Class
Z  shares under the  Distribution Agreement, none  of which is  reimbursed by or
paid for by the Fund. These  expenses include commissions and account  servicing
fees  paid to, or on account of, financial advisers of Prudential Securities and
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.
    
 
  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
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
   
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, 1997.
    
 
   
  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 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class C  shares
for  the  fiscal  year  ending December  31,  1997.  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,  1996,  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 Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund will be allocated to each such class based upon the ratio  of
sales  of each such class to the sales of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
the Fund other than expenses allocable  to a particular class. The  distribution
fee  and sales charge  of one class  will not be  used to subsidize  the sale of
another class.
    
 
  Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year provided
that a majority of the Board of  Directors of the Fund, including a majority  of
the  Directors who are not  "interested persons" of the  Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any  agreement related to the Plan (the Rule  12b-1
Directors),  vote annually to continue the Plan.  Each Plan may be terminated at
any time by vote of a majority of  the Rule 12b-1 Directors or of a majority  of
the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. The Fund will not be
obligated  to pay distribution and service fees incurred under any Plan if it is
terminated or not continued.
 
   
  In addition to distribution and service fees paid by the Fund under the  Class
A,  Class B and Class C  Plans, the Manager (or one  of its affiliates) may make
payments out of its own  resources to dealers (including Prudential  Securities)
and  other  persons  which distribute  shares  of  the Fund  (including  Class Z
shares). Such payments may be calculated by reference to the 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.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
  Pursuant to the terms of the SEC settlement, PSI agreed to the imposition of a
$10,000,000 civil  penalty,  established a  settlement  fund in  the  amount  of
$330,000,000  and  procedures  to  resolve  legitimate  claims  for compensatory
damages by purchasers of  the partnership interests.  PSI'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.
 
  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 LLC (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.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
  The  Fund will  compute its  NAV once daily  on days  that the  New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to purchase, sell
or redeem shares have been received by the Fund or days on which changes in  the
value  of the Fund's portfolio securities do  not materially affect the NAV. The
New York Stock  Exchange is closed  on the following  holidays: New Year's  Day,
Presidents'  Day,  Good  Friday,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
   
  Although the legal rights of each class of shares are substantially identical,
the different expenses borne by each  class will result in different  dividends.
As  long as the Fund declares dividends daily,  the NAV of the Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares will generally be the same. It is expected,  however,
that  the dividends will differ by  approximately the amount of the distribution
and/or service fee expense accrual differential among the classes.
    
 
                      HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
 
   
  FROM TIME  TO TIME  THE FUND  MAY  ADVERTISE ITS  "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, CLASS C  AND CLASS Z 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 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.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
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 exchange 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 loss with respect to the
sale, exchange or redemption  of shares that  are held for  six months or  less,
however,  will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital
gain distributions received  by the  shareholder on such  shares. Dividends  and
distributions  by the Fund will not  qualify for the dividend received deduction
applicable to corporate shareholders.
    
 
   
  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 any
class of the  Fund's shares  for any  other class  of its  shares constitutes  a
taxable  event for federal  income tax purposes. However,  such opinions are not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service.
    
 
  Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding  specific
questions  as to federal, state or local  taxes. 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. As of December 31, 1996, the Fund had a
capital loss  carryforward  for  federal income  tax  purposes  of  $21,942,300.
Accordingly,   no  capital  gains  distribution  is   expected  to  be  paid  to
shareholders until net gains have been  realized in excess of such  carryforward
amount.  Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares, to the
extent any dividends are  paid, will be  calculated in the  same manner, at  the
same time, on the same day and will be in the same amount except that each class
(other than Class Z) will bear its own distribution charges, generally resulting
in  lower dividends for Class B and Class C shares in relation to Class A shares
and lower  dividends  for  Class  A  shares  in  relation  to  Class  Z  shares.
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  LLC,  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.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
  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.
 
                              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 FOUR CLASSES, DESIGNATED CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS
Z COMMON STOCK,  WHICH CONSISTS OF  125 MILLION AUTHORIZED  CLASS A SHARES,  125
MILLION AUTHORIZED CLASS B SHARES, 125 MILLION AUTHORIZED CLASS C SHARES AND 125
MILLION  AUTHORIZED CLASS  Z 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  is subject  to different  sales charges  and distribution
and/or service fees (except  for Class Z  shares, which are  not subject to  any
sales   charges  or  distribution   and/or  service  fees),   which  may  affect
performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted
to shareholders that relates solely to  its arrangement and has separate  voting
rights  on any matter  submitted to shareholders  in which the  interests of one
class differ from  the interests  of any  other class,  (iii) each  class has  a
different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a conversion feature
and  (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively to a limited group of investors.
See "How  the  Fund is  Managed--Distributor."  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 (with the
exception of  Class Z  shares, which  are  not subject  to any  distribution  or
service  fees) bears  the expenses  related to  the distribution  of its shares.
Except for the conversion feature applicable to the Class B shares, there are no
conversion,  preemptive  or   other  subscription  rights.   In  the  event   of
liquidation,  each share of common stock of  the Fund is entitled to its portion
of all of the Fund's  assets after all debt and  expenses of the Fund have  been
paid.  Since  Class B  and  Class C  shares  generally bear  higher distribution
expenses than Class  A shares,  the liquidation  proceeds of  these classes  are
likely  to be lower  than to Class  A shareholders and  to Class Z shareholders,
whose shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees. The Fund's
shares do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of Directors.
    
 
  THE FUND  DOES NOT  INTEND  TO HOLD  ANNUAL  MEETINGS OF  SHAREHOLDERS  UNLESS
OTHERWISE  REQUIRED BY LAW.  THE FUND WILL  NOT BE REQUIRED  TO HOLD MEETINGS OF
SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE,  THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  IS REQUIRED TO  BE
ACTED
 
                                       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.
 
                               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 LLC (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). Class Z  shares are to be offered commencing on or
about March 17, 1997 to a limited group of investors at net asset value  without
any  sales charge. Participants  in programs sponsored  by Prudential Retirement
Services should contact their client  representative for more information  about
Class  Z shares. See "Alternative  Purchase Plan" below. See  also "How the Fund
Values its Shares."
    
 
   
  The minimum initial investment for  Class A and Class  B shares is $1,000  per
class  and $5,000 for Class C shares. There is no minimum investment requirement
for Class Z shares. The minimum  subsequent investment is $100 for all  classes,
except for Class Z shares, for which there is no minimum. All minimum investment
requirements  are waived  for certain retirement  and employee  savings plans or
custodial accounts for  the benefit of  minors. For purchases  made through  the
Automatic   Savings  Accumulation  Plan,  the  minimum  initial  and  subsequent
investment is $50. See "Shareholder Services" below.
    
 
   
  Application forms can be obtained from PMFS, Prudential Securities or  Prusec.
If  a stock  certificate is desired,  it must  be requested in  writing for each
transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who hold
their shares through Prudential Securities will not receive stock certificates.
    
 
  The Fund  reserves  the right  to  reject  any purchase  order  (including  an
exchange  into the Fund) or to suspend  or modify the continuous offering of its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares" below.
 
  Your dealer is responsible  for forwarding payment promptly  to the Fund.  The
Distributor  reserves the right  to cancel any purchase  order for which payment
has not been received by the third business day following the investment.
 
  Transactions in Fund  shares may be  subject to postage  and handling  charges
imposed by your dealer.
 
   
  PURCHASE  BY WIRE. For an initial purchase of  shares of the Fund by wire, you
must first telephone PMFS  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  class in which  you are eligible to
invest (Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares).
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
  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, Class  C or  Class Z  shares and  your name and
individual account number. It is not  necessary to call PMFS to make  subsequent
purchase  orders  utilizing  Federal  Funds. The  minimum  amount  which  may be
invested by wire is $1,000.
    
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
 
   
  THE FUND OFFERS FOUR CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS  Z
SHARES)  WHICH ALLOWS YOU  TO CHOOSE THE MOST  BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE
FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVEN THE  AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE, THE  LENGTH
OF  TIME  YOU  EXPECT  TO  HOLD  THE  SHARES  AND  OTHER  RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES
(ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN).
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ANNUAL 12B-1 FEES
                                                     (AS A % OF AVERAGE
                                                            DAILY
                        SALES CHARGE                     NET ASSETS)                  OTHER INFORMATION
           --------------------------------------  -----------------------  --------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                     <C>                      <C>
CLASS A    Maximum initial sales charge of 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
CLASS Z    None                                    None                     Sold to a limited group of investors
</TABLE>
    
 
   
  The four classes  of shares  represent an interest  in the  same portfolio  of
investments  of the Fund and have the same rights, except that (i) each class is
subject to different sales  charges and distribution  and/or service fees  (with
the  exception of Class Z  shares, which are not  subject to any distribution or
service fees),  which may  affect  performance, (ii)  each class  has  exclusive
voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its
arrangement   and  has  separate  voting  rights  on  any  matter  submitted  to
shareholders in which the  interests of one class  differ from the interests  of
any  other class, and (iii)  only Class B shares  have a conversion feature. The
four 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  (if any) of each class.  Class B and Class C  shares bear the expenses of a
higher distribution fee which will generally  cause them to have higher  expense
ratios and to pay lower dividends than the Class A and Class Z shares.
    
 
   
  Financial  advisers and other  sales agents who  sell shares of  the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares and will generally receive more compensation initially for selling  Class
A and Class B shares than for selling Class C or Class Z shares.
    
 
  IN  SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
(1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the amount of any
applicable sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase or  redemption)
and  distribution-related fees, as noted above,  (3) whether you qualify for any
reduction or waiver of any applicable sales charge,
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
(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.
 
  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
UNLESS THE PURCHASER IS ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE CLASS Z SHARES. See "Reduction  and
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" and "Class Z Shares" below.
    
 
  CLASS A SHARES
 
  The  offering price of Class A shares for investors choosing the initial sales
charge alternative is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge (expressed  as
a  percentage of the offering price and of  the amount invested) as shown in the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            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>
 
   
  The Distributor  may  reallow the  entire  initial sales  charge  to  dealers.
Selling dealers may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the
Securities Act.
    
 
   
  In  connection with the sale  of Class A shares at  NAV (without payment of an
initial sales charge), the Manager, the  Distributor or one of their  affiliates
will pay dealers, financial advisers and other persons which distribute shares a
finders' fee based on a percentage of the net asset value of shares sold by such
persons.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
  REDUCTION  AND  WAIVER OF  INITIAL SALES  CHARGES.  Reduced sales  charges are
available through Rights of  Accumulation and Letters of  Intent. Shares of  the
Fund  and shares of other Prudential  Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds
other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) may be  aggregated
to  determine the  applicable reduction.  See "Purchase  and Redemption  of Fund
Shares--Reduction and Waiver of  Initial Sales Charges--Class  A Shares" in  the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
  BENEFIT  PLANS.  Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of an
initial sales charge, by pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans
qualified  under  Section  401  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and   deferred
compensation  and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code (collectively, Benefit Plans),  provided that the Benefit Plan  has
existing  assets of at least $1 million  invested in shares of Prudential Mutual
Funds (excluding money market  funds other than those  acquired pursuant to  the
exchange  privilege) or 250  eligible employees or participants.  In the case of
Benefit Plans  whose accounts  are  held directly  with  the Transfer  Agent  or
Prudential  Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities
does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit
Plans sponsored by 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 AND SMARTPATH  PLANS.   Class A  shares may  be purchased  at NAV  by
certain  savings,  retirement  and  deferred  compensation  plans,  qualified or
non-qualified   under   the   Internal   Revenue   Code,   including    pension,
profit-sharing, stock-bonus or other employee benefit plans under Section 401 of
the  Internal Revenue  Code and  deferred compensation  and annuity  plans under
Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code that participate in  the
Transfer  Agent's  PruArray or  SmartPath  Programs (benefit  plan recordkeeping
services) (hereafter referred to as a PruArray or SmartPath Plan); provided that
the plan has at least $1 million in existing assets or 250 eligible employees or
participants. The term "existing assets" for this purpose includes stock  issued
by  a PruArray or SmartPath Plan  sponsor, shares of non-money market Prudential
Mutual Funds and shares  of certain unaffiliated  non-money market mutual  funds
that  participate in  the PruArray  or SmartPath  Program (Participating Funds).
"Existing assets" also include shares of money market funds acquired by exchange
from a Participating Fund,  monies invested in  The Guaranteed Interest  Account
(GIA),  a group annuity insurance product issued by Prudential, and units of The
Stable Value Fund (SVF),  an unaffiliated bank collective  fund. Class A  shares
may  also be purchased at NAV by plans that have monies invested in GIA and SVF,
provided (i) the purchase is made with the proceeds of a redemption from  either
GIA or SVF and (ii) Class A shares are an investment option of the plan.
    
 
   
  PRUARRAY  ASSOCIATION BENEFIT PLANS.   Class A shares are  also offered at net
asset value to Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans sponsored by employers which
are  members  of  a  common   trade,  professional  or  membership   association
(Association)  that  participate  in  the  PruArray  Program  provided  that the
Association enters into a written agreement with Prudential. Such Benefit  Plans
or  non-qualified plans may purchase  Class A shares at  net asset value without
regard to the  assets or  number of  participants in  the individual  employer's
qualified  Plan(s)  or  non-qualified Plans  so  long  as the  employers  in the
Association (i) have  retirement plan  assets in the  aggregate of  at least  $1
million  or 250 participants  in the aggregate and  (ii) maintain their accounts
with the Fund's transfer agent.
    
 
   
  PRUARRAY SAVINGS PROGRAM.  Class A shares are also offered at net asset  value
to  employees of companies  that enter into a  written agreement with Prudential
Retirement Services to participate in  the PruArray Savings Program. Under  this
Program,  a limited number of Prudential Mutual Funds are available for purchase
at net asset value  by Individual Retirement  Accounts and Savings  Accumulation
Plans of the company's employees. The Program is available only to (i) employees
who  open an IRA or  Savings Accumulation Plan account  with the Fund's transfer
agent and (ii)  spouses of employees  who open  an IRA account  with the  Fund's
transfer  agent. The  program is  offered to  companies that  have at  least 250
eligible employees.
    
 
   
  SPECIAL RULES  APPLICABLE  TO RETIREMENT  PLANS.    After a  Benefit  Plan  or
PruArray  or SmartPath  Plan qualifies  to purchase Class  A shares  at NAV, all
subsequent purchases will be made at NAV.
    
 
  OTHER WAIVERS.  In addition, Class A  shares may be purchased at NAV,  through
Prudential  Securities  or the  Transfer Agent,  by  the following  persons: (a)
officers and  current and  former Directors/Trustees  of the  Prudential  Mutual
Funds (including the Fund),
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
   
(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 of
subadvisers of the Prudential  Mutual Funds provided that  purchases at NAV  are
permitted by such person's employer, (d) Prudential employees and special agents
of  Prudential and  its subsidiaries and  all persons who  have retired directly
from active service with Prudential or  one of its subsidiaries, (e)  registered
representatives and employees of dealers who have entered into a selected dealer
agreement  with  Prudential  Securities  provided  that  purchases  at  NAV  are
permitted by  such person's  employer  and (f)  investors  who have  a  business
relationship  with  a financial  adviser who  joined Prudential  Securities from
another investment firm, provided that (i) the purchase is made within 180  days
of  the  commencement  of  the  financial  adviser's  employment  at  Prudential
Securities, or within one year in the  case of Benefit Plans, (ii) the  purchase
is  made with  proceeds of  a redemption  of shares  of any  open-end, non-money
market fund sponsored by the financial adviser's previous employer (other than a
fund which imposes a distribution or service fee of .25 of 1% or less) and (iii)
the financial adviser served as the client's broker on the previous purchase.
    
 
  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. The Distributor will pay sales
commissions of up  to 4% of  the purchase price  of Class B  shares to  dealers,
financial advisers and other persons who sell Class B shares at the time of sale
from  its own resources.  This facilitates the  ability of the  Fund to sell the
Class B shares without  an initial sales  charge being deducted  at the time  of
purchase.  The Distributor  anticipates that it  will recoup  its advancement of
sales commissions from the combination of the CDSC and the distribution fee. See
"How the Fund is Managed--Distributor." In  connection with the sale of Class  C
shares,  the Distributor will pay dealers,  financial advisers and other persons
which distribute Class C shares a sales  commission of up to 1% of the  purchase
price at the time of the sale.
    
 
   
CLASS Z SHARES
    
 
   
  Class  Z  shares of  the  Fund are  available  for purchase  by  the following
categories of investors:
    
 
   
     (i) pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans qualified under
Section 401  of the  Internal Revenue  Code, deferred  compensation and  annuity
plans  under  Sections  457  and  403(b)(7) of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code and
non-qualified plans for  which the  Fund is an  available option  (collectively,
Benefit  Plans), provided  such Benefit Plans  (in combination  with other plans
sponsored by the same employer or group of related employers) have at least  $50
million  in  defined contribution  assets;  (ii) participants  in  any fee-based
program sponsored  by Prudential  Securities or  its affiliates  which  includes
mutual  funds  as investment  options and  for  which the  Fund is  an available
option; and (iii)  investors who are,  or have  executed a letter  of intent  to
become,  shareholders  of any  series of  Prudential  Dryden Fund  (formerly The
Prudential Institutional Fund (Dryden Fund)) on or before one or more series  of
Dryden  Fund reorganized or who on that date had investments in certain products
for which Dryden Fund provided  exchangeability. After a Benefit Plan  qualifies
to purchase Class Z shares, all subsequent purchases will be for Class Z shares.
    
 
   
  In connection with the sale of Class Z shares, the Manager, the Distributor or
one  of their affiliates  may pay dealers, financial  advisers and other persons
which distribute shares a finders'  fee based on a  percentage of the net  asset
value of shares sold by such persons.
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
 
  YOU  CAN REDEEM YOUR  SHARES AT ANY TIME  FOR CASH AT  THE NAV NEXT DETERMINED
AFTER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST IS RECEIVED IN PROPER FORM BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OR
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES. SEE "HOW THE FUND  VALUES ITS SHARES." In certain  cases,
however,  redemption proceeds  will be reduced  by the amount  of any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, as  described below. See "Contingent  Deferred
Sales Charges" below.
 
   
  IF  YOU HOLD SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST REDEEM
SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER. IF YOU  HOLD
SHARES  IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM, A WRITTEN  REQUEST FOR REDEMPTION SIGNED BY YOU
EXACTLY AS THE ACCOUNT IS REGISTERED IS REQUIRED. IF YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES,  THE
CERTIFICATES,  SIGNED IN THE NAME(S) SHOWN ON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATES, MUST
BE RECEIVED BY  THE TRANSFER AGENT  IN ORDER  FOR THE REDEMPTION  REQUEST TO  BE
PROCESSED.  IF REDEMPTION IS  REQUESTED BY A  CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR
FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY  ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRANSFER AGENT  MUST
BE  SUBMITTED  BEFORE  SUCH REQUEST  WILL  BE ACCEPTED.  All  correspondence and
documents concerning  redemptions should  be sent  to the  Fund in  care of  its
Transfer  Agent,  Prudential  Mutual Fund  Services  LLC,  Attention: Redemption
Services, P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5010.
    
 
   
  If the proceeds of the redemption (a) exceed $50,000, (b) are to be paid to  a
person  other than the record owner, (c) are to be sent to an address other than
the address  on the  Transfer  Agent's records,  or  (d) are  to  be paid  to  a
corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, the signature(s) on the redemption
request and on the certificates, if any, or stock power must be guaranteed by an
"eligible  guarantor institution." An  "eligible guarantor institution" includes
any bank, broker, dealer or credit union. The Transfer Agent reserves the  right
to  request additional information  from, and make  reasonable inquiries of, any
eligible guarantor institution. For clients of Prusec, a signature guarantee may
be obtained from the agency or  office manager of most Prudential Insurance  and
Financial  Services or  Preferred Services offices.  In the  case of redemptions
from a  PruArray  or SmartPath  Plan,  if the  proceeds  of the  redemption  are
invested  in another investment  option of the  plan, in the  name of the record
holder and at the same address as  reflected in the Transfer Agent's records,  a
signature guarantee is not required.
    
 
  PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE MADE BY CHECK WITHIN SEVEN
DAYS  AFTER  RECEIPT BY  THE TRANSFER  AGENT OF  THE CERTIFICATE  AND/OR WRITTEN
REQUEST, EXCEPT  AS  INDICATED BELOW.  IF  YOU HOLD  SHARES  THROUGH  PRUDENTIAL
SECURITIES, PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE CREDITED TO YOUR
PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES ACCOUNT, UNLESS YOU  INDICATE OTHERWISE. Such payment may
be postponed or the right of redemption suspended at 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.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
  INVOLUNTARY  REDEMPTION. In order to reduce expenses of the Fund, the Board of
Directors may  redeem  all  of the  shares  of  any shareholder,  other  than  a
shareholder which is an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement plan, whose account
has  a net asset value of less than $500 due to a redemption. The Fund will give
such shareholders 60 days' prior written notice in which to purchase  sufficient
additional  shares to avoid such redemption. No CDSC will be imposed on any such
involuntary redemption.
 
   
  90-DAY REPURCHASE PRIVILEGE. If you redeem your shares and have not previously
exercised the repurchase privilege, you may  reinvest any portion or all of  the
proceeds  of such redemption  in shares of  the Fund at  the NAV next determined
after the order is received, which must be within 90 days after the date of  the
redemption.  Any CDSC paid  in connection with such  redemption will be credited
(in shares) to your account. (If less than a full repurchase is made, the credit
will be on a PRO RATA basis.) You must notify the Fund's Transfer Agent,  either
directly  or through Prudential Securities, at the time the repurchase privilege
is  exercised  to  adjust  your  account  for  the  CDSC  you  previously  paid.
Thereafter,  any redemptions will be subject to  the CDSC applicable at the time
of the redemption. See  "Contingent Deferred Sales  Charges" below. Exercise  of
the  repurchase privilege may affect federal income tax treatment of any gain or
loss realized  upon  redemption. See  "Taxes"  in the  Statement  of  Additional
Information.
    
 
  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" below.
    
 
  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
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
representing the cost of shares acquired prior to July 1, 1985; and finally,  of
amounts  representing the  cost of  shares held for  the longest  period of time
within the applicable CDSC period.
 
  For example, assume you purchased  100 Class B shares at  $10 per share for  a
cost  of $1,000. Subsequently, you acquired  5 additional Class B shares through
dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase you decided  to
redeem  $500 of your investment. Assuming at  the time of the redemption the net
asset value had appreciated to $12 per  share, the value of your Class B  shares
would  be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to
the value of  the reinvested  dividend shares  and the  amount which  represents
appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus
$260)  would be charged at a rate of  4% (the applicable rate in the second year
after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
 
  For federal income tax purposes, the amount  of the CDSC will reduce the  gain
or  increase the  loss, as  the case  may be,  on the  amount recognized  on the
redemption of shares.
 
  WAIVER OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS B SHARES. The CDSC will
be waived in the  case of a  redemption following the death  or disability of  a
shareholder  or,  in  the  case  of a  trust  account,  following  the  death or
disability of  the  grantor.  The  waiver is  available  for  total  or  partial
redemptions of shares owned by a person, either individually or in joint tenancy
(with  rights of survivorship), at the time of death or initial determination of
disability,  provided  that  the  shares  were  purchased  prior  to  death   or
disability.
 
  The  CDSC will also be waived in the  case of a total or partial redemption in
connection with certain  distributions made without  penalty under the  Internal
Revenue  Code  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.
 
   
    SYSTEMATIC  WITHDRAWAL PLAN.   The  contingent deferred  sales charge (CDSC)
will be waived (or reduced) on certain redemptions from a Systematic  Withdrawal
Plan.  On an annual basis, up  to 12% of the total  dollar amount subject to the
CDSC may be redeemed without charge.
    
 
  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.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
  WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS C SHARES
    
 
   
    PRUARRAY  OR SMARTPATH PLANS.   The CDSC will be  waived on redemptions from
certain qualified and non-qualified  retirement and deferred compensation  plans
that  participate  in  the  Transfer Agent's  PruArray  and  SmartPath Programs,
provided that the investment  options of the plan  include shares of  Prudential
Mutual Funds and shares of non-affiliated mutual funds.
    
 
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
 
  Class  B shares will  automatically convert to  Class A shares  on a quarterly
basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected  at
relative  net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales charge.
The first  conversion of  Class B  shares occurred  in February  1995, when  the
conversion feature was first implemented.
 
  Since  the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought on
each purchase  of Class  B shares,  the number  of Class  B shares  eligible  to
convert  to  Class A  shares (excluding  shares  acquired through  the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be
determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i)
the ratio of (a) the  amounts paid for Class B  shares purchased at least  seven
years  prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B
shares purchased and  then held  in your account  (ii) multiplied  by the  total
number  of Class B shares purchased and then held in your account. Each time any
Eligible Shares in your account convert to Class A shares, all shares or amounts
representing Class B shares then in your account that were acquired through  the
automatic  reinvestment  of dividends  and other  distributions will  convert to
Class A shares.
 
  For purposes of  determining the  number of Eligible  Shares, if  the Class  B
shares  in  your account  on  any conversion  date  are the  result  of multiple
purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible Shares
calculated as described  above will generally  be either more  or less than  the
number  of  shares  actually  purchased approximately  seven  years  before such
conversion date. For example, if 100 shares were initially purchased at $10  per
share  (for  a  total  of  $1,000)  and a  second  purchase  of  100  shares was
subsequently made at $11 per share (for  a total of $1,100), 95.24 shares  would
convert  approximately  seven  years  from the  initial  purchase  (I.E., $1,000
divided by $2,100 (47.62%)  multiplied by 200 shares  equals 95.24 shares).  The
Manager  reserves the right to modify the  formula for determining the number of
Eligible Shares in the future as it deems appropriate on notice to shareholders.
 
  Since annual distribution-related fees are lower for Class A shares than Class
B shares, the per share net asset value of the Class A shares may be higher than
that of  the Class  B  shares at  the time  of  conversion. Thus,  although  the
aggregate  dollar value will be  the same, you may  receive fewer Class A shares
than Class B shares converted. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all
payments for Class B shares during a month  will be deemed to have been made  on
the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a
series  of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original payment
for purchases of such  Class B shares  was made. For  Class B shares  previously
exchanged  for shares of a money market  fund, the time period during which such
shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For example, Class B
shares held in  a money market  fund for one  year will not  convert to Class  A
shares  until approximately eight years from purchase. For purposes of measuring
the time period during which shares are  held in a money market fund,  exchanges
will  be deemed to have been  made on the last day  of the month. Class B shares
acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares after expiration of the
conversion period applicable to the original purchase of such shares.
 
   
  The conversion  feature  may be  subject  to the  continuing  availability  of
opinions  of counsel  or rulings  of the Internal  Revenue Service  that (i) the
dividends and other distributions paid on Class A, Class B, Class C and Class  Z
shares  will not constitute "preferential  dividends" under the Internal Revenue
Code and (ii) 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
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
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, CLASS  C AND CLASS  Z SHARES OF  THE FUND MAY BE
EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A,  CLASS B, CLASS  C AND CLASS  Z SHARES, RESPECTIVELY,  OF
ANOTHER  FUND ON THE BASIS OF THE RELATIVE  NAV. No sales charge will be imposed
at the time of the exchange. Any applicable CDSC payable upon the redemption  of
shares  exchanged will be calculated  from the first day  of the month after the
initial purchase, excluding the  time shares were held  in a money market  fund.
Class  B and Class C  shares may not be exchanged  into money market funds other
than Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc. For purposes of calculating  the
holding  period applicable  to the Class  B conversion feature,  the time period
during which Class B shares were held  in a money market fund will be  excluded.
See "Conversion Feature--Class B Shares" above. An exchange will be treated as a
redemption   and  purchase   for  tax  purposes.   See  "Shareholder  Investment
Account--Exchange Privilege" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
  IN ORDER  TO  EXCHANGE  SHARES  BY TELEPHONE,  YOU  MUST  AUTHORIZE  TELEPHONE
EXCHANGES  ON YOUR INITIAL APPLICATION FORM OR BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT AND HOLD SHARES IN NON-CERTIFICATE FORM. Thereafter, you may call the Fund
 
   
at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on weekdays, except
holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., New York time. For  your
protection  and to  prevent fraudulent  exchanges, your  telephone call  will be
recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal identification number. A
written confirmation of the  exchange transaction will be  sent to you.  NEITHER
THE  FUND NOR ITS  AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE  FOR ANY LOSS,  LIABILITY OR COST WHICH
RESULTS FROM ACTING UPON  INSTRUCTIONS REASONABLY BELIEVED  TO BE GENUINE  UNDER
THE  FOREGOING  PROCEDURES. All  exchanges  will be  made  on the  basis  of the
relative NAV of the two funds next  determined after the request is received  in
good  order.  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 LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New
Jersey 08906-5010.
    
 
   
  IN  PERIODS OF SEVERE MARKET OR  ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE OF
SHARES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO  IMPLEMENT AND YOU SHOULD  MAKE EXCHANGES BY MAIL  BY
WRITING TO PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC AT THE ADDRESS NOTED ABOVE.
    
 
   
  SPECIAL  EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES.  A special  exchange privilege  is available for
shareholders who qualify  to purchase Class  A shares at  NAV (see  "Alternative
Purchase  Plan  -- Class  A  Shares --  Reduction  and Waiver  of  Initial Sales
Charges" above) and for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares (see
"Alternative  Purchase  Plan--Class  Z  Shares"  above).  Under  this   exchange
privilege,  amounts representing any Class  B and Class C  shares (which are not
subject to a CDSC)  held in such a  shareholder's account will be  automatically
exchanged  for Class A shares  for shareholders who qualify  to purchase Class A
shares at NAV  on a quarterly  basis, unless the  shareholder elects  otherwise.
Similarly,  shareholders who qualify to purchase  Class Z shares will have their
Class B and Class  C shares which are  not subject to a  CDSC and their Class  A
shares  exchanged for Class Z shares on  a quarterly basis. Eligibility for this
exchange privilege will be calculated on the  business day prior to the date  of
the  exchange. Amounts  representing Class  B or  Class C  shares which  are not
subject to a  CDSC include the  following: (1) amounts  representing Class B  or
Class  C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of dividends and
distributions,
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
(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.
 
   
  Participants in  any fee-based  program for  which the  Fund is  an  available
option will have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares when
they  elect to have  those assets become  a part of  the fee-based program. Upon
leaving the program (whether voluntarily or  not), such Class Z shares (and,  to
the  extent  provided  for  in  the program,  Class  Z  shares  acquired through
participation in the program) will be exchanged for Class A shares at net  asset
value. Similarly, participants in PSI's 401(k) Plan for which the Fund's Class Z
shares  is an available option and who wish to transfer their Class Z shares out
of the PSI  401(k) Plan following  separation from service  (I.E., voluntary  or
involuntary  termination of  employment or retirement)  will have  their Class Z
shares exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
    
 
   
  The Fund reserves the right to  reject any exchange order including  exchanges
(and  market timing transactions) which are  of size and/or frequency engaged in
by one or more accounts acting in concert or otherwise, that have or may have an
adverse effect on  the ability of  the Subadviser to  manage the portfolio.  The
determination that such exchanges or activity may have an adverse effect and the
determination  to reject any  exchange order shall  be in the  discretion of the
Manager and the Subadviser.
    
 
   
  The Exchange  Privilege is  not a  right  and may  be suspended,  modified  or
terminated 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  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
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
   
copies  of such reports by  calling (800) 225-1852 or by  writing to the Fund at
Gateway Center Three, Newark, New  Jersey 07102. In addition, monthly  unaudited
financial data are available upon request from the Fund.
    
 
   
  -  SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Inquiries should be addressed to the Fund at Gateway
Center Three,  Newark, New  Jersey 07102,  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.
 
                                       33
<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 Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
   
  Limited Maturity Portfolio
    
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
   
Prudential Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
    
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
   
Prudential World Fund, Inc.
    
   
  Global Series
    
   
  International Stock Series
    
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 Distressed Securities Fund, Inc.
    
   
Prudential Dryden Fund
    
   
  Prudential Active Balanced Fund
    
   
  Prudential Stock Index Fund
    
   
Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
    
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
   
Prudential Equity Income Fund
    
   
Prudential Jennison Series Fund, Inc.
    
   
  Prudential Jennison Growth Fund
    
   
  Prudential Jennison Growth & Income Fund
    
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
   
Prudential Small Companies 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
  What are the Fund's 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.....................................     19
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS......................................     19
GENERAL INFORMATION.....................................................     21
  Description of Common Stock...........................................     21
  Additional Information................................................     22
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE.......................................................     22
  How to Buy Shares of the Fund.........................................     22
  Alternative Purchase Plan.............................................     23
  How to Sell Your Shares...............................................     27
  Conversion Feature--Class B Shares....................................     30
  How to Exchange Your Shares...........................................     31
  Shareholder Services..................................................     32
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
                                   Class Z: 743915-40-7
 
    
<PAGE>
   
                     PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              DATED MARCH 5, 1997
    
 
    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  Gateway Center Three, Newark,  New Jersey 07102, and
its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
    
 
   
    This Statement of Additional Information is  not a prospectus and should  be
read  in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus,  dated March 5, 1997, 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-16        15
Distributor......................................................  B-17        16
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.............................  B-20        18
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares...........................  B-21        22
Shareholder Investment Account...................................  B-24        22
Net Asset Value..................................................  B-28        18
Dividends and Distributions......................................  B-29        19
Taxes............................................................  B-29        19
Performance Information..........................................  B-30        19
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        --
Appendix III--Information Relating to The Prudential.............  III-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 LLC (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, 1996 and 1995 was 65% and 193%, respectively.
    
 
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 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.
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
    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.
 
   
    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."
    
 
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
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
will  reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the
market price and volatility  of the underlying security,  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,  futures  commissions  merchant 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  or futures commission merchant, 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, a futures commissions merchant, 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 other liquid assets  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)  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.
    
 
   
    (6)  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.
    
 
   
    (7) Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
    
 
   
    (8) 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.
    
 
   
    (9) Invest  in  interests  in  oil, gas  or  other  mineral  exploration  or
development programs.
    
 
   
   (10)  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.)
    
 
   
   (11)  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.
    
 
   
   (12) 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
    
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>
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.
    
 
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE             WITH FUND                               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------  --------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
Edward D. Beach (72)              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 LLC                                    Inc.; Certified Public Accountant; Secretary and Treasurer of
Gateway Center Three                                Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.; Member of the Board of Trustees of
Newark, New Jersey                                  Mars Hill College; President, Treasurer and Director of The High
                                                    Yield Income Fund, Inc.
 
Eugene C. Dorsey (70)             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 LLC                                    newspapers and Vice President of Gannett Company; past Chairman of
Gateway Center Three                                Independent Sector (national coalition of philanthropic
Newark, New Jersey                                  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 (58)         Director        Marketing and Management Consultant; Director of the High Yield Income
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          Fund, Inc.
  Management LLC
Gateway Center Three
Newark, New Jersey
 
*Robert F. Gunia (50)             Director        Comptroller, Prudential Investments (since May 1996); Executive Vice
Gateway Center Three                                President and Treasurer (since December 1996), Prudential Mutual Fund
Newark, New Jersey                                  Management LLC (PMF); Senior Vice President (since March 1987) of
                                                    Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities); formerly
                                                    Chief Administrative Officer (July 1990-September 1996), Director
                                                    (January 1989-September 1996) and Executive Vice President, Treasurer
                                                    and Chief Financial Officer (June 1987-September 1996) of Prudential
                                                    Mutual Fund Management, Inc.; Vice President and Director of The Asia
                                                    Pacific Fund, Inc. (since May 1989); Director of The High Yield
                                                    Income Fund, Inc.
 
*Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. (75)        Director        Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential Securities formerly
One Seaport Plaza                                   Interim Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PMF (June- September
New York, New York                                  1993); formerly Chairman of the Board of Prudential Securities
                                                    (1982-1985) and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                    Bache Group Inc. (1977-1982); Director of The First Australia Fund,
                                                    Inc., The First Australia Prime Income Fund, Inc. and The High Yield
                                                    Income Fund, Inc.; Trustee of The Trudeau Institute.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE             WITH FUND                               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------  --------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
Donald D. Lennox (78)             Director        Chairman (since February 1990) and Director (since April 1988) of
c/o Prudential Mutual                               International Imaging Materials, Inc. (thermal transfer ribbon
  Fund Management LLC                               manufacturer); Retired Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Gateway Center Three                                of Schlegal Corporation (industrial manufacturing) (March
Newark, New Jersey                                  1987-February 1989); Director of Gleason Corporation, Personal Sound
                                                    Technologies, Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
 
*Mendel A. Melzer, CFA, ChFC,     Director        Chief Investment Officer (since October 1996) of Prudential Mutual
CLU (35)                                            Funds, formerly Chief Financial Officer (November 1995-September
751 Broad St.                                       1996) of the Money Management Group of The Prudential Insurance
Newark, New Jersey                                  Company of America (Prudential), Senior Vice President and Chief
                                                    Financial Officer of Prudential Preferred Financial Services (April
                                                    1993-November 1995), Managing Director of Prudential Investment
                                                    Advisors (April 1991-April 1993), and Senior Vice President of
                                                    Prudential Capital Corporation (July 1989-April 1991); Chairman and
                                                    Director of Prudential Series Fund, Inc; Director of The High Yield
                                                    Income Fund, Inc.
 
Thomas T. Mooney (55)             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 LLC                                    Inc.; Director of Blue Cross of Rochester, Monroe County Water
Gateway Center Three                                Authority, Rochester Jobs, Inc., Northeast Midwest Institute,
Newark, New Jersey                                  Executive Service Corps of Rochester, Monroe County Industrial
                                                    Development Corporation, The Business Council of New York, First
                                                    Financial Fund, Inc., The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. and The High
                                                    Yield Income Fund, Inc.
 
Thomas H. O'Brien (72)            Director        President, O'Brien Associates (Financial and Management Consultants)
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          (since April 1984); formerly President of Jamaica Water Securities
  Management LLC                                    Corp. (holding company) (February 1989-August 1990); Director
Gateway Center Three                                (September 1987-April 1991) and Chairman of the Board and Chief
Newark, New Jersey                                  Executive Officer (September 1987-February 1989) of Jamaica Water
                                                    Supply Company; Director of Ridgewood Savings Bank; Trustee of
                                                    Hofstra University; Director of the High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
 
*Richard A. Redeker (53)          President and   Employee of Prudential Investments; formerly President, Chief Executive
751 Broad Street                  Director          Officer and Director (October 1993-September 1996), PMF, Executive
Newark, New Jersey                                  Vice President, Director and Member of the Operating Committee
                                                    (October 1993-September 1996), Prudential Securities, Director
                                                    (October 1993-September 1996) of Prudential Securities Group, Inc.,
                                                    Executive Vice President, The Prudential Investment Corporation (July
                                                    1994-September 1996), and Director (January 1994-September 1996) of
                                                    Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. and Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                    Services LLC (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 (66)             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 LLC                               Inland Steel Corporation and First Financial Fund, Inc.
Gateway Center Three
Newark, New Jersey
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITION                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE             WITH FUND                               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------  --------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
Louis A. Weil, III (55)           Director        President and Chief Executive Officer (since January 1996) and Director
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                          (since September 1991) of Central Newspapers, Inc.; Chairman of the
  Management LLC                                    Board (since January 1996), Publisher and Chief Executive Officer
Gateway Center Three                                (August 1991-December 1995) of Phoenix Newspapers, Inc.; formerly
Newark, New Jersey                                  Publisher of Time Magazine (May 1989-March 1991); formerly President,
                                                    Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit News (February
                                                    1986-August 1989); formerly member of the Advisory Board, Chase
                                                    Manhattan Bank-Westchester. Director of The High Yield Income Fund,
                                                    Inc.
 
Susan C. Cote (42)                Vice President  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PMF (since May
                                                    1996); formerly Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of
                                                    Prudential Investments (March 1995-May 1996) and formerly Senior Vice
                                                    President-Fund Administration (September 1983-February 1995) of PUF.
 
Thomas A. Early (42)              Vice President  Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of PMF (since
                                                    December 1996); Vice President and General Counsel, Prudential
                                                    Retirement Services (since March 1994); formerly Associate General
                                                    Counsel and Chief Financial Services Officer, Frank Russell Company
                                                    (1988-1994).
 
S. Jane Rose (51)                 Secretary       Senior Vice President (since December 1996) of PMF; formerly Senior
Gateway Center Three                                Vice President (January 1991-September 1996) and Senior Counsel (June
Newark, New Jersey                                  1987-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.;
                                                    Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel (since July 1992) of
                                                    Prudential Securities; formerly Vice President and Associate General
                                                    Counsel of Prudential Securities.
 
Grace Torres (37)                 Treasurer and   First Vice President (since December 1996) of PMF; formerly First Vice
Gateway Center Three              Principal         President (March 1994-September 1996), of Prudential Mutual Fund
Newark, New Jersey                Financial and     Management, Inc.; First Vice President of Prudential Securities
                                  Accounting        (since March 1994); prior thereto, Vice President of Bankers Trust
                                  Officer           Corporation.
 
Deborah A. Docs (39)              Assistant       Vice President (since December 1996) of PMF; formerly Vice President,
Gateway Center Three              Secretary         Associate General Counsel (January 1993-September 1996), Associate
Newark, New Jersey                                  Vice President (January 1990-December 1992) and Assistant General
                                                    Counsel (November 1991-December 1992) of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                    Management, Inc.; 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 (43)          Assistant       Tax Director of Prudential Investments and the Private Asset Group of
Gateway Center Three              Treasurer         Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential) (since March
Newark, New Jersey                                  1996); formerly First Vice President of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                    Management, Inc. (February 1993-September 1996); prior thereto,
                                                    Senior Tax Manager of Price Waterhouse (1981-January 1993).
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
* "Interested" Director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason  of
  his affiliation with Prudential, Prudential Securities or PMF.
    
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>
   
    Directors and officers of the Fund are also trustees, directors and officers
of  some  or all  of the  other investment  companies distributed  by Prudential
Securities.
    
 
    The officers  conduct and  supervise the  daily business  operations of  the
Fund,  while  the Directors,  in  addition to  their  functions set  forth under
"Manager" and "Distributor," 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  $3,500  in addition  to  certain out-of-pocket
expenses. The amount of annual compensation paid to each Director may change  as
a result of the introduction of additional Funds upon which the Director will be
asked to serve.
    
 
   
    Directors  may  receive their  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.
    
 
   
    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, Lennox and O'Brien are scheduled  to retire on December 31, 1999,  1998,
1997 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,  1996 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,
1996. In October 1996, shareholders elected  a new Board of Directors. Below  is
listed all Directors who have served the Fund during its most recent fiscal year
as  well as the new Directors who took office after the Shareholders' meeting in
October.
    
 
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 TOTAL
                                                    PENSION OR                               COMPENSATION
                                                    RETIREMENT                                 FROM FUND
                                    AGGREGATE    BENEFITS ACCRUED    ESTIMATED ANNUAL          AND FUND
                                  COMPENSATION    AS PART OF FUND      BENEFITS UPON         COMPLEX PAID
NAME AND POSITION                   FROM FUND        EXPENSES           RETIREMENT           TO DIRECTORS
- --------------------------------  -------------  -----------------  -------------------  ---------------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>                <C>                  <C>         <C>
Edward D. Beach, Director           $   7,500             None                 N/A       $  166,000    (19/39)*
Eugene C. Dorsey, Director**        $   7,500             None                 N/A       $   98,583    (12/36)*
Delayne Dedrick Gold, Director      $   7,500             None                 N/A       $  175,308    (21/42)*
Robert F. Gunia, Director+             --                 None                 N/A                --
Harry A. Jacobs, Jr., Director+        --                 None                 N/A                --
Donald D. Lennox, Director             --                 None                 N/A       $   90,000    (10/22)*
Mendel A. Melzer, Director+            --                 None                 N/A                --
Thomas T. Mooney, Director**        $   7,500             None                 N/A       $  135,375    (18/36)*
Thomas H. O'Brien, Director         $   7,500             None                 N/A       $   32,250     (6/24)*
Richard A. Redeker, Director+          --                 None                 N/A       $        --
Nancy H. Teeters, Director          $   7,500             None                 N/A       $  103,583    (13/34)*
Louis A. Weil, III, Director           --                 None                 N/A       $   91,250    (13/18)*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
 * Indicates number of funds/portfolios in Fund Complex (including the Fund)  to
   which aggregate compensation relates.
    
 
                                      B-15
<PAGE>
   
** Total  aggregate compensation from all  of the funds in  the Fund complex for
   the calendar year ended  December 31, 1996 includes  amounts deferred at  the
   election   of  Directors.  Including  accrued  interest,  total  compensation
   amounted to $111,535 and $139,869 for Eugene C. Dorsey and Thomas T.  Mooney,
   respectively.
    
 
   
+ Robert  F.  Gunia, Harry  A.  Jacobs, Jr.,  Mendel  A. Melzer  and  Richard A.
  Redeker, who are  interested Directors  do not receive  compensation from  the
  Fund or any fund in the Fund Complex.
    
 
   
    As  of February 7, 1997, the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Fund.
    
 
   
    As of February 7, 1997, 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 33716-5246,
who held  5,502 Class  C  shares (9.1%),  The Cornelia  Boss  Trust, NBR  1  DTD
10/26/89, 370 Woodland Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030-1450, which held 6,253 Class C
shares  (10.3%); and  Delaware Charter T/F,  Kenneth R. Kahn,  IRA DTD 03/26/82,
P.O. Box  8963,  Wilmington DE  19699-8963,  which  held 6,227  Class  C  shares
(10.3%).
    
 
   
    As  of February  7, 1997,  Prudential Securities  was the  record holder for
other beneficial owners of 1,412,250 Class  A shares (or 22% of the  outstanding
Class  A shares), 2,445,018  Class B shares  (or 37% of  the outstanding Class B
shares) and 53,285 Class C shares (or 88% 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 LLC (PMF or the
Manager), Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey, 07102. 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 January 31, 1997, PMF managed and/or administered open-end and
closed-end  management investment  companies with assets  of approximately $55.8
billion. According to the Investment Company Institute, as of December 31, 1996,
the Prudential Mutual Funds were the 15th 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).  Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
(PMFS or the Transfer  Agent), a wholly-owned subsidiary  of PMF, 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 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,  1996. Currently,  the
Fund believes that there are no such restrictions.
    
 
    In  connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund, PMF
bears the following expenses:
 
                                      B-16
<PAGE>
    (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
doing business  as  Prudential  Investments (PI)  pursuant  to  the  subadvisory
agreement between PMF and PI (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 9,  1996 and by
shareholders of the Fund on April 29, 1988.
    
 
   
    For the fiscal years ended December 31,  1994, 1995 and 1996, the Fund  paid
management fees to PMF of $1,450,053, $1,188,713 and $892,624 respectively.
    
 
   
    PMF  has entered into the Subadvisory  Agreement with PI (the Subadviser), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential.  The Subadvisory Agreement provides  that
PI  will furnish investment advisory services  in connection with the management
of the Fund. In connection therewith, PI 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  PI's
performance  of such services. PI is reimbursed  by PMF for the reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by PI in furnishing those services.
    
 
   
    The Subadvisory  Agreement was  last  approved by  the Board  of  Directors,
including  a majority of  the Directors who  are not parties  to the contract or
interested persons of any such party  as defined in the Investment Company  Act,
on May 9, 1996, 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.
    
 
                                      B-17
<PAGE>
                                  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 a distribution  agreement
(the Distribution Agreement), Prudential Securities (the Distributor) incurs the
expenses  of  distributing the  Fund's  Class A,  Class  B and  Class  C shares.
Prudential Securities also incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's  Class
Z  shares under the Distribution  Agreement, none of which  are reimbursed by or
paid for  by  the  Fund. See  "How  the  Fund is  Managed--Distributor"  in  the
Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Prior  to January 22, 1990,  the Fund offered only  one class of shares (the
then existing Class  B shares).  On October 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 9,  1996. 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, 1996, PSI received
payments of $140,648 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, 1996, PSI  also
received approximately $35,500 in initial sales charges.
    
 
   
    CLASS  B PLAN.   For the fiscal  year ended December  31, 1996, PSI received
$823,594 from the Fund under the  Class B Plan and spent approximately  $264,500
in  distributing the Fund's  shares. It is  estimated that of  the latter amount
approximately $10,000 or 3.8% was spent on printing and mailing of  prospectuses
to  other than current shareholders; $103,000  or 38.9% 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 $151,500 or 57.3%  on the aggregate of  (i)
payments  of commissions to  financial advisers ($117,000 or  44.2%) and (ii) an
allocation on account of overhead  and other branch office  distribution-related
expenses  ($34,500  or  13.0%).  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 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,  1996, Prudential  Securities received approximately  $263,700 in contingent
deferred sales charges with respect to Class B shares.
    
 
                                      B-18
<PAGE>
   
    CLASS  C PLAN.   For  the fiscal  year ended  December 31,  1996, Prudential
Securities received  $5,595 from  the Fund  under  the Class  C Plan  and  spent
approximately  $6,050 in distributing the Fund's Class C shares. It is estimated
that of the latter amount approximately $500  or 8.3% was spent on printing  and
mailing  of  prospectuses to  other than  current shareholders;  $50 or  0.8% 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 $5,500 or 90.9% on the aggregate of (i) payments of commissions to financial
advisers ($4,500 or  74.4%) and (ii)  an allocation on  account of overhead  and
other  branch office distribution-related  expenses ($1,000 or  16.5%). 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, 1996,  Prudential  Securities  received $29  in  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 the  Distribution Agreement, the  Fund has  agreed to indemnify
Prudential Securities to the extent permitted by applicable law against  certain
liabilities  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended.  The  restated
Distribution Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors, including  a
majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, on May 9, 1996.
    
 
    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
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
 
                                      B-19
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      B-20
<PAGE>
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, 1996, 1995 and 1994, 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). Class Z shares of the Fund
are offered to a limited group of investors at net asset value without any sales
charges.  See  "Shareholder  Guide--How  to  Buy  Shares  of  the  Fund"  in the
Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Each class  of  shares represents  an  interest  in the  same  portfolio  of
investments  of the Fund and has the same  rights, except that (i) each class is
subject to different sales charges and distribution and/or service fees  (except
for  Class Z shares, which are not subject to any sales charges and distribution
and/or service  fees),  which  may  affect  performance,  (ii)  each  class  has
exclusive  voting rights  with respect to  any matter  submitted to shareholders
that relates solely  to its arrangement  and has separate  voting rights on  any
matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from
the  interests of  any other  class, (iii) each  class has  a different exchange
privilege, (iv) only Class B  shares have a conversion  feature and (v) Class  Z
shares  are offered exclusively  for sale to  a limited group  of investors. See
"Distributor" and "Shareholder Investment Account-- Exchange Privilege."
    
 
                                      B-21
<PAGE>
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*, Class C* and  Class Z** shares of the  Fund are sold at net asset
value. Using  the Fund's  net asset  value  at December  31, 1996,  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...........  $14.25
                                                                   ------
Maximum sales charge (4% of offering price)......................     .59
                                                                   ------
Maximum offering price to public.................................  $14.84
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
CLASS B
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B
 share*..........................................................  $14.22
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
CLASS C
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C
 share*..........................................................  $14.22
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
CLASS Z
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class Z
 share**                                                           $14.25
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
<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.
** Class Z shares did not exist at December 31, 1996.
</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
 
                                      B-22
<PAGE>
(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 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 (Investment Letter of Intent). Retirement and group plans may  also
qualify  to purchase Class A shares at net asset value by entering into a Letter
of Intent  whereby they  agree  to enroll,  within  a thirteen-month  period,  a
specified  number of eligible  employees or participants  (Participant Letter of
Intent).
    
 
   
    For purposes of the Investment Letter of Intent, all shares of the Fund  and
shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds other than
those  acquired  pursuant  to  the  exchange  privilege)  which  were previously
purchased and are still  owned are also included  in determining the  applicable
reduction.  However, the value  of shares held directly  with the Transfer Agent
and through  Prudential  Securities will  not  be aggregated  to  determine  the
reduced  sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with the Transfer
Agent or through Prudential Securities.
    
 
   
    A Letter of Intent permits a purchaser, in the case of an Investment  Letter
of  Intent, to establish a total investment goal to be achieved by any number of
investments over  a thirteen-month  period and,  in the  case of  a  Participant
Letter  of Intent, to establish a  minimum eligible employee or participant goal
over a thirteen-month  period. Each investment  made during the  period, in  the
case  of an Investment Letter  of Intent, will receive  the reduced sales charge
applicable to  the amount  represented  by the  goal, as  if  it were  a  single
investment.  In the case of a Participant Letter of Intent, each investment made
during the period  will be  made at  net asset  value. Escrowed  Class A  shares
totaling  5% of the  dollar amount of the  Letter of Intent will  be held by the
Transfer Agent in the name  of the purchaser, except  in the case of  retirement
and  group plans  where the  employer or  plan sponsor  will be  responsible for
paying any applicable sales charge. The  effective date of an Investment  Letter
of  Intent (except in the case of  retirement and group plans) may be back-dated
up to 90 days,  in order that  any investments made  during this 90-day  period,
valued  at the purchaser's cost, can be applied to the fulfillment of the Letter
of Intent goal.
    
 
   
    The Investment Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to  purchase,
nor the Fund to sell, the indicated amount. Similarly, the Participant Letter of
Intent  does not obligate the  retirement or group plan  to enroll the indicated
number of eligible employees or participants. In the event the Letter of  Intent
goal  is not  achieved within the  thirteen-month period, the  purchaser (or the
employer or  plan sponsor  in  the case  of any  retirement  or group  plan)  is
required  to pay the difference between the sales charge otherwise applicable to
the purchases made  during this  period and  sales charges  actually paid.  Such
payment may be made directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor
will  liquidate sufficient escrowed shares  to obtain such difference. Investors
electing to purchase Class A shares of  the Fund pursuant to a Letter of  Intent
should carefully read such Letter of Intent.
    
 
   
    The  Distributor must be notified at the  time of purchase that the investor
is entitled to a  reduced sales charge.  The reduced sales  charge will, in  the
case  of an Investment Letter  of Intent, be granted  subject to confirmation of
the investor's  holdings or,  in the  case of  a Participant  Letter of  Intent,
subject  to confirmation of the number  of eligible employees or participants in
the retirement or group plan. Letters of Intent are not available to  individual
participants in any retirement or group plans.
    
 
                                      B-23
<PAGE>
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>
 
    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.
 
                         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
 
                                      B-24
<PAGE>
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, Inc. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange but a CDSC may be  payable
upon the redemption of the Class B and Class C 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, Inc. without imposition of any CDSC at the
time  of exchange.  Upon subsequent  redemption from  such money  market fund or
after re-
    
 
                                      B-25
<PAGE>
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.
    
 
   
    CLASS  Z.   Class Z  shares may  be exchanged  for Class  Z shares  of other
Prudential Mutual Funds.
    
 
   
    Additional details about the Exchange Privilege and prospectuses for each of
the Prudential  Mutual  Funds are  available  from the  Fund's  Transfer  Agent,
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.
(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>
 
                                      B-26
<PAGE>
AUTOMATIC SAVINGS ACCUMULATION PLAN (ASAP)
 
    Under ASAP, an  investor may arrange  to have a  fixed amount  automatically
invested in shares of the Fund monthly by authorizing his or her bank account or
Prudential  Securities account  (including a Command  Account) to  be debited to
invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The investor's bank  must
be  a member of the Automatic Clearing  House System. 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 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, 1996 of approximately $21,942,300
of which $3,073,700 expires in 1997, $2,647,800 expires in 1998, and $16,220,800
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 and  Class Z shares  as a result  of the higher
distribution-related fee applicable to the Class  B and Class C shares. The  per
share  distributions of  net capital  gains, if  any, will  be paid  in the same
amount for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. See "Net Asset Value."
    
 
                                     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
distributions  of  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 generally 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 futures contracts 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  Fund may purchase debt securities that contain original issue discount.
Original issue discount  that accrues  in a taxable  year is  treated as  income
earned  by the Fund and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code. Because the original issue discount income earned  by
the  Fund in a taxable year may not  be represented by cash income, the Fund may
have to dispose of other securities  and use the proceeds to make  distributions
to satisfy the Internal Revenue Code's distribution requirements.
    
 
   
    The Fund's ability to hold foreign currencies, engage in hedging activities,
or  close out  certain positions  may be  limited by  the 30%  gross income test
discussed above.
    
 
                                      B-29
<PAGE>
   
    If the Fund pays a  dividend in January which  was declared in the  previous
October,  November or December to shareholders of  record on a specified date in
one of such months, then such dividend  or distribution will be treated for  tax
purposes  as being paid by the Fund and received by its shareholders on December
31 of the year in which such dividend was declared.
    
 
   
    The "straddle"  and  "conversion  transaction" provisions  of  the  Internal
Revenue  Code may affect the  taxation of the Fund's  transactions in options on
securities, limit  the deductibility  of  any loss  from  the disposition  of  a
position  to the extent  of the unrealized  gain on any  offsetting position and
recharacterize certain gains as  ordinary income. 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.
 
   
    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, and the  sale, exchange or redemption  of
Fund shares 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, Class
C  and Class  Z 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, 1996 were 5.60%,
5.24%  and  5.24%  for  the  Fund's  Class  A,  Class  B  and  Class  C  shares,
respectively. No Class Z shares were outstanding during this period.
    
 
                                      B-30
<PAGE>
   
    AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  The Fund may also advertise its average annual
total  return. Average annual total return is determined separately for Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class Z  shares. See "How the Fund Calculates  Performance"
in the Prospectus.
    
 
    Average annual total return is computed according to the following formula:
 
                         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.
 
    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, 1996  was
(0.1)%,  4.8% and  6.6%, respectively. The  average annual total  return for the
Class B shares of the  Fund for the one, five  and ten year and since  inception
(March  25, 1982) periods ended on December  31, 1996 was (1.5)%, 4.9% and 8.7%,
respectively. The average  annual total return  for Class C  shares for the  one
year  and since inception (August  1, 1994) periods ended  December 31, 1996 was
2.5% and 6.8%,  respectively. No  Class Z  shares were  outstanding during  this
period.
    
 
   
    AGGREGATE  TOTAL RETURN.   The Fund  may also advertise  its aggregate total
return. Aggregate total return  is determined separately for  Class A, Class  B,
Class  C and Class  Z shares. See  "How the Fund  Calculates Performance" in the
Prospectus.
    
 
    Aggregate total return represents the cumulative  change in the value of  an
investment in the Fund and is computed 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, 1996 was 4.1%, 31.7% and
62.0%, respectively. The aggregate total return for Class B shares for the  one,
five and ten year and since inception (March 25, 1982) periods ended on December
31,  1996 was  3.5%, 27.7%, 84.8  and 240.6%, respectively.  The aggregate total
return for  Class  C shares  for  one year  and  since inception  periods  ended
December  31, 1996  was 3.5%  and 17.3%,  respectively. No  Class Z  shares were
outstanding during this period.
    
 
                                      B-31
<PAGE>
    From time  to time,  the performance  of the  Fund may  be measured  against
various  indices. Set forth below  is a chart which  compares the performance of
different types of investments over the long-term and the rate of inflation.(1)
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE OVER THE LONG
                TERM
<S>                                    <C>
(1926-1994)
                                             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 LLC (PMFS),  Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the  Fund.
PMFS  is  a wholly-owned  subsidiary of  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  of $13.00,  a  new account  set-up  fee for  each  manually
established  account of $2.00 and a monthly inactive zero balance account fee of
$.20 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, 1996, the Fund incurred fees of $307,000 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, 1996                   PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                                                   
Amount                                                      
(000)        Description                     Value (Note 1) 
<C>          <S>                                  <C>     
- ------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Obligations--9.2%
             Obligations--9.2%United States
               Treasury Bonds,
$   2,500    7.125%, 2/15/23                        $   2,610,150
             United States Treasury Notes,
    3,000    5.875%, 11/30/01                           2,956,410
    7,000    7.00%, 7/15/06                             7,272,370
    3,500    12.375%, 5/15/04                           4,721,710
                                                    -------------
             Total U.S. government obligations
               (cost $17,963,320)                      17,560,640
                                                    -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage
Pass-Through Obligations--77.4%
             Federal National Mortgage
               Association,
        8    7.00%, 4/01/08                                 8,200
   28,695    7.50%, 3/01/24 - 9/01/25                  28,829,110
   25,337    8.00%, 10/01/24 - 12/01/26                25,825,609
             Government National Mortgage
               Association,
   14,185    7.00%, 11/15/22 - 12/15/23                13,946,413
   23,930    7.50%, 7/15/07 - 6/15/25                  24,195,141
   36,890    8.00%, 2/15/04 - 11/15/25                 37,875,153
   15,718    9.00%, 4/15/01 - 4/15/25                  16,760,838
                                                    -------------
             Total U.S. government agency
               mortgage pass-through obligations
               (cost $145,076,075)                    147,440,464
                                                    -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Collateralized Mortgage Obligation--2.6%
             Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors,
               Inc.,
   53,874    Ser. 1996-C2, 1.5289%, 11/21/28,
               (Interest Only)
               (cost $4,906,712)                        4,908,751
                                                    -------------
Asset-Backed Securities--10.4%
             Deutsche Floorplan Receivables
               Master Trust,
 $  5,000    Ser. 1996-1, 5.625%,* 10/15/01         $   5,001,563
             Green Tree Financial Corp.,
   15,000    Ser. 1996-10, 7.30%, 11/15/28             14,707,031
                                                    -------------
             Total asset-backed securities
               (cost $19,990,625)                      19,708,594
                                                    -------------
             Total long-term investments
               (cost $187,936,732)                    189,618,449
                                                    -------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase Agreement
             Joint Repurchase Agreement Account,
      123    6.609478%, 1/02/97
               (cost $123,000)                            123,000
                                                    -------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments--99.6%
             (cost $188,059,732)                      189,741,449
             Other assets in excess of
               liabilities--0.4%                          683,638
                                                    -------------
             Net Assets--100%                       $ 190,425,087
                                                    -------------
                                                    -------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Rate shown reflects current rate of variable rate instrument.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.    B-34

<PAGE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities        PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets                                                                                                      December 31, 1996
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
Investments, at value (cost $188,059,732)...............................................................        $ 189,741,449
Interest receivable.....................................................................................            1,436,647
Receivable for Fund shares sold.........................................................................              122,199
Deferred expenses and other assets......................................................................                5,417
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Total assets.........................................................................................          191,305,712
                                                                                                              -----------------
Liabilities
Bank overdraft..........................................................................................               93,100
Accrued expenses........................................................................................              302,257
Payable for Fund shares reacquired......................................................................              276,503
Distribution fee payable................................................................................               81,871
Management fee payabe...................................................................................               62,596
Deferred Director's fees................................................................................               32,866
Dividends payable.......................................................................................               31,432
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Total liabilities....................................................................................              880,625
                                                                                                              -----------------
Net Assets..............................................................................................        $ 190,425,087
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Net assets were comprised of:
   Common stock, at par.................................................................................        $     133,796
   Paid-in capital in excess of par.....................................................................          213,351,908
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                                  213,485,704
   Undistributed net investment income..................................................................              139,997
   Accumulated net realized loss on investments.........................................................          (24,882,331)
   Net unrealized appreciation on investments...........................................................            1,681,717
                                                                                                              -----------------
Net assets, December 31, 1996...........................................................................        $ 190,425,087
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Class A:
   Net asset value and redemption price per share
      ($93,554,674 / 6,565,071 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...........................               $14.25
   Maximum sales charge (4.0% of offering price)........................................................                  .59
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Maximum offering price to public.....................................................................               $14.84
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Class B:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($96,016,197 / 6,754,418 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...........................               $14.22
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Class C:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($854,216 / 60,091 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).................................               $14.22
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    B-35      See Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>

PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
Statement of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Year Ended
Net Investment Income                       December 31, 1996
<S>                                         <C>
Income
   Interest..............................      $15,686,706
                                            -----------------
Expenses
   Management fee........................        1,021,621
   Distribution fee--Class A.............          140,648
   Distribution fee--Class B.............          823,594
   Distribution fee--Class C.............            5,595
   Transfer agent's fees and expenses....          422,000
   Custodian's fees and expenses.........          313,000
   Reports to shareholders...............          108,000
   Registration fees.....................           77,000
   Audit fee and expenses................           54,000
   Directors' fees and expenses..........           51,000
   Legal fees and expenses...............           35,000
   Franchise taxes.......................           22,000
   Miscellaneous.........................           14,956
                                            -----------------
      Total expenses.....................        3,088,414
   Less: Management fee waiver...........         (128,997)
                                            -----------------
      Net expenses.......................        2,959,417
                                            -----------------
Net investment income....................       12,727,289
                                            -----------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net realized gain on investment
   transactions..........................          186,036
Net change in unrealized
   appreciation/depreciation of
   investments...........................       (6,315,745)
                                            -----------------
Net loss on investments..................       (6,129,709)
                                            -----------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations................      $ 6,597,580
                                            -----------------
                                            -----------------
</TABLE>
 

PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Increase (Decrease)                   Year Ended December 31,
in Net Assets                           1996            1995
<S>                                 <C>             <C>
Operations
   Net investment income..........  $ 12,727,289    $ 14,237,495
   Net realized gain on
      investments.................       186,036       4,861,866
   Net change in unrealized
      appreciation/depreciation of
      investments.................    (6,315,745)     14,956,033
                                    ------------    ------------
   Net increase in net assets
      resulting from operations...     6,597,580      34,055,394
                                    ------------    ------------
Dividends and distributions (Note
   1)
   Dividends to shareholders from
      net investment income
      Class A.....................    (5,930,278)     (5,693,222)
      Class B.....................    (6,261,553)     (8,509,991)
      Class C.....................       (42,633)        (34,282)
                                    ------------    ------------
                                     (12,234,464)    (14,237,495)
                                    ------------    ------------
   Dividends to shareholders in
      excess of net investment
      income
      Class A.....................            --        (460,031)
      Class B.....................            --        (480,301)
      Class C.....................            --          (2,442)
                                    ------------    ------------
                                              --        (942,774)
                                    ------------    ------------
Fund share transactions (net of
   share conversions) (Note 6)
   Proceeds from shares sold......     8,736,035      12,534,281
   Net asset value of shares
      issued in reinvestment of
      dividends...................     7,670,064       8,784,795
   Cost of shares reacquired......   (45,644,609)    (69,607,739)
                                    ------------    ------------
   Net decrease in net assets from
      Fund share transactions.....   (29,238,510)    (48,288,663)
                                    ------------    ------------
Total decrease....................   (34,875,394)    (29,413,538)
Net Assets
Beginning of year.................   225,300,481     254,714,019
                                    ------------    ------------
End of year.......................  $190,425,087    $225,300,481
                                    ------------    ------------
                                    ------------    ------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
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 accural 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.
Equalization: Effective January 1, 1996, the Fund discontinued the accounting
practice of equalization. Equalization is a practice whereby a portion of the
proceeds from sales and costs of repurchases of capital shares, equivalent on a
per share basis to the amount of distributable net investment income on the date
of the transaction, is credited or charged to undistributed net investment
income. The balance of $1,095,196 of undistributed net investment income at
December 31, 1995, resulting from equalization was transferred to paid-in
capital in excess of par. Such reclassification has no effect on net assets,
results of operations, or net asset value per share.
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.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     B-37

<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements              PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 2. Agreements
The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Mutual Fund Management, LLC
(``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 to PMF is computed daily and payable monthly, at an
annual rate of .50 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. As of
September 1, 1996 PMF has agreed to waive a portion, (.20 of 1% of the Fund's
average daily net assets) of its management fee, which amounted to $128,997
($0.01 per share; .20% of average net assets, annualized) until further notice.
The Fund is not required to reimburse PMF for such waiver.
The Fund has a distribution agreement with Prudential Securities Incorporated
(``PSI'') which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates 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 for Class A, B and C shares are accrued daily and
payable monthly.
Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensates PSI for its
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, 1996.
PSI has advised the Fund that it has received approximately $35,500 in front-end
sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares for the year ended December
31, 1996. From these fees, PSI paid such sales charges to dealers, which in turn
paid commissions to salespersons and incurred other distribution costs.
PSI advised the Fund that for the year ended December 31, 1996, it received
approximately $263,700 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon certain
redemptions by Class B and C shareholders.
PSI, PMF and PIC are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential
Insurance Company of America.
The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the
``Funds''), entered into a credit agreement (the ``Agreement'') on December 31,
1996 with an unaffiliated lender. The maximum commitment under the Agreement is
$200,000,000. The Agreement expires on December 30, 1997. Interest on any such
borrowings outstanding will be at market rates. The purpose of the Agreement is
to serve as an alternative source of funding for capital share redemptions. The
Fund has not borrowed any amounts pursuant to the Agreement as of December 31,
1996. The Funds pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of .055 of 1% on the
unused portion of the credit facility. The commitment fee is accrued and paid
quarterly on a pro-rata basis by the Funds.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 3. Other Transactions with Affiliates
Prudential Mutual Fund Services, LLC (``PMFS''), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PMF, serves as the Fund's transfer agent and during the year ended December 31,
1996, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $307,000 for the services of PMFS.
As of December 31, 1996, approximately $24,000 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, 1996 aggregated $129,782,538
and $134,951,356, 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, 1996 net unrealized appreciation of investments for federal income
tax purposes was $1,681,717 (gross unrealized appreciation--$2,664,184; gross
unrealized depreciation--$982,467).
The Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of December 31, 1996 of
approximately $21,942,300 of which $3,073,700 expires in 1997, $2,647,800
expires in 1998 and $16,220,800 expires in 2002. Such carryforward is after
utilization of approximately $1,853,500 of net taxable gains realized and
recognized during the year ended December 31, 1996. Accordingly, no capital
gains distribution is expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have
been realized in excess of such carryforward. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, approximately $1,272,500 of capital loss carryforward expired
unused.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    B-38

<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements              PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund will elect to treat net capital losses of approximately $1,667,500
incurred in the two month period ended December 31, 1996 as having been incurred
in the following fiscal year.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Note 5. Joint Repurchase Agreement Account
The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies, transfers
uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate
balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized
by U.S. Treasury or Federal agency obligations. As of December 31, 1996, the
Fund has a .01% undivided interest in the joint account. The undivided interest
for the Fund represents $123,000 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., 6.75%, in the principal amount of $341,000,000, repurchase
price $341,127,875, due 1/2/97. The value of the collateral including accrued
interest is $349,151,276.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. Inc., 6.60%, in the principal amount of $341,000,000,
repurchase price $341,125,033, due 1/2/97. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest is $347,820,889.
J.P. Morgan Securities, 6.60%, in the principal amount of $341,000,000,
repurchase price $341,125,033, due 1/2/97. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest is $347,822,540.
Sanwa Securities USA, 6.00%, in the principal amount of $68,014,000, repurchase
price $68,036,671, due 1/2/97. The value of the collateral including accrued
interest is $69,375,117.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
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, 1996:
Shares sold.........................     223,806   $   3,184,988
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......     287,916       4,090,240
Shares reacquired...................  (1,327,376)    (18,847,332)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
  before conversion.................    (815,654)    (11,572,104)
Shares issued upon conversion from
  Class B...........................     590,405       8,336,520
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.......................    (225,249)  $  (3,235,584)
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
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
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
Class B
- ------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Shares sold.........................     375,530   $   5,342,866
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......     251,545       3,565,389
Shares reacquired...................  (1,892,789)    (26,787,821)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
  before conversion.................  (1,265,714)    (17,879,566)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
  into Class A......................    (592,011)     (8,336,520)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.......................  (1,857,725)  $ (26,216,086)
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
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)
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    B-39

<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements              PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C                                 Shares        Amount
- ------------------------------------  ----------   -------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Shares sold.........................      14,791   $     208,181
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends and distributions.......       1,020          14,435
Shares reacquired...................        (665)         (9,456)
                                      ----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding.......................      15,146   $     213,160
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
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
                                      ----------   -------------
                                      ----------   -------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    B-40
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights                       PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Class A
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1996       1995(a)     1994(a)     1993(a)     1992(a)
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............   $ 14.61     $ 13.50     $14.75      $ 15.07     $15.30
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income.........................       .93(d)      .89        .90          .95       1.10
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................      (.39)       1.18      (1.19)        (.21)      (.15)
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
   Total from investment operations...........       .54        2.07       (.29)         .74        .95
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Less distributions
Dividends to shareholders from net investment
   income.....................................      (.90)       (.89)      (.90)        (.95)     (1.10)
Dividends to shareholders in excess of net
   investment income..........................        --        (.07)        --         (.11)      (.08)
   Tax return of capital distributions........        --          --       (.06)          --         --
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
   Total distributions........................      (.90)       (.96)      (.96)       (1.06)     (1.18)
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Net asset value, end of year..................   $ 14.25     $ 14.61     $13.50      $ 14.75     $15.07
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                                 -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
TOTAL RETURN(b):..............................      4.12%      15.53%     (2.01)%       4.97%      6.42%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Net assets, end of year (000).................   $93,555     $99,183     $8,762      $10,863     $9,045
Average net assets (000)......................   $93,766     $90,854     $9,874      $10,199     $6,651
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......      1.12%(d)    1.27%      1.13%        1.00%      1.00%
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......       .97%(d)    1.12%       .98%         .85%       .85%
   Net investment income......................      6.56%(d)    6.27%      6.42%        6.42%      7.26%
For Class A, B and C Shares:
Portfolio turnover rate(c)....................        65%        193%       560%         134%        33%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Based on average shares outstanding, by class.
(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.
(c) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without
    distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(d) Net of management fee waiver.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    B-41      See Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
Financial Highlights                       PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Class B                                Class C
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------     --------
                                                                   Year Ended December 31,                Year Ended December 31,
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------     --------
                                                   1996       1995(a)      1994(a)      1993(a)      1992(a)        1996
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............   $  14.57     $  13.47     $  14.71     $  15.04     $  15.27     $  14.57
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income.........................        .85(e)       .82          .82          .87         1.02          .85(e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................       (.39)        1.15        (1.19)        (.23)        (.16)        (.39)
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
   Total from investment operations...........        .46         1.97         (.37)         .64          .86          .46
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Less distributions
Dividends to shareholders from net investment
   income.....................................       (.81)        (.82)        (.82)        (.87)       (1.02)        (.81)
Dividends to shareholders in excess of net
   investment income..........................         --         (.05)          --         (.10)        (.07)          --
Tax return of capital distributions...........         --           --         (.05)          --           --           --
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
   Total distributions........................       (.81)        (.87)        (.87)        (.97)       (1.09)        (.81)
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net asset value, end of year..................   $  14.22     $  14.57     $  13.47     $  14.71     $  15.04     $  14.22
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
TOTAL RETURN(b):                                     3.53%       14.78%       (2.57)%       4.29%        5.80%        3.53%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Net assets, end of year (000).................    $96,016     $125,463     $245,437     $319,401     $325,969         $854
Average net assets (000)......................   $109,812     $146,290     $279,946     $332,731     $295,255         $746
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......       1.72%(e)     1.87%        1.73%        1.60%        1.60%        1.72%(e)
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......        .97%(e)     1.12%         .98%         .85%         .85%         .97%(e)
   Net investment income......................       5.95%(e)     5.82%        5.82%        5.82%        6.66%        5.95%(e)
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                  August 1,
                                                                   1994(c)
                                                                   through
                                                                 December 31,
                                                  1995(a)          1994(a)
<S>                                              <C>             <C>
                                                ------------     ------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............    $  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 to shareholders from net investment
   income.....................................        (.81)            (.30)
Dividends to shareholders in excess of net
   investment income..........................        (.06)              --
Tax return of capital distributions...........          --             (.05)
                                                    ------           ------
 
   Total distributions........................        (.87)            (.35)
                                                    ------           ------
 
Net asset value, end of year..................    $  14.57         $  13.47
                                                    ------           ------
                                                    ------           ------
 
TOTAL RETURN(b):                                     14.78%           (1.32)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Net assets, end of year (000).................        $655             $515
Average net assets (000)......................        $599             $460
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......        1.87%            1.82%(d)
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......        1.12%            1.08%(d)
   Net investment income......................        5.72%            5.32%(d)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Based on average shares outstanding, by class.
(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.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Net of management fee waiver.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.    B-42

<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, 1996, 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 five years in the
period then ended, 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, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable
basis for the opinion expressed above.

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
February 27, 1997


                                    B-43
<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 the  best bonds 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 the 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>
                       '87      '88      '89      '90      '91      '92      '93      '94      '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)%      %
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT
MORTGAGE
SECURITIES(2)            4.3%     8.7%    15.4%    10.7%    15.7%     7.0%     6.8%    (1.6)%      %
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. INVESTMENT
GRADE
CORPORATE
BONDS(3)                 2.6%     9.2%    14.1%     7.1%    18.5%     8.7%    12.2%    (3.9)%      %
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.
HIGH YIELD
CORPORATE
BONDS(4)                 5.0%    12.5%     0.8%    (9.6)%   46.2%    15.8%    17.1%    (1.0)%      %
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
GOVERNMENT
BONDS(5)                35.2%     2.3%    (3.4)%   15.3%    16.2%     4.8%    15.1%     6.0%       %
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
HIGHEST
AND LOWEST RETURN
PERCENT                 33.2     10.2     18.8     24.9     30.9     11.0     10.3      9.9
</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
<PAGE>
                                     PART C
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
 
    (A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
        (1)  Financial Statements included in the Prospectus constituting Part A
    of this Registration Statement:
 
            Financial Highlights.
 
        (2)  Financial  Statements  included  in  the  Statement  of  Additional
    Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement:
 
   
           Portfolio of Investments at December 31, 1996.
    
 
   
           Statement of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 1996.
    
 
   
           Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996.
    
 
   
           Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31,
           1996 and 1995.
    
 
           Notes to Financial Statements.
 
           Financial Highlights.
 
           Report of Independent Accountants.
 
    (B) EXHIBITS:
 
        1.  (a)  Articles of Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1
            to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement  on
            Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1995 (File No. 2-76061).
 
   
            (b) Articles of Amendment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b)
            to  Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement on
            Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5, 1996 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
            (c) Articles Supplementary.*
    
 
        2.  By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(c) to Post-Effective
            Amendment No. 18 to  the Registration Statement  on Form N-1A  filed
            via EDGAR on May 9, 1994 (File No. 2-76061).
 
   
        4.  (a) Form of Specimen stock certificate.*
    
 
   
            (b)  Instruments  Defining Rights  of Shareholders,  incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to  the
            Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 1, 1994
            (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
        5.  (a)  Management  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and Prudential
            Mutual Fund Management, Inc.*
    
 
   
            (b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
            Inc. and The Prudential Investment Corporation.*
    
 
   
        6.  (a) Form of Selected Dealers Agreement.*
    
 
   
            (b) Restated Distribution Agreement.*
    
 
   
        8.  Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and
            Trust Company.*
    
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
   
        9.  Transfer Agency  and Service  Agreement between  the Registrant  and
            Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.*
    
 
   
        10. Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell.*
    
 
   
        11. Consent of Independent Accountants.*
    
 
        15. (a)  Distribution and Service Plan  for Class A shares, incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20  to
            the  Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 2,
            1995 (File No. 2-76061).
 
            (b) Distribution and Service Plan  for Class B shares,  incorporated
            by  reference to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to
            the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March  2,
            1995 (File No. 2-76061).
 
            (c)  Distribution and Service Plan  for Class C shares, incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20  to
            the  Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 2,
            1995 (File No. 2-76061).
 
   
        16. (a) Schedule of Computation of Performance Quotations.*
    
 
   
            (b) Schedule of Calculation of Aggregate Total Return.*
    
 
   
        18. Rule 18f-3 Plan.*
    
 
        27. Financial Data Schedules.*
 
- --------------
 *Filed herewith.
 
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
 
  None.
 
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
 
   
  As of February  7, 1997, there  were 10,638,  8,464 and 85  record holders  of
Class  A, Class B and Class C shares  of common stock, $.01 par value per share,
issued by the Registrant, respectively.
    
 
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
 
   
  As permitted by Sections 17(h) and (i)  of the Investment Company Act of  1940
(the  1940 Act) and pursuant  to Article VI of the  Fund's By-Laws (Exhibit 2 to
the Registration Statement),  officers, directors, employees  and agents of  the
Registrant  will  not be  liable to  the  Registrant, any  stockholder, officer,
director, employee, agent  or other  person for any  action or  failure to  act,
except  for  bad  faith,  willful  misfeasance,  gross  negligence  or  reckless
disregard  of  duties,  and  those   individuals  may  be  indemnified   against
liabilities  in connection with the Registrant,  subject to the same exceptions.
Section 2-418 of  Maryland General  Corporation Law  permits indemnification  of
directors  who acted in good faith and  reasonably believed that the conduct was
in the best interests of  the Registrant. As permitted  by Section 17(i) of  the
1940  Act, pursuant to Section 10 of the Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 6(b) to
the  Registration  Statement),  the  Distributor   of  the  Registrant  may   be
indemnified  against liabilities which it  may incur, except liabilities arising
from bad faith, gross negligence,  willful misfeasance or reckless disregard  of
duties.
    
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933  (Securities Act) may  be permitted to  Directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in  the opinion of the Securities and  Exchange
Commission  such indemnification  is against public  policy as  expressed in the
1940 Act  and  is, therefore,  unenforceable.  In the  event  that a  claim  for
indemnification against such liabilities
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
(other  than the  payment by the  Registrant of  expenses incurred or  paid by a
Director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in connection with the
successful defense of any  action, suit or proceeding)  is asserted against  the
Registrant  by such Director,  officer or controlling  person in connection with
the shares being registered, the Registrant  will, unless in the opinion of  its
counsel  the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question  whether such indemnification by it  is
against  public policy as expressed in the 1940  Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
  The Registrant has  purchased an  insurance policy insuring  its officers  and
Directors  against liabilities,  and certain  costs of  defending claims against
such officers and Directors, to the  extent such officers and Directors are  not
found  to have  committed conduct  constituting willful  misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard in  the performance of their duties.  The
insurance policy also insures the Registrant against the cost of indemnification
payments to officers and Directors under certain circumstances.
 
   
  Section  9  of  the Management  Agreement  (Exhibit 5(a)  to  the Registration
Statement) and  Section 4  of the  Subadvisory Agreement  (Exhibit 5(b)  to  the
Registration Statement) limit the liability of Prudential Mutual Fund Management
LCC  (PMF)  and The  Prudential Investment  Corporation (PIC),  respectively, to
liabilities arising from willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence  in
the performance of their respective obligations and duties under the agreements.
    
 
   
  The  Registrant  hereby  undertakes  that it  will  apply  the indemnification
provisions of its By-Laws and the Distribution Agreement in a manner  consistent
with  Release No. 11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940
Act so long  as the  interpretations of  Sections 17(h)  and 17(i)  of such  Act
remain in effect and are consistently applied.
    
 
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
 
   
  (a) Prudential Mutual Fund Management LLC
    
 
  See  "How the Fund is Managed--Manager"  in the Prospectus constituting Part A
of this  Registration Statement  and "Manager"  in the  Statement of  Additional
Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
 
  The  business  and other  connections of  the  officers of  PMF are  listed in
Schedules A and D of  Form ADV of PMF as  currently on file with the  Securities
and  Exchange Commission, the text of  which is hereby incorporated by reference
(File No. 801-31104, filed on March 30, 1995).
 
   
  The business and other connections of PMF's directors and principal  executive
officers are set forth below. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each
person is Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS               POSITION WITH PMF                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Brian M. Storms                President and Chief      President and Chief Executive Officer, PMF
                                Executive Officer
 
Robert F. Gunia                Executive Vice           Comptroller, Prudential Investments; Executive Vice
                                President and            President and Treasurer, PMF; Senior Vice President of
                                Treasurer                Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential
                                                         Securities)
 
Thomas A. Early                Executive Vice           Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel,
                                President, Secretary     PMF; Vice President and General Counsel, Prudential
                                and General Counsel      Retirement Services
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS               POSITION WITH PMF                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Susan C. Cote                  Executive Vice           Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, PMF;
                                President, Chief         Managing Director, Prudential Investments and Vice
                                Financial Officer        President, PIC
 
Neil A. McGuinness             Executive Vice           Executive Vice President, PMF
                                President
 
Robert J. Sullivan             Executive Vice           Executive Vice President, PMF
                                President
</TABLE>
    
 
  (b) The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC)
 
  See  "How the Fund is Managed--Manager"  in the Prospectus constituting Part A
of this  Registration Statement  and "Manager"  in the  Statement of  Additional
Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
 
  The  business and other connections of  PIC's directors and executive officers
are as  set forth  below. Except  as otherwise  indicated, the  address of  each
person is Prudential Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS               POSITION WITH PIC                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
E. Michael Caulfield           Chairman of the Board,   Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Investments of
                                President, Chief         Prudential; Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
                                Executive Officer and    Executive Officer and Director, PIC
                                Director
 
Jonathan M. Greene             Senior Vice President    President--Investment Management, Prudential Investments
                                and Director             of Prudential; Senior Vice President and Director, PIC
 
John R. Strangfeld             Vice President and       President of Private Asset Management Group of
                                Director                 Prudential; Vice President and Director, PIC
</TABLE>
    
 
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
 
  (a) Prudential Securities Incorporated
 
   
  Prudential Securities Incorporated is distributor for Command Government Fund,
Command  Money Fund,  Command Tax-Free Fund,  Prudential Institutional Liquidity
Portfolio, Inc.,  Prudential MoneyMart  Assets, Inc.,  Prudential Special  Money
Market  Fund, Inc., Prudential Tax-Free  Money Fund, Inc., Prudential Government
Securities Trust, Prudential  Jennison Series Fund,  Inc., The Target  Portfolio
Trust,   Prudential  Allocation  Fund,  Prudential  California  Municipal  Fund,
Prudential Distressed Securities Fund,  Inc., Prudential Diversified Bond  Fund,
Inc.,  Prudential Dryden Fund, Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential
Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential Europe Growth Fund,
Inc., Prudential Global Genesis Fund,  Inc., Prudential Global Limited  Maturity
Fund, Inc., Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc., Prudential High Yield Fund,
Inc.,  Prudential  Intermediate Global  Income  Fund, Inc.,  Prudential Mortgage
Income Fund, Inc., Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc., Prudential Municipal Bond
Fund, Prudential  Municipal Series  Fund, Prudential  National Municipals  Fund,
Inc.,  Prudential Pacific  Growth Fund,  Inc., Prudential  Small Companies Fund,
Inc., Prudential  Structured Maturity  Fund,  Inc., Prudential  U.S.  Government
Fund,  Prudential Natural Resources  Fund, Inc., Prudential  Utility Fund, Inc.,
Prudential World Fund, Inc., Global Utility Fund, Inc.,
    
 
                                      C-4
<PAGE>
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.  (Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity  Fund, and  The
BlackRock Government Income Trust, The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc. and The
Global Total Return Fund, Inc. Prudential Securities is also a depositor for the
following unit investment trusts:
 
                       Corporate Investment Trust Fund
                       Prudential Equity Trust Shares
                       National Equity Trust
                       Prudential Unit Trusts
                       Government Securities Equity Trust
                       National Municipal Trust
 
  (b)     Information  concerning  the  officers  and  directors  of  Prudential
Securities Incorporated is set forth below.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  POSITIONS AND                                             POSITIONS AND
                                  OFFICES WITH                                              OFFICES WITH
NAME(1)                           UNDERWRITER                                               REGISTRANT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
<S>                               <C>                                                       <C>
Robert C. Golden ................. Executive Vice President and Director                             None
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
Alan D. Hogan..................... Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer            None
                                   and Director
George A. Murray.................. Executive Vice President and Director                             None
Leland B. Paton .................. Executive Vice President and Director                             None
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
Martin Pfinsgraff................. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and             None
                                   Director
Vincent T. Pica, II .............. Executive Vice President and Director                             None
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
Hardwick Simmons.................. Chief Executive Officer, President and Director                   None
Lee B. Spencer, Jr................ General Counsel, Executive Vice President and Director            None
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1)  The address of each person named is One Seaport Plaza, New York, NY 10292
     unless otherwise indicated.
</TABLE>
 
  (c) Registrant has no principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of
the Registrant.
 
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
 
   
  All accounts, books and other documents  required to be maintained by  Section
31(a)  of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of
State  Street  Bank  and  Trust  Company,  One  Heritage  Drive,  North  Quincy,
Massachusetts  02171, The  Prudential Investment  Corporation, Prudential Plaza,
751 Broad  Street, Newark,  New  Jersey 07102,  the Registrant,  Gateway  Center
Three,  Newark,  New  Jersey 07102,  and  Prudential Mutual  Fund  Services LCC,
Raritan Plaza  One,  Edison,  New  Jersey 08837.  Documents  required  by  Rules
31a-1(b)(5),  (6), (7),  (9), (10)  and (11)  and 31a-1(f)  will be  kept at Two
Gateway  Center,  Newark,  New  Jersey   07102,  documents  required  by   Rules
31a-1(b)(4)  and  (11)  and 31a-1(d)  at  One  Seaport Plaza  and  the remaining
accounts, books and other documents required by such other pertinent  provisions
of  Section 31(a)  and the  Rules promulgated thereunder  will be  kept by State
Street Bank and Trust Company and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LCC.
    
 
                                      C-5
<PAGE>
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
 
  Other than as set forth under the captions "How the Fund is  Managed--Manager"
and  "How the  Fund is  Managed-- Distributor" in  the Prospectus  and under the
captions "Manager" and "Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information,
constituting Part A and  Part B, respectively,  of this Registration  Statement,
Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
 
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  The  Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish  each person to whom a Prospectus
is  delivered  with  a  copy  of  the  Registrant's  latest  annual  report   to
shareholders, upon request and without charge.
 
                                      C-6
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
  Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act  of  1940,  the  Registrant  has  duly  caused  this  Post-Effective
Amendment  to  the Registration  Statement to  be  signed on  its behalf  by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the  City of Newark, and State of  New
Jersey, on the 28th day of February, 1997.
    
 
                               PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
                               /s/ Richard A. Redeker
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (RICHARD A. REDEKER, PRESIDENT)
 
  Pursuant   to  the   requirements  of  the   Securities  Act   of  1933,  this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below  by
the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE                            TITLE                           DATE
- -----------------------------------  ------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                  <C>                       <C>
/s/ Richard A. Redeker               President and Director    February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
RICHARD A. REDEKER
 
/s/ Edward D. Beach                  Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
EDWARD D. BEACH
 
/s/ Eugene C. Dorsey                 Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
EUGENE C. DORSEY
 
/s/ Delayne D. Gold                  Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
DELAYNE D. GOLD
 
/s/ Robert F. Gunia                  Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
ROBERT F. GUNIA
 
/s/ Harry A. Jacobs, Jr.             Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
HARRY A. JACOBS, JR.
 
/s/ Donald D. Lennox                 Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
DONALD D. LENNOX
 
/s/ Mendel A. Melzer                 Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
MENDEL A. MELZER
 
/s/ Thomas T. Mooney                 Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
THOMAS T. MOONEY
 
/s/ Thomas H. O'Brien                Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
THOMAS H. O'BRIEN
 
/s/ Nancy Hays Teeters               Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
NANCY HAYS TEETERS
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE                            TITLE                           DATE
- -----------------------------------  ------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                  <C>                       <C>
/s/ Louis A. Weil, III               Director                  February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------
LOUIS A. WEIL, III
 
/s/ Grace Torres                     Principal Financial and   February 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------      Accounting Officer
GRACE TORRES
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
        1.  (a)  Articles of Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1
            to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration Statement  on
            Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1995 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
            (b) Articles of Amendment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b)
            to  Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement on
            Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 5, 1996 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
            (c) Articles Supplementary.*
    
 
   
        2.  By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(c) to Post-Effective
            Amendment No. 18 to  the Registration Statement  on Form N-1A  filed
            via EDGAR on May 9, 1994 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
        4.  (a) Form of Specimen stock certificate.*
    
 
   
            (b)  Instruments  Defining Rights  of Shareholders,  incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to  the
            Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 1, 1994
            (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
        5.  (a)  Management  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and Prudential
            Mutual Fund Management, Inc.*
    
 
   
            (b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
            Inc. and The Prudential Investment Corporation.*
    
 
   
        6.  (a) Form of Selected Dealers Agreement.*
    
 
   
            (b) Restated Distribution Agreement.*
    
 
   
        8.  Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and
            Trust Company.*
    
 
   
        9.  Transfer Agency  and Service  Agreement between  the Registrant  and
            Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.*
    
 
   
        10. Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell.*
    
 
   
        11. Consent of Independent Accountants.*
    
 
   
        15. (a)  Distribution and Service Plan  for Class A shares, incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20  to
            the  Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 2,
            1995 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
            (b) Distribution and Service Plan  for Class B shares,  incorporated
            by  reference to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to
            the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March  2,
            1995 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
            (c)  Distribution and Service Plan  for Class C shares, incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20  to
            the  Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 2,
            1995 (File No. 2-76061).
    
 
   
        16. (a) Schedule of Computation of Performance Quotations.*
    
 
   
            (b) Schedule of Calculation of Aggregate Total Return.*
    
 
   
        18. Rule 18f-3 Plan.*
    
 
   
        27. Financial Data Schedules.*
    
 
   
- --------------
 *Filed herewith.
    

<PAGE>

                                                               EXHIBIT 99.1(c)


                            FORM OF ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
                                          OF
                        PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

                                    * * * * * * *
                             Pursuant to Section 2-208.1
                       of the Maryland General Corporation Law
                                    * * * * * * *

    Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation having its
principal offices in Baltimore, Maryland and Newark, New Jersey (the
"Corporation"), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland, that:

    FIRST:    The Corporation is registered as an open-end company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.

    SECOND:   The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
Corporation has authority to issue is 500 million shares of common stock, par
value of $.01 each, having an aggregate par value of $5,000,000.  

    THIRD:    Heretofore, the number of authorized shares of which the
Corporation has authority to issue was divided into three classes of shares,
consisting of 166,666,666 shares of Class A Common Stock, 166,666,666 shares of
Class B Common Stock and 166,666,668 shares of Class C Common Stock.  
    
    FOURTH:   In accordance with Section 2-105(c) of the Maryland General
Corporation Law and pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation at a meeting held on May 9, 1996, the number of
authorized shares of which the Corporation has authority to issue is hereby
divided into four classes of shares, consisting of 125,000,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock, 125,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, 125,000,000 shares of
Class C Common Stock and 125,000,000 shares of Class Z Common Stock. 

    FIFTH:    The Class Z shares shall represent the same interest in the
Corporation and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights as
the Class A, Class B and Class C shares except that (i) Expenses related to the
distribution of each class of shares shall be borne solely by such class; (ii)
The bearing of such expenses solely by shares of each class shall be
appropriately reflected (in the manner determined by the Board of Directors) in
the net asset value, dividends, distribution and liquidation rights of the
shares of such class; (iii) The Class A Common Stock shall be subject to a
front-end sales load and a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee as determined by the
Board of Directors from time to time; (iv) The Class B Common Stock shall be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee
as determined by the 

<PAGE>

Board of Directors from time to time; (v) The Class C Common Stock shall be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee
as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time and (vi) The Class Z
Common Stock shall not be subject to a front-end sales load, a contingent
deferred sales charge nor a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee.  All shares of each
particular class shall represent an equal proportionate interest in that class,
and each share of any particular class shall be equal to each other share of
that class.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC., has caused these
presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its Vice President and
attested by its Assistant Secretary on _______________, 1997.


                             PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.



                             By                        
                                  ---------------------
                                  Robert F. Gunia
                                  Vice President


Attest:                     
         -------------------
         S. Jane Rose
         Secretary


    THE UNDERSIGNED, Vice President of Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.,
who executed on behalf of the Corporation the foregoing Articles Supplementary
of which this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges in the name and on
behalf of said Corporation the foregoing Articles Supplementary to be the
corporate act of said Corporation and hereby certifies that to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief the matters and facts set forth therein with
respect to the authorization and approval thereof are true in all material
respects under the penalties of perjury.


                                                             
                                       ----------------------
                                       Robert F. Gunia
                                       Vice President




<PAGE>

                                                           EXHIBIT 99.4(a)
                                                 Form of Stock Certificate


This is to certify that _______________ is the owner of ___________ 
fully-paid and non-assessable shares of the par value of $.01 each of the 
common stock of Prudential-Bache GNMA Fund, Inc., hereafter called the 
"Corporation", transferable on the books of the Corporation by the owner in 
person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate 
properly endorsed.

This Certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be 
held subject to the Charter and By-Laws of the Corporation and all amendments 
thereof, copies of which are at the Office of the Corporation, to all of 
which the holder, by acceptance hereof accepts.

This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed 
in its name by its proper officers and to be sealed with the Corporate Seal.



<PAGE>

                                                              EXHIBIT EX-99.5(a)


                           PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC.

                                 MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

    Agreement made this 2nd day of May, 1988 between Prudential-Bache GNMA
Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Fund"), and Prudential Mutual Fund
Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Manager"). 

                                 W I T N E S S E T H

    WHEREAS, the Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"); and 

    WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Manager to render or contract to
obtain as hereinafter provided investment advisory services to the Fund and the
Fund also desires to avail itself of the facilities available to the Manager
with respect to the administration of its day to day corporate affairs, and the
Manager is willing to render such investment advisory and administrative
services;

    NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

    1.  The Fund hereby appoints the Manager to act as manager of the Fund and
administrator of its corporate affairs for the period and on the terms set forth
in this Agreement.  The Manager accepts such appointment and agrees to render
the services herein described, for the compensation herein provided.  The
Manager is authorized to enter into an agreement with The Prudential Investment
Corporation ("PIC") pursuant to which PIC shall furnish to the Fund the
investment advisory services specified therein in connection with the management
of the Fund.  Such agreement in the 

<PAGE>

form attached as exhibit A is hereinafter referred to as the "Subadvisory
Agreement".  The Manager will continue to have responsibility for all investment
advisory services furnished pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement.

    2.  Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund, the
Manager shall administer the Fund's corporate affairs and, in connection
therewith, shall furnish the Fund with office facilities and with clerical,
bookkeeping and recordkeeping services at such office facilities and, subject to
Section 1 hereof and the Subadvisory Agreement, the Manager shall manage the
investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's portfolio,
including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with
the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in the
Prospectus (hereinafter defined) and subject to the following understandings:

         (a)  The Manager shall provide supervision of the Fund's investments
    and determine from time to time what investments or securities will be
    purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Fund, and what portion of the
    assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

         (b)  The Manager, in the performance of its duties and obligations
    under this Agreement, shall act in conformity with the Articles of
    Incorporation, By-Laws and Prospectus (hereinafter defined) of the Fund and
    with the instructions and directions of the Board of Directors of the Fund
    and will conform to and comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and
    all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

<PAGE>

         (c)  The Manager shall determine the securities and futures contracts
    to be purchased or sold by the Fund and will place orders pursuant to its
    determinations with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures
    commission merchants (including but not limited to Prudential Securities
    Incorporated) in conformity with the policy with respect to brokerage as
    set forth in the Fund's Registration Statement and Prospectus (hereinafter
    defined) or as the Board of Directors may direct from time to time.  In
    providing the Fund with investment supervision, it is recognized that the
    Manager will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable
    price and efficient execution.  Consistent with this policy, the Manager
    may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment
    information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures
    commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction
    or other transactions to which other clients of the Manager may be a party. 
    It is understood that Prudential Securities Incorporated may be used as
    principal broker for securities transactions but that no formula has been
    adopted for allocation of the Fund's investment transaction business.  It
    is also understood that it is desirable for the Fund that the Manager have
    access to supplemental investment and market research and security and
    economic analysis provided by brokers or futures commission merchants and
    that such brokers may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to
    the Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers or
    futures commission 

<PAGE>

    merchants on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and
    efficient execution. Therefore, the Manager is authorized to pay
    higher brokerage commissions for the purchase and sale of securities
    and futures contracts for the Fund to brokers or futures commission
    merchants who provide such research and analysis, subject to review by
    the Fund's Board of Directors from time to time with respect to the
    extent and continuation of this practice.  It is understood that the
    services provided by such broker or futures commission merchant may be
    useful to the Manager in connection with its services to other
    clients. 

         On occasions when the Manager deems the purchase or sale of a security
    or a futures contract to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as
    other clients of the Manager or the Subadviser, the Manager, to the extent
    permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no
    obligation to, aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be so sold
    or purchased in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage
    commissions and efficient execution.  In such event, allocation of the
    securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the
    expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Manager in the
    manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its
    fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients.

         (d)  The Manager shall maintain all books and records with respect to
    the Fund's portfolio transactions and shall render to the Fund's Board of
    Directors such periodic and special reports as the Board may reasonably
    request. 

<PAGE>

         (e)  The Manager shall be responsible for the financial and accounting
    records to be maintained by the Fund (including those being maintained by
    the Fund's Custodian).

         (f)  The Manager shall provide the Fund's Custodian on each business
    day with information relating to all transactions concerning the Fund's
    assets.

         (g)  The investment management services of the Manager to the Fund
    under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Manager shall
    be free to render similar services to others.

         3.  The Fund has delivered to the Manager copies of each of the
following documents and will deliver to it all future amendments and
supplements, if any:

         (a)  Articles of Incorporation of the Fund, as filed with the
    Secretary of State of Maryland (such Articles of Incorporation, as in
    effect on the date hereof and as amended from time to time, are herein
    called the "Articles of Incorporation");

         (b)  By-Laws of the Fund (such By-Laws, as in effect on the date
    hereof and as amended from time to time, are herein called the "By-Laws");
         (c)  Certified resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund
    authorizing the appointment of the Manager and approving the form of this
    agreement;

         (d)  Registration Statement under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act
    of 1933, as amended, on Form N-1A (the  Registration Statement), as filed
    with the Securities and 

<PAGE>

    Exchange Commission (the Commission) relating to the Fund and shares
    of the Fund's Common Stock and all amendments thereto;

         (e)  Notification of Registration of the Fund under the 1940 Act on
    Form N-8A as filed with the Commission and all amendments thereto; and

         (f)  Prospectus of the Fund (such Prospectus and Statement of
    Additional Information, as currently in effect and as amended or
    supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus").

         4.  The Manager shall authorize and permit any of its directors,
officers and employees who may be elected as directors or officers of the Fund
to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. All services to be
furnished by the Manager under this Agreement may be furnished through the
medium of any such directors, officers or employees of the Manager.

         5. The Manager shall keep the Fund's books and records required to be
maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 2 hereof.  The Manager agrees that all
records which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and it will
surrender promptly to the Fund any such records upon the Fund's request,
provided however that the Manager may retain a copy of such records.  The
Manager further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2
under the 1940 Act any such records as are required to be maintained by the
Manager pursuant to Paragraph 2 hereof.

         6.  During the term of this Agreement, the Manager shall pay the
following expenses:

         (i) the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Fund 

<PAGE>

    and the Manager except the fees and expenses of directors who are not
    affiliated persons of the Manager or the Fund's investment adviser,

         (ii) all expenses incurred by the Manager or by the Fund in connection
    with managing the ordinary course of the Fund's business other than those
    assumed by the Fund herein, and

         (iii) the costs and expenses payable to PIC pursuant to the
    Subadvisory Agreement.
    The Fund assumes and will pay the expenses described below:

         (a)  the fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with the
    management of the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets,


         (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 expenses of the Custodian that relate to (i) the
    custodial function and the recordkeeping connected therewith, (ii)
    preparing and maintaining the general accounting records of the Fund and
    the providing of any such records to the Manager useful to the Manager in
    connection with the Manager's responsibility for the accounting records of
    the Fund pursuant to Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated
    thereunder, (iii) the pricing of the shares of the Fund, including the cost
    of any pricing service or services which may be retained pursuant to the
    authorization of the Board of Directors of the Fund, and (iv) for both mail
    and wire orders, the cashiering function in connection with the issuance 

<PAGE>

    and redemption of the Fund's securities,

         (d)  the fees and expenses of the Fund's Transfer and Dividend
    Disbursing Agent, which may be the Custodian, that relate to the
    maintenance of each shareholder account,

         (e)  the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent
    accountants for the Fund,

         (f)  brokers' commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable
    to the Fund in connection with its securities and futures transactions,

         (g)  all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to federal,
    state or other governmental agencies,

         (h)  the fees of any trade associations of which the Fund may be a
    member,

         (i)  the cost of stock certificates representing, and/or
    non-negotiable share deposit receipts evidencing, shares of the Fund,

         (j)  the cost of fidelity, directors and officers and errors and
    omissions insurance,

         (k)  the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
    registration of the Fund and of its shares with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission, registering the Fund as a broker or dealer and qualifying its
    shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing
    of the Fund's registration statements, prospectuses and statements of
    additional information for filing under federal and state securities laws
    for such purposes,

         (l)  allocable communications expenses with respect to 

<PAGE>

    investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and directors'
    meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing reports to
    shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the
    shareholders,

         (m)  litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary
    expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business, and

         (n)  any expenses assumed by the Fund pursuant to a Plan of
    Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. 

         7.  In the event the expenses of the Fund for any fiscal year
(including the fees payable to the Manager but excluding interest, taxes,
brokerage commissions, distribution fees and litigation and indemnification
expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of
the Fund's business) exceed the lowest applicable annual expense limitation
established and enforced pursuant to the statute or regulations of any
jurisdictions in which shares of the Fund are then qualified for offer and sale,
the compensation due the Manager will be reduced by the amount of such excess,
or, if such reduction exceeds the compensation payable to the Manager, the
Manager will pay to the Fund the amount of such reduction which exceeds the
amount of such compensation.

         8.  For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to
this Agreement, the Fund will pay to the Manager as full compensation therefor a
fee at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to
$50 million and .30 of 1% 

<PAGE>

of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $50 million.  This fee will
be computed daily and will be paid to the Manager monthly.  Any reduction in the
fee payable and any payment by the Manager to the Fund pursuant to paragraph 7
shall be made monthly.  Any such reductions or payments are subject to
readjustment during the year.

         9. The Manager shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for
any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which this
Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with
respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of
damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section
36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from
reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

         10.  This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than
two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act;
provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Fund at any
time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Fund
or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Manager at any time, without the payment of any
penalty, on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the
other party.  This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the 

<PAGE>

event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

         11.  Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of
any director, officer or employee of the Manager who may also be a director,
officer or employee of the Fund to engage in any other business or to devote his
or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any
business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the
right of the Manager to engage in any other business or to render services of
any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

         12.  Except as otherwise provided herein or authorized by the Board of
Directors of the Fund from time to time, the Manager shall for all purposes
herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall have no authority to
act for or represent the Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the
Fund.

         13.  During the term of this Agreement, the Fund agrees to furnish the
Manager at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to
shareholders, sales literature, or other material prepared for distribution to
shareholders of the Fund or the public, which refer in any way to the Manager,
prior to use thereof and not to use such material if the Manager reasonably
objects in writing within five business days (or such other time as may be
mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. In the event of termination of this
Agreement, the Fund will continue to furnish to the Manager copies of any of the
above mentioned materials which refer in any way to the Manager.  Sales
literature may be furnished to the Manager hereunder by first-class or overnight
mail, 

<PAGE>

facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.  The Fund shall furnish or
otherwise make available to the Manager such other information relating to the
business affairs of the Fund as the Manager at any time, or from time to time,
reasonably requests in order to discharge its obligations hereunder.

         14.  This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent
of the Fund must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940
Act.

         15.  Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant
to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by
registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Manager at One Seaport Plaza, New
York, N.Y. 10292, Attention:  Secretary; or (2) to the Fund at One Seaport
Plaza, New York, N.Y.  10292, Attention: President.

         16.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

         17.  The Fund may use the name "Prudential-Bache GNMA Fund, Inc." or
any name including the word "Prudential" or "Bache" only for so long as this
Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment hereof remains in effect,
including any similar agreement with any organization which shall have succeeded
to the Manager's business as Manager or any extension, renewal or amendment
thereof remain in effect.  At such time as such an agreement shall no longer be
in effect, the Fund will (to the extent that it lawfully can) cease to use such
a name or any other name indicating that it is advised by, managed by or
otherwise connected with the Manager, or any organization which shall have so
succeeded to such 

<PAGE>

businesses.  In no event shall the Fund use the name "Prudential-Bache GNMA
Fund, Inc." or any name including the word "Prudential" or "Bache" if the
Manager's function is transferred or assigned to a company of which The
Prudential Insurance Company of America does not have control.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first
above written.

                                       PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC.


                                       By /s/ Robert F. Gunia     
                                         -------------------------
                                         Vice President


                                       PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.


                                       By /s/ Michael Downey
                                         -------------------
                                         President
      



<PAGE>

                       PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC.
                             SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

      Agreement made as of this 2nd day of May, 1988 between Prudential Mutual
Fund Management Inc., a Delaware Corporation ("PMF" or the "Manager"), and The
Prudential Investment Corporation, a New Jersey Corporation (the "Subadviser").

      WHEREAS, the Manager has entered into a Management Agreement, dated May 2,
1988 (the "Management Agreement"), with Prudential-Bache GNMA Fund, Inc. (the
"Fund"), a Maryland corporation and a diversified open-end management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"),
pursuant to which PMF will act as Manager of the Fund.

      WHEREAS, PMF desires to retain the Subadviser to provide investment
advisory services to the Fund in connection with the management of the Fund and
the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services.

      NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

      1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Manager and of the Board of
      Directors of the Fund, the Subadviser shall manage the investment
      operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's portfolio,
      including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance
      with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated
      in the Prospectus, (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional
      Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from
      time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the
      following understandings:

             (i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of the Fund's
         investments and determine from time to time what investments and
         securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Fund, and
         what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

             (ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this
         Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the Articles of
         Incorporation, By-Laws and Prospectus of the Fund and with the
         instructions and directions of the Manager and of the Board of
         Directors of the Fund and will conform to and comply with the
         requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
         all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

             (iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities and futures
         contracts to be purchased or sold by the Fund and will place orders
         with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or

<PAGE>

      futures commission merchants (including but not limited to
      Prudential-Bache Securities Inc.) to carry out the policy with respect to
      brokerage as set forth in the Fund's Registration Statement and Prospectus
      or as the Board of Directors may direct from time to time. In providing
      the Fund with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser
      will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and
      efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser
      may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment
      information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures
      commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction
      or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a
      party. It is understood that Prudential-Bache Securities Inc. may be used
      as principal broker for securities transactions but that no formula has
      been adopted for allocation of the Fund's investment transaction business.
      It is also understood that it is desirable for the Fund that the
      Subadviser have access to supplemental investment and market research and
      security and economic analysis provided by brokers or futures commission
      merchants who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to the
      Fund than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers on the
      basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient execution.
      Therefore, the Subadviser is authorized to place orders for the purchase
      and sale of securities and futures contracts for the Fund with such
      brokers or futures commission merchants, subject to review by the Fund's
      Board of Directors from time to time with respect to the extent and
      continuation of this practice. It is understood that the services provided
      by such brokers or futures commission merchants may be useful to the
      Subadviser in connection with the Subadviser's services to other clients.

            On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a
      security or futures contract to be in the best interest of the Fund as
      well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent
      permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no
      obligation to, aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be sold or
      purchased in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage
      commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the
      securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the
      expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in
      the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and
      consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other
      clients.

          (iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with
      respect to the Fund's portfolio transactions required by subparagraphs
      (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and 


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act and shall render to the
      Fund's Board of Directors such periodic and special reports as the Board
      may reasonably request.

            (v) The Subadviser shall provide the Fund's Custodian on each
      business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the
      Fund's assets and shall provide the Manager with such information upon
      request of the Manager.

            (vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser
      hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free
      to render similar services to others.

      (b) The Subadviser shall authorize and permit any of its directors,
      officers and employees who may be elected as directors or officers of the
      Fund to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be
      furnished by the Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through
      the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees.

      (c) The Subadviser shall keep the Fund's books and records required to be
      maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall
      timely furnish to the Manager all information relating to the Subadviser's
      services hereunder needed by the Manager to keep the other books and
      records of the Fund required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act. The
      Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Fund are the
      property of the Fund and the Subadviser will surrender promptly to the
      Fund any of such records upon the Fund's request, provided however that
      the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further
      agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the
      Commission under the 1940 Act any such records as are required to be
      maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

      2. The Manager shall continue to have responsibility for all services to
      be provided to the Fund pursuant to the Management Agreement and shall
      oversee and review the Subadviser's performance of its duties under this
      Agreement.

      3. The Manager shall reimburse the Subadviser for reasonable costs and
      expenses incurred by the Subadviser determined in a manner acceptable to
      the Manager in furnishing the services described in paragraph 1 hereof.

      4. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any
      loss suffered by the Fund or the Manager in connection with the matters to
      which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful
      misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the
      performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its
      obligations and duties under this Agreement.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

      5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two
      years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is
      specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the
      requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may
      be terminated by the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty,
      by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the
      outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or
      by the Manager or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any
      penalty, on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice
      to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the
      event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the
      termination of the Management Agreement.

      6. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of
      the Subadviser's directors, officers, or employees who may also be a
      director, officer or employee of the Fund to engage in any other business
      or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or
      other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar
      nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any
      other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation,
      firm, individual or association.

      7. During the term of this Agreement, the Manager agrees to furnish the
      Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements,
      reports to stockholders, sales literature or other material prepared for
      distribution to stockholders of the Fund or the public, which refer to the
      Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the
      Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other
      time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. Sales literature
      may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by first-class or overnight
      mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

      8. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the
      Fund must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

      9. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above
written.

                                   PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.


                                   By /s/ MJ Downey
                                      -----------------------------------
                                       President


                                   THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT CORPORATION


                                   By /s/ Edward Zinbarg
                                      -----------------------------------


                                      -5-

<PAGE>

                       PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
                                One Seaport Plaza
                               New York, NY  10292

                            SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT


                                                            ,1996

[Dealer Name]
[Address]


Dear [Name]:

     As the distributor of shares of certain investment companies presently or
hereafter managed by Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. ("PMF"), shares of
which companies are distributed by us at their respective net asset values plus
sales charges, if any, pursuant to Distribution Agreements between us and each
such company (collectively, the "Funds"), we invite you to participate as a
selected dealer in the distribution of shares of any and all of the Funds as set
forth at Schedule A, upon the following terms and conditions:

     1.  You are to offer and sell such shares only at the public offering
prices which shall be currently in effect, in accordance with the terms of the
then current prospectus of each Fund.  You shall not have authority to act as
agent for any Fund, for us, or for any other dealer in any respect.  All orders
are subject to acceptance by us and become effective only upon confirmation by
us.

     2.  On each sale of shares by you, the total sales charges or discounts, if
any, to selected dealers shall be as stated in Schedule A, which Schedule A may
be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 16.
Schedule A may be provided in written or electronic format.

     Such sales charges or discounts to selected dealers are subject to
reductions under a variety of circumstances as described in the then current
prospectus of the Funds.  To obtain these reductions, we must be notified when
the sale takes place which would qualify for the reduced charge.  There is no
sales charge or discount to selected dealers on the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains reinvestment or on shares acquired in exchange for shares of
another Fund.  Subject to other provisions of this Agreement, from time to time
an account servicing fee shall be paid

<PAGE>

to selected dealer with respect to shares of the Funds.  Such account servicing
fees should be payable only on accounts for which you provide personal service
and/or maintenance services for shareholder accounts.

     3.  As a selected dealer, you are hereby authorized to: (i) place purchase
orders on behalf of your customers or for your own BONA FIDE investment through
us for shares of the Funds which orders are to be effected subject to the
applicable compensation provisions set forth in each Fund's then current
prospectus; and (ii) tender shares directly to the Fund or its agent for
redemption subject to the applicable terms and conditions set forth in each
Fund's then current prospectus.

     4.  Redemption of shares will be made at the net asset value of such shares
in accordance with the then current prospectus of each Fund.

     5.  You represent and warrant that:

          (a) You are a registered broker dealer with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission ("SEC") and a member of the National Association of
     Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and that you agree to abide by the
     Conduct Rules of the NASD;

          (b) You are a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
     standing under the laws of the state, commonwealth or other jurisdiction in
     which you are organized and that you are duly registered or exempt from
     registration as a broker-dealer in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the
     District of Columbia and that you will not offer shares of any Fund for
     sale in any state where we have informed you in writing that they are not
     qualified for sale under the Blue Sky laws and regulations of such states
     or where you are not qualified to act as a broker-dealer;

           (c) You are empowered under applicable laws and by your charter and
     by-laws to enter into and perform this Agreement and that there are no
     impediments, prior or existing, regulatory, self-regulatory,
     administrative, civil or criminal matters affecting your ability to perform
     under this Agreement;

           (d) All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
     you to enter into and perform this Agreement;

           (e) You agree to keep in force appropriate broker's blanket bond
     insurance policies covering any and all acts of your employees, officers
     and directors adequate to reasonably


                                        2
<PAGE>

     protect and indemnify Prudential Securities Incorporated ("PSI") and the
     Funds against any loss which any party may suffer or incur, directly or
     indirectly, as a result of any action by you, or your employees, officers
     and directors; and

          (f)  You agree to maintain the required net capital as warranted by
     the rules and regulations of the SEC, NASD and other regulatory
     authorities.

     6.   We represent and warrant that:

          (a)  We are a registered broker dealer with the SEC and a member of
     the NASD and that we agree to abide by the Conduct Rules of the NASD;

          (b)  We are a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
     standing under the laws of the state, commonwealth or other jurisdiction in
     which we are organized and that we are duly registered or exempt from
     registration as a broker-dealer in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the
     District of Columbia;

          (c)  We are empowered under applicable laws and by our charter and by-
     laws to enter into and perform this Agreement and that there are no
     impediments, prior or existing, regulatory, self-regulatory,
     administrative, civil or criminal matters affecting our ability to perform
     under this Agreement;

          (d)  All requisite corporate procedures have been taken to authorize
     us to enter into and perform this Agreement;

          (e)  We agree to maintain the required net capital as warranted by the
     rules and regulations of the SEC, NASD and other regulatory authorities.

     7.  This Agreement is in all respects subject to Rule 2830 of the Conduct
Rules of the NASD which shall control any provisions to the contrary in this
Agreement.

     8.  You agree:

          (a)  To purchase shares on behalf of your customers only through us or
               to sell shares only on behalf of your customers.

          (b)  To purchase shares on behalf of your customers through us only
               for the purpose of covering purchase orders already received from
               your customers or for your own BONA FIDE investment.


                                        7
<PAGE>

          (c)  That you will not purchase from, or sell any shares on behalf of,
               investors at prices lower than the redemption prices then quoted
               by the Funds, subject to any applicable charges as stated in such
               Fund's then current prospectus.  You shall, however, be permitted
               to sell shares for the account of their record owners to the Fund
               at the redemption prices currently established for such shares
               and may charge the owner a fair commission for handling the
               transaction.

          (d)  That you will not delay placing customers' orders for shares.

          (e)  That if any shares confirmed to you hereunder are redeemed by the
               Funds within seven business days after such confirmation of your
               original order, you shall forthwith refund to us the full sales
               charge or discount, if any, allowed to you on such sales.  We
               shall forthwith pay to the Fund our share of the sales charge, if
               any, on the original sale, and shall also pay to the Fund the
               refund from you as herein provided.  Termination or cancellation
               of this Agreement shall not relieve you or us from the
               requirements of this subparagraph.

          (f)  To (i) be liable for, (ii) hold PSI, the Funds, PMF and
               Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. ("PMFS") (the Funds'
               transfer agent), our officers, directors and employees harmless
               from and (iii) indemnify us and them from any loss, liability,
               cost and expense arising from: (A) any statements or
               representations that you or your employees make concerning the
               Funds that are inconsistent with either the pertinent Fund's
               current prospectus and statement of additional information or any
               other written material we have provided to you, (B) any sale of
               shares of a Fund in any state, any U.S. territory or the District
               of Columbia where the Fund's shares were not properly registered
               or qualified, when we have indicated to you that the Fund's
               shares were not properly registered and qualified; and (C) any of
               your actions relating to the processing of purchase, exchange and
               redemption orders and the servicing of shareholder accounts.
               Your obligation under this paragraph shall survive the
               termination of this Agreement.


                                        4
<PAGE>

          (g)  As a condition of the receipt of an account servicing fee as
               described at Sections 2 and 14, you agree to provide to
               shareholders of the Funds personal service and/or maintenance
               services with respect to shareholder accounts.

     9.   We agree to be liable for, and to hold you, your officers, directors
and employees harmless from and to indemnify you and each of them for any loss,
liability, cost and expense arising from: (A) any material misstatement in or
omission of a material fact from a Fund's current prospectus or statement of
additional information or in the written material we provided you; (B) any
failure of any Fund's shares to be properly registered and available for sale
under any applicable federal law and regulation or the laws and regulations of
any state, any U.S. territory or the District of Columbia when we have
represented to you that the Fund's shares are so registered and qualified; and
(C) any of our actions, or the actions of our affiliates, relating to the
processing of purchase, exchange and redemption orders and the servicing of
shareholder accounts.  Our obligation under this section 9 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.

     10.  We shall not accept from you any conditional orders for shares.
Delivery of certificates, if any, for shares purchased shall be made by the Fund
only against receipt of the purchase price, subject to deduction for sales
charge or discount reallowed to you and our portion of the sales charge on such
sale, if any.  If payment for the shares purchased is not received within the
time customary for such payments, the sale may be canceled forthwith without any
responsibility or liability on our part or on the part of the Funds (in which
case you will be responsible for any loss, including loss of profit, suffered by
the Funds resulting from your failure to make payments as aforesaid), or, at our
option, we may sell on your behalf the shares ordered back to the Funds (in
which case we may hold you responsible for any loss, including loss of profit,
suffered by us resulting from your failure to make payment as aforesaid).

     11.  Shares of the Funds are qualified for sale or exempt from
qualification in the states and territories or districts listed in Schedule B,
which Schedule B may be amended from time to time.  Schedule B may be provided
in written or electronic format.  Qualification of shares of the Funds in the
various states, including the filing in any state of further notices respecting
such shares, is our responsibility or the responsibility of the Funds.

     12.  You will not offer or sell any of the shares except under
circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable


                                        5
<PAGE>

Federal and state securities laws (subject to our obligations set forth in
Section 11) and in connection with sales and offers to sell shares you will
furnish to each person to whom any such sale or offer is made a copy of the
applicable then current prospectus.  All out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with your activities under this Agreement will be borne by you.

     13.  We shall be under no obligation to each other except for obligations
expressly assumed by us herein.  Nothing herein contained, however, shall be
deemed to be a condition, stipulation or provision binding any persons acquiring
any security to waive compliance with any provision of the Securities Act of
1933, or of the Rules and Regulations of the SEC or to relieve the parties
hereto from any liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933.

     14.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, from time
to time during the term of this Agreement PSI may (but is not hereby obliged to)
make payments to you, in consideration of your furnishing personal service
and/or maintenance services for shareholder accounts with respect to the Funds.
Any such payments made pursuant to this Section 14 shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions:

          (a)  Any such payments shall be in such amounts as we may from time to
               time advise you in writing but in any event not in excess of the
               amounts permitted, if any, by each Fund's Plan of Distribution in
               effect.  Any such payments shall be in addition to the selling
               concession, if any, allowed to you pursuant to this Agreement.

          (b)  The provisions of this Section 14 relate to each Plan of
               Distribution adopted by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
               Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act").

          (c)  The provisions of this Section 14 and any other related
               provisions applicable to a Fund shall remain in effect for not
               more than a year and thereafter for successive annual periods
               only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
               least annually in conformity with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
               Company Act ("Act").  The provisions of this Section 14 shall
               automatically terminate with respect to a particular Plan in the
               event of the assignment (as defined by the Act) of this Agreement
               or in the event such Plan terminates or is not continued or in
               the event this Agreement terminates or ceases to remain in
               effect.  In


                                        6
<PAGE>

               addition, the provisions of this Section 14 may be terminated at
               any time, without penalty, by either party with respect to any
               particular Plan on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days'
               written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage
               prepaid, to the other party.

     15.  You and your agents and employees are not authorized to make any
written or oral representations concerning the Funds or their shares except
those contained in or consistent with the prospectus and such other written
materials we provide relating to the Funds.  We shall supply prospectuses,
reasonable quantities of supplemental sales literature, sales bulletins, and
additional information as issued and/or requested by you.  You agree not to use
other advertising or sales material relating to the Funds, unless forwarded to
PSI's Marketing Review Department for review prior to use and approved in
writing by us in advance of such use.  Any printed information furnished by us
other than the then current prospectuses and SAIs for the Funds, periodic
reports and proxy solicitation materials is our sole responsibility and not the
responsibility of the Funds, and you agree that the Funds shall have no
liability or responsibility to you in these respects unless expressly assumed in
connection therewith.

     16.  Either party to this Agreement may terminate the Agreement by giving
30 days written notice to the other.  Such notice shall be deemed to have been
given on the date on which it was either delivered personally to the other party
or any officer or partner thereof, or was mailed postpaid or delivered to a
telegraph office for transmission to the other party at his or its address as
shown below.  This Agreement may be amended by us at any time and your placing
of an order after the effective date of any such amendment shall constitute your
acceptance thereof.

     17.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York and shall be binding upon both parties hereto when signed by
us and accepted by you in the space provided below.

     18.  If a dispute arises between you and us with respect to this Agreement
which you and we are unable to resolve ourselves, it shall be settled by
arbitration in accordance with the then-existing NASD Code of Arbitration
Procedures ("NASD Code").  The parties agree, that to the extent permitted by
the NASD Code, the arbitrator(s) shall be selected from the securities industry.


                                        7

<PAGE>

     19.  This Agreement is in full force and effect as of the date hereof and
supersedes any previous agreements relating to the subject matter hereof.


                              Very truly yours,

                              PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED

                              By:
                                        ------------------------
                              Title:
                                        ------------------------


Firm Name:
           -----------------------------

Address:
         ---------------------------

City:                              State:              Zip Code:
      --------------------------          ------------           ----------


ACCEPTED BY (signature)
                         -------------------------------------------------------

Name (print)                            Title
             -------------------------         ---------------------------------

Date                           199      Phone #
     -------------------------     ---          --------------------------------


                Please return two signed copies of this Agreement
                  (one of which will be signed above by us and
                 thereafter returned to you) in the accompanying
                               return envelope to:

                       Prudential Securities Incorporated
                          Attention:  Phyllis J. Berman
                             National Sales Division
                              Three Gateway Center
                         100 Mulberry Street, 8th Floor
                              Newark, NJ 07102-4077


                                        8

<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.6(b)



                        PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

                                DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


         Agreement made as of May 9, 1996, between Prudential Mortgage Income
Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Fund), and Prudential Securities
Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the Distributor).

                                      WITNESSETH

         WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act), as a diversified, open-end,
management investment company and it is in the interest of the Fund to offer its
shares for sale continuously;

         WHEREAS, the shares of the Fund may be divided into classes and/or
series (all such shares being referred to herein as Shares) and the Fund
currently is authorized to offer Class A, Class B, Class C shares;

         WHEREAS, the Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is engaged in the business of
selling shares of registered investment companies either directly or through
other broker-dealers;  

         WHEREAS, the Fund and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement
with each other, with respect to the continuous offering of the Fund's Shares
from and after the date hereof in order to promote the growth of the Fund and
facilitate the distribution of its Shares; and      
 
         WHEREAS, upon approval by the holders of the respective classes and/or
series of Shares of the Fund it is contemplated that the Fund will adopt a plan
(or plans) of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act with respect to certain of its classes and/or series  of Shares (the Plans)
authorizing payments by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the
distribution of such classes and/or series  of Shares and the maintenance of
related shareholder accounts.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

Section 1.  APPOINTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR  

         The Fund hereby appoints the Distributor as the principal underwriter
and distributor of the Shares of the Fund to sell Shares to the public on behalf
of the Fund and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to
act hereunder.  The 

<PAGE>

Fund hereby agrees during the term of this Agreement to sell Shares of the Fund
through the Distributor on the terms and conditions set forth below.

Section 2.  EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF DUTIES

         The Distributor shall be the exclusive representative of the Fund to
act as principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund's Shares, except that:

         2.1  The exclusive rights granted to the Distributor to sell Shares of
the Fund shall not apply to Shares of the Fund issued in connection with the
merger or consolidation of any other investment company or personal holding
company with the Fund or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all (or
substantially all) the assets or the outstanding shares of any such company by
the Fund.

         2.2  Such exclusive rights shall not apply to Shares issued by the
Fund pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions or
through the exercise of any conversion feature or exchange privilege.

         2.3  Such exclusive rights shall not apply to Shares issued by the
Fund pursuant to the reinstatement privilege afforded redeeming shareholders.

         2.4  Such exclusive rights shall not apply to purchases made through
the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent in the manner set forth in the
currently effective Prospectus of the Fund.  The term "Prospectus" shall mean
the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information included as part of the
Fund's Registration Statement, as such Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and the term
"Registration Statement" shall mean the Registration Statement filed by the Fund
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and effective under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and the Investment Company Act, as
such Registration Statement is amended from time to time.

Section 3.  PURCHASE OF SHARES FROM THE FUND  

         3.1  The Distributor shall have the right to buy from the Fund on
behalf of investors the Shares needed, but not more than the Shares needed
(except for clerical errors in transmission) to fill unconditional orders for
Shares placed with the Distributor by investors or registered and qualified
securities dealers and other financial institutions (selected dealers).  
    
         3.2  The Shares shall be sold by the Distributor on behalf of the Fund
and delivered by the Distributor or selected 

                                          2


<PAGE>

dealers, as described in Section 6.4 hereof, to investors at the offering price
as set forth in the Prospectus.

         3.3  The Fund shall have the right to suspend the sale of any or all
classes and/or series  of its Shares at times when redemption is suspended
pursuant to the conditions in Section 4.3 hereof or at such other times as may
be determined by the Board of Directors.  The Fund shall also have the right to
suspend the sale of any or all classes and/or series  of its Shares if a banking
moratorium shall have been declared by federal or New York authorities.

         3.4  The Fund, or any agent of the Fund designated in writing by the
Fund, shall be promptly advised of all purchase orders for Shares received by
the Distributor.  Any order may be rejected by the Fund; provided, however, that
the Fund will not arbitrarily or without reasonable cause refuse to accept or
confirm orders for the purchase of Shares.  The Fund (or its agent) will confirm
orders upon their receipt, will make appropriate book entries and upon receipt
by the Fund (or its agent) of payment therefor, will deliver deposit receipts
for such Shares pursuant to the instructions of the Distributor.  Payment shall
be made to the Fund in New York Clearing House funds or federal funds.  The
Distributor agrees to cause such payment and such instructions to be delivered
promptly to the Fund (or its agent).

Section 4.  REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES BY THE FUND

         4.1  Any of the outstanding Shares may be tendered for redemption at
any time, and the Fund agrees to repurchase or redeem the Shares so tendered in
accordance with its Articles of Incorporation as amended from time to time, and
in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Prospectus.  The price to be
paid to redeem or repurchase the Shares shall be equal to the net asset value
determined as set forth in the Prospectus.  All payments by the Fund hereunder
shall be made in the manner set forth in Section 4.2 below.

         4.2  The Fund shall pay the total amount of the redemption price as
defined in the above paragraph pursuant to the instructions of the Distributor
on or before the seventh day subsequent to its having received the notice of
redemption in proper form.  The proceeds of any redemption of Shares shall be
paid by the Fund as follows:  (I) in the case of Shares subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge, any applicable contingent deferred sales charge shall be
paid to the Distributor, and the balance shall be paid to or for the account of
the redeeming shareholder, in each case in accordance with applicable provisions
of the Prospectus; and (ii) in the case of all other Shares, proceeds shall be
paid to or for the account of the redeeming shareholder, in each case in
accordance with applicable provisions of the Prospectus.

                                          3


<PAGE>

         4.3  Redemption of any class and/or series  of Shares or payment may
be suspended at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than
customary weekends and holidays, when trading on said Exchange is restricted,
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 during any
other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by order, so permits.

Section 5.  DUTIES OF THE FUND  

         5.1  Subject to the possible suspension of the sale of Shares as
provided herein, the Fund agrees to sell its Shares so long as it has Shares of
the respective class and/or series  available.

         5.2  The Fund shall furnish the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares, and this shall
include one certified copy, upon request by the Distributor, of all financial
statements prepared for the Fund by independent public accountants.  The Fund
shall make available to the Distributor such number of copies of its Prospectus
and annual and interim reports as the Distributor shall reasonably request.

         5.3  The Fund shall take, from time to time, but subject to the
necessary approval of the Board of Directors and the shareholders, all necessary
action to fix the number of authorized Shares and such steps as may be necessary
to register the same under the Securities Act, to the end that there will be
available for sale such number of Shares as the Distributor reasonably may
expect to sell.  The Fund agrees to file from time to time such amendments,
reports and other documents as may be necessary in order that there will be no
untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement, or necessary
in order that there will be no omission to state a material fact in the
Registration Statement which omission would make the statements therein
misleading.

         5.4  The Fund shall use its best efforts to qualify and maintain the
qualification of any appropriate number of its Shares for sales under the
securities laws of such states as the Distributor and the Fund may approve;
provided that the Fund shall not be required to amend its Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws to comply with the laws of any state, to maintain an
office in any state, to change the terms of the offering of its Shares in any
state from the terms set forth in its Registration Statement, to qualify as a
foreign corporation in any state or to consent to service of process in any
state other than with respect to claims arising out of the offering of its
Shares.  Any such qualification 

                                          4


<PAGE>

may be withheld, terminated or withdrawn by the Fund at any time in its
discretion.  As provided in Section 9 hereof, the expense of qualification and
maintenance of qualification shall be borne by the Fund.  The Distributor shall
furnish such information and other material relating to its affairs and
activities as may be required by the Fund in connection with such
qualifications.

Section 6.  DUTIES OF THE DISTRIBUTOR  

         6.1  The Distributor shall devote reasonable time and effort to effect
sales of Shares, but shall not be obligated to sell any specific number of
Shares.  Sales of the Shares shall be on the terms described in the Prospectus. 
The Distributor may enter into like arrangements with other investment
companies.  The Distributor shall compensate the selected dealers as set forth
in the Prospectus.

         6.2  In selling the Shares, the Distributor shall use its best efforts
in all respects duly to conform with the requirements of all federal and state
laws relating to the sale of such securities.  Neither the Distributor nor any
selected dealer nor any other person is authorized by the Fund to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus and any sales literature approved by
appropriate officers of the Fund.

         6.3  The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures for the
confirmation of sales to investors and selected dealers, the collection of
amounts payable by investors and selected dealers on such sales and the
cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be necessary to comply with the
requirements of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD).

         6.4  The Distributor shall have the right to enter into selected
dealer agreements with registered and qualified securities dealers and other
financial institutions of its choice for the sale of Shares, provided that the
Fund shall approve the forms of such agreements.  Within the United States, the
Distributor shall offer and sell Shares only to such selected dealers as are
members in good standing of the NASD.  Shares sold to selected dealers shall be
for resale by such dealers only at the offering price determined as set forth in
the Prospectus.

Section 7.  PAYMENTS TO THE DISTRIBUTOR

         7.1  With respect to classes and/or series  of Shares which impose a
front-end sales charge, the Distributor shall receive and may retain any portion
of any front-end sales charge which is imposed on such sales and not reallocated
to selected dealers as set forth in the Prospectus, subject to the limitations
of Article III, Section 26 of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice.  

                                          5


<PAGE>

Payment of these amounts to the Distributor is not contingent upon the adoption
or continuation of any applicable Plans.

         7.2  With respect to classes and/or series  of Shares which impose a
contingent deferred sales charge, the Distributor shall receive and may retain
any contingent deferred sales charge which is imposed on such sales as set forth
in the Prospectus, subject to the limitations of Article III, Section 26 of the
NASD Rules of Fair Practice.  Payment of these amounts to the Distributor is not
contingent upon the adoption or continuation of any Plan.

Section 8.  PAYMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THE PLAN

         8.1  The Fund shall pay to the Distributor as compensation for
services under any Plans adopted by the Fund and this Agreement a distribution
and service fee with respect to the Fund's classes and/or series  of Shares as
described in each of the Fund's respective Plans and this Agreement.

         8.2  So long as a Plan or any amendment thereto is in effect, the
Distributor shall inform the Board of Directors of the commissions and account
servicing fees with respect to the relevant class and/or series  of Shares to be
paid by the Distributor to account executives of the Distributor and to
broker-dealers and financial institutions which have dealer agreements with the
Distributor.  So long as a Plan (or any amendment thereto) is in effect, at the
request of the Board of Directors or any agent or representative of the Fund,
the Distributor shall provide such additional information as may reasonably be
requested concerning the activities of the Distributor hereunder and the costs
incurred in performing such activities with respect to the relevant class and/or
series  of Shares.

Section 9.  ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES

         The Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the continuous offering
of its Shares (except for those costs and expenses borne by the Distributor
pursuant to a Plan and subject to the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act), including fees and disbursements of its counsel and
auditors, in connection with the preparation and filing of any required
Registration Statements and/or Prospectuses under the Investment Company Act or
the Securities Act, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and preparing
and mailing annual and periodic reports and proxy materials to shareholders
(including but not limited to the expense of setting in type any such
Registration Statements, Prospectuses, annual or periodic reports or proxy
materials).  The Fund shall also bear the cost of expenses of qualification of
the Shares for sale, and, if necessary or advisable in connection therewith, of
qualifying the Fund as a broker or dealer, in such states of the United States
or other 

                                          6


<PAGE>

jurisdictions as shall be selected by the Fund and the Distributor pursuant to
Section 5.4 hereof and the cost and expense payable to each such state for
continuing qualification therein until the Fund decides to discontinue such
qualification pursuant to Section 5.4 hereof.  As set forth in Section 8 above,
the Fund shall also bear the expenses it assumes pursuant to any Plan, so long
as such Plan is in effect.

Section 10.  INDEMNIFICATION

         10.1 The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor,
its officers and directors and any person who controls the Distributor within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and
against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the
cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Distributor,
its officers, directors or any such controlling person may incur under the
Securities Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon
any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement
or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a
material fact required to be stated in either thereof or necessary to make the
statements in either thereof not misleading, except insofar as such claims,
demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any such untrue
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by the Distributor
to the Fund for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus; provided,
however, that this indemnity agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any
such officer, director, trustee or controlling person unless a court of
competent jurisdiction shall determine in a final decision on the merits, that
the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of
its reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement (disabling
conduct), or, in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination,
based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnified person was not liable by
reason of disabling conduct, by (a) a vote of a majority of a quorum of
directors or trustees who are neither "interested persons" of the Fund as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act nor parties to the
proceeding, or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Fund's
agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers and directors or trustees
and any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned upon the
Fund's being promptly notified of any action brought against the Distributor,
its officers or directors or trustees, or any such controlling person, such
notification to be given by letter or telegram addressed to the Fund at its
principal business office.  The Fund agrees promptly to notify the Distributor
of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of 

                                          7


<PAGE>

its officers or directors in connection with the issue and sale of any Shares.

         10.2 The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Fund,
its officers and Directors and any person who controls the Fund, if any, within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and
against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the
cost of investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities
and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the
Fund, its officers and Directors or any such controlling person may incur under
the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that
such liability or expense incurred by the Fund, its Directors or officers or
such controlling person resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of
or be based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in
information furnished in writing by the Distributor to the Fund for use in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any
alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information
required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary
to make such information not misleading.  The Distributor's agreement to
indemnify the Fund, its officers and Directors and any such controlling person
as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor's being promptly
notified of any action brought against the Fund, its officers and Directors or
any such controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor at
its principal business office.

Section 11.  DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

         11.1 This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first above
written and shall remain in force for two years from the date hereof and
thereafter, but only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by (a) the Board of Directors of the Fund, or by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class and/or
series  of the Fund, and (b) by the vote of a majority of those Directors who
are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such parties and
who have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement or in the
operation of any of the Fund's Plans or in any agreement related thereto
(Independent Directors), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting upon such approval.

         11.2 This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment
of any penalty, by a majority of the Independent Directors or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class and/or
series  of the Fund, or by the Distributor, on sixty (60) days' written notice
to the other party.  This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event
of its assignment.

                                          8


<PAGE>

         11.3 The terms "affiliated person," "assignment," "interested person"
and "vote of a majority of the outstanding 
voting securities", when used in this Agreement, shall have the respective
meanings specified in the Investment Company Act.

Section 12.  AMENDMENTS TO THIS AGREEMENT

         This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if such amendment is
specifically approved by (a) the Board of Directors of the Fund, or by the vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class
and/or series  of the Fund, and (b) by the vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
amendment.

Section 13.  SEPARATE AGREEMENT AS TO CLASSES AND/OR SERIES 

         The amendment or termination of this Agreement with respect to any
class and/or series  shall not result in the amendment or termination of this
Agreement with respect to any other class and/or series  unless explicitly so
provided.

Section 14.  GOVERNING LAW

         The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York as at the time in effect and
the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act.  To the extent that the
applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflict with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the
latter shall control.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year above written.


                                  Prudential Securities Incorporated


                                  By: /s/ Robert F. Gunia
                                      -------------------
                                      Robert F. Gunia
                                      Senior Vice President 

                                  Prudential Mortgage 
                                  Income Fund, Inc.


                                  By: /s/ Richard A. Redeker
                                      ----------------------
                                      Richard A. Redeker
                                      President         

                                          9

<PAGE>


                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

                                     Between

                   EACH OF THE PARTIES INDICATED ON APPENDIX A

                                       and

                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----


1.   Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It . . . . . . .    -1-

2.   Duties to the Custodian with Respect to Property of The Fund Held
     By the Custodian in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -2-
     2.1   Holding Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -2-
     2.2   Delivery of Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -2-
     2.3   Registration of Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -6-
     2.4   Bank Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -7-
     2.5   Availability of Federal Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -7-
     2.6   Collection of Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -8-
     2.7   Payment of Fund Monies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    -8-
     2.8   Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of
           Securities Purchased. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -11-
     2.9   Appointment of Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -11-
     2.10  Deposit of Securities in Securities Systems . . . . . . . . .   -11-
     2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System . . .   -13-
     2.11  Segregated Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -14-
     2.12  Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes . . . . . . . . . . .   -15-
     2.13  Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -16-
     2.14  Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. . . . .   -16-
     2.15  Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants . . . . . .   -16-

3.   Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
     Outside of the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -17-
     3.1   Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians . . . . . . . . . . . .   -17-
     3.2   Assets to be Held . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -17-
     3.3   Foreign Securities Depositories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -18-
     3.4   Segregation of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -18-
     3.5   Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. . . . . . . . .   -18-
     3.6   Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund . . . . . . . .   -19-
     3.7   Reports by Custodian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -19-
     3.9   Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -20-
     3.10  Liability of Custodian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -21-
     3.11  Reimbursements for Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -21-
     3.12  Monitoring Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -22-
     3.13  Branches of U.S. Banks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -22-

4.   Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales of
     Shares of the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -23-


                                       -i-
<PAGE>


5.   Proper Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -24-

6.   Actions Permitted without Express Authority . . . . . . . . . . . .   -24-

7.   Evidence of Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -25-


8.   Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
     Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income . . . . . . . . . . .   -26-

9.   Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -26-

10.  Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -27-

11.  Compensation of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -27-

12.  Responsibility of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -27-

13.  Effective Period, Termination and Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . .   -29-

14.  Successor Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -30-

15.  Interpretative and Additional Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -32-

16.  Massachusetts Law to Apply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -32-

17.  Prior Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -32-

18.  The Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -32-

19.  Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   -33-


                                      -ii-
<PAGE>

                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


     This Contract between State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts
trust company, having its principal place of business at 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, hereinafter called the "Custodian", and each Fund
listed on Appendix A which evidences its agreement to be bound hereby by
executing a copy of this Contract (each such Fund individually hereinafter
referred to as the "Fund").

          WITNESSETH:  That in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.   EMPLOYMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND PROPERTY TO BE HELD BY IT

     The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets,
including securities it desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation/ Declaration of Trust.  The Fund agrees to deliver to the
Custodian all securities and cash owned by it, and all payments of income,
payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to
all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash consideration
received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital stock, ("Shares") of
the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time.  The Custodian shall not be
responsible for any property of the Fund held or received by the Fund and not
delivered to the Custodian.

     Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article 5),
the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians located
in the United States, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the
Board of Directors/ Trustees of the Fund, and provided


<PAGE>

that the Custodian shall have the same responsibility or liability to the Fund
on account of any actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed as any
such sub-custodian has to the Custodian, provided that the Custodian agreement
with any such domestic sub-custodian shall impose on such sub-custodian
responsibilities and liabilities similar in nature and scope to those imposed by
this Agreement with respect to the functions to be performed by such sub-
custodian.  The Custodian may employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities
and other assets the foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories designated in Schedule "A" hereto but only in accordance with the
provisions of Article 3.

2.   DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD BY THE
CUSTODIAN IN THE UNITED STATES.

     2.1  HOLDING SECURITIES.  The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of the Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it in the
United States, including all domestic securities owned by the Fund, other than
(a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing
agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of Treasury, collectively referred to herein
as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which State
Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("Direct Paper")
which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System of the Custodian
pursuant to Section 2.10A.

     2.2  DELIVERY OF SECURITIES.  The Custodian shall release and deliver
domestic securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book-entry
system account ("Direct Paper System") only upon receipt


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed
appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

          (1)  Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and
               receipt of payment therefor;

          (2)  Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
               agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;

          (3)  In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
               accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;

          (4)  To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
               similar offers for portfolio securities of the Fund;

          (5)  To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
               called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided
               that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
               delivered to the Custodian;

          (6)  To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name
               of the Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the
               Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
               pursuant to Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee name of any
               sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange
               for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
               representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;
               PROVIDED that, in any such case, the new securities are to be
               delivered to the Custodian;

          (7)  Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Fund, to
               the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for
               examination in accordance with "street


                                       -3-
<PAGE>

               delivery" custom; provided that in any such case, the Custodian
               shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising
               from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment
               for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's own
               negligence or willful misconduct;

          (8)  For exchange or conversation pursuant to any plan of merger,
               consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment
               of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant
               to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or
               pursuant to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such
               case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to
               the Custodian;

          (9)  In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
               surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
               similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or
               temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that, in
               any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
               delivered to the Custodian;

          (10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by
               the Fund, BUT ONLY against receipt of adequate collateral as
               agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund,
               which may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the
               United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
               except that in connection with any loans for which collateral is
               to be credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry
               system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the
               Custodian will not be


                                       -4-
<PAGE>

               held liable or responsible for the delivery of securities owned
               by the Fund prior to the receipt of such collateral;

          (11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
               Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, BUT ONLY against
               receipt of amounts borrowed;

          (12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
               among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
               under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")
               and a member of The National Association of Securities Dealers,
               Inc. ("NASD"), relating to compliance with the rules of The
               Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
               securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
               organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
               connection with transactions by the Fund;

          (13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
               among the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant
               registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
               compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
               Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any similar
               organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in
               connection with transactions by the Fund;

          (14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
               Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to
               the holders of shares in connection with distributions in kind,
               as may be described from time to time in the Fund's currently
               effective prospectus and statement of additional


                                       -5-
<PAGE>

               information ("prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by
               holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption; and

          (15) For any other proper business purpose, BUT ONLY upon receipt of,
               in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
               resolution of the Board of Directors/Trustees or of the Executive
               Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the
               Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities to
               be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery
               is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper business
               purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of
               such securities shall be made.

     2.3  REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES.  Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund or in
the name of any nominees of the Fund or of any nominee of the Custodian which
nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, UNLESS the Fund has
authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with
other registered investment companies having the same investment adviser as the
Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section
2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
Article 1.  All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund under
the terms of this Contract shall be in "street name" or other good delivery
form.  If, however, the Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities in
"street name", the Custodian shall utilize its best efforts to timely collect
income due the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts
basis of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of
calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.


                                       -6-
<PAGE>

     2.4  BANK ACCOUNTS.  The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of the Fund, subject only
to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this
Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions
hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the Fund, other than
cash maintained by the Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank
account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.  Funds held by the Custodian for the Fund may be deposited
by it to its credit as Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or
in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem
necessary or desirable; PROVIDED, however, that every such bank or trust company
shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be approved by
vote of a majority of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund.  Such funds
shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be
withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.

     2.5  AVAILABILITY OF FEDERAL FUNDS.  Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
and the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions,
make federal funds available to the Fund as of specified times agreed upon from
time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in
payment for Shares of the Fund which are deposited into the Fund's account.

     2.6  COLLECTION OF INCOME.  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to registered securities held hereunder to which the Fund shall be
entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business, and
shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to
bearer


                                       -7-
<PAGE>

securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by
the Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected,
to the Fund's custodian account.  Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and
other income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall
collect interest when due on securities held hereunder.  Income due the Fund on
securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the
responsibility of the Fund.  The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility
in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or
data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery
to the Custodian of the income to which the Fund is properly entitled.

     2.7  PAYMENT OF FUND MONIES.  Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which
may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall pay out monies of the Fund in the following cases only:

          (1)  Upon the purchase of securities held domestically, options,
               futures contracts or options on futures contracts for the account
               of the Fund but only (a) against the delivery of such securities,
               or evidence of title to such options, futures contracts or
               options on futures contracts, to the Custodian (or any bank,
               banking firm or trust company doing business in the United States
               or abroad which is qualified under the Investment Company Act of
               1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and has been designated
               by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered in the
               name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian
               referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer;
               (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a Securities


                                       -8-
<PAGE>

               System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
               2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase involving the Direct
               Paper System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
               Section 2.10A; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements entered
               into between the Fund and the Custodian, or another bank, or a
               broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery of
               the securities either in certificate form or through an entry
               crediting the Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank
               with such securities or (ii) against delivery of the receipt
               evidencing purchase by the Fund of securities owned by the
               Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the
               Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Fund or (e) for
               transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
               whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior
               to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable
               bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined in
               Article 5;

          (2)  In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
               securities owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;

          (3)  For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Fund as
               set forth in Article 4 hereof;

          (4)  For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
               including but not limited to the following payments for the
               account of the Fund:  interest, taxes, management, accounting,
               transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses


                                       -9-
<PAGE>

               of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or
               part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;

          (5)  For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the
               governing documents of the Fund;

          (6)  For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
               securities sold short;

          (7)  For any other proper purpose, BUT ONLY upon receipt of, in
               addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution
               of Board of Directors/Trustees or of the Executive Committee of
               the Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by its
               Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of
               such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such payment is
               to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and
               naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.

     2.8  LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT OF SECURITIES PURCHASED.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case
where payment for purchase of securities for the account of the Fund is made by
the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in the absence
of specific written instructions from the Fund to so pay in advance, the
Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the same
extent as if the securities had been received by the Custodian.

     2.9  APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS.  The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company
which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time
direct; PROVIDED, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve
the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.

     2.10 DEPOSIT OF SECURITIES IN SECURITIES SYSTEMS.  The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository,
or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury
and certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as "Securities
System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:

          (1)  The Custodian may keep domestic securities of the Fund in a
               Securities System provided that such securities are represented
               in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities
               System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other
               than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
               customers;

          (2)  The records of the Custodian with respect to domestic securities
               of the Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall
               identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;

          (3)  The Custodian shall pay for domestic securities purchased for the
               account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the
               Securities System that such securities have been transferred to
               the Account, and (i.) the making of an entry on the records of
               the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

               the account of the Fund.  The Custodian shall transfer domestic
               securities sold for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of
               advice from the Securities System that payment for such
               securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the
               making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
               such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.  Copies of
               all advices from the Securities System of transfers of domestic
               securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund,
               be maintained for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to
               the Fund at its request.  Upon request, the Custodian shall
               furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from the
               account of the Fund in the form of a written advice or notice and
               shall furnish promptly to the Fund copies of daily transaction
               sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the Securities
               System for the account of the Fund.

          (4)  The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by
               the Custodian on the Securities System's accounting system,
               internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
               securities deposited in the Securities System;

          (5)  The Custodian shall have received the initial or annual
               certificate, as the case may be, required by Article 13 hereof;

          (6)  Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
               Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to
               the Fund resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of
               any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any
               of its agents or of any of its or their employees or


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

               from failure of the Custodian or any such agent to enforce
               effectively such rights as it may have against the Securities
               System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be
               subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any
               claim against the Securities System or any other person which the
               Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss or damage if
               and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any
               such loss or damage.

   2.10A  FUND ASSETS HELD IN THE CUSTODIAN'S DIRECT PAPER SYSTEM.    The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:

          (1)  No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System
               will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions;

          (2)  The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct Paper
               System only if such securities are represented in an account
               ("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper System which
               shall not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets
               held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;

          (3)  The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
               Fund which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
               identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;

          (4)  The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
               of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the
               Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer of securities to
               the account of the Fund.  The Custodian


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

               shall transfer securities sold for the account of the Fund upon
               the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
               such transfer and receipt of payment for the account of the Fund;

          (5)  The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each
               transfer to or from the account of the Fund, in the form of a
               written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next business
               day following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund copies
               of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transaction in
               the Direct Paper System for the account of the Fund;

          (6)  The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report on its
               system of internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably
               request from time to time;

     2.11 SEGREGATED ACCOUNT.  The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on
behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash
and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by the
Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions
of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures commission
merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance
with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any
registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash, government securities or liquid,
high-grade debt obligations in connection with options purchased, sold or
written by the Fund or commodity futures contracts or options thereon


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund
with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any
subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, BUT ONLY, in the case of
clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified
copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors/Trustees or of the Executive
Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated
account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.

     2.12 OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR TAX PURPOSES.  The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax
purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to
domestic securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with transfers of
such securities.

     2.13 PROXIES.  The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the
Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication of the manner in
which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund such
proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such
securities.

     2.14 COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FUND PORTFOLIO SECURITIES.  Subject to the
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all
written information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and
maturities of securities held domestically and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options written by
the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Fund)
received by the Custodian from


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

issuers of the securities being held for the Fund.  With respect to tender or
exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written
information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities whose
tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or his agents) making the
tender or exchange offer.  If the Fund desires to take action with respect to
any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the Fund
shall notify the Custodian at least three business days prior to the date of
which the Custodian is to take such action.

     2.15 REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.  The Custodian
shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with
reports by independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts
and options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or
maintained in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the
Custodian under this Contract; such reports shall be of sufficient scope and in
sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide
reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such
examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.

3.   DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD OUTSIDE
OF THE UNITED STATES

     3.1  APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS.  The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities
and other assets maintained outside the United States the foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities depositories designated on Schedule A hereto
("foreign sub-custodians").  Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions", as defined
in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a certified resolution of the
Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees, the Custodian and the Fund may agree to
amend Schedule A hereto from time


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

to time to designate additional foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories to act as sub-custodian.  Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the employment of any
one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets.

     3.2  ASSETS TO BE HELD.  The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to:  (a) "foreign
securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts as the
Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary to effect the
Fund's foreign securities transactions.

     3.3  FOREIGN SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES.  Except as may otherwise be agreed
upon in writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Fund shall be
maintained in foreign securities depositories only through arrangements
implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof.  Where possible, such arrangements shall include
entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof.

     3.4  SEGREGATION OF SECURITIES.  The Custodian shall identify on its books
as belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each
foreign sub-custodian.  Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a
foreign banking institution shall require that such institution establish a
custody account for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund and physically segregate
in that account, securities and other assets of the Fund, and, in the event that
such institution deposits the Fund's securities in a foreign securities
depository, that it shall identify on its books as belonging to the Custodian,
as agent for the Fund, the securities so deposited.

     3.5  AGREEMENTS WITH FOREIGN BANKING INSTITUTIONS.  Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth in
Exhibit I hereto and shall provide that


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

(a) the Fund's assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution
or its creditors or agent, except a claim of payment for their safe custody or
administration; (b) beneficial ownership of the Fund's assets will be freely
transferable without the payment of money or value other than for custody or
administration; (c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets
as belonging to the Fund; (d) officers of or auditors employed by, or other
representatives of the Custodian, including to the extent permitted under
applicable law the independent public accountants for the Fund, will be given
access to the books and records of the foreign banking institution relating to
its actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the Fund
held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to the instructions of
the Custodian or its agents.

     3.6  ACCESS OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE FUND.  Upon request of the
Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of any
foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar as such
books and records relate to the performance of such foreign banking institution
under its agreement with the Custodian.

     3.7  REPORTS BY CUSTODIAN.  The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time
to time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and
other assets of the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
limited to an identification of entities having possession of the Fund's
securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers of
securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign banking
institution for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund indicating, as to securities
acquired for the Fund, the identity of the entity having physical possession of
such securities.


                                      -18-
<PAGE>

     3.8  TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY ACCOUNT

          (a)  Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this Section
3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall apply, in
their entirety to the foreign securities of the Fund held outside the United
States by foreign sub-custodians.

          (b)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of the Fund and
delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund may be effected in
accordance with the customary established securities trading or securities
processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the
transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering securities to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefore (or an agent for such purchaser or
dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving later payment for
such securities from such purchaser or dealer.

          (c)  Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian
may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same extent as set
forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund agrees to hold any such
nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such securities.

     3.9  LIABILITY OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS.  Each agreement pursuant to which
the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign sub-custodian
shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the performance of
its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian and each Fund from
and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of
or in connection with the institution's performance of such obligations.  At the
election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign banking institution as a
consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, 


                                      -19-
<PAGE>

liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole 
for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.

     3.10 LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN.  The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth with
respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless of whether
assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking institution, a foreign
securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph
3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation,
currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where the sub-
custodian has otherwise exercised reasonable care.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to
State Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any
responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation, except such loss
as may result from (a) political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange
control restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization,
insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding
a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by political
risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under circumstances
where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.

     3.11 REIMBURSEMENT FOR ADVANCES.  If the Fund requires the Custodian to
advance cash or securities for any purpose including the purchase or sale of
foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that the
Custodian or its nominees shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as amy arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or wilful misconduct, any property at
any time held for the account of the Fund shall be security


                                      -20-
<PAGE>

therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian
shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund assets to
the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.

     3.12 MONITORING RESPONSIBILITIES.   The Custodian shall furnish annually to
the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign sub-
custodians employed by the Custodian.   Such information shall be similar in
kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract.  In addition, the Custodian will promptly inform the
Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the
financial condition of a foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the
assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-custodian not the subject
of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission is notified by
such foreign sub-custodian that there appears to be a substantial likelihood
that its shareholders equity will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or
the equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders equity has declined below $200
million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted U.S.
accounting principles).

     3.13 BRANCHES OF U.S. BANKS

          (a)  Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, the provisions of
Article 3 shall not apply where the custody of the Fund assets are maintained in
a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a "bank" as defined by
Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 meeting the qualification
set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act.  The appointment of any such branch as a
sub-custodian shall be governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract.


                                      -21-
<PAGE>

          (b)  Cash held for the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be maintained
in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the Custodian's
London branch, which account shall be subject to the direction of the Custodian,
State Street London Ltd. or both.

4.   PAYMENTS FOR REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS AND SALES OF SHARES OF THE FUND.

     From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust and any
applicable votes of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund pursuant
thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer
Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered
to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares.
In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the
Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to
wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming
shareholders.  In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the
Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of
Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of Shares,
when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls
as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.

     The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Fund's Shares  or
from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the Fund's account such
payments as are received for Shares of the Fund issued or sold from time to time
by the Fund.  The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund and the
Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of the Fund.

5.   PROPER INSTRUCTIONS.



                                      -22-
<PAGE>

     Proper Instructions as used herein means a writing signed or initialled by
one or more person or persons as the officers of the Fund shall have from time
to time authorized.  Each such writing shall set forth the specific transaction
or type of transaction involved, including a specific statement of the purpose
for which such action is requested.  Oral instructions will be considered Proper
Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a
person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the transaction
involved.  The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in
writing.  It is understood and agreed that the Board of
Directors/Directors/Trustees has authorized (i) Prudential Mutual Fund
Management, Inc., as Manager of the Fund, and (ii) The Prudential Investment
Corporation (or Prudential-Bache Securities Inc.), as Subadviser to the Fund, to
deliver proper instructions with respect to all matters for which proper
instructions are required by this Article 5.  The Custodian may rely upon the
certificate of an officer of the Manager or Subadviser, as the case may be, with
respect to the person or persons authorized on behalf of the Manager and
Subadviser, respectively, to sign, initial or give proper instructions for the
purpose of this Article 5.  Proper Instructions may include communications
effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that
the Fund and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Fund's assets.  For purposes of this Section, Proper
Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to
any three-party agreement which requires a segregated asset account in
accordance with Section 2.11.

6.   ACTIONS PERMITTED WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY.

     The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund:


                                      -23-
<PAGE>

          (1)  make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Contract,
PROVIDED that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund;

          (2)  surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;

          (3)  endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and

          (4)  in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of the Fund except as otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund.

7.   EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY

     The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund.  The
Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors/Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of
any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of
any action by the Board of Directors/ Trustees pursuant to the Articles of
Incorporation/Declaration of Trust as described in such vote, and such vote may
be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of
written notice to the contrary.


                                      -24-
<PAGE>

8.   DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND CALCULATION OF
NET ASSET VALUE AND NET INCOME.

     The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund to
keep the books of account of the Fund and/or compute the net asset value per
share of the outstanding shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so
by the Fund, shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net
asset value per share.  If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily
the net income of the Fund as described in the Fund's currently effective
prospectus and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total
amounts of such net income and, if instructed in writing by an office of the
Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of
such net income among its various components.  The calculations of the net asset
value per share and the daily income of the Fund shall be made at the time or
times described from time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus.

9.   RECORDS

     The Custodian shall create and maintain all records relating to its
activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder.
All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during
the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Custodian shall, at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by the Fund and
held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such


                                      -25-
<PAGE>

compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include
certificate numbers in such tabulations.

10.  OPINION OF FUND'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT

          The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from
time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the
Fund's independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A, Form N-2 (in the case
of a closed end Fund) and Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the Securities
and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such
Commission.

11.  COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN

     The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services
and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and
the Custodian.

12.  RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN

     So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care,
the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of
any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it
pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to
be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any
futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party
futures or options agreement.  The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract but shall be
kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action
taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence.  It shall be entitled
to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund)
on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken


                                      -26-
<PAGE>

or omitted pursuant to such advice.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
responsibility of the Custodian with respect to redemptions effected by check
shall be in accordance with a separate Agreement entered into between the
Custodian and the Fund.

     The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in
the custody of a foreign banking institution, a foreign securities depository or
a branch of a U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph 3.11 hereof, the Custodian
shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
resulting from, or caused by, the direction of or authorization by the Fund to
maintain custody or any securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country
including, but not limited to, losses resulting from nationalization,
expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism.

     If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to
the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some
other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such
action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.

     If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any
purpose or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be
assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in
connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from
its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or wilful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be
security therefor and should the


                                      -27-
<PAGE>

Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to
utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund assets to the extent necessary
to obtain reimbursement provided, however that, prior to disposing of Fund
assets hereunder, the Custodian shall give the Fund notice of its intention to
dispose of assets identifying such assets and the Fund shall have one business
day from receipt of such notice to notify the Custodian if the Fund wishes the
Custodian to dispose of Fund assets of equal value other than those identified
in such notice.

13.  EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

     This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than sixty (60) days
after the date of such delivery or mailing; PROVIDED, however that the Custodian
shall not act under Section 2.10 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Directors/Trustees of the Fund has approved the initial use of a particular
Securities System and the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors/Trustees has reviewed the use
by the Fund of such Securities System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian
shall not act under Section 2.10A hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Directors/Trustees has approved the initial use of the Direct Paper System and
the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
that the Board of Directors/Trustees has reviewed the use by the Fund of the
Direct Paper System; PROVIDED FURTHER, however, that the Fund shall not amend or


                                      -28-
<PAGE>

terminate this Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state
regulations, or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of
Trust, and further, provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of its
Board of Directors/Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the
Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii)
immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a
conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or
upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory
agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

     Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian such
compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall likewise
reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.

14.  SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN

     If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of
Directors/Trustees of the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver
to such successor custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in
the form for transfer, all securities then held by it hereunder and shall
transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities
held in a Securities System.

     If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors/Trustees of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and
transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such
vote.

     In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors/Trustees shall have been
delivered to the Custodian on or before the date


                                      -29-
<PAGE>

when such termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the
right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its
own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as
shown by its last published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all
securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian and all instruments
held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under
this Contract and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of
the Fund's securities held in any Securities System.  Thereafter, such bank or
trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.

     In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors/Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian
shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as
the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties
and the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.

15.  INTERPRETATIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

     In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract.  Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, PROVIDED that no such interpretative or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Articles of Incorporation/ Declaration of Trust of the


                                      -30-
<PAGE>

Fund.  No interpretative or additional provisions made as provided in the
preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.

16.  MASSACHUSETTS LAW TO APPLY

     This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

17.  PRIOR CONTRACTS

     This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of the
Fund's assets.

18.  THE PARTIES

     All references herein to the "Fund" are to each of the Funds listed on
Appendix A individually, as if this Contract were between such individual Fund
and the Custodian.  With respect to any Fund listed on Appendix A which is
organized as a Massachusetts Business Trust, references to Board of Directors
and Articles of Incorporation shall be deemed a reference to Board of
Directors/Trustees and Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust
respectively and reference to shares of capital stock shall be deemed a
reference to shares of beneficial interest.

19.  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

     Each Fund listed on Appendix A that is referenced as a Massachusetts
Business Trust is the designation of the Directors/Trustees under a Articles of
Incorporation/Declaration of Trust, dated (see Appendix A) and all persons
dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of the Fund for the
enforcement of any claims against the Fund as neither the Directors/Trustees,
officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations
entered into on behalf of the Fund.


                                      -31-
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the dates set forth on Appendix A.

ATTEST                             STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                   By /s/ Al Oneal
- ---------------------------          -------------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary                     Vice President


ATTEST                             EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX A


/s/ S. Jane Rose                   By   /s/ Robert F. Gunia
- ----------------                        -------------------
Secretary                               Vice President


                                      -32-

<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE A

     The following foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories have been approved by the Board of Directors of each of the parties
indicated on Appendix A for use as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and
other assets:
                                        
                                                      SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
                                                                OR
COUNTRY                         BANK                     CLEARING AGENCY
- -------                         ----                     ---------------
                                                      
Argentina                  Citibank, N.A.             Caja de Valores, CDV
                                                      
Australia                  Westpac Banking            Austraclear Limited
                           Corporation
                                                      
Austria                    GiroCredit Bank            Oesterreichische
                           Aktiengesellschaft der     Kontrollbank AG
                           Sparkassen
                                                      
Belgium                    Generale Bank              Caisse
                                                      Interprofessionnelle de
                                                      Depots et de Virements de
                                                      Titres S.A. (C.I.K.)
                                                      
Brazil                     Citibank, N.A.             Bolsa de Valores de Sao
                                                      Paolo (Bovespa); Banco
                                                      Central do Brasil,
                                                      Systema Especial de
                                                      Liquidacao E Custodia
                                                      (SELIC)
                                                      
Canada                     Canada Trustco Mortgage    The Canadian Depository
                           Company                    for Securities Limited
                                                      
Chile                      Citibank, N.A.             None
                                                      
China                      The Hong Kong and          Shanghai Securities
                           Shanghai Banking           Central Clearing and
                           Corporation Limited        Registration Corporation
                                                      
                                                      Shenzhen Securities
                                                      Registrars Co., Limited
                                        
<PAGE>
                                        
                                                      SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
                                                                OR
COUNTRY                         BANK                     CLEARING AGENCY
- -------                         ----                     ---------------

Colombia                   Cititrust Colombia, S.A.   None
                           Sociedad Fiduciaria

The Czech Republic         Ceckoslovenska Obchodni    Stredisko Cennych Papiru
                           Banka A.S.                 (SCP)

Denmark                    Den Danske Bank            Vaerdipapircentralen
                                                      The Danish Securities
                                                      Center (VP)
                                                      
Finland                    Merita Bank Limited        Central Share Register of
                                                      Finland
                                                      
France                     Banque Paribas             Societe
                                                      Interprofessionnelle pour
                                                      la Compensation des
                                                      Valeurs Mobilieres
                                                      (SICOVAM)
                                                      
Germany                    BHF-Bank                   The Deutscher
                           Aktiengellschaft           Kassenverein AG
                                                      
Greece                     National Bank of           The Central Securities
                           Greece S.A.                Depository (Apothetirio
                                                      Titlon A.E.)
                                                      
Hong Kong                  Standard Chartered Bank    The Central Clearing and
                                                      Settlement System (CCASS)
                                                      Securities Depository
                                                      
Hungary                    Citibank Budapest Rt.      The Central Depository
                                                      and Clearing House
                                                      
India                      The Hong Kong and          None
                           Shanghai Banking
                           Corporation Limited
                                                      
Indonesia                  Standard Chartered Bank    None
                                                      
Ireland                    Bank of Ireland            The Central Bank of
                                                      Ireland, The Gilt
                                                      Settlement Office (GSO)
                                        
<PAGE>
                                        
                                                      SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
                                                                OR
COUNTRY                         BANK                     CLEARING AGENCY
- -------                         ----                     ---------------

Israel                     Bank Hapoalin B.M.         The Clearing House of the
                                                      Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
                                                      
Italy                      Morgan Guaranty Trust      Monte Titoli, S.P.A.
                           Company                    Banca d'Italia

Japan                      The Daiwa Bank, Ltd        Japan Securities
                                                      Depository Center
                           Sunitomo Trust &           (JASDEC); Bank of Japan
                           Banking Co., Ltd.          Net System

Korea                      SEOULBANK                  Korea Securities
                                                      Depository
                                                      
Luxembourg                           --               Cedel
                                                      
Malaysia                   Standard Chartered Bank    Malaysian Central
                           Malaysia Berhad            Depository Sdn. Bhd.
                                                      
Mexico                     Citibank, N.A.             S.D. INDEVAL, S.A. De
                                                      C.V. (Instituto para el
                                                      Deposito de Valores);
                                                      Banco de Mexico
                                                      
Netherlands                MeesPierson N.V.           Nederlands Centraal
                                                      Instituut voor Giraal
                                                      Effectenverkeer B.V.
                                                      (NECIGEF)
                                                      
New Zealand                ANZ Banking Group (New     Nederlands Centraal
                           Zealand) Limited           Instituut voor Giraal
                                                      Effectenverkeer B.V.
                                                      
Norway                     Christiania Bank og        Verdipapirsentralen
                           Kreditkasse                The Norwegian Registry of
                                                      Securities
                                                      
Pakistan                   Deutch Bank AG             None
                                                      
Peru                       Citibank, N.A.             Caja de Valores
                                                      
Philippines                Standard Chartered Bank    None
                                                      
Poland                     Citibank Poland, S.A.      The National Depository
                                                      of Securities
                                        
<PAGE>
                                        
                                                      SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
                                                                OR
COUNTRY                         BANK                     CLEARING AGENCY
- -------                         ----                     ---------------

Portugal                   Banco Comercial            Central de Valores
                           Portugues (Lisbon)         Mobiliarios (Central)

Singapore                  The Development Bank of    The Central Depository
                           Singapore Ltd.             (Pte) Limited (CDP)
                                                      
Slovak Republic            Cekoslovenska Obchodna     Stredisko cennych
                           Bank A.S.                  papierov (SCP);
                                                      National Bank of Slovakia
                                                      
South Africa               Standard Bank of South     None
                           Africa Ltd.

Spain                      Banco Santandar, S.A.      Servicio de Compensacion
                                                      y Liquidacion de Valores
                                                      (SCLV); Banco de Espana,
                                                      Anotaciones en Cuenta

Sweden                     Skandinaviska Enskilda     Vardepapperscentralen,
                           Banken                     VPC, AB, The Swedish
                                                      Securities Depository
                                                      
Switzerland                Union Bank of              Schweizerische Effekten-
                           Switzerland                Giro AG (SEGA)
                                                      
Taiwan                     Central Trust of China     The Taiwan Securities
                                                      Central Depository
                                                      Company, Ltd., (TSCD)
                                                      
Thailand                   Standard Chartered Bank    Thailand Securities
                                                      Central Depository
                                                      Company, Ltd.
                                                      
Turkey                     Citibank, N.A.             Istanbul Stock Exchange
                                                      Settlement and Custody
                                                      Co., Inc.
                                                      
United Kingdom             State Street Bank and      The Bank of England, The
                           Trust Company London       Central Gilts Office
                           Branch, and State Street   (CGO); The Central London
                           London Limited;            Moneymarkets Office (CMO)
                           subsidiary of State
                           Street Bank & Trust
                           Company
                                        
<PAGE>
                                        
                                                      SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
                                                                OR
COUNTRY                         BANK                     CLEARING AGENCY
- -------                         ----                     ---------------

Uruguay                    Citibank, N.A.             None
                                                      
Venezuela                  Citibank, N.A.             None
                                                      
Transnational                                         The Euroclear System
                                                      Cedel
                                        
                                        
                                        
Certified:
                                        
                                        
/s/
- -------------------------
Fund's Authorized Officer
                                        
Date: August 23, 1995
      -------------------


<PAGE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.9






                        TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT

                                       between

                           PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC.

                                         and

                        PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.


<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article 1          Terms of Appointment; Duties of the Agent...... 1

Article 2          Fees and Expenses.............................. 4

Article 3          Representations and Warranties of the Agent.... 5

Article 4          Representations of Warranties of the Fund...... 5

Article 5          Duty of Care and Indemnification............... 6

Article 6          Documents and Covenants of the Fund and the 
                   Agent.......................................... 9

Article 7          Termination of Agreement.......................10

Article 8          Assignment.....................................11

Article 9          Affiliations...................................11

Article 10         Amendment......................................12

Article 11         Applicable Law.................................12

Article 12         Miscellaneous..................................12

Article 13         Merger of Agreement............................13

<PAGE>

                        TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT

    AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of January, 1988 by and between
PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, having its principal
office and place of business at One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292 (the
Fund), and PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC., a New Jersey corporation,
having its principal office and place of business at Raritan Plaza One, Edison,
New Jersey 08837 (the Agent or PMFS).

    WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint PMFS as its transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent in connection with certain
other activities, and PMFS desires to accept such appointment;

    NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained,
the parties hereto agree as follows:



Article 1     TERMS OF APPOINTMENT; DUTIES OF PMFS

         1.01 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
the Fund hereby employs and appoints PMFS to act as, and PMFS agrees to act as,
the transfer agent for the authorized and issued shares of the common stock of
each series of the Fund, $.01 par value (Shares), dividend disbursing agent and
shareholder servicing agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or
similar plans provided to the shareholders of the Fund or any series thereof
(Shareholders) and set out in the currently effective prospectus and statement
of additional 

<PAGE>

information (prospectus) of the Fund, including without limitation any periodic
investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.

              1.02  PMFS agrees that it will perform the following services:

    (a)  In accordance with procedures established from time to time by
agreement between the Fund and PMFS, PMFS shall:

    (i)  Receive for acceptance, orders for the purchase of Shares, and
promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefor to the Custodian
of the Fund authorized pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund
(the Custodian); 

      (ii)    Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of
Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate Shareholder account;

     (iii)    Receive for acceptance redemption requests and redemption
directions and deliver the appropriate documentation therefor to the Custodian;

      (iv)    At the appropriate time as and when it receives monies paid to it
by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, pay over or cause to be paid
over in the appropriate manner such monies as instructed by the redeeming
Shareholders;

       (v)    Effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners thereof upon
receipt of appropriate instructions;

      (vi)    Prepare and transmit payments for dividends and distributions
declared by the Fund;

     (vii)    Calculate any sales charges payable by a Shareholder on purchases
and/or redemptions of Shares of the Fund as such charges may be reflected in the
prospectus;

<PAGE>

    (viii)    Maintain records of account for and advise the Fund and its
Shareholders as to the foregoing; and 

      (ix)    Record the issuance of Shares of the Fund and maintain pursuant
to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act) a record
of the total number of Shares of the Fund which are authorized, based upon data
provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding.  PMFS shall also provide
to the Fund on a regular basis the total number of Shares which are authorized,
issued and outstanding and shall notify the Fund in case any proposed issue of
Shares by the Fund would result in an overissue.  In case any issue of Shares
would result in an overissue, PMFS shall refuse to issue such Shares and shall
not countersign and issue any certificates requested for such Shares.  When
recording the issuance of Shares, PMFS shall have no obligation to take
cognizance of any Blue Sky laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares,
which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund.

    (b)  In addition to and not in lieu of the services set forth in the above
paragraph (a), PMFS shall:  (i) perform all of the customary services of a
transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, shareholder
servicing agent in connection with accumulation, open-account or similar plans
(including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic
withdrawal program), including but not limited to,  maintaining all Shareholder
accounts, preparing Shareholder meeting lists, mailing proxies, receiving and
tabulating proxies, mailing Shareholder reports and prospectuses to current
Shareholders, withholding taxes 

<PAGE>

on non-resident alien accounts, preparing and filing appropriate forms required
with respect to dividends and distributions by federal tax authorities for all
Shareholders, preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account
to Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other
confirmable transactions in Shareholder accounts, preparing and mailing activity
statements for Shareholders and providing Shareholder account information and
(ii) provide a system which will  enable the Fund to monitor the total number of
Shares sold in each State or other jurisdiction.

    (c)  In addition, the Fund shall (i) identify to PMFS in writing those
transactions and assets to be treated as exempt from Blue Sky reporting for each
State and (ii) verify the establishment of transactions for each State on the
system prior to activation and thereafter monitor the daily activity for each
State.  The responsibility of PMFS for the Fund's registration status under the
Blue Sky or securities laws of any State or other jurisdiction is solely limited
to the initial establishment of transactions subject to Blue Sky compliance by
the Fund and the reporting of such transactions to the Fund as provided above
and as agreed from time to time by the Fund and PMFS.  

    PMFS may also provide such additional services and functions not
specifically described herein as may be mutually agreed between PMFS and the
Fund and set forth in Schedule B hereto.

    Procedures applicable to certain of these services may be established from
time to time by agreement between the Fund and PMFS.

<PAGE>

Article 2     FEES AND EXPENSES

         2.01 For performance by PMFS pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund
agrees to pay PMFS an annual maintenance fee for each Shareholder account and
certain transactional fees as set out in the fee schedule attached hereto as
Schedule A.  Such fees and out-of-pocket expenses and advances identified under
Section 2.02 below may be changed from time to time subject to mutual written
agreement between the Fund and PMFS.

         2.02  In addition to the fees paid under Section 2.01 above, the Fund
agrees to reimburse PMFS for out-of-pocket expenses or advances incurred by PMFS
for the items set out in Schedule A attached hereto.  In addition, any other
expenses incurred by PMFS at the request or with the consent of the Fund will be
reimbursed by the Fund.

         2.03  The Fund agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within
a reasonable period of time following the mailing of the respective billing
notice.  Postage for mailing of dividends, proxies, Fund reports and other
mailings to all Shareholder accounts shall be advanced to PMFS by the Fund upon
request prior to the mailing date of such materials.

Article 3     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PMFS

         PMFS represents and warrants to the Fund that:

         3.01  It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of New Jersey and it is duly qualified to carry on its
business in New Jersey.

         3.02 It is and will remain registered with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Transfer Agent 

<PAGE>

pursuant to the requirements of Section 17A of the 1934 Act.

         3.03 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its charter and
By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.

         3.04 All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize
it to enter into and perform this Agreement.

         3.05 It has and will continue to have access to the necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under
this Agreement.

Article 4     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND

         The Fund represents and warrants to PMFS that:

         4.01 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of Maryland.

         4.02 It is empowered  under applicable laws and by its Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.

         4.03  All corporate proceedings required by said Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws have been taken to authorize it to enter into and
perform this Agreement.

         4.04  It is an investment company registered with the SEC under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).

         4.05  A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
1933 Act) is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate
state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with
respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale.

<PAGE>

Article 5     DUTY OF CARE AND INDEMNIFICATION

         5.01  PMFS shall not be responsible for, and the Fund shall indemnify
and hold PMFS harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs,
charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or
attributable to:

    (a)  All actions of PMFS or its agents or subcontractors required to be
taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions are taken in good
faith and without negligence or willful misconduct.

    (b)  The Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this
Agreement, or which arise out of the Fund's lack of good faith, negligence or
willful misconduct or which arise out of the breach of any representation or
warranty of the Fund hereunder.

    (c)  The reliance on or use by PMFS or its agents or subcontractors of
information, records and documents which (i) are received by PMFS or its agents
or subcontractors and furnished to it by or on behalf of the Fund, and (ii) have
been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund or any other person or firm on
behalf of the Fund.

    (d)  The reliance on, or the carrying out by PMFS or its agents or
subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Fund.

    (e)  The offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement under the
federal securities laws or regulations or the securities or Blue Sky laws of any
State or other jurisdiction that such Shares be registered in such State or
other jurisdiction or in violation of any stop order or other determination or
ruling by any 

<PAGE>

federal agency or any State or other jurisdiction with respect to the offer or
sale of such Shares in such State or other jurisdiction.

    5.02  PMFS shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from and against any
and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and
liability  arising out of or attributable to any action or failure or omission
to act by PMFS as a result of PMFS' lack of good faith, negligence or willful
misconduct.

    5.03  At any time PMFS may apply to any officer of the Fund for
instructions, and may consult  with legal counsel, with respect to any matter
arising in connection with the services to be performed by PMFS under this
Agreement, and PMFS and its agents or subcontractors shall not be liable and
shall be indemnified by the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in
reliance upon such instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel.  PMFS, its
agents and subcontractors shall be protected and indemnified in acting upon any
paper or document furnished by or on behalf of the Fund, reasonably believed to
be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons, or upon any
instruction, information, data, records or documents provided to PMFS or its
agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, telex, CRT data entry or
other similar means authorized by the Fund, and shall not be held to have notice
of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice
thereof from the Fund.  PMFS, its agents and subcontractors shall also be
protected and indemnified in recognizing stock certificates which are reasonably
believed to 

<PAGE>

bear the proper manual or facsimile signature of the officers of the Fund, and
the proper countersignature of any former transfer agent or registrar, or of a
co-transfer agent or co-registrar.

    5.04  In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under
the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, strikes, equipment  or
transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes
reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the
other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from
such causes.

    5.05  Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party
for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement or for any act
or failure to act hereunder.

    5.06  In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this
Article 5 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may
be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall
promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other
party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim.  The party
who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the
party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim.  The party seeking
indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any
case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the
other party's prior written consent.

Article 6     DOCUMENTS AND COVENANTS OF THE FUND AND PMFS


    6.01  The Fund shall promptly furnish to PMFS the following:

<PAGE>

    (a)  A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Fund authorizing the appointment of PMFS and the execution and delivery of this
Agreement;

    (b)  A certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
Fund and all amendments thereto;

    (c)  The current registration statements and any amendments and supplements
thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the  1933 Act and the
1940 Act;

    (d)  A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in the form
approved by the Board of Directors, with a certificate of the Secretary of the
Fund as to such approval;

    (e)  All account application forms or other documents relating to
Shareholder accounts and/or relating to any plan program or service offered or
to be offered by the Fund; and 

    (f)  Such other certificates, documents or opinions as the Agent deems to
be appropriate or necessary for the proper performance of its duties.

    6.02  PMFS hereby agrees to establish and maintain facilities and
procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping of stock
certificates, check forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if any;
and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such certificates,
forms and devices.

    6.03  PMFS shall prepare and keep records relating to the services to be
performed hereunder, in the form and manner as it may deem advisable.  To the
extent required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and the Rules and Regulations
thereunder, PMFS agrees 

<PAGE>

that all such records prepared or maintained by PMFS relating to the services to
be performed by PMFS hereunder are the property of the Fund and will be
preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with such Section 31 of
the 1940 Act, and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, and will be surrendered
promptly to the Fund on and in accordance with its request.

    6.04  PMFS and the Fund agree that all books, records, information and data
pertaining to the business of the other party which are exchanged or received
pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this Agreement shall remain
confidential and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person except
as may be required by law or with the prior consent of PMFS and the Fund.

    6.05  In case of any requests or demands for the inspection of the
Shareholder records of the Fund, PMFS will endeavor to notify the Fund and to
secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Fund as to such
inspection.  PMFS reserves the right, however, to exhibit the Shareholder
records to any person whenever it is advised by its counsel that it may be held
liable for the failure to exhibit the Shareholder records to such person.

Article 7     TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

    7.01  This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon one hundred
twenty (120) days written notice to the other.

    7.02 Should the Fund exercise its right to terminate, all out-of-pocket
expenses associated with the movement of records and other materials will be
borne by the Fund.  Additionally, PMFS reserves the right to charge for any
other reasonable fees and expenses associated with such termination.

<PAGE>

Article 8      ASSIGNMENT

         8.01  Except as provided in Section 8.03 below, neither this Agreement
nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without
the written consent of the other party.

         8.02  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

         8.03  PMFS may, in its sole discretion and without further consent by
the Fund, subcontract, in whole or in part, for the performance of its
obligations and duties hereunder with any person or entity including but not
limited to:  (i)  Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities), a
registered broker-dealer, (ii) The Prudential Insurance Company of America
(Prudential), (iii) Pruco Securities Corporation, a registered broker-dealer,
(iv) any Prudential Securities or Prudential subsidiary or affiliate duly
registered as a broker-dealer and/or a transfer agent pursuant to the 1934 Act
or (vi) any other Prudential Securities or Prudential affiliate or subsidiary;
provided, however, that PMFS shall be as fully responsible to the Fund for the
acts and omissions of any agent or subcontractor as it is for its own acts and
omissions.

Article 9     AFFILIATIONS

         9.01  PMFS may now or hereafter, without the consent of or notice to
the Fund, function as Transfer Agent and/or Shareholder Servicing Agent for any
other investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act, including
without 

<PAGE>

limitation any investment company whose adviser, administrator, sponsor or
principal underwriter is or may become affiliated with Prudential Securities
and/or Prudential or any of its or their direct or indirect subsidiaries or
affiliates.

         9.02  It is understood and agreed that the directors, officers,
employees, agents and Shareholders of the Fund, and the directors, officers,
employees, agents and shareholders of the Fund's investment adviser and/or
distributor, are or may be interested in the Agent as directors, officers,
employees, agents, shareholders or otherwise, and that the directors, officers,
employees, agents or shareholders of the Agent may be interested in the Fund as
directors, officers, employees, agents, Shareholders or otherwise, or in the
investment adviser and/or distributor as officers, directors, employees, agents,
shareholders or otherwise.

<PAGE>

Article 10    AMENDMENT

         10.01  This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written
agreement executed by both parties and authorized or approved by a resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Fund.

Article 11    APPLICABLE LAW

         11.01  This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof
interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Article 12    MISCELLANEOUS

         12.01  In the event of an alleged loss or destruction of any Share
certificate, no new certificate shall be issued in lieu thereof, unless there
shall first be furnished to PMFS an affidavit of loss or non-receipt by the
holder of Shares with respect to which a certificate has been lost or destroyed,
supported by an appropriate bond satisfactory to PMFS and the Fund issued by a
surety company satisfactory to PMFS, except that PMFS may accept an affidavit of
loss and indemnity agreement executed by the registered holder (or legal
representative) without surety in such form as PMFS deems appropriate
indemnifying PMFS and the Fund for the issuance of a replacement certificate, in
cases where the alleged loss is in the amount of $1000 or less.

         12.02  In the event that any check or other order for payment of money
on the account of any Shareholder or new investor is returned unpaid for any
reason, PMFS will (a) give prompt notification to the Fund's distributor
(Distributor) of such non-payment; and (b) take such other action, including
imposition of a reasonable processing or handling fee, as PMFS may, in its 

<PAGE>

sole discretion, deem appropriate or as the Fund and the Distributor may
instruct PMFS.

         12.03  Any notice or other instrument authorized or required by this
Agreement to be given in writing to the Fund or to PMFS shall be sufficiently
given if addressed to that party and received by it at its office set forth
below or at such other place as it may from time to time designate in writing.

To the Fund:

Prudential-Bache GNMA Fund, Inc.
One Seaport Plaza
New York, NY  10292
Attention:  President

To PMFS:

Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
Raritan Plaza One
Edison, NJ 08837
Attention:  President

Article 13    MERGER OF AGREEMENT

         13.01  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject
matter hereof whether oral or written.

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed in their names and on their behalf under their seals by and through
their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.


                                       PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC.



                                       BY:  /s/ Robert F. Gunia    
                                           ------------------------


ATTEST:


 /s/ S. Jane Rose      
- -----------------------

                                       PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND
                                           SERVICES, INC.


                                       BY: /s/ Fred Fiandaca              
                                           -----------------

ATTEST:

/s/ Lynda M. Puglesi                  
- --------------------

                                          17

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 10

SULLIVAN & CROMWELL

NEW YORK TELEPHONE: (212) 558-4000
TELEX: 62694 (INTERNATIONAL) 127816 (DOMESTIC)
CABLE ADDRESS: LADYCOURT, NEW YORK
FACSIMILE: (212) 558-3588 (125 Broad Street)
     (212) 558-3792 (250 Park Avenue)

                                           125 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK 10004-2498
                                                          __________

                                            250 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK 10177-0021
                         1701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006-5805
                                 444 SOUTH FLOWER STREET, LOS ANGELES 90071-2901
                                                   8, PLACE VENDOME, 75001 PARIS
                          ST. OLAVE'S HOUSE, 9a IRONMONGER LANE, LONDON EC2V 8EY
                                              101 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE 3000
                                  2-1, MARUNOUCHI I-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100
                                   GLOUCESTER TOWER, 11 PEDDER STREET, HONG KONG

                                        March 4, 1997


Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.,
   Gateway Center Three,
     100 Mulberry Street,
          Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.

Dear Sirs:

          You have requested our opinion in connection with your filing of Post-
Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the
"Post-Effective Amendment") under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and
your registration in connection therewith of 2,084,517 shares of your Common
Stock, $.01 par value (the "Shares") pursuant to Rule 24e-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.

          As your counsel, we are familiar with your organization and corporate
status and the validity of your Common Stock.

          We advise you that, in our opinion, when the Post-Effective Amendment
relating to the Shares has become effective under the Act, the Shares, when duly
issued and sold, for not less than the par value thereof and in
<PAGE>

Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.                                 Exhibit 10


conformity with your charter, will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.

          The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United
States and the General Corporation Laws of the State of Maryland, and we are
expressing no opinion as to the effect by the laws of any other jurisdiction.

          We have relied as to certain matters on information obtained from
public officials, your officers and other sources believed by us to be
responsible.

          We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission in connection with the notice referred to above.  In giving
such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933.


                                   Very truly yours,

                                   /s/ Sullivan & Cromwell



<PAGE>

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 23  to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated
February  27, 1997, relating to the financial statements and financial
highlights of Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc., which appears in such
Statement of Additional Information, and to the incorporation by reference of
our report into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration
Statement.  We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Custodian
and  Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and Independent Accountants" in
such Statement of Additional Information and to the reference to us under the
heading "Financial Highlights" in such Prospectus.


PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
New York, New York
February  27, 1997

<PAGE>

                         PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC

                                    EXHIBIT
                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                  CALCULATION

                                                 n
                              ERV = P * (1 + T)^ 

P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.00

T = average annual total return

n = number of years

ERV = ending redeemable value

===============================================================================

                      1 Year             5 Year          Inception

     P =           $1,000.00          $1,000.00          $1,000.00

     n =                   1                  5               6.78

   ERV =           $1,002.15          $1,560.23          $1,962.59

     T =                0.22%              9.30%             10.46%

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***SUBSIDY ADJUSTED***

                      1 Year             5 Year          Inception

     P =           $1,000.00          $1,000.00          $1,000.00

     n =                   1                  5               6.78

   ERV =           $1,002.15          $1,560.23          $1,961.22

     T =                0.22%              9.30%             10.44%


<PAGE>

                        PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GNMA FUND, INC.

                                    EXHIBIT
                               YIELD CALCULATION

                                 AS OF 12/31/88

                                              6
          YIELD = 2* [([(a - b)/(c * d)] + 1)^   - 1]

              a = dividends & interest earned during the period

              b = expenses accrued for the period

              c = average daily number of shares o/s during the 
                    period entitled to receive dividends

              d = maximum offering price per share

          Base period = 30 days

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

              a =           $1,974,954.27

              b =             $414,624.48

              c =          16,520,661,663

              d =                  $14.29

          YIELD =                    8.06%


<PAGE>


                                                                   Exhibit 16(b)


                             PRUDENTIAL GNMA FUND

                                   CLASS "A"

                                    EXHIBIT
                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                  CALCULATION

                                               n
                              ERV = P * (1 + T)


  P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

  T = average annual total return

  n = number of years

ERV = ending redeemable value

===============================================================================

                             1 Year              Inception
                          [Annualized]

     P =                    $1,000.00            $1,000.00

     n =                         1.00                 0.94

   ERV =                    $1,050.00            $1,044.33

     T =                         5.00%                4.71%




<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.18


                        PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
                                      (the Fund)


                             PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18F-3

    The Fund hereby adopts this plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), setting forth the separate
arrangement and expense allocation of each class of shares.  Any material
amendment to this plan is subject to prior approval of the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the independent Directors.


                                CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

CLASS A SHARES:    Class A shares are subject to a high initial sales charge
                   and a distribution and/or service fee pursuant to Rule 12b-1
                   under the 1940 Act (Rule 12b-1 fee) not to exceed .30 of 1%
                   per annum of the average daily net assets of the class.  The
                   initial sales charge is waived or reduced for certain
                   eligible investors.

CLASS B SHARES:    Class B shares are not subject to an initial sales charge
                   but are subject to a high contingent deferred sales charge
                   (declining by 1% each year) which will be imposed on certain
                   redemptions and a Rule 12b-1 fee of not to exceed [.75 of
                   1%/1%] per annum of the average daily net assets of the
                   class.  The contingent deferred sales charge is waived for
                   certain eligible investors.  Class B shares automatically
                   convert to Class A shares approximately [seven] years after
                   purchase.

CLASS C SHARES:    Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge
                   but are subject to a low contingent deferred sales charge
                   (declining by 1% each year) which will be imposed on certain
                   redemptions and a Rule 12b-1 fee not to exceed 1% per annum
                   of the average daily net assets of the class.

CLASS Z SHARES:    Class Z shares are not subject to either an initial or
                   contingent deferred sales charge nor are they subject to any
                   Rule 12b-1 fee.

                            INCOME AND EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS

    Income, any realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and expenses
    not allocated to a particular class, 

<PAGE>

    will be allocated to each class on the basis of the net asset value of
    that class in relation to the net asset value of the Fund.

                             DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

    Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund to each class of shares,
    to the extent paid, will be paid on the same day and at the same time, and
    will be determined in the same manner and will be in the same amount,
    except that the amount of the dividends and other distributions declared
    and paid by a particular class may be different from that paid by another
    class because of Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses borne exclusively by
    that class.


                                  EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

    Each class of shares is generally exchangeable for the same class of shares
    (or the class of shares with similar characteristics), if any, of the other
    Prudential Mutual Funds (subject to certain minimum investment
    requirements) at relative net asset value without the imposition of any
    sales charge.  

    Class B and Class C shares (which are not subject to a contingent deferred
    sales charge) of shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at net
    asset value will be automatically exchanged for Class A shares on a
    quarterly basis, unless the shareholder elects otherwise.


                                 CONVERSION FEATURES

    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.


                                       GENERAL

A.  Each class of shares shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter
    submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and shall
    have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in
    which the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other
    class.

B.  On an ongoing basis, the Directors, pursuant to their fiduciary
    responsibilities under the 1940 Act and otherwise, will monitor the Fund
    for the existence of any material conflicts among the interests of its
    several classes.  The Directors, including a majority of the independent 

<PAGE>

    Directors, shall take such action as is reasonably necessary to
    eliminate any such conflicts that may develop.  Prudential Mutual Fund
    Management, Inc., the Fund's Manager, will be responsible for
    reporting any potential or existing conflicts to the Directors.



C.  For purposes of expressing an opinion on the financial statements of the
    Fund, the methodology and procedures for calculating the net asset value
    and dividends/distributions of the Fund's several classes and the proper
    allocation of income and expenses among such classes will be examined
    annually by the Fund's independent auditors who, in performing such
    examination, shall consider the factors set forth in the relevant auditing
    standards adopted, from time to time, by the American Institute of
    Certified Public Accountants.


Dated:   March 1, 1997








<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000700662
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 001
   <NAME> PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC. (CLASS A)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      188,059,732
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     189,741,449
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,558,846
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                   5,417
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             191,305,712
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       276,503
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      604,122
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            880,625
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   213,485,704
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       13,379,580
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       15,447,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      139,997
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (24,882,331)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,681,717
<NET-ASSETS>                               190,425,087
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,686,706
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               2,959,417
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,727,289
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       186,036
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (6,315,745)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        6,597,580
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                 (12,234,464)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      8,736,035
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (45,644,609)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          7,670,064
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (34,875,394)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        742,368
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (25,068,367)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,021,621
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              2,830,420
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        93,766,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.61
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.93
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                         (0.39)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (0.9)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.25
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.12
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000700662
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 002
   <NAME> PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC. (CLASS B)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      188,059,732
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     189,741,449
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,558,846
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                   5,417
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             191,305,712
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       276,503
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      604,122
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            880,625
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   213,485,704
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       13,379,580
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       15,447,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      139,997
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (24,882,331)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,681,717
<NET-ASSETS>                               190,425,087
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,686,706
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               2,959,417
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,727,289
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       186,036
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (6,315,745)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        6,597,580
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                 (12,234,464)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      8,736,035
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (45,644,609)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          7,670,064
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (34,875,394)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        742,368
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (25,068,367)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,021,621
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              2,830,420
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       109,812,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.57
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.84
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                         (0.38)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (0.81)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.22
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.72
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000700662
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 003
   <NAME> PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND, INC. (CLASS C)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      188,059,732
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     189,741,449
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,558,846
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                   5,417
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             191,305,712
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       276,503
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      604,122
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            880,625
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   213,485,704
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       13,379,580
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       15,447,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      139,997
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (24,882,331)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,681,717
<NET-ASSETS>                               190,425,087
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,686,706
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               2,959,417
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,727,289
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       186,036
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (6,315,745)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        6,597,580
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                 (12,234,464)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      8,736,035
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (45,644,609)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          7,670,064
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (34,875,394)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        742,368
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (25,068,367)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,021,621
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              2,830,420
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           746,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.57
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.86
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (0.4)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (0.81)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.22
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.72
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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