PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND INC
485BPOS, 1996-04-30
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<PAGE>
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 30, 1996
    
                                                       REGISTRATION NOS. 2-82976
                                                                        811-3712
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM N-1A
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933          /X/
 
   
                         PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.                         / /
    
 
   
                       POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 22                       /X/
    
 
                                     AND/OR
 
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940                      /X/
 
   
                               AMENDMENT NO. 25                              /X/
    
                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)
                            ------------------------
 
                    PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
   
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
    
                               ONE SEAPORT PLAZA,
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292
              (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (212) 214-1250
                               S. JANE ROSE, ESQ.
                               ONE SEAPORT PLAZA
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292
               (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):
 
<TABLE>
             <C> <S>
             /X/ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
             / / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
             / / 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.
</TABLE>
 
   
        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PROPOSED MAXIMUM    PROPOSED MAXIMUM
         TITLE OF SECURITIES              AMOUNT BEING       OFFERING PRICE        AGGREGATE           AMOUNT OF
          BEING REGISTERED                 REGISTERED           PER UNIT        OFFERING PRICE*     REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                    <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Shares of Common Stock, par value
 $.01 per share......................      8,467,028             $9.17            $289,992.08             $100
</TABLE>
    
 
   
*The  calculation of the  maximum aggregate offering price  was made pursuant to
 Rule 24e-2 and was based  upon an offering price of  $9.17 per share, equal  to
 the  net asset value  per share as of  the close of business  on April 18, 1996
 pursuant to Rule 457(d). The total number of shares redeemed during the  fiscal
 year  ended February 29, 1996 amounted to 40,370,049 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
 31,934,645 shares have  been used for  reduction pursuant to  paragraph (c)  of
 Rule  24f-2  in  all  previous  filings  during  the  current  year.  8,435,404
 ($82,270,251) of the  redeemed shares for  the fiscal year  ended February  29,
 1996  are being used  for the reductions in  the post-effective amendment being
 filed herein.
    
 
   
    PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,  REGISTRANT
HAS  PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED AN  INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES  OF COMMON STOCK, PAR
VALUE $.01 PER  SHARE. THE REGISTRANT  FILED A  NOTICE UNDER SUCH  RULE FOR  ITS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 1996 ON OR ABOUT APRIL 29, 1996.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                           (AS REQUIRED BY RULE 495)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-1A ITEM NO.                                                                 LOCATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
<S>        <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
Item  4.   General Description of Registrant................................  Cover Page; Fund Highlights; How the
                                                                              Fund Invests; How the Fund is
                                                                              Managed; General Information
Item  5.   Management of the Fund...........................................  Financial Highlights; How the Fund
                                                                              is Managed; General Information
Item 5A.   Management's Discussion of Fund Performance......................  Not Applicable
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
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
Item 20.   Tax Status.......................................................  Taxes, Dividends and Distributions
Item 21.   Underwriters.....................................................  Distributor
Item 22.   Calculation of Performance Data..................................  Performance Information
Item 23.   Financial Statements.............................................  Financial Statements
</TABLE>
    
 
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.
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
 
                                (Class Z Shares)
- ----------------------------------------------------
 
   
PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 30, 1996
    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund), is an open-end, diversified,
management  investment  company, or  mutual fund,  which  has as  its investment
objective the seeking of a  high current return. The  Fund will seek to  achieve
this  objective primarily by investing  in U.S. Government securities, including
U.S. Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds and  other debt securities issued by the  U.S.
Treasury,  and obligations issued  or guaranteed by  U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities, and by  engaging in various  derivative transactions such  as
the  purchase and sale  of put and call  options. In an  effort to hedge against
changes in  interest rates  and thus  preserve its  capital, the  Fund may  also
engage in transactions involving futures contracts on U.S. Government securities
and options on such futures. See "How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and
Policies."  There can be no assurance  that the Fund's investment objective will
be achieved. The Fund's address is One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York  10292,
and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
Class  Z shares  are offered  exclusively for  sale to  participants in  the PSI
401(k) Plan,  an  employee  benefit  plan  sponsored  by  Prudential  Securities
Incorporated  (the PSI 401(k) Plan or the Plan). Only Class Z shares are offered
through this Prospectus.  The Fund  also offers  Class A,  Class B  and Class  C
shares  through the attached  Prospectus dated April 30,  1996 (the Retail Class
Prospectus), which is a part hereof.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
This Prospectus  sets forth  concisely the  information about  the Fund  that  a
prospective  investor should know before investing. Additional information about
the Fund  has  been filed  with  the Securities  and  Exchange Commission  in  a
Statement  of Additional Information, dated April 30, 1996, which information is
incorporated herein by  reference (is legally  considered to be  a part of  this
Prospectus)  and is  available without  charge upon request  to the  Fund at the
address or telephone number noted above.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTORS ARE  ADVISED  TO  READ  THIS  PROSPECTUS  AND  RETAIN  IT  FOR  FUTURE
REFERENCE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FUND EXPENSES
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                     CLASS Z SHARES
                                                 ----------------------
<S>                                              <C>
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
    (as a percentage of offering price)......             None
    Maximum Sales Load or Deferred Sales Load
     Imposed on Reinvested Dividends.........             None
    Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of
     original purchase price or redemption
     proceeds,
     whichever is lower).....................             None
    Redemption Fees..........................             None
    Exchange Fee.............................             None
 
<CAPTION>
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES*                      CLASS Z SHARES
                                                 ----------------------
(as a percentage of average net assets)
<S>                                              <C>
    Management Fees..........................               .50%
    12b-1 Fees...............................             None
    Other Expenses...........................               .26
                                                          -----
    Total Fund Operating Expenses............               .76
                                                          -----
                                                          -----
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                          1 YEAR     3 YEARS    5 YEARS   10 YEARS
                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
You would pay the following
 expenses on a $1,000
 investment, assuming:
  (1) 5% annual return and (2)
   redemption at the end of
   each time period:
      Class Z.................     $8         $24        $42        $94
The  above example is based on expenses  expected to have been incurred if
    Class Z shares had been in existence throughout the fiscal year  ended
    February   29,  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 Class Z shares of  the
    Fund  will  bear, whether  directly or  indirectly. For  more complete
    descriptions of the various costs and  expenses, see "How the Fund  is
    Managed."  "Other Expenses"  includes operating expenses  of the Fund,
    such as Directors' and  professional fees, registration fees,  reports
    to shareholders and transfer agency and custodian fees.
- -------------
        *  Estimated  based on expenses  expected to have  been incurred if  Class Z shares had
           been in existence throughout the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996. Class Z shares
           commenced being offered on March 1, 1996.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED--DISTRIBUTOR" IN
THE PROSPECTUS:
 
    Prudential Securities serves as the Distributor of Class Z shares and incurs
the expenses of  distributing the  Fund's Class  Z shares  under a  Distribution
Agreement  with the  Fund, none of  which are reimbursed  by or paid  for by the
Fund.
 
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND
DISTRIBUTIONS--TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
 
    As a qualified plan,  the PSI 401(k) Plan  generally pays no federal  income
tax. Individual participants in the Plan should consult Plan documents and their
own  tax  advisers  for  information on  the  tax  consequences  associated with
participating in the PSI 401(k) Plan.
 
    The per share dividends on Class Z shares will generally be higher than  the
per  share dividends on Class  A, Class B or  Class C shares as  a result of the
fact that Class Z shares are not subject to any distribution or service fee.
 
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES THE INFORMATION UNDER "SHAREHOLDER GUIDE--HOW
TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND" AND "SHAREHOLDER GUIDE--HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES" IN
THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
 
   
    Class Z shares of the Fund are offered exclusively for sale to  participants
in  the PSI 401(k)  Plan. Such shares may  be purchased or  redeemed only by the
Plan on  behalf of  individual Plan  participants at  NAV without  any sales  or
redemption  charge. Class  Z shares  are not  subject to  any minimum investment
requirements. The Plan purchases and redeems shares to implement the  investment
choices  of individual Plan participants with  respect to their contributions in
the Plan. All purchases through the Plan will be for Class Z shares. As of March
1, 1996,  Class  A  shares  held  through the  PSI  401(k)  Plan  on  behalf  of
participants  were automatically exchanged at relative net asset value for Class
Z shares. Individual Plan participants should contact the Prudential  Securities
Benefits Department for information on making or changing of investment choices.
The  Prudential Securities Benefits Department is  located at One Seaport Plaza,
33rd Floor,  New York,  New  York 10292  and may  be  reached by  calling  (212)
214-7194.
    
 
    The  average  net asset  value per  share at  which shares  of the  Fund are
purchased  or  redeemed  by  the  Plan  for  the  accounts  of  individual  Plan
participants might be more or less than the net asset value per share prevailing
at  the time that such participants made  their investment choices or made their
contributions to the Plan.
 
   
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS "SHAREHOLDER GUIDE--HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR
SHARES" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS:
    
 
    Class Z shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class Z shares for Class
Z shares of certain other Prudential Mutual  Funds on the basis of relative  net
asset  value. You should  contact the Prudential  Securities Benefits Department
about how to exchange your Class Z shares.  See "How to Buy Shares of the  Fund"
above.  Participants who wish  to transfer their  Class Z shares  out of the PSI
401(k) Plan following  separation from service  (i.e., voluntary or  involuntary
termination  of  employment  or  retirement)  will  have  their  Class  Z shares
exchanged for Class A shares at net asset value.
 
    THE  INFORMATION  ABOVE  ALSO   SUPPLEMENTS  THE  INFORMATION  UNDER   "FUND
HIGHLIGHTS" IN THE RETAIL CLASS PROSPECTUS AS APPROPRIATE.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
 
- -------------------------------------------
 
   
PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 30, 1996
    
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund), is an open-end, diversified,
management  investment  company, or  mutual fund,  which  has as  its investment
objective the seeking of a  high current return. The  Fund will seek to  achieve
this  objective primarily by investing  in U.S. Government securities, including
U.S. Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds and  other debt securities issued by the  U.S.
Treasury,  and obligations issued  or guaranteed by  U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities, and by  engaging in various  derivative transactions such  as
the  purchase and sale  of put and call  options. In an  effort to hedge against
changes in  interest rates  and thus  preserve its  capital, the  Fund may  also
engage in transactions involving futures contracts on U.S. Government securities
and options on such futures. See "How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and
Policies."  There can be no assurance  that the Fund's investment objective will
be achieved. The Fund's address is One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York  10292,
and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
    
 
   
This  Prospectus  sets forth  concisely the  information about  the Fund  that a
prospective investor should know before investing. Additional information  about
the  Fund  has been  filed  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  in a
Statement of Additional Information, dated April 30, 1996, which information  is
incorporated  herein  by  reference  (is  legally  considered  a  part  of  this
Prospectus) and is  available without  charge upon request  to the  Fund at  the
address or telephone number noted above.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
 
  The  following summary is intended  to highlight certain information contained
in this  Prospectus  and is  qualified  in its  entirety  by the  more  detailed
information appearing elsewhere herein.
 
WHAT IS PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.?
 
   
  Prudential  Government 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  seek a high  current return. The  Fund
seeks  to  achieve  its  objective primarily  by  investing  in  U.S. Government
securities,  including  U.S.  Treasury  Bills,  Notes,  Bonds,  and  other  debt
securities  issued by the U.S. Treasury, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities.  The Fund may also write  covered
call  options and covered put  options and purchase put  and call options. There
can be no assurance that the  Fund's investment objective will be achieved.  See
"How the Fund Invests--Investment Objective and Policies" at page 8.
 
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
 
  The  Fund may engage in short selling and use leverage, including dollar rolls
and bank borrowings,  which entail additional  risks to the  Fund. See "How  the
Fund Invests--Other Investment Information" at page 15. The Fund may also engage
in  various  hedging  and income  enhancement  strategies,  including derivative
transactions such as  the purchase  and sale  of put  and call  options on  U.S.
Government   securities,  transactions  involving   futures  contracts  on  U.S.
Government securities and options on such futures contracts and in interest rate
swap transactions. See "How the Fund Invests--Other Investments and Policies" at
page 9.
 
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
 
   
  Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF or the Manager) is the Manager of
the Fund and is compensated for its services  at an annual rate of .50 of 1%  of
the  Fund's average  daily net  assets up  to $3  billion and  .35 of  1% of the
average daily net  assets in excess  of $3 billion.  As of March  31, 1996,  PMF
served  as manager  or administrator  to 60  investment companies,  including 38
mutual funds, with aggregate assets of approximately $53 billion. The Prudential
Investment Corporation  (PIC or  the Subadviser)  furnishes investment  advisory
services  in  connection with  the management  of the  Fund under  a Subadvisory
Agreement with PMF. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" at page 17.
    
 
WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?
 
   
  Prudential Securities  Incorporated (Prudential  Securities or  PSI), a  major
securities  underwriter  and  securities  and commodities  broker,  acts  as the
Distributor of the Fund's  Class A, Class B  and Class C shares  and is paid  an
annual  distribution  and service  fee which  is currently  being charged  at an
annual rate of .15 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A  shares,
at  an annual rate of .825 of 1% of  the average daily net assets of the Class B
shares up to $3 billion, .80 of 1% of the next $1 billion of such net assets and
 .50 of 1% of such net  assets in excess of $4 billion  and at an annual rate  of
 .75  of 1% of the average  daily net assets of the  Class C shares. See "How the
Fund is Managed--Distributor" at page 18.
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
  The minimum initial investment for  Class A and Class  B shares is $1,000  per
class  and $5,000 for Class C shares.  The minimum subsequent investment is $100
for all  classes.  There  is  no  minimum  investment  requirement  for  certain
retirement  and employee savings plans or  custodial accounts for the benefit of
minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan,  the
minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder Guide--How to
Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 24 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). See "How the Fund Values its Shares"
at page 20 and "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 24.
 
WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
 
   
  The Fund offers three classes of shares through this Prospectus:
    
 
    - 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.
 
   
  See "Shareholder Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" at page 24.
    
 
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 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 21.
 
                                       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 or Deferred
     Sales Load on Reinvested Dividends......       None                  None                         None
    Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of
     original purchase price or redemption
     proceeds, whichever is lower)...........       None        5%   during   the  first      1% on redemptions made
                                                                year, decreasing  by  1%        within one year of
                                                                annually  to  1%  in the             purchase
                                                                fifth  and  sixth  years
                                                                and  0%  in  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..........................        .50%                 .500%                         .50%
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction).............        .15%++               .825%++                       .75%++
    Other Expenses...........................        .26%                 .260%                         .26%
                                                   -----                ------                        -----
    Total Fund Operating Expenses (After
     Reduction)..............................        .91%                1.585%                        1.51%
                                                   -----                ------                        -----
                                                   -----                ------                        -----
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                                                       1 YEAR      3 YEARS      5 YEARS      10 YEARS
                                                             --------     --------     --------     ---------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
  investment, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2)
  redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class A................................................    $ 49         $ 68         $ 88       $ 147
    Class B................................................    $ 66         $ 80         $ 96       $ 156
    Class C................................................    $ 25         $ 48         $ 82       $ 180
You would pay the following expenses on the same
  investment, assuming no redemption:
    Class A................................................    $ 49         $ 68         $ 88       $ 147
    Class B................................................    $ 16         $ 50         $ 86       $ 156
    Class C................................................    $ 15         $ 48         $ 82       $ 180
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
THE ABOVE EXAMPLE IS BASED ON DATA FOR THE FUND'S FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 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" include operating expenses of the Fund,
such as Directors' and professional fees, registration fees, reports to shareholders and transfer agency and
custodian fees.
<FN>
   ---------------
   * Class  B shares will automatically convert  to Class A shares approximately
     seven   years   after   purchase.   See   "Shareholder    Guide--Conversion
     Feature--Class B Shares."
   + Pursuant  to rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
     the aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales charges and asset-based
     sales charges on shares  of the Fund  may not exceed  6.25% of total  gross
     sales,  subject to certain exclusions. This  6.25% limitation is imposed on
     each class of the Fund rather  than on a per shareholder basis.  Therefore,
     long-term shareholders of the Fund may pay more in total sales charges than
     the  economic equivalent of 6.25% of  such shareholders' investment in such
     shares. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor."
  ++ Although the Class A,  Class B and Class  C Distribution and Service  Plans
     provide  that the Fund  may pay a distribution  fee of up to  .30 of 1% per
     annum of the average daily net assets of  the Class A shares, and up to  1%
     per  annum of  the average  daily net  assets of  the Class  B and  Class C
     shares, the  Distributor has  agreed to  limit its  distribution fees  with
     respect  to Class A  shares of the  Fund to no  more than .15  of 1% of the
     average daily net assets of the Class A shares, to no more than .825 of  1%
     of  the average daily net assets of the  Class B shares and to no more than
     .75 of 1% of  the average daily net  assets of the Class  C shares for  the
     fiscal   year   ending   February  28,   1997.   See  "How   the   Fund  is
     Managed--Distributor."  Total   Fund   Operating  Expenses   without   such
     limitations  would be 1.06%  for Class A  shares and 1.76%  for each of the
     Class B shares and Class C shares.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE PERIODS INDICATED)
                                (CLASS A SHARES)
 
   
   The following financial highlights for the  Class A shares have been  audited
by  Deloitte &  Touche LLP,  independent accountants,  whose report  thereon was
unqualified. This information should be  read in conjunction with the  financial
statements  and the notes  thereto, which appear in  the Statement of Additional
Information. The financial highlights contain selected data for a Class A  share
of  common stock  outstanding, total  return, ratios  to average  net assets and
other supplemental  data for  the periods  indicated. The  information has  been
determined  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>
                                                                                            JANUARY 22,
                                                                                              1990(A)
                                               YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28/29,                    THROUGH
                                ----------------------------------------------------------   FEBRUARY
                                  1996      1995      1994      1993      1992      1991     28, 1990
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
<S>                             <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of
 period.......................  $   8.59  $   9.13  $   9.40  $   9.17  $   9.02  $   9.00    $ 9.17
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income.........      0.60      0.59      0.61      0.66      0.68      0.69      0.06
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on investment
 transactions.................      0.45     (0.54)    (0.25)     0.35      0.37      0.26     (0.11)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
    Total from investment
     operations...............      1.05      0.05      0.36      1.01      1.05      0.95     (0.05)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment
 income.......................     (0.60)    (0.59)    (0.61)    (0.66)    (0.68)    (0.69)    (0.06)
Distributions in excess of
 accumulated gains............        --        --     (0.02)       --        --        --        --
Distributions from paid-in
 capital in excess of par.....        --        --        --     (0.12)    (0.22)    (0.24)    (0.06)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
    Total distributions.......     (0.60)    (0.59)    (0.63)    (0.78)    (0.90)    (0.93)    (0.12)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
Net asset value, end of
 period.......................  $   9.04  $   8.59  $   9.13  $   9.40  $   9.17  $   9.02    $ 9.00
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----------
TOTAL RETURN(C):..............     12.41%      .83%     3.90%    11.55%    12.18%    11.21%    (0.54)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000)........................  $945,038  $871,145   $51,673   $61,297   $33,181   $28,971    $1,961
Average net assets (000)......  $909,169  $ 95,560   $55,921   $46,812   $29,534   $23,428     $ 501
Ratios to average net assets:
    Expenses, including
     distribution fees........      0.91%     0.98%     0.84%     0.84%     0.86%     0.85%     0.92%(b)
    Expenses, excluding
     distribution fees........      0.76%     0.83%     0.69%     0.69%     0.71%     0.70%     0.76%(b)
    Net investment income.....      6.65%     7.49%     6.48%     7.17%     7.51%     7.76%     9.11%(b)
Portfolio turnover rate.......       123%      206%       80%       36%      187%      213%      329%
<FN>
  -------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class A shares.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Total  return does not  consider the effects  of sales loads.  Total return is
  calculated assuming a purchase of  shares on the first day  and a sale on  the
  last  day of each  period reported and includes  reinvestment of dividends and
  distributions. Total returns  for periods  of less than  a full  year are  not
  annualized.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE PERIODS INDICATED)
                                (CLASS B SHARES)
 
   
  The following financial highlights for the Class B shares have been audited by
Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  independent  accountants,  whose  report  thereon was
unqualified. This information should be  read in conjunction with the  financial
statements  and the notes  thereto, which appear in  the Statement of Additional
Information. The financial highlights contain selected data for a Class B  share
of  common stock  outstanding, total  return, ratios  to average  net assets and
other supplemental data  for the  periods indicated. This  information has  been
determined  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>
                                                             YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28/29,
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       1996       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991       1990      1989(A)     1988       1987
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $8.60    $  9.13    $  9.40    $  9.17    $  9.02    $  9.00    $  9.09    $  9.85    $ 10.59    $ 10.60
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from
 investment
 operations
Net investment
 income.............      0.54       0.53       0.53       0.58       0.60       0.62       0.68       0.69       0.67       0.70
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investment
 transactions.......      0.44      (0.53)     (0.25)      0.35       0.37       0.26       0.15      (0.49)     (0.40)      0.35
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total from
     investment
     operations.....      0.98         --       0.28       0.93       0.97       0.88       0.83       0.20       0.27       1.05
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Less distributions
Dividends from net
 investment
 income.............     (0.54)     (0.53)     (0.53)     (0.58)     (0.60)     (0.62)     (0.68)     (0.69)     (0.67)     (0.70)
Distributions from
 net realized
 gains..............        --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --      (0.24)     (0.36)
Distributions in
 excess of
 accumulated
 gains..............        --         --      (0.02)        --         --         --         --         --         --         --
Distributions from
 paid-in capital in
 excess of par......        --         --         --      (0.12)     (0.22)     (0.24)     (0.24)     (0.27)     (0.10)        --
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total
    distributions...     (0.54)     (0.53)     (0.55)     (0.70)     (0.82)     (0.86)     (0.92)     (0.96)     (1.01)     (1.06)
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $9.04    $  8.60    $  9.13    $  9.40    $  9.17    $  9.02    $  9.00    $  9.09    $  9.85    $ 10.59
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
TOTAL RETURN:(B)....     11.54%       .24%      3.03%     10.61%     11.27%     10.35%     10.49%      2.32%      3.36%     10.30%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end of
 year (000).........  $641,946  $ 705,732  $2,202,555 $2,680,259 $2,724,428 $3,127,587 $3,760,003 $3,814,945 $3,995,721 $4,090,417
Average net assets
 (000)..............  $647,515  $1,735,413 $2,487,990 $2,670,924 $2,903,704 $3,432,948 $3,814,455 $3,984,300 $3,796,998 $3,978,186
Ratios to average
 net assets:
    Expenses,
     including
     distribution
     fees...........      1.58%      1.66%      1.68%      1.69%      1.71%      1.67%      1.49%      1.35%      1.60%      1.53%
    Expenses,
     excluding
     distribution
     fees...........      0.76%      0.80%      0.69%      0.69%      0.71%      0.70%      0.64%      0.63%      0.65%      0.61%
    Net investment
     income.........      5.99%      6.17%      5.64%      6.32%      6.66%      6.94%      7.46%      7.61%      6.88%      6.56%
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............       123%       206%        80%        36%       187%       213%       329%       278%       147%       266%
<FN>
 -------------
(a) On  July  1, 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.
(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.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
   
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE PERIODS INDICATED)
                                (CLASS C SHARES)
    
 
   
  The following financial highlights for the Class C shares have been audited by
Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  independent  accountants,  whose  report  thereon was
unqualified. This information should be  read in conjunction with the  financial
statements  and the notes  thereto, which appear in  the Statement of Additional
Information. The 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. This  information has  been
determined  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>
                                                  AUGUST 1,
                                    YEAR           1994(A)
                                    ENDED          THROUGH
                                FEBRUARY 29,    FEBRUARY 28,
                                    1996            1995
                                -------------   -------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of
 period.......................    $ 8.60          $ 8.69
                                  ------        -------------
Income from investment
 operations
Net investment income.........      0.54            0.31
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on investment
 transactions.................      0.44           (0.09)
                                  ------        -------------
    Total from investment
     operations...............      0.98            0.22
                                  ------        -------------
Less distributions
Dividends from net investment
 income.......................     (0.54)          (0.31)
Distributions from net
 realized gains...............        --              --
Distributions in excess of
 accumulated gains............        --              --
Distributions from paid-in
 capital in excess of par.....        --              --
                                  ------        -------------
    Total distributions.......     (0.54)          (0.31)
                                  ------        -------------
Net asset value, end of
 period.......................    $ 9.04          $ 8.60
                                  ------        -------------
                                  ------        -------------
TOTAL RETURN(C):..............     11.63%           2.75%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000)........................    $1,799            $204
Average net assets (000)......    $  765            $111
Ratios to average net assets:
    Expenses, including
     distribution fees........      1.51%           1.63%(b)
    Expenses, excluding
     distribution fees........      0.76%           0.88%(b)
    Net investment income.....      5.99%           6.71%(b)
Portfolio turnover rate.......       123%            206%
<FN>
 -------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Total  return does not consider the effects  of sales loads. Total return is
    calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on  the
    last  day of the period reported  and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions. Total returns for  periods of less than  a full year are  not
    annualized.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                              HOW THE FUND INVESTS
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
  THE  FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE  IS TO SEEK  A HIGH CURRENT  RETURN. THE FUND
WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE  THIS OBJECTIVE PRIMARILY BY  INVESTING IN U.S.  GOVERNMENT
SECURITIES,   INCLUDING  U.S.  TREASURY  BILLS,  NOTES,  BONDS  AND  OTHER  DEBT
SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE U.S. TREASURY, AND OBLIGATIONS ISSUED OR GUARANTEED  BY
U.S.  GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OR INSTRUMENTALITIES; WRITING COVERED CALL OPTIONS AND
COVERED PUT OPTIONS AND PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. THESE GUARANTEES  APPLY
ONLY  TO THE PAYMENT  OF PRINCIPAL AND  INTEREST ON THESE  SECURITIES AND DO NOT
EXTEND TO  THE  SECURITIES'  YIELD OR  VALUE,  WHICH  ARE LIKELY  TO  VARY  WITH
FLUCTUATIONS  IN INTEREST RATES,  NOR DO THE  GUARANTEES EXTEND TO  THE YIELD OR
VALUE OF  THE  FUND'S  SHARES.  SEE  "INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  AND  POLICIES--U.S.
GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES--MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES ISSUED  BY  U.S. GOVERNMENT
INSTRUMENTALITIES" IN THE STATEMENT OF  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THE FUND HAS  NO
LIMITATIONS  WITH RESPECT TO THE MATURITIES  OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES IN WHICH IT
MAY INVEST. HIGH CURRENT RETURN MEANS  THE RETURN RECEIVED FROM INTEREST  INCOME
FROM  U.S. GOVERNMENT AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES AND FROM NET GAINS REALIZED FROM
SALES OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES.  THE FUND MAY ALSO  REALIZE INCOME FROM  PREMIUMS
FROM  COVERED  PUT AND  CALL  OPTIONS WRITTEN  BY  THE FUND  ON  U.S. GOVERNMENT
SECURITIES AS WELL AS OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
AND NET GAINS FROM CLOSING PURCHASE AND SALES TRANSACTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THESE
OPTIONS. AT LEAST 65% OF THE TOTAL ASSETS  OF THE FUND WILL BE INVESTED IN  U.S.
GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES. THERE  CAN BE  NO ASSURANCE  THAT THE  FUND'S INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE WILL  BE ACHIEVED.  See  "Investment Objective  and Policies"  in  the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  THE  FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE  IS A FUNDAMENTAL  POLICY AND, THEREFORE, MAY
NOT BE CHANGED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF  THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE  FUND'S
OUTSTANDING  VOTING SECURITIES AS DEFINED IN THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AS AMENDED (THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT). FUND POLICIES THAT ARE NOT  FUNDAMENTAL
MAY BE MODIFIED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
  The  Fund's net asset value will vary with changes in the values of the Fund's
portfolio securities, which values will generally vary inversely with changes in
interest rates. The writing of options on U.S. Government securities and options
on futures  contracts  on  U.S.  Government  securities  may  limit  the  Fund's
potential for capital gains on its portfolio.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
  U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES
 
  THE  FUND WILL  INVEST IN  U.S. TREASURY  SECURITIES, INCLUDING  BILLS, NOTES,
BONDS AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES ISSUED  BY THE U.S. TREASURY. These  instruments
are  direct obligations of the  U.S. Government and, as  such, are backed by the
"full faith and  credit" of the  United States. They  differ primarily in  their
interest  rates,  the  lengths  of  their  maturities  and  the  dates  of their
issuances.
 
  SECURITIES ISSUED OR GUARANTEED BY U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND
INSTRUMENTALITIES
 
  THE FUND WILL INVEST IN SECURITIES  ISSUED BY AGENCIES OF THE U.S.  GOVERNMENT
OR  INSTRUMENTALITIES OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. These obligations, including those
which are guaranteed by federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be
backed by the "full faith and credit"  of the United States. Obligations of  the
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), the Farmers Home Administration
and the Export-Import Bank are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United    States,   the   Fund    must   look   principally    to   the   agency
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
issuing or guaranteeing  the obligation for  ultimate repayment and  may not  be
able   to  assert  a  claim   against  the  United  States   if  the  agency  or
instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Securities in which the Fund  may
invest  which are not backed  by the full faith and  credit of the United States
include obligations such as those issued by the Tennessee Valley Authority,  the
Federal  National Mortgage  Association (FNMA),  the Federal  Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC) and the United States Postal Service, each of which has  the
right  to borrow from  the United States  Treasury to meet  its obligations, and
obligations of the Federal Farm Credit Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank,  the
obligations  of which  may only  be satisfied  by the  individual credit  of the
issuing agency.  GNMA, FNMA  and FHLMC  investments may  include  collateralized
mortgage obligations. See "Other Investments and Policies" below.
 
  OBLIGATIONS  ISSUED OR GUARANTEED  AS TO PRINCIPAL AND  INTEREST BY THE UNITED
STATES 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 UNITED STATES 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.
 
  MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES ISSUED BY U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND
INSTRUMENTALITIES
 
  THE  FUND  WILL   INVEST  IN  MORTGAGE-BACKED   SECURITIES,  INCLUDING   THOSE
REPRESENTING AN UNDIVIDED OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN A POOL OF MORTGAGES, E.G., GNMA,
FNMA  AND  FHLMC  CERTIFICATES.  The  U.S.  Government  or  the  issuing  agency
guarantees the payment of interest  and principal of these securities.  However,
the guarantees do not extend to the securities' yield or value, which are likely
to  vary inversely  with fluctuations in  interest rates, nor  do the guarantees
extend to the yield or value of the Fund's shares. See "Investment Objective and
Policies--U.S. Government Securities--Mortgage-Related Securities Issued by U.S.
Government Instrumentalities" 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.  Because  the
prepayment characteristics of the underlying mortgages vary, it is not  possible
to  predict accurately  the average life  of a particular  issue of pass-through
certificates.  Mortgage-backed  securities  are  often  subject  to  more  rapid
repayment  than their  stated maturity  date would indicate  as a  result of the
pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgage obligations.
During periods of declining interest  rates, prepayment of mortgages  underlying
mortgage-backed  securities can be expected to accelerate. 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  must  be
reinvested in securities  which have  lower yields than  the prepaid  mortgages.
Moreover,  prepayments  of mortgages  which underlie  securities purchased  at a
premium could result in capital losses.
 
  THE FUND  MAY ALSO  INVEST IN  BALLOON PAYMENT  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  A
balloon payment mortgage-backed security is an amortizing mortgage security with
installments  of  principal  and  interest, the  last  installment  of  which is
predominantly principal.
 
  THE FUND  MAY  ALSO  INVEST  IN MORTGAGE  PASS-THROUGH  SECURITIES  WHERE  ALL
INTEREST  PAYMENTS GO TO ONE CLASS OF  HOLDERS (INTEREST ONLY SECURITIES OR IOS)
AND ALL  PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS  GO TO  A SECOND  CLASS OF  HOLDERS (PRINCIPAL  ONLY
SECURITIES OR POS). These securities are commonly referred to as mortgage-backed
securities  strips  or  MBS strips.  The  yields  to maturity  on  IOs  are very
sensitive to  the rate  of  principal payments  (including prepayments)  on  the
related  underlying mortgage assets, and a  rapid rate of principal payments may
have a material adverse 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 these securities. Conversely,  if
the  underlying mortgage assets experience  less than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the yield on POs could be materially adversely affected.
 
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND POLICIES
 
  AT LEAST  65% OF  THE  TOTAL ASSETS  OF  THE FUND  WILL  BE INVESTED  IN  U.S.
GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. U.S. Government securities which are
purchased pursuant  to repurchase  agreements  or on  a when-issued  or  delayed
delivery
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
basis  will  be  treated as  U.S.  Government  securities for  purposes  of this
calculation. See "Repurchase Agreements"  and "When-Issued and Delayed  Delivery
Securities" below.
 
  UP  TO 35%  OF THE TOTAL  ASSETS OF THE  FUND MAY BE  COMMITTED TO INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN  U.S.  GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  These  investments would  include  the
securities  described  in this  subsection  as well  as  purchased put  and call
options  and  purchased   put  options  on   futures  contracts.  See   "Options
Transactions"   and  "Transactions  in  Futures  Contracts  on  U.S.  Government
Securities and Options Thereon" below.
 
   
  THE FUND IS PERMITTED TO INVEST UP TO 20% OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN HIGH  QUALITY
MONEY  MARKET INSTRUMENTS,  INCLUDING COMMERCIAL PAPER  OF DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS
AND CERTIFICATES  OF  DEPOSIT, BANKERS'  ACCEPTANCES  AND OTHER  OBLIGATIONS  OF
DOMESTIC  AND FOREIGN BANKS. Such obligations will,  at the time of purchase, be
rated within  the two  highest  quality grades  as  determined by  a  nationally
recognized  statistical rating  organization (such as  Moody's Investors Service
(Moody's) or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group  (S&P)) or, if unrated, will be  of
equivalent quality in the judgment of the Fund's investment adviser.
    
 
  THE  FUND MAY INVEST IN  OBLIGATIONS OF FOREIGN BANKS  AND FOREIGN BRANCHES OF
U.S. BANKS ONLY IF AFTER GIVING  EFFECT TO SUCH INVESTMENT ALL SUCH  INVESTMENTS
WOULD  CONSTITUTE LESS THAN  10% OF THE  FUND'S TOTAL ASSETS  (DETERMINED AT THE
TIME OF  INVESTMENT).  These  investments  may  be  subject  to  certain  risks,
including future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding  taxes on interest income, the seizure or nationalization of foreign
deposits and foreign exchange controls or other restrictions. In addition, there
may be  less publicly  available information  about a  foreign bank  or  foreign
branch  of a U.S. bank than  about a domestic bank and  such entities may not be
subject to the same accounting,  auditing and financial recordkeeping  standards
and requirements as domestic banks.
 
  THE  FUND  MAY  ALSO  PURCHASE  OBLIGATIONS  OF  THE  INTERNATIONAL  BANK  FOR
RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (THE WORLD  BANK). Obligations of the World  Bank
are  supported by appropriated  but unpaid commitments  of its member countries,
including the  U.S.,  and  there  is no  assurance  these  commitments  will  be
undertaken or met in the future.
 
  THE  FUND IS PERMITTED TO INVEST IN ADJUSTABLE RATE DEBT SECURITIES, including
securities issued by U.S. Government agencies, 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. The  value of  adjustable rate  securities will,  like other  debt
securities,  generally vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates.
The value  of adjustable  rate securities  is  unlikely to  rise in  periods  of
declining  interest  rates to  the  same extent  as  fixed rate  instruments. 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.
 
   
    THE FUND MAY INVEST IN DEBT OBLIGATIONS  RATED AT LEAST A BY S&P OR  MOODY'S
OR,  IF  UNRATED,  DEEMED TO  BE  OF  COMPARABLE CREDIT  QUALITY  BY  THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT ADVISER. These debt securities may have adjustable or fixed rates  of
interest  and  in certain  instances may  be  secured by  assets of  the issuer.
Adjustable rate corporate debt securities may have features similar to those  of
adjustable  rate  mortgage-backed  securities,  but  corporate  debt securities,
unlike mortgage-backed securities, are not subject to prepayment risk other than
through contractual  call  provisions  which  generally  impose  a  penalty  for
prepayment. Fixed rate debt securities may also be subject to call provisions.
    
 
   
  THE FUND MAY ALSO PURCHASE COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CMOS) AND REAL
ESTATE  MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CONDUITS (REMICS).  A CMO is a  security issued by a
corporation or a U.S. Government 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. CMOs  are  partitioned  into several
classes with a ranked priority by which the classes of obligations are redeemed.
The Fund  may  invest  in  privately-issued CMOs  which  are  collateralized  by
mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA or issued
by any other agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government. The Fund may also
invest  in  privately-issued  CMOs  collateralized  by  whole  loans  or private
mortgage pass-through securities and balloon payment mortgage-backed securities.
The Fund will invest in CMOs rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or, if  unrated,
deemed  to be of comparable  credit quality by the  Fund's investment adviser. A
REMIC may be  issued by  a trust,  partnership, corporation,  association, or  a
segregated  pool of mortgages, or an agency  of the U.S. Government and, in each
case, must qualify and elect treatment as such under the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
A REMIC must consist of one or more
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
classes of "regular  interests," some  of which may  be adjustable  rate, and  a
single class of "residual interests." To qualify as a
REMIC,  substantially all the assets of the entity must be in assets directly or
indirectly secured, principally by  real property. The Fund  does not intend  to
invest  in residual interests and will only invest in REMICs rated at least A by
S&P or Moody's or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable credit quality by  the
Fund's   investment  adviser.   CMOs  and   REMICs  issued   by  an   agency  or
instrumentality of the U.S. Government are considered U.S. Government securities
for purposes of this Prospectus. 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 limitation of the Investment
Company  Act  on  acquiring  interests   in  other  investment  companies.   See
"Investment  Objective and Policies--Collateralized Mortgage Obligations" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
  THE FUND  MAY ALSO  INVEST  UP TO  20% OF  ITS  TOTAL ASSETS  IN  ASSET-BACKED
SECURITIES.  Through the use of trusts and special purpose subsidiaries, various
types of assets,  primarily home  equity loans  and automobile  and credit  card
receivables,  have  been  securitized  in  pass-through  structures  similar  to
mortgage pass-through structures or  in a pay-through  structure similar to  the
collateralized  mortgage structure. The Fund may invest in these and other types
of asset-backed securities which  may be developed  in the future.  Asset-backed
securities  present  certain risks  that  are not  presented  by mortgage-backed
securities. Primarily, these  securities do  not have  the benefit  of the  same
security  interest  in  the  related  collateral.  Credit  card  receivables are
generally unsecured.  In connection  with 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. The Fund will only invest
in asset-backed securities rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or, if unrated, of
equivalent quality in the judgment of the Fund's investment adviser.
    
 
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
 
  PURCHASING OPTIONS
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  The
Fund  may purchase a put option in an  effort to protect the value of a security
which it owns against a substantial  decline in market value (protective  puts),
if  the Fund's investment adviser believes that a defensive posture is warranted
for a portion of the portfolio. The Fund may also purchase a put option to cover
a put option it has written or to close an existing option position.
 
  The Fund may wish to protect certain portfolio securities against a decline in
market value at a time when put  options on those particular securities are  not
available  for  purchase.  The  Fund  may therefore  purchase  a  put  option on
securities other than those it  wishes to protect even  though it does not  hold
such  other securities in its  portfolio. While changes in  the value of the put
option should generally  offset changes  in the  value of  the securities  being
hedged,  the correlation  between the two  values may  not be as  close in these
transactions as in transactions in which the  Fund purchases a put option on  an
underlying security it owns.
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE CALL OPTIONS ON DEBT SECURITIES IT INTENDS TO ACQUIRE IN
ORDER  TO HEDGE AGAINST AN  ANTICIPATED MARKET APPRECIATION IN  THE PRICE OF THE
UNDERLYING SECURITIES AT  LIMITED RISK AND  WITH A LIMITED  CASH OUTLAY. If  the
market  price does rise as anticipated, the Fund will benefit from that rise but
only to the extent that the rise  exceeds the premiums paid. If the  anticipated
rise does not occur or if it does not exceed the premium, the Fund will bear the
expense  of  the  option  premiums  and  transaction  costs  without  gaining an
offsetting benefit.  The  Fund may  also  purchase a  call  option to  close  an
existing option position.
 
  WRITING COVERED OPTIONS
 
   
  THE  FUND  MAY  WRITE  (I.E.,  SELL) COVERED  PUT  AND  CALL  OPTIONS  ON U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. When  the Fund writes  an option, it  receives a  premium
which  it retains whether or  not the option is  exercised. The Fund's principal
reason for writing  options is  to attempt to  realize, through  the receipt  of
premiums,  a greater  current return  than would  be realized  on the underlying
securities alone.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
  THE PURCHASER OF A CALL OPTION HAS THE RIGHT, FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF  TIME,
TO  PURCHASE THE  SECURITIES SUBJECT  TO THE  OPTION AT  A SPECIFIED  PRICE (THE
EXERCISE PRICE). By writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated during the
term of  the  option,  upon exercise  of  the  option, to  sell  the  underlying
securities  to  the  purchaser  against  receipt  of  the  exercise  price. When
the Fund writes  a call option,  the Fund loses  the potential for  gain on  the
underlying securities during the period that the option is open.
 
  CONVERSELY,  THE PURCHASER  OF A  PUT OPTION  HAS THE  RIGHT, FOR  A SPECIFIED
PERIOD OF TIME, TO SELL  THE SECURITIES SUBJECT TO THE  OPTION TO THE WRITER  OF
THE PUT AT A SPECIFIED EXERCISE PRICE. By writing a put option, the Fund becomes
obligated  during the term  of the option to  purchase the securities underlying
the option at the exercise price, upon  exercise of the option. The Fund  might,
therefore,  be obligated  to purchase  the underlying  securities for  more than
their current market price.
 
   
  THE FUND MAY ALSO  WRITE STRADDLES (I.E.,  A COMBINATION OF A  CALL AND A  PUT
WRITTEN  ON THE SAME SECURITY AT THE SAME STRIKE PRICE). In such cases, the same
issue of the security is  considered "cover" for both the  put and the call  and
the  Fund will  also segregate  or deposit  cash, U.S.  Government securities or
liquid high-grade debt obligations  equivalent to the amount,  if any, by  which
the  put is "in the money." It is  contemplated that the Fund's use of straddles
will be limited to 5% of the Fund's net assets (meaning that the securities used
for cover or segregated as described above will not exceed 5% of the Fund's  net
assets at the time the straddle is written).
    
 
  An exchange-traded option position may be closed out only on an exchange which
provides  a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund
will generally purchase or  write only those  exchange-traded options for  which
there  appears to be  an active secondary  market, there is  no assurance that a
liquid secondary market on an exchange  will exist for any particular option  at
any  particular time.  If a  secondary market  does not  exist, it  might not be
possible to effect a closing transaction in a particular option. If the Fund, as
a  covered  call  option  writer,  is  unable  to  effect  a  closing   purchase
transaction,  it will not  be able to  sell the underlying  securities until the
option expires or is exercised or it otherwise covers the position.
 
   
  The Fund will not purchase a put or call option on U.S. Government  securities
if,  as a result  of such purchase, more  than 20% of its  total assets would be
invested in premiums  for such options  and on options  on futures contracts  on
U.S.  Government securities. The Fund's ability to purchase put and call options
may be limited  by the requirements  of the  Internal Revenue Code  of 1986,  as
amended  (the Internal Revenue Code) for qualification as a regulated investment
company. See "Taxes, Dividends and Distributions--Listed Options and Futures" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
  OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
 
   
  ALL OPTIONS PURCHASED OR SOLD BY THE FUND WILL BE TRADED ON A U.S.  SECURITIES
EXCHANGE  OR WILL BE PURCHASED OR SOLD BY A PRIMARY GOVERNMENT SECURITIES DEALER
RECOGNIZED BY  THE  FEDERAL  RESERVE  BANK OF  NEW  YORK  (OTC  OPTIONS).  While
exchange-traded  options  are  in  effect  guaranteed  by  The  Options Clearing
Corporation, the Fund relies on the dealer from whom it purchases an OTC  option
to  perform if the  option is exercised. The  Fund's investment adviser monitors
the creditworthiness  of dealers  with  whom the  Fund  enters into  OTC  option
transactions under the general supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors. The
Fund's   ability  to  enter  into  options  contracts  may  be  limited  by  the
requirements of  the Internal  Revenue  Code for  qualification as  a  regulated
investment  company. See the Statement  of Additional Information for additional
information on options transactions.
    
 
TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES AND OPTIONS
THEREON
 
  THE FUND MAY PURCHASE AND SELL FUTURES CONTRACTS ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(FUTURES CONTRACTS)  THAT ARE  TRADED  ON U.S.  COMMODITY EXCHANGES.  A  futures
contract  on  a  U.S. Government  security,  other  than GNMA's  which  are cash
settled, is an agreement to purchase or sell an agreed amount of such securities
at a set price for  delivery on an agreed future  date. The Fund may purchase  a
futures  contract as a  hedge against an anticipated  decline in interest rates,
and resulting  increase in  market  price, in  securities  the Fund  intends  to
acquire.  The Fund may sell a futures contract as a hedge against an anticipated
increase in interest rates, and resulting decline in market price, in securities
the Fund owns.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
  THE FUND  MAY ALSO  PURCHASE AND  WRITE (I.E.,  SELL) "COVERED"  CALL AND  PUT
OPTIONS  ON FUTURES CONTRACTS  ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES  THAT ARE TRADED ON
U.S. COMMODITY EXCHANGES. THE FUND WILL  WRITE OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS  FOR
HEDGING PURPOSES, AS WELL AS TO REALIZE THROUGH THE RECEIPT OF PREMIUM INCOME, A
GREATER  RETURN THAN WOULD BE REALIZED ON THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO SECURITIES ALONE.
An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the
premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the
option is a call  and a short position  if the option is  a put) at a  specified
exercise  price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the
option is required  upon exercise to  assume an offsetting  futures position  (a
short  position if the option is  a call and a long  position if the option is a
put). Upon  exercise  of  the  option,  the  assumption  of  offsetting  futures
positions by the writer and holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery
of  the accumulated  cash balance in  the writer's futures  margin account which
represents the amount  by which  the market price  of the  futures contract,  at
exercise, exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put,
the exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
 
  THE  FUND MAY ALSO FROM TIME TO TIME PURCHASE EURODOLLAR INSTRUMENTS TRADED ON
THE CHICAGO  MERCANTILE EXCHANGE.  Eurodollar instruments  are essentially  U.S.
dollar-denominated  futures contracts or options thereon which are linked to the
London Interbank  Offered  Rate  (LIBOR). Eurodollar  futures  contracts  enable
purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain
a  fixed  rate  for  borrowings.  The Fund  intends  to  use  Eurodollar futures
contracts and options thereon to hedge  against changes in LIBOR, to which  many
interest  rate swaps are linked. The use  of these instruments is subject to the
same limitations  and risks  as those  applicable to  the use  of interest  rate
futures contracts and options thereon.
 
  THE  FUND MAY  ALSO ENTER  INTO CLOSING  TRANSACTIONS WITH  RESPECT TO FUTURES
CONTRACTS AND  OPTIONS  THEREON  TO TERMINATE  EXISTING  POSITIONS.  The  Fund's
ability  to enter into transactions in futures contracts and options thereon may
be limited by the  Internal Revenue Code's requirements  for qualification as  a
regulated  investment company.  In addition, the  Fund may not  purchase or sell
futures contracts or related options for  other than bona fide hedging  purposes
if  immediately thereafter the sum  of the amount of  initial margin deposits on
the Fund's existing  futures and options  on futures and  for premiums paid  for
such  related options  would exceed  5% of the  liquidation value  of the Fund's
total assets, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses
on any such contracts the Fund has entered into; provided, however, that in  the
case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money
amount may be excluded in computing such 5% limitation.
 
  CHARACTERISTICS AND PURPOSES OF INTEREST RATE FUTURES
 
  THE  FUND  WILL PURCHASE  AND SELL  FUTURES CONTRACTS  PRIMARILY TO  HEDGE ITS
ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED HOLDINGS OF U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. There is generally
an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. Generally,  when
interest  rates increase, bond prices will decline; when interest rates decline,
bond prices  will increase.  For example,  if the  Fund holds  cash reserves  or
short-term  debt  securities  at a  time  that  interest rates  are  expected to
decline,  the  Fund  might  purchase  futures  contracts  as  a  hedge   against
anticipated  increases in the  price of the U.S.  Government securities that the
Fund intends to acquire (an anticipatory hedge).
 
  CHARACTERISTICS  AND  PURPOSES  OF  OPTIONS  ON  FUTURES  CONTRACTS  ON   U.S.
GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES When  an option on  a futures contract  is exercised, the
writer of the option  delivers the futures position  as well as the  accumulated
balance  in the writer's futures margin  account, which represents the amount by
which the market  price of the  futures contract, at  exercise, exceeds, in  the
case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the
option on the futures contract. The Fund will be required to deposit initial and
variation margin with respect to options on futures contracts written by it.
 
  The Fund will purchase put options on futures contracts primarily to hedge its
portfolio  of U.S.  Government 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 purchase  call options on  futures contracts  to hedge  the
Fund's  portfolio against a possible  market advance at a  time when the Fund is
not fully invested in U.S. Government securities (other than Treasury Bills).
 
  The Fund also will write call options on futures contracts as a hedge  against
a  modest decline in prices of debt  securities held in the Fund's portfolio and
to earn additional income. If the futures  price at expiration of the option  is
below the exercise price, the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
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 securities in the  Fund's
portfolio which were being hedged.
 
  Writing  a put option on a futures  contract serves as a partial hedge against
an increase in the value of debt securities the Fund intends to acquire. If  the
futures  price at expiration of the option is above the exercise price, the Fund
will retain the  full amount  of the  option premium  thereby partially  hedging
against  any increase that may have occurred in the price of the debt securities
the Fund intends to acquire. If the  futures price when the option is  exercised
is  below the exercise price, however, the Fund  will incur a loss, which may be
wholly or partially offset by  the decrease of the  price of the securities  the
Fund  intends to acquire. The Fund will  also write options on futures contracts
in whole or in part to enhance its current return through the receipt of premium
income.
 
  See "Investment Objective and  Policies--Futures Contracts on U.S.  Government
Securities" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  RISK CONSIDERATIONS
 
  CERTAIN  RISKS ARE INHERENT IN THE FUND'S USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
ON FUTURES. One such  risk arises because the  correlation between movements  in
the  price of futures and movements in the price of debt securities that are the
subject of the hedge will not be perfect. Another risk is that the movements  in
the  price of futures or options on  futures may not move inversely with changes
in interest rates. If  the Fund has sold  futures contracts to hedge  securities
held  by the Fund and  the value of the futures  position declines more than the
price of such securities increases, the Fund will realize a loss on the  futures
contracts which is not completely offset by the appreciation in the price of the
hedged  securities.  Similarly, if  the Fund  has  written a  call on  a futures
contract and the value of  the call increases by more  than the increase in  the
value  of the securities held as cover, the  Fund may realize a loss on the call
which is  not  completely  offset  by  the appreciation  in  the  price  of  the
securities held as cover and the premium received for writing the call.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
   
  The  Fund may on occasion enter into repurchase agreements, whereby the seller
agrees to repurchase a security from the Fund at a mutually agreed-upon time and
price. The  repurchase date  is usually  within a  day or  two of  the  original
purchase  date although it may extend over  a number of months. The resale price
is in excess  of the purchase  price, reflecting an  agreed-upon rate of  return
effective  for the period of time the  Fund's money is invested in the security.
The Fund's repurchase agreements will at all times be fully collateralized in an
amount at least equal  to the resale price.  The instruments held as  collateral
are  valued  daily, and  if the  value  of instruments  declines, the  Fund will
require additional  collateral. If  the seller  defaults and  the value  of  the
collateral  securing the  repurchase agreement  declines, the  Fund may  incur a
loss. The Fund participates in a joint repurchase account with other  investment
companies  managed by  Prudential Mutual  Fund Management,  Inc. pursuant  to an
order of the SEC. See "Investment Objective and Policies--Repurchase Agreements"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
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. As a  matter of fundamental  policy, the Fund  cannot
lend more than 30% of the value of its total assets.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
 
   
  The  Fund may purchase or sell U.S.  Government securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis. When-issued or delayed delivery transactions arise  when
securities  are purchased or sold  by the Fund with  payment and delivery taking
place as much  as a  month or  more in the  future in  order to  secure what  is
considered  to be  an advantageous price  and yield to  the Fund at  the time of
entering into  the  transaction.  The  Fund's  Custodian  will  maintain,  in  a
segregated account of the Fund, cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid
high-grade  debt obligations having a value equal  to or greater than the Fund's
purchase  commitments.  The  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.
    
 
OTHER INVESTMENT INFORMATION
 
  The Fund is permitted to use the following investment techniques, although  it
does  not anticipate that any of them will constitute a significant component of
its investment program.
 
  ZERO COUPON BONDS
 
  The Fund  may  invest up  to  5%  of its  total  assets in  zero  coupon  U.S.
Government  securities. Zero coupon  bonds are purchased at  a discount from the
face amount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a fixed payment
on a certain  date in  the future  and does  not receive  any periodic  interest
payments.  The effect of  owning instruments which do  not make current interest
payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but
also, in effect, on all discount  accretion during the life of the  obligations.
This  implicit reinvestment of earnings at the  same rate eliminates the risk of
being unable to reinvest distributions at a  rate as high as the implicit  yield
on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to
reinvest  at higher rates in the future.  For this reason, zero coupon bonds are
subject to substantially greater price  fluctuations during periods of  changing
market  interest  rates  than  are  comparable  securities  which  pay  interest
currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity.
 
  SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX
 
  The Fund may  make short sales  against-the-box for the  purpose of  deferring
realization  of  gain or  loss for  federal  income tax  purposes. A  short sale
"against-the-box" is a short sale in which the Fund owns an equal amount of  the
securities  sold short or  securities convertible into  or exchangeable, without
payment of any further consideration, for  securities of the same issue as,  and
equal in amount to, the securities sold short. The Fund may engage in such short
sales  only  to the  extent that  not more  than  10% of  the Fund's  net assets
(determined at the  time of  the short  sale) are  held as  collateral for  such
sales.
 
  BORROWING
 
  The  Fund may borrow money  in an amount up  to 20% of the  value of its total
assets  (not  including   the  amount   of  such   borrowings)  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.
 
  ILLIQUID SECURITIES
 
   
  The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities including
repurchase  agreements  which  have  a  maturity  of  longer  than  seven  days,
securities  with  legal  or  contractual  restrictions  on  resale   (restricted
securities)   and  securities  that  are   not  readily  marketable.  Restricted
securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended  (the Securities  Act), and privately  placed commercial  paper
that have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of
this  limitation. Investing  in Rule  144A securities  could, however,  have the
effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity to the extent that  qualified
institutional  buyers  become, for  a limited  time, uninterested  in purchasing
these securities.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
The Fund intends to comply with  any applicable state blue sky laws  restricting
the  Fund's investments in illiquid securities. See "Investment Restrictions" in
the Statement of Additional Information. The investment adviser will monitor the
liquidity of such restricted  securities under the supervision  of the Board  of
Directors. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity
equal to the applicable notice period.
    
 
  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.
 
  DOLLAR ROLLS
 
  The Fund may enter into  dollar rolls in which  the Fund sells securities  for
delivery  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.
 
  The Fund will establish  a segregated account with  its custodian in which  it
will  maintain cash, U.S. Government securities  or other liquid high-grade debt
obligations equal in value to its obligations in respect to dollar rolls. Dollar
rolls involve the risk that the market  value of the securities retained by  the
Fund  may decline  below the price  of the securities  the Fund has  sold but is
obligated to  repurchase  under  the  agreement.  In  the  event  the  buyer  of
securities  under a dollar  roll files for bankruptcy  or becomes insolvent, the
Fund's use  of  the  proceeds of  the  agreement  may be  restricted  pending  a
determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce
the  Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities. Dollar rolls are considered
borrowings by the Fund for purposes of the percentage limitations applicable  to
borrowings.
 
  INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS
 
  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. See "Investment
Objective  and  Policies--Interest  Rate  Transactions"  in  the  Statement   of
Additional Information.
 
  PORTFOLIO TURNOVER AND BROKERAGE
 
  Based   on  its  experience  in  managing  similar  investment  products,  the
investment adviser expects that, under normal circumstances, if the Fund  writes
substantial  numbers of  options, and  those options  are exercised,  the Fund's
portfolio turnover rate  may be as  high as 250%  or higher. Such  a rate  would
significantly  exceed that  of a  fund invested  exclusively in  U.S. Government
securities. See "Investment Objective and Policies--Options Transactions" in the
Statement of  Additional Information.  While the  Fund will  pay commissions  in
connection with its options and futures transactions, U.S. Government securities
are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their
own  accounts without a stated commission. Nevertheless, high portfolio turnover
may involve correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other  transaction
costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. See "Portfolio Transactions and
Brokerage" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
  The  Fund  is  subject  to certain  investment  restrictions  which,  like its
investment objective,  constitute  fundamental  policies.  Fundamental  policies
cannot  be changed  without the  approval of  the holders  of a  majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company  Act.
See "Investment Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                            HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED
 
  THE FUND HAS A BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHICH, IN ADDITION TO OVERSEEING THE ACTIONS
OF  THE FUND'S MANAGER, SUBADVISER AND  DISTRIBUTOR, 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  February  29, 1996,  the  total  expenses  as  a
percentage  of average net  assets for the Fund's  Class A, Class  B and Class C
shares were 0.91%, 1.58% and 1.51%, respectively. See "Financial Highlights."
    
 
MANAGER
 
   
  PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL  FUND MANAGEMENT,  INC. (PMF  OR THE  MANAGER), ONE  SEAPORT
PLAZA,  NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10292, IS THE  MANAGER OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED
FOR ITS SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF .50 OF 1% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY  NET
ASSETS  UP TO $3 BILLION AND .35 OF 1% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS IN EXCESS
OF $3 BILLION. It was  incorporated in May 1987 under  the laws of the State  of
Delaware.  For the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996, the Fund paid management
fees to PMF of .50% of the Fund's average daily net assets. See "Manager" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
  As of March  31, 1996, PMF  served as  the manager to  37 open-end  investment
companies,  constituting all of  the Prudential Mutual Funds,  and as manager or
administrator to 22  closed-end investment  companies with  aggregate assets  of
approximately $53 billion.
    
 
  UNDER  THE  MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT  WITH THE  FUND,  PMF MANAGES  THE INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND  AND ALSO ADMINISTERS THE  FUND'S CORPORATE AFFAIRS.  See
"Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  UNDER  THE  SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT  BETWEEN PMF  AND THE  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC OR THE SUBADVISER), PIC FURNISHES INVESTMENT ADVISORY  SERVICES
IN  CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  AND IS REIMBURSED BY PMF FOR ITS
REASONABLE COSTS AND  EXPENSES INCURRED  IN PROVIDING SUCH  SERVICES. Under  the
Management  Agreement, PMF continues  to have responsibility  for all investment
advisory services and supervises PIC's performance of such services.
 
   
  The current portfolio manager of the Fund is Barbara L. Kenworthy, a  managing
director  and  senior portfolio  manager  of Prudential  Mutual  Fund Investment
Management, a unit of PIC. Ms.  Kenworthy has responsibility for the  day-to-day
management  of the Fund's  portfolio and has managed  the Fund's portfolio since
July 1994.  Ms. Kenworthy  was previously  employed by  The Dreyfus  Corporation
(from  June 1985 to June 1994) and served as president and portfolio manager for
several Dreyfus fixed-income funds.
    
 
   
    Ms. Kenworthy also serves as the portfolio manager of Prudential Diversified
Bond Fund, Inc. and Prudential  Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.  and has 20 years  of
investment  management  experience  in  both  U.S.  and  foreign  securities and
investment grade and high  yield quality bonds.  Ms. Kenworthy actively  manages
each  fund's  portfolio  according  to the  investment  adviser's  interest rate
outlook. Consistent  with each  fund's investment  objective and  policies,  she
will,  at times, invest in different sectors of the fixed-income markets seeking
price discrepancies and  more favorable interest  rates. The investment  adviser
conducts  extensive  analysis of  U.S.  and overseas  markets  in an  attempt to
identify trends in interest  rates, supply and demand  and economic growth.  The
portfolio  manager then selects the sectors, maturities and individual bonds she
believes provide  the  best  value  under those  conditions.  Ms.  Kenworthy  is
assisted  by two credit analysis teams, one that specializes in investment grade
bonds and one that specializes in high yield bonds.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
  PMF and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance  Company
of  America (Prudential), a  major diversified insurance  and financial services
company.
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
   
  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES OR PSI), ONE SEAPORT
PLAZA, NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10292, IS A CORPORATION  ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS  OF
THE  STATE OF DELAWARE AND SERVES AS THE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE CLASS A, CLASS B AND
CLASS C  SHARES OF  THE FUND.  IT  IS AN  INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED  SUBSIDIARY  OF
PRUDENTIAL.
    
 
   
  UNDER  SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS (THE  CLASS A PLAN, THE CLASS B
PLAN AND THE CLASS C  PLAN, COLLECTIVELY, THE PLANS)  ADOPTED BY THE FUND  UNDER
RULE  12B-1 UNDER THE  INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND  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. These
expenses include commissions and account servicing  fees paid to, or on  account
of,  financial advisers  of Prudential  Securities and  representatives of Pruco
Securities Corporation (Prusec),  an affiliated  broker-dealer, commissions  and
account  servicing  fees paid  to,  or on  account  of, other  broker-dealers or
financial institutions  (other  than national  banks)  which have  entered  into
agreements  with the Distributor, advertising expenses, the cost of printing and
mailing prospectuses to potential investors  and indirect and overhead costs  of
Prudential  Securities  and  Prusec associated  with  the sale  of  Fund shares,
including lease, utility, communications and sales promotion expenses. The State
of Texas requires  that shares of  the Fund may  be sold in  that state only  by
dealers   or  other  financial  institutions   which  are  registered  there  as
broker-dealers.
    
 
  Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees
to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service  activities,
not  as  reimbursement  for  specific expenses  incurred.  If  the Distributor's
expenses exceed  its  distribution  and  service fees,  the  Fund  will  not  be
obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses are less
than  such  distribution and  service fees,  it  will retain  its full  fees and
realize a profit.
 
   
  UNDER THE  CLASS  A PLAN,  THE  FUND MAY  PAY  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES  FOR  ITS
DISTRIBUTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO CLASS A SHARES AT AN ANNUAL RATE
OF  UP TO .30 OF 1%  OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS  OF THE CLASS A SHARES. The
Class A Plan provides that (i) up to  .25 of 1% of the average daily net  assets
of  the  Class A  shares may  be used  to  pay for  personal service  and/or the
maintenance of shareholder  accounts (service fee)  and (ii) total  distribution
fees  (including the service fee of up to .25 of 1%) may not exceed .30 of 1% of
the average daily net  assets of the Class  A shares. 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 February 28, 1997.
    
 
   
  UNDER  THE  CLASS B  PLAN,  THE FUND  MAY  PAY PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES  FOR ITS
DISTRIBUTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO CLASS B SHARES AT AN ANNUAL RATE
OF UP TO  1% OF THE  AVERAGE DAILY NET  ASSETS OF THE  CLASS B SHARES  UP TO  $3
BILLION,  .80 OF 1% OF THE  NEXT $1 BILLION OF SUCH NET  ASSETS AND .50 OF 1% OF
SUCH NET ASSETS  IN EXCESS  OF $4  BILLION. 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 up to $3 billion,
 .55 of 1% of the next  $1 billion of such net assets  and .25 of 1% of such  net
assets in excess of $4 billion, and (ii) a service fee of up to .25 of 1% of the
average daily net assets of the Class B shares. UNDER THE CLASS C PLAN, THE FUND
MAY  PAY  PRUDENTIAL  SECURITIES FOR  ITS  DISTRIBUTION-RELATED  ACTIVITIES WITH
RESPECT TO THE CLASS C SHARES AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF UP TO 1% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET
ASSETS OF  CLASS  C  SHARES. 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 B  Plan to  .825 of 1%  of the  average daily net
assets of the Class  B shares and  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
February 28, 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."
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
  Distribution expenses attributable to the sale  of shares of the Fund will  be
allocated to each class based upon the ratio of sales of each class to the sales
of  all shares of the Fund other  than expenses allocable to a particular class.
The distribution fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize
the sale of another class.
    
 
  Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year provided
that a majority of the Board of  Directors of the Fund, including a majority  of
the  Directors who are not  "interested persons" of the  Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any  agreement related to the Plan (the Rule  12b-1
Directors),  vote annually to continue the Plan.  Each Plan may be terminated at
any time by vote of a majority of  the Rule 12b-1 Directors or of a majority  of
the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. The Fund will not be
obligated  to pay distribution and service fees incurred under any plan if it is
terminated or not continued.
 
  In addition to distribution and service fees paid by the Fund under the  Class
A,  Class B and Class C  Plans, the Manager (or one  of its affiliates) may make
payments out of its  own resources to dealers  and other persons who  distribute
shares  of the  Fund. Such payments  may be  calculated by reference  to the net
asset value of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
 
  The Distributor  is  subject to  the  rules  of the  National  Association  of
Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  (the  NASD)  governing  maximum  sales  charges. See
"Distributor" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  On October 21,  1993, PSI  entered into an  omnibus settlement  with the  SEC,
state  securities  regulators  (with  the  exception  of  the  Texas  Securities
Commissioner who joined  the settlement  on January 18,  1994) and  the NASD  to
resolve  allegations  that  from  1980 through  1990  PSI  sold  certain limited
partnership interests in violation of securities  laws to persons for whom  such
securities  were not suitable  and misrepresented the  safety, potential returns
and liquidity of these investments. Without admitting or denying the allegations
asserted against it, PSI consented to  the entry of an SEC Administrative  Order
which  stated that PSI's conduct violated  the federal securities laws, directed
PSI to cease and  desist from violating the  federal securities laws, pay  civil
penalties, and adopt certain remedial measures to address the violations.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the SEC settlement, PSI agreed to the imposition of a
$10,000,000  civil  penalty,  established a  settlement  fund in  the  amount of
$330,000,000 and  procedures  to  resolve  legitimate  claims  for  ocmpensatory
damages  by purchasers of  the partnership interests. PSI  has agreed to provide
additional funds, if necessary,  for the purpose of  the settlement fund.  PSI's
settlement  with the state securities regulators  included an agreement to pay a
penalty of $500,000  per jurisdiction.  PSI consented to  a censure  and to  the
payment of a $5,000,000 fine in settling the NASD action.
 
  In  October  1994,  a criminal  complaint  was  filed with  the  United States
Magistrate for the  Southern District of  New York alleging  that PSI  committed
fraud  in connection with  the sale of certain  limited partnership interests in
violation of federal securities laws.  An agreement was simultaneously filed  to
defer  prosecution of these charges for a period of three years from the signing
of the agreement, provided  that PSI complies with  the terms of the  agreement.
If, upon completion of the three year period, PSI has complied with the terms of
the  agreement, no prosecution will  be instituted by the  United States for the
offenses charged in the complaint.  If on the other  hand, during the course  of
the  three  year period,  PSI  violates the  terms  of the  agreement,  the U.S.
Attorney can  then  elect  to pursue  these  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.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
   
FEE WAIVERS AND SUBSIDY
    
 
   
  PMF  may from time  to time waive all  or a portion of  its management fee and
subsidize all or a portion  of the operating expenses  of the Fund. Fee  waivers
and expense subsidies will increase the Fund's total return.
    
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Prudential  Securities may act as a  broker and/or futures commission merchant
for the  Fund provided  that  the commissions,  fees  or other  remuneration  it
receives  are fair and reasonable. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
 
  State Street  Bank  and  Trust  Company, One  Heritage  Drive,  North  Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities and
cash and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and accounting books and
records pursuant to an agreement with the Fund. Its mailing address is P .O. Box
1713, Boston, Massachusetts 02105.
 
  Prudential  Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (PMFS),  Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves  as Transfer  Agent and  Dividend Disbursing  Agent and  in
those  capacities maintains certain books and  records for the Fund. Its mailing
address is P  .O. Box 15005,  New Brunswick,  New Jersey 08906-5005.  PMFS is  a
wholly-owned subsidiary of PMF.
 
                         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 OF THE FUND. NAV IS CALCULATED SEPARATELY FOR EACH
CLASS. THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  HAS FIXED  THE SPECIFIC  TIME  OF DAY  FOR  THE
COMPUTATION OF THE FUND'S NAV TO BE AS OF 4:15 P .M., NEW YORK TIME.
 
  Portfolio  securities are valued based on market quotations or, if not readily
available,  at  fair  value  as  determined  in  good  faith  under   procedures
established  by the  Fund's Board  of Directors.  See "Net  Asset Value"  in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
  The Fund will  compute its  NAV once  daily on days  that the  New York  Stock
Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to purchase, sell
or  redeem shares have been received by the Fund or days on which changes in the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities  do not materially affect the NAV.  The
New  York Stock Exchange  is closed on  the following holidays:  New Year's Day,
Presidents' Day,  Good  Friday,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor  Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
  Although the legal rights of each class of shares are substantially identical,
the  different expenses borne  by each class  will result in  different NAVs and
dividends. As long as the Fund declares dividends daily, the NAV of the Class A,
Class B and Class C shares will generally be the same. It is expected,  however,
that  the dividends,  if any,  will differ  by approximately  the amount  of the
distribution-related expense accrual differential among the classes.
 
                      HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
 
  FROM TIME  TO TIME  THE FUND  MAY  ADVERTISE ITS  "YIELD" AND  "TOTAL  RETURN"
(INCLUDING  "AVERAGE  ANNUAL"  TOTAL  RETURN AND  "AGGREGATE"  TOTAL  RETURN) IN
ADVERTISEMENTS AND  SALES  LITERATURE. YIELD  AND  TOTAL RETURN  ARE  CALCULATED
SEPARATELY  FOR CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS  C SHARES. These figures are based on
historical   earnings    and   are    not    intended   to    indicate    future
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
   
performance.  The "total return" shows how much  an investment in the Fund would
have increased (decreased) over a specified  period of time (I.E., one, five  or
ten  years or since inception  of the Fund) assuming  that all distributions and
dividends by  the Fund  were reinvested  on the  reinvestment dates  during  the
period and less all recurring fees. The "aggregate" total return reflects actual
performance  over a stated  period of time.  "Average annual" total  return is a
hypothetical rate of return that, if achieved annually, would have produced  the
same  aggregate total  return if performance  had been constant  over the entire
period. "Average annual" total return smooths out variations in performance  and
takes  into account any applicable initial or contingent deferred sales charges.
Neither "average annual" total  return nor "aggregate"  total return takes  into
account  any federal or state income taxes which may be payable upon redemption.
The "yield" refers to the income generated  by an investment in the Fund over  a
one-month or 30-day period. This income is then "annualized" that is, the amount
of income generated by the investment during that 30-day period is assumed to be
generated  each 30-day period for twelve periods and is shown as a percentage of
the investment.  The income  earned on  the  investment is  also assumed  to  be
reinvested  at the  end of the  sixth 30-day  period. The Fund  also may include
comparative performance  information  in  advertising or  marketing  the  Fund's
shares.  Such performance  information may  include data  from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.,  Morningstar Publications,  Inc., other  industry  publications,
business  periodicals and market  indices. See "Performance  Information" in the
Statement  of  Additional  Information.   Further  performance  information   is
contained  in the Fund's  annual and semi-annual  reports to shareholders, which
may  be   obtained   without   charge.   See   "Shareholder   Guide--Shareholder
Services--Reports to Shareholders."
    
 
                       TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
TAXATION OF THE FUND
 
  THE FUND HAS ELECTED TO QUALIFY AND INTENDS TO REMAIN QUALIFIED AS A REGULATED
INVESTMENT  COMPANY UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE  CODE. ACCORDINGLY, THE FUND WILL
NOT BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES ON ITS NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND  CAPITAL
GAINS,  IF ANY, THAT  IT DISTRIBUTES TO ITS  SHAREHOLDERS. See "Taxes, Dividends
and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
   
  All dividends out  of net  investment income, together  with distributions  of
short-term  capital gains, will be taxable as ordinary income to the shareholder
whether or not reinvested. Any net long-term capital gains (I.E., the excess  of
net  long-term capital gains over net  short-term capital losses) distributed to
shareholders will  be  taxable as  such  to  the shareholders,  whether  or  not
reinvested  and regardless of the length of  time a shareholder has owned his or
her shares. The maximum long-term  capital gains rate for individuals  currently
is  28%. The  maximum long-term  capital gains  rate for  corporate shareholders
currently is the same as the maximum tax rate for ordinary income.
    
 
  The Fund has obtained opinions of counsel  to the effect that neither (i)  the
conversion  of Class B shares into Class A shares nor (ii) the exchange of Class
B or Class C shares for Class  A shares constitutes a taxable event for  federal
income  tax purposes.  However, such  opinions are  not binding  on the Internal
Revenue Service.
 
   
  Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding  specific
questions  as to federal, state, local  and foreign taxes. See "Taxes, Dividends
and Distributions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
WITHHOLDING TAXES
 
  Under the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund is required to withhold and remit to
the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, capital gain income and redemption  proceeds
payable to individuals and certain noncorporate shareholders who fail to furnish
correct  tax identification numbers on IRS Form W-9 (or IRS Form W-8 in the case
of certain foreign shareholders) with the required
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
certifications regarding the shareholder's status under federal income tax  law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends of net investment income and short-term
capital  gains  to  a foreign  shareholder  will  generally be  subject  to U.S.
withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate).
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
   
  THE FUND EXPECTS TO DECLARE DAILY AND PAY MONTHLY DIVIDENDS OF NET  INVESTMENT
INCOME,  IF ANY,  AND MAKE  DISTRIBUTIONS AT LEAST  ANNUALLY OF  ANY NET CAPITAL
GAINS. In determining the amount of capital gains to be distributed, the  amount
of  any  capital loss  carryforwards  from prior  years  will be  offset against
capital gains. As of February 29, 1996, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward
for federal income tax purposes  of approximately $119,847,000. Accordingly,  no
capital  gains distribution  is expected  to be  paid to  shareholders until net
gains have been realized in excess  of such carryforward. Dividends paid by  the
Fund with respect to each class of shares, to the extent any dividends are paid,
will  be calculated in  the same manner, at  the same time, on  the same day and
will be in the same amount except that each class will bear its own distribution
charges, generally resulting in lower dividends for Class B and Class C  shares.
Distributions  of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same amount for
each class of shares. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
    
 
  Shares will begin  earning daily dividends  on the day  following the date  on
which  the  shares  are  issued,  the date  of  issuance  customarily  being the
"settlement" date.  Shares  continue to  earn  daily dividends  until  they  are
redeemed.  In the event an investor redeems all the shares in his or her account
at any  time during  the month,  all daily  dividends declared  to the  date  of
redemption will be paid at the time of redemption.
 
  DIVIDENDS  AND DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE PAID  IN ADDITIONAL FUND SHARES, BASED ON
THE NAV OF  EACH CLASS ON  THE PAYMENT  AND RECORD DATE,  RESPECTIVELY, 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 PAYMENT DATE  TO
RECEIVE  SUCH  DIVIDENDS  AND DISTRIBUTIONS  IN  CASH. Such  election  should be
submitted  to  Prudential  Mutual   Fund  Services,  Inc.,  Attention:   Account
Maintenance,  P .O.  Box 15015, New  Brunswick, New Jersey  08906-5015. The Fund
will notify each shareholder after the close of the Fund's taxable year of  both
the  dollar  amount  and  the  taxable  status  of  that  year's  dividends  and
distributions on  a per  share  basis. 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.  Any distributions paid shortly after a  purchase by an investor will have
the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of the investor's shares by
the per  share amount  of  the distributions.  Such distributions,  although  in
effect  a return  of invested  principal, are  subject to  federal income taxes.
Accordingly, prior  to  purchasing  shares  of  the  Fund,  an  investor  should
carefully  consider the impact of capital gains distributions which are expected
to be or have been announced.  If you hold shares through Prudential  Securities
you  should contact  your financial  adviser to  elect to  receive dividends and
distributions in cash.
 
  WHEN THE FUND  GOES "EX-DIVIDEND," ITS  NAV IS  REDUCED BY THE  AMOUNT OF  THE
DIVIDEND  OR DISTRIBUTION. 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 DISTRIBUTION.  YOU  SHOULD,
THEREFORE,  CONSIDER THE TIMING OF DIVIDENDS  AND DISTRIBUTIONS WHEN MAKING YOUR
PURCHASES.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
   
  THE FUND WAS INCORPORATED IN MARYLAND ON APRIL 8, 1983. THE FUND IS AUTHORIZED
TO ISSUE TWO BILLION 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, EACH OF WHICH  CONSISTS OF 500 MILLION  AUTHORIZED SHARES. Each class  of
common  stock  represents an  interest in  the same  assets of  the Fund  and is
identical in all respects  except that, (i) each  class is subject to  different
sales  charges and distribution  and/or service fees (except  for Class Z shares
which are not subject to any  distribution and/or service fee), (ii) each  class
has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates
solely to its arrangement and has separate voting rights on any matter submitted
to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of
any  other class, (iii) each class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only
Class B shares  have a conversion  feature and  (v) Class Z  shares are  offered
exclusively  for sale to  the participants in  the PSI 401(k)  Plan, an employee
benefit plan  sponsored by  Prudential Securities.  Since Class  B and  Class  C
shares  generally bear  higher distribution  expenses than  Class A  shares, the
liquidation proceeds to  shareholders of those  classes are likely  to be  lower
than  to Class A shareholders and to  Class Z shareholders, whose shares are not
subject to any distribution  and/or service fee. In  accordance with the  Fund's
Articles  of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may authorize the creation of
additional series of  common stock  and classes  within such  series, with  such
preferences, privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as the Board
may determine. Currently, the Fund is offering four classes, designated as Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares.
    
 
   
  The  Board  of Directors  may increase  or decrease  the number  of authorized
shares without approval by  shareholders. Shares of the  Fund, when issued,  are
fully  paid, nonassessable, fully  transferable and redeemable  at the option of
the holder. Shares are also redeemable at  the option of the Fund under  certain
circumstances  as described under "Shareholder  Guide--How to Sell Your Shares."
Each share of each  class of common  stock is equal as  to earnings, assets  and
voting  privileges, except  as noted  above, and  each class  bears the expenses
related to the  distribution of its  shares. Except for  the conversion  feature
applicable  to the Class B shares, there  are no conversion, preemptive or other
subscription rights. In the event of liquidation, each share of common stock  of
the  Fund is entitled to its portion of  all of the Fund's assets after all debt
and expenses  of  the  Fund have  been  paid.  The Fund's  shares  do  not  have
cumulative voting rights for the election of Directors.
    
 
  THE  FUND  DOES NOT  INTEND  TO HOLD  ANNUAL  MEETINGS OF  SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW.  THE FUND WILL  NOT BE REQUIRED  TO HOLD MEETINGS  OF
SHAREHOLDERS  UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE,  THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  IS REQUIRED TO BE
ACTED ON BY  SHAREHOLDERS UNDER  THE INVESTMENT COMPANY  ACT. SHAREHOLDERS  HAVE
CERTAIN  RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CALL A MEETING UPON A VOTE OF 10% OF THE
FUND'S OUTSTANDING SHARES FOR  THE PURPOSE OF  VOTING ON THE  REMOVAL OF ONE  OR
MORE DIRECTORS OR TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  This  Prospectus, including the Statement  of Additional Information which has
been incorporated by reference herein, does not contain all the information  set
forth  in the Registration  Statement filed by  the Fund with  the SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained  at
a  reasonable charge  from the SEC  or may  be examined, without  charge, at the
office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
 
   
  YOU MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE  FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, PRUSEC  OR
DIRECTLY  FROM  THE FUND,  THROUGH ITS  TRANSFER  AGENT, PRUDENTIAL  MUTUAL FUND
SERVICES, INC. (PMFS  OR THE  TRANSFER AGENT),  ATTENTION: INVESTMENT  SERVICES,
P.O.  BOX 15020, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08906-5020. The offering price is the
NAV next  determined following  receipt of  an order  by the  Transfer Agent  or
Prudential  Securities plus a sales charge which, at your option, may be imposed
either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a deferred  basis
(Class  B or Class  C shares). See  "Alternative Purchase Plan"  below. See also
"How the Fund Values its Shares."
    
 
  Application forms can be obtained from PMFS, Prudential Securities or  Prusec.
If  a stock  certificate is desired,  it must  be requested in  writing for each
transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who hold
their shares through Prudential Securities will not receive stock certificates.
 
   
  The minimum initial investment for  Class A and Class  B shares is $1,000  per
class  and $5,000 for Class C shares.  The minimum subsequent investment is $100
for all  classes. All  minimum investment  requirements are  waived for  certain
retirement  and employee savings plans or  custodial accounts for the benefit of
minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan,  the
minimum  initial and  subsequent investment  is $50.  See "Shareholder Services"
below.
    
 
  The Fund  reserves  the right  to  reject  any purchase  order  (including  an
exchange  into the Fund) or to suspend  or modify the continuous offering of its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares."
 
  Your dealer is responsible  for forwarding payment promptly  to the Fund.  The
Distributor  reserves the right  to cancel any purchase  order for which payment
has not been received by the fifth business day following the investment.
 
  Transactions in Fund  shares may be  subject to postage  and handling  charges
imposed by your dealer.
 
  PURCHASE  BY WIRE. For an initial purchase of  shares of the Fund by wire, you
must first telephone PMFS  at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free)  to receive an  account
number.  The following  information will be  requested: your  name, address, tax
identification number, class  election, dividend  distribution election,  amount
being  wired and wiring bank.  Instructions should then be  given by you to your
bank to transfer funds by wire to  State Street Bank and Trust Company,  Boston,
Massachusetts,  Custody and Shareholder Services Division, Attention: Prudential
Government Income Fund, Inc., specifying on the wire the account number assigned
by PMFS and  your name and  identifying the sales  charge alternative (Class  A,
Class B or Class C shares).
 
   
  If  you arrange  for receipt by  State Street  of Federal Funds  prior to 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 Government Income
Fund, Inc., Class  A, Class B  or Class C  shares and your  name and  individual
account  number. It is  not necessary to  call PMFS to  make subsequent purchase
orders utilizing Federal Funds. The minimum amount which may be invested by wire
is $1,000.
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
 
   
  THE FUND OFFERS  THREE CLASSES  OF SHARES  THROUGH THIS  PROSPECTUS (CLASS  A,
CLASS B AND CLASS C) WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE MOST BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE
STRUCTURE   FOR  YOUR   INDIVIDUAL  CIRCUMSTANCES   GIVEN  THE   AMOUNT  OF  THE
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
PURCHASE, THE LENGTH OF TIME  YOU EXPECT TO HOLD  THE SHARES AND OTHER  RELEVANT
CIRCUMSTANCES (THE 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       1% (Currently being      Shares convert to Class A shares
           charge or CDSC of 5% of the lesser of   charged at a rate of     approximately seven years after
           the amount invested or the redemption   .825 of 1%)              purchase
           proceeds; declines to zero after six
           years
CLASS C    Maximum CDSC of 1% of the lesser of     1% (Currently being      Shares do not convert to another class
           the amount invested or the redemption   charged at a rate of
           proceeds on redemptions made within     .75 of 1%)
           one year of purchase
</TABLE>
 
   
  The  three classes of  shares represent an  interest in the  same portfolio of
investments of the Fund and have the same rights, except that (i) each class  is
subject  to different sales  charges and distribution  and/or service fees, (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  differs
from  the interests  of any  other class and  (iii) only  Class B  shares have a
conversion feature. The  three classes also  have separate exchange  privileges.
See  "How to Exchange Your Shares" below.  The income attributable to each class
and the dividends payable  on the shares  of each class will  be reduced by  the
amount  of the distribution fee  of each class. Class B  and Class C shares bear
the expenses of  a higher distribution  fee which will  generally cause them  to
have higher expense ratios and to pay lower dividends than the Class A shares.
    
 
  Financial  advisers and other  sales agents who  sell shares of  the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class  A, Class B and Class C  shares
and  will generally receive more compensation  initially for selling Class A and
Class B shares than for selling Class C shares.
 
  IN SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER  THINGS,
(1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the amount of any
applicable  sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase or redemption)
and distribution-related fees, as noted above,  (3) whether you qualify for  any
reduction  or waiver  of any applicable  sales charge, (4)  the various exchange
privileges among the  different classes  of shares  (see "How  to Exchange  Your
Shares"  below) and  (5) 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  7 years or more and do not  qualify
for  a reduced sales charge  on Class A shares, since  Class B shares convert to
Class A shares  approximately 7  years after purchase  and because  all of  your
money  would be  invested initially in  the case  of Class B  shares, you should
consider purchasing Class B shares over either Class A or Class C shares.
 
  If you qualify for a  reduced sales charge on Class  A shares, it may be  more
advantageous  for you to purchase Class A shares  over either Class B or Class C
shares regardless  of how  long you  intend to  hold your  investment.  However,
unlike Class B and
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
Class  C shares, you would not have all of your money invested initially because
the sales charge on Class A shares is deducted at the time of purchase.
 
   
  If you do not  qualify for a reduced  sales charge on Class  A shares and  you
purchase  Class B or Class C shares, you  would have to hold your investment for
more than 5 years in the case of Class B shares and 6 years in the case of Class
C shares  for the  higher cumulative  annual distribution-related  fee on  those
shares  to exceed the initial sales  charge plus cumulative annual distribution-
related fee on Class A shares. This does not take into account the time value of
money, which  further reduces  the  impact of  the higher  Class  B or  Class  C
distribution-related fee on the investment, fluctuations in net asset value, the
effect  of the return on the investment  over this period of time or redemptions
when the CDSC is applicable.
    
 
  ALL PURCHASES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE, EITHER AS PART OF A SINGLE INVESTMENT  OR
UNDER  RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION OR LETTERS OF  INTENT, MUST BE FOR CLASS A SHARES.
See "Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" below.
 
  CLASS A SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class A shares for investors choosing the initial  sales
charge  alternative is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge (expressed as
a percentage of the offering price and  of the amount invested) as shown in  the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SALES CHARGE    SALES CHARGE        DEALER
                           AS PERCENTAGE   AS PERCENTAGE    CONCESSION AS
                            OF OFFERING      OF AMOUNT      PERCENTAGE OF
   AMOUNT OF PURCHASE          PRICE          INVESTED      OFFERING PRICE
- -------------------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------
<S>                        <C>             <C>             <C>
$0 to $49,999                    4.00%           4.17%            3.75%
$50,000 to $99,999               3.50            3.83             3.25
$100,000 to $249,999             2.75            2.83             2.50
$250,000 to $499,999             2.00            2.04             1.90
$500,000 to $999,999             1.50            1.52             1.40
$1,000,000 and above             None            None             None
</TABLE>
 
  Selling  dealers may be deemed to be  underwriters, as that term is defined in
the Securities Act.
 
   
  REDUCTION AND  WAIVER OF  INITIAL  SALES CHARGES.  Reduced sales  charges  are
available  through Rights of  Accumulation and Letters of  Intent. Shares of the
Fund and shares of other Prudential  Mutual Funds (excluding money market  funds
other  than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) may be aggregated
to determine  the applicable  reduction. See  "Purchase and  Redemption of  Fund
Shares--Reduction  and Waiver of  Initial Sales Charges--Class  A Shares" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
  BENEFIT PLANS.  Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of  an
initial sales charge, by pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans
qualified   under  Section  401  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and  deferred
compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the  Internal
Revenue  Code (Benefit Plans), provided that the  plan has existing assets of at
least $1 million invested in shares of Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding  money
market  funds other than  those acquired pursuant to  the exchange privilege) or
1,000 eligible employees  or participants. In  the case of  Benefit Plans  whose
accounts  are held directly with the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities and
for which the Transfer  Agent or Prudential  Securities does individual  account
recordkeeping  (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit Plans sponsored by PSI
or its subsidiaries (PSI or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans), Class A  shares
may  be purchased at NAV  by participants who are  repaying loans made from such
plans to the participant.
    
 
   
    PRUARRAY PLANS. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by certain retirement
and deferred compensation plans, qualified  or non-qualified under the  Internal
Revenue  Code, including pension, profit-sharing,  stock-bonus or other employee
benefit plans  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  Program  (a
benefit plan record keeping service) (hereafter referred to as a PruArray Plan);
provided  (i) that the plan has at least  $1 million in existing assets or 1,000
eligible employees  or  participants  and  (ii)  that  Prudential  Mutual  Funds
constitute   at   least  one-half   of  the   plan's  investment   options.  The
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
term "existing assets" for this purpose includes stock issued by a PruArray Plan
sponsor and shares  of non-money market  Prudential Mutual Funds  and shares  of
certain  unaffiliated  non-money market  mutual  funds that  participate  in the
PruArray Program (Participating Funds). "Existing assets" also include shares of
money market funds acquired by exchange from a Participating Fund.
    
 
   
  PRUDENTIAL VISTA PROGRAM.  Class  A shares are offered  at net asset value  to
certain  qualified employee  retirement benefit plans  under Section  401 of the
Internal Revenue Code, for which Prudential Defined Contribution Services serves
as the  recordkeeper  provided that  such  plan  is also  participating  in  the
Prudential  Vista Program  (PruVista Plan),  and provided  further that  (i) for
existing plans, the plan has existing assets of at least $1 million and at least
100 eligible employees or participants, and (ii) for new plans, the plan has  at
least  500 eligible  employees or participants.  The term  "existing assets" for
this  purpose  includes  transferable  cash  and  GICs  (guaranteed   investment
contracts) maturing within 4 years.
    
 
   
    SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RETIREMENT PLANS. After a Benefit Plan, PruVista
Plan  or  PruArray  Plan  qualifies  to purchase  Class  A  shares  at  NAV, all
subsequent purchases will be made at NAV.
    
 
   
  OTHER WAIVERS.  In addition, Class A  shares may be purchased at NAV,  through
Prudential  Securities  or the  Transfer Agent,  by  the following  persons: (a)
officers and  current and  former Directors/Trustees  of the  Prudential  Mutual
Funds  (including the Fund), (b) employees  of Prudential Securities and PMF and
their subsidiaries and members of the  families of such persons who maintain  an
"employee  related" account at Prudential Securities  or the Transfer Agent, (c)
employees and special agents of Prudential and its subsidiaries and all  persons
who  have retired  directly from  active service with  Prudential or  one of its
subsidiaries, (d) registered representatives and  employees of dealers who  have
entered  into a  selected dealer  agreement with  Prudential Securities provided
that purchases at NAV are permitted by such person's employer and (e)  investors
who  have a business relationship with a financial adviser who joined Prudential
Securities from another investment firm, provided that (i) the purchase is  made
within  90 days  of the  commencement of  the financial  adviser's employment at
Prudential Securities, (ii) the purchase is  made with proceeds of a  redemption
of  shares of  any open-end fund  sponsored by the  financial adviser's previous
employer (other  than a  money market  or  other no-load  fund which  imposes  a
distribution  or  service fee  of .25  of 1%  or less)  and (iii)  the financial
adviser served as the client's broker on the previous purchase.
    
 
   
  You  must  notify  the  Fund's  Transfer  Agent  either  directly  or  through
Prudential Securities or Prusec at the time of purchase that you are entitled to
a  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 per  share 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."
 
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
 
   
  YOU  CAN REDEEM YOUR SHARES OF THE FUND AT ANY TIME 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--Class B Shares."
    
 
  IF  YOU HOLD SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, YOU MUST REDEEM
YOUR SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES FINANCIAL ADVISER. IF  YOU
HOLD   SHARES  IN  NON-CERTIFICATE  FORM,   A  WRITTEN  REQUEST  FOR  REDEMPTION
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
SIGNED BY YOU  EXACTLY AS THE  ACCOUNT IS  REGISTERED IS REQUIRED.  IF YOU  HOLD
CERTIFICATES,  THE CERTIFICATES, SIGNED IN THE NAME(S)  SHOWN ON THE FACE OF THE
CERTIFICATES, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT IN ORDER FOR THE REDEMPTION
REQUEST  TO  BE  PROCESSED.  IF  REDEMPTION  IS  REQUESTED  BY  A   CORPORATION,
PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE
TRANSFER  AGENT  MUST BE  SUBMITTED BEFORE  SUCH REQUEST  WILL BE  ACCEPTED. All
correspondence and documents concerning redemptions  should be sent to the  Fund
in care of its Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc., Attention:
Redemption Services, P .O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5010.
 
  If  the proceeds of the redemption (a) exceed $50,000, (b) are to be paid to a
person other than the record owner, (c) are to be sent to an address other  than
the  address  on the  Transfer  Agent's records,  or  (d) are  to  be paid  to a
corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, the signature(s) on the redemption
request and on the certificates, if any, or stock power must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution." An  "eligible guarantor institution"  includes
any  bank, broker, dealer or credit union. The Transfer Agent reserves the right
to request additional information  from, and make  reasonable inquiries of,  any
eligible guarantor institution. For clients of Prusec, a signature guarantee may
be  obtained from the agency or office  manager of most Prudential Insurance and
Financial Services or Prudential Preferred Financial Services Offices.
 
  PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE MADE BY CHECK WITHIN SEVEN
DAYS AFTER  RECEIPT BY  THE TRANSFER  AGENT OF  THE CERTIFICATE  AND/OR  WRITTEN
REQUEST  EXCEPT  AS  INDICATED  BELOW. IF  YOU  HOLD  SHARES  THROUGH PRUDENTIAL
SECURITIES, PAYMENT FOR SHARES PRESENTED FOR REDEMPTION WILL BE CREDITED TO YOUR
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES ACCOUNT, UNLESS YOU  INDICATE OTHERWISE. Such payment  may
be postponed or the right of redemption suspended at times (a) when the New York
Stock  Exchange is  closed for other  than customary weekends  and holidays, (b)
when trading on such Exchange is restricted,  (c) when an emergency exists as  a
result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably
practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine
the  value of its  net assets, or (d)  during any other period  when the SEC, by
order, so permits;  provided that applicable  rules and regulations  of the  SEC
shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
 
  PAYMENT  FOR REDEMPTION OF RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL THE
FUND OR ITS TRANSFER  AGENT HAS BEEN  ADVISED THAT THE  PURCHASE CHECK HAS  BEEN
HONORED,  UP TO 10 CALENDAR DAYS FROM THE  TIME OF RECEIPT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK
BY THE TRANSFER AGENT. SUCH DELAY MAY BE AVOIDED BY PURCHASING SHARES BY WIRE OR
BY CERTIFIED OR OFFICIAL BANK CHECK.
 
  REDEMPTION IN KIND.  If the  Board of Directors  determines that  it would  be
detrimental  to the best interests of the  remaining shareholders of the Fund to
make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price  in
whole  or in part  by a distribution  in kind of  securities from the investment
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of  cash, in conformity with applicable rules  of
the  SEC. Securities will be  readily marketable and will  be valued in the same
manner as in a regular redemption. See "How the Fund Values Its Shares." If your
shares are redeemed in kind, you would incur transaction costs in converting the
assets into cash. The Fund,  however, has elected to  be governed by Rule  18f-1
under  the Investment Company Act,  under which the Fund  is obligated to redeem
shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset  value
of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
 
  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 contingent deferred sales charge
will be imposed on any 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 contingent deferred sales charge or 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
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
   
repurchase privilege  is exercised  to  adjust your  account  for the  CDSC  you
previously  paid.  Thereafter,  any  redemptions will  be  subject  to  the CDSC
applicable at  the  time  of  the redemption.  See  "Contingent  Deferred  Sales
Charges"  below. Exercise of the repurchase  privilege will generally not affect
federal tax treatment  of any  gain realized  upon redemption.  However, if  the
redemption  was  made  within a  30  day period  of  the repurchase  and  if the
redemption resulted in a loss, some or all of the loss, depending on the  amount
reinvested, may not be allowed for federal income tax purposes.
    
 
  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 redemptions  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 CDSC will be paid to and retained by the Distributor. See "How
the  Fund is Managed--Distributor" and "Waiver  of the Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges--Class B Shares" below.
 
  The amount of the  CDSC, if any,  will vary depending on  the number of  years
from the time of payment for the purchase of shares until the time of redemption
of  such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of years from the
time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all payments during a month will
be aggregated and deemed  to have been made  on the last day  of the month.  The
CDSC  will  be calculated  from the  first day  of the  month after  the initial
purchase, excluding the time shares were held  in a money market fund. See  "How
to Exchange Your Shares."
 
  The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to redemptions
of Class B shares.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
                                                      CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                                   OF DOLLARS INVESTED OR
 PAYMENT MADE                                          REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
- --------------------------------------------------  --------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>
First.............................................                5.0%
Second............................................                4.0%
Third.............................................                3.0%
Fourth............................................                2.0%
Fifth.............................................                1.0%
Sixth.............................................                1.0%
Seventh...........................................             None
</TABLE>
 
  In  determining whether a CDSC is  applicable to a redemption, the calculation
will be made in a manner that generally results in the lowest possible rate.  It
will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts representing shares
acquired  pursuant to the  reinvestment of dividends  and distributions; then of
amounts representing the increase in net  asset value above the total amount  of
payments  for the purchase  of Fund shares  made during the  preceding six years
(five years for Class  B shares purchased  prior to January  22, 1990); then  of
amounts  representing the cost of shares held beyond the applicable CDSC period;
then of amounts representing the cost of shares acquired prior to July 1,  1985;
and  finally, of amounts  representing the cost  of shares held  for the longest
period of time within the applicable CDSC period.
 
  For example, assume you purchased  100 Class B shares at  $10 per share for  a
cost  of $1,000. Subsequently, you acquired  5 additional Class B shares through
dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase you decided  to
redeem  $500 of your investment. Assuming at  the time of the redemption the NAV
had appreciated to  $12 per share,  the value of  your Class B  shares would  be
$1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to the value
of the reinvested
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
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.
 
  In  addition,  the CDSC  will be  waived on  redemptions of  shares held  by a
Director of the Fund.
 
  You  must  notify  the  Fund's  Transfer  Agent  either  directly  or  through
Prudential  Securities  or  Prusec, at  the  time  of redemption,  that  you are
entitled to  waiver  of  the CDSC  and  provide  the Transfer  Agent  with  such
supporting  documentation as it may deem appropriate. The waiver will be granted
subject to confirmation  of your  entitlement. See "Purchase  and Redemption  of
Fund  Shares--Waiver of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  A quantity discount may apply to redemptions of Class B shares purchased prior
to August  1,  1994.  See  "Purchase and  Redemption  of  Fund  Shares--Quantity
Discount--Class  B Shares Purchased Prior to August 1, 1994" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
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
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
shares,  all shares or amounts representing Class  B shares then in your account
that were acquired  through the  automatic reinvestment of  dividends and  other
distributions will convert to Class A shares.
 
  For  purposes of  determining the  number of Eligible  Shares, if  the Class B
shares in  your  account on  any  conversion date  are  the result  of  multiple
purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible Shares
calculated  as described above  will generally be  either more or  less than the
number of  shares  actually  purchased approximately  seven  years  before  such
conversion  date. For example, if 100 shares were initially purchased at $10 per
share (for  a  total  of  $1,000)  and a  second  purchase  of  100  shares  was
subsequently  made at $11 per share (for  a total of $1,100), 95.24 shares would
convert approximately  seven  years  from the  initial  purchase  (I.E.,  $1,000
divided  by $2,100 (47.62%)  multiplied by 200 shares  equals 95.24 shares). The
Manager reserves the right to modify  the formula for determining the number  of
Eligible Shares in the future as it deems appropriate on notice to shareholders.
 
  Since annual distribution-related fees are lower for Class A shares than Class
B shares, the per share net asset value of the Class A shares may be higher than
that  of  the Class  B  shares at  the time  of  conversion. Thus,  although the
aggregate dollar value will be  the same, you may  receive fewer Class A  shares
than Class B shares converted. See "How the Fund Values its Shares."
 
  For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all
payments  for Class B shares during a month  will be deemed to have been made on
the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a
series of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original  payment
for  purchases of such  Class B shares  was made. For  Class B shares previously
exchanged for shares of a money market  fund, the time period during which  such
shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For example, Class B
shares  held in a  money market fund  for one year  will not convert  to Class A
shares until approximately eight years from purchase. For purposes of  measuring
the  time period during which shares are  held in a money market fund, exchanges
will be deemed to have been  made on the last day  of the month. Class B  shares
acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares after expiration of the
conversion period applicable to the original purchase of such shares.
 
  The  conversion  feature  may be  subject  to the  continuing  availability of
opinions of counsel  or rulings  of the Internal  Revenue Service  (i) that  the
dividends  and other distributions paid  on Class A, Class  B and Class C shares
will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code and
(ii) that the  conversion of  shares does not  constitute a  taxable event.  The
conversion  of  Class B  shares into  Class A  shares may  be suspended  if such
opinions or rulings are no longer available. If conversions are suspended, Class
B shares of  the Fund  will continue to  be subject,  possibly indefinitely,  to
their higher annual distribution and service fee.
 
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
 
  AS  A SHAREHOLDER  OF THE  FUND, YOU HAVE  AN EXCHANGE  PRIVILEGE WITH CERTAIN
OTHER PRUDENTIAL  MUTUAL FUNDS,  INCLUDING ONE  OR MORE  SPECIFIED MONEY  MARKET
FUNDS,  SUBJECT TO  THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT  REQUIREMENT OF SUCH  FUNDS. CLASS A,
CLASS B AND CLASS  C SHARES MAY BE  EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A,  CLASS B AND CLASS  C
SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE BASIS ON THE RELATIVE NAV. No sales
charge  will be imposed at the time of the exchange. Any applicable CDSC payable
upon the redemption of shares exchanged will be calculated from the first day of
the month after the initial purchase, excluding  the time shares were held in  a
money  market fund. Class B  and Class C shares may  not be exchanged into money
market funds other than  Prudential Special Money Market  Fund. For purposes  of
calculating the holding period applicable to the Class B conversion feature, the
time period during which Class B shares were held in a money market fund will be
excluded.  See "Conversion Feature--Class  B Shares" above.  An exchange will be
treated as  a  redemption  and  purchase  for  tax  purposes.  See  "Shareholder
Investment   Account--Exchange  Privilege"   in  the   Statement  of  Additional
Information.
 
  IN ORDER TO  EXCHANGE SHARES BY  TELEPHONE, YOU MUST  AUTHORIZE THE  TELEPHONE
EXCHANGE  PRIVILEGE 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 1  (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
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
   
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. (The Fund or its agents could be subject to  liability
if they fail to employ reasonable procedures.) All exchanges will be made on the
basis  of the relative NAV of the two funds next determined after the request is
received in good order. The Exchange Privilege is available only in states where
the exchange may legally be made.
    
 
  IF YOU HOLD SHARES THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES OR THROUGH A DEALER WHICH HAS
ENTERED INTO A SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT  WITH THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, YOU  MUST
EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES BY CONTACTING YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER.
 
  IF YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES, THE CERTIFICATES, SIGNED IN THE NAME(S) SHOWN ON THE
FACE  OF  THE  CERTIFICATES MUST  BE  RETURNED IN  ORDER  FOR THE  SHARES  TO BE
EXCHANGED. SEE "HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES" ABOVE.
 
  You may also  exchange shares  by mail by  writing to  Prudential Mutual  Fund
Services,  Inc., Attention: Exchange Processing, P .O. Box 15010, New Brunswick,
New Jersey 08906-5010.
 
  IN PERIODS OF SEVERE MARKET OR  ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE  OF
SHARES  MAY BE DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT  AND SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD MAKE EXCHANGES BY
MAIL BY WRITING TO PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL  FUND SERVICES, INC., AT THE ADDRESS  NOTED
ABOVE.
 
  SPECIAL  EXCHANGE  PRIVILEGE. A  special exchange  privilege is  available for
shareholders who qualify  to purchase Class  A shares at  NAV. See  "Alternative
Purchase  Plan--Class A Shares--Reduction  and Waiver of  Initial Sales Charges"
above. Under this exchange privilege, amounts representing any Class B and Class
C shares (which are not subject to a CDSC) held in such a shareholder's  account
will  be automatically exchanged for Class A shares on a quarterly basis, unless
the shareholder elects otherwise. Eligibility  for this exchange privilege  will
be  calculated on the  business day prior  to the date  of the exchange. Amounts
representing Class B or Class C shares  which are not subject to a CDSC  include
the  following:  (1) amounts  representing Class  B or  Class C  shares acquired
pursuant to  the  automatic reinvestment  of  dividends and  distributions,  (2)
amounts  representing the increase in the net asset value above the total amount
of payments  for the  purchase of  Class B  or Class  C shares  and (3)  amounts
representing  Class B or Class C shares  held beyond the applicable CDSC period.
Class B and Class C shareholders must notify the Transfer Agent either  directly
or  through  Prudential Securities  or Prusec  that they  are eligible  for this
special exchange privilege.
 
  The Exchange Privilege may be modified or  terminated at any time on 60  days'
notice to shareholders.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
  In  addition to the Exchange Privilege, as  a shareholder in the Fund, you can
take advantage of the following additional services and privileges:
 
  -AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT  OF DIVIDENDS  AND/OR  DISTRIBUTIONS WITHOUT  A  SALES
CHARGE.  For your convenience, all  dividends or 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
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
Distributor. These  plans are  for  use by  both self-employed  individuals  and
corporate  employers. These  plans permit  either self-direction  of accounts by
participants,  or  a  pooled  account  arrangement.  Information  regarding  the
establishment  of  these plans,  the  administration, custodial  fees  and other
details is available from  Prudential Securities or the  Transfer Agent. If  you
are  considering adopting such a plan, you should consult with your own legal or
tax adviser with respect to the establishment and maintenance of such a plan.
 
   
  -SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL  PLAN. A  systematic withdrawal  plan is  available  to
shareholders which provides for monthly or quarterly checks. Withdrawal of Class
B  and Class C shares may  be subject to a CDSC.  See "How to Sell Your Shares--
Contingent  Deferred   Sales   Charges."  See   also   "Shareholder   Investment
Account--Systematic Withdrawal Plan" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
  -REPORTS  TO  SHAREHOLDERS.  The Fund  will  send you  annual  and semi-annual
reports. The financial  statements appearing  in annual reports  are audited  by
independent  accountants.  In order  to  reduce duplicate  mailing  and printing
expenses, the Fund will  provide one annual  and semi-annual shareholder  report
and  annual prospectus per household. You  may request additional copies of such
reports by calling (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) or  by writing to the Fund at  One
Seaport  Plaza,  New  York,  New  York  10292.  In  addition,  monthly unaudited
financial data are available upon request from the Fund.
 
  -SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Shareholder inquiries should be addressed to the  Fund
at  One  Seaport Plaza,  New York,  New York  10292, or  by telephone,  at (800)
225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (908) 417-7555 (collect).
 
  For additional  information regarding  the services  and privileges  described
above,  see  "Shareholder Investment  Account"  in the  Statement  of Additional
Information.
 
                                       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 Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
  Limited Maturity Portfolio
Prudential Global Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
Global Utility Fund, Inc.
The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc.
The Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
    
 
                                  EQUITY FUNDS
   
Prudential Allocation Fund
  Balanced Portfolio
  Strategy Portfolio
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Income Fund
Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc.
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
  Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
    
 
                               MONEY MARKET FUNDS
 
   
- - TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Government Securities Trust
  Money Market Series
  U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc.
  Money Market Series
Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
    
 
   
- - TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
Prudential California Municipal Fund
  California Money Market Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
  Connecticut Money Market Series
  Massachusetts Money Market Series
  New Jersey Money Market Series
  New York Money Market Series
    
 
   
- - COMMAND FUNDS
Command Money Fund
Command Government Fund
Command Tax-Free Fund
    
 
- - INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc.
  Institutional Money Market Series
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
    No  dealer, sales representative or any  other person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representations, other than those  contained
in this Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given
or  made, such other information  or representations must not  be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. This Prospectus does  not
constitute  an offer by the Fund or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation
of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction  to
any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
- -------------------------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
FUND HIGHLIGHTS......................................................        2
  Risk Factors and Special Characteristics...........................        2
FUND EXPENSES........................................................        4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS.................................................        5
HOW THE FUND INVESTS.................................................        8
  Investment Objective and Policies..................................        8
  Other Investments and Policies.....................................        9
  Other Investment Information.......................................       15
  Investment Restrictions............................................       16
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED..............................................       17
  Manager............................................................       17
  Distributor........................................................       18
  Fee Waivers and Subsidy............................................       20
  Portfolio Transactions.............................................       20
  Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent...............       20
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES.......................................       20
HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE..................................       20
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS...................................       21
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................       23
  Description of Common Stock........................................       23
  Additional Information.............................................       23
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE....................................................       24
  How to Buy Shares of the Fund......................................       24
  Alternative Purchase Plan..........................................       24
  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>
    
 
- -------------------------------------------
 
MF128A                                                                   4440464
 
                                      Class A:  744339-10-2
                       CUSIP Nos.:    Class B:  744339-20-1
                                      Class C:  744339-30-0
 
Prudential
Government Income
Fund, Inc.
 
   
Prudential Mutual Funds
    
Building Your Future On Our Strength
Prospectus -- April 30, 1996
 
- -------------------------------------------
 
   
                                                              APRIL 30, 1996
    
<PAGE>
   
                    PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                              DATED APRIL 30, 1996
    
 
    Prudential  Government  Income  Fund,  Inc.  (the  Fund),  is  an  open-end,
diversified management  investment company,  or mutual  fund, which  has as  its
investment objective the seeking of a high current return. The Fund will seek to
achieve  this objective  primarily by  investing in  U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury Bills, Notes and Bonds and other debt securities  issued
by  the U.S. Treasury,  and obligations issued or  guaranteed by U.S. Government
agencies  or  instrumentalities;  writing  covered  put  and  call  options  and
purchasing  put  and call  options. In  an  effort to  hedge against  changes in
interest rates  and thus  preserve its  capital,  the Fund  may also  engage  in
transactions  involving  futures  contracts on  U.S.  Government  securities and
options on such contracts. There can be no assurance that the Fund's  investment
objective will be achieved.
 
    The  Fund's address is One Seaport Plaza,  New York, New York 10292, and its
telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
 
   
    This Statement of Additional Information is  not a prospectus and should  be
read  in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus, dated April 30, 1996, a copy of
which may be obtained  from the Fund  at One Seaport Plaza,  New York, New  York
10292.
    
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                CROSS-REFERENCE
                                                                  TO PAGE IN
                                                         PAGE     PROSPECTUS
                                                         ----   ---------------
<S>                                                      <C>    <C>
General Information...................................   B-2              --
Investment Objective and Policies.....................   B-2               8
Investment Restrictions...............................   B-9              16
Directors and Officers................................   B-11             17
Manager...............................................   B-14             17
Distributor...........................................   B-17             18
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage..................   B-19             20
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares................   B-21             24
Shareholder Investment Account........................   B-24             33
Net Asset Value.......................................   B-27             20
Taxes, Dividends and Distributions....................   B-28             21
Performance Information...............................   B-30             20
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and
 Independent Accountants..............................   B-32             20
Financial Statements..................................   B-33             --
Independent Auditors' Report..........................   B-41             --
Appendix -- Historical Performance Data...............   App-1
Appendix -- General Investment Information............   App-4
Appendix -- Information Relating to The Prudential....   App-5
</TABLE>
    
 
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MF-128B                                                                  444079V
<PAGE>
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
    At  a  special  meeting held  on  July  19, 1994,  shareholders  approved an
amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to change the Fund's name from
Prudential-Bache Government  Plus Fund,  Inc.  to Prudential  Government  Income
Fund, Inc.
 
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    The  Fund's investment objective is to seek  a high current return. The Fund
will seek  a  high current  return  primarily  from interest  income  from  U.S.
Government  securities, premiums  from put and  call options  on U.S. Government
securities and  net  gains from  closing  purchase and  sale  transactions  with
respect  to options on U.S. Government securities. The Fund may also realize net
gains from sales  of portfolio securities.  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.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
    MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES ISSUED BY U.S. GOVERNMENT
INSTRUMENTALITIES. Mortgages  backing  the  securities  purchased  by  the  Fund
include   conventional  thirty-year  fixed  rate  mortgages,  graduated  payment
mortgages, fifteen-year mortgages  and adjustable rate  mortgages. 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 individual  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. Because the  prepayment characteristics of  the
underlying mortgages vary, it is not possible to predict accurately the realized
yield  or  average  life of  a  particular issue  of  pass-through certificates.
Prepayment rates are important because of their effect on the yield and price of
the  securities.   Accelerated   prepayments   adversely   impact   yields   for
pass-throughs  purchased at  a premium. The  opposite is  true for pass-throughs
purchased at a discount.
 
    GNMA  CERTIFICATES.  Certificates  of   the  Government  National   Mortgage
Association  (GNMA Certificates) are  mortgage-backed securities, which evidence
an undivided interest in a pool of mortgage loans. GNMA Certificates differ from
bonds in that principal is  paid back monthly by the  borrower over the term  of
the  loan rather than returned in a lump sum at maturity. GNMA Certificates that
the Fund purchases are the "modified pass-through" type. "Modified pass-through"
GNMA Certificates entitle  the holder  to receive a  share of  all interest  and
principal  payments paid and owed 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 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 effected. The
Fund's adviser would re-evaluate the  Fund's investment objectives and  policies
if any such legislative proposals were adopted.
 
    GNMA  GUARANTEE. The National  Housing Act authorizes  GNMA to guarantee the
timely payment  of principal  and interest  on securities  backed by  a pool  of
mortgages  insured by the  Federal Housing Administration  (FHA) or the Farmers'
Home Administration (FMHA), or guaranteed  by the Veterans Administration  (VA).
The  GNMA guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
The GNMA is also empowered to  borrow without limitation from the U.S.  Treasury
if necessary to make any payments required under its guarantee.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
    LIFE  OF GNMA CERTIFICATES. The average life of a GNMA Certificate is likely
to be  substantially  shorter  than  the  original  maturity  of  the  mortgages
underlying  the securities. Prepayments of  principal by mortgagors and mortgage
foreclosures will usually result in the return of the greater part of  principal
investment  long before the maturity of  the mortgages in the pool. Foreclosures
impose no risk to principal investment because of the GNMA guarantee, except  to
the  extent  that the  Fund  has purchased  the  certificates above  par  in the
secondary market.
 
    FHLMC SECURITIES. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation was created  in
1970  through enactment of Title III of  the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970.
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 owed  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.
 
    FNMA SECURITIES. The Federal  National Mortgage Association was  established
in  1938 to  create a  secondary market  in mortgages  insured by  the FHA. FNMA
issues guaranteed mortgage pass-through  certificates (FNMA Certificates).  FNMA
Certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that each FNMA Certificate represents
a  PRO RATA share  of all interest and  principal payments made  and owed on the
underlying pool. FNMA guarantees timely payment of interest on FNMA Certificates
and the full return of principal. Like GNMA Certificates, FNMA Certificates  are
assumed to be prepaid fully in their twelfth year.
 
    CHARACTERISTICS  OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The market value of mortgage
securities, like other U.S. Government 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 accelerate the recognition  of income which  when
distributed to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary income.
 
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
 
    Certain  issuers  of mortgage-backed  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 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 (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
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.
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
OTHER SECURITIES
 
    The Fund will  invest in foreign  banks and foreign  branches of U.S.  banks
only  if  after giving  effect to  such investments  all such  investments would
constitute less than 10% of the Fund's  total assets (determined at the time  of
investment).  Investing in securities of  foreign companies in foreign countries
involves certain considerations  and risks  which are  not typically  associated
with  investing in U.S.  Government securities and  those of domestic companies.
Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing  and
financial  standards  and requirements  comparable to  those applicable  to U.S.
companies. There  may  be  less publicly  available  information  about  foreign
companies  and governments compared to reports  and ratings published about U.S.
companies. Securities  of  some  foreign  companies are  less  liquid  and  more
volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies, and brokerage commissions
and other transaction costs on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher
than in the United States.
 
OPTION WRITING AND RELATED RISKS
 
    The  Fund will  write (I.E.,  sell) covered  call or  put options  which are
traded on registered  securities exchanges  (the Exchanges) and  may also  write
such  options with primary U.S. Government  securities dealers recognized by the
Federal Reserve  Bank  of  New York  (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.
 
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
 
    Exchange-traded options are issued by The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC)
which,  in  effect,  gives  its   guarantee  to  every  exchange-traded   option
transaction.  In  contrast,  OTC options  represent  a contract  between  a U.S.
Government securities dealer and  the Fund with no  guarantee of the OCC.  Thus,
when the Fund purchases an OTC option, it relies on the dealer from which it has
purchased  the  OTC option  to  make or  take  delivery of  the  U.S. Government
securities underlying  the OTC  option. Failure  by the  dealer to  do so  would
result  in the loss of premium paid by the  Fund as well as loss of the expected
benefit of the transaction.
 
   
    Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while  OTC
options  do not. Consequently,  the Fund will  generally be able  to realize the
value of an OTC option it has purchased only by exercising it or reselling it to
the issuing dealer. Similarly, when the Fund writes an OTC option, it  generally
will  be  able to  close out  the OTC  option  prior to  its expiration  only by
entering into a closing purchase transaction  with the dealer to which the  Fund
originally  wrote the  OTC option.  While the  Fund will  enter into  OTC option
transactions only with dealers who  will agree to and  which are expected to  be
capable  of entering into  closing transactions with  the Fund, there  can be no
assurance that the Fund will be able  to liquidate an OTC option at a  favorable
price  at any time  prior to expiration. Until  the Fund, as  a covered OTC call
option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not  be
able  to  liquidate  securities  used  as cover  until  the  option  expires, is
exercised  or  the   Fund  provides   substitute  cover.  See   "How  the   Fund
Invests--Other  Investment Information--Illiquid Securities"  in the Prospectus.
In the  event of  insolvency of  the counterparty,  the Fund  may be  unable  to
liquidate  an  OTC option.  With respect  to  options written  by the  Fund, the
inability to enter into a closing  transaction may result in material losses  to
the  Fund. This requirement  may impair the  Fund's ability to  sell a portfolio
security at a time when such a sale might be advantageous.
    
 
    The principal reason  for writing options  on a securities  portfolio is  to
attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would
be  realized on the underlying securities alone.  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
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
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
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 market value of the underlying security at that time.
 
   
    So  long  as the  obligation  of the  writer  continues, the  writer  may be
assigned an exercise  notice by the  broker-dealer through whom  the option  was
sold.  The exercise notice would require the writer 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  writer effects  a closing  purchase
transaction  by purchasing an  option covering the  same underlying security and
having the same exercise price and expiration  date (of the same series) as  the
one  previously sold.  Once an  option has  been exercised,  the writer  may not
execute a closing purchase transaction. To secure the obligation to deliver  the
underlying  security in the case  of a call option, the  writer of the option is
required to pledge  for the  benefit of the  broker the  underlying security  or
other  assets in accordance with the rules of the OCC, an institution created to
interpose itself between  buyers and  sellers of options.  Technically, the  OCC
assumes  the other side  of every purchase  and sale transaction  on an Exchange
and, by doing so, guarantees the transaction.
    
 
    The Fund writes only "covered" options. This means that, so long as the Fund
is obligated as  the writer of  a call option,  it will (a)  own the  underlying
securities  subject to the option,  except that, in the  case of call options on
U.S. Treasury  Bills, the  Fund might  own U.S.  Treasury Bills  of a  different
series  from those underlying the  call option, but with  a principal amount and
value corresponding to the option contract  amount and a maturity date no  later
than that of the securities deliverable under the call option or (b) deposit and
maintain  with  its  Custodian in  a  segregated account  cash,  U.S. Government
securities or other liquid, high-grade debt obligations having a value at  least
equal to the fluctuating market value of the securities underlying the call. The
Fund  will be considered "covered" with respect to a put option it writes if, so
long as it is obligated as the writer  of a put option, it will (a) deposit  and
maintain  with  its  Custodian in  a  segregated account  cash,  U.S. Government
securities or other liquid high-grade debt  obligations having a value equal  to
or greater than the exercise price of the option, or (b) own a put option on the
same  security with an exercise price the same or higher than the exercise price
of the put option sold  or, if lower, deposit  and maintain the differential  in
cash,  U.S. Government securities or other liquid high-grade debt obligations in
a segregated account with its Custodian.
 
    To the extent  that a secondary  market is available  on the Exchanges,  the
covered  option  writer  may close  out  options  it has  written  prior  to the
assignment  of  an  exercise  notice  by  purchasing,  in  a  closing   purchase
transaction,  an option of the same series  as the option previously written. If
the cost of such a closing purchase, plus transaction costs, is greater than the
premium received upon writing the original option, the writer will incur a  loss
in the transaction.
 
   
    Because  the Fund can 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 or other cover against which it can write options.
If  the Fund writes a substantial number of options, its portfolio turnover will
be higher than  if it did  not do so.  Portfolio turnover will  increase to  the
extent  that options written by the Fund  are exercised. Because the exercise of
such options depends on changes in  the price of the underlying securities,  the
Fund's  portfolio  turnover  rate  cannot be  accurately  predicted.  The Fund's
turnover rate for the fiscal years ended February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996
was 206% and 123%, respectively.
    
 
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 availability  of deliverable Treasury  Bills
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
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
corresponding to the option contract  size, the Fund may  be hedged from a  risk
standpoint. In addition, 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  GNMA CERTIFICATES. Options on GNMA Certificates are not currently traded
on any Exchange. However,  the Fund intends to  purchase and write such  options
should they commence trading on any Exchange.
 
    Since  the remaining  principal balance  of GNMA  Certificates declines each
month as a result of mortgage payments, the Fund, as a writer of a covered  GNMA
call  holding GNMA Certificates as "cover" to satisfy its delivery obligation in
the event  of  assignment  of  an  exercise  notice,  may  find  that  its  GNMA
Certificates  no longer have  a sufficient remaining  principal balance for this
purpose. Should  this  occur,  the  Fund will  enter  into  a  closing  purchase
transaction or will purchase additional GNMA Certificates from the same pool (if
obtainable)  or replacement  GNMA Certificates  in the  cash market  in order to
remain covered.
 
    A GNMA Certificate held by the Fund  to cover an option position in any  but
the  nearest expiration month may cease to represent cover for the option in the
event of a decline  in the GNMA  coupon rate at which  new pools are  originated
under  the FHA/VA loan ceiling  in effect at any  given time. Should this occur,
the Fund  will no  longer be  covered, and  the Fund  will either  enter into  a
closing  purchase  transaction  or  replace the  GNMA  Certificate  with  a GNMA
Certificate which  represents  cover.  When  the Fund  closes  its  position  or
replaces  the GNMA Certificate,  it may realize an  unanticipated loss and incur
transaction costs.
 
    RISKS PERTAINING TO THE SECONDARY MARKET.  An option position may be  closed
out  only on an Exchange which provides a  secondary market for an option of the
same series.  Although the  Fund will  generally purchase  or write  only  those
options  for which there appears  to be an active  secondary market, there is no
assurance that  a liquid  secondary market  on an  Exchange will  exist for  any
particular  option at  any particular  time, and  for some  options no secondary
market on an  Exchange may exist.  In such event,  it might not  be possible  to
effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that the Fund
would  have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and may incur
transaction costs in connection therewith. If the Fund as a covered call  option
writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market,
it  will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or
it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.
 
    Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange  include
the  following:  (a)  insufficient  trading  interest  in  certain  options; (b)
restrictions  on  transactions  imposed  by  an  Exchange;  (c)  trading  halts,
suspensions  or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of  options or  underlying  securities; (d)  interruption of  the  normal
operations  on an Exchange; (e)  inadequacy of the facilities  of an Exchange or
the OCC to  handle current  trading volume;  or (f) a  decision by  one or  more
Exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series
of  options), in which event  the secondary market on  that Exchange (or in that
class or series of options) would  cease to exist, although outstanding  options
on  that Exchange that had been issued by the  OCC as a result of trades on that
Exchange would generally  continue to  be exercisable in  accordance with  their
terms.
 
    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.
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS ON U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
    CHARACTERISTICS  AND PURPOSE OF INTEREST RATE FUTURES. The Fund may purchase
and sell  U.S.  Exchange-traded  interest-rate  futures.  Currently,  there  are
futures contracts based on U.S. Treasury Bonds, U.S. Treasury Notes, three-month
U.S.  Treasury Bills  and GNMA  certificates. A  clearing corporation associated
with the  commodities  exchange  on  which a  futures  contract  trades  assumes
responsibility  for the completion  of transactions and  guarantees that futures
contracts will be performed. Although futures contracts call for actual delivery
or acceptance of  debt securities, in  most cases the  contracts are closed  out
before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery.
 
    CHARACTERISTICS.  The Fund neither pays nor receives money upon the purchase
or sale of  a futures contract.  Instead, when  the Fund enters  into a  futures
contract,  it will initially be  required to deposit with  its Custodian for the
benefit of the broker  (the futures commission merchant)  an amount of  "initial
margin"    of   cash    or   U.S.    Treasury   Bills,    currently   equal   to
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
approximately 1 1/2 to 2% of the  contract amount for futures on Treasury  Bonds
and  Notes and approximately  1/10 of 1%  of the contract  amount for futures on
Treasury Bills. Initial margin in futures transactions is different from  margin
in  securities transactions  in that  futures contract  initial margin  does not
involve the borrowing  of funds  by the  customer to  finance the  transactions.
Rather,  initial margin is in the nature of a good faith deposit on the contract
which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming
all contractual  obligations have  been satisfied.  Subsequent payments,  called
variation  margin, to  and from  the futures commission  merchant are  made on a
daily basis as the market price of the futures contract fluctuates. This process
is known as "marking to market." At any time prior to expiration of the  futures
contract,  the Fund  may elect  to close  the position  by taking  an offsetting
position which will  operate to  terminate the  Fund's position  in the  futures
contract.  While interest  rate futures contracts  provide for  the delivery and
acceptance of securities, most futures contracts are terminated by entering into
offsetting transactions.
 
    Successful use  of futures  contracts by  the Fund  is also  subject to  the
ability  of the Fund's 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  which would  adversely affect  the price  of securities  in  its
portfolio and the price of such securities increases instead, the Fund will lose
part  or all of the benefit of the  increased value of its securities because it
will have  offsetting losses  in its  futures positions.  In addition,  in  such
situations,  if the  Fund has insufficient  cash to meet  daily variation margin
requirements, it may  have to sell  securities to meet  such requirements.  Such
sales  of securities may  be, but will  not necessarily be,  at increased prices
which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a  time
when it is disadvantageous to do so.
 
    The hours of trading futures contracts on U.S. Government securities may not
conform  to the hours  during which the  Fund may trade  such securities. To the
extent that  the futures  markets  close before  or  after the  U.S.  Government
securities  markets, significant variations can occur  in one market that cannot
be reflected in the other market.
 
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
    CHARACTERISTICS. An option  on a  futures contract gives  the purchaser  the
right,  but not the  obligation, to assume  a position in  a futures contract (a
long position if the option is  a call and a short  position if the option is  a
put)  at  a specified  exercise price  at  any time  during the  option exercise
period. The  writer  of  the option  is  required  upon exercise  to  assume  an
offsetting futures position (a short position if the option is a call and a long
position if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the assumption of
offsetting  futures positions  by the  writer and holder  of the  option will be
accompanied by delivery of the accumulated cash balance in the writer's  futures
margin  account which  represents the  amount by which  the market  price of the
futures contract, at exercise, exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less  than,
in  the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
Currently, options can be purchased or written with respect to futures contracts
on GNMAs, U.S. Treasury Bonds  and U.S. Treasury Notes  on The Chicago Board  of
Trade  and  U.S. Treasury  Bills  on the  International  Monetary Market  at the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
 
    The holder or writer of an option  may terminate its position by selling  or
purchasing an option of the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing
transactions can be effected.
 
    The  Fund will  be considered  "covered" with  respect to  a call  option it
writes on a futures contract  if it (a) owns a  long position in the  underlying
futures  contract or  the security underlying  the futures contract,  (b) owns a
security which is deliverable under the futures contract or (c) owns a  separate
call  option to purchase the same futures contract at a price no higher than the
exercise price of the call  option written by the Fund  or, if higher, the  Fund
deposits  and maintains the differential in  cash, U.S. Government securities or
other liquid  high-grade  debt obligations  in  a segregated  account  with  its
Custodian.  The Fund  is considered  "covered" with respect  to a  put option it
writes on  a  futures contract  if  it (a)  segregates  and maintains  with  its
Custodian cash, U.S. Government securities or liquid high-grade debt obligations
at  all times equal in value to the  exercise price of the put (less any related
margin deposited), or (b) owns a put option on the same futures contract with an
exercise price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund
or, if lower,  the Fund deposits  and maintains the  differential in cash,  U.S.
Government  securities  or  other  liquid,  high-grade  debt  obligations  in  a
segregated account with its Custodian. There  is no limitation on the amount  of
the Fund's assets which can be placed in the segregated account.
 
    The  Fund will  be required to  deposit initial and  maintenance margin with
respect to put and call options on  futures contracts written by it pursuant  to
the   Fund's  futures  commissions  merchants'  requirements  similar  to  those
applicable to futures contracts, described above.
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
    The skills  needed  to  trade  futures contracts  and  options  thereon  are
different  than those  needed to select  U.S. Government  securities. The Fund's
investment adviser has experience in managing other securities portfolios  which
uses similar options and futures strategies as the Fund.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
    The  Fund's repurchase agreements will  be collateralized by U.S. Government
obligations. The Fund will enter into repurchase transactions only with  parties
meeting  creditworthiness standards approved  by the Fund's  Board of Directors.
The Fund's investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such parties,
under the general  supervision of  the Board  of Directors.  In the  event of  a
default  or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek to liquidate the
collateral. To the  extent that the  proceeds from any  sale of such  collateral
upon  a default  in the  obligation to repurchase  are less  than the repurchase
price, the Fund will suffer a loss.
 
    The Fund participates in  a joint repurchase  account with other  investment
companies  managed by Prudential Mutual Fund  Management, Inc. (PMF) pursuant to
an order of the SEC. On a daily basis, any uninvested cash balances of the  Fund
may be aggregated with such of other 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.
 
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Fund may  enter into interest  rate swaps, on  either an asset-based  or
liability-based  basis, depending  on whether  it is  hedging its  assets or its
liabilities. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will enter into interest  rate
swaps  on a net basis,  I.E., the two payment streams  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,  U.S.  Government  securities  or liquid
high-grade debt obligations 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. 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 Fund will enter into  interest
rate  swaps only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards approved by the
Fund's  Board   of  Directors.   The  investment   adviser  will   monitor   the
creditworthiness  of  such  parties  under  the  supervision  of  the  Board  of
Directors.
 
    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  the  investment  adviser  is
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 rate 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.
 
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
 
   
    The Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements which
have a  maturity of  longer than  seven days  or in  other illiquid  securities,
including  securities that are  illiquid by virtue  of the absence  of a readily
available market (either  within or outside  of the United  States) or legal  or
contractual   restrictions   on   resale.   Historically,   illiquid  securities
    
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on  resale
because  they have  not been  registered under  the Securities  Act of  1933, as
amended (Securities Act), securities which are otherwise not readily  marketable
and  repurchase  agreements  having  a  maturity  of  longer  than  seven  days.
Securities which have not been registered under the Securities Act are  referred
to  as private  placements or restricted  securities and  are purchased directly
from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual funds do not typically hold a
significant amount of these restricted  or other illiquid securities because  of
the  potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on
resale may have an adverse effect  on the marketability of portfolio  securities
and  a mutual fund  might be unable  to dispose of  restricted or other illiquid
securities promptly  or  at  reasonable  prices  and  might  thereby  experience
difficulty  satisfying redemptions within  seven days. A  mutual fund might also
have to  register  such  restricted  securities in  order  to  dispose  of  them
resulting  in  additional expense  and  delay. Adverse  market  conditions could
impede such a public offering of securities.
 
    In recent years,  however, a  large institutional market  has developed  for
certain  securities that are  not registered under  the Securities Act including
repurchase  agreements,   commercial   paper,  foreign   securities,   municipal
securities  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 of 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,
convertible securities 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. (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 also taken the position that purchased OTC options
and the assets used as "cover"  for written OTC options are illiquid  securities
unless  the Fund and the counterparty have  provided for the Fund, at the Fund's
election, to  unwind  the OTC  option.  The exercise  of  such an  option  would
ordinarily  involve the payment by the Fund of an amount designed to reflect the
counterparty's economic loss from an early termination, but does allow the  Fund
to treat the assets used as "cover" as "liquid."
    
 
                            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.
 
                                      B-9
<PAGE>
    The Fund may not:
 
    1.  Purchase securities on margin  (but the Fund may obtain such  short-term
credits  as may be necessary for the  clearance of transactions); the deposit or
payment by the Fund of initial  or variation margin in connection with  interest
rate  futures contracts  or related options  transactions is  not considered the
purchase of a security on margin.
 
    2.  Make  short sales  of securities or  maintain a  short position,  except
short sales "against the box."
 
    3.   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, the
purchase or  sale of  securities on  a when-issued  or delayed  delivery  basis,
collateral arrangements with respect to interest rate swap transactions, reverse
repurchase  agreements or dollar roll transactions  or the writing of options on
debt securities or on interest rate futures contracts or other financial futures
contracts are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements,
nor the purchase or sale of  interest rate futures contracts or other  financial
futures contracts or the purchase or sale of related options, nor obligations of
the  Fund to Directors pursuant to deferred compensation arrangements are deemed
to be the issuance of a senior security.
 
    4.  Purchase any  security (other than obligations  of the U.S.  Government,
its  agencies, or instrumentalities) if as a  result: (i) with respect to 75% of
the Fund's total assets, more than 5% of the Fund's total assets (determined  at
the time of investment) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer,
or  (ii) 25%  or more  of the  Fund's total  assets (determined  at the  time of
investment) would be invested in a single industry.
 
    5.  Purchase any security if as a result the Fund would then hold more  than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer.
 
    6.   Purchase any security if as a result the Fund would then have more than
5% of  its total  assets (determined  at  the time  of investment)  invested  in
securities  of  companies (including  predecessors) less  than three  years old,
except that the Fund may invest in the securities of any U.S. Government  agency
or  instrumentality,  and  in  any  security guaranteed  by  such  an  agency or
instrumentality.
 
    7.   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, securities of  companies which invest  or deal in  real
estate,  interest rate futures  contracts and other  financial futures contracts
and options thereon.
 
    8.  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.
 
    9.  Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
 
    10. Invest in securities of other registered 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 (determined at  the
time of investment) would be invested in such securities, or except as part of a
merger, consolidation or other acquisition.
 
    11.  Invest  in  interests  in  oil, gas  or  other  mineral  exploration or
development programs.
 
    12. Make loans, except through (i)  repurchase agreements and (ii) loans  of
portfolio securities (limited to 30% of the Fund's total assets).
 
    13.  Purchase warrants if as a result the  Fund would then have more than 5%
of its total assets (determined at the time of investment) invested in warrants.
 
    14. Write, purchase or sell puts, calls or combinations thereof, or purchase
or sell futures contracts or related options, except that the Fund may write put
and call options on U.S. Government securities, purchase put and call options on
U.S. Government securities and purchase or sell interest rate futures  contracts
and other financial futures contracts and related options.
 
    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.
 
                                      B-10
<PAGE>
    In order to comply with certain state "blue sky" restrictions, the Fund will
not as a matter of operating policy:
 
    1.  Invest in oil, gas and mineral leases.
 
    2.  Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate, including real
estate  limited partnerships, but excluding securities which are secured by real
estate and the  securities of companies  which invest in  real estate which  are
readily marketable.
 
    3.   Purchase warrants if as a result  the Fund would then have more than 5%
of its net assets (determined at  the time of investment) invested in  warrants.
Warrants  will  be valued  at  the lower  of cost  or  market and  investment in
warrants which are not listed on the  New York Stock Exchange or American  Stock
Exchange  will be limited to 2% of the Fund's net assets (determined at the time
of investment). For the purpose of  this limitation, warrants acquired in  units
or attached to securities are deemed to be without value.
 
   
    4.   Purchase securities of any one issuer if any officer or director of the
Fund or the Manager or  Subadviser owns more than 1/2  of 1% of the  outstanding
securities of such issuer, and such officers and directors who own more than 1/2
of  1% own in the  aggregate more than 5% of  the outstanding securities of such
issuer.
    
 
    5.   Invest  in securities  of  companies  having a  record,  together  with
predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation, or securities of
issuers  which are restricted as  to disposition, if more  than 15% of its total
assets would be invested in such securities. This restriction shall not apply to
mortgage-backed securities,  asset-backed securities  or obligations  issued  or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
 
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE            POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Edward D. Beach (71)           Director                 President and Director of BMC Fund, Inc., a closed-end
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                               investment company; prior thereto, Vice Chairman of
Management, Inc.                                         Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc.; Certified Public
One Seaport Plaza                                        Accountant; Secretary and Treasurer of Broyhill Family
New York, NY                                             Foundation, Inc.; Member of the Board of Trustees of Mars
                                                         Hill College; President and Director of First Financial
                                                         Fund, Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Delayne Dedrick Gold (57)      Director                 Marketing and Management Consultant.
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund
Management, Inc.
One Seaport Plaza
New York, NY
*Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. (74)     Director                 Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential
One Seaport Plaza                                        Securities; formerly Interim Chairman and Chief Executive
New York, NY                                             Officer of PMF (June-September 1993); formerly Chairman
                                                         of the Board of Prudential Securities (1982-1985) and
                                                         Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                         Bache Group Inc. (1977-1982); Trustee of The Trudeau
                                                         Institute; Director of The First Australia Fund, Inc. and
                                                         The First Australia Prime Income Fund, Inc.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
* "Interested"  director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason of
  his affiliation with Prudential Securities or PMF.
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE            POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Thomas T. Mooney (54)          Director                 President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                               Commerce; former Rochester City Manager; Trustee of
Management, Inc.                                         Center for Governmental Research, Inc.; Director of Blue
One Seaport Plaza                                        Cross of Rochester, Monroe County Water Authority,
New York, NY                                             Rochester Jobs, Inc., Northeast-Midwest Institute,
                                                         Executive Service Corps of Rochester, Monroe County
                                                         Industrial Development Corporation, First Financial Fund,
                                                         Inc. and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Thomas H. O'Brien (71)         Director                 President, O'Brien Associates (financial and management
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                               consultants) (since April 1984); formerly President of
Management, Inc.                                         Jamaica Water Securities Corp. (holding company)
One Seaport Plaza                                        (February 1989-August 1990); Chairman and Chief Executive
New York, NY                                             Officer (September 1987-February 1989) and Director
                                                         (September 1987-August 1990) of Jamaica Water Supply
                                                         Company; Director of Yankee Energy System, Inc. and
                                                         Ridgewood Savings Bank; Trustee of Hofstra University.
Thomas A. Owens, Jr. (73)      Director                 Consultant; Director of EMCORE Corp. (manufacturer of
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                               electronic materials).
Management, Inc.
One Seaport Plaza
New York, NY
*Richard A. Redeker (52)       Director and President   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (since
One Seaport Plaza                                        October 1993), PMF; Executive Vice President, Director
New York, NY                                             and Member of the Operating Committee (since October
                                                         1993), Prudential Securities; Director (since October
                                                         1993) of Prudential Securities Group, Inc. (PSG);
                                                         Executive Vice President, The Prudential Investment
                                                         Corporation (since July 1994); Director (since January
                                                         1994) of Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc. (PMFD)
                                                         and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (PMFS);
                                                         formerly Senior Executive Vice President and Director of
                                                         Kemper Financial Services, Inc. (September 1978-September
                                                         1993); Director and President of The Global Yield Fund,
                                                         Inc.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
* "Interested" director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason  of
  his affiliation with Prudential Securities or PMF.
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE            POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Stanley E. Shirk (79)          Director                 Certified Public Accountant and a former Senior Partner of
c/o Prudential Mutual Fund                               the accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick; former
Management, Inc.                                         Management and Accounting Consultant for the Association
One Seaport Plaza                                        of Bank Holding Companies, Washington, D.C. and the Bank
New York, NY                                             Administration Institute, Chicago, IL; Director of The
                                                         High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
David W. Drasnin (59)          Vice President           Vice President and Branch Manager of Prudential
39 Public Square,                                        Securities.
Suite 500
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Robert F. Gunia (49)           Vice President           Director (since January 1989), Chief Administrative
One Seaport Plaza                                        Officer (since July 1990), and Executive Vice President,
New York, NY                                             Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (since June 1987)
                                                         of PMF; Senior Vice President (since March 1987) of
                                                         Prudential Securities; Executive Vice President,
                                                         Treasurer and Comptroller (since March 1991) of PMFD;
                                                         Director (since June 1987) of PMFS; Vice President and
                                                         Director of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (since May 1989).
Eugene S. Stark (38)           Treasurer and Principal  First Vice President (since January 1990) of PMF.
One Seaport Plaza               Financial and
New York, NY                    Accounting Officer
Stephen M. Ungerman (43)       Assistant Treasurer      First Vice President (since February 1993) of PMF; Tax
One Seaport Plaza                                        Director of the Money Management Group and the Private
New York, NY                                             Asset Group of The Prudential Insurance Company of
                                                         America (since March 1996); prior thereto, Senior Tax
                                                         Manager at Price Waterhouse LLP.
S. Jane Rose (50)              Secretary                Senior Vice President (since January 1991) and Senior
One Seaport Plaza                                        Counsel (since June 1987) of PMF; Senior Vice President
New York, NY                                             and Senior Counsel of Prudential Securities (since July
                                                         1992); formerly Vice President and Associate General
                                                         Counsel of Prudential Securities.
Ellyn C. Acker (35)            Assistant Secretary      Vice President and Associate General Counsel (since March
One Seaport Plaza                                        1995) of PMF; Vice President and Associate General
New York, NY                                             Counsel of Prudential Securities (since March 1995);
                                                         prior thereto, associated with the law firm of Fulbright
                                                         & Jaworski L.L.P.
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    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  $8,000, in  addition to  certain  out-of-pocket
expenses.
    
 
    Directors  may  receive their  Directors' fees  pursuant  to a  deferred fee
arrangement with the Fund.  Under the terms of  the agreement, the Fund  accrues
daily  the amount of Directors' fees 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 at  the daily  rate 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  Directors'
fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Fund.
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>
   
    The  Directors  have  adopted  a  retirement  policy  which  calls  for  the
retirement of Directors on December 31 of  the year in which they reach the  age
of  72, except that retirement is being phased  in for Directors who were age 68
or older as of December  31, 1993. Under this  phase-in provision, Mr. Shirk  is
scheduled to retire on December 31, 1997, Messrs. Jacobs and Owens are scheduled
to  retire on December 31,  1998 and Messrs. Beach  and O'Brien are scheduled to
retire on December 31, 1999.
    
 
   
    The Board of Directors has nominated a  new slate of Directors for the  Fund
which  will be submitted to  shareholders at a special meeting  to be held on or
about October 1996.
    
 
   
    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  February 29,  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 Board of any other investment
companies managed by Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (Fund Complex)  for
the calender year ended December 31, 1995.
    
 
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PENSION OR
                                                                  RETIREMENT                           TOTAL COMPENSATION
                                                  AGGREGATE    BENEFITS ACCRUED    ESTIMATED ANNUAL    FROM FUND AND FUND
                                                COMPENSATION    AS PART OF FUND      BENEFITS UPON      COMPLEX PAID TO
NAME AND POSITION                                 FROM FUND        EXPENSES           RETIREMENT           DIRECTORS
- ----------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------------  -------------------  ------------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>                <C>                  <C>
Edward D. Beach, Director                         $   8,000             None                 N/A       $  183,500(22/43)*
Delayne Dedrick Gold, Director                    $   8,000             None                 N/A       $  183,250(24/45)*
Thomas T. Mooney, Director                        $   8,000             None                 N/A       $  129,625(14/19)*
Thomas H. O'Brien, Director                       $   8,000             None                 N/A       $   44,000 (6/24)*
Thomas A. Owens, Director                         $   8,000             None                 N/A       $   87,000(12/13)*
Stanley E. Shirk, Director                        $   8,000             None                 N/A       $   79,000(10/19)*
</TABLE>
    
 
   
* Indicates  number of funds/portfolios in Fund  Complex (including the Fund) to
  which aggregate compensation relates.
    
 
   
    As of April 12, 1996,  the Directors and officers of  the Fund, as a  group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
    
 
   
    As  of April 12, 1996, the only beneficial owners, directly or indirectly of
more than 5% of  any class of shares  of the Fund were:  Attn: S.B. Urban  TTEE,
F.H.  Peterson Machine  Corp, FBO  Wilbur J. Boss,  P.O. Box  617, Stoughton, MA
(approximately 8%  of the  outstanding Class  C shares);  Anthony Tarantino  and
Frances   Tarantino  JTTEN,  656   Guy  Lombardo  Avenue,   Freeport,  New  York
(approximately 6% of  the outstanding  Class C shares);  and H-M  Co. Post  237,
American  Legion, 2900 Drake Avenue SW, Huntsville, Alabama (approximately 5% of
the outstanding Class C shares).
    
 
   
    As of April 12, 1996, Prudential Securities was the record holder for  other
beneficial  owners of 63,595,087 Class A shares (or 62% of the outstanding Class
A shares), 38,214,686 Class B shares (or 56% of the outstanding Class B shares),
172,154 Class  C shares  (or  74% of  the outstanding  Class  C shares)  and  no
outstanding  Class  Z  shares of  the  Fund. In  the  event of  any  meetings of
shareholders, Prudential Securities  will forward, or  cause the forwarding  of,
proxy materials to the beneficial owners for which it is the record holder.
    
 
   
                                    MANAGER
    
 
   
    The  manager of the Fund is Prudential  Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF or
the Manager), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292. PMF serves as manager
to all of the other investment companies that, together with the Fund,  comprise
the  "Prudential Mutual  Funds." See "How  the Fund is  Managed--Manager" in the
Prospectus. As of March 31, 1996,  PMF managed and/or administered open-end  and
closed-end  management  investment companies  with  assets of  approximately $53
billion. According to the Investment Company Institute, as of December 31, 1995,
the Prudential Mutual Funds were the 13th largest family of mutual funds in  the
United States.
    
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>
   
    PMF is a subsidiary of Prudential Securities Incorporated and The Prudential
Insurance   Company  of   America  (Prudential).  PMF   has  three  wholly-owned
subsidiaries: Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc., Prudential Mutual  Fund
Services,  Inc.  (PMFS  or  the  Transfer  Agent)  and  Prudential  Mutual  Fund
Investment Management, Inc. PMFS serves as the transfer agent for the Prudential
Mutual Funds and,  in addition,  provides customer service,  record keeping  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 average daily net assets of the Fund up to
$3  billion and .35 of 1% of the average  daily net assets of the Fund in excess
of $3 billion.  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 to  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
February  29,  1996.  Currently, the  Fund  believes that  the  most restrictive
expense limitation  of state  securities commissions  is 2  1/2% of  the  Fund's
average  daily net assets up to $30 million,  2% of the next $70 million of such
assets and 1 1/2% of such assets in excess of $100 million.
    
 
    In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund,  PMF
bears the following expenses:
 
    (a)  the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Fund's personnel except
the fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of PMF or  the
Fund's investment adviser;
 
    (b)  all expenses incurred by PMF or by the Fund in connection with managing
the ordinary course of the Fund's business, other than those assumed by the Fund
as described below; and
 
    (c) the costs and expenses payable to The Prudential Investment  Corporation
(PIC) pursuant to the subadvisory agreement between PMF and PIC (the Subadvisory
Agreement).
 
    Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the
payment  of the following expenses: (a) the fees payable to the Manager, (b) the
fees and expenses of Directors who are not affiliated persons of the Manager  or
the  Fund's  investment  adviser,  (c)  the fees  and  certain  expenses  of the
Custodian and  Transfer and  Dividend Disbursing  Agent, including  the cost  of
providing   records  to  the  Manager  in  connection  with  its  obligation  of
maintaining required records of the Fund  and of pricing the Fund's shares,  (d)
the  charges and expenses  of legal counsel and  independent accountants for the
Fund, (e) brokerage commissions  and any issue or  transfer taxes chargeable  to
the  Fund  in connection  with its  securities transactions,  (f) all  taxes and
corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any
trade associations of  which the Fund  may be a  member, (h) the  cost of  stock
certificates  representing  shares of  the Fund,  (i) the  cost of  fidelity and
liability insurance,  (j) the  fees  and expenses  involved in  registering  and
maintaining registration of the Fund and of its shares with the SEC, registering
the  Fund and qualifying  its shares under state  securities laws, including the
preparation and printing of the Fund's registration statements and  prospectuses
for  such  purposes,  (k)  allocable  communications  expenses  with  respect to
investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and Directors' meetings  and
of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to
shareholders  in the amount necessary for  distribution to the shareholders, (l)
litigation and  indemnification expenses  and other  extraordinary expenses  not
incurred  in the  ordinary course  of the  Fund's business  and (m) distribution
fees.
 
    The Management Agreement provides that PMF will not be liable for any  error
of  judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters
to which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from  willful
 
                                      B-15
<PAGE>
   
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,  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 April 10,  1996 and by  the
shareholders of the Fund on March 30, 1988.
    
 
   
    For the fiscal years ended February 29, 1996, February 28, 1995 and February
28,  1994, the Fund  paid management fees  to PMF of  $7,787,246, $9,155,193 and
$12,719,555, respectively.
    
 
   
    PMF has entered into the Subadvisory Agreement with PIC (the Subadviser),  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Prudential. The  Subadvisory Agreement provides that
PIC will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the  management
of the Fund. In connection therewith, PIC is obligated to keep certain books and
records  of the  Fund. PMF continues  to have responsibility  for all investment
advisory services  pursuant to  the Management  Agreement and  supervises  PIC's
performance  of such services. PIC is reimbursed by PMF for the reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by PIC  in furnishing those services. Investment  advisory
services  are  provided  to the  Fund  by a  unit  of the  Subadviser,  known as
Prudential Mutual Fund Investment Management.
    
 
   
    The Subadvisory  Agreement was  last  approved by  the Board  of  Directors,
including  a majority of  the Directors who  are not parties  to the contract or
interested persons of any such party  as defined in the Investment Company  Act,
on April 10, 1996, and by shareholders of the Fund on March 30, 1988.
    
 
    The  Subadvisory Agreement provides  that it will terminate  in the event of
its  assignment  (as  defined  in  the  Investment  Company  Act)  or  upon  the
termination  of  the  Management  Agreement. The  Subadvisory  Agreement  may be
terminated by the Fund, PMF or PIC upon not more than 60 days', nor less than 30
days', written notice. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will  continue
in effect for a period of more than two years from its execution only so long as
such  continuance is specifically approved at  least annually in accordance with
the requirements of the Investment Company Act.
 
   
    The Manager and Subadviser are subsidiaries  of Prudential, which is one  of
the  largest diversified financial services institutions in the world and, based
on total assets, the largest insurance  company in North America as of  December
31, 1994. Its primary business is to offer a full range of products and services
in  three areas: insurance,  investments and home  ownership for individuals and
families; health-care management  and other  benefit programs  for employees  of
companies  and members of groups; and asset management for institutional clients
and their associates. Prudential (together with its subsidiaries) employs nearly
100,000 persons worldwide, and maintains  a sales force of approximately  19,000
agents,  3,400 insurance  brokers and  6,000 financial  advisors. It  insures or
provides other  financial services  to more  than 50  million people  worldwide.
Prudential  is  a  major  issuer  of  annuities,  including  variable annuities.
Prudential seeks to develop  innovative products and  services to meet  consumer
needs  in each  of its  business areas.  For the  year ended  December 31, 1994,
Prudential through its subsidiaries provided financial services to more than  50
million  people  worldwide--more than  one of  every five  people in  the United
States. As of December  31, 1994, Prudential  through its subsidiaries  provided
automobile  insurance for more than  1.8 million cars and  insured more than 1.5
million homes. For  the year  ended December 31,  1994, The  Prudential Bank,  a
subsidiary of Prudential, served 940,000 customers in 50 states providing credit
card  services  and  loans  totaling  more than  $1.2  billion.  Assets  held by
Prudential Securities Incorporated (PSI)  for its clients totaled  approximately
$150  billion  at  December 31,  1994.  During  1994, over  28,000  new customer
accounts were opened each month at  PSI. The Prudential Real Estate  Affiliates,
the  fourth largest real estate brokerage network in the United States, has more
than 34,000 brokers and agents and more than 1,100 offices in the United States.
    
 
   
    Based on data for the year ended December 31, 1994 for the Prudential Mutual
Funds, on an average  day, there are approximately  $80 million in common  stock
transactions,  over $100 million  in bond transactions and  over $4.1 billion in
money market transactions. In  1994, the Prudential  Mutual Funds effected  more
than 57,000 trades in money market securities and held on average $21 billion of
money  market securities. Based on complex-wide data for the year ended December
31, 1994, on  an average  day, 7,168 shareholders  telephoned Prudential  Mutual
Fund  Services, Inc., the Transfer Agent of  the Prudential Mutual Funds, on the
Prudential Mutual Funds' toll-free number.  On an annual basis, that  represents
1.8 million telephone calls and approximately 1.1 million fund transactions.
    
 
                                      B-16
<PAGE>
   
    From  time to time,  there may be  media coverage of  portfolio managers and
other investment professionals associated with the Manager and the Subadviser in
national  and  regional  publications,  on   television  and  in  other   media.
Additionally,  individual mutual fund portfolios are frequently cited in surveys
conducted by national and regional publications and media organizations such  as
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE NEW YORK TIMES, BARRON'S and USA TODAY.
    
 
                                  DISTRIBUTOR
 
   
    Prudential  Securities Incorporated, One  Seaport Plaza, New  York, New York
10292 (Prudential Securities or  PSI), acts as the  distributor of the Class  A,
Class  B and Class  C 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 Plans of  Distribution (the Class A  Plan, the Class B
Plan and the Class C  Plan, collectively, the Plans)  adopted by the Fund  under
Rule  12b-1 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 serves as the Distributor of the Class Z shares and incurs
the expenses of distributing  the Fund's Class Z  shares under the  Distribution
Agreement  with the  Fund, none of  which are reimbursed  by or paid  for by the
Fund. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" in the Prospectus.
    
 
   
    On April  10, 1996,  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 Plan, Class B  Plan
or  Class  C Plan  or  in any  agreement  related to  any  Plan (the  Rule 12b-1
Directors), at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on each Plan, approved
the continuance  of the  Plans  and Distribution  Agreement.  The Class  A  Plan
provides that (i) up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A
shares  may  be  used  to  pay  for  personal  service  and  the  maintenance of
shareholder accounts (service fee) and  (ii) total distribution fees  (including
the  service fee of up to .25 of 1%) may  not exceed .30 of 1%. 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 up  to $3 billion,  .55 of 1%  of the next  $1 billion of such
assets and .25 of 1% of such assets  in excess of $4 billion (not including  the
service  fee) may be used for  distribution-related expenses with respect to the
Class B shares.  The Class  C Plan  provides that (i)  up to  .25 of  1% of  the
average  daily net assets of the Class C shares may be paid as a service fee and
(ii) up  to  .75  of  1%  (not  including the  service  fee)  may  be  used  for
distribution-related  expenses with respect  to the Class C  shares. The Class A
Plan was approved by Class A and Class B shareholders, and the Class B Plan  was
approved by Class B shareholders on July 19, 1994. The Class C Plan was approved
by the sole shareholder of Class C shares on August 1, 1994.
    
 
   
    CLASS  A PLAN.  For the fiscal  year ended  February 29, 1996,  PMFD and PSI
received payments  of  $1,363,753  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  February
29,  1996, PMFD  and PSI also  received approximately $180,000  in initial sales
charges.
    
 
   
    CLASS B  PLAN. For  the  fiscal year  ended  February 29,  1996,  Prudential
Securities  received $5,342,002 from the  Fund under the Class  B Plan and spent
approximately $2,514,215 in distributing the Class  B shares of the Fund. It  is
estimated  that of the  latter amount, approximately $23,364  (.9%) was spent on
printing and  mailing  of  prospectuses  to  other  than  current  shareholders,
$471,597  (18.8%) on compensation to Pruco Securities Corporation, an affiliated
broker-dealer, for  commissions  to  its  representatives  and  other  expenses,
including  an  allocation  on  account  of  overhead  and  other  branch  office
distribution-related expenses incurred  by it for  distribution of Fund  shares;
and  $2,019,254  (80.3%) on  the  aggregate of  (i)  payment of  commissions and
account servicing fees to financial advisers ($1,436,877 or 57.2%), and (ii)  an
allocation  on account of overhead  and other branch office distribution-related
expenses ($582,377  or  23.1%).  The  term "overhead  and  other  branch  office
distribution-related  expenses" represents (a) the  expenses of operating branch
offices of Prusec and Prudential Securities 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. Prior  to
August  1, 1994, the Class A and  B Plans operated as "reimbursement type" plans
and, in the  case of  Class B, provided  for the  reimbursement of  distribution
expenses incurred in current and prior years.
    
 
                                      B-17
<PAGE>
   
    Prudential  Securities  also receives  the  proceeds of  contingent deferred
sales charges paid by investors upon certain redemptions of Class B shares.  See
"Shareholder  Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges"
in the  Prospectus. For  the fiscal  year ended  February 29,  1996,  Prudential
Securities  received  approximately  $1,358,000  in  contingent  deferred  sales
charges attributable to the Class B shares.
    
 
   
    CLASS C  PLAN. For  the  fiscal year  ended  February 29,  1996,  Prudential
Securities  received  $5,740 from  the Fund  under  the Class  C Plan  and spent
approximately $11,453 in distributing the Fund's Class C shares. It is estimated
that of the latter  amount approximately $570 (5.0%)  was spent on printing  and
mailing  of prospectuses to  other than current  shareholders; $1,866 (16.3%) on
compensation to Pruco Securities  Corporation, an affiliated broker-dealer,  for
commissions  to its representatives and  other expenses, including an allocation
of overhead and other branch  office distribution-related expenses, incurred  by
it  for distribution  of Fund  shares; $9,017  (78.7%) on  the aggregate  of (i)
payments of commission and account  servicing fees to financial advisors  $7,558
(66.0%)   and  (ii)   an  allocation  of   overhead  and   other  branch  office
distribution-related expenses  $1,459  (12.7%).  The term  "overhead  and  other
branch  office  distribution-related expenses"  represents  (a) the  expenses of
operating Prudential Securities' 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 C  shares 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 February
29, 1996,  Prudential  Securities  received  approximately  $100  in  contingent
deferred sales charges attributable to Class C shares.
    
 
   
    The  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 Fund by the Distributor. The report will include an itemization of
the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures. In addition, as
long as the Plans  remain in effect,  the selection and  nomination of the  Rule
12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Directors.
 
   
    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.  On November  3,  1995,  the  Board of
Directors approved the transfer of the Distribution Agreement for Class A shares
with PMFD  to  Prudential  Securities, and  on  April  10, 1996,  the  Board  of
Directors, including a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, approved a restated
distribution  agreement between the  Fund and Prudential  Securities relating to
all four classes of shares.
    
 
    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
 
                                      B-18
<PAGE>
$330,000,000 and procedures, overseen by a court approved Claims  Administrator,
to  resolve  legitimate claims  for compensatory  damages  by purchasers  of the
partnership interests. PSI has agreed to provide additional funds, if necessary,
for that purpose. PSI's settlement with the state securities regulators included
an agreement to pay a penalty of  $500,000 per jurisdiction. PSI consented to  a
censure  and to the payment of a $5,000,000 fine in settling the NASD action. In
settling the  above referenced  matters,  PSI neither  admitted nor  denied  the
allegations asserted against it.
 
    On  January 18, 1994, PSI agreed to the entry of a Final Consent Order and a
Parallel Consent  Order by  the  Texas Securities  Commissioner. The  firm  also
entered  into a  related agreement with  the Texas  Securities Commissioner. The
allegations were that the firm had engaged in improper sales practices and other
improper conduct  resulting in  pecuniary  losses and  other harm  to  investors
residing  in Texas  with respect to  purchases and sales  of limited partnership
interests during  the period  of  January 1,  1980  through December  31,  1990.
Without  admitting or  denying the  allegations, PSI  consented to  a reprimand,
agreed to cease  and desist  from future  violations, and  to provide  voluntary
donations  to the State of Texas in the aggregate amount of $1,500,000. The firm
agreed  to  suspend  the  creation   of  new  customer  accounts,  the   general
solicitation  of new accounts, and  the offer for sale  of securities in or from
PSI's North Dallas office to new customers during a period of twenty consecutive
business days, and agreed that its other  Texas offices would be subject to  the
same  restrictions  for a  period of  five consecutive  business days.  PSI also
agreed to institute training programs for its securities salesmen in Texas.
 
    On October 27, 1994, Prudential Securities Group, Inc. (PSG) and PSI entered
into agreements with the United States Attorney deferring prosecution  (provided
PSI  complies with the terms  of the agreement for  three years) for any alleged
criminal activity related to  the sale of  certain limited partnership  programs
from  1983 to 1990. In  connection with these agreements,  PSI agreed to add the
sum of  $330,000,000  to  the  Fund  established  by  the  SEC  and  executed  a
stipulation  providing for a reversion of such funds to the United States Postal
Inspection Service. PSI further agreed  to obtain a mutually acceptable  outside
director to sit on the Board of Directors of PSG and the Compliance Committee of
PSI.  The new director  will also serve  as an independent  "ombudsman" whom PSI
employees can  call anonymously  with complaints  about ethics  and  compliance.
Prudential  Securities  shall report  any allegations  or instances  of criminal
conduct and material improprieties  to the new director.  The new director  will
submit compliance reports which shall identify all such allegations or instances
of  criminal  conduct  and  material  improprieties  every  three  months  for a
three-year period.
 
   
    NASD MAXIMUM  SALES  CHARGE  RULE.  Pursuant  to  rules  of  the  NASD,  the
Distributor is required to limit aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales
charges  and asset-based  sales charges  to 6.25% of  total gross  sales of each
class of shares. Interest charges on unreimbursed distribution expenses equal to
the prime rate plus one percent per annum may be added to the 6.25%  limitation.
Sales  from the reinvestment of dividends  and distributions are not included in
the calculation of the 6.25% limitation. The annual asset-based sales charge  on
shares  of the  Fund may not  exceed .75 of  1% per class.  The 6.25% limitation
applies to the Fund rather than on  a per shareholder basis. If aggregate  sales
charges  were to exceed 6.25%  of total gross sales of  shares 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, futures
contracts and options on such securities and futures for the Fund, the selection
of brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants to effect the  transactions
and  the  negotiation of  brokerage commissions,  if any.  For purposes  of this
section, the term "Manager" includes the Subadviser. Broker-dealers may  receive
brokerage commissions on Fund portfolio transactions, including options, futures
and  options on  futures transactions  and the  purchase and  sale of underlying
securities upon the exercise of options. 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 the U.S. Government securities market, securities are generally traded on
a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without  a
stated  commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit
to the dealer. In  underwritten offerings, securities are  purchased at a  fixed
price  which includes  an amount of  compensation to  the underwriter, generally
referred to as the  underwriter's concession or  discount. On occasion,  certain
money  market instruments and  agency securities may  be purchased directly from
the issuer, in which case  no commissions or discounts  are paid. The Fund  will
not  deal with  Prudential Securities  or its  affiliates in  any transaction in
which Prudential Securities or  its affiliates act as  principal. Thus, it  will
not  deal  in  U.S.  Government securities  with  Prudential  Securities  or its
affiliates acting as market  maker, and it will  not execute a negotiated  trade
with Prudential or its affiliates if execution involves Prudential Securities or
its affiliates acting as principal with respect to any part of the Fund's order.
 
                                      B-19
<PAGE>
    Portfolio  securities may not be purchased  from any underwriting or selling
syndicate of which Prudential Securities or its affiliates, 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.
 
    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.  Within the  framework of  this  policy, the  Manager will
consider the research and  investment services provided  by brokers, dealers  or
futures commission merchants who effect or are parties to portfolio transactions
of  the Fund,  the Manager  or the  Manager's other  clients. Such  research and
investment services  are those  which brokerage  houses customarily  provide  to
institutional  investors and include statistical  and economic data and research
reports on particular companies  and industries. Such services  are used by  the
Manager  in connection with all  of its investment activities,  and some of such
services obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for the  Fund
may  be used in managing other investment accounts. Conversely, brokers, dealers
or futures commission merchants furnishing such services may be selected for the
execution of transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate assets are far
larger than the Fund's, and the  services furnished by such brokers, dealers  or
futures  commission merchants may be used by the Manager in providing investment
management  for  the  Fund.  Commission   rates  are  established  pursuant   to
negotiations with the broker, dealer or futures commission merchant based on the
quality  and quantity  of execution services  provided by the  broker or futures
commission merchant in the  light of generally  prevailing rates. The  Manager's
policy is to pay higher commissions to brokers and futures commission merchants,
other  than  Prudential Securities,  for particular  transactions than  might be
charged if  a different  broker had  been selected,  on occasions  when, in  the
Manager's  opinion, this policy  furthers the objective  of obtaining best price
and execution. In addition, the Manager is authorized to pay higher  commissions
on  brokerage  transactions  for  the Fund  to  brokers  and  futures commission
merchants other  than Prudential  Securities  in order  to secure  research  and
investment  services described above,  subject to review by  the Fund's Board of
Directors from time to time as to the extent and continuation of this  practice.
The  allocation of orders among brokers and futures commission merchants and the
commission  rates  paid  are  reviewed  periodically  by  the  Fund's  Board  of
Directors.
 
    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 such brokers or futures commission merchants
in connection  with  comparable  transactions involving  similar  securities  or
futures  contracts 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 arms-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  fiscal years  ended February  29, 1996,  February 28,  1995  and
February  28,  1994,  the  Fund  paid  no  brokerage  commissions  to Prudential
Securities.
    
 
                                      B-20
<PAGE>
                     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  not subject to any  sales or redemption charge  and are offered exclusively
for sale  to participants  in the  PSI  401(k) Plan,  an employee  benefit  plan
sponsored  by  Prudential Securities  (the  PSI 401(k)  Plan).  See "Shareholder
Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" in the Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Each class represents  an interest in  the same  assets of the  Fund and  is
identical  in all respects  except that (i)  each class is  subject to different
sales  charges  and  distribution  and/or  service  expenses  which  may  affect
performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted
to  shareholders that relates solely to  its arrangement and has separate voting
rights on any  matter submitted to  shareholders in which  the interests of  one
class  differ from  the interests  of any  other class,  (iii) each  class has a
different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a conversion feature
and (v) Class Z shares are offered  exclusively for sale to participants in  the
PSI 401(k) Plan. See "Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege."
    
 
SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP
 
   
    Under  the  current  distribution  arrangements  between  the  Fund  and the
Distributor, Class A shares are sold at a maximum sales charge of 4%, and  Class
B*,  Class C* and Class Z** shares are sold at net asset value. Using the Fund's
net asset value at February 29, 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.............  $    9.04
  Maximum sales charge (4% of offering price)........................        .38
                                                                       ---------
  Offering price to public...........................................  $    9.42
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
CLASS B
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B
    share*...........................................................  $    9.04
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
CLASS C
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C
    share*...........................................................  $    9.04
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
CLASS Z
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class Z
    share**..........................................................  $    9.04
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 * Class  B and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
   on  certain   redemptions.  See   "Shareholder   Guide--How  to   Sell   Your
   Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.
 
   
** Class Z shares commenced being offered on March 1, 1996.
    
 
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);
 
                                      B-21
<PAGE>
    (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  investors 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 the shares of
the Fund and  shares of other  Prudential Mutual Funds  (excluding money  market
funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) to determine
the  reduced sales charge. However,  the value of shares  held directly with the
Transfer Agent  and through  Prudential  Securities will  not be  aggregated  to
determine the reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with
the  Transfer  Agent or  through Prudential  Securities.  The value  of existing
holdings for  purposes of  determining the  reduced sales  charge is  calculated
using  the maximum offering or price (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.
 
    LETTERS  OF INTENT. Reduced sales charges  are available to investors (or an
eligible group of related investors), including retirement and group plans,  who
enter  into a  written Letter  of Intent  providing for  the purchase,  within a
thirteen-month period, of  shares of  the Fund  and shares  of other  Prudential
Mutual Funds. All shares of the Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds
(excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange
privilege) which were previously purchased and are still owned are also included
in  determining  the applicable  reduction. However,  the  value of  shares held
directly with the Transfer Agent and  through Prudential Securities will not  be
aggregated to determine the reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either
directly   with  the  Transfer  Agent  or  through  Prudential  Securities.  The
Distributor must  be notified  at the  time  of purchase  that the  investor  is
entitled  to a reduced  sales charge. The  reduced sales charge  will be granted
subject to confirmation of  the investor's holdings. Letters  of Intent are  not
available to individual participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
    A  Letter of Intent permits a purchaser to establish a total investment goal
to be achieved by any number  of investments over a thirteen-month period.  Each
investment  made  during  the  period  will  receive  the  reduced  sales charge
applicable to  the amount  represented  by the  goal, as  if  it were  a  single
investment.  Escrowed Class  A shares  totaling 5% of  the dollar  amount of the
Letter of  Intent  will be  held  by  the Transfer  Agent  in the  name  of  the
purchaser,  except in the case of retirement  and group plans where the employer
or plan sponsor will be responsible for paying any applicable sales charge.  The
effective  date of a Letter of Intent may  be back-dated up to 90 days, in order
that any investments made during this  90-day period, valued at the  purchaser's
cost,  can be applied to the fulfillment of the Letter of Intent goal, except in
the case of retirement and group plans.
 
    The Letter of  Intent does not  obligate the investor  to purchase, nor  the
Fund  to sell, the indicated  amount. In the event the  Letter of Intent goal is
not achieved within the thirteen-month period, the purchaser (or the employer or
plan sponsor in the case of any retirement or group plan) is required to pay the
difference between the sales charge  otherwise applicable to the purchases  made
during  this period and  sales charges actually  paid. Such payment  may be made
directly to the  Distributor or,  if not  paid, the  Distributor will  liquidate
sufficient  escrowed  shares to  obtain such  difference. Investors  electing to
purchase Class  A shares  of the  Fund pursuant  to a  Letter of  Intent  should
carefully read such Letter of Intent.
 
                                      B-22
<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>
<S>                                            <C>
CATEGORY OF WAIVER                             REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Death                                          A copy of the shareholder's death certificate
                                               or,  in the  case of a  trust, a  copy of the
                                               grantor's death certificate,  plus a copy  of
                                               the trust agreement identifying the grantor.
Disability--An  individual will 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  purchased 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
        YEAR SINCE PURCHASE          -----------------------------------------------
           PAYMENT MADE               $500,001 TO $1 MILLION        OVER $1 MILLION
- -----------------------------------  ------------------------       ----------------
<S>                                  <C>                            <C>
First..............................             3.0%                        2.0%
Second.............................             2.0%                        1.0%
Third..............................             1.0%                        0%
Fourth and thereafter..............             0%                          0%
</TABLE>
 
    You  must  notify  the  Fund's Transfer  Agent  either  directly  or through
Prudential Securities  or  Prusec, at  the  time  of redemption,  that  you  are
entitled  to  the reduced  CDSC. The  reduced  CDSC will  be granted  subject to
confirmation of your holdings.
 
                                      B-23
<PAGE>
                         SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
 
    Upon the initial purchase of  Fund shares, a Shareholder Investment  Account
is  established  for each  investor  under which  the  shares are  held  for the
investor by the Transfer Agent.  If a stock certificate  is desired, it must  be
requested in writing for each transaction. Certificates are issued only for full
shares  and may be redeposited in the Account at any time. There is no charge to
the investor for  issuance of  a certificate. The  Fund makes  available to  the
shareholders the following privileges and plans.
 
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND/OR DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    For  the  convenience  of  investors, all  dividends  and  distributions are
automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund. An  investor
may  direct the  Transfer Agent in  writing not  less than 5  full business days
prior to the payment 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 payment 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.  Such 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
 
                                      B-24
<PAGE>
   
Fund, Inc., a money market fund. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange, but
a CDSC may be payable upon the redemption of Class B and Class C shares acquired
as a result of the exchange. The applicable sales charge will be that imposed by
the fund in which shares were initially purchased and the purchase date will  be
deemed  to be the first day of the month after initial purchase, rather than the
date of the exchange.
    
 
    Class B and Class C shares of the  Fund may also be exchanged for shares  of
Prudential  Special Money Market Fund without imposition of any CDSC at the time
of exchange. Upon  subsequent redemption from  such money market  fund or  after
re-exchange  into the Fund, such  shares will be subject  to the CDSC calculated
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, respectively, shares of other funds without being subject to
any CDSC.
 
    Additional details about the Exchange Privilege and prospectuses for each of
the Prudential  Mutual  Funds are  available  from the  Fund's  Transfer  Agent,
Prudential Securities or Prusec.
 
   
    CLASS  Z. Class Z  shares may be exchanged  for Class Z  shares of the funds
listed below which participate in the PSI 401(k) Plan. No fee or sales load will
be imposed upon the exchange.
    
   
       Prudential Allocation Fund
         (Balanced Portfolio)
       Prudential Equity Income Fund
       Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
       Prudential Global Fund, Inc.
       Prudential Government Securities Trust
         (Money Market Series)
       Prudential Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
       Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.
       Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc.
       Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
       Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
       Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
       Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
    
 
   
    For additional details  about the Exchange  Privilege, Class Z  shareholders
should  contact  the Prudential  Securities Benefits  Department at  One Seaport
Plaza, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10292.
    
 
    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.
 
                                      B-25
<PAGE>
   
    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 its 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>
    
 
AUTOMATIC SAVINGS ACCUMULATION PLAN (ASAP)
 
    Under ASAP, an  investor may arrange  to have a  fixed amount  automatically
invested in shares of the Fund monthly by authorizing his or her bank account or
Prudential  Securities account  (including a Command  Account) to  be debited to
invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The investor's bank  must
be  a member of the Automatic Clearing  House System. Stock certificates are not
issued to ASAP participants.
 
    Further information  about  this program  and  an application  form  can  be
obtained from the Transfer Agent, Prudential Securities or Prusec.
 
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
    A systematic withdrawal plan is available to shareholders through Prudential
Securities  or the Transfer Agent. Such  withdrawal plan provides for monthly or
quarterly checks in any amount, except as provided below, up to the value of the
shares in the shareholder's  account. Withdrawals of Class  B or Class C  shares
may   be  subject  to   a  CDSC.  See  "Shareholder   Guide--How  to  Sell  Your
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" in the Prospectus.
 
    In the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent (i) a $10,000  minimum
account values 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   "Shareholder  Investment
Account--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 be  recognized for federal  income tax purposes.  In
addition,  withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional shares are
 
                                      B-26
<PAGE>
inadvisable because of the sales charges applicable to (i) the purchase of Class
A shares and (ii) the withdrawal of Class B and Class C shares. Each shareholder
should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of
the systematic  withdrawal  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.
 
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
    INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT  ACCOUNTS.  An  individual  retirement  account  (IRA)
permits the deferral of federal income tax on income earned in the account until
the  earnings are withdrawn. The following  chart represents a comparison of the
earnings in a personal savings account with  those in an IRA, assuming a  $2,000
annual contribution, an 8% rate of return and a 39.6% federal income tax bracket
and  shows  how much  more retirement  income  can accumulate  within an  IRA as
opposed to a taxable individual savings account.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          TAX-DEFERRED COMPOUNDING(1)
                  CONTRIBUTIONS           PERSONAL
                  MADE OVER:              SAVINGS       IRA
                  --------------------    --------    --------
                  <S>                     <C>         <C>
                  10 years............    $ 26,165    $ 31,291
                  15 years............      44,675      58,649
                  20 years............      68,109      98,846
                  25 years............      97,780     157,909
                  30 years............     135,346     244,692
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) The  chart is  for illustrative  purposes only  and does  not represent  the
performance  of the  Fund or  any specific  investment. It  shows taxable versus
tax-deferred compounding for the periods and on the terms indicated. Earnings in
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 a program may  not
be  appropriate  for all  investors, investors  should consult  their Prudential
Securities  Financial  Adviser  or  Prudential/Pruco  Securities  Representative
concerning  the appropriate blends of portfolios for them. If investors elect to
purchase the individual mutual funds that constitute a program in an  investment
ratio  different  from  that  offered  by  the  program,  the  standard  minimum
investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.
    
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
 
    Under the Investment Company Act, the Board of Directors is responsible  for
determining  in  good  faith  the  fair value  of  securities  of  the  Fund. In
accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, the value of  each
U.S. Government security for which quotations are available will be based on the
valuations provided by a pricing service which
 
                                      B-27
<PAGE>
uses  information with  respect to transactions  in bonds,  quotations from bond
dealers, agency  ratings,  market  transactions  in  comparable  securities  and
various  relationships between securities in  determining value. Options on U.S.
Government securities traded on an exchange  are valued at the mean between  the
most  recently quoted bid  and asked prices on  the respective exchange. Futures
contracts and options thereon are  valued at their last  sales prices as of  the
close  of the commodities exchange or board of trade or, if there was no sale on
such day, the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such
exchange or board of  trade. Should an extraordinary  event, which is likely  to
affect  the value of the security, occur after the close of an exchange on which
a portfolio  security is  traded, such  security will  be valued  at fair  value
considering  factors determined  in good faith  by the  investment adviser under
procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's  Board
of Directors.
 
    The  Fund will compute its  net asset value 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 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.
 
    Net asset value is calculated separately for each class. As long as the Fund
declares dividends daily, the net  asset value of Class A,  Class B and Class  C
shares  will generally be the same. It  is expected, however, that the dividends
will differ  by approximately  the amount  of the  distribution-related  expense
accrual differential among the classes.
 
                       TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
   
    GENERAL.  The Fund has elected to qualify and intends to remain qualified as
a regulated investment company under Subchapter  M of the Internal Revenue  Code
for each taxable year. Accordingly, the Fund generally must, among other things,
(a)  derive at least 90% of its gross income (without offset for losses from the
sale or other disposition of  securities or foreign currencies) from  dividends,
interest,  proceeds from loans  of securities and  gains from the  sale or other
disposition of securities or foreign currencies  or other income related to  its
business  of investing in securities and  currencies, including, but not limited
to, gains  derived  from options  and  futures  on such  securities  or  foreign
currencies;  (b) derive less  than 30% of  its gross income  from gains (without
offset for losses) from the sale  or other disposition of securities or  options
thereon and certain other financial instruments held less than three months; and
(c)  diversify its holdings so that, at the  end of each fiscal quarter, (i) 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  Fund's assets and  no more than  10% of the
outstanding voting securities of any such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25%  of
the  value of its assets is invested in  the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S.  Government  securities).  These requirements  may  limit  the  Fund's
ability  to engage in or close out transactions involving options on securities,
interest rate futures and options thereon.
    
 
    The Fund has  received a  private letter  ruling from  the Internal  Revenue
Service  (IRS) to  the effect  that the  Fund's investments  in options  on U.S.
Government securities, in interest rate futures contracts and in options thereon
will be treated as "securities" for  purposes of the foregoing requirements  for
qualification under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
   
    As  a regulated investment company, the Fund  will not be subject to federal
income tax on  its net  investment income  and capital  gains, if  any, that  it
distributes  to its shareholders,  provided that it distributes  at least 90% of
its net investment  income and  short-term capital  gains earned  in each  year.
Distributions  of net investment income and net short-term capital gains will be
taxable to the shareholder  at ordinary income rates  regardless of whether  the
shareholder  receives  such  distributions  in  additional  shares  or  in cash.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains,  if any, are taxable as  long-term
capital  gains regardless  of how  long the  investor has  held his  or her Fund
shares. However, if a shareholder holds shares in the Fund for not more than six
months, then any loss recognized on the  sale of such shares will be treated  as
long-term capital loss to the extent of any distribution on the shares which was
treated as long-term capital gain. Shareholders will be notified annually by the
Fund  as to the federal tax status  of distributions made by the Fund. Dividends
paid by  the  Fund will  not  be subject  to  the dividends  received  deduction
available to corporations.
    
 
                                      B-28
<PAGE>
    A  4% nondeductible excise tax will be imposed on the Fund to the extent the
Fund does not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of each calendar
year. Distributions may  be subject  to additional  state and  local taxes.  See
"Taxes, Dividends and Distributions" in the Prospectus.
 
   
    Although the Fund does not receive interest payments on zero-coupon bonds in
cash,  it  is  required to  accrue  interest  on such  bonds  for  tax purposes.
Accordingly, in order to meet the distribution requirements discussed above, the
Fund may have to liquidate securities or borrow money. To date, the Fund has not
engaged in  borrowing  or liquidated  securities  solely or  primarily  for  the
purpose  of meeting income distribution requirements attributable to investments
in zero coupon bonds.
    
 
   
    The Fund has a capital loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes  as
of February 29, 1996 of approximately $119,847,000, of which $11,970,000 expires
in 1998, $41,965,000 expires in 1999 and $65,912,000 expires in 2003.
    
 
    Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund by
a  shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a
61-day period  (beginning 30  days  before the  disposition of  shares).  Shares
purchased  pursuant  to  the reinvestment  of  a dividend  or  distribution will
constitute a replacement of shares.
 
    A shareholder  who  acquires shares  of  the  Fund and  sells  or  otherwise
disposes  of such  shares within 90  days of  acquisition may not  be allowed to
include certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes  of
calculating gain or loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund.
 
    The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the
per   share  dividends   on  Class   A  shares  as   a  result   of  the  higher
distribution-related fee applicable to the Class  B and Class C shares. The  per
share  distributions of  net capital  gains, if  any, will  be paid  in the same
amount for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See "Net Asset Value."
 
   
    LISTED  OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES.  Exchange-traded  futures  contracts,  listed
options  on futures contracts  and listed options  on U.S. Government securities
constitute "Section 1256  contracts" under  the Internal  Revenue Code.  Section
1256  contracts are required to  be "marked-to-market" at the  end of the Fund's
tax year; that is, treated as having been sold at market value. Sixty percent of
any gain or loss recognized as a  result of such "deemed sales" will be  treated
as  long-term  capital  gain  or  loss and  the  remainder  will  be  treated as
short-term capital gain or loss. The  Fund has received a private letter  ruling
from the IRS to the effect that a "deemed sale" of a security held for less than
three  months at the end of a tax year  will not result in gain from the sale of
securities  held  for  less  than  three  months  for  purposes  of  determining
qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company.
    
 
    If  the Fund holds a  U.S. Government security which  is offset by a Section
1256 contract, the Fund is considered to  hold a "mixed straddle". The Fund  may
elect  whether to make a straddle-by-straddle identification of mixed straddles.
By electing to identify its mixed straddles, the Fund can avoid the  application
of  certain  rules  which  could,  in  some  circumstances,  cause  deferral  or
disallowance of losses, the  change of long-term  capital gains into  short-term
capital gains, or the change of short-term capital losses into long-term capital
losses. Nevertheless, the Fund would be subject to the following rules.
 
    If  the  Fund owns  a U.S.  Government security  and acquires  an offsetting
Section 1256 contract in a  transaction which the Fund  elects to identify as  a
mixed  straddle,  the  acquisition of  the  offsetting position  will  result in
recognition of the unrealized gain or loss on the U.S. Government security. This
gain or loss will be long-term or short-term depending on the holding period  of
the security at the time the mixed straddle is entered into. This recognition of
unrealized  gain or loss will be taken into account in determining the amount of
income available for the  Fund's quarterly distributions, and  can result in  an
amount  which  is greater  or  less than  the  Fund's net  realized  gains being
available for such distributions. If an amount which is less than the Fund's net
realized gains is available for distribution,  the Fund may elect to  distribute
more  than such  available amount, up  to the  full amount of  such net realized
gains.
 
    The rules for determining whether gain or loss upon exercise, expiration  or
termination  of  an  identified mixed  straddle  will be  treated  as long-term,
short-term, or sixty percent long-term and forty percent short-term are complex.
In general, which treatment applies will depend upon the order of disposition of
the Section 1256 and  the non-Section 1256 positions  of a straddle and  whether
all or fewer than all of such positions are disposed of on any day.
 
   
    If  the Fund does not elect to  identify a mixed straddle, no recognition of
gain or loss  on the  U.S. Government securities  in the  Fund's portfolio  will
result  when the mixed  straddle is entered  into. However, any  gains or losses
realized on the straddle will be governed by a number of tax rules which  might,
under certain circumstances, defer or disallow the
    
 
                                      B-29
<PAGE>
   
losses in whole or in part, change long-term gains into short-term gains, change
short-term  losses into long-term losses, or  change capital gains into ordinary
income. A deferral or disallowance of recognition of a realized loss may  result
in  the Fund being required to distribute  an amount greater than the Fund's net
realized gains.
    
 
    The Fund may also elect under  Section 1256(d) of the Internal Revenue  Code
that  the provisions  of Section  1256 will not  apply. In  the case  of such an
election, the taxation of options on U.S. Government securities and the taxation
of futures will be governed by  provisions of the Internal Revenue Code  dealing
with taxation of capital assets generally.
 
    OTC  OPTIONS. Non-listed options on U.S. Government securities (OTC options)
are not Section 1256  contracts. If an  OTC option written by  the Fund on  U.S.
Government  securities expires,  the amount  of the  premium will  be treated as
short-term capital gain. If the option is terminated through a closing  purchase
transaction,  the Fund  will generally  recognize a  short-term capital  gain or
loss, depending on whether the premium income is greater or less than the amount
paid by the Fund in the  closing transaction. If U.S. Government securities  are
delivered  by the Fund  upon exercise of a  written call option,  or sold to the
Fund upon exercise of a written put option, the premium received when the option
was written will be treated as an addition to the proceeds received in the  case
of  the call option, or a decrease in the cost basis of the security received in
the case of a put option. The gain or loss realized on the exercise of a written
call option will be long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of
the U.S. Government security delivered.
 
    The  premium  paid  for  a  purchased  put  or  call  option  is  a  capital
expenditure,  and loss will be realized on the expiration, and gain or loss will
be realized upon the sale of, a put or call option. The characterization of  the
gain  or loss as short-term or long-term  will depend upon the holding period of
the option.  If  U.S. Government  securities  are  purchased by  the  Fund  upon
exercise of a purchased call option, or delivered by the Fund upon exercise of a
purchased  put option, the  premium paid when  the option was  purchased will be
treated as an addition to the basis of the securities purchased in the case of a
call option,  or as  a decrease  in  the proceeds  received for  the  securities
delivered in the case of a put option.
 
   
    Losses  realized on  straddles which  include a  purchased put  option, can,
under certain circumstances,  be subject to  a number of  tax rules which  might
defer  or disallow the losses  in whole or in  part, change long-term gains into
short-term gains,  change short-term  losses into  long-term losses,  or  change
capital  gains into ordinary income. As  noted above, a deferral or disallowance
of recognition  of  realized loss  can  result in  the  Fund being  required  to
distribute an amount greater than the Fund's net realized gains.
    
 
    PENNSYLVANIA  PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX. The Fund  has obtained a written letter
of determination from the  Pennsylvania Department of Revenue  that the Fund  is
subject  to the  Pennsylvania foreign  franchise and  corporate net  income tax.
Accordingly, it is expected  that Fund shares will  be 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.
 
                            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 net asset
value 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.
 
   
    The yield for the 30-day period ended February 29, 1996 for the Fund's Class
A, Class B and Class C shares was 6.64%, 5.96% and 6.04%, respectively. No Class
Z shares were outstanding on February 29, 1996.
    
 
                                      B-30
<PAGE>
    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. Actual yields will depend upon not only changes in interest  rates
generally  during the period  in which the  investment in the  Fund is held, but
also on any realized or  unrealized gains and losses  and changes in the  Fund's
expenses.
 
   
    AVERAGE  ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN. The Fund may  from time to time also advertise
its average  annual total  return.  Average annual  total return  is  determined
separately for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. See "How the Fund Calculates
Performance" in the Prospectus.
    
 
    Average annual total return is computed according to the following formula:
 
                         P(1+T)to the power of n = ERV
 
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
       T = average annual total return.
       n = number of years.
       ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1000 investment made at
             the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods at the end of the 1, 5
             or 10 year periods (or fractional portion thereof).
 
    Average   annual  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  commencement of offering  of Class A  shares (January 22,  1990)
periods  ended on February 29,  1996 was 7.9%, 7.2%  and 7.8%, respectively. The
average annual total return with respect to  the Class B shares of the Fund  for
the  one, five and ten  year periods ended February 29,  1996 was 6.5%, 7.1% and
7.2%, respectively. The average annual total  return for Class C shares for  the
one  year and  since commencement  of offering Class  C shares  (August 1, 1994)
periods ended  February 29,  1996, was  10.5% and  9.1%, respectively.  Class  Z
shares were not available on February 29, 1996.
    
 
   
    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:
 
                                    ERV - P
                                    -------
                                       P
 
    Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
           ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1000 payment made at
                 the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 year periods at the end of the
                 1, 5 or 10 year periods (or fractional portion thereof).
 
    Aggregate  total  return does  not take  into account  any federal  or state
income taxes that may  be payable upon redemption  or any applicable initial  or
contingent deferred sales charges.
 
   
    The  aggregate total return for  Class A shares for  the one year, five year
and since commencement  of offering Class  A shares (January  22, 1990)  periods
ended  February 29, 1996 was 12.4%, 47.4% and 63.0%, respectively. The aggregate
total return for Class  B shares for  the one, five and  ten year periods  ended
February  29, 1996  was 11.54%, 41.78%  and 99.61%,  respectively. The aggregate
total return for  Class C  shares for  the one  year and  since commencement  of
offering  Class C shares  (August 1, 1994)  periods ended February  29, 1996 was
11.6% and 14.7%, respectively. Class Z shares were not available on February 29,
1996.
    
 
                                      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)
 
A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE OVER THE LONG TERM (1926-1992)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               AVERAGE ANNUAL
                                   RETURN
<S>                         <C>
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). 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.
    
 
               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.
 
   
    Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as the Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent of the  Fund.
It  is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 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, payment  of dividends  and distributions,  and related  functions.  For
these  services,  PMFS receives  an annual  fee per  shareholder account,  a new
account set-up fee for each manually-established account and a monthly  inactive
zero  balance account fee  per shareholder account. PMFS  is also reimbursed for
its out-of-pocket expenses,  including but not  limited to postage,  stationery,
printing, allocable communications expenses and other costs. For the fiscal year
ended  February 29, 1996, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $2,246,000 for
the services of PMFS.
    
 
    Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281,
serves as the  Fund's independent accountants  and in that  capacity audits  the
Fund's annual financial statements.
 
                                      B-32
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF                PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

PRINCIPAL                                                         
AMOUNT                                                            
(000)        DESCRIPTION                     VALUE (NOTE 1)       
     ------------------------------------------------------------ 
<C>          <S>                                  <C>             
    
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--97.1%
     ------------------------------------------------------------ 
    
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--42.2%
             United States Treasury Bonds,
  $25,000    7.125%, 2/15/23                      $   26,511,750
    3,000    7.625%, 2/15/25                           3,396,090
   25,000    8.75%, 8/15/20                           31,300,750
   11,500    9.875%, 11/15/15                         15,656,215
   45,000    10.75%, 2/15/03                          57,058,650
   32,000    11.25%, 2/15/15                          48,289,920
   50,000    12.00%, 8/15/13                          73,679,500
  100,500    12.50%, 8/15/14                         154,753,920
   25,000    13.25%, 5/15/14                          40,000,000
   28,000    14.00%, 11/15/11                         44,668,680
             United States Treasury Notes,
   87,000    7.50%, 2/15/05                           94,952,670
   40,000    7.875%, 11/15/04                         44,618,800
    5,000    8.875%, 5/15/00                           5,593,750
             United States Treasury Strip,
   70,200    Zero Coupon, 2/15/09                     30,375,540
                                                  --------------
             Total U. S. Government Obligations
                (cost $666,655,379)                  670,856,235
- ------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS--38.8%
             Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,
   42,623    7.50%, 2/01/22 - 4/01/25                 43,077,793
   75,401    8.00%, 1/01/22 - 9/01/24                 77,388,981
    6,776    8.50%, 6/01/07 - 4/01/20                  7,085,394
    3,042    11.50%, 10/01/19                          3,418,862
             Federal National Mortgage Assoc.,
   24,535    6.50%, 10/01/23 - 6/01/24                23,674,643
   52,864    7.00%, 2/01/24 - 5/01/24                 52,271,090
   38,359    7.50%, 4/01/07 - 5/01/10                 39,149,837
   52,763    8.50%, 6/01/17 - 3/01/25                 54,837,685
   13,708    9.00%, 8/01/24 - 4/01/25                 14,417,557
             Government National Mortgage
                Assoc.,
  $56,446    6.50%, 5/15/23 - 10/15/24            $   54,581,792
  110,353    7.00%, 12/15/22 - 11/15/24              109,489,490
   27,813    7.50%, 5/15/02 - 6/15/25                 28,173,404
   43,508    8.00%, 7/15/16 - 3/15/24                 45,048,487
   27,964    9.00%, 4/15/01 - 12/15/09                29,743,648
   25,670    9.50%, 10/15/09 - 12/15/17               28,069,121
             Government National Mortgage
                Assoc. II,
    5,254    9.50%, 5/20/18 - 8/20/21                  5,587,842
                                                  --------------
             Total U.S. Government Agency
                Mortgage Pass-Throughs
                (cost $590,619,241)                  616,015,626
- ------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES--14.5%
             Federal Home Loan Bank,
    1,000    6.78%, 7/24/02                            1,007,500
             Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,
   39,000    6.71%, 6/11/02                           39,548,340
   24,810    6.99%, 5/24/02                           25,383,607
    8,000    7.215%, 7/27/05                           8,206,240
   25,000    8.20%, 1/16/98                           25,613,250
             Federal National Mortgage Assoc.,
   55,000    Zero Coupon, 7/05/14                     15,391,200
   25,000    6.85%, 9/12/05                           24,968,750
             Financing Corp. Strip,
    5,000    Zero Coupon, 3/07/04                      3,002,050
             Israel AID,
   37,600    Zero Coupon, 5/15/15                      9,945,200
   37,600    Zero Coupon, 5/15/16                      9,223,280
             Small Business Administration
                Participation Certificate,
   25,504    6.45%, 12/01/15                          24,898,280
             Tennessee Valley Authority,
   41,800    6.235%, 7/15/45                          42,474,234
                                                  --------------
             Total U. S. Government Agency
                Securities (cost $220,720,123)       229,661,931
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.                                          B-33

<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF                PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         
AMOUNT                                                            
(000)        DESCRIPTION                     VALUE (NOTE 1)       
     ------------------------------------------------------------ 
<C>          <S>                                  <C>             
    
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS--0.3%
             Federal National Mortgage Assoc.,
   $   12    Trust 1991 G-37 Class C I/O(a)       $       30,941
             Resolution Trust Corp.,
    5,713    7.75%, 9/25/29                            5,416,288
                                                  --------------
             Total Collateralized Mortgage
                Obligations (cost $9,636,886)          5,447,229
- ------------------------------------------------------------
SUPRANATIONAL BOND--0.7%
             International Bank for
                Reconstruction & Development,
   10,000    8.625%, 10/15/16
                (cost $12,400,900)                    11,793,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------
ASSET-BACKED SECURITY--0.3%
             Structured Asset Securities Corp.,
    5,000    7.375%, 9/25/24
                (cost $4,568,150)                      4,900,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH--0.3%
             Ryland Mortgage Securities
                Corporation,
    4,879    Mortgage Participation Securities,
                Series 1993-3 Class A-3,
                7.61%, 9/25/24
                (cost $4,976,551)                      4,782,930
- ------------------------------------------------------------
             Total long-term investments
                (cost $1,509,577,230)              1,543,457,651
                                                  --------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--2.5%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER--2.5%
             Associates Corp. of North America,
  $39,005    5.55%, 3/01/96
                (cost $39,005,000)                $   39,005,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--99.6%
             (cost $1,548,582,230; Note 4)         1,582,462,651
             Other assets in excess of
                liabilities--0.4%                      6,319,866
                                                  --------------
             Net Assets--100%                     $1,588,782,517
                                                  --------------
                                                  --------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
AID--Agency for International Development
I/O--Interest Only
(a) REMIC--Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-34                                         See Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES           PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- -------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                                            <C>
ASSETS                                                                                                         FEBRUARY 29, 1996
                                                                                                               -----------------
Investments, at value (cost $1,548,582,230)..............................................................       $ 1,582,462,651
Receivable for investments sold..........................................................................            26,065,590
Interest receivable......................................................................................            12,340,252
Receivable for Fund shares sold..........................................................................             3,010,368
Deferred expenses and other assets.......................................................................                68,606
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Total assets..........................................................................................         1,623,947,467
                                                                                                              -----------------
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased........................................................................            27,393,673
Payable for Fund shares reacquired.......................................................................             2,942,271
Accrued expenses and other liabilities...................................................................             2,496,445
Dividends payable........................................................................................             1,142,438
Management fee payable...................................................................................               643,966
Distribution fee payable.................................................................................               546,157
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Total liabilities.....................................................................................            35,164,950
                                                                                                              -----------------
NET ASSETS...............................................................................................       $ 1,588,782,517
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Net assets were comprised of:
   Common stock, at par..................................................................................       $     1,757,735
   Paid-in capital in excess of par......................................................................         1,672,990,495
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                                  1,674,748,230
   Accumulated net realized losses on investments........................................................          (119,846,134)
   Net unrealized appreciation on investments............................................................            33,880,421
                                                                                                              -----------------
Net assets at February 29, 1996..........................................................................       $ 1,588,782,517
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Class A:
   Net asset value and redemption price per share
      ($945,037,722 divided by 104,588,322 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).........................        $9.04
   Maximum sales charge (4.0% of offering price).........................................................                   .38
                                                                                                              -----------------
   Maximum offering price to public......................................................................                 $9.42
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Class B:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($641,945,812 divided by 70,986,190 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)..........................        $9.04
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
Class C:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($1,798,983 divided by 198,916 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...............................        $9.04
                                                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                                              -----------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.                                          B-35

<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED
NET INVESTMENT INCOME                           FEBRUARY 29, 1996
                                                -----------------
<S>                                             <C>
Income
  Interest...................................     $ 117,578,274
  Income from securities loaned-net..........           280,669
                                                -----------------
                                                    117,858,943
                                                -----------------
Expenses
  Management fee.............................         7,787,246
  Distribution fee--Class A..................         1,363,753
  Distribution fee--Class B..................         5,342,002
  Distribution fee--Class C..................             5,740
  Transfer agent's fees and expenses.........         2,250,000
  Custodian's fees and expenses..............           690,000
  Franchise taxes............................           314,000
  Reports to shareholders....................           406,000
  Registration fees..........................           100,000
  Audit fee..................................            65,000
  Legal fees.................................            58,000
  Insurance expense..........................            49,000
  Directors` fees............................            48,000
  Miscellaneous..............................            31,373
                                                -----------------
     Total expenses..........................        18,510,114
                                                -----------------
Net investment income........................        99,348,829
                                                -----------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain (loss):
  Investment transactions....................        53,598,710
  Written option transactions................          (113,281)
                                                -----------------
                                                     53,485,429
Net change in unrealized appreciation on
  investments................................        34,676,738
                                                -----------------
Net gain on investments......................        88,162,167
                                                -----------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS....................     $ 187,510,996
                                                -----------------
                                                -----------------
</TABLE>

PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCREASE (DECREASE)                 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                 --------------------------------
IN NET ASSETS                         1996              1995
                                 --------------    --------------
<S>                              <C>               <C>

Operations
  Net investment income........  $   99,348,829    $  114,223,550
  Net realized gain (loss) on
     investment transactions...      53,485,429       (93,893,429)
  Net change in unrealized
     appreciation/depreciation
     on investments............      34,676,738       (39,470,823)
                                 --------------    --------------
  Net increase (decrease) in
     net assets resulting from
     operations................     187,510,996       (19,140,702)
                                 --------------    --------------
Dividends to shareholders from
  net investment income
     (Note 1)
     Class A...................     (60,495,599)       (7,117,500)
     Class B...................     (38,807,245)     (107,101,716)
     Class C...................         (45,985)           (4,334)
                                 --------------    --------------
                                    (99,348,829)     (114,223,550)
                                 --------------    --------------
Fund share transactions (net of
  share conversions) (Note 5)
  Net proceeds from shares
     subscribed................     226,050,700        79,769,541
  Net asset value of shares
     issued to shareholders in
     reinvestment of dividends
     and distributions.........      57,501,726        64,092,911
  Cost of shares reacquired....    (360,013,003)     (687,645,132)
                                 --------------    --------------
  Decrease in net assets from
     Fund share transactions...     (76,460,577)     (543,782,680)
                                 --------------    --------------
Total increase (decrease)......      11,701,590      (677,146,932)
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year..............   1,577,080,927     2,254,227,859
                                 --------------    --------------
End of year....................  $1,588,782,517    $1,577,080,927
                                 --------------    --------------
                                 --------------    --------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-36                                         See Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                  PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Government Income Fund, (the ``Fund'') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. Investment operations commenced on April 22, 1985.

The Fund's investment objective is to seek a high current return. The Fund will
seek to achieve this objective by investing primarily in U.S. Government and
agency securities and writing and purchasing put and call options and net gains
from closing purchase and sale transactions.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
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 current
market quotations provided by dealers or by a pricing service approved by the
Board of Directors, which uses information such as quotations from dealers,
market transactions in comparable securities, various relationships between
securities and calculations on yield to maturity in determining values. Options
and financial futures contracts listed on exchanges are valued at their closing
price on the applicable exchange. When market quotations are not readily
available, a security is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors.

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.

In connection with repurchase agreement transactions, the Fund's 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. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one
business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market on a daily basis
to ensure the adequacy of the collateral. 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.

OPTIONS: The Fund may either purchase or write options in order to hedge against
adverse market movements or fluctuations in value caused by changes in
prevailing interest rates with respect to securities which the Fund currently
owns or intends to purchase. The Fund's principal reason for writing options is
to realize, through receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be
realized on the underlying security alone. When the Fund purchases an option, it
pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an investment.
When the Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to
that premium is recorded as a liability. The investment or liability is adjusted
daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires
unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium
received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is an
adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost of the purchase in
determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The difference between
the premium and the amount received or paid on effecting a closing purchase or
sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. Gain or loss on
purchased options is included in net realized gain (loss) on investment
transactions. Gain or loss on written options is presented separately as net
realized gain (loss) on written option transactions.

The Fund, as a writer of an option, may have no control over whether the
underlying securities may be sold (called) or purchased (put). As a result, the
Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security
underlying the written option. The Fund, as purchaser of an option, bears the
risk of the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their
contracts. As of February 29, 1996, the Fund did not have any open written
options.

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
sales proceeds and the lower repurchase price is recorded as interest income.
The Fund maintains a segregated account, the dollar value of which is at least
equal to its obligations, in respect of dollar rolls. There were no dollar rolls
outstanding as of February 29, 1996.

SECURITIES LENDING: The Fund may lend its U.S. Government securities to
broker-dealers or government securities dealers. The loans are secured by
collateral at least equal at all times to the market value of the securities
loaned. The Fund may bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of
rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. The Fund receives compensation for lending its securities in
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            B-37

<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                  PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the form of fees or it retains a portion of interest on the investment of any
cash received as collateral. The Fund also continues to receive interest on the 
securities loaned and any gain or loss in the market price of the securities
loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the
Fund. There were no loans outstanding as of February 29, 1996.

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND NET INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are
calculated on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the
accrual basis. 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. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis which may
require the use of certain estimates by management.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: The Fund declares daily and pays monthly dividends
from net investment income. 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.

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 to its shareholders.
Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS
The Fund has a management agreement with Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.
(``PMF''). Pursuant to this agreement, PMF has responsibility for all investment
advisory services and supervises the subadviser's performance of such services.
PMF has entered into a subadvisory agreement with The Prudential Investment
Corporation (``PIC''); PIC furnishes investment advisory services in connection
with the management of the Fund. PMF pays for the cost of the subadviser's
services, the compensation of officers of the Fund, occupancy and certain
clerical and bookkeeping costs of the Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and
expenses.

The management fee paid PMF is computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual
rate of .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $3 billion and
 .35 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $3 billion.

The Fund had a distribution agreement with Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors,
Inc. (``PMFD''), which acted as the distributor of the Class A shares of the
Fund through January 1, 1996. Prudential Securities Incorporated (``PSI''),
became the distributor of the Class A shares of the Fund effective January 2,
1996 and is serving the Fund under the same terms and conditions as under the
arrangement with PMFD and continues as the distributor of the Class B and Class
C shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PMFD and PSI for distributing and 
servicing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to plans of 
distribution (the ``Class A, B and C Plans'') regardless of expenses actually 
incurred by them. The distribution fees are accrued daily and payable monthly.

Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund compensates PSI for its 
distribution-related expenses with respect to Class A shares, at an annual rate
of up to .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. Such
expenses under the Class A Plan were .15 of 1% of the average daily net assets
of the Class A shares for the year ended February 29, 1996. 

Pursuant to the Class B Plan, the Fund compensates PSI for its
distribution-related expenses with respect to Class B shares at
an annual rate of up to 1% of the average daily net assets up to $3 billion, .80
of 1% of the next $1 billion of such net assets and .50 of 1% over $4 billion
of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares. Such expenses under the
Class B Plan were charged at an effective rate of .825 of 1% of the average
daily net assets of Class B shares.

Pursuant to the Class C Plan, the Fund compensates PSI for its
distribution-related expenses with respect to Class C shares at an annual rate
of up to .825 of 1% of the average daily net assets up to $3 billion, .80 of 1%
of the next $1 billion of such net assets and .50 of 1% over $4 billion of the
average daily net assets of the Class C shares. Such expenses under Class C Plan
were charged at an effective rate of .75 of 1% of average daily net assets.

PMFD and PSI advised the Fund that they have received approximately $180,000 in
front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the year
ended February 29, 1996. From these fees, PMFD paid such sales charges to
dealers which in turn paid commissions to salespersons.

PSI has advised the Fund that for the year ended February 29, 1996 it received
approximately $1,358,000 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon
redemptions by certain Class B and Class C shareholders.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-38

<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                  PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PMFD is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PMF; PSI, PMF and PIC are indirect,
wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3. OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (``PMFS''), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PMF, serves as the Fund's transfer agent. During the year ended February 29,
1996, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $2,246,000 for the services of
PMFS. As of February 29, 1996, approximately $184,000 of such fees were due to
PMFS. Transfer agent fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations also
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,
for the year ended February 29, 1996, were $1,859,915,930 and $1,873,106,042,
respectively.

The federal income tax cost basis of the Fund's investments, at February 29,
1996 was the same as for book purposes and, accordingly, net unrealized
appreciation for federal income tax purposes was $33,880,421 (gross unrealized
appreciation-$46,282,078; gross unrealized depreciation-$12,401,657).

The Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of February 29, 1996 of
approximately $119,847,000 of which $11,970,000 expires in 1998, $41,965,000
expires in 1999 and $65,912,000 expires in 2003. Accordingly, no capital gains
distribution is expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have been
realized in excess of such amounts.

Transactions in written options during the year ended February 29, 1996 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NUMBER OF     PREMIUMS
                                       CONTRACTS     RECEIVED
                                       ---------    ----------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>
Options written......................        260    $1,257,811
Options terminated in closing
  purchase transactions..............       (150)     (840,624)
Options expired......................       (110)     (417,187)
                                       ---------    ----------
Options outstanding at February 29,
  1996...............................          0             0
                                       ---------    ----------
                                       ---------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
The average balance of dollar rolls outstanding during the year ended February
29, 1996 was approximately $7,400,000.

NOTE 5. 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 4.0%. 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 automatically
convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven years after
purchase.

There are 2 billion shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, divided
into three classes, designated Class A, B and Class C common stock, each of
which consists of 666,666,666.67 authorized shares.

Transactions in shares of common stock were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A                              SHARES          AMOUNT
- --------------------------------  ------------   ---------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>
Year ended February 29, 1996:
Shares sold.....................    11,604,764   $   103,313,788
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends.....................     3,905,262        35,174,408
Shares reacquired...............   (23,885,431)     (215,512,733)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion....................    (8,375,405)      (77,024,537)
Shares sold upon conversion from
  Class B.......................    11,556,901       103,626,580
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding...................     3,181,496   $    26,602,043
                                  ------------   ---------------
                                  ------------   ---------------
Year end February 28, 1995:
Shares sold.....................     1,650,843   $    14,143,438
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends.....................       517,170         4,416,369
Shares reacquired...............    (3,871,087)      (33,161,047)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion....................    (1,703,074)      (14,601,240)
Shares sold upon conversion from
  Class B.......................    97,449,952       825,401,064
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding...................    95,746,878   $   810,799,824
                                  ------------   ---------------
                                  ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            B-39
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                  PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B                              SHARES          AMOUNT
- --------------------------------  ------------   ---------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>
Year ended February 29, 1996:
Shares sold.....................    14,021,663   $   120,993,355
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends.....................     2,476,368        22,291,045
Shares reacquired...............   (16,054,530)     (144,301,708)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion....................       443,501        (1,017,308)
Shares reacquired upon
  conversion into Class A.......   (11,547,682)     (103,626,580)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding...................   (11,104,181)  $  (104,643,888)
                                  ------------   ---------------
                                  ------------   ---------------
Year ended February 28, 1995:
Shares sold.....................     7,582,662   $    65,420,737
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends.....................     5,979,498        59,672,362
Shares reacquired...............   (75,332,177)     (654,474,203)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion....................   (61,770,017)     (529,381,104)
Shares reacquired upon
  conversion into Class A.......   (97,449,952)     (825,401,064)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding...................  (159,219,969)  $(1,354,782,168)
                                  ------------   ---------------
                                  ------------   ---------------
<CAPTION>
Class C
- --------------------------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>
Year ended February 29, 1996:
Shares sold.....................       192,911   $     1,743,557
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends.....................         3,991            36,273
Shares reacquired...............       (21,707)         (198,562)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding...................       175,195   $     1,581,268
                                  ------------   ---------------
                                  ------------   ---------------
August 1, 1994 through February
  28, 1995:
Shares sold.....................        24,418   $       205,366
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends.....................           498             4,180
Shares reacquired...............        (1,195)           (9,882)
                                  ------------   ---------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding...................        23,721   $       199,664
                                  ------------   ---------------
                                  ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Commencement of offering of Class C shares.

NOTE 6. ACQUISITION OF PRUDENTIAL U.S.
GOVERNMENT FUND

On January 19, 1996, the Fund acquired all the net assets of Prudential U.S.
Government Fund, Inc. (``U.S. Government'') pursuant to a plan of reorganization
approved by U.S. Government shareholders on May 15, 1995. The acquisition was
accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 13,428,984 shares of the Fund (consisting
of 5,313,064 Class A shares of the Fund for 4,730,048 Class A shares of U.S.
Government, 8,091,414, Class B shares of the Fund for 7,209,020 Class B shares
of U.S. Government and 24,506 Class C shares of the Fund for 21,833 Class C
shares of U.S. Government) valued at $125,507,871 in the aggregate on January
19, 1996. The aggregate net assets of the Fund and U.S. Government immediately
before the acquisition were $1,528,998,838 and $125,507,871 (including
$11,995,410 of net unrealized depreciation), respectively.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-40

<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                           PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         CLASS A
                                                ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                               YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                                ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............   $   8.59     $  9.13     $  9.40     $  9.17     $  9.02
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................       0.60        0.59        0.61        0.66        0.68
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................       0.45       (0.54)      (0.25)       0.35        0.37
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
  Total from investment operations............       1.05        0.05        0.36        1.01        1.05
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..........      (0.60)      (0.59)      (0.61)      (0.66)      (0.68)
Distributions in excess of accumulated
   gains......................................         --          --       (0.02)         --          --
Distributions from paid-in capital in excess
   of par.....................................         --          --          --       (0.12)      (0.22)
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
  Total distributions.........................      (0.60)      (0.59)      (0.63)      (0.78)      (0.90)
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
Net asset value, end of year..................   $   9.04     $  8.59     $  9.13     $  9.40     $  9.17
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
                                                 --------    --------     -------     -------     -------
TOTAL RETURN(c):..............................      12.41%        .83%       3.90%      11.55%      12.18%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).................   $945,038    $871,145     $51,673     $61,297     $33,181
Average net assets (000)......................    909,169     $95,560     $55,921     $46,812     $29,534
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees.......       0.91%       0.98%       0.84%       0.84%       0.86%
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees.......       0.76%       0.83%       0.69%       0.69%       0.71%
  Net investment income.......................       6.65%       7.45%       6.48%       7.17%       7.51%
For Class A, B and C shares:
  Portfolio turnover rate.....................        123%        206%         80%         36%        187%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
 (a) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
 (b) Annualized.
 (c) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return 
     is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a 
     sale on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment 
     of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than 
     a full year are not annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.                                          B-41

<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                           PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               CLASS B
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1996         1995           1994           1993           1992
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..........    $   8.60     $    9.13     $     9.40     $     9.17     $     9.02
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................        0.54          0.53           0.53           0.58           0.60
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................        0.44         (0.53)         (0.25)          0.35           0.37
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
  Total from investment operations............        0.98            --           0.28           0.93           0.97
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..........       (0.54)        (0.53)         (0.53)         (0.58)         (0.60)
Distributions in excess of accumulated
   gains......................................          --            --          (0.02)            --             --
Distributions from paid-in capital in excess
   of par.....................................          --            --             --          (0.12)         (0.22)
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
  Total distributions.........................       (0.54)        (0.53)         (0.55)         (0.70)         (0.82)
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Net asset value, end of period................    $   9.04     $    8.60     $     9.13     $     9.40     $     9.17
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                  --------    ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
TOTAL RETURN(c):..............................       11.54%          .24%          3.03%         10.61%         11.27%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)...............    $641,946     $ 705,732     $2,202,555     $2,680,259     $2,724,428
Average net assets (000)......................    $647,515    $1,735,413     $2,487,990     $2,670,924     $2,903,704
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees.......        1.58%         1.66%          1.68%          1.69%          1.71%
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees.......        0.76%         0.80%          0.69%          0.69%          0.71%
  Net investment income.......................        5.99%         6.17%          5.64%          6.32%          6.66%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  CLASS C        AUGUST 1,
                                                -----------       1994(A)
                                                 YEAR ENDED       THROUGH
                                                FEBRUARY 29,    FEBRUARY 28,
                                                    1996            1995
                                                ------------    ------------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..........     $ 8.60          $ 8.69
                                                    -----           -----
 
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................       0.54            0.31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................       0.44           (0.09)
                                                    -----           -----
 
  Total from investment operations............       0.98            0.22
                                                    -----           -----
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..........      (0.54)          (0.31)
Distributions in excess of accumulated
   gains......................................         --              --
Distributions from paid-in capital in excess
   of par.....................................         --              --
                                                    -----           -----
 
  Total distributions.........................      (0.54)          (0.31)
                                                    -----           -----
 
Net asset value, end of period................     $ 9.04          $ 8.60
                                                    -----           -----
                                                    -----           -----
 
TOTAL RETURN(c):..............................      11.63%           2.75%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)...............     $1,799          $  204
Average net assets (000)......................     $  765          $  111
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fees.......       1.51%           1.63%(b)
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees.......       0.76%           0.88%(b)
  Net investment income.......................       5.99%           6.69%(b)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 (a) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
 (b) Annualized.
 (c) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total 
     return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the
     first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported
     and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total 
     returns for periods of less than a full year are not annualized.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-42                                         See Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT                   PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Shareholders and Board of Directors
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, of Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. as of
February 29, 1996, the related statements of operations for the year then ended
and of changes in 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. These financial statements and financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our
audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of the securities owned as of
February 29, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where
replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prudential
Government Income Fund, Inc. as of February 29, 1996, the results of its
operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the
respective stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.


Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
April 10, 1996

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            B-43
<PAGE>
   
                     APPENDIX--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.
    
 
   
                EACH INVESTMENT PROVIDES A DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITY
                       (VALUE OF $1 INVESTED ON 12/31/25)
    
 
   
                               [CHART]
Source:   Prudential  Investment   Corporation  based  on   data  from  Ibbotson
Associates, ENCORR Software, Chicago, Illinois. Used with permission. All rights
reserved. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative  of
the  past, present or  future performance of  any asset class  or any Prudential
Mutual Fund.
    
 
   
    Generally, stock returns  are 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.
    
 
   
    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
    
 
                                     App-1
<PAGE>
   
include  accrued  interest, plus  the  price changes  (gains  or losses)  of the
underlying securities  during the  period  mentioned. The  data is  provided  to
illustrate  the  varying  historical  total  returns  and  investors  should not
consider this performance data as an indication of the future performance of the
Fund or of any sector in which the Fund invests.
    
 
   
    All information relies on data  obtained from statistical services,  reports
and  other services believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has
not been verified. The figures do not reflect the operating expenses and fees of
a mutual fund.  See "Fund Expenses"  in the  prospectus. The net  effect of  the
deduction  of the operating expenses of a  mutual fund on these historical total
returns, including the compounded effect over time, could be substantial.
    
 
   
           HISTORICAL TOTAL RETURNS OF DIFFERENT BOND MARKET SECTORS
    
 
   
                               [CHART]
(1)LEHMAN BROTHERS TREASURY BOND INDEX is an unmanaged index made up of over 150
public issues of the U.S. Treasury having maturities of at least one year.
    
 
   
(2)LEHMAN BROTHERS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES INDEX  is an unmanaged index  that
includes  over 600 15- and 30-year  fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities of the
Government National  Mortgage  Association  (GNMA),  Federal  National  Mortgage
Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).
    
 
   
(3)LEHMAN  BROTHERS CORPORATE BOND INDEX  includes over 3,000 public fixed-rate,
nonconvertible investment-grade  bonds. All  bonds are  U.S.  dollar-denominated
issues  and include debt issued or  guaranteed by foreign sovereign governments,
municipalities, governmental agencies  or international agencies.  All bonds  in
the index have maturities of at least one year.
    
 
   
(4)LEHMAN  BROTHERS HIGH YIELD BOND INDEX  is an unmanaged index comprising over
750 public, fixed-rate,  nonconvertible bonds  that are  rated Ba1  or lower  by
Moody's  Investors Service (or rated BB+ or  lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch
Investors Service). All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
    
 
   
(5)SALOMON BROTHERS WORLD GOVERNMENT  INDEX (NON U.S.)  includes over 800  bonds
issued  by various foreign governments or agencies, excluding those in the U.S.,
but including  those  in  Japan,  Germany,  France,  the  U.K.,  Canada,  Italy,
Australia,  Belgium, Denmark, the  Netherlands, Spain, Sweden,  and Austria. All
bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
    
 
   
                                     App-2
    
<PAGE>
   
    This chart below shows the  historical volatility of general interest  rates
as measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.
    
 
   
                               [CHART]
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. The 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.
    
 
   
                                     App-3
    
<PAGE>
   
                    APPENDIX--GENERAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
    
 
   
    The following terms are used in mutual fund investing.
    
 
   
ASSET ALLOCATION
    
 
   
    Asset  allocation is a technique for reducing risk, providing balance. Asset
allocation among  different types  of securities  within an  overall  investment
portfolio  helps to reduce risk and to potentially provide stable returns, while
enabling investors to work toward  their financial goal(s). Asset allocation  is
also  a  strategy to  gain  exposure to  better  performing asset  classes while
maintaining investment in other asset classes.
    
 
   
DIVERSIFICATION
    
 
   
    Diversification is  a time-honored  technique for  reducing risk,  providing
"balance" to an overall portfolio and potentially achieving more stable returns.
Owning a portfolio of securities mitigates the individual risks (and returns) of
any  one  security.  Additionally,  diversification  among  types  of securities
reduces the risks and (general returns) of any one type of security.
    
 
   
DURATION
    
 
   
    Debt securities have  varying levels  of sensitivity to  interest rates.  As
interest  rates  fluctuate, the  value  of a  bond  (or a  bond  portfolio) will
increase or decrease. Longer-term bonds are generally more sensitive to  changes
in  interest  rates.  When  interest rates  fall,  bond  prices  generally rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
    
 
   
    Duration is an approximation of the price  sensitivity of a bond (or a  bond
portfolio)  to interest rate changes. It  measures the weighted average maturity
of a bond's  (or a bond  portfolio's) cash flows,  I.E., principal and  interest
rate  payments. Duration is expressed as a  measure of time in years--the longer
the duration of a bond (or a bond portfolio), the greater the impact of interest
rate changes on  the bond's (or  the bond portfolio's)  price. Duration  differs
from  effective maturity  in that duration  takes into  account call provisions,
coupon rates and other  factors. Duration measures interest  rate risk only  and
not  other  risks  such as  credit  risk and,  in  the case  of  non-U.S. dollar
denominated securities,  currency risk.  Effective maturity  measures the  final
maturity dates of a bond (or a bond portfolio).
    
 
   
MARKET TIMING
    
 
   
    Market  timing--buying securities when prices are  low and selling them when
prices are  relatively higher  may not  work for  many investors  because it  is
impossible to predict with certainty how the price of a security will fluctuate.
However,  owning a security for a long  period of time may help investors offset
short-term price volatility and realize positive returns.
    
 
   
POWER OF COMPOUNDING
    
 
   
    Over time, the  compounding of returns  can significantly impact  investment
returns.  Compounding  is  the  effect  of  continuous  investment  on long-term
investment results, by which  the proceeds of  capital appreciation (and  income
distributions, if elected) are reinvested to contribute to the overall growth of
assets. The long-term investment results of compounding may be greater than that
of   an  equivalent  initial  investment  in   which  the  proceeds  of  capital
appreciation and income distributions are taken in cash.
    
 
   
                                     App-4
    
<PAGE>
   
                APPENDIX--INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PRUDENTIAL
    
 
   
    Set forth below is information relating to The Prudential Insurance  Company
of  America (Prudential) and its subsidiaries as well as information relating to
the Prudential  Mutual  Funds. See  "Management  of the  Fund--Manager"  in  the
Prospectus.  The data will be used in sales materials relating to the Prudential
Mutual Funds. Unless otherwise indicated, the information is as of December  31,
1995  and  is  subject to  change  thereafter.  All information  relies  on data
provided by The Prudential  Investment Corporation (PIC)  or from other  sources
believed  by the Manager to be reliable.  Such information has not been verified
by the Fund.
    
 
   
INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL
    
 
   
    The Manager and PIC(1) are subsidiaries  of Prudential, which is one of  the
largest  diversified financial services institutions in  the world and, based on
total assets, the largest insurance company in North America as of December  31,
1995.  Its primary business is to offer a full range of products and services in
three areas:  insurance,  investments and  home  ownership for  individuals  and
families;  health-care management  and other  benefit programs  for employees of
companies and members of groups; and asset management for institutional  clients
and  their associates. Prudential (together  with its subsidiaries) employs more
than 92,000  persons worldwide,  and maintains  a sales  force of  approximately
13,000  agents and  5,600 financial  advisors. Prudential  is a  major issuer of
annuities, including variable annuities. Prudential seeks to develop  innovative
products  and services  to meet  consumer needs in  each of  its business areas.
Prudential uses the rock of  Gibraltar as its symbol.  The Prudential rock is  a
recognized brand name throughout the world.
    
 
   
    INSURANCE. Prudential has been engaged in the insurance business since 1875.
It  insures  or  provides financial  services  to  more than  50  million people
worldwide--one of  every five  people in  the  United States.  Long one  of  the
largest issuers of individual life insurance, the Prudential has 19 million life
insurance  policies in force today with a  face value of $1 trillion. Prudential
has the largest capital  base ($11.4 billion) of  any life insurance company  in
the  United States.  The Prudential  provides auto  insurance for  more than 1.7
million cars and insures more than 1.4 million homes.
    
 
   
    MONEY MANAGEMENT. The Prudential is one of the largest pension fund managers
in the country,  providing pension  services to  1 in  3 Fortune  500 firms.  It
manages  $36 billion of individual retirement plan assets, such as 401(k) plans.
In July  1995,  INSTITUTIONAL  INVESTOR  ranked  Prudential  the  third  largest
institutional money manager of the 300 largest money management organizations in
the  United States as of December 31,  1994. As of December 31, 1995, Prudential
had more  than  $314 billion  in  assets under  management.  Prudential's  Money
Management  Group (of which Prudential Mutual Funds  is a key part) manages over
$190 billion in assets of institutions and individuals.
    
 
   
    REAL ESTATE. The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, the fourth largest  real
estate  brokerage network in the United States, has more than 34,000 brokers and
agents and more than 1,100 offices in the United States.(2)
    
 
   
    HEALTHCARE. Over  two  decades  ago, the  Prudential  introduced  the  first
federally-funded,  for-profit  HMO  in  the  country.  Today,  almost  5 million
Americans receive healthcare from a Prudential managed care membership.
    
 
   
    FINANCIAL SERVICES. The  Prudential Bank, a  wholly-owned subsidiary of  the
Prudential,  has  nearly $3  billion  in assets  and  serves nearly  1.5 million
customers across 50 states.
    
 
   
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS
    
 
   
    Prudential Mutual Fund  Management is  one of the  sixteenth largest  mutual
fund  companies in the  country, with over 2.5  million shareholders invested in
more than 50 mutual  fund portfolios and variable  annuities with more than  3.7
million shareholder accounts.
    
 
   
    The  Prudential Mutual Funds have over 30 portfolio managers who manage over
$55 billion in  mutual fund and  variable annuity assets.  Some of  Prudential's
portfolio  managers  have  over  20  years  of  experience  managing  investment
portfolios.
    
 
   
(1)    Prudential Mutual Fund Investment  Management, a unit  of PIC, serves  as
       the  Subadviser  to substantially  all  of the  Prudential  Mutual Funds.
       Wellington Management Company serves as the subadviser to Global  Utility
       Fund,  Inc.,  Nicholas-Applegate  Capital  Management  as  subadviser  to
       Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc., Jennison  Associates Capital Corp. as  the
       subadviser  to  Prudential Jennison  Fund,  Inc. and  BlackRock Financial
       Management, Inc. as subadviser to The BlackRock Government Income  Trust.
       There are multiple subadvisers for The Target Portfolio Trust.
    
   
(2)    As of December 31, 1994.
    
 
   
                                     App-5
    
<PAGE>
   
    From  time to time,  there may be  media coverage of  portfolio managers and
other investment professionals associated with the Manager and the Subadviser in
national  and  regional  publications,  on   television  and  in  other   media.
Additionally,  individual mutual fund portfolios are frequently cited in surveys
conducted by national and regional publications and media organizations such  as
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE NEW YORK TIMES, BARRON'S and USA TODAY.
    
 
   
    EQUITY  FUNDS. Forbes  magazine listed  Prudential Equity  Fund among twenty
mutual funds on  its Honor Roll  in its mutual  fund issue of  August 28,  1995.
Honorees  are chosen annually among mutual  funds (excluding sector funds) which
are open to new  investors and have  had the same management  for at least  five
years. Forbes considers, among other criteria, the total return of a mutual fund
in  both bull  and bear  markets as  well as  a fund's  risk profile. Prudential
Equity Fund  is  managed  with a  "value"  investment  style by  PIC.  In  1995,
Prudential Securities introduced Prudential Jennison Fund, a growth-style equity
fund  managed  by Jennison  Associates  Capital Corp.,  a  premier institutional
equity manager and a subsidiary of Prudential.
    
 
   
    HIGH YIELD FUNDS. Investing  in high yield bonds  is a complex and  research
intensive  pursuit. A separate team of high  yield bond analysts monitor the 167
issues held in the Prudential High Yield Fund (currently the largest fund of its
kind in the country) along with 100 or  so other high yield bonds, which may  be
considered for purchase.(3) Non-investment grade bonds, also known as junk bonds
or  high yield  bonds, are subject  to a greater  risk of loss  of principal and
interest including default risk than  higher-rated bonds. Prudential high  yield
portfolio  managers and analysts meet face-to-face with almost every bond issuer
in the  High Yield  Fund's  portfolio annually,  and have  additional  telephone
contact throughout the year.
    
 
   
    Prudential's  portfolio managers are supported  by a large and sophisticated
research organization.  Fourteen  investment  grade bond  analysts  monitor  the
financial  viability  of  approximately  1,750  different  bond  issuers  in the
investment grade  corporate  and  municipal  bond  markets--from  IBM  to  small
municipalities,  such as Rockaway Township,  New Jersey. These analysts consider
among other things sinking fund provisions and interest coverage ratios.
    
 
   
    Prudential's portfolio managers and analysts receive research services  from
almost  200 brokers  and market  service vendors.  They also  receive nearly 100
trade publications and  newspapers--from Pulp  and Paper  Forecaster to  Women's
Wear Daily--to keep them informed of the industries they follow.
    
 
   
    Prudential  Mutual Funds' traders scan over 100 computer monitors to collect
detailed information on  which to trade.  From natural gas  prices in the  Rocky
Mountains  to the results  of local municipal  elections, a Prudential portfolio
manager or trader is able to monitor it if it's important to a Prudential mutual
fund.
    
 
   
    Prudential Mutual Funds trade approximately $31 billion in U.S. and  foreign
government  securities  a year.  PIC  seeks information  from  government policy
makers. In 1995, Prudential's  portfolio managers met  with several senior  U.S.
and  foreign government officials, on issues ranging from economic conditions in
foreign countries  to the  viability of  index-linked securities  in the  United
States.
    
 
   
    Prudential Mutual Funds' portfolio managers and analysts met with over 1,200
companies  in  1995,  often with  the  Chief  Executive Officer  (CEO)  or Chief
Financial Officer (CFO). They also attended over 250 industry conferences.
    
 
   
    Prudential Mutual Fund global equity managers conducted many of their visits
overseas, often holding private  meetings with a company  in a foreign  language
(our  global  equity managers  speak 7  different languages,  including Mandarin
Chinese).
    
 
   
    TRADING DATA.(4)  On  an average  day,  Prudential Mutual  Funds'  U.S.  and
foreign  equity trading desks traded $77 million in securities representing over
3.8 million shares  with nearly  200 different firms.  Prudential Mutual  Funds'
bond  trading desks traded $157 million in  government and corporate bonds on an
average day. That represents more in daily trading than most bond funds  tracked
by Lipper even have in assets. Prudential Mutual Funds' money market desk traded
$3.2  billion in money market securities on an average day, or over $800 billion
a year. They made  a trade every 3  minutes of every trading  day. In 1994,  the
Prudential  Mutual  Funds  effected  more than  40,000  trades  in  money market
securities and held on average $20 billion of money market securities.(6)
    
 
   
(3)    As of December 31, 1995. The number of bonds and the size of the Fund are
       subject to change.
    
   
(4)   Trading data represents average daily  transactions for portfolios of  the
      Prudential Mutual Funds for which PIC serves as the subadviser, portfolios
      of  the  Prudential  Series  Fund and  institutional  and  non-US accounts
      managed by Prudential  Mutual Fund  Investment Management,  a division  of
      PIC, for the year ended December 31, 1995.
    
   
(5)   Based  on 669 funds in Lipper Analytical Services categories of Short U.S.
      Treasury, Short U.S. Government, Intermediate U.S. Treasury,  Intermediate
      U.S.  Government,  Short  Investment Grade  Debt,  Intermediate Investment
      Grade Debt, General  U.S. Treasury, General  U.S. Government and  Mortgage
      funds.
    
   
(6)   As of December 31, 1994.
    
 
   
                                     App-6
    
<PAGE>
   
    Based  on  complex-wide data,  on an  average  day, over  7,250 shareholders
telephoned Prudential  Mutual Fund  Services, Inc.,  the Transfer  Agent of  the
Prudential Mutual Funds, on the Prudential Mutual Funds' toll-free number. On an
annual   basis,  that  represents  approximately  1.8  million  telephone  calls
answered.
    
 
   
INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
    
 
   
    Prudential Securities  is the  fifth largest  retail brokerage  firm in  the
United  States with  approximately 5,600  financial advisors.  It offers  to its
clients a  wide  range  of  products,  including  Prudential  Mutual  Funds  and
annuities. As of December 31, 1995, assets held by Prudential Securities for its
clients  approximated  $168  billion.  During  1994,  over  28,000  new customer
accounts were opened each month at PSI.(7)
    
 
   
    Prudential Securities has a two-year Financial Advisor training program plus
advanced education programs, including Prudential Securities "university," which
provides advanced  education in  a wide  array of  investment areas.  Prudential
Securities  is the  only Wall  Street firm  to have  its own  in-house Certified
Financial Planner (CFP) program. In the  December 1995 issue of Registered  Rep,
an  industry  publication,  Prudential  Securities'  Financial  Advisor training
programs received a grade of A- (compared to an industry average of B+) .
    
 
   
    In  1995,  Prudential  Securities'  equity  research  team  ranked  8th   in
Institutional  Investor magazine's 1995 "All America Research Team" survey. Five
Prudential Securities' analysts were ranked as first-team finishers.(8)
    
 
   
    In addition  to  training,  Prudential  Securities  provides  its  financial
advisors  with  access  to firm  economists  and  market analysts.  It  has also
developed proprietary  tools  for  use  by  financial  advisors,  including  the
Financial  Architect-SM-, a  state-of-the-art asset  allocation software program
which helps Financial  Advisors to  evaluate a client's  objectives and  overall
financial  plan, and a comprehensive mutual fund information and analysis system
that compares different mutual funds.
    
 
   
    For more  complete information  about any  of the  Prudential Mutual  Funds,
including  charges  and  expenses,  call  your  Prudential  Securities financial
adviser or  Pruco/Prudential  representative  for a  free  prospectus.  Read  it
carefully before you invest or send money.
    
 
   
(7)    As of December 31, 1994.
    
 
   
(8)    On an annual basis, INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR magazine surveys more than 700
    institutional  money  managers,  chief  investment  officers  and   research
    directors,  asking them to evaluate analysts  in 76 industry sectors. Scores
    are produced by taking the number of votes awarded to an individual  analyst
    and  weighting them based on  the size of the  voting institution. In total,
    the magazine  sends its  survey to  approximately 2,000  institutions and  a
    group of European and Asian institutions.
    
 
   
                                     App-7
    
<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 February 29, 1996 (audited).
    
 
   
           Statement of Assets and Liabilities at February 29, 1996 (audited).
    
 
   
           Statement of Operations for the year ended February 29, 1996
           (audited).
    
 
   
           Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended February 29,
           1996 and February 28, 1995 (audited).
    
 
           Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   
           Financial Highlights with respect to the five-year period ended
           February 29, 1996 (audited).
    
 
           Independent Auditors' Report.
 
    (b) EXHIBITS:
 
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
      1.   Articles of Restatement.*
      2.   Amended and  Restated  By-laws  of the  Registrant,  incorporated  by
           reference  to  Exhibit  2  to  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  15  to
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
      3.   Not applicable.
      4.   Instruments  defining rights of holders  of securities being offered,
           incorporated by reference  to Exhibit 4  to Post-Effective  Amendment
           No.  15 to  Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)
           filed via EDGAR.
      5.   (a) Management Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual
           Fund Management, Inc, incorporated by  reference to Exhibit No.  5(a)
           to  Post-Effective Amendment No. 6  to Registration Statement on Form
           N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
           (b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund  Management,
           Inc.  and  The  Prudential  Investment  Corporation,  incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit No.  5(b) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 6  to
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
      6.   (a)  Distribution Agreement  with respect  to Class  A shares between
           Registrant   and   Prudential   Mutual   Fund   Distributors,   Inc.,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
           No.  18 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976)
           filed via EDGAR.
 
           (b) Distribution Agreement  with respect  to Class  B shares  between
           Registrant  and Prudential  Securities Incorporated,  incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 6(b) to  Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to  the
           Registration  Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed via
           EDGAR.
 
           (c) Distribution Agreement  with respect  to Class  C shares  between
           Registrant  and Prudential  Securities Incorporated,  incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 6(c) to  Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to  the
           Registration  Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed via
           EDGAR.
 
           (d) Dealer  Agreement between  Prudential-Bache Securities  Inc.  and
           dealer  or  dealers to  be determined,  incorporated by  reference to
           Exhibit No. 6(b)  to Post-Effective Amendment  No. 2 to  Registration
           Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
           (e) Form of Distribution Agreement for Class Z shares incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 6(e) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 19 to the
           Registration Statement  on  Form N-1A  (File  No. 2-82976  filed  via
           EDGAR.
 
      7.   Not Applicable.
 
      8.   (a)  Revised  Custodian Agreement  between  the Registrant  and State
           Street Bank and Trust Company,  incorporated by reference to  Exhibit
           No. 8(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to Registration Statement
           on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
           (b) Special Custody Agreement among the Registrant, State Street Bank
           and  Trust  Company,  and  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.,  incorporated  by
           reference to Exhibit No.  8(b) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 2  to
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
           (c)  Customer Agreement between  the Registrant and  Goldman, Sachs &
           Co., incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 8(c) to  Post-Effective
           Amendment  No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No.
           2-82976).
 
           (d) Form of Amendment to Revised Custodian Agreement incorporated  by
           reference  to Exhibit 8(d) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 19 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
 
      9.   Transfer  Agency  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and Prudential
           Mutual Fund Services, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit  No.
           9 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration Statement on Form
           N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
      10.  (a)  Opinion and Consent, incorporated by  reference to Exhibit 10 to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A
           (File No. 2-82976).
 
           (b) Opinion and Consent of Counsel.*
 
      11.  Consent of Independent Accountants.*
 
      12.  Not Applicable.
 
      13.  Purchase Agreement, incorporated  by reference to  Exhibit No. 13  to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A
           (File No. 2-82976).
 
      14.  Not Applicable.
 
      15.  (a) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares, incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
 
           (b) Distribution and Service Plan for Class B shares, incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
 
           (c) Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares, incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
 
      16.  (a) Schedule of computation of performance (Class A), incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 16(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
           (b) Schedule of computation of performance (Class B), incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 16(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to  the
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
 
           (c) Schedule of computation of performance (Class C), incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 16(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
 
      17.  Financial   Data  Schedules  filed  as   Exhibit  27  for  electronic
           purposes.*
 
      18.  Rule 18f-3 Plan, filed as Exhibit 18 to Post-Effective Amendment  No.
           21  to the  Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)
           filed via EDGAR on March 1, 1996.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
*Filed herewith.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
 
    None.
 
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
 
   
    As of April 12, 1996 there were 76,793, 55,218, 221 and 1,534 record holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C  and Class Z shares of common stock,  respectively,
$.01 par value per share, of the Registrant.
    
 
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
 
    As  permitted by Section 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 each  Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 6  to
the   Registration  Statement),  each  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  (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,   Inc.  (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 duties or from reckless
disregard  by  them  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 interpretation of Section 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, Inc.
 
    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 28, 1996).
    
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
    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 One Seaport Plaza, New York, NY 10292.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS            POSITION WITH PMF                        PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -------------------------  --------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                   <C>
Stephen P. Fisher          Senior Vice           Senior Vice President, PMF; Senior Vice President, Prudential
                           President               Securities; Vice President, PMFD
Frank W. Giordano          Executive Vice        Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and
                           President, General      Director, PMF and PMFD; Senior Vice President, Prudential
                           Counsel, Secretary      Securities; Director, Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
                           and Director            (PMFS)
Robert F. Gunia            Executive Vice        Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative
                           President, Chief        Officer, Treasurer and Director, PMF; Senior Vice
                           Financial and           President, Prudential Securities; Executive Vice President,
                           Administrative          Treasurer, Comptroller and Director, PMFD; Director, PMFS
                           Officer, Treasurer
                           and Director
Theresa A. Hamacher        Director              Director, PMF; Vice President, The Prudential Insurance
Prudential Plaza                                   Company of America (Prudential); Vice President, The
Newark, NJ 07102                                   Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC); President,
                                                   Presidential Mutual Fund Investment Management (PMFIM)
Timothy J. O'Brien         Director              President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer,
Raritan Plaza One                                  and Director, PMFD; Chief Executive Officer and Director,
Edison, NJ 08837                                   PMFS; Director, PMF
Richard A. Redeker         President, Chief      President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, PMF;
                           Executive Officer       Executive Vice President, Director and Member of the
                           and Director            Operating Committee, Prudential Securities; Director,
                                                   Prudential Securities Group, Inc. (PSG); Executive Vice
                                                   President, PIC; Director, PMFD; Director, PMFS
S. Jane Rose               Senior Vice           Senior Vice President, Senior Counsel and Assistant
                           President, Senior       Secretary, PMF; Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel,
                           Counsel and             Prudential Securities
                           Assistant Secretary
</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 07101.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS            POSITION WITH PIC                        PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -------------------------  --------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                   <C>
William M. Bethke          Senior Vice           Senior Vice President, Prudential; Senior Vice President, PIC
Two Gateway Center         President
Newark, NJ 07102
 
Barry M. Gillman           Director              Director, PIC
 
Theresa A. Hamacher        Vice President        Director, PMF; Vice President, Prudential; Vice President,
                                                   PIC; President, PMFIM
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      C-4
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS            POSITION WITH PIC                        PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -------------------------  --------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                   <C>
Richard A. Redeker         Executive Vice        President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, PMF;
One Seaport Plaza          President               Executive Vice President, Director and Member of the
New York, NY 10292                                 Operating Committee, Prudential Securities; Director, PSG;
                                                   Executive Vice President, PIC; Director, PMFD; Director,
                                                   PMFS
 
John L. Reeve              Senior Vice           Managing Director, Prudential Asset Management Group; Senior
                           President               Vice President, PIC
 
Eric A. Simonson           Vice President and    Vice President and Director, PIC; Executive Vice President,
                           Director                Prudential
</TABLE>
    
 
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
 
    (a) Prudential Securities
 
   
    Prudential Securities is  distributor for Command  Government Fund,  Command
Money  Fund,  Command  Tax-Free  Fund,  Prudential  Government  Securities Trust
(Short-Intermediate Term Series,  Money Market  Series and  U.S. Treasury  Money
Market  Series),  Prudential  MoneyMart Assets,  Inc.,  Prudential Institutional
Liquidity  Portfolio,  Inc.,  Prudential   Special  Money  Market  Fund,   Inc.,
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc., Prudential Jennison Fund, Inc., The Target
Portfolio  Trust,  Prudential Allocation  Fund, Prudential  California Municipal
Fund, Prudential  Diversified Bond  Fund, Inc.,  Prudential Equity  Fund,  Inc.,
Prudential  Equity Income Fund, Prudential  Europe Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential
Global Fund,  Inc.,  Prudential Global  Genesis  Fund, Inc.,  Prudential  Global
Limited  Maturity Fund,  Inc., Prudential  Global Natural  Resources Fund, Inc.,
Prudential Government  Income Fund,  Inc., Prudential  Growth Opportunity  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  Structured Maturity Fund,  Inc., Prudential Utility  Fund, Inc., The
Global Government Plus Fund,  Inc., The Global Total  Return Fund, Inc.,  Global
Utility  Fund,  Inc., Nicholas-Applegate  Fund, Inc.  (Nicholas-Applegate Growth
Equity Fund) and The BlackRock Government Income Trust. Prudential Securities is
also a depositor for the following unit investment trust:
    
 
                       Corporate Investment Trust Fund
                       Prudential Equity Trust Shares
                       National Equity Trust
                       Prudential Unit Trusts
                       Government Securities Equity Trust
                       National Municipal Trust
 
                                      C-5
<PAGE>
    (b)  Information  concerning  the  directors  and  officers  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, N.Y. 10292
Alan D. Hogan.......................  Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and   None
                                        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, N.Y. 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, N.Y. 10292
Richard A. Redeker..................  Executive Vice President and Director                        Director and
                                                                                                   President
Hardwick Simmons....................  Chief Executive Officer, President and Director              None
Lee B. Spencer, Jr..................  General Counsel, Executive Vice President, Secretary and     None
                                        Director
<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 Registrant, One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York, and
Prudential Mutual Fund Services,  Inc., Raritan Plaza  One, Edison, New  Jersey.
Documents  required  by Rules  31a-1(b)(5),  (6), (7),  (9),  (10) and  (11) and
31a-1(f) will  be  kept  at  2  Gateway  Center,  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, Inc.
 
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
 
    Other than as set forth under the captions "How the Fund is Managed-Manager"
and "Management  of the  Fund-Distributor" in  the Prospectus  and the  captions
"Manager"   and  "Distributor"  in  the  Statement  of  Additional  Information,
constituting Parts  A  and  B, respectively,  of  this  Registration  Statement,
Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
 
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    Registrant makes the following undertaking:
 
    (a)  To furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of
the Fund's latest annual report 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 certifies that it meets all  the
requirements   for  effectiveness  of  this   Post-Effective  Amendment  to  the
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of  1933
and  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 New York, and State of New York, on the 29th day of April, 1996.
    
 
                         PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT 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/ Edward D. Beach                   Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  EDWARD D. BEACH
 
/s/ Delayne D. Gold                   Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  DELAYNE D. GOLD
 
/s/ Harry A. Jacobs, Jr.              Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  HARRY A. JACOBS, JR.
 
/s/ Thomas T. Mooney                  Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  THOMAS T. MOONEY
 
/s/ Thomas H. O'Brien                 Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  THOMAS H. O'BRIEN
 
/s/ Thomas A. Owens, Jr.              Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  THOMAS A. OWENS, JR.
 
/s/ Richard A. Redeker                President and Director            April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  RICHARD A. REDEKER
 
/s/ Stanley E. Shirk                  Director                          April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------
  STANLEY E. SHIRK
 
/s/ Eugene S. Stark                   Treasurer and Principal           April 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------  Financial and Accounting
  EUGENE S. STARK                     Officer
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
      1.   Articles of Restatement.*
      2.   Amended  and  Restated  By-laws of  the  Registrant,  incorporated by
           reference  to  Exhibit  2  to  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  15  to
           Registration  Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed via
           EDGAR.
      3.   Not applicable.
      4.   Instruments defining rights of  holders of securities being  offered,
           incorporated  by reference  to Exhibit 4  to Post-Effective Amendment
           No. 15  to Registration  Statement on  Form N-1A  (File No.  2-82976)
           filed via EDGAR.
      5.   (a) Management Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual
           Fund  Management, Inc, incorporated by  reference to Exhibit No. 5(a)
           to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6  to Registration Statement on  Form
           N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
           (b)  Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
           Inc. and  The  Prudential  Investment  Corporation,  incorporated  by
           reference  to Exhibit No.  5(b) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 6 to
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
      6.   (a) Distribution Agreement  with respect  to Class  A shares  between
           Registrant   and   Prudential   Mutual   Fund   Distributors,   Inc.,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
           No. 18 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No.  2-82976)
           filed via EDGAR.
           (b)  Distribution Agreement  with respect  to Class  B shares between
           Registrant and  Prudential Securities  Incorporated, incorporated  by
           reference  to Exhibit 6(b) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
           (c)  Distribution Agreement  with respect  to Class  C shares between
           Registrant and  Prudential Securities  Incorporated, incorporated  by
           reference  to Exhibit 6(c) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
           (d)  Dealer  Agreement between  Prudential-Bache Securities  Inc. and
           dealer or  dealers to  be determined,  incorporated by  reference  to
           Exhibit  No. 6(b) to  Post-Effective Amendment No.  2 to Registration
           Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
           (e) Form of Distribution Agreement for Class Z shares incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 6(e) to  Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to  the
           Registration  Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed via
           EDGAR.
      7.   Not Applicable.
      8.   (a) Revised  Custodian Agreement  between  the Registrant  and  State
           Street  Bank and Trust Company,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           No. 8(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to Registration Statement
           on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
           (b) Special Custody Agreement among the Registrant, State Street Bank
           and  Trust  Company,  and  Goldman,  Sachs  &  Co.,  incorporated  by
           reference  to Exhibit No.  8(b) to Post-Effective  Amendment No. 2 to
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
           (c) Customer Agreement  between the Registrant  and Goldman, Sachs  &
           Co.,  incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 8(c) to Post-Effective
           Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File  No.
           2-82976).
           (d) Form of Amendment to Custodian Contract incorporated by reference
           to   Exhibit  8(d)  to   Post-Effective  Amendment  No.   19  to  the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
      9.   Transfer  Agency  Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and Prudential
           Mutual Fund Services, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit  No.
           9 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Registration Statement on Form
           N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
      10.  (a)  Opinion and Consent, incorporated by  reference to Exhibit 10 to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A
           (File No. 2-82976).
           (b) Opinion and Consent of Counsel.*
      11.  Consent of Independent Accountants.*
      12.  Not Applicable.
      13.  Purchase Agreement, incorporated  by reference to  Exhibit No. 13  to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A
           (File No. 2-82976).
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
      14.  Not Applicable.
      15.  (a) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares, incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 15(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
           (b) Distribution and Service Plan for Class B shares, incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
           (c) Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares, incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
      16.  (a) Schedule of computation of performance (Class A), incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 16(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
           (b) Schedule of computation of performance (Class B), incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 16(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to  the
           Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-82976).
           (c) Schedule of computation of performance (Class C), incorporated by
           reference  to Exhibit 16(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
           Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)  filed  via
           EDGAR.
      17.  Financial   Data  Schedules,  filed  as  Exhibit  27  for  electronic
           purposes.*
      18.  Rule 18f-3 Plan, filed as Exhibit 18 to Post-Effective Amendment  No.
           21  to the  Registration Statement  on Form  N-1A (File  No. 2-82976)
           filed via EDGAR on March 1, 1996.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
*Filed herewith.

<PAGE>

                     PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.

                             ARTICLES OF RESTATEMENT

     Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation, having 
its principal office in the city of Baltimore, (hereinafter called the 
"Corporation"), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and 
Taxation of Maryland, that:

     FIRST:  The Corporation desires to restate its charter as currently in 
effect, such restatement to be effective on March 7, 1996, and is restated as 
follows:

                                   ARTICLE I.

     The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the "Corporation") is
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.

                                   ARTICLE II.

                                    PURPOSES

     The purpose for which the Corporation is formed is to act as an open-end 
investment company of the management type registered as such with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 
1940 and to exercise and generally to enjoy all of the powers, rights and 
privileges granted to, or conferred upon, corporations by the General Laws of 
the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force.

                                  ARTICLE III.

                               ADDRESS IN MARYLAND

     The post office address of the place at which the principal office of 
the Corporation in the State of Maryland is located is c/o The Corporation 
Trust Incorporated, 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

<PAGE>

     The name of the Corporation's resident agent is The Corporation Trust 
Incorporated, and its post office address is 32 South Street, Baltimore, 
Maryland 21202.  Said resident agent is a corporation of the State of 
Maryland.

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                                  COMMON STOCK

     Section 1. The total number of shares of capital stock which the 
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 2,000,000,000 shares of common 
stock of the par value of $.01 per share, having an aggregate par value of 
$20,000,000, divided into four classes, consisting of 500,000,000 shares of 
Class A Common Stock, 500,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, 500,000,000 
shares of Class C Common Stock and 500,000,000 shares of Class Z Common Stock.

         (a) Each share of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z Common Stock
    of the Corporation shall represent the same interest in the Corporation and
    have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights 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


                                      -2-


<PAGE>

    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 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 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.

         (b) Each share of the Class B Common Stock of the Corporation shall be
    converted automatically, and without any action or choice on the part of
    the holder thereof, into shares (including fractions thereof) of the Class
    A Common Stock of the Corporation (computed in the manner hereinafter
    described), at the applicable net asset value per share of each Class, at
    the time of the calculation of the net asset value of such Class B Common
    Stock at such times, which may vary between shares originally issued for
    cash and shares purchased through the automatic reinvestment of dividends
    and distributions with respect to Class B Common Stock (each "Conversion
    Date"), determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable
    laws, rules, regulations, and


                                      -3-


<PAGE>

    interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National
    Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and pursuant to such procedures
    as may be established from time to time by the Board of Directors and 
    disclosed in the Corporation's then current prospectus for such Class A 
    and Class B Common Stock.

         (c) The number of shares of the Class A Common Stock of the
    Corporation into which a share of the Class B Common Stock is converted
    pursuant to Paragraph (1)(b) hereof shall equal the number (including for
    this purpose fractions of a share) obtained by dividing the net asset value
    per share of the Class B Common Stock for purposes of sales and redemptions
    thereof at the time of the calculation of the net asset value on the
    Conversion Date by the net asset value per share of the Class A Common
    Stock for purposes of sales and redemptions thereof at the time of the
    calculation of the net asset value on the Conversion Date.

         (d) On the Conversion Date, the shares of the Class B Common Stock of
    the Corporation converted into shares of the Class A Common Stock will
    cease to accrue dividends and will no longer be outstanding and the rights
    of the holders thereof will cease (except the right to receive declared but
    unpaid dividends to the Conversion Date).

         (e) The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority to
    adopt such other terms and conditions concerning the conversion of shares
    of Class B Common Stock to shares of


                                      -4-


<PAGE>

    the Class A Common Stock as they deem appropriate; provided such terms 
    and conditions are not inconsistent with the terms contained in this 
    Section 1 and subject to any restrictions or requirements under the 
    Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules, regulations and 
    interpretations thereof promulgated or issued by the Securities and 
    Exchange Commission, any conditions or limitations contained in an 
    order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to 
    the Corporation, or any restrictions or requirements under the Internal 
    Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules, regulations and 
    interpretations promulgated or issued thereunder.

     Section 2.  The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, classify and 
reclassify any unissued shares of the capital stock of the Corporation into 
one or more additional or other classes or series by setting or changing in 
any one or more respects the designations, conversion or other rights, 
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or 
conditions of redemption of such shares and pursuant to such classification 
or reclassification to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares 
of any existing class or series.  If designated by the Board of Directors, 
particular classes or series of capital stock may relate to separate 
portfolios of investments.

     Section 3.  Unless otherwise expressly provided in the charter of the
Corporation, including any Articles Supplementary creating any class or series
of capital stock, the holders of each class and


                                      -5-


<PAGE>

series of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to dividends and 
distributions in such amounts and at such times as may be determined by the 
Board of Directors, and the dividends and distributions paid with respect to 
the various classes or series of capital stock may vary among such classes or 
series.  Expenses related to the distribution of, and other identified 
expenses that should properly be allocated to, the shares of a particular 
class or series of capital stock may be charged to and borne solely by such 
class or series and the bearing of expenses solely by a class or series may 
be appropriately reflected (in a manner determined by the Board of Directors) 
and cause differences in the net asset value attributable to, and the 
dividend, redemption and liquidation rights of, the shares of each such class 
or series of capital stock.

     Section 4.  Unless otherwise expressly provided in the charter of the 
Corporation, including any Articles Supplementary creating any class or 
series of capital stock, on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders, 
each holder of a share of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled 
to one vote for each share standing in such holder's name on the books of the 
Corporation, irrespective of the class or series thereof, and all shares of 
all classes and series shall vote together as a single class; provided, 
however, that (a) as to any matter with respect to which a separate vote of 
any class or series is required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as 
amended, and in effect from time to time, or any rules, regulations or orders 
issued thereunder, or


                                      -6-


<PAGE>

by the Maryland General Corporation Law, such requirement as to a separate 
vote by that class or series shall apply in lieu of a general vote of all 
classes and series as described above; (b) in the event that the separate 
vote requirements referred to in (a) above apply with respect to one or more 
classes or series, then subject to paragraph (c) below, the shares of all 
other classes and series not entitled to a separate vote shall vote together 
as a single class; and (c) as to any matter which in the judgment of the 
Board of Directors (which shall be conclusive) does not affect the interest 
of a particular class or series, such class or series shall not be entitled 
to any vote and only the holders of shares of the one or more affected 
classes and series shall be entitled to vote. 

     Section 5.  Unless otherwise expressly provided in the charter of the 
Corporation, including any Articles Supplementary creating any class or 
series of capital stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or 
winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of 
shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled, after payment 
or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the 
Corporation (as such liabilities may affect one or more of the classes of 
shares of capital stock of the Corporation), to share ratably in the 
remaining net assets of the Corporation; provided, however, that in the event 
the capital stock of the Corporation shall be classified or reclassified into 
series, holders of any shares of capital stock within such series shall be 
entitled to share ratably out of assets


                                      -7-


<PAGE>

belonging to such series pursuant to the provisions of Section 7(c) of this 
Article IV.

     Section 6.  Each share of any class of the capital stock of the 
Corporation, and in the event the capital stock of the Corporation shall be 
classified or reclassified into series, each share of any class of Capital 
Stock of the Corporation within such series shall be subject to the following 
provisions:

          (a)  The net asset value of each outstanding share of capital
     stock of the Corporation (or of a class or series, in the event the
     capital stock of the Corporation shall be so classified or
     reclassified), subject to subsection (b) of this Section 6, shall be
     the quotient obtained by dividing the value of the net assets of the
     Corporation (or the net assets of the Corporation attributable or
     belonging to that class or series as designated by the Board of
     Directors pursuant to Articles Supplementary) by the total number of
     outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation (or of such
     class or series, in the event the capital stock of the Corporation
     shall be classified or reclassified into series).  Subject to
     subsection (b) of this Section 6, the value of the net assets of the
     Corporation (or of such class or series, in the event the capital
     stock of the Corporation shall be classified or reclassified into
     series) shall be determined pursuant to the procedures or methods
     (which procedures or methods, in the event the capital stock of


                                      -8-


<PAGE>

     the Corporation shall be classified or reclassified into series, differ
     from class to class or from series to series) prescribed or approved
     by the Board of Directors in its discretion, and shall be determined
     at the time or times (which time or times may, in the event the
     capital stock of the Corporation shall be classified into classes or
     series, differ from series to series) prescribed or approved by the
     Board of Directors in its discretion.  In addition, subject to
     subsection (b) of this Section 6, the Board of Directors, in its
     discretion, may suspend the daily determination of net asset value of
     any share of any series or class of capital stock of the Corporation.

          (b)  The net asset value of each share of the capital stock of
     the Corporation or any class or series thereof shall be determined in
     accordance with any applicable provision of the Investment Company Act
     of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), any applicable
     rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission
     thereunder, and any applicable rule or regulation made or adopted by
     any securities association registered under the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934.

          (c)  All shares now or hereafter authorized shall be subject to
     redemption and redeemable at the option of the stockholder pursuant to
     the applicable provisions of the


                                      -9-


<PAGE>



     Investment Company Act and laws of the State of Maryland, 
     including any applicable rules and regulations thereunder. 
     Each holder of a share of any class or series, upon request to 
     the Corporation (if such holder's shares are certificated, such 
     request being accompanied by surrender of the appropriate stock
     certificate or certificates in proper form for transfer), shall be
     entitled to require the Corporation to redeem all or any part of such
     shares outstanding in the name of such holder on the books of the
     Corporation (or as represented by share certificates surrendered to
     the Corporation by such redeeming holder) at a redemption price per
     share determined in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section 6.

          (d)  Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this Section 6, the Board
     of Directors of the Corporation may suspend the right of the holders
     of shares of any or all classes or series of capital stock to require
     the Corporation to redeem such shares or may suspend any purchase of
     such shares:

               (i)  for any period (A) during which the New York Stock
          Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday
          closings, or (B) during which trading on the New York Stock
          Exchange is restricted;


                                     -10-


<PAGE>

               (ii)  for any period during which an emergency, as
          defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
          Commission or any successor thereto, exists as a result of
          which (A) disposal by the Corporation of securities owned by
          it and belonging to the affected series of capital stock (or
          the Corporation, if the shares of capital stock of the
          Corporation have not been classified or reclassified into
          series) is not reasonably practicable, or (B) it is not
          reasonably practicable for the Corporation fairly to
          determine the value of the net assets of the affected series
          of capital stock; or

               (iii)  for such other periods as the Securities and
          Exchange Commission or any successor thereto may by order
          permit for the protection of the holders of shares of
          capital stock of the Corporation.

          (e)  All shares of the capital stock of the Corporation now or
     hereafter authorized shall be subject to redemption and redeemable at
     the option of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may by
     resolution from time to time authorize the Corporation to require the
     redemption of all or any part of the outstanding shares of any class
     or series upon the sending of written


                                     -11-


<PAGE>

     notice thereof to each holder whose shares are to be redeemed 
     and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors, 
     in its discretion, shall deem advisable, out of funds legally 
     available therefor, at the net asset value per share of that 
     class or series determined in accordance with subsections (a)
     and (b) of this Section 6 and take all other steps deemed 
     necessary or advisable in connection therewith.

          (f)  The Board of Directors may by resolution from time to time
     authorize the purchase by the Corporation, either directly or through
     an agent, of shares of any class or series of the capital stock of the
     Corporation upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration
     as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, shall deem advisable out
     of funds legally available therefor at prices per share not in excess
     of the net asset value per share of that class or series determined in
     accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 6 and to take
     all other steps deemed necessary or advisable in connection therewith.

          (g)  Except as otherwise permitted by the Investment Company Act
     of 1940, payment of the redemption price of shares of any class or
     series of the capital stock of the Corporation surrendered to the
     Corporation for redemption pursuant to the provisions of subsection
     (c) of this Section 6 or for purchase by the Corporation pursuant to


                                     -12-


<PAGE>

     the provisions of subsection (e) or (f) of this Section 6 shall be
     made by the Corporation within seven days after surrender of such
     shares to the Corporation for such purpose.  Any such payment may be
     made in whole or in part in portfolio securities or in cash, as the
     Board of Directors, in its discretion, shall deem advisable, and no
     stockholder shall have the right, other than as determined by the
     Board of Directors, to have his or her shares redeemed in portfolio
     securities.

          (h)  In the absence of any specification as to the purposes for
     which shares are redeemed or repurchased by the Corporation, all
     shares so redeemed or repurchased shall be deemed to be acquired for
     retirement in the sense contemplated by the laws of the State of
     Maryland.  Shares of any class or series retired by repurchase or
     redemption shall thereafter have the status of authorized but unissued
     shares of such class or series.

     Section 7.  In the event the Board of Directors shall authorize the
classification or reclassification of shares into classes or series, the Board
of Directors may (but shall not be obligated to) provide that each class or
series shall have the following powers, preferences and voting or other special
rights, and the qualifications, restrictions and limitations thereof shall be as
follows:

          (a)  All consideration received by the Corporation for the issue
     or sale of shares of capital stock of each


                                     -13-


<PAGE>

     series, together with all income, earnings, profits, 
     and proceeds received thereon, including any proceeds 
     derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation thereof, and any 
     funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds 
     in whatever form the same may be, shall irrevocably belong to
     the series with respect to which such assets, payments or funds were
     received by the Corporation for all purposes, subject only to the
     rights of creditors, and shall be so handled upon the books of account
     of the Corporation.  Such assets, payments and funds, including any
     proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation thereof, and
     any assets derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever
     form the same may be, are herein referred to as "assets belonging to"
     such series.

          (b)  The Board of Directors may from time to time declare and pay
     dividends or distributions, in additional shares of capital stock of
     such series or in cash, on any or all series of capital stock, the
     amount of such dividends and the means of payment being wholly in the
     discretion of the Board of Directors.

               (i)  Dividends or distributions on shares of any series
          shall be paid only out of earned surplus or other lawfully
          available assets belonging to such series.


                                     -14-


<PAGE>

               (ii)  Inasmuch as one goal of the Corporation is to
          qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the
          Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor
          or comparable statute thereto, and Regulations promulgated
          thereunder, and inasmuch as the computation of net income
          and gains for federal income tax purposes may vary from the
          computation thereof on the books of the Corporation, the
          Board of Directors shall have the power, in its discretion,
          to distribute in any fiscal year as dividends, including
          dividends designated in whole or in part as capital gains
          distributions, amounts sufficient, in the opinion of the
          Board of Directors, to enable the Corporation to qualify as
          a regulated investment company and to avoid liability for
          the Corporation for federal income tax in respect of that
          year.  In furtherance, and not in limitation of the
          foregoing, in the event that a series has a net capital loss
          for a fiscal year, and to the extent that the net capital
          loss offsets net capital gains from such series, the amount
          to be deemed available for distribution to that series with
          the net capital gain may be reduced by the amount offset.


                                     -15-


<PAGE>

          (c)  In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the
     Corporation, holders of shares of capital stock of each series shall
     be entitled to receive, as a series, out of the assets of the
     Corporation available for distribution to such holders, but other than
     general assets not belonging to any particular series, the assets
     belonging to such series; and the assets so distributable to the
     holders of shares of capital stock of any series shall be distributed,
     subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section 7, among
     such stockholders in proportion to the number of shares of such series
     held by them and recorded on the books of the Corporation.  In the
     event that there are any general assets not belonging to any
     particular series and available for distribution, such distribution
     shall be made to the holders of all series in proportion to the net
     asset value of the respective series determined in accordance with the
     charter of the Corporation.

          (d)  The assets belonging to any series shall be charged with the
     liabilities in respect to such series, and shall also be charged with its
     share of the general liabilities of the Corporation, in proportion to the
     asset value of the respective series determined in accordance with the
     Charter of the Corporation.  The determination of the Board of Directors
     shall be conclusive as to the amount of liabilities, including accrued
     expenses and reserves, as to the allocation of the


                                     -16-


<PAGE>

     same as to a given series, and as to whether the same or general assets 
     of the Corporation are allocable to one or more classes.

     Section 8.  Any fractional shares shall carry proportionately all the 
rights of a whole share, excepting any right to receive a certificate 
evidencing such fractional share, but including, without limitation, the 
right to vote and the right to receive dividends.

     Section 9.  No holder of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation 
shall, as such holder, have any pre-emptive right to purchase or subscribe 
for any shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation of any class or series 
which it may issue or sell (whether out of the number of shares authorized by 
the Articles of Incorporation, or out of any shares of the Common Stock of 
the Corporation acquired by it after the issue thereof, or otherwise).

     Section 10.  All persons who shall acquire any shares of capital stock 
of the Corporation shall acquire the same subject to the provisions of the 
charter and By-Laws of the Corporation.  All shares of Common Stock of the 
Corporation issued on or before the date of the filing of the amendment filed 
January 17, 1990 to the Articles of Incorporation shall without further act 
of the Board of Directors or the holders of such shares be deemed to be 
shares of Class B Common Stock.

     Section 11.  Notwithstanding any provision of law requiring action to be 
taken or authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a designated 
proportion greater than a majority of the

                                     -17-


<PAGE>

shares of common stock, such action shall be valid and effective if taken or 
authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total 
number of Shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereupon 
pursuant to the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation.

                                   ARTICLE V.

                                    DIRECTORS

     The By-Laws of the Corporation may fix the number of directors at a number
other than four and may authorize the Board of Directors, by the vote of a
majority of the entire Board of Directors, to increase or decrease the number of
directors within a limit specified in the By-Laws, provided that in no case
shall the number of directors be less than three, and to fill the vacancies
created by any such increase in the number of directors.  Unless otherwise
provided by the By-Laws of the Corporation, the directors of the Corporation
need not be stockholders.

     The By-Laws of the Corporation may divide the Directors of the Corporation
into classes and prescribe the tenure of office of the several classes; but no
class shall be elected for a period shorter than that from the time of the
election of such class until the next annual meeting and thereafter for a period
shorter than the interval between annual meetings or for a longer period than
five years, and the term of office of at least one class shall expire each year.


                                     -18-


<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     A director or officer of the Corporation shall not be liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director or officer, except to the extent such exemption from
liability or limitation thereof is not permitted by law (including the
Investment Company Act of 1940) as currently in effect or as the same may
hereafter be amended.

     No amendment modification or repeal of this Article VI shall adversely
affect any right or protection of a director or officer that exists at the time
of such amendment, modification or repeal.

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

     The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business
and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for creating,
defining, limiting and regulating the powers of the Corporation, the directors
and the stockholders.

     Section 1.  The Board of Directors shall have the management and control of
the property, business and affairs of the Corporation and is hereby vested with
all the powers possessed by the Corporation itself so far as is not inconsistent
with law or these Articles of Incorporation.  In furtherance and without
limitation of the foregoing provisions, it is expressly declared that, subject
to these Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors shall have power:


                                     -19-


<PAGE>

          (a)  To make, alter, amend or repeal from time to time the By-
     Laws of the Corporation except as such power may otherwise be limited
     in the By-Laws.

          (b)  To issue shares of any class or series of the capital stock
     of the Corporation.

          (c)  To authorize the purchase of shares of any class or series
     in the open market or otherwise, at prices not in excess of their net
     asset value for shares of that class, series or class within such
     series determined in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of
     Section 6 of Article IV hereof, provided that the Corporation has
     assets legally available for such purpose, and to pay for such shares
     in cash, securities or other assets then held or owned by the
     Corporation.

          (d)  To declare and pay dividends and distributions from funds
     legally available therefor on shares of such class or series, in such
     amounts, if any, and in such manner (including declaration by means of
     a formula or other similar method of determination whether or not the
     amount of the dividend or distribution so declared can be calculated
     at the time of such declaration) and to the holders of record as of 
     such date, as the Board of Directors may determine.


                                     -20-


<PAGE>

          (e)  To take any and all action necessary or appropriate to
     maintain a constant net asset value per share for shares of any class,
     series or class within such series.

     Section 2.  Any determination made in good faith and, so far as 
accounting matters are involved, in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles applied by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of 
Directors or as otherwise required or permitted by the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, shall be final and conclusive, and shall be binding upon 
the Corporation and all holders of shares, past, present and future, of each 
class or series, and shares are issued and sold on the condition and 
undertaking, evidenced by acceptance of certificates for such shares by, or 
confirmation of such shares being held for the account of, any stockholder, 
that any and all such determinations shall be binding as aforesaid.

     Nothing in this Section 2 shall be construed to protect any director or 
officer of the Corporation against liability to the Corporation or its 
stockholders to which such director or officer would otherwise be subject by 
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless 
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

     Section 3.  The directors of the Corporation may receive compensation 
for their services, subject, however, to such limitations with respect 
thereto as may be determined from time to time by the holders of shares of 
capital stock of the Corporation.


                                     -21-


<PAGE>

     Section 4.  Except as required by law, the holders of shares of capital 
stock of the Corporation shall have only such right to inspect the records, 
documents, accounts and books of the Corporation as may be granted by the 
Board of Directors of the Corporation.

     Section 5.  Any vote of the holders of shares of capital stock of the 
Corporation authorizing liquidation of the Corporation or proceedings for its 
dissolution may authorize the Board of Directors to determine, as provided 
herein, or if provision is not made herein, in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles, which assets are the assets belonging to the 
Corporation or any series thereof available for distribution to the holders 
of the Corporation or any series thereof (pursuant to the provisions of 
Section 7 of Article IV hereof) and may divide, or authorize the Board of 
Directors to divide, such assets among the stockholders of the shares of 
capital stock of the Corporation or any series thereof in such manner as to 
ensure that each such holder receives an amount from the proceeds of such 
liquidation or dissolution that such holder is entitled to, as determined 
pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3 and 7 of Article IV hereof.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.  As used in these Articles of Incorporation and in the 
By-Laws of the Corporation, the following terms shall have the meanings 
indicated:


                                     -22-


<PAGE>

          "Gross Assets" shall mean the total value of the assets of the
     Corporation determined as provided in Section 3 below.

          "Person" shall mean a natural person, corporation, joint stock
     company, firm association, partnership, trust, syndicate, combination,
     organization, government or agency or subdivision thereof.

          "Securities" shall mean any stock, shares, bonds, debentures,
     notes, mortgages or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts,
     warrants or other instruments representing rights to receive, purchase
     or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other
     rights or interests therein, or in any property or assets created or
     issued by any Person.

     Section 2.  Net asset value shall be determined by dividing:

          (a)  The total value of the assets of the Corporation determined
     as provided in Section 3 below less, to the extent determined by or
     pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles, all debts, obligations and
     liabilities of the Corporation (which debts, obligations and
     liabilities shall include, without limitation of the generality of the
     foregoing, any and all debts, obligations, liabilities or claims, of
     any and every kind and nature, fixed, accrued or unmatured, including
     the estimated accrued expense of investment


                                     -23-


<PAGE>

     advisory and administrative services, and any reserves or charges for any
     or all of the foregoing, whether for taxes, expenses, contingencies, or
     otherwise, and the price of common stock redeemed but not paid for)
     but excluding the Corporation's liability upon its shares and its
     surplus, by

          (b)  The total number of shares of the Corporation outstanding
     (shares sold by the Corporation whether or not paid for being treated
     as outstanding and shares purchased or redeemed by the Corporation
     whether or not paid for and treasury shares being treated as not
     outstanding).

     Section 3.  In determining for the purposes of these Articles of 
Incorporation the total value of the assets of the Corporation at any time, 
securities shall be taken at their market value or, in the absence of readily 
available market quotations, at fair value, both as determined pursuant to 
methods approved by the Board of Directors and all other assets at fair value 
determined in such manner as may be approved from time to time by or pursuant 
to the direction of the Board of Directors.

     Section 4.  Any determination made in good faith and, so far as 
accounting matters are involved, in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles or with any order, rule, regulation or release of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission by or pursuant to the direction of the 
Board of Directors, shall be final and


                                     -24-


<PAGE>

conclusive, and shall be binding upon the Corporation and all holders of its 
shares, past, present and future, and shares of the Corporation are issued 
and sold on the condition and undertaking, evidenced by acceptance of 
certificates for such shares by, or confirmation of such shares being held 
for the account of any stockholder, that any and all such determinations 
shall be binding as aforesaid.

     Nothing in this Section 4 shall be construed to protect any director or 
officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its 
stockholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful 
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties 
involved in the conduct of his office.

                                   ARTICLE IX.

                                   AMENDMENTS

     From time to time any of these provisions of these Articles of 
Incorporation may be amended, altered or repealed (including any amendment 
that changes the terms of any of the outstanding stock by classification, 
reclassification or otherwise), and other provisions that may, under the 
statutes of the State of Maryland at the time in force, be lawfully contained 
in articles of incorporation may be added or inserted, upon the vote of the 
holders of a majority of the shares of common stock of the Corporation at the 
time outstanding and entitled to vote, and all rights at any time conferred 
upon the stockholders of the


                                     -25-


<PAGE>

Corporation by these Articles of Incorporation are subject to the provisions 
of this Article IX."

     SECOND:  The provisions set forth in these Articles of Restatement are 
all provisions of the Charter as currently in effect.

     THIRD:   The restatement of the Charter has been approved by a majority 
of the entire Board of Directors.

     FOURTH:  The Charter is not amended by these Articles of Restatement.

     FIFTH:  The Corporation's principal office in the state of Maryland is 
c/o CT Corporation, 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.  

     SIXTH:  The name and address of the Corporation's resident agent is CT 
Corporation, 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

     SEVENTH: The Corporation currently has eight directors.  The names of the
directors currently in office are as follows:

                    Edward D. Beach
                    Delayne D. Gold
                    Harry A. Jacobs, Jr.
                    Thomas T. Mooney
                    Thomas H. O'Brien
                    Thomas A. Owens, Jr.
                    Richard A. Redeker
                    Stanley E. Shirk


                                     -26-


<PAGE>


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC., has caused 
these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President 
and attested by its Assistant Secretary on February 28, 1996.

                                    PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.

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



Attest: /s/ Ellyn C. Acker
        ------------------------------
        Ellyn C. Acker
        Assistant Secretary


     THE UNDERSIGNED, President of Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc., 
who executed on behalf of the Corporation the foregoing Articles of 
Restatement of which this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges in 
the name and on behalf of said Corporation the foregoing Articles of 
Restatement 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.

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


                                     -27-

<PAGE>

                                                            Exhibit 10(b)

                     Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP
                                    818 Third Avenue
                               New York, New York 10022-9998




                                                  April 30, 1996



Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
One Seaport Plaza - 25th Floor
New York, New York  10292

Dear Sirs:

     Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), a Maryland 
corporation, is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
"Commission") Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to its Registration Statement 
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") on Form N-1A (File No. 02-82976) 
relating, among other things, to the registration under the Act of 8,467,028 
additional shares of Common Stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the 
"additional shares"), which are to be offered and sold by the Fund in the manner
and on the terms set forth in the prospectus current and effective under the 
Act at the time of sale. 8,435,404 of the additional shares are previously 
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Fund which were redeemed by the 
Fund during the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 but have not previously 
been used by the Fund for a redemption pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 
24e-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") during the 
current fiscal year or pursuant to paragraph (e) of Rule 24f-2 under the 1940 
Act in all previous filings during the current fiscal year.

     We have, as counsel, participated in various proceedings relating to the 
Fund and to the proposed issuance of the additional shares. We have examined 
copies, either certified or otherwise proven to our satisfaction to be 
genuine, of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, as currently in 
effect, and a certificate issued by the State Department of Assessments and 
Taxation of the State of Maryland, dated April 18, 1996, certifying the 
existence and good standing of the Fund. We are generally familiar with the 
corporate affairs of the Fund.

     Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that:

     1.     The Fund has been duly organized and is legally existing under 
            the laws of the State of Maryland.

<PAGE>

Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
April 30, 1996
Page 2

     2.     The Fund is authorized by its Articles of Incorporation to issue 
            two billion (2,000,000,000) shares. Under Maryland law (i) the 
            Board of Directors of the Fund may increase or decrease the 
            number of shares that the Fund has authority to issue, and (ii) 
            shares which were issued and which have subsequently been 
            redeemed by the Fund are, by virtue of such redemption, restored 
            to the status of authorized and unissued shares.

     3.     Subject to the effectiveness of the above-mentioned 
            Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Fund's Registration 
            Statement and compliance with applicable state securities laws, 
            upon the issuance of the additional shares for a consideration 
            not less than the par value thereof as required by the laws of 
            Maryland, and not less than the net asset value thereof as 
            required by the 1940 Act and in accordance with the terms of the 
            Registration Statement, such shares will be legally issued and 
            outstanding and fully paid and non-assessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as a 
part of the above-mentioned Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the 
Registration Statement and with any state securities commission where such 
filing is required. In giving this consent we do not admit that we come 
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of 
the Act.

     We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and do not hold 
ourselves out as being conversant with the laws of any jurisdiction other 
than those of the United States of America and the State of New York. We note 
that we are not licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland, and to the 
extent that any opinion herein involves the law of Maryland, such opinion 
should be understood to be based solely upon our review of the documents 
referred to above, the published statutes of the State of Maryland and, where 
applicable, published cases, rules or regulations of regulatory bodies of 
that State.

                                 Very truly yours,

                                 /s/ Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP

                                 Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP



<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 

    We consent to the use in Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration 
Statement No. 2-82976 of Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. of our 
report dated April 10, 1996, appearing in the Statement of Additional 
Information, which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to the 
references to us under the headings "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus, 
which is a part of such Registration Statement, and "Custodian, Transfer 
and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Independent Accountants" in the Statement 
of Additional Information.

 
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 

Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
April 26, 1996


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
    <ARTICLE> 6
    <CIK> 0000717819
    <NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
    <SERIES>
       <NUMBER> 001
       <NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND - CLASS A
           
    <S>                             <C>
    <PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
    <FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-29-1996
    <PERIOD-END>                               FEB-29-1996
    <INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,548,582,230
    <INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,582,462,651
    <RECEIVABLES>                               41,416,210
    <ASSETS-OTHER>                                  68,606
    <OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
    <TOTAL-ASSETS>                           1,623,947,467
    <PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,393,673
    <SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
    <OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    7,771,277
    <TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         35,164,950
    <SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
    <PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,674,748,230
    <SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      175,773,428
    <SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      171,167,697
    <ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                 (119,846,134)
    <OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
    <ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
    <OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
    <ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                    33,880,421
    <NET-ASSETS>                             1,588,782,517
    <DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
    <INTEREST-INCOME>                          117,578,274
    <OTHER-INCOME>                                 280,669
    <EXPENSES-NET>                              18,510,114
    <NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     99,348,829
    <REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    53,485,429
    <APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   34,676,738
    <NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      187,510,996
    <EQUALIZATION>                                       0
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (99,348,829)
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
    <NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    226,050,700
    <NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (360,013,003)
    <SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,501,726
    <NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      11,701,590
    <ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
    <ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (173,331,563)
    <OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
    <OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
    <GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,787,246
    <INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          10,722,868
    <GROSS-EXPENSE>                             18,510,114
    <AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       909,169,000
    <PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             8.59










    <PER-SHARE-NII>                                   1.05
    <PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           0.00
    <PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (0.60)
    <PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                         0.00
    <RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                              0.00
    <PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.04
    <EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0.91
    <AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
    <AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                              0.00
            


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
    <ARTICLE> 6
    <CIK> 0000717819
    <NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
    <SERIES>
       <NUMBER> 002
       <NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND - CLASS B
           
    <S>                             <C>
    <PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
    <FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-29-1996
    <PERIOD-END>                               FEB-29-1996
    <INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,548,582,230
    <INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,582,462,651
    <RECEIVABLES>                               41,416,210
    <ASSETS-OTHER>                                  68,606
    <OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
    <TOTAL-ASSETS>                           1,623,947,467
    <PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,393,673
    <SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
    <OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    7,771,277
    <TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         35,164,950
    <SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
    <PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,674,748,230
    <SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      175,773,428
    <SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      171,167,697
    <ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                 (119,846,134)
    <OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
    <ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
    <OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
    <ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                    33,880,421
    <NET-ASSETS>                             1,588,782,517
    <DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
    <INTEREST-INCOME>                          117,578,274
    <OTHER-INCOME>                                 280,669
    <EXPENSES-NET>                              18,510,114
    <NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     99,348,829
    <REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    53,485,429
    <APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   34,676,738
    <NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      187,510,996
    <EQUALIZATION>                                       0
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (99,348,829)
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
    <NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    226,050,700
    <NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (360,013,003)
    <SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,501,726
    <NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      11,701,590
    <ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
    <ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (173,331,563)
    <OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
    <OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
    <GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,787,246
    <INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          10,722,868
    <GROSS-EXPENSE>                             18,510,114
    <AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       647,515,000
    <PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             8.60










    <PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.98
    <PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           0.00
    <PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (0.54)
    <PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                         0.00
    <RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                              0.00
    <PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.04
    <EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0.16
    <AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
    <AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                              0.00
            


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
    <ARTICLE> 6
    <CIK> 0000717819
    <NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
    <SERIES>
       <NUMBER> 003
       <NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND - CLASS C
           
    <S>                             <C>
    <PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
    <FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-29-1996
    <PERIOD-END>                               FEB-29-1996
    <INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,548,582,230
    <INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,582,462,651
    <RECEIVABLES>                               41,416,210
    <ASSETS-OTHER>                                  68,606
    <OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
    <TOTAL-ASSETS>                           1,623,947,467
    <PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,393,673
    <SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
    <OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    7,771,277
    <TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         35,164,950
    <SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
    <PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,674,748,230
    <SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      175,773,428
    <SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      171,167,697
    <ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                 (119,846,134)
    <OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
    <ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
    <OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
    <ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                    33,880,421
    <NET-ASSETS>                             1,588,782,517
    <DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
    <INTEREST-INCOME>                          117,578,274
    <OTHER-INCOME>                                 280,669
    <EXPENSES-NET>                              18,510,114
    <NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     99,348,829
    <REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    53,485,429
    <APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   34,676,738
    <NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      187,510,996
    <EQUALIZATION>                                       0
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (99,348,829)
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
    <DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
    <NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    226,050,700
    <NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (360,013,003)
    <SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,501,726
    <NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      11,701,590
    <ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
    <ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (173,331,563)
    <OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
    <OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
    <GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,787,246
    <INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          10,722,868
    <GROSS-EXPENSE>                             18,510,114
    <AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           765,000
    <PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             8.60










    <PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.98
    <PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           0.00
    <PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (0.54)
    <PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                         0.00
    <RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                              0.00
    <PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.04
    <EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.51
    <AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
    <AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                              0.00
            


</TABLE>


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