PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND INC
485B24E, 1997-05-02
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<PAGE>
   
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 1, 1997
    
                                                       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
    
 
                         PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.                         / /
 
   
                       POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 24                       /X/
    
 
                                     AND/OR
 
   
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
    
 
   
                               AMENDMENT NO. 27                              /X/
    
                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)
                            ------------------------
 
                    PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
   
                             GATEWAY CENTER THREE,
                            NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
              (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (201) 367-7530
    
   
                               S. JANE ROSE, ESQ.
                             GATEWAY CENTER THREE,
                            NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
                    (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
    
                 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          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......................      15,949,378            $8.63                N/A                  $0
</TABLE>
    
 
   
*The total number of shares redeemed during the fiscal year ended February 28,
 1997 amounted to 59,820,764 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 43,871,386 shares
 have been used for reduction pursuant to paragraph (c) of Rule 24f-2 in all
 previous filings during the current year. 15,949,378 ($140,985,138) of the
 redeemed shares for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997 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 28, 1997 ON APRIL 29, 1997.
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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; Shareholder
                                                                              Guide
Item  7.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered.............................  Shareholder Guide; How the Fund
                                                                              Values its Shares; How the Fund is
                                                                              Managed
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. LOGO]
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997
    
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
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 Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey
07102, and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
    
 
   
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a
prospective investor should know before investing. Additional information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a
Statement of Additional Information, dated May 1, 1997, 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 NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    
<PAGE>
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
 
     The following summary is intended to highlight certain information
 contained in this Prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more
 detailed information appearing elsewhere herein.
 
WHAT IS PRUDENTIAL 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 9.
    
 
   
WHAT ARE THE FUND'S RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS?
    
 
   
  The Fund may engage in short selling and use leverage, including reverse
repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and bank borrowings, which entail additional
risks to the Fund. See "How the Fund Invests--Other Investment Information" at
page 16. 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 11. As with an investment in any mutual
fund, an investment in this Fund can decrease in value and you can lose money.
    
 
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
 
   
  Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM 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, 1997, PIFM
served as manager or administrator to 62 investment companies, including 40
mutual funds, with aggregate assets of approximately $54.9 billion. The
Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC, the Subadviser or the investment
adviser) furnishes investment advisory services in connection with the
management of the Fund under a Subadvisory Agreement with PIFM. See "How the
Fund is Managed--Manager" at page 18.
    
 
WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUND'S SHARES?
 
   
  Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities or PSI), a major
securities underwriter and securities and commodities broker, acts as the
Distributor of the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares and is
paid an annual distribution and service fee which is currently being charged at
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 and at an annual rate of .75 of 1% of the average daily net
assets of the Class C shares. Prudential Securities incurs the expense of
distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under a Distribution Agreement with the
Fund, none of which is reimbursed or paid for by the Fund. See "How the Fund is
Managed--Distributor" at page 19.
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
   
  The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class B shares is $1,000 per
class and $5,000 for Class C shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100
for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class Z shares are not subject to any
minimum investment requirements. There is no minimum investment requirement for
certain retirement and employee savings plans or custodial accounts for the
benefit of minors. For purchases made through the Automatic Savings Accumulation
Plan, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder
Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" at page 25 and "Shareholder
Guide--Shareholder Services" at page 36.
    
 
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 LLC. (PMFS or the Transfer Agent) at the
net asset value per share (NAV) next determined after receipt of your purchase
order by the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities plus a sales charge which
may be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a
deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are offered to a
limited group of investors at net asset value without any sales charge. See "How
the Fund Values its Shares" at page 22 and "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares
of the Fund" at page 25.
    
 
   
WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
    
 
   
  The Fund offers four classes of shares:
    
 
    - Class A Shares:   Sold with an initial sales charge of up to 4% of the
                        offering price.
 
    - Class B Shares:    Sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to
                         a contingent deferred sales charge or CDSC (declining
                         from 5% to zero of the lower of the amount invested or
                         the redemption proceeds) which will be imposed on
                         certain redemptions made within six years of purchase.
                         Although Class B shares are subject to higher ongoing
                         distribution-related expenses than Class A shares,
                         Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
                         shares (which are subject to lower ongoing
                         distribution-related expenses) approximately seven
                         years after purchase.
 
    - Class C Shares:    Sold without an initial sales charge and for one year
                         after purchase, are subject to a 1% CDSC on
                         redemptions. Like Class B shares, Class C shares are
                         subject to higher ongoing distribution-related expenses
                         than Class A shares but do not convert to another
                         class.
 
   
    - Class Z Shares:    Sold without either an initial or contingent deferred
                         sales charge to a limited group of investors. Class Z
                         shares are not subject to any ongoing service or
                         distribution expenses.
    
 
   
    See "Shareholder Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" at page 26.
    
 
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 30.
    
 
   
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 23.
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                 FUND EXPENSES
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES+              CLASS A SHARES        CLASS B SHARES           CLASS C SHARES      CLASS Z SHARES
                                               --------------   -------------------------   -------------------   --------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>                         <C>                   <C>
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
     (as a percentage of offering price).....        4%                   None                     None                None
    Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested
     Dividends...............................       None                  None                     None                None
    Maximum Deferred Sales Load (as a
     percentage of original purchase price or
     redemption proceeds, whichever is
     lower)..................................       None        5% during the first year,    1% on redemptions         None
                                                                decreasing by 1% annually     made within one
                                                                 to 1% in the fifth and      year of purchase
                                                                sixth years and 0% in the
                                                                      seventh year*
    Redemption Fees..........................       None                  None                     None                None
    Exchange Fee.............................       None                  None                     None                None
 
<CAPTION>
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets)        CLASS A SHARES        CLASS B SHARES           CLASS C SHARES      CLASS Z SHARES
                                               --------------   -------------------------   -------------------   --------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>                         <C>                   <C>
    Management Fees..........................        .50%                  .50%                      .50%               .50%
    12b-1 Fees (After Reduction).............        .15%++               .825%++                    .75%++         None
    Other Expenses...........................        .25%                  .25%                      .25%               .25%
                                                   -----                 -----                     -----              -----
    Total Fund Operating Expenses (After
     Reduction)..............................        .90%                1.575%                     1.50%               .75%
                                                   -----                 -----                     -----              -----
                                                   -----                 -----                     -----              -----
</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       $ 146
    Class B................................................    $ 66         $ 80         $ 96       $ 161
    Class C................................................    $ 25         $ 47         $ 82       $ 179
    Class Z................................................    $  8         $ 24         $ 42       $  93
You would pay the following expenses on the same
  investment, assuming no redemption:
    Class A................................................    $ 49         $ 68         $ 88       $ 146
    Class B................................................    $ 16         $ 50         $ 86       $ 161
    Class C................................................    $ 15         $ 47         $ 82       $ 179
    Class Z................................................    $  8         $ 24         $ 42       $  93
</TABLE>
    
 
   
   THE ABOVE EXAMPLE IS BASED ON DATA FOR THE FUND'S FISCAL YEAR ENDED
   FEBRUARY 28, 1997. 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.
- ---------------
 
   
   * 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, up to 1% per
     annum of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares up to $3
     billion, .80 of 1% of the next $1 billion, and .50 of 1% of assets in
     excess of $4 billion, and up to .825 of 1% of the 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, 1998. Total Fund Operating Expenses without such limitations
     would be 1.05% for Class A shares, 1.75% for Class B shares and 1.575% for
     Class C shares. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor."
 
    
 
                                       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 with respect to
each of the five years in the period ended February 28, 1997, have been audited
by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, 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 28,
                                  1997      1996      1995      1994      1993      1992      1991         1990
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
<S>                             <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of
 period.......................  $   9.04  $   8.59  $   9.13  $   9.40  $   9.17  $   9.02  $   9.00    $    9.17
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------       ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........      0.60      0.60      0.59      0.61      0.66      0.68      0.69         0.06
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on investment
 transactions.................     (0.28)     0.45     (0.54)    (0.25)     0.35      0.37      0.26        (0.11)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------       ------
    Total from investment
     operations...............      0.32      1.05      0.05      0.36      1.01      1.05      0.95        (0.05)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------       ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment
 income.......................     (0.60)    (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)    (0.60)    (0.59)    (0.63)    (0.78)    (0.90)    (0.93)       (0.12)
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------       ------
Net asset value, end of
 period.......................  $   8.76  $   9.04  $   8.59  $   9.13  $   9.40  $   9.17  $   9.02    $    9.00
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------       ------
                                --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------       ------
TOTAL RETURN(B):..............      3.70%    12.41%      .83%     3.90%    11.55%    12.18%    11.21%       (0.54)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000)........................  $860,319  $945,038  $871,145   $51,673   $61,297   $33,181   $28,971       $1,961
Average net assets (000)......  $884,862  $909,169  $ 95,560   $55,921   $46,812   $29,534   $23,428        $ 501
Ratios to average net assets:
    Expenses, including
     distribution fees........      0.90%     0.91%     0.98%     0.84%     0.84%     0.86%     0.85%        0.92%(c)
    Expenses, excluding
     distribution fees........      0.75%     0.76%     0.83%     0.69%     0.69%     0.71%     0.70%        0.76%(c)
    Net investment income.....      6.78%     6.65%     7.45%     6.48%     7.17%     7.51%     7.76%        9.11%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate.......       107%      123%      206%       80%       36%      187%      213%         329%
<FN>
 -------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class A shares.
(b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
    calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
    last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
    annualized.
(c) Annualized.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
        (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH OF THE YEARS INDICATED)
                                (CLASS B SHARES)
  The following financial highlights for the Class B shares with respect to each
of the five years in the period ended February 28, 1997, have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, 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 years 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,
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       1997       1996       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991       1990       1989       1988
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 year...............     $9.04    $  8.60    $  9.13    $  9.40    $  9.17    $  9.02    $  9.00    $  9.09    $  9.85    $ 10.59
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
INCOME FROM
 INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS
Net investment
 income.............      0.54       0.54       0.53       0.53       0.58       0.60       0.62       0.68       0.69       0.67
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investment
 transactions.......     (0.27)      0.44      (0.53)     (0.25)      0.35       0.37       0.26       0.15      (0.49)     (0.40)
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total from
     investment
     operations.....      0.27       0.98         --       0.28       0.93       0.97       0.88       0.83       0.20       0.27
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net
 investment
 income.............     (0.54)     (0.54)     (0.53)     (0.53)     (0.58)     (0.60)     (0.62)     (0.68)     (0.69)     (0.67)
Distributions from
 net realized
 gains..............        --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --      (0.24)
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)     (0.54)     (0.53)     (0.55)     (0.70)     (0.82)     (0.86)     (0.92)     (0.96)     (1.01)
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net asset value, end
 of year............     $8.77    $  9.04    $  8.60    $  9.13    $  9.40    $  9.17    $  9.02    $  9.00    $  9.09    $  9.85
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
TOTAL RETURN:(A)....      3.12%     11.54%       .24%      3.03%     10.61%     11.27%     10.35%     10.49%      2.32%      3.36%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end of
 year (000).........  $461,988   $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
Average net assets
 (000)..............  $543,796   $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
Ratios to average
 net assets:
    Expenses,
     including
     distribution
     fees...........      1.57%      1.58%      1.66%      1.68%      1.69%      1.71%      1.67%      1.49%      1.35%      1.60%
    Expenses,
     excluding
     distribution
     fees...........      0.75%      0.76%      0.80%      0.69%      0.69%      0.71%      0.70%      0.64%      0.63%      0.65%
    Net investment
     income.........      6.11%      5.99%      6.17%      5.64%      6.32%      6.66%      6.94%      7.46%      7.61%      6.69%
Portfolio turnover
 rate...............       107%       123%       206%        80%        36%       187%       213%       329%       278%       147%
<FN>
 -------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
    calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
    last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions.
</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 auditors, 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>
                                                               YEARS ENDED
                                                               FEBRUARY 28,   AUGUST 1, 1994(A)
                                                              --------------       THROUGH
                                                               1997    1996   FEBRUARY 28, 1995
                                                              ------  ------  -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................  $9.04   $ 8.60       $  8.69
                                                              ------  ------       -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.......................................   0.54     0.54          0.31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
 transactions...............................................  (0.27)    0.44         (0.09)
                                                              ------  ------       -------
    Total from investment operations........................   0.27     0.98          0.22
                                                              ------  ------       -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income........................  (0.54)   (0.54)        (0.31)
                                                              ------  ------       -------
Net asset value, end of period..............................  $8.77   $ 9.04       $  8.60
                                                              ------  ------       -------
                                                              ------  ------       -------
TOTAL RETURN(B):............................................   3.20 %  11.63%         2.75%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000).............................  $2,569  $1,799          $204
Average net assets (000)....................................  $2,440    $765          $111
Ratios to average net assets:
    Expenses, including distribution fees...................   1.50 %   1.51%         1.63%(c)
    Expenses, excluding distribution fees...................   0.75 %   0.76%         0.88%(c)
    Net investment income...................................   6.19 %   5.99%         6.71%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................    107 %    123%          206%
<FN>
 -------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(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 the period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
    annualized.
(c) Annualized.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
           (FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD INDICATED)
                                (CLASS Z SHARES)
  The following financial highlights for the Class Z shares have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, 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 Z share
of common stock outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and
other supplemental data for the period 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>
                                                              MARCH 1, 1996(A)
                                                                   THROUGH
                                                              FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................       $  9.13
                                                                   -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.......................................          0.61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
 transactions...............................................         (0.37)
                                                                   -------
    Total from investment operations........................          0.24
                                                                   -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income........................         (0.61)
                                                                   -------
Net asset value, end of period..............................       $  8.76
                                                                   -------
                                                                   -------
TOTAL RETURN(B):............................................          3.16%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000).............................       $73,411
Average net assets (000)....................................       $39,551
Ratios to average net assets:
    Expenses, including distribution fees...................          0.75%
    Expenses, excluding distribution fees...................          0.75%
    Net investment income...................................          6.76%
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           107%
<FN>
 -------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares. PMF is the successor to
    Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc., which transferred its assets to PMF
    in September 1996, as investment adviser to 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 the period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
    annualized.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       8
<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.
 
   
  As with an investment in any mutual fund, an investment in this Fund can
decrease in value and you can lose money.
    
 
  THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS A FUNDAMENTAL POLICY AND, THEREFORE, MAY
NOT BE CHANGED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE FUND'S
OUTSTANDING VOTING SECURITIES AS DEFINED IN THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AS AMENDED (THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT). FUND POLICIES THAT ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL
MAY BE MODIFIED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
  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.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
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 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".
    
 
  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.
 
   
  During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayment of mortgages
underlying mortgage-backed securities can be expected to decline, extending the
projected average maturity of the mortgage-backed securities. This maturity
extension risk may effectively change a security which was considered short- or
intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a long-term security. Long-term
securities generally fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest
rates than short- or intermediate-term securities.
    
 
  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
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
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 basis will be treated as U.S. Government securities for purposes of
this calculation. See "Repurchase Agreements" and "When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities".
    
 
   
  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".
    
 
  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
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
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 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
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.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
  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.
 
  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 unencumbered assets, marked to market daily 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.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
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.
 
  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,
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
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 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 PIFM pursuant to an order of the SEC. See "Investment
Objective and Policies--Repurchase Agreements" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
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.
 
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, equity
securities or other liquid, unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily, having
a value equal to or greater than the Fund's purchase commitments. The 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.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
  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. The investment adviser will monitor the liquidity of such
restricted securities under the supervision of the Board of Directors. Investing
in Rule 144A securities could, however, have the effect of increasing the level
of Fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become,
for a limited time, uninterested in purchasing these securities. Repurchase
agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the
applicable notice period.
    
 
  When 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.
 
   
  REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS
    
 
   
  Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by the Fund of portfolio assets
concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a
later date at a fixed price. During the reverse repurchase agreement period, the
Fund continues to receive principal and interest payments on these securities.
    
 
   
  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. A "covered roll" is a specific type of dollar roll
for which there is an offsetting cash position or a cash equivalent security
position which matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar
roll transaction.
    
 
   
  The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which it
will maintain cash, U.S. Government securities, equity securities or other
liquid, unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily, equal in value to its
obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls.
Reverse repurchase agreements and 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.
    
 
   
  Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls are speculative techniques
involving leverage and are considered borrowings by the Fund for purposes of the
percentage limitations applicable to borrowings. See "Borrowing" above.
    
 
  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
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
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.
 
                            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 28, 1997, the total expenses as a
percentage of average net assets for the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares were 0.90%, 1.57%, 1.50% and 0.75%, respectively. See "Financial
Highlights."
    
 
MANAGER
 
   
  PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS FUND MANAGEMENT LLC (PIFM OR THE MANAGER), FORMERLY,
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT LLC (PMF), GATEWAY CENTER THREE, NEWARK, NEW
JERSEY 07102, IS THE MANAGER OF THE FUND AND IS COMPENSATED FOR ITS SERVICES AT
AN ANNUAL RATE OF .50 OF 1% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS UP TO $3
BILLION AND .35 OF 1% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS IN EXCESS OF $3 BILLION.
PIFM is organized in New York as a limited liability company. It is the
successor to Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc., which transferred its
assets to PMF in September 1996. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997,
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, 1997, PIFM served as the manager to 40 open-end investment
companies, constituting all of the Prudential Mutual Funds, and as manager or
administrator to 22 closed-end investment companies with aggregate assets of
approximately $54.9 billion.
    
 
   
  UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE FUND, PIFM MANAGES THE INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS OF THE FUND AND ALSO ADMINISTERS THE FUND'S CORPORATE AFFAIRS. See
"Manager" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
  UNDER THE SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN PIFM AND THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT
CORPORATION (PIC, THE SUBADVISER OR THE INVESTMENT ADVISER), PIC FURNISHES
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND
IS REIMBURSED BY PIFM FOR ITS REASONABLE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN
PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES. PIFM continues to have responsibility for all
investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises
PIC's performance of such services.
    
 
   
  The current portfolio managers of the Fund are Barbara L. Kenworthy and Sharon
Fera. Ms. Kenworthy is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager and Ms.
Fera is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Prudential Investments, a
business group of PIC. Ms. Kenworthy has managed the Fund's portfolio since July
1994. Ms. Kenworthy joined Prudential Investments in July 1994, having
previously been employed by the Dreyfus Corporation (from June 1985 to June
1994), where she served as President and Portfolio Manager for several Dreyfus
fixed-income funds. Ms. Kenworthy also serves as the portfolio manager of
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 the fund's portfolio according to the investment adviser's
interest rate outlook. Consistent with the 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. Ms. Fera
joined Prudential Investments in May 1996 as a fixed-income portfolio manager.
Prior thereto, she was employed by Aetna Life and Casualty (May 1993 to May
1996) as a Portfolio Manager responsible for the fixed-income portion of Aetna's
Capital and Surplus Portfolio and as a fixed-income analyst responsible for the
Capital Goods and Transportation sectors. Prior to joining Aetna, she was a
fixed-income trader at Hartford Life Insurance Company (May 1992 to May 1993)
and at Equitable Capital Management Corporation (August 1985 to May 1992). Ms.
Fera also serves as the co-manager of Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc. and
Prudential Government Securities Trust (Short-Intermediate Term Series).
    
 
   
  PIFM and PIC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential) a major diversified insurance and financial services
company.
    
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
   
  PRUDENTIAL 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,
CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES OF THE FUND. IT IS AN INDIRECT, WHOLLY-OWNED
SUBSIDIARY OF PRUDENTIAL.
    
 
   
  UNDER SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS (THE CLASS A PLAN, THE CLASS B
PLAN AND THE CLASS C PLAN, COLLECTIVELY, THE PLANS) ADOPTED BY THE FUND UNDER
RULE 12B-1 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND A DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (THE
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT), PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES (THE DISTRIBUTOR) INCURS THE
EXPENSES OF DISTRIBUTING THE FUND'S CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES ALSO INCURS THE EXPENSES OF DISTRIBUTING THE FUND'S CLASS
Z SHARES UNDER THE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, NONE OF WHICH ARE REIMBURSED BY OR
PAID FOR BY THE FUND. These expenses include commissions and account servicing
fees paid to, or on account of, financial advisers of Prudential Securities and
representatives of Pruco Securities Corporation (Prusec), an affiliated
broker-dealer, commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account of,
other broker-dealers or financial institutions (other than national banks) which
have entered into agreements with the Distributor, advertising expenses, the
cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and indirect
and overhead costs of Prudential Securities and Prusec associated with the sale
of Fund shares, including lease, utility, communications and sales promotion
expenses.
    
 
  Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees
to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service activities,
not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the Distributor's
expenses exceed its
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
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, 1998.
    
 
   
  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, 1998. Prudential Securities also receives contingent deferred sales
charges from certain redeeming shareholders. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell
Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges."
    
 
   
  Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund will be allocated to each such class based upon the ratio of
sales of each such class to the sales of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
the Fund other than expenses allocable to a particular class. The distribution
fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize the sale of
another class.
    
 
  Each Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year provided
that a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a majority of
the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any agreement related to the Plan (the Rule 12b-1
Directors), vote annually to continue the Plan. Each Plan may be terminated at
any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or of a majority of
the outstanding shares of the applicable class of the Fund. The Fund will not be
obligated to pay distribution and service fees incurred under any plan if it is
terminated or not continued.
 
   
  In addition to distribution and service fees paid by the Fund under the Class
A, Class B and Class C Plans, the Manager (or one of its affiliates) may make
payments out of its own resources to dealers (including Prudential Securities)
and other persons who distribute shares of the Fund (including Class Z shares).
Such payments may be calculated by reference to the net asset value of shares
sold by such persons or otherwise.
    
 
  The Distributor is subject to the rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (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
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
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.
 
FEE WAIVERS AND SUBSIDY
 
   
  PIFM may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and
subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund. 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 LLC (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent and in
those capacities maintains certain books and records for the Fund. Its mailing
address is P .O. Box 15005, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5005. PMFS is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                         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. The NAV of Class B and Class C shares will generally be lower than
the NAV of Class A shares as a result of the larger distribution-related fee to
which Class B and Class C shares are subject. The NAV of Class Z shares will
generally be higher than the NAV of the other three classes because Class Z
shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees. It is expected,
however, that the NAV of the four classes will tend to converge immediately
after the recording of dividends, if any, which will differ by approximately the
amount of the distribution and/or service fee expense accrual differential among
the classes.
    
 
                      HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE
 
   
  FROM TIME TO TIME THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS "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, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES. These figures are
based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future
performance. The "total return" shows how much an investment in the Fund would
have increased (decreased) over a specified period of time (I.E., one, five or
ten years or since inception of the Fund) assuming that all distributions and
dividends by the Fund were reinvested on the reinvestment dates during the
period and less all recurring fees. The "aggregate" total return reflects actual
performance over a stated period of time. "Average annual" total return is a
hypothetical rate of return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the
same aggregate total return if performance had been constant over the entire
period. "Average annual" total return smooths out variations in performance and
takes into account any applicable initial or contingent deferred sales charges.
Neither "average annual" total return nor "aggregate" total return takes into
account any federal or state income taxes which may be payable upon redemption.
The "yield" refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over a
one-month or 30-day period. This income is then "annualized" that is, the amount
of income generated by the investment during that 30-day period is assumed to be
generated each 30-day period for twelve periods and is shown as a percentage of
the investment. The income earned on the investment is also assumed to be
reinvested at the end of the sixth 30-day period. The Fund also may include
comparative performance information in advertising or marketing the Fund's
shares. Such performance information may include data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications, Inc., other industry publications,
business periodicals and market indices. See "Performance Information" in the
Statement of Additional Information. Further performance information is
contained in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, which
may be obtained without charge. See "Shareholder Guide--Shareholder
Services--Reports to Shareholders."
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                       TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
TAXATION OF THE FUND
 
  THE FUND HAS ELECTED TO QUALIFY AND INTENDS TO REMAIN QUALIFIED AS A REGULATED
INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. ACCORDINGLY, THE FUND WILL
NOT BE SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES ON ITS NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND 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% and the maximum tax rate for ordinary income is 39.6%. The maximum
long-term capital gains rate for corporate shareholders currently is the same as
the maximum tax rate for ordinary income.
    
 
   
  Any gain or loss realized upon a sale, exchange or redemption of shares by a
shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will be treated as long-term
capital gain or loss if the shares have been held more than one year and
otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss, however, on the sale,
exchange or redemption of shares that are held for six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain
distributions received by the shareholder.
    
 
   
  A shareholder who acquires shares of the Fund and sells or otherwise disposes
of such shares within 90 days of acquisition may not be allowed to include
certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes of
calculating gain or loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund.
    
 
   
  The Fund has obtained opinions of counsel to the effect that neither (i) the
conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares nor (ii) the exchange of any
class of the Fund's shares for any other class of its shares constitutes a
taxable event for federal income tax purposes. However, such opinions are not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service.
    
 
  Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to federal, state, 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 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 28, 1997, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward
for federal income tax purposes of approximately $143,520,000. Accordingly, no
capital gains
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
   
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 Class A, Class B and Class C shares will bear their
own distribution charges, generally resulting in lower dividends for Class B and
Class C shares in relation to Class A and Class Z shares and lower dividends for
Class A shares in relation to Class Z shares. Distributions of net capital
gains, if any, will be paid in the same amount 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 LLC, 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.
 
                              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 fees) which may affect
performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted
to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has separate voting
rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one
class differ from the interests of any other class, (iii) each class has a
different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a conversion feature
and (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a group of limited
investors. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor." In accordance with the
Fund's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may authorize the
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
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 (with the exception of
Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution or service fees) bears
the expenses related to the distribution of its shares. Except for the
conversion feature applicable to the Class B shares, there are no conversion,
preemptive or other subscription rights. In the event of liquidation, each share
of common stock of the Fund is entitled to its portion of all of the Fund's
assets after all debt and expenses of the Fund have been paid. Since Class B and
Class C shares generally bear higher distribution expenses than Class A shares,
the liquidation proceeds 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 fees. The Fund's shares do not have
cumulative voting rights for the election of Directors.
    
 
  THE FUND DOES NOT INTEND TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW. THE FUND WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO HOLD MEETINGS OF
SHAREHOLDERS UNLESS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS IS REQUIRED TO BE
ACTED ON BY SHAREHOLDERS UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. SHAREHOLDERS HAVE
CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CALL A MEETING UPON A VOTE OF 10% OF THE
FUND'S OUTSTANDING SHARES FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE REMOVAL OF ONE OR
MORE DIRECTORS OR TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  This Prospectus, including the Statement of Additional Information which has
been incorporated by reference herein, does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the 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.
 
                               SHAREHOLDER GUIDE
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
 
   
  YOU MAY PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, PRUSEC OR
DIRECTLY FROM THE FUND, THROUGH ITS TRANSFER AGENT, PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND
SERVICES LLC (PMFS OR THE TRANSFER AGENT), ATTENTION: INVESTMENT SERVICES, P.O.
BOX 15020, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08906-5020. The purchase price is the NAV
next determined following receipt of an order by the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities plus a sales charge which, at your option, may be imposed
either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (ii) on a deferred basis
(Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares are offered to a limited group of
investors at net asset value without any sales charge. Participants in programs
sponsored by Prudential Retirement Services should contact their client
representative for more information about Class Z shares. See "Alternative
Purchase Plan" below. See also "How the Fund Values its Shares."
    
 
   
  The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class B shares is $1,000 per
class and $5,000 for Class C shares. There is no minimum investment requirement
for Class Z shares. The minimum subsequent investment is $100 for all classes,
except for Class Z shares, for which there is no such minimum. All minimum
investment requirements are waived for certain retirement and employee savings
plans or custodial accounts for the benefit of minors. For purchases made
through the Automatic Savings Accumulation Plan, the minimum initial and
subsequent investment is $50. See "Shareholder Services" below.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
   
  Application forms can be obtained from PMFS, Prudential Securities or Prusec.
If a stock certificate is desired, it must be requested in writing for each
transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares. Shareholders who hold
their shares through Prudential Securities will not receive stock certificates.
    
 
  The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order (including an
exchange into the Fund) or to suspend or modify the continuous offering of its
shares. See "How to Sell Your Shares."
 
  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 class in which you are eligible to
invest (Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares).
    
 
  If you arrange for receipt by State Street of Federal Funds prior to 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, Class C or Class Z shares and your name and
individual account number. It is not necessary to call PMFS to make subsequent
purchase orders utilizing Federal Funds. The minimum amount which may be
invested by wire is $1,000.
    
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PLAN
 
   
  THE FUND OFFERS FOUR CLASSES OF SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z)
WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE MOST BENEFICIAL SALES CHARGE STRUCTURE FOR YOUR
INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE, THE LENGTH OF TIME
YOU EXPECT TO HOLD THE SHARES AND OTHER RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES (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
CLASS Z    None                                    None                     Sold to a limited group of investors
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
  The four classes of shares represent an interest in the same portfolio of
investments of the Fund and have the same rights, except that (i) each class is
subject to different sales charges and distribution and/or service fees (with
the exception of Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution or
service fees), which may affect performance, (ii) each class has exclusive
voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its
arrangement and has separate voting rights on any matter submitted to
shareholders in which the interests of one class differs from the interests of
any other class and (iii) only Class B shares have a conversion feature. The
four classes also have separate exchange privileges. See "How to Exchange Your
Shares" below. The income attributable to each class and the dividends payable
on the shares of each class will be reduced by the amount of the distribution
fee (if any) of each class. Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of a
higher distribution fee which will generally cause them to have higher expense
ratios and to pay lower dividends than the Class A and Class Z shares.
    
 
   
  Financial advisers and other sales agents who sell shares of the Fund will
receive different compensation for selling Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares and will generally receive more compensation initially for selling Class
A and Class B shares than for selling Class C or Class Z shares.
    
 
  IN SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
(1) the length of time you expect to hold your investment, (2) the amount of any
applicable sales charge (whether imposed at the time of purchase or redemption)
and distribution-related fees, as noted above, (3) whether you qualify for any
reduction or waiver of any applicable sales charge, (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 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
UNLESS THE PURCHASER IS ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE CLASS Z SHARES. See "Reduction and
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges" and "Class Z Shares" below.
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
  CLASS A SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class A shares for investors choosing the initial sales
charge alternative is the next determined NAV plus a sales charge (expressed as
a percentage of the offering price and of the amount invested) as shown in the
following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            SALES CHARGE    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>
 
   
  The Distributor may reallow the entire initial sales charge to dealers.
Selling dealers may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the
Securities Act.
    
 
   
  In connection with the sale of Class A shares at NAV (without payment of an
initial sales charge), the Manager, the Distributor or one of their affiliates
will pay dealers, financial advisers and other persons which distribute shares a
finders' fee based on a percentage of the net asset value of shares sold by such
persons.
    
 
  REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES. Reduced sales charges are
available through Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent. Shares of the
Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds
other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) may be aggregated
to determine the applicable reduction. See "Purchase and Redemption of Fund
Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges--Class A Shares" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
  BENEFIT PLANS.  Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of an
initial sales charge, by pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans
qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code and deferred
compensation and annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code (collectively, Benefit Plans), provided that the Benefit Plan has
existing assets of at least $1 million invested in shares of Prudential Mutual
Funds (excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the
exchange privilege) or 250 eligible employees or participants. In the case of
Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential Securities
does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit Plans) and Benefit
Plans sponsored by PSI or its subsidiaries (PSI or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit
Plans), Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by participants who are repaying
loans made from such plans to the participant.
    
 
   
    PRUARRAY AND SMARTPATH PLANS. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by
certain savings, retirement and deferred compensation plans, qualified or
non-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, including pension,
profit-sharing, stock-bonus or other employee benefit plans under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code and deferred compensation and annuity plans under
Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code that participate in the
Transfer Agent's PruArray or SmartPath Program (benefit plan record keeping
services) (hereafter referred to as a PruArray or SmartPath Plan); provided that
the plan has at least $1 million in existing assets or 250 eligible employees or
participants. The term "existing assets" for this purpose includes stock issued
by a PruArray or SmartPath Plan sponsor and shares of non-money market
Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of certain unaffiliated non-money market
mutual funds that participate in the PruArray or SmartPath Program
(Participating Funds). "Existing assets" also include shares of money market
funds acquired by exchange from a Participating Fund, monies invested in The
Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA), a group annuity insurance product issued by
Prudential, and units of The Stable Value Fund (SVF), an unaffiliated bank
collective fund. Class A shares may also be purchased at NAV by plans that have
monies invested in GIA and SVF, provided (i) the purchase is made with the
proceeds of a redemption from either GIA or SVF and (ii) Class A shares are an
investment option of the plan.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
   
  PRUARRAY ASSOCIATION BENEFIT PLANS.  Class A shares are also offered at net
asset value to Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans sponsored by employers which
are members of a common trade, professional or membership association
(Association) that participate in the PruArray Program provided that the
Association enters into a written agreement with Prudential. Such Benefit Plans
or non-qualified plans may purchase Class A shares at net asset value without
regard to the assets or number of participants in the individual employer's
qualified Plan(s) or non-qualified Plans so long as the employers in the
Association (i) have retirement plan assets in the aggregate of at least $1
million or 250 participants in the aggregate and (ii) maintain their accounts
with the Fund's transfer agent.
    
 
   
  PRUARRAY SAVINGS PROGRAM.  Class A shares are also offered at net asset value
to employees of companies that enter into a written agreement with Prudential
Retirement Services to participate in the PruArray Savings Program. Under this
Program, a limited number of Prudential Mutual Funds are available for purchase
at net asset value by Individual Retirement Accounts and Savings Accumulation
Plans of the company's employees. The Program is available only to (i) employees
who open an IRA or Savings Accumulation Plan account with the Fund's transfer
agent and (ii) spouses of employees who open an IRA account with the Fund's
transfer agent. The program is offered to companies that have at least 250
eligible employees.
    
 
   
  SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RETIREMENT PLANS. After a Benefit Plan, or
PruArray or SmarthPath 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 of subadvisers of the Prudential Mutual Funds provided that purchases
at NAV are permitted by such person's employer, (d) Prudential employees and
special agents of Prudential and its subsidiaries and all persons who have
retired directly from active service with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries,
(e) registered representatives and employees of dealers who have entered into a
selected dealer agreement with Prudential Securities provided that purchases at
NAV are permitted by such person's employer, (f) investors who have a business
relationship with a financial adviser who joined Prudential Securities from
another investment firm, provided that (i) the purchase is made within 90 days
of the commencement of the financial adviser's employment at Prudential
Securities, (ii) the purchase is made with proceeds of a redemption of shares of
any open-end, non-money market fund sponsored by the financial adviser's
previous employer (other than a fund which imposes a distribution or service fee
of .25 of 1% or less) and (iii) the financial adviser served as the client's
broker on the previous purchase and (g) investors in Individual Retirement
Accounts, provided the purchase is made with the proceeds of a tax-free rollover
of assets from a Benefit Plan for which Prudential Investments serves as the
recordkeeper or administrator.
    
 
  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." The Distributor will pay sales
commissions of up to 4% of the purchase price of Class B shares to dealers,
financial advisers and other persons who sell Class B shares at the time of sale
from its own resources. This facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the
Class B shares without an initial sales charge being deducted at the time of
purchase. The Distributor anticipates that it will recoup its advancement of
sales commissions from the combination of the
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
CDSC and the distribution fee. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor." In
connection with the sale of Class C shares, the Distributor will pay dealers,
financial advisers and other persons which distribute Class C shares a sales
commission of up to 1% of the purchase price at the time of the sale.
    
 
   
  CLASS Z SHARES
    
 
   
  Class Z shares of the Fund are available for purchase by the following
categories of investors:
    
 
   
  (i) pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans qualified under
Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, deferred compensation plans and
annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, and
non-qualified plans for which the Fund is an available option (collectively,
Benefit Plans), provided that such Benefit Plans (in combination with other
plans sponsored by the same employer or group of related employers) have at
least $50 million in defined contribution assets; (ii) participants in any
fee-based program or trust program sponsored by Prudential Securities, The
Prudential Savings Bank, F.S.B. (or any affiliate) which includes mutual funds
as investment options and for which the Fund is an available option; (iii)
certain participants in the MEDLEY Program (group variable annuity contracts)
sponsored by Prudential for whom Class Z shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds
are an available investment option; (iv) Benefit Plans for which Prudential
Retirement Services serves as record keeper and, as of September 20, 1996, (a)
were Class Z shareholders of the Prudential Mutual Funds, or (b) executed a
letter of intent to purchase Class Z shares of the Prudential Mutual Funds; (v)
current and former Directors/Trustees of the Prudential Mutual Funds (including
the Fund); and (vi) employees of Prudential and/or Prudential Securities who
participate in a Prudential-sponsored employee saving plan.
    
 
   
  In connection with the sale of Class Z shares, the Manager, the Distributor or
one of their affiliates may pay dealers, financial advisers and other persons
which distribute shares a finders' fee based on a percentage of the net asset
value of shares sold by such persons.
    
 
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 "Waiver of the
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 SIGNED BY
YOU EXACTLY AS THE ACCOUNT IS REGISTERED IS REQUIRED. IF YOU HOLD CERTIFICATES,
THE CERTIFICATES, SIGNED IN THE NAME(S) SHOWN ON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATES,
MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT IN ORDER FOR THE REDEMPTION REQUEST TO BE
PROCESSED. IF REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED BY A CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, TRUST OR
FIDUCIARY, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRANSFER AGENT MUST
BE SUBMITTED BEFORE SUCH REQUEST WILL BE ACCEPTED. All correspondence and
documents concerning redemptions should be sent to the Fund in care of its
Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attention: Redemption
Services, P .O. Box 15010, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5010.
    
 
   
  If the proceeds of the redemption (a) exceed $50,000, (b) are to be paid to a
person other than the record owner, (c) are to be sent to an address other than
the address on the Transfer Agent's records, or (d) are to be paid to a
corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, the signature(s) on the redemption
request and on the certificates, if any, or stock power must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution." An "eligible guarantor institution" includes
any bank, broker, dealer or credit union. The Transfer Agent reserves the right
to request additional information from, and make reasonable inquiries of, any
eligible guarantor institution. For clients of Prusec, a signature guarantee may
be obtained from the agency or office manager of most Prudential Insurance and
Financial Services or Prudential Preferred Financial Services Offices. In the
case of redemptions from a PruArray or SmartPath Plan, if the proceeds of the
redemption are invested in another investment option of the Plan, in the name of
the record holder and at the same address as reflected in the Transfer Agent's
records, a signature guarantee is not required.
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
  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 repurchase privilege is exercised to adjust your
account for the CDSC you previously paid. Thereafter, any redemptions will be
subject to the CDSC applicable at the time of the redemption. See "Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges" below. Exercise of the repurchase privilege may affect
federal tax treatment of any gain or loss realized upon redemption. See "Taxes"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
  CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
 
  Redemptions of Class B shares will be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge or CDSC declining from 5% to zero over a six-year period. Class C shares
redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a 1% CDSC. The CDSC will
be deducted from the redemption proceeds and reduce the amount paid to you. The
CDSC will be imposed on any 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
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
return of an excess contribution or plan distributions following the death or
disability of the shareholder, provided that the shares were purchased prior to
death or disability. The waiver does not apply in the case of a tax-free
rollover or transfer of assets, other than one following a separation from
service (I.E., following voluntary or involuntary termination of employment or
following retirement). Under no circumstances will the CDSC be waived on
redemptions resulting from the termination of a tax-deferred retirement plan,
unless such redemptions otherwise qualify for a waiver as described above. In
the case of Direct Account and PSI or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans, the
CDSC will be waived on redemptions which represent borrowings from such plans.
Shares purchased with amounts used to repay a loan from such plans on which a
CDSC was not previously deducted will thereafter be subject to a CDSC without
regard to the time such amounts were previously invested. In the case of a
401(k) plan, the CDSC will also be waived upon the redemption of shares
purchased with amounts used to repay loans made from the account to the
participant and from which a CDSC was previously deducted.
 
   
  SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on certain
redemptions from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. On an annual basis, up to 12% of
the total dollar amount subject to the CDSC may be redeemed without charge. The
Fund's Transfer Agent will calculate the total amount available for this waiver
annually, on the earlier of March 1, 1997 or the anniversary date of your
purchase. The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on redemptions until this
threshold 12% amount is reached.
    
 
  In addition, the CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares held by a
Director of the Fund.
 
  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.
 
   
  WAIVER OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS C SHARES
    
 
   
  PRUARRAY OR SMARTPATH PLANS.  The CDSC will be waived on the following
redemptions from qualified and non-qualified retirement and deferred
compensation plans that participate in the Transfer Agent's PruArray and
SmartPath Programs: (i) redemptions from a 403(b) or 457 plan; and (ii)
redemptions from a qualified or non-qualified plan, provided that the investment
options of the plan include shares of Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of
non-affiliated mutual funds.
    
 
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
 
  Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly
basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at
relative net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales charge.
The first conversion of Class B shares occurred in February 1995, when the
conversion feature was first implemented.
 
  Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought on
each purchase of Class B shares, the number of Class B shares eligible to
convert to Class A shares (excluding shares acquired through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be
determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (i)
the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at least seven
years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B
shares purchased and then held in your account (ii) multiplied by the total
number of Class B shares purchased and then held in your account. Each time any
Eligible Shares in your account convert to Class A shares, all shares or amounts
representing Class B shares then in your account that were acquired through the
automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will convert to
Class A shares.
 
  For purposes of determining the number of Eligible Shares, if the Class B
shares in your account on any conversion date are the result of multiple
purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible Shares
calculated as described
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
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, Class C and Class Z
shares will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue
Code and (ii) that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event.
The conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares may be suspended if such
opinions or rulings are no longer available. If conversions are suspended, Class
B shares of the Fund will continue to be subject, possibly indefinitely, to
their higher annual distribution and service fee.
    
 
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
 
   
  AS A SHAREHOLDER OF THE FUND, YOU HAVE AN EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE WITH CERTAIN
OTHER PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS, INCLUDING ONE OR MORE SPECIFIED MONEY MARKET
FUNDS, SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENT OF SUCH FUNDS. CLASS A,
CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS Z SHARES MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS
C AND CLASS Z SHARES, RESPECTIVELY, OF ANOTHER FUND ON THE BASIS 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, Inc. For purposes of calculating the holding period applicable to the
Class B conversion feature, the time period during which Class B shares were
held in a money market fund will be excluded. See "Conversion Feature--Class B
Shares" above. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for tax
purposes. See "Shareholder Investment Account--Exchange Privilege" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
   
  IN ORDER TO EXCHANGE SHARES BY TELEPHONE, YOU MUST AUTHORIZE 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 (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares on
weekdays, except holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A. M. and 6:00 P. M., New
York time. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your
telephone call will be recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal
identification number. A written confirmation of the exchange transaction will
be sent to you. NEITHER THE FUND NOR ITS AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS,
LIABILITY OR COST WHICH RESULTS FROM ACTING UPON INSTRUCTIONS REASONABLY
BELIEVED TO BE GENUINE UNDER THE FOREGOING PROCEDURES. All exchanges will be
made on the
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
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 LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P .O. Box 15010, New Brunswick,
New Jersey 08906-5010.
    
 
   
  IN PERIODS OF SEVERE MARKET OR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE OF
SHARES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT AND SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD MAKE EXCHANGES BY
MAIL BY WRITING TO PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC, AT THE ADDRESS NOTED
ABOVE.
    
 
   
  SPECIAL EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES. A special exchange privilege is available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV (see "Alternative
Purchase Plan--Class A Shares--Reduction and Waiver of Initial Sales Charges"
above) and for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares (see
"Alternative Purchase Plan--Class Z Shares" above). Under this exchange
privilege, amounts representing any Class B and Class C shares (which are not
subject to a CDSC) held in such a shareholder's account will be automatically
exchanged for Class A shares for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A
shares at NAV on a quarterly basis, unless the shareholder elects otherwise.
Similarly, shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares will have their
Class B and Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC and their Class A
shares exchanged for Class Z shares on a quarterly basis. Eligibility for this
exchange privilege will be calculated on the business day prior to the date of
the exchange. Amounts representing Class B or Class C shares which are not
subject to a CDSC include the following: (1) amounts representing Class B or
Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of dividends and
distributions, (2) amounts representing the increase in the net asset value
above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class B or Class C shares
and (3) amounts representing Class B or Class C shares held beyond the
applicable CDSC period. Class B and Class C shareholders must notify the
Transfer Agent either directly or through Prudential Securities or Prusec that
they are eligible for this special exchange privilege.
    
 
   
  Participants in any fee-based program for which the Fund is an available
option will have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares when
they elect to have those assets become a part of the fee-based program. Upon
leaving the program (whether voluntarily or not), such Class Z shares (and, to
the extent provided for in the program, Class Z shares acquired through
participation in the program) will be exchanged for Class A shares at net asset
value. Similarly, participants in PSI's 401(k) Plan for which the Fund's Class Z
shares is an available option and who wish to transfer their Class Z shares out
of the PSI 401(k) Plan following separation from service (I.E., voluntary or
involuntary termination of employment or retirement) will have their Class Z
shares exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
    
 
   
  The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange order including exchanges
(and market timing transactions) which are of the size and/or frequency engaged
in by one or more accounts acting in concert or otherwise, that have or may have
an adverse effect on the ability of the Subadviser to manage the portfolio. The
determination that such exchanges or activity may have an adverse effect and the
determination to reject any exchange order shall be in the discretion of the
Manager and the Subadviser.
    
 
   
  The Exchange Privilege is not a right and may be suspended, modified or
terminated on 60 days' notice to shareholders.
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
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 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
Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102. In addition, monthly unaudited
financial data are available upon request from the Fund.
    
 
   
  -SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Shareholder inquiries should be addressed to the Fund
at Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102, or by telephone, at (800)
225-1852 (toll-free) or, from outside the U.S.A., at (908) 417-7555 (collect).
    
 
  For additional information regarding the services and privileges described
above, see "Shareholder Investment Account" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
                       THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY
 
  Prudential Mutual Fund Management offers a broad range of mutual funds
designed to meet your individual needs. We welcome you to review the investment
options available through our family of funds. For more information on the
Prudential Mutual Funds, including charges and expenses, contact your Prudential
Securities financial adviser or Prusec representative or telephone the Funds at
(800) 225-1852 for a free prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before you
invest or send money.
 
TAXABLE BOND FUNDS
- ----------------------
Prudential Diversified Bond Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Securities Trust
  Short-Intermediate Term Series
Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.
Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc.
  Income Portfolio
The BlackRock Government Income Trust
 
TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS
- -------------------------
Prudential California Municipal Fund
  California Series
  California Income Series
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
  High Yield Series
  Insured Series
  Intermediate Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
  Florida Series
  Hawaii Income Series
  Maryland Series
  Massachusetts Series
  Michigan Series
  New Jersey Series
  New York Series
  North Carolina Series
  Ohio Series
  Pennsylvania Series
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
 
GLOBAL FUNDS
- ----------------
   
Prudential Europe Growth Fund, Inc.
    
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
  Limited Maturity Portfolio
   
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
    
   
Prudential Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
    
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
   
Prudential World Fund, Inc.
    
   
  Global Series
    
   
  International Stock Series
    
Global Utility Fund, Inc.
The Global Government Plus Fund, Inc.
The Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
 
EQUITY FUNDS
- ----------------
Prudential Allocation Fund
  Balanced Portfolio
  Strategy Portfolio
   
Prudential Distressed Securities Fund, Inc.
    
   
Prudential Dryden Fund
    
   
  Prudential Active Balanced Fund
    
   
  Prudential Stock Index Fund
    
   
Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
    
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Income Fund
   
Prudential Jennison Series Fund, Inc.
    
   
  Prudential Jennison Growth Fund
    
   
  Prudential Jennison Growth & Income Fund
    
Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.
   
Prudential Small Companies Fund, Inc.
    
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
  Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
- ----------------------
- -  TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Government Securities Trust
  Money Market Series
  U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc.
  Money Market Series
Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
 
- -  TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
Prudential California Municipal Fund
  California Money Market Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
  Connecticut Money Market Series
  Massachusetts Money Market Series
  New Jersey Money Market Series
  New York Money Market Series
 
- -  COMMAND FUNDS
Command Money Fund
Command Government Fund
Command Tax-Free Fund
 
- -  INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc.
  Institutional Money Market Series
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
    No dealer, sales representative or any other person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained
in this Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given
or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer by the Fund or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation
of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to
any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
- -------------------------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
FUND HIGHLIGHTS...........................................................     2
  What are the Fund's Risk Factors and Special Characteristics?...........     2
FUND EXPENSES.............................................................     4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS......................................................     5
HOW THE FUND INVESTS......................................................     9
  Investment Objective and Policies.......................................     9
  Other Investments and Policies..........................................    11
  Other Investment Information............................................    16
  Investment Restrictions.................................................    18
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED...................................................    18
  Manager.................................................................    18
  Distributor.............................................................    19
  Fee Waivers and Subsidy.................................................    21
  Portfolio Transactions..................................................    21
  Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent....................    21
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES............................................    22
HOW THE FUND CALCULATES PERFORMANCE.......................................    22
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS........................................    23
GENERAL INFORMATION.......................................................    24
  Description of Common Stock.............................................    24
  Additional Information..................................................    25
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE.........................................................    25
  How to Buy Shares of the Fund...........................................    25
  Alternative Purchase Plan...............................................    26
  How to Sell Your Shares.................................................    30
  Conversion Feature--Class B Shares......................................    33
  How to Exchange Your Shares.............................................    34
  Shareholder Services....................................................    36
THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND FAMILY.........................................   A-1
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------------------------------------
 
MF128A                                                                   4440464
 
   
                                      Class A:  744339-10-2
                                      Class B:  744339-20-1
                                      Class C:  744339-30-0
                       CUSIP Nos.:    Class Z:  744339-40-9
 
    
 
   
                    [PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND LOGO]
                                   PROSPECTUS
                                  MAY 1, 1997
                         [PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LOGO]
    
<PAGE>
   
                    PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                               DATED MAY 1, 1997
    
 
    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 Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and
its telephone number is (800) 225-1852.
    
 
   
    This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be
read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus, dated May 1, 1997, a copy of
which may be obtained from the Fund at Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey
07102.
    
 
                               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               9
Investment Restrictions...............................   B-9              18
Directors and Officers................................   B-11             18
Manager...............................................   B-15             18
Distributor...........................................   B-17             19
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage..................   B-20             21
Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares................   B-21             25
Shareholder Investment Account........................   B-25             30
Net Asset Value.......................................   B-28             22
Taxes, Dividends and Distributions....................   B-29             23
Performance Information...............................   B-32             22
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and
 Independent Accountants..............................   B-34             21
Financial Statements..................................   B-35             --
Independent Auditors' Report..........................   B-48             --
Appendix I -- Historical Performance Data.............   I-1              --
Appendix II -- General Investment Information.........   II-1             --
Appendix III -- Information Relating to The
 Prudential...........................................   III-1            --
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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, as amended (the Investment Company Act) on investments by
the Fund in other investment companies. In addition, in reliance on an earlier
SEC interpretation, the Fund's investments in certain other qualifying CMOs,
which cannot or do not rely on the rule, are also not subject to the limitation
of the Investment Company Act on acquiring interests in other investment
companies. In order to be able to rely on the SEC's interpretation, these CMOs
must be unmanaged, fixed asset issuers, that (a) invest primarily in
mortgage-backed securities, (b) do not issue redeemable securities, (c) operate
under general exemptive orders exempting them from all provisions of the
Investment Company Act and (d) are not registered or regulated under the
Investment Company Act as 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, unencumbered assets marked-to-market daily 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, equity securities or other liquid,
unencumbered assets 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, equity securities or other liquid, unencumbered assets 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 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997
was 123% and 107%, 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,
equity securities or other liquid, unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily,
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,
equity securities or other liquid, unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily,
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, equity securities or other liquid, unencumbered assets,
marked-to-market daily, 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.
    
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
    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.
 
    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 Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM) 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 other liquid
unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily 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.
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
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 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.  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.
    
 
   
    7.  Act as underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the
disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under
certain federal securities laws.
    
 
   
    8.  Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
    
 
   
    9.  Invest in securities of other registered investment companies, except by
purchases in the open market involving only customary brokerage commissions and
as a result of which not more than 10% of its total assets (determined at the
time of investment) would be invested in such securities, or except as part of a
merger, consolidation or other acquisition.
    
 
   
    10. Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs.
    
 
   
    11. Make loans, except through (i) repurchase agreements and (ii) loans of
portfolio securities (limited to 30% of the Fund's total assets).
    
 
   
    12. 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.
    
 
   
    13. 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>
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE(1)         POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Edward D. Beach (72)           Director                 President and Director of BMC Fund, Inc., a closed-end
                                                         investment company; prior thereto, Vice Chairman of
                                                         Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc.; Certified Public
                                                         Accountant; Secretary and Treasurer of Broyhill Family
                                                         Foundation, Inc.; Member of the Board of Trustees of Mars
                                                         Hill College; President, Treasurer and Director of The
                                                         High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Eugene C. Dorsey (69)          Director                 Retired President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of
                                                         the Gannett Foundation (now Freedom Forum); former
                                                         Publisher of four Gannett newspapers and Vice President
                                                         of Gannett Company; past Chairman of Independent Sector
                                                         (national coalition of philanthropic organizations);
                                                         former Chairman of the American Council for the Arts;
                                                         Director of the Advisory Board of Chase Manhattan Bank of
                                                         Rochester and The High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Delayne Dedrick Gold (58)      Director                 Marketing and Management Consultant; Director of The High
                                                         Yield Income Fund, Inc.
*Robert F. Gunia (50)          Director                 Comptroller (since May 1996), Prudential Investments;
                                                         Executive Vice President and Treasurer (since December
                                                         1996), PIFM; Senior Vice President (since March 1987) of
                                                         Prudential Securities Incorporated (Prudential
                                                         Securities); formerly Chief Administrative Officer (July
                                                         1990-September 1996), Director (January 1989-September
                                                         1996) and Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
                                                         Financial Officer (June 1987-September 1996) of
                                                         Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (PMF); Vice
                                                         President and Director of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.
                                                         (since May 1989); Director of The High Yield Income Fund,
                                                         Inc.
*Harry A. Jacobs, Jr. (75)     Director                 Senior Director (since January 1986) of Prudential
One Seaport Plaza                                        Securities; formerly Interim Chairman and Chief Executive
New York, NY 10292                                       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.,
                                                         The First Australia Prime Income Fund, Inc and The High
                                                         Yield Income Fund, Inc.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
* "Interested" director, as defined in the Investment Company Act, by reason of
  his affiliation with Prudential Securities, Prudential or PIFM.
    
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE(1)         POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Donald D. Lennox(78)           Director                 Chairman (since February 1990) and Director (since April
                                                         1989) of International Imaging Materials, Inc.; Retired
                                                         Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Shlegel
                                                         Corporation (industrial manufacturing) (March
                                                         1987-February 1989); Director of Gleason Corporation and
                                                         The High Yield Fund, Inc.
*Mendel A. Melzer CFA (36)     Director                 Chief Investment Officer (since October 1996) of
751 Broad Street                                         Prudential Mutual Funds; formerly Chief Financial Officer
Newark, NJ 07102                                         of Prudential Investments (November 1995-September 1996),
                                                         Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
                                                         Prudential Preferred Financial Services (April
                                                         1993-November 1995), Managing Director of Prudential
                                                         Investment Advisors (April 1991-April 1993) and Senior
                                                         Vice President of Prudential Capital Corporation (July
                                                         1989-April 1991); Director of the High Yield Income Fund,
                                                         Inc.
Thomas T. Mooney (55)          Director                 President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of
                                                         Commerce; former Rochester City Manager; Trustee of
                                                         Center for Governmental Research, Inc.; Director of Blue
                                                         Cross of Rochester, Monroe County Water Authority,
                                                         Rochester Jobs, Inc., 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 (72)         Director                 President, O'Brien Associates (financial and management
                                                         consultants) (since April 1984); formerly President of
                                                         Jamaica Water Securities Corp. (holding company)
                                                         (February 1989-August 1990); Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                         Officer (September 1987-February 1989) and Director
                                                         (September 1987-August 1990) of Jamaica Water Supply
                                                         Company; Director of Ridgewood Savings Bank; Trustee of
                                                         Hofstra University.
*Richard A. Redeker (53)       Director and President   Employee of PIFM; formerly President, Chief Executive
751 Broad Street                                         Officer and Director (since October 1993), PMF; Executive
Newark, N.J. 07102                                       Vice President, Director 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, Prudential or PIFM.
    
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE(1)         POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Nancy H. Teeters (66)          Director                 Economist; formerly Vice President and Chief Economist of
                                                         International Business Machines Corporation (March
                                                         1986-June 1990); Director of Inland Steel Industries
                                                         (since July 1991) and the High Yield Income Fund, Inc.
Louis A. Weil, III (55)        Director                 President and Chief Executive Officer (since January 1996)
                                                         and Director (since September 1991) of Central
                                                         Newspapers, Inc.; Chairman (since January 1996),
                                                         Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix
                                                         Newspapers, Inc. (August 1991-December 1995), prior
                                                         thereto, Publisher of Time Magazine (May 1989-March
                                                         1991); formerly President, Publisher and Chief Executive
                                                         Officer of the Detroit News (February 1986-August 1989);
                                                         formerly member of the Advisory Board, Chase Manhattan
                                                         Bank-Westchester, Director of the High Yield Income Fund,
                                                         Inc.
Susan C. Cote (42)             Vice President           Executive Vice President (since February 1997) and Chief
                                                         Financial Officer (since May 1996) of PMF; formerly
                                                         Managing Director of Prudential Investments and Vice
                                                         President, The Prudential Investment Corporation
                                                         (February 1995-May 1966), Senior Vice President (January
                                                         1989-Janurary 1995) of Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
                                                         Inc., and Senior Vice President (January 1992-January
                                                         1995) of Prudential Securities.
Thomas A. Early (42)           Vice President           Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of
                                                         PMF (since December 1996); Vice President and General
                                                         Counsel, Prudential Retirement Services (since March
                                                         1994); formerly Associate General Counsel and Chief
                                                         Financial Services Officer, Frank Russel Company
                                                         (1988-1994).
Eugene S. Stark (39)           Treasurer and Principal  First Vice President (since September 1996) of PMF;
                                Financial and            formerly, First Vice President of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                Accounting Officer       Management, Inc.
Stephen M. Ungerman (44)       Assistant Treasurer      Tax Director of Prudential Investments and the Private
                                                         Asset Group of The Prudential Insurance Company of
                                                         America (since March 1996); First Vice President (since
                                                         February 1993) of PMF; formerly First Vice President of
                                                         Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc. (February
                                                         1993-September 1996); prior thereto, Senior Tax Manager
                                                         at Price Waterhouse LLP (1981-January 1993).
S. Jane Rose (51)              Secretary                Senior Vice President (since December 1996) of PMF;
                                                         formerly Senior Vice President (January 1991-September
                                                         1996) and Senior Counsel (June 1987-September 1996) of
                                                         Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.; Senior Vice
                                                         President and Senior Counsel of Prudential Securities
                                                         (since July 1992); formerly Vice President and Associate
                                                         General Counsel of Prudential Securities.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE(1)         POSITION WITH FUND                       DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>
Deborah A. Docs (39)           Assistant Secretary      Vice President (since December 1996) of PMF; formerly Vice
                                                         President and Associate General Counsel (June
                                                         1991-September 1996) of Prudential Mutual Fund
                                                         Management, Inc.; Vice President and Associate General
                                                         Counsel of Prudential Securities.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
(1) Unless otherwise noted the address for each of the above persons is c/o:
    Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC, Gateway Center Three, 100
    Mulberry Street, 9th Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.
    
 
    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 $5,500, in addition to certain out-of-pocket
expenses. The amount of annual compensation paid to each Director may change as
a result of the introduction of additional funds upon which the Director may be
asked to serve.
    
 
    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.
 
   
    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, Messrs. Beach,
Jacobs, Lennox and O'Brien are scheduled to retire on December 31, 1999, 1998,
1997 and 1999, respectively.
    
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement with the Fund, the Manager
pays all compensation of officers and employees of the Fund as well as the fees
and expenses of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the
Manager.
 
   
    The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Fund
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997 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, 1996. In October 1996, shareholders elected
a new Board of Directors. Below are listed all Directors who have served the
Fund during its most recent fiscal year as well as the new Directors who took
office after the shareholders' meeting in October.
    
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>
                               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                            --                 None                 N/A       $  166,000(21/39)*
Eugene C. Dorsey, Director**                         --                 None                 N/A       $   98,583(12/36)*
Delayne Dedrick Gold, Director                    $   9,200             None                 N/A       $  175,308(21/42)*
Robert F. Gunia, Director+                           --                 None                 N/A               --
Arthur Hauspurg, Former Director                  $   9,000             None                 N/A       $     38,250(5/7)*
Harry A. Jacobs, Jr., Director+                      --                 None                 N/A               --
Donald D. Lennox, Director                           --                 None                 N/A       $   90,000(10/22)*
Mendel A. Melzer, Director+                          --                 None                 N/A               --
Thomas T. Mooney, Director**                         --                 None                 N/A       $  135,375(18/36)*
Stephen P. Munn, Former Director                  $   9,000             None                 N/A       $     49,125(6/8)*
Thomas H. O'Brien, Director                          --                 None                 N/A       $    32,250(5/20)*
Richard A. Redeker, Director and President+          --                 None                 N/A               --
Nancy H. Teeters, Director                           --                 None                 N/A       $  103,583(11/28)*
Louis A. Weil, III, Director                      $   9,000             None                 N/A       $   91,250(13/18)*
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Indicates number of funds/portfolios in Fund Complex (including the Fund) to
   which aggregate compensation relates.
   
 + Robert F. Gunia, Harry A. Jacobs, Jr., Mendel A. Melzer and Richard A.
   Redeker, who are each interested Directors, do not receive compensation from
   the Fund or any fund in the Fund Complex.
    
   
** Total compensation from all of the funds in the Fund Complex for the calendar
   year ended December 31, 1996, includes amounts deferred at the election of
   Directors under the Fund's deferred compensation plans. Including accrued
   interest, total compensation amounted to $111,535 and $139,869 for Eugene C.
   Dorsey and Thomas T. Mooney, respectively.
    
 
   
    As of April 11, 1997, the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
    
 
   
    As of April 11, 1997, the only beneficial owners, directly or indirectly of
more than 5% of any class of shares of the Fund were: Anthony Tarantino and
Frances Tarantino JTTEN, 656 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, New York who held
15,359 Class C shares(approximately 5% of the outstanding Class C shares);
Prudential Insurance Company, Attn: Jay Duffy, 30 Scranton Office Park, Moosic,
PA 18507-1774, who held 5,486,394 Class Z shares (approximately 65% of the
outstanding Class Z shares); and Prudential Trust Co., Attn: John Stardy, 30
Scranton Office Park, Moosic, PA 18507-1774 who held 1,361,626 Class Z shares
(approximately 16% of the outstanding Class Z shares).
    
 
   
    As of April 11, 1997, Prudential Securities was the record holder for other
beneficial owners of 59,806,821 Class A shares (or 60% of the outstanding Class
A shares), 24,784,199 Class B shares (or 51% of the outstanding Class B shares),
188,969 Class C shares (or 65% of the outstanding Class C shares) and 13,821
Class Z shares (or .1% of the outstanding Class Z shares) of the Fund. In the
event of any meetings of shareholders, Prudential Securities will forward, or
cause the forwarding of, proxy materials to the beneficial owners for which it
is the record holder.
    
 
                                    MANAGER
 
   
    The manager of the Fund is Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM
or the Manager), Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102. PIFM 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, 1997, PIFM managed and/or administered
open-end and closed-end management investment companies with assets of
approximately $54.9 billion. According to the Investment Company Institute, as
of December 31, 1996, the Prudential Mutual Funds were the 15th largest family
of mutual funds in the United States.
    
 
                                      B-15
<PAGE>
   
    PIFM is a subsidiary of Prudential Securities Incorporated and The
Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential). Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent), a wholly owned subsidiary of PIFM,
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), PIFM, 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, PIFM is obligated to keep certain books and records of the
Fund. PIFM 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 PIFM for the
Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PIFM is
free to, and does, render management services to others.
    
 
   
    For its services, PIFM 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 PIFM, 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 PIFM will be reduced by the amount of such excess.
Reductions in excess of the total compensation payable to PIFM will be paid by
PIFM to the Fund. No such reductions were required during the fiscal year ended
February 28, 1997. Currently, the Fund believes there are no such restrictions.
    
 
   
    In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Fund, PIFM
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 PIFM or the
Fund's investment adviser;
    
 
   
    (b) all expenses incurred by PIFM 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 PIFM 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 PIFM 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-16
<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 28, 1997, February 29, 1996 and February
28, 1995, the Fund paid management fees to PIFM or its predecessors of
$7,351,081, $7,787,246 and $9,155,193, respectively.
    
 
   
    PIFM 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 PIFM 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, PIFM 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.
    
 
                                  DISTRIBUTOR
 
   
    Prudential Securities Incorporated, One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York
10292 (Prudential Securities or PSI), acts as the distributor of the shares of
the Fund. Prior to January 2, 1996, Prudential Mutual Fund Distributors, Inc.
(PMFD), One Seaport Plaza, New York, New York 10292, acted as distributor of the
Class A shares of the Fund.
    
 
   
    Pursuant to separate 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 also incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class
Z shares under the Distribution Agreement, none of which are reimbursed by or
paid for by the Fund. See "How the Fund is Managed-- Distributor" in the
Prospectus.
    
 
    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.
 
                                      B-17
<PAGE>
   
    CLASS A PLAN. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997, PSI received
payments of $1,327,293 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 28, 1997,
PSI also received approximately $186,000 in initial sales charges.
    
 
   
    CLASS B PLAN. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997, Prudential
Securities received $4,486,320 from the Fund under the Class B Plan and spent
approximately $1,823,000 in distributing the Class B shares of the Fund. It is
estimated that of the latter amount, approximately $41,000 (2.2%) was spent on
printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders,
$517,100 (28.4%) on compensation to Pruco Securities Corporation, an affiliated
broker-dealer, for commissions to its representatives and other expenses,
including an allocation on account of overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses incurred by it for distribution of Fund shares;
and $1,264,900 (69.4%) on the aggregate of (i) payment of commissions and
account servicing fees to financial advisers ($794,100 or 43.6%), and (ii) an
allocation on account of overhead and other branch office distribution-related
expenses ($470,800 or 25.8%). 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.
    
 
   
    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 28, 1997, Prudential
Securities received approximately $1,200,800 in contingent deferred sales
charges attributable to the Class B shares.
    
 
   
    CLASS C PLAN. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997, Prudential
Securities received $18,299 from the Fund under the Class C Plan and spent
approximately $15,300 in distributing the Fund's Class C shares. It is estimated
that of the latter amount approximately $2,200 (14.6%) was spent on printing and
mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders; $1,500 (9.9%) 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; $11,600 (75.5%) on the aggregate of (i)
payments of commission and account servicing fees to financial advisors $7,700
(50.3%) and (ii) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses $3,900 (25.2%). 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
28, 1997, Prudential Securities received approximately $2,100 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.
 
                                      B-18
<PAGE>
    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 $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
 
                                      B-19
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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
 
                                      B-20
<PAGE>
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 28, 1997, February 29, 1996 and
February 28, 1995, the Fund paid no brokerage commissions to Prudential
Securities.
    
 
                     PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
 
   
    Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value per share plus a sales charge which, at the election of the
investor, may be imposed either (i) at the time of purchase (Class A shares), or
(ii) on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares of the Fund
are offered to a limited group of investors at net asset value without any sales
charges. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Buy Shares of the Fund" in the
Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Each class 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 with respect to any
matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has
separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the
interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, (iii) each
class has a different exchange privilege, (iv) only Class B shares have a
conversion feature and (v) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a
limited group of investors. See "Distributor" and "Shareholder Investment
Account--Exchange Privilege."
    
 
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 28, 1997, 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.............  $    8.76
  Maximum sales charge (4% of offering price)........................        .37
                                                                       ---------
  Offering price to public...........................................  $    9.13
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
CLASS B
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B
    share*...........................................................  $    8.77
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
CLASS C
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C
    share*...........................................................  $    8.77
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
CLASS Z
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class Z
    share............................................................  $    8.76
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
</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.
    
 
                                      B-21
<PAGE>
REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGES--CLASS A SHARES
 
    COMBINED PURCHASE AND CUMULATIVE PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. If an investor or
eligible group of related investors purchases Class A shares of the Fund
concurrently with Class A shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds, the purchases
may be combined to take advantage of the reduced sales charges applicable to
larger purchases. See the table of breakpoints under "Shareholder
Guide--Alternative Purchase Plan" in the Prospectus.
 
    An eligible group of related Fund investors includes any combination of the
following:
 
    (a) an individual;
 
    (b) the individual's spouse, their children and their parents;
 
    (c) the individual's and spouse's Individual Retirement Account (IRA);
 
    (d) any company controlled by the individual (a person, entity or group that
holds 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a corporation will be
deemed to control the corporation, and a partnership will be deemed to be
controlled by each of its general partners);
 
    (e) a trust created by the individual, the beneficiaries of which are the
individual, his or her spouse, parents or children;
 
    (f)  a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account
created by the individual or the individual's spouse; and
 
    (g) one or more employee benefit plans of a company controlled by an
individual.
 
    In addition, an eligible group of related Fund investors may include an
employer (or group of related employers) and one or more qualified retirement
plans of such employer or employers (an employer controlling, controlled by or
under common control with another employer is deemed related to that employer).
 
    The Distributor must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor
is entitled to a reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charge will be granted
subject to confirmation of the 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 (Investment Letter of Intent). Retirement and group plans may also
qualify to purchase Class A shares at net asset value by entering into a Letter
of Intent whereby they agree to enroll, within a thirteen month period, a
specified number of eligible employees or participants (Participant Letter of
Intent).
    
 
   
    For purposes of the Investment Letter of Intent, all shares of the Fund and
shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds other than
those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) which were previously
    
 
                                      B-22
<PAGE>
   
purchased and are still owned are also included in determining the applicable
reduction. However, the value of shares held directly with the Transfer Agent
and through Prudential Securities will not be aggregated to determine the
reduced sales charge. All shares must be held either directly with the Transfer
Agent or through Prudential Securities.
    
 
   
    A Letter of Intent permits a purchaser, in the case of an Investment Letter
of Intent, to establish a total investment goal to be achieved by any number of
investments over a thirteen-month period and, in the case of a Participant
Letter of Intent, to establish a minimum eligible employee or participant goal
over a thirteen month period. Each investment made during the period, in the
case of an Investment Letter of Intent, will receive the reduced sales charge
applicable to the amount represented by the goal, as if it were a single
investment. In the case of a Participant Letter of Intent, each investment made
during the period will be made at net asset value. Escrowed Class A shares
totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of Intent will be held by the
Transfer Agent in the name of the purchaser, except in the case of retirement
and group plans where the employer or plan sponsor will be responsible for
paying any applicable sales charge. The effective date of an Investment Letter
of Intent (except in the case of retirement and group plans) may be back-dated
up to 90 days, in order that any investments made during this 90-day period,
valued at the purchaser's cost, can be applied to the fulfillment of the Letter
of Intent goal, except in the case of retirement and group plans.
    
 
   
    The Investment Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to purchase,
nor the Fund to sell, the indicated amount. Similarly, the Participant Letter of
Intent does not obligate the retirement or group plan to enroll the indicated
number of eligible employees or participants. In the event the Letter of Intent
goal is not achieved within the thirteen-month period, the purchaser (or the
employer or plan sponsor in the case of any retirement or group plan) is
required to pay the difference between the sales charge otherwise applicable to
the purchases made during this period and sales charges actually paid. Such
payment may be made directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor
will liquidate sufficient escrowed shares to obtain such difference. Investors
electing to purchase Class A shares of the Fund pursuant to a Letter of Intent
should carefully read such Letter of Intent.
    
 
   
    The Distributor must be notified at the time of purchase that the investor
is entitled to a reduced sales charge. The reduced sales charge will, in the
case of an Investment Letter of Intent, be granted subject to confirmation of
the investor's holdings or in the case of a Participant Letter of Intent,
subject to confirmation of the number of eligible employees or participants in
the retirement or group plan. Letters of Intent are not available to individual
participants in any retirement or group plans.
    
 
                                      B-23
<PAGE>
WAIVER OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS B SHARES
 
    The contingent deferred sales charge is waived under circumstances described
in the Prospectus. See "Shareholder Guide--How to Sell Your Shares--Waiver of
the Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class B Shares" in the Prospectus. In
connection with these waivers, the Transfer Agent will require you to submit the
supporting documentation set forth below.
 
<TABLE>
<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-24
<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. (Class A Shares)
       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-25
<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.
 
   
    CLASS Z. Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of other
Prudential Mutual Funds.
    
 
   
    Additional details about the Exchange Privilege for each of the Prudential
Mutual Funds are available from the Fund's Transfer Agent, Prudential Securities
or Prusec. The Exchange Privilege may be modified, terminated or suspended on
sixty (60) days' notice, and any fund, including the Fund, or the Distributor
has the right to reject any exchange application relating to such Fund's shares.
    
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
    Dollar cost averaging is a method of accumulating shares by investing a
fixed amount of dollars in shares at set intervals. An investor buys more shares
when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. The average cost
per share is lower than it would be if a constant number of shares were bought
at set intervals.
 
    Dollar cost averaging may be used, for example, to plan for retirement to
save for a major expenditure, such as the purchase of a home, or to finance a
college education. The cost of a year's education at a four-year college today
averages around $14,000 at a private college and around $6,000 at a public
university. Assuming these costs increase at a rate of 7% a year, as has been
projected, for the freshman class of 2011, the cost of four years at a private
college could reach $210,000 and over $90,000 at a public university.(1)
 
                                      B-26
<PAGE>
    The following chart shows how much you would need in monthly investments to
achieve specified lump sums to finance your investment goals.(2)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD OF
MONTHLY INVESTMENTS:                                           $100,000     $150,000     $200,000     $250,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
25 Years....................................................   $     110    $     165    $     220    $     275
20 Years....................................................         176          264          352          440
15 Years....................................................         296          444          592          740
10 Years....................................................         555          833        1,110        1,388
 5 Years....................................................       1,371        2,057        2,742        3,428
See "Automatic 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
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.
 
                                      B-27
<PAGE>
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
    Various tax-deferred retirement plans, including a 401(k) plan,
self-directed individual retirement accounts and "tax-sheltered accounts" under
Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code are available through 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 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
 
                                      B-28
<PAGE>
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. The net asset value
of Class B and Class C shares will generally be lower than the net asset value
of Class A shares as a result of the larger distribution-related fee to which
Class B and Class C shares are subject. The net asset value of Class Z shares
will generally be higher than the net asset value of Class A, Class B or Class C
shares as a result of the fact that the Class Z shares are not subject to any
distribution of service fee. It is expected, however, that the net asset value
per share of each class will tend to converge immediately after the recording
the dividends, which 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. 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 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
    
 
                                      B-29
<PAGE>
   
deduction available to corporations. Distributions and gains from the sale,
redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund may be subject to additional state,
local and foreign taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers
regarding specific questions as to Federal, state, local or foreign taxes.
    
 
   
    Dividends and distributions generally are taxable to shareholders in the
year in which they are received; however, dividends declared in October,
November and December and paid on the following January will be treated as
having been paid on December 31 of such prior year. Under this rule, a
shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends received in the following
January.
    
 
   
    Any distributions paid shortly after a purchase by an investor may have the
effect of reducing the per share net asset value of the investor's shares by the
per share amount of the distributions. Furthermore, such distributions, although
in effect a return of capital, are subject to federal income taxes. Therefore,
prior to purchasing shares of the Fund, the investor should carefully consider
the impact of capital gains distributions, which are expected to be or have been
announced.
    
 
   
    Dividends of net investment income and distributions of net short-term
capital gains paid to a shareholder (including a shareholder acting as a nominee
or fiduciary) who is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation or a
foreign partnership (foreign shareholder) are subject to a 30% (or lower treaty
rate) withholding tax upon the gross amount of the dividends unless the
dividends are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by
the foreign shareholder. Capital gain dividends paid to a foreign shareholder
are generally not subject to withholding tax. A foreign shareholder will,
however, be required to pay U.S. income tax on any dividends and capital gain
distributions which are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of
the foreign shareholder.
    
 
   
    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.
    
 
    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.
 
   
    Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be
subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Income tax
treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate
such taxes. It is impossible to determine in advance the effective rate of
foreign tax to which the Fund will be subject since the amount of the Fund's
assets to be invested in various countries will vary.
    
 
   
    The Fund has a capital loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes as
of February 28, 1997 of approximately $143,520,000, of which $12,390,000 expires
in 1998, $41,964,000 expires in 1999, $1,736,000 expires in 2001, $2,920,000
expires in 2002, $66,560,000 expires in 2003 and $17,950,000 expires in 2003.
    
 
    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.
 
                                      B-30
<PAGE>
    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 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 to Section 1256 contracts
which are part of a mixed straddle. 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.
 
                                      B-31
<PAGE>
    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 28, 1997 for the Fund's Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares was 5.92%, 5.49%, 5.57% and 6.32%,
respectively.
    
 
    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 28, 1997 was -0.5%, 5.5% and 7.1%, 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 28, 1997 was -1.9%, 5.5% and
6.4%, 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 28, 1997, was 2.2% and 6.8%, respectively. The average
annual total return for Class Z shares for the one year period ended February
28, 1997 was 3.2%.
    
 
                                      B-32
<PAGE>
    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 28, 1997 was 3.7%, 36.2% and 69.0%, respectively. The aggregate
total return for Class B shares for the one, five and ten year periods ended
February 28, 1997 was 3.1%, 31.4% and 86.6%, 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 28, 1997 was 3.2% and
18.4%, respectively. The aggregate total return for Class Z shares for the
period ended February 28, 1997 was 3.2%.
    
 
    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)
 
                               [CHART]
(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.
 
                                      B-33
<PAGE>
               CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT,
                          AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171, serves as Custodian for the Fund's portfolio securities and
cash and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and accounting books and
records pursuant to an agreement with the Fund.
 
   
    Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (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 28, 1997, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $1,880,000 for
the services of PMFS.
    
 
   
    Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281
served as the Fund's independent accountants for the year ended February 28,
1997 and in that capacity audited the Fund's annual reports. Price Waterhouse
LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, currently serves as
the Fund's independent public accountants and, in that capacity, will audit the
Fund's financial statements for the fiscal year ending February 28, 1998.
    
 
                                      B-34
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF
FEBRUARY 28, 1997                  PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                                                         
Amount                                                            
(000)        Description                     Value (Note 1)       
<C>          <S>                                  <C>             
- ------------------------------------------------------------ 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--97.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------ 
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS--42.1%
             Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,
  $36,702    7.50%, 2/01/22 - 4/01/25             $   36,742,243
   64,937    8.00%, 1/01/23 - 9/01/24                 66,276,202
    5,306    8.50%, 6/01/07 - 4/01/20                  5,569,039
    2,376    11.50%, 10/01/19                          2,685,825
             Federal National Mortgage Assoc.,
   24,360    6.50%, 5/01/11 - 6/01/24                 23,199,612
   52,641    7.00%, 7/01/03 - 9/01/26                 51,349,346
   31,894    7.125%, 2/01/07                          32,138,188
   33,420    7.50%, 4/01/07 - 10/01/26                33,843,281
   44,663    8.00%, 5/01/25 - 4/01/26                 45,481,780
   42,106    8.50%, 6/01/17 - 3/01/25                 44,109,198
   10,671    9.00%, 8/01/24 - 4/01/25                 11,233,511
    2,223    9.50%, 10/01/19 - 3/01/25                 2,412,456
             Government National Mortgage
                Assoc.,
   28,012    6.50%, 12/15/23 - 5/15/24                26,851,741
   61,784Pound 7.00%, 2/15/09 - 11/15/24              60,518,539
   57,924    7.50%, 5/15/02 - 3/15/26                 58,004,062
   37,762    8.00%, 7/15/16 - 3/15/24                 39,041,320
   21,729    9.00%, 4/15/01 - 7/15/21                 22,781,649
   20,458    9.50%, 10/15/09 - 12/15/17               22,274,310
             Government National Mortgage Assoc. II,
    3,857    9.50%, 5/20/18 - 8/20/21                  4,143,448
                                                  --------------
             Total U.S. Government Agency
                Mortgage Pass-Throughs
                (cost $572,955,507)                  588,655,750
- ------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--33.6%
             United States Treasury Bonds,
   26,825    6.00%, 2/15/26                           23,807,187
   20,000    6.50%, 11/15/26                          19,081,200
   20,000    6.625%, 2/15/27                          19,531,200
    3,000D   7.625%, 2/15/25                           3,258,270
      750    9.00%, 11/15/18                             922,028
   20,000    10.375%, 11/15/09                        24,421,800
    1,860    12.00%, 8/15/13                           2,623,474
             United States Treasury Bonds,
  $50,000D   12.50%, 8/15/14                      $   73,656,000
   20,000D   12.75%, 11/15/10                         27,931,200
   25,000D   13.25%, 5/15/14                          38,230,500
   55,000    10.625%, 8/15/15                         76,321,300
   40,000D   12.375%, 5/15/04                         53,262,400
             United States Treasury Notes,
   80,475DD  6.125%, 12/31/01                         79,544,709
   15,000    6.50%, 5/31/01                           15,065,550
    4,100    6.875%, 7/31/99                           4,162,771
    1,770    7.25%, 8/15/04                            1,843,561
    5,000    8.875%, 5/15/00                           5,378,100
             United States Treasury Strips,
      800    Zero Coupon, 8/15/08                        370,848
      700    Zero Coupon, 8/15/11                        260,540
      500    Zero Coupon, 11/15/11                       182,870
                                                  --------------
             Total U.S. Government Obligations
                (cost $479,879,617)                  469,855,508
- ------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES--11.9%
             Federal Home Loan Bank,
    1,000    6.78%, 7/24/02                              988,280
             Federal National Mortgage Assoc.,
   15,500    6.15%, 12/14/01                          15,160,860
             Small Business Administration
                Participation Certificate,
   20,755    Series 1995-20B, 8.15%, 2/01/15          21,900,372
   35,000    Series 1996-20H, 7.25%, 8/01/16          35,304,500
   20,000    Series 1996-20K, 6.95%, 11/01/16         19,692,000
   24,744    Series 1995-20L, 6.45%, 12/01/15         23,166,376
             Tennessee Valley Authority,
      600    Series 1993-D, 7.25%, 7/15/43               567,522
   30,000    Series 1995-B, 6.235%, 7/15/45           29,787,900
   20,000    Series 1996-A, 5.98%, 4/01/36            20,250,000
                                                  --------------
             Total U.S. Government Agency
                Securities (cost $169,125,598)       166,817,810
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                      B-35
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF
FEBRUARY 28, 1997                  PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                                                         
Amount                                                            
(000)        Description                     Value (Note 1)       
<C>          <S>                                  <C>             
- ------------------------------------------------------------ 
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY - STRIPPED SECURITIES--6.7%
             Federal National Mortgage Assoc.,
  $17,100    Zero Coupon, 8/07/01                 $   12,849,111
   50,000    Zero Coupon, 7/24/06                     26,258,000
             Financing Corp.,
    5,000    Zero Coupon, 3/07/04                      3,137,250
             Israel AID,
   46,100    Zero Coupon, 2/15/09                     20,173,360
   25,584    Zero Coupon, 8/15/09                     10,775,981
   37,600    Zero Coupon, 5/15/15                     10,261,040
   37,600    Zero Coupon, 5/15/16                      9,546,640
                                                  --------------
             Total U.S. Government Agency -
                Stripped Securities
                (cost $88,067,064)                    93,001,382
- ------------------------------------------------------------
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS--2.2%
             Asset Securitization Corp.,
   20,000    Series 96-MD6 Class A-1B,
                6.88%, 11/13/26                       19,893,750
             Resolution Trust Corp.,
    5,363       7.75%, 9/25/29                         5,292,788
             Structured Asset Securities Corp.,
    5,000    Series 95-C1 Class C,
                7.375%, 9/25/24                        5,025,781
                                                  --------------
             Total Collateralized Mortgage
                Obligations
                (cost $29,960,953)                    30,212,319
- ------------------------------------------------------------
SUPRANATIONAL BOND--0.8%
             International Bank For
                Reconstruction
                & Development,
   10,000    8.625%, 10/15/16
                (cost $12,400,900)                    11,528,400
ASSET BACKED SECURITIES--0.3%
             Chemical Master Credit Card Trust
                I,
     $500    Series 95-3 Class A,
                6.23%, 4/15/05                    $      490,465
             Circuit City Credit Card Master
                Trust,
      500    Series 94-2 Class A,
                8.00%, 11/15/03                          516,660
             Discover Card Master Trust 1,
      500    Series 94-1 Class A,
                6.70%, 2/16/00                           502,030
             NationsBank Credit Card Master
                Trust,
      500    Series 95-1 Class A,
                6.45%, 4/15/03                           499,685
             Prime Credit Card Master Trust,
      600    Series 95-1 Class A,
                6.75%, 11/15/05                          598,308
             Sears Credit Account Master Trust,
      600    Series 96-3 Class A,
                7.00%, 7/15/08                           608,808
             Standard Credit Card Master Trust
                I,
      500    Series 94-4 Class A,
                8.25%, 11/07/03                          530,625
      500    Series 95-1 Class A,
                8.25%, 1/07/07                           538,125
                                                  --------------
             Total Asset Backed Securities
                (cost $4,357,407)                      4,284,706
- ------------------------------------------------------------
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS--0.2%
             Ryland Mortgage Securities Corp.,
    3,610    Mortgage Participation Securities,
                Series 1993-3 Class A-3,
                7.402%, 9/25/24
                (cost $3,681,930)                      3,639,078
    ------------------------------------------------------------
             Total long-term investments
                (cost $1,360,428,976)              1,367,994,953
                                                  --------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                      B-36
<PAGE>

PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount
(000)        Description                     Value (Note 1)
<C>          <S>                                  <C>             
- ------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT--2.1%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT--2.1%
  $28,987    Joint Repurchase Agreement
                Account,
                5.369%, 3/03/97
                (cost $28,987,000)                $   28,987,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--99.9%
             (cost $1,389,415,976; Note 4)         1,396,981,953
             Other assets in excess of
                liabilities--0.1%                      1,305,257
                                                  --------------
             Net Assets--100%                     $1,398,287,210
                                                  --------------
                                                  --------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
AID -- Agency for International Development
Pound  Mortgage dollar roll, see Note 1.
Dagger Partial principal amount pledged as collateral for mortgage dollar roll.
Double Dagger Portion of securities on loan, see Note 4.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 


                                      B-37
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES      PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             FEBRUARY 28, 1997
ASSETS                                                                                                       -----------------
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Investments, at value (cost $1,389,415,976)..............................................................       $ 1,396,981,953
Cash.....................................................................................................               133,199
Receivable for investments sold..........................................................................            40,078,272
Collateral for securities loaned, at value...............................................................            32,668,125
Interest receivable......................................................................................            13,561,950
Receivable for Fund shares sold..........................................................................             1,059,547
Deferred expenses and other assets.......................................................................                34,005
                                                                                                               -----------------
   Total assets..........................................................................................         1,484,517,051
                                                                                                               -----------------
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased........................................................................            39,791,648
Payable upon return of securities loaned.................................................................            32,668,125
Payable for dollar roll..................................................................................             5,752,500
Payable for Fund shares reacquired.......................................................................             3,811,981
Accrued expenses and other liabilities...................................................................             2,391,661
Dividends payable........................................................................................               871,091
Management fee payable...................................................................................               543,778
Distribution fee payable.................................................................................               399,057
                                                                                                               -----------------
   Total liabilities.....................................................................................            86,229,841
                                                                                                               -----------------
NET ASSETS...............................................................................................       $ 1,398,287,210
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                               -----------------
Net assets were comprised of:
   Common stock, at par..................................................................................       $     1,595,030
   Paid-in capital in excess of par......................................................................         1,529,161,531
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                                  1,530,756,561
   Accumulated net realized losses on investments........................................................          (140,035,328)
   Net unrealized appreciation on investments............................................................             7,565,977
                                                                                                               -----------------
Net assets at February 28, 1997..........................................................................       $ 1,398,287,210
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                               -----------------
Class A:
   Net asset value and redemption price per share
      ($860,318,879 divided by 98,158,439 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).................                 $8.76
   Maximum sales charge (4.0% of offering price).........................................................                   .37
                                                                                                               -----------------
   Maximum offering price to public......................................................................                 $9.13
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                               -----------------
Class B:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($461,988,063 divided by 52,668,167 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).................                 $8.77
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                               -----------------
Class C:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($2,569,498 divided by 292,931 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)......................                 $8.77
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                               -----------------
Class Z:
   Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share
      ($73,410,770 divided by 8,383,465 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)...................                 $8.76
                                                                                                               -----------------
                                                                                                               -----------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                      B-38
<PAGE>

PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED
NET INVESTMENT INCOME                         FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                              -----------------
<S>                                           <C>
Income
  Interest.................................     $ 112,935,435
  Income from securities loaned-net........            50,521
                                              -----------------
                                                  112,985,956
                                              -----------------
Expenses
  Management fee...........................         7,351,081
  Distribution fee--Class A................         1,327,293
  Distribution fee--Class B................         4,486,320
  Distribution fee--Class C................            18,299
  Transfer agent's fees and expenses.......         2,150,000
  Reports to shareholders..................           735,000
  Custodian's fees and expenses............           510,000
  Registration fees........................           140,000
  Audit fee and expenses...................            70,000
  Directors' fees..........................            48,000
  Legal fees and expenses..................            40,000
  Insurance expense........................            38,000
  Miscellaneous............................             6,444
                                              -----------------
     Total expenses........................        16,920,437
                                              -----------------
Net investment income......................        96,065,519
                                              -----------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain (loss):
  Investment transactions..................       (19,648,213)
  Financial futures contracts..............           251,988
  Written options transactions.............          (792,969)
                                              -----------------
                                                  (20,189,194)
Net change in unrealized
  appreciation on investments..............       (26,314,444)
                                              -----------------
Net loss on investments....................       (46,503,638)
                                              -----------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS..................     $  49,561,881
                                              -----------------
                                              -----------------
</TABLE>

PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28/29
INCREASE (DECREASE)                   -------------------------
IN NET ASSETS                         1997                1996
                                      ----                ----
<S>                              <C>                <C>
Operations
  Net investment income........  $    96,065,519     $    99,348,829
  Net realized gain (loss) on
     investment transactions...      (20,189,194)         53,485,429
  Net change in unrealized
     appreciation on
     investments...............      (26,314,444)         34,676,738
                                 ---------------    -----------------
  Net increase in net assets
     resulting from
     operations................       49,561,881         187,510,996
                                 ---------------    -----------------
Dividends to shareholders from
  net investment income (Note
  1)
     Class A...................      (60,005,745)        (60,495,599)
     Class B...................      (33,204,797)        (38,807,245)
     Class C...................         (151,010)            (45,985)
     Class Z...................       (2,703,967)                 --
                                 ---------------    -----------------
                                     (96,065,519)        (99,348,829)
                                 ---------------    -----------------
Fund share transactions (net of
  share conversions) (Note 5)
  Net proceeds from shares
     subscribed................      326,332,216         226,050,700
  Net asset value of shares
     issued to shareholders in
     reinvestment of
     dividends.................       57,955,409          57,501,726
  Cost of shares reacquired....     (528,279,294)       (360,013,003)
                                 ---------------    -----------------
  Decrease in net assets from
     Fund share transactions...     (143,991,669)        (76,460,577)
                                 ---------------    -----------------
Total increase (decrease)......     (190,495,307)         11,701,590
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year..............    1,588,782,517       1,577,080,927
                                 ---------------    -----------------
End of year....................  $ 1,398,287,210     $ 1,588,782,517
                                 ---------------    -----------------
                                 ---------------    -----------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                      B-39
<PAGE>

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS            PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 realizing 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.

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.

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


                                      B-40
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS            PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the
account of the Fund.

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

The management fee paid 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 has a distribution agreement with Prudential Securities Incorporated
("PSI"), which acts as the distributor of the Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class Z shares of the Fund. The Fund compensates PSI for distributing and
servicing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to plans of
distribution (the "Class A, B and C Plans"), regardless of expenses actually
incurred by them. The distribution fees for Class A, B and C shares are accrued
daily and payable monthly. No distribution or service fees are paid to PSI as
distributor of the Class Z shares of the Fund.

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 period ended February 28, 1997.

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.

PSI advised the Fund that it received approximately $186,000 in front-end sales
charges resulting from sales of Class A shares during the year ended February
28, 1997. 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 28, 1997 it received
approximately $1,203,000 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon
redemptions by certain Class B and Class C shareholders.

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

The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the
"Funds"), entered into a credit agreement (the "Agreement") on December 31, 1996
with an unaffiliated lender. The maximum commitment under the Agreement is
$200,000,000. The Agreement expires on December 30, 1997. Interest on any such
borrowings outstanding will be
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      B-41
<PAGE>

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS            PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
at market rates. The purpose of the Agreement is to serve as an alternative
source of funding for capital share redemptions. The Fund has not borrowed any
amounts pursuant to the Agreement as of February 28, 1997. The Funds pay a
commitment fee at an annual rate of .055 of 1% on the unused portion of the
credit facility. The commitment fee is accrued and paid quarterly on a pro-rata
basis by the Funds.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3. OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ("PMFS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PMF,
serves as the Fund's transfer agent. During the year ended February 28, 1997,
the Fund incurred fees of approximately $1,880,000 for the services of PMFS. As
of February 28, 1997, approximately $156,000 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 28, 1997, were $1,586,292,136 and $1,721,532,166,
respectively.

The federal income tax cost basis of the Fund's investments at February 28, 1997
was $1,390,001,050 and, accordingly, net unrealized appreciation for federal
income tax purposes was $6,980,903 (gross unrealized appreciation-$23,069,733;
gross unrealized depreciation-$16,088,830).

The Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of February 28, 1997 of
approximately $143,520,000 of which $12,390,000 expires in 1998, $41,964,000
expires in 1999, $1,736,000 expires in 2001, $2,920,000 expires in 2002,
$66,560,000 expires in 2003 and $17,950,000 expires in 2005. Accordingly, no
capital gains distribution is expected to be paid to shareholders until net
gains have been realized in excess of such amounts. During the fiscal year ended
February 28, 1997, approximately $8,302,000 of the capital loss carryforward
expired unused.

Transactions in written options during the year ended February 28, 1997 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NUMBER OF     PREMIUMS
                                       CONTRACTS     RECEIVED
<S>                                    <C>          <C>
                                       ---------    ----------
Options written......................     1,500     $1,554,688
Options terminated in closing
  purchase transactions..............    (1,250)      (949,219)
Options expired......................      (250)      (605,469)
                                       ---------    ----------
Options outstanding at February 28,
  1997...............................         0              0
                                       ---------    ----------
                                       ---------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
The average balance of dollar rolls outstanding during the year ended February
28, 1997 was approximately $2,625,000. This amount of dollar rolls outstanding
at February 28, 1997 was $5,752,500, which was .4% of total assets.

As of February 28, 1997, the Fund had securities on loan with an aggregate
market value of $31,531,236. As of this date, the collateral held for securities
on loan was comprised of U.S. government securities with an aggregate market
value of $32,668,125.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 5. JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT ACCOUNT
The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies, transfers
uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate
balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized
by U.S. Treasury or federal agency obligations. As of February 28, 1997, the
Fund had a 2.63% undivided interest in the repurchase agreements in the joint
account. This undivided interest represented $28,987,000 in principal amount. As
of such date, the repurchase agreements in the joint account and the value of
the collateral therefore were as follows:

Bear, Stearns & Co., 5.37%, in the principal amount of $330,000,000, repurchase
price $330,147,812, due 3/3/97. The value of the collateral including accrued
interest was $336,993,809.

CS First Boston Corp., 5.39%, in the principal amount of $125,000,000,
repurchase price $125,056,146, due 3/3/97. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest was $128,134,804.

Dean Witter, Reynolds, Inc., 5.35%, in the principal amount of $25,000,000,
repurchase price $25,011,145, due 3/3/97. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest was $25,500,582.

J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., 5.37% in the principal amount of $330,000,000,
repurchase price $330,147,812, due 3/3/97. The value of the collateral including
accrued interest was $336,600,627.

SBC Warburg, 5.30%, in the principal amount of $113,616,000, repurchase price
$113,666,180, due 3/3/97. The value of the collateral including accrued interest
was $115,893,997.

UBS Securities, 5.38%, in the principal amount of $180,000,000, repurchase price
$180,080,700, due 3/3/97. The value of the collateral including accrued interest
was $183,601,157.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      B-42
<PAGE>

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS            PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6. CAPITAL
The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. Class A shares are
sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 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. Effective March 4, 1996 the Fund commenced offering Class Z shares.
Class Z shares are not subject to any sales charge and are offered exclusively
for sale to a limited group of investors.

There are 2 billion shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, divided
into four classes, designated Class A, B, C and Class Z common stock, each of
which consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares.

Transactions in shares of common stock were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A                                SHARES         AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------  -----------   -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended February 28, 1997:
Shares sold........................   23,880,421   $ 211,010,343
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends........................    3,985,757      35,069,511
Shares reacquired..................  (41,836,738)   (368,907,729)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
  before conversion................  (13,970,560)   (122,827,875)
Shares issued upon conversion from
  Class B..........................    9,099,955      79,924,887
Shares reacquired upon conversion
  into Class Z.....................   (1,559,278)    (14,231,482)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding......................   (6,429,883)  $ (57,134,470)
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
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 issued upon conversion from
  Class B..........................   11,556,901     103,626,580
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    3,181,496   $  26,602,043
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
<CAPTION>
CLASS B                                SHARES         AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------  -----------   -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
Year ended February 28, 1997:
Shares sold........................    4,648,727   $  40,926,466
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends........................    2,285,644      20,127,506
Shares reacquired..................  (16,152,439)   (142,246,190)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares outstanding
  before conversion................   (9,218,068)    (81,192,218)
Shares reacquired upon conversion
  into Class A.....................   (9,099,955)    (79,924,887)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding......................  (18,318,023)  $(161,117,105)
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
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)
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
CLASS C
- -----------------------------------
Year ended February 28, 1997:
Shares sold........................      165,423   $   1,461,600
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends........................       13,603         119,788
Shares reacquired..................      (85,011)       (747,770)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................       94,015   $     833,618
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
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
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      B-43
<PAGE>

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS            PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS Z                                SHARES         AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------  -----------   -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
March 4, 1996* through
  February 28, 1997:
Shares sold**......................    8,380,612   $  72,933,807
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  dividends........................      299,172       2,638,604
Shares reacquired..................   (1,855,597)    (16,377,605)
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares outstanding
  before conversion from Class A...    6,824,187      59,194,806
Shares issued upon conversion from
  Class A..........................    1,559,278      14,231,482
                                     -----------   -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding......................    8,383,465   $  73,426,288
                                     -----------   -------------
                                     -----------   -------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
 * Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
** Includes 6,698,193 shares issued for the acquisition of The Prudential
   Institutional Fund, Income Fund.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 7. ACQUISITION OF THE PRUDENTIAL INSTITUTIONAL FUND, INCOME FUND
On September 20, 1996, the Fund acquired all the net assets of The Prudential
Institutional Fund, Income Fund ("Income Fund") pursuant to a plan of
reorganization approved by Income Fund shareholders on September 6, 1996. The
acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 6,698,193 Class Z shares
of the Fund for 5,948,930 shares of Income Fund valued at $58,006,352 in the
aggregate on September 20, 1996. The aggregate net assets of the Fund and Income
Fund immediately before the acquisition were $1,410,024,195 and $58,006,352
(including $172,817 of net unrealized depreciation), respectively.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      B-44
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                     PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CLASS A
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1997         1996         1995        1994        1993
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............    $   9.04     $   8.59     $   9.13     $  9.40     $  9.17
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................        0.60         0.60         0.59        0.61        0.66
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................       (0.28)        0.45        (0.54)      (0.25)       0.35
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
   Total from investment operations...........        0.32         1.05         0.05        0.36        1.01
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..........       (0.60)       (0.60)       (0.59)      (0.61)      (0.66)
Distributions in excess of accumulated
   gains......................................          --           --           --       (0.02)         --
Distributions from paid-in capital in excess
   of par.....................................          --           --           --          --       (0.12)
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
   Total distributions........................       (0.60)       (0.60)       (0.59)      (0.63)      (0.78)
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
Net asset value, end of year..................    $   8.76     $   9.04     $   8.59     $  9.13     $  9.40
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
                                                  --------     --------     --------     -------     -------
TOTAL RETURN(a):..............................        3.70%       12.41%         .83%       3.90%      11.55%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).................    $860,319     $945,038     $871,145     $51,673     $61,297
Average net assets (000)......................    $884,862     $909,169     $ 95,560     $55,921     $46,812
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......        0.90%        0.91%        0.98%       0.84%       0.84%
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......        0.75%        0.76%        0.83%       0.69%       0.69%
   Net investment income......................        6.78%        6.65%        7.45%       6.48%       7.17%
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:
   Portfolio turnover rate....................         107%         123%         206%         80%         36%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
    calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
    last day of each year 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-45
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                     PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               CLASS B
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1997         1996          1995           1994           1993
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............    $   9.04     $   8.60     $     9.13     $     9.40     $     9.17
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income.........................        0.54         0.54           0.53           0.53           0.58
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................       (0.27)        0.44          (0.53)         (0.25)          0.35
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
   Total from investment operations...........        0.27         0.98             --           0.28           0.93
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..........       (0.54)       (0.54)         (0.53)         (0.53)         (0.58)
Distributions in excess of accumulated
   gains......................................          --           --             --          (0.02)            --
Distributions from paid-in capital in excess
   of par.....................................          --           --             --             --          (0.12)
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
   Total distributions........................       (0.54)       (0.54)         (0.53)         (0.55)         (0.70)
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Net asset value, end of year..................    $   8.77     $   9.04     $     8.60     $     9.13     $     9.40
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                  --------     --------     ----------     ----------     ----------
TOTAL RETURN(a):..............................        3.12%       11.54%           .24%          3.03%         10.61%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000).................    $461,988     $641,946     $  705,732     $2,202,555     $2,680,259
Average net assets (000)......................    $543,796     $647,515     $1,735,413     $2,487,990     $2,670,924
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......        1.57%        1.58%          1.66%          1.68%          1.69%
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......        0.75%        0.76%          0.80%          0.69%          0.69%
   Net investment income......................        6.11%        5.99%          6.17%          5.64%          6.32%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
    calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
    last day of each year 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-46
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                     PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               CLASS C                     CLASS Z
                                                  ----------------------------------     ------------
                                                                         AUGUST 1,         MARCH 4,
                                                     YEAR ENDED           1994(c)          1996(d)
                                                   FEBRUARY 29/28,        THROUGH          THROUGH
                                                  -----------------     FEBRUARY 28,     FEBRUARY 28,
                                                   1997       1996          1995             1997
                                                  ------     ------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>              <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year............    $ 9.04     $ 8.60        $ 8.69          $   9.13
                                                  ------     ------         -----            ------
Income from investment operations
Net investment income.........................      0.54       0.54          0.31              0.61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
   investment transactions....................     (0.27)      0.44         (0.09)            (0.37)
                                                  ------     ------         -----            ------
   Total from investment operations...........      0.27       0.98          0.22              0.24
                                                  ------     ------         -----            ------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income..........     (0.54)     (0.54)        (0.31)            (0.61)
                                                  ------     ------         -----            ------
Net asset value, end of period................    $ 8.77     $ 9.04        $ 8.60          $   8.76
                                                  ------     ------         -----            ------
                                                  ------     ------         -----            ------
TOTAL RETURN(a):..............................      3.20%     11.63%         2.75%             3.16%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000)...............    $2,569     $1,799        $  204          $ 73,411
Average net assets (000)......................    $2,440     $  765        $  111          $ 39,551
Ratios to average net assets:
   Expenses, including distribution fees......      1.50%      1.51%         1.63%(b)          0.75%(b)
   Expenses, excluding distribution fees......      0.75%      0.76%         0.88%(b)          0.75%(b)
   Net investment income......................      6.19%      5.99%         6.69%(b)          6.76%(b)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
    calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
    last day of each period reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
    distributions. Total returns for periods of less than a full year are not
    annualized.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Commencement of offering of Class C shares.
(d) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                      B-47
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT             PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Shareholders and Board of Directors of
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 28, 1997, 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 28, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. 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 28, 1997, the results of its
operations, the changes in its net assets and its financial highlights for the
respective stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
April 11, 1997








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


                                      B-48
<PAGE>
   
                    APPENDIX I--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.
 
   
                                      I-1
    
<PAGE>
    Set forth below is historical performance data relating to various sectors
of the fixed-income securities markets. The chart shows the historical total
returns of U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. mortgage securities, U.S. corporate bonds,
U.S. high yield bonds and world government bonds on an annual basis from 1987
through 1995. The total returns of the indices include accrued interest, plus
the price changes (gains or losses) of the underlying securities during the
period mentioned. The data is provided to illustrate the varying historical
total returns and investors should not consider this performance data as an
indication of the future performance of the Fund or of any sector in which the
Fund invests.
 
    All information relies on data obtained from statistical services, reports
and other services believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has
not been verified. The figures do not reflect the operating expenses and fees of
a mutual fund. See "Fund Expenses" in the prospectus. The net effect of the
deduction of the operating expenses of a mutual fund on these historical total
returns, including the compounded effect over time, could be substantial.
 
           HISTORICAL TOTAL RETURNS OF DIFFERENT BOND MARKET SECTORS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       '87      '88      '89      '90      '91      '92      '93      '94      '95
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT
TREASURY
BONDS(1)                 2.0%     7.0%    14.4%     8.5%    15.3%     7.2%    10.7%    (3.4)%   18.4%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT
MORTGAGE
SECURITIES(2)            4.3%     8.7%    15.4%    10.7%    15.7%     7.0%     6.8%    (1.6)%   16.8%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. INVESTMENT
GRADE
CORPORATE
BONDS(3)                 2.6%     9.2%    14.1%     7.1%    18.5%     8.7%    12.2%    (3.9)%   22.3%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.
HIGH YIELD
CORPORATE
BONDS(4)                 5.0%    12.5%     0.8%    (9.6)%   46.2%    15.8%    17.1%    (1.0)%   19.2%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD
GOVERNMENT
BONDS(5)                35.2%     2.3%    (3.4)%   15.3%    16.2%     4.8%    15.1%     6.0%    19.6%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
HIGHEST
AND LOWEST RETURN
PERCENT                 33.2     10.2     18.8     24.9     30.9     11.0     10.3      9.9      5.5
</TABLE>
    
 
(1)LEHMAN BROTHERS TREASURY BOND INDEX is an unmanaged index made up of over 150
public issues of the U.S. Treasury having maturities of at least one year.
 
(2)LEHMAN BROTHERS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES INDEX is an unmanaged index that
includes over 600 15- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities of the
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage
Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).
 
(3)LEHMAN BROTHERS CORPORATE BOND INDEX includes over 3,000 public fixed-rate,
nonconvertible investment-grade bonds. All bonds are U.S. dollar-denominated
issues and include debt issued or guaranteed by foreign sovereign governments,
municipalities, governmental agencies or international agencies. All bonds in
the index have maturities of at least one year.
 
(4)LEHMAN BROTHERS HIGH YIELD BOND INDEX is an unmanaged index comprising over
750 public, fixed-rate, nonconvertible bonds that are rated Ba1 or lower by
Moody's Investors Service (or rated BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch
Investors Service). All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
 
(5)SALOMON BROTHERS WORLD GOVERNMENT INDEX (NON U.S.) includes over 800 bonds
issued by various foreign governments or agencies, excluding those in the U.S.,
but including those in Japan, Germany, France, the U.K., Canada, Italy,
Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Austria. All
bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
 
   
                                      I-2
    
<PAGE>
   
    This chart below shows the historical volatility of general interest rates
as measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.
    
 
   
LONG U.S. TREASURY BOND YIELD IN PERCENT (1926-1996)
    
 
   
Source: Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation 1996 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 1926-1996. 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.
    
 
   
                                      I-3
    
<PAGE>
   
                  APPENDIX II--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.
 
   
                                      II-1
    
<PAGE>
   
              APPENDIX III--INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PRUDENTIAL
    
 
    Set forth below is information relating to The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential) and its subsidiaries as well as information relating to
the Prudential Mutual Funds. See "Management of the Fund--Manager" in the
Prospectus. The data will be used in sales materials relating to the Prudential
Mutual Funds. Unless otherwise indicated, the information is as of December 31,
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) The Prudential Investment Corporation (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 Series 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.
 
   
                                     III-1
    
<PAGE>
    From time to time, there may be media coverage of portfolio managers and
other investment professionals associated with the Manager and the Subadviser in
national and regional publications, on television and in other media.
Additionally, individual mutual fund portfolios are frequently cited in surveys
conducted by national and regional publications and media organizations such as
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE NEW YORK TIMES, BARRON'S and USA TODAY.
 
    EQUITY FUNDS. Forbes magazine listed Prudential Equity Fund among twenty
mutual funds on its Honor Roll in its mutual fund issue of August 28, 1995.
Honorees are chosen annually among mutual funds (excluding sector funds) which
are open to new investors and have had the same management for at least five
years. Forbes considers, among other criteria, the total return of a mutual fund
in both bull and bear markets as well as a fund's risk profile. Prudential
Equity Fund is managed with a "value" investment style by PIC. In 1995,
Prudential Securities introduced Prudential Jennison Fund, a growth-style equity
fund managed by Jennison Associates 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.(5) Prudential Mutual Funds' money market desk
traded $3.2
 
- ------------
    
(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.
 
   
                                     III-2
    
<PAGE>
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)
 
    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 ArchitectSM, 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.
 
- ------------
(6) As of December 31, 1994.
 
(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.
 
   
                                     III-3
    
<PAGE>
                                     PART C
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
 
    (a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
      (1) Financial statements included in the Prospectus constituting Part A of
          this Registration Statement:
 
           Financial Highlights
 
      (2) Financial statements included in the Statement of Additional
          Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement:
 
   
           Portfolio of Investments at February 28, 1997 (audited).
    
 
   
           Statement of Assets and Liabilities at February 28, 1997 (audited).
    
 
   
           Statement of Operations for the year ended February 28, 1997
           (audited).
    
 
   
           Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended February 28,
           1997 and February 29, 1996 (audited).
    
 
           Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   
           Financial Highlights with respect to the five-year period ended
           February 28, 1997 (audited).
    
 
           Independent Auditors' Report.
 
    (b) EXHIBITS:
 
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
      1.   Articles of Restatement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration Statement on Form
           N-1A (File No. 2-82976) filed via EDGAR.
      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.*
 
           (b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
           Inc. and The Prudential Investment Corporation.*
 
      6.   (a) Dealer Agreement between Prudential Securities Inc. and dealer or
           dealers to be determined.*
 
           (b) Distribution Agreement.*
 
      7.   Not Applicable.
 
      8.   (a) Revised Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State
           Street Bank and Trust Company.*
 
           (b) Special Custody Agreement among the Registrant, State Street Bank
           and Trust Company, and Goldman, Sachs & Co.*
 
           (c) Customer Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs &
           Co.*
 
           (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.*
 
      10.  Opinion of Counsel.*
 
      11.  Consent of Independent Accountants.*
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
      12.  Not Applicable.
 
      13.  Purchase Agreement.*
 
      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).*
 
           (b) Schedule of computation of performance (Class B).*
 
           (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.
 
           (d) Schedule of computation of performance (Class Z)*
 
      17.  Financial Data Schedules.*
 
      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.
 
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
 
    None.
 
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
 
   
    As of April 11, 1997 there were 69,807, 40,804, 406 and 1,367 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,
as amended (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, as amended (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
    
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
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 Investments Fund Management LLC
    
 
   
    See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" in the Prospectus constituting Part A
of this Registration Statement and "Manager" in the Statement of Additional
Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
    
 
   
    The business and other connections of the officers of PIFM are listed in
Schedules A and D of Form ADV of PIFM as currently on file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference
(File No. 801-31104).
    
 
   
    The business and other connections of PIFM's directors and principal
executive officers are set forth below. Except as otherwise indicated, the
address of each person is Gateway Center Three, Newark, NJ 07102.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS            POSITION WITH PIFM                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
- -------------------------  --------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                   <C>
Brian M. Storms            President and Chief   President and Chief Executive Officer, PIFM
                           Executive Officer
Robert F. Gunia            Executive Vice        Comptroller, Prudential Investments; Executive Vice President
                           President and           and Treasurer, PIFM; Senior Vice President of Prudential
                           Treasurer               Securities Incorporated (Prudential Securities)
Thomas A. Early            Executive Vice        Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel,
                           President, Secretary    PIFM;
                           and General Counsel
Susan C. Cote              Executive Vice        Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, PIFM
                           President, Chief        Managing Director, Prudential Investments and Vice
                           Financial Officer       President, PIC
Neil A. McGuinness         Executive Vice        Executive Vice President, PIFM
                           President
Robert J. Sullivan         Executive Vice        Executive Vice President, PIFM
                           President
</TABLE>
    
 
    (b) The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC)
 
    See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" in the Prospectus constituting Part A
of this Registration Statement and "Manager" in the Statement of Additional
Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
    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>
E. Michael Caulfield       Chairman of the       Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Investments of
                           Board, President,       Prudential; Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
                           Chief Executive         Executive Officer and Director, PIC
                           Officer and Director
 
Jonathan M. Greene         Senior Vice           President--Investment Management, Prudential Investments of
                           President and           Prudential; Senior Vice President and Director, PIC
                           Director
 
John R. Strangfeld         Vice President and    President of Private Asset Management Group of Prudential;
                           Director                Vice President and Director, PIC
</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 Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc., Prudential
MoneyMart Assets, Inc., Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc., Prudential
Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc., Prudential Jennison Series Fund, Inc., The Target
Portfolio Trust, Prudential Allocation Fund, Prudential California Municipal
Fund, Prudential Distressed Securities Fund, Inc., Prudential Diversified Bond
Fund, Inc., Prudential Dryden Fund, Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.,
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc., Prudential Equity Income Fund, Prudential Europe
Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc., Prudential Global
Limited Maturity Fund, Inc., Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc., Prudential
High Yield Fund, Inc., Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.,
Prudential Mortgage Income Fund, Inc., Prudential Multi-Sector Fund, Inc.,
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund, Prudential Municipal Series Fund, Prudential
National Municipals Fund, Inc., Prudential Natural Resources Fund, Inc.,
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Small Companies Fund, Inc.,
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc., Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.,
Prudential World 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-4
<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
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, Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey
07102, and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, 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 LLC.
    
 
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-5
<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 Newark, and State of New Jersey, on the 1st day of May, 1997.
    
 
                         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/ Eugene S. Stark                            Treasurer and Principal Financial        May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------           and Accounting Officer
  EUGENE S. STARK
 
/s/ Edward D. Beach                            Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  EDWARD D. BEACH
 
/s/ Eugene C. Dorsey                           Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  EUGENE C. DORSEY
 
/s/ Delayne Dedrick Gold                       Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  DELAYNE DEDRICK GOLD
 
/s/ Robert F. Gunia                            Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  ROBERT F. GUNIA
 
/s/ Harry A. Jacobs, Jr.                       Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  HARRY A. JACOBS, JR.
 
/s/ Donald D. Lennox                           Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  DONALD D. LENNOX
 
/s/ Mendel A. Melzer                           Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  MENDEL A. MELZER
 
/s/ Thomas T. Mooney                           Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  THOMAS T. MOONEY
 
/s/ Thomas O'Brien                             Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  THOMAS O'BRIEN
 
/s/ Richard A. Redeker                         President and Director                   May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  RICHARD A. REDEKER
 
/s/ Nancy H. Teeters                           Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  NANCY H. TEETERS
 
/s/ Louis A. Weil, III                         Director                                 May 1, 1997
- ------------------------------------
  LOUIS A. WEIL, III
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
      <S>  <C>
      1.   Articles of Restatement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
           Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration Statement on Form
           N-1A (File No. 2-82976) filed via EDGAR.
      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.*
           (b) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Mutual Fund Management,
           Inc. and The Prudential Investment Corporation.*
      6.   (a) Dealer Agreement between Prudential Securities Inc. and dealer or
           dealers to be determined.*
           (b) Distribution Agreement.*
      7.   Not Applicable.
      8.   (a) Revised Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State
           Street Bank and Trust Company.*
           (b) Special Custody Agreement among the Registrant, State Street Bank
           and Trust Company, and Goldman, Sachs & Co.*
           (c) Customer Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs &
           Co.*
           (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.*
      10.  Opinion of Counsel.*
      11.  Consent of Independent Accountants.*
      12.  Not Applicable.
      13.  Purchase Agreement.*
      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).*
           (b) Schedule of computation of performance (Class B).*
           (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.
 
           (d) Schedule of computation of performance (Class Z).*
      17.  Financial Data Schedules.*
      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-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc.

                                 MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

    Agreement made this 1st day of July, 1988 between Prudential-Bache
Government Plus Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Fund), and Prudential
Mutual Fund Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Manager). 

                                 W I T N E S S E T H

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

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

    NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

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

<PAGE>

will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services
furnished pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement.

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

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

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

         (c)  The Manager shall determine the securities and


                                          2


<PAGE>

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

                                          3


<PAGE>

    on the basis of seeking the most
    favorable price and efficient execution. Therefore, the Manager is
    authorized to pay higher brokerage commissions for the purchase and sale of
    securities and futures contracts for the Fund to brokers or futures
    commission merchants who provide such research and analysis, subject to
    review by the Fund's Board of Directors from time to time with respect to
    the extent and continuation of this practice.  It is understood that the
    services provided by such broker or futures commission merchant may be
    useful to the Manager in connection with its services to other clients. 
         On occasions when the Manager deems the purchase or sale of a security
    or a futures contract to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as
    other clients of the Manager or the Subadviser, the Manager, to the extent
    permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no
    obligation to, aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be so sold
    or purchased in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage
    commissions and efficient execution.  In such event, allocation of the
    securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the
    expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Manager in the
    manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its
    fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients.

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

                                          4


<PAGE>

    reports as the Board may reasonably request. 

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

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

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

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

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

         (b)  By-Laws of the Fund (such By-Laws, as in effect on the date
    hereof and as amended from time to time, are herein called the "By-Laws");

         (c)  Certified resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund
    authorizing the appointment of the Manager and approving the form of this
    agreement;

         (d)  Registration Statement under the 1940 Act and the

                                          5


<PAGE>

    Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on Form N-1A (the  Registration
    Statement), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
    Commission) relating to the Fund and shares of the Fund's Common Stock and
    all amendments thereto;

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

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

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

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

                                          6


<PAGE>

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

         (i) the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Fund and the
    Manager except the fees and expenses of directors who are not affiliated
    persons of the Manager or the Fund's investment adviser,

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

         (iii) the costs and expenses payable to PIC pursuant to the
    Subadvisory Agreement.

    The Fund assumes and will pay the expenses described below:

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

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

         (c)  the fees and expenses of the Custodian that relate to (i) the
    custodial function and the recordkeeping connected therewith, (ii)
    preparing and maintaining the general accounting records of the Fund and
    the providing of any such records to the Manager useful to the Manager in
    connection with the Manager's responsibility for the accounting records of
    the Fund pursuant to Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated
    thereunder, (iii) the pricing of the shares of the

                                          7


<PAGE>

    Fund, including the cost of any pricing service or services which may be
    retained pursuant to the authorization of the Board of Directors of the
    Fund, and (iv) for both mail and wire orders, the cashiering function in
    connection with the issuance and redemption of the Fund's securities,
    
    (d)  the fees and expenses of the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing
Agent, which may be the Custodian, that relate to the maintenance of each
shareholder account,

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

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

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

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

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

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

         (k)  the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
    registration of the Fund and of its shares with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission, registering the Fund as a broker or dealer and qualifying its
    shares under state


                                          8


<PAGE>
    securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund's
    registration statements, prospectuses and statements of additional
    information for filing under federal and state securities laws for such
    purposes,

         (l)  allocable communications expenses with respect to investor
    services and all expenses of shareholders' and directors' meetings and of
    preparing, printing and mailing reports to shareholders in the amount
    necessary for distribution to the shareholders,

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

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

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

                                          9


<PAGE>

the Fund the amount of such reduction which exceeds the amount of such
compensation.

         8.  For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to
this Agreement, the Fund will pay to the Manager as full compensation therefor a
fee at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to
$50 million and .30 of 1%  of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of
$50 million.  This fee will be computed daily and will be paid to the Manager
monthly.  Any reduction in the fee payable and any payment by the Manager to the
Fund pursuant to paragraph 7 shall be made monthly.  Any such reductions or
payments are subject to readjustment during the year.

         9.  Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the Manager from paying
any expenses which might be considered as indirectly financing any activity
primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares.

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

                                          10


<PAGE>

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

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

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

                                          11


<PAGE>

         14.  During the term of this Agreement, the Fund agrees to furnish the
Manager at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to
shareholders, sales literature, or other material prepared for distribution to
shareholders of the Fund or the public, which refer in any way to the Manager,
prior to use thereof and not to use such material if the Manager reasonably
objects in writing within five business days (or such other time as may be
mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. In the event of termination of this
Agreement, the Fund will continue to furnish to the Manager copies of any of the
above mentioned materials which refer in any way to the Manager.  Sales
literature may be furnished to the Manager hereunder by first-class or overnight
mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.  The Fund shall furnish
or otherwise make available to the Manager such other information relating to
the business affairs of the Fund as the Manager at any time, or from time to
time, reasonably requests in order to discharge its obligations hereunder.

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

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

                                          12


<PAGE>

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

         18.  The Fund may use the name "Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund,
Inc." or any name including the word "Prudential" or "Bache" only for so long as
this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment hereof remains in effect,
including any similar agreement with any organization which shall have succeeded
to the Manager's business as Manager or any extension, renewal or amendment
thereof remain in effect.  At such time as such an agreement shall no longer be
in effect, the Fund will (to the extent that it lawfully can) cease to use such
a name or any other name indicating that it is advised by, managed by or
otherwise connected with the Manager, or any organization which shall have so
succeeded to such businesses.  In no event shall the Fund use the name
"Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc." or any name including the word
"Prudential" or "Bache" if the Manager's function is transferred or assigned to
a company of which The Prudential Insurance Company of America does not have
control.

                                          13


<PAGE>

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

                                       PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT
                                       PLUS FUND, INC.


                                       By/s/ LAWRENCE C. MCQUADE     
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Lawrence C. McQuade
     


                                       PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.


                                       By/s/ ROBERT F. GUNIA
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Robert F. Gunia
      

                                          14


<PAGE>

                     PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.

                                Subadvisory Agreement



    Agreement made as of this 1st day of July, 1988 between Prudential Mutual
Fund Management Inc., a Delaware Corporation ("PMF" or the "Manager"), and The
Prudential Investment Corporation, a New Jersey Corporation (the "Subadviser").

    WHEREAS, the Manager has entered into a Management Agreement, dated July
25, 1989(the "Management Agreement"), with Prudential-Bache Government Plus
Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), a Maryland corporation and a diversified open-end
management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), pursuant to which PMF will act as Manager of the Fund.

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

    NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

                                          2


<PAGE>

         (iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect 
    to the Fund's portfolio transactions required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6),
    (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act
    and shall render to the Fund's Board of Directors such periodic and special
    reports as the Board may reasonably request.

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                          3


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                          4


<PAGE>

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

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

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


         

                        PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.     

                          BY /S/ MICHAEL J. DOWNEY                              
                            -----------------------------------
                           President


                        THE PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT CORPORATION 


                          BY /S/ JOHN BOOKMEYER, JR.            
                            -----------------------------------

<PAGE>

                       PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
                                One Seaport Plaza
                               New York, NY  10292

                            SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT


                                                            ,1996

[Dealer Name]
[Address]


Dear [Name]:

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

     5.  You represent and warrant that:

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

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

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

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

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


                                        2
<PAGE>

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

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

     6.   We represent and warrant that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

     8.  You agree:

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

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


                                        3
<PAGE>

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

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

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

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


                                        4
<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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


                                        5
<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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


                                        6
<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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


                                        7

<PAGE>

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


                              Very truly yours,

                              PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


                                        8

<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.6(b)



                        PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND, INC.

                                DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


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

                                      WITNESSETH

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

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

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

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

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

Section 1.  APPOINTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR  

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

<PAGE>

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

Section 2.  EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF DUTIES

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

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

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

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

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

Section 3.  PURCHASE OF SHARES FROM THE FUND  

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

                                          2


<PAGE>

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

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

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

Section 4.  REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES BY THE FUND

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

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

                                          3


<PAGE>

         4.3  Redemption of any class and/or series  of Shares or payment may
be suspended at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than
customary weekends and holidays, when trading on said Exchange is restricted,
when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or during any
other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by order, so permits.

Section 5.  DUTIES OF THE FUND  

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

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

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

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

                                          4


<PAGE>

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

Section 6.  DUTIES OF THE DISTRIBUTOR  

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

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

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

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

Section 7.  PAYMENTS TO THE DISTRIBUTOR

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

                                          5


<PAGE>

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

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

Section 8.  PAYMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THE PLAN

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

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

Section 9.  ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES

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

                                          6


<PAGE>

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

Section 10.  INDEMNIFICATION

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

                                          7


<PAGE>

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

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

Section 11.  DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

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

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

                                          8


<PAGE>

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

Section 12.  AMENDMENTS TO THIS AGREEMENT

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

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

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

Section 14.  GOVERNING LAW

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

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


                                  Prudential Securities Incorporated


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

                                  Prudential Government
                                  Income Fund, Inc.


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

                                          9

<PAGE>


                                  CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
                                           
                                       Between
                                           
                     EACH OF THE PARTIES INDICATED ON APPENDIX A
                                           
                                         and
                                           
                         STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

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

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

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

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

                                         -i-


<PAGE>

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -ii-


<PAGE>

                                  CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -2-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -3-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -4-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -5-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

                                         -6-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

                                         -7-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

                                         -8-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -9-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -10-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -11-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -12-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -13-


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

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

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

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

                                         -14-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -15-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -16-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

                                         -17-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

                                         -18-

<PAGE>


    3.8  TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY ACCOUNT

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

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

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

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

                                         -19-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

                                         -20-


<PAGE>

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

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

    3.13 BRANCHES OF U.S. BANKS

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

                                         -21-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

5.  PROPER INSTRUCTIONS.  

                                         -22-


<PAGE>

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

6.  ACTIONS PERMITTED WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY.  

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

                                         -23-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

7.  EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY

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

                                         -24-


<PAGE>

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

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

9.  RECORDS

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

                                         -25-


<PAGE>

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

10. OPINION OF FUND'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT

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

11. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN

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

12. RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN

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

                                         -26-


<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

                                         -27-


<PAGE>

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

13. EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

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

                                         -28-


<PAGE>

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

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

14. SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN

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

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

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

                                         -29-


<PAGE>

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

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

15. INTERPRETATIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

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

                                         -30-


<PAGE>

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

16. MASSACHUSETTS LAW TO APPLY

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

17. PRIOR CONTRACTS

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

18. THE PARTIES

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

19. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

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

                                         -31-


<PAGE>

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


ATTEST                                 STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                       By
- -------------------------                ---------------------------------
Assistant Secretary                              Vice President


ATTEST                                 EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX A


/s/ S. JANE ROSE                       By   /s/ ROBERT F. GUNIA
- -------------------------                ---------------------------------
Secretary                                        Vice President<PAGE>


<PAGE>



                          SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNT AGREEMENT

                              (Options and Short Sales)



         Agreement, dated __________, 1985, by and among State Street Bank and
Trust Company, a Massachusetts banking corporation ("Bank"), Prudential-Bache
Government Plus Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Customer"), and __________
a ___________ ("Broker").

         WHEREAS, Bank acts as the custodian ("Custodian") of Customer pursuant
to a Custodian Agreement dated _________, 1985; and

         WHEREAS, Broker, a member of a national securities exchange, is a
clearing member of the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"); and

         WHEREAS, Customer desires from time to time to write, purchase and
sell through Broker, Options as hereinafter defined, as permitted by Customer's
investment policies; and

         WHEREAS, to facilitate Customer's transactions in certain OCC option
contracts, Customer and Broker desire to establish procedures for the compliance
by Broker with the provisions of Regulation T of the Board of Governors for the
Federal Reserve System and other requirements and for the compliance by Customer
with the provisions of Regulation  X of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and other requirements.
         NOW, THEREFORE, be it agreed as follows:
         1.   As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

<PAGE>

              "Adequate Margin" in respect of transactions in Options shall
         mean such Collateral as is adequate under applicable law, regulations
         (including said Regulations X and T) and the internal policies of
         Broker.
              "Advice from Broker" or "Advice" means a written notice sent to
         Customer and Bank or transmitted by a facsimile sending device, except
         that Advices for initial or additional collateral may be given orally.
         In the event of a purchase or sale transaction, or the exercise of an
         Option, the Advice from Broker shall mean a standard confirmation in
         use by Broker and sent or transmitted to Customer and bank.  With
         respect to substitutions or releases of Collateral, Advice from Broker
         means a written notice signed by an official of the operations
         department of Broker and sent or transmitted to Customer and Bank.
         When used herein, the term "Advise" shall refer to a communication
         involving an Advice from Broker.  An authorized person of Broker will
         certify to Bank the names and signatures of those persons authorized
         to sign Advices from broker, which certification may be amended from
         time to time.
              "Closing Transaction" is a transaction in which Customer
         purchases an Option of the same Series as an Option previously written
         by it or in which Customer sells an Option of the same Series as an
         Option previously purchased by it.
              "Collateral" shall mean cash or U.S. Government securities or
         other securities acceptable to Broker.
              "Instructions from Customer" or "Instructions" means a request,
         direction or certification in writing signed in the name of Customer
         and delivered to Bank or transmitted by a facsimile sending device.
         An officer of Customer will certify to


                                         -2-

<PAGE>

         Bank the names and signatures of those persons (who may be officers or
         employees of Customer or of The Prudential Insurance Company of
         America ("Adviser"), Customer's investment adviser) authorized to sign
         the instructions from Customer, which certification may be amended
         from time to time.  When used herein, the term "Instruct" shall refer
         to a communication involving an Instruction from Customer.
              "Option" shall mean a put option ("Put") or call option ("Call")
         which is cleared by Broker and issued by the OCC.
              "Receipt of Payment" means receipt by Bank, as Customer's
         Custodian, of (1) a certified or official bank check, (2) a written or
         telegraphic advice from a registered clearing agency that funds have
         been or will be credited to the account of Bank, or (3) a transfer of
         funds from any of Broker's accounts maintained at Bank.
              "Receipt of Securities" means receipt by Bank, as Customer's
         Custodian, of (1) securities in proper form for transfer or (2) a
         written or telegraphic advice from a registered clearing agency that
         securities have been credited to the account of Bank.
              "Series", as applied to Options, means Options of the same type
         (I.E., Put or Call) covering the same underlying security and with the
         same exercise price, expiration time and unit of trading.
         2.   Bank shall open an account on its books entitled "Special Custody
Account for ________ as pledgee of Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc."
(referred to herein as "Special Custody Account") and shall hold therein for
Broker as agent for Broker all cash, securities and similar property as shall be
received and accepted by it therein pursuant to the terms

                                         -3-

<PAGE>

of this Special Custody Account Agreement ("Agreement").  Cash, securities and
similar property held in such Account are Collateral hereunder and shall be
released only in accordance with this Agreement.  Bank agrees to release
Collateral to Customer from the pledge hereunder only upon receipt of Advice
from Broker.  Customer can substitute or exchange the cash, securities or
similar property in the Special Custody Account only after Customer notifies
Broker of the contemplated substitution or exchange and Broker Advises Bank that
such substitution or exchange is acceptable.  Customer hereby grants a
continuing security interest to Broker in the Collateral and the proceeds
thereof to secure its obligations to Broker under this Agreement.
         3.   At or prior to the time that Customer shall sell a Put through
Broker other than in a Closing Transaction, Customer shall give Instructions to
Bank, acting as Customer's custodian, to transfer from Customer's custodian
account to the Special Custody Account such Collateral as shall be necessary to
equal or exceed the amount Broker shall Advise is necessary to constitute
Adequate Margin or such greater amounts as Customer shall otherwise from time to
time Advise.  Customer instructs Bank to maintain in the Special Custody Account
such Collateral as Broker shall, from time to time, Advise Customer is necessary
to constitute Adequate Margin for the Put.  [At or prior to the time that
Customer shall sell a Call through Broker other than in a Closing Transaction,
Customer shall give Instructions to Bank, acting as Customer's custodian, to
transfer from Customer's custodian account to the Special Custody Account
Collateral consisting of the U.S. Government securities underlying the Call.]
         4.   As of the opening of business on each business day, Broker shall
Advise Bank and Customer of any excess of Collateral in the Special Custody
Account.  Such excess shall be transferred therefrom upon Advice from Broker to
Customer's custody account with Bank as Custodian and, upon request of Customer,
Broker agrees so to Advise the Bank.  Customer represents and warrants to Broker
that securities included at any time in the Collateral


                                         -4-

<PAGE>

shall be in good deliverable form (or Bank shall have the unrestricted power to
put such securities into good deliverable form) in accordance with the
requirements of such exchanges as may be the primary market or markets for such
securities.
         5.   Bank will maintain accounts and records for the Collateral in the
Special Custody Account separate from the accounts and records for other
property of Customer in the custody of Bank under the Custodian Agreement and
other property in which Broker has an interest.  The Collateral shall at all
times remain the property of Customer subject only to the extent of the interest
and rights therein of Broker as the pledgee thereof and, except as required to
be released hereunder to Broker or its involuntary successors (including a
trustee), shall not be available to creditors of Broker or Bank.
         6.   (a)  In the event Broker Advises Bank and Customer that an
exercise notice filed with OCC in respect of one or more Calls sold by Customer
has been assigned to Customer through Broker, Bank will deliver the securities
underlying such Call from the Special Custody Account to Broker, against Bank's
Receipt of Payment of the exercise price of such Call, less applicable
commissions and other charges, unless (1) on the same day (prior to three p.m.)
the Advice is received from Broker, Customer, after notification by Bank to
Customer of its intention to comply with the exercise notice, notifies Broker
and Bank that Bank acting as Customer's Custodian is given Instructions to make
delivery of other securities then held in the regular custody account of
Customer to Broker, and identical to the securities underlying the Call, against
Bank's Receipt of Payment of such net exercise price, or (2) on the same day
(prior to three p.m.) the Advice is received from Broker, Customer Instructs
Bank to purchase the securities underlying such Call from such assets of
Customer as Customer may Instruct Bank to utilize and to deliver such securities
to Broker.

                                         -5-

<PAGE>

              (b)  In the event Broker Advises Bank and Customer that an
exercise notice filed with OCC in respect of one or more Puts sold by Customer
has been assigned to Customer through Broker, Bank will sell such portion of the
non-cash Collateral as Broker may Advise in order that the Special Custody
Account holds cash equal to the exercise price of such Put plus applicable
commissions and other charges and pay such amount of cash to Broker, against
Bank's Receipt of the securities underlying such Put, unless, on the same day
(prior to three p.m.) the Advice is received from Broker, Customer after
notification by Bank to Customer of its intention to comply with the exercise
notice notifies Broker and Bank that Bank acting as Customer's Custodian is
given Instructions to make payment from such assets of Customer as Customer may
instruct Bank to utilize of the gross exercise price against Bank's Receipt of
Securities underlying the Put.
         7.   From time to time, Customer may place orders with Broker for the
short sale "against the box" of securities or other properties.  Prior to the
acceptance of such orders Broker will advise Customer of broker's ability to
borrow such securities or other properties and acceptance of short sale orders
will be contingent upon same.  At or prior to the execution of the short sale
"against the box", Customer shall give Instructions to Bank, acting as
Customer's Custodian, to transfer from Customer's custodian account to the
Special Custody Account as Collateral the securities sold short "against the
box".
         8.   Debit balances of the Special Custody Account shall be charged
with interest, in accordance with Broker's usual custom, and with any increases
in rates caused by money market conditions, and with such other charges as
Broker may make to cover Broker's facilities and extra services.
         9.   In case of the short sale of any security by Broker at the
direction of Customer and Broker's inability to deliver the same to the
purchaser by reason of failure of

                                         -6-

<PAGE>

Customer to supply Broker therewith, then and in such event Customer authorizes
Broker to borrow any security or other property necessary to make delivery
thereof, and Customer hereby agrees to be responsible for any loss which Broker
may sustain thereby and any premiums which broker may be required to pay
thereon, and for any loss which Broker may sustain by reason of Broker's
inability to borrow the security or other property sold.
         10.  It is understood and agreed that Customer when placing with
Broker any sell order for short account, will designate it as such and hereby
authorizes Broker to mark such order as being "short", and when placing with
Broker any order for long account, will designate it as such and hereby
authorizes Broker to mark such order as being "long".  Any sell order which
Customer shall designate as being for long account as above provided is for
securities then owned by Customer and, if such securities are not then
deliverable by Broker from any account of Customer, the placing of such order
shall constitute a representation by Customer that it is impracticable for
Customer then to deliver such securities to Broker but that customer will
deliver then as soon as it is possible for Customer to do so without undue
inconvenience or expense.
         11.  As between Bank on the one hand, and Broker and OCC on the other
hand, the obligations of Bank under this Agreement represent obligations of Bank
generally, rather than an obligation of Bank in any particular capacity or as a
fiduciary with respect to any particular account.
         12.  Bank shall be paid as compensation for its services pursuant to
this Agreement such compensation as may from time to time be agreed upon in
writing between Customer and Bank.  All such compensation shall be paid by
Customer.
         13.  Bank shall not be liable for any action taken with reasonable
care in accordance with this Agreement, upon any Instruction from Customer or
Advice from Broker herein described.

                                         -7-

<PAGE>

         14.  Broker is hereby authorized in the event of a default by Customer
in the transfer of Collateral to the Special Custody Account after Advice to the
Customer from the Broker that such transfer is required to provide Adequate
Margin in the Special Custody Account, upon one business day's notice to
Customer, to sell any or all of the securities in the Special Custody Account,
or other accounts maintained by Customer with Broker, or to buy in any
securities of which the accounts may be short.  Bank shall deliver Collateral
free of payment solely upon Advice from Broker signed by a person authorized to
sign for the Broker and stating that, pursuant to this Agreement, the condition
precedent to Broker's right to receive such Collateral free of payment has
occurred.  The Bank will provide immediate telephone notice to Customer of any
receipt by Bank of Advice from Broker to deliver Collateral free of payment.
Such sale or purchase may be made according to Broker's judgment and may be made
at Broker's discretion, on the principal exchange or other market for such
securities, or in the event such principal market is closed, in a manner
commercially reasonable for such securities.
         15.  Customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Broker from all
claims and liabilities incurred by Broker in connection with the performance of
this Agreement except such as may arise from Broker's own negligence, willful
misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder.
         16.  Bank shall transfer upon receipt by Bank all income earned on the
Collateral held in the Special Custody Account to Customer's custodian account
at Bank unless Broker deems such income necessary for there to be Adequate
Margin in the Special Custody Account and so Advises Bank and Customer.
         17.  Bank will confirm in writing to Broker and Customer all pledges,
releases or substitutions of Collateral.  Bank will also advise Broker upon
request, at any time, of the kind and amount of Collateral pledged to Broker.
It is agreed that, notwithstanding any language to

                                         -8-

<PAGE>

the contrary in Bank's form of confirmation, Bank holds the Collateral as agent
of Broker as pledgee and secured party hereunder, not as escrow agent.
         18.  Customer represents and warrants that the Collateral will not be
subject to any other liens or encumbrances.
         19.  Any of the parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by notice
in writing to both of the other parties hereto; provided, however, that the
status of any Collateral held at the time of such notice shall not be affected
by such termination until the release of such Collateral pursuant to applicable
rules of the OCC and of such national securities exchanges of which Broker may
be a member.  In the event of the release Collateral, the Collateral shall be
transferred to the Customer's custody account at Bank.
         20.  Written communications hereunder shall be telegraphed as required
herein, hand delivered or mailed first class postage prepaid, except that
written notice of termination shall be sent by certified mail, addressed:
         (a)  if to State Street, to:
              ____________________
              Custody and Shareholder Services
              State Street Bank and Trust Company
              1776 Heritage Drive
              North Quincy, Massachusetts __

         (b) (1)   if to Customer with respect to matters referred to in
Sections 6 and 14 to:
              ____________________
              ____________________
              ____________________
              ____________________
              The Prudential Insurance Company of America
              Prudential Plaza
              Newark, New Jersey 07101

              (2)  if to Customer with respect to any other matters to:

                                         -9-

<PAGE>

              ____________________
              ____________________
              The Prudential Insurance Company of America
              Prudential Plaza
              Newark, New Jersey 07101

         (3)  In each case, with copies to:

              Mr. Robert F. Gunia
              Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc.
              One Seaport Plaza
              New York, New York 10292

         (c)  if to Broker, to:

              ____________________
              ____________________
              ____________________
              ____________________

         21.  This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New
York applicable to transactions entered into and to be performed wholly within
the State of New York.

                   STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                   By: _____________________
                        Authorized Signature

                   PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.

                   By: _____________________
                        Authorized Signature

                        [BROKER]


                        By: _____________________

                                         -10-

<PAGE>



                                                                    EXHIBIT 8(c)


                                   PLEDGE AGREEMENT

         Agreement dated _____________________, 1985 among Prudential-Bache
Government Plus Fund, Inc. ("Fund"),_______________ ("Broker"), and State Street
Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), hereinafter collectively known as the 
"Parties".

                                 W I T N E S S E T H
                                 - - - - - - - - - -
         WHEREAS, the Fund has opened a trading account ("Trading Account")
with Broker, a registered Futures Commission Merchant, for the purpose of
trading in contracts for the future delivery of commodities traded on duly
registered boards of trade or commodities exchanges, including options on such
contracts ("Contracts"); and

         WHEREAS, the rules and regulations of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange,
the Chicago Board of Trade, and such other exchanges on which Broker may effect,
or caused to be effected, Contract transactions for the Fund ("Exchange" or
"Exchanges") may require the Fund to deposit with Broker certain collateral with
respect to each Contract; and

         WHEREAS, Broker understands that State Street is the custodian of the
Fund's securities and other assets pursuant to a custody agreement, dated
_______, 1985 and that in accordance therewith State Street will open and
maintain such separate custody accounts as the Fund may in writing direct, such
accounts to be subject to the terms of this Pledge Agreement among the Parties
("Pledge Account" or "Pledge Accounts").

         Therefore, it is agreed as follows:


         1.   As used herein the following terms shall have the following
         meanings:

              "Initial Margin" means the margin required to enter into a
         Contract by any Exchange on which transactions are effected by Broker
         as broker for the Fund.
              "Instructions from Broker" means a request, direction or
         certification in writing signed in the name of Broker by a person
         authorized to sign for Broker as certified in writing to State Street
         by an officer of Broker.  Such instructions shall be hand-delivered or
         transmitted to it by facsimile sending device and may be amended from
         time to time.

              "Instructions from the Fund" means a request direction or
         certification in writing signed in the name of the Fund by a person
         authorized to sign for the Fund as provided in Section 2.17 of the
         Custody Agreement dated ___________________, 1985 between the Fund and
         State Street ("Custody Agreement") and delivered to State Street or
         transmitted to it by a facsimile sending device, except that
         instructions to

<PAGE>

         transfer cash or eligible U.S. Government securities to the Pledge
         Account may be given by telephone and thereafter confirmed in writing
         signed in the name of the Fund by a person authorized to sign for the
         Fund as provided in Section 2.17 of the Custody Agreement.

              "Notice by Broker to the Fund" or "Notice by State Street to the
         Fund" means notice by telephone to a person designated by the Fund in
         writing as eligible to receive such notice or, in the event no such
         person is available, to any officer of the Fund.

              "Notice by Broker to State Street" means notice, in writing, hand
         delivered or transmitted by a facsimile sending device to a person
         designated by State Street in writing as eligible to receive such
         notice or in the event no such person is available to any officer of
         the Custody and Shareholder Services Department of State Street.

              "One Business Day" means a period commencing at the time the
         required notice has been given on a day on which the Fund is open for
         business and concluding at the same time on the next following day
         that the Fund is open for business.

         2.   The Fund hereby gives Instructions from the Fund to State Street
to open and maintain a Pledge Account for Broker as pledgee of the Fund with
respect to the Trading Account established by the Fund with Broker.  The account
shall be entitled "______________________________, Pledgee of Prudential-Bache
Government Plus Fund, Inc. (Customer Segregated Account)."  The designation
"Customer Segregated Account" in the account title is intended to indicate the
status of the account under the Commodities Exchange Act and Commodity Futures
Trading Commission regulations; however, the provisions of this agreement shall
be controlling as to the rights of the Parties in the Collateral designated in
the Account.

         3.   The Fund shall deposit in the Pledge Account cash or eligible
U.S. Government securities, or any combination thereof (hereinafter called
"Collateral") in the amount of Initial Margin required with respect to any
Contract for the Trading Account for which the Pledge Account is maintained.
Such Collateral shall be maintained in the Pledge Account until termination or
satisfaction of the Contract.  The Fund may deposit, or maintain on deposit,
Collateral in the Pledge Account in excess of such requirements ("Excess
Margin").  In determining whether Collateral is sufficient to satisfy Initial
Margin requirements of any exchange, eligible U.S.  Government securities will
be valued at the current market value less 10% of the principal value thereof.

         4.   Collateral held in the Pledge Account (i) will be held by State
Street as agent of Broker subject to the terms and conditions of the Custody
Agreement, as modified by this Agreement, which shall be controlling with
respect to the Pledge Account in the event of


                                          2

<PAGE>

conflicting provisions, (ii) may be released, transferred or sold only in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (iii) except as provided herein,
shall not be made available to Broker or to any person claiming through Broker
including creditors of Broker.  The Fund hereby grants to Broker a continuing
security interest in the Collateral and the proceeds thereof, but not such
portion of the Collateral which constitutes Excess Margin, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, which security interest will terminate at the
earlier of (a) release of the Collateral by Broker as provided herein or (b)
such time as the Collateral becomes Excess Margin.  The Collateral shall at all
times remain the property of the Fund subject only to the interest and rights
therein of Broker as pledgee and secured party thereof as provided in this
Agreement.

         5.   State Street agrees to transfer upon Instructions of the Fund, or
release to the Fund, Collateral held in the Pledge Account only upon
Instructions from Broker.

         6.   The Fund may substitute as Collateral eligible U.S. Government
securities or cash of equal or greater value.  Broker agrees to give
Instructions from Broker to State Street to release from a Pledge Account cash
or eligible U.S. Government securities of an equal Value, or such lesser amount
as may be directed by the Fund, upon receipt of substitute Collateral.

         7.   Broker shall at the Fund's request promptly notify the Fund of
the amount of any Excess Margin in the Pledge Account.  Upon request of the
Fund, Broker shall give Instructions from Broker to State Street to release to
the Fund cash or eligible U.S. Government securities selected by the Fund, the
value of which in the aggregate does not exceed the amount of any such Excess
Margin.  In the event such Excess Margin shall at any time exceed $50,000, State
Street shall release to the Fund cash or eligible U.S. Government securities
selected by the Fund, the value of which in the aggregate does not exceed the
amount of any such Excess Margin, without the need to receive Instructions from
Broker.

         8.   Subject to Section 10, interest on securities held in the Pledge
Account will be automatically credited by State Street in Federal funds to such
demand deposit account or accounts designated in Instructions from the Fund on
the date that such funds become due and payable.  Amounts due on securities
which mature or are redeemed will be credited to the Pledge Account in Federal
funds on the date funds are received.

         9.   State Street shall promptly give Notice by State Street to the
Fund and Broker of, and transmit to both written confirmation of, each transfer
into or out of a Pledge Account and shall transmit to Broker monthly a summary
of such transfers.

         10.  Broker shall have access to the Collateral only in accordance
with the following:

              (a)  If notice by Broker is given that additional margin is
    required by any Exchange on which transactions are effected by Broker on
    behalf of the Fund due to variation in the value of one or more Contracts
    purchased or sold by the Fund ("Variation


                                          3

<PAGE>

Margin") prior to 11:30 a.m. New York time on a day on which the Fund is open
for business, which Variation Margin shall first have been satisfied from any
amounts currently credited to the Fund's Trading Account with Broker in
connection with which the Variation Margin is required, the Fund shall transfer
to Broker such Variation Margin not later than 3:00 p.m. on the same day.  If
Notice by Broker to the Fund is given of the need for Variation Margin
subsequent to 11:30 a.m. but prior to 4:00 p.m. New York time on a day on which
the Fund is open for business, the Fund shall provide such Variation Margin to
Broker not later than 10:30 a.m. New York time of the next succeeding day on
which the Fund is open for business.  Notice by Broker to the Fund of the
receipt of Variation Margin shall be given promptly.

              (b)  If Broker has not received the requested Variation Margin
    within the time period as provided in Paragraph (a), Notice by Broker to
    the Fund of the failure to receive the Variation Margin shall be given
    immediately.

              (c)  If Broker does not receive the Variation Margin within one
    Business Day from the time of giving Notice by Broker to the Fund of the
    failure to receive the Variation Margin, Broker may give (i) Notice by
    Broker to State Street of the Fund's failure to provide Variation Margin
    and the amount of Variation Margin required, which Notice shall indicate
    the Pledge Account relating to the Trading Account in which the Variation
    Margin is required, and (ii) Notice by Broker to the Fund that such Notice
    has been given to State Street.  Immediately upon receipt of Notice by
    Broker to State Street but without prejudice to any rights of Broker
    hereunder, State Street shall give Notice by State Street to the Fund of
    its receipt of such Notice by Broker.

              (d)  No sooner than one Business Day after such Notice by Broker
    to State Street, and only if the Fund has failed to transfer the required
    Variation Margin to Broker during such period, Broker may give Notice by
    Broker to State Street of the Fund's failure to provide Variation Margin
    and may give Instructions from Broker to State Street (i) to transfer
    eligible U.S. Government securities from such Pledge Account to Broker,
    (ii) to sell at the prevailing market price such of the Collateral in the
    Pledge Account relating to the Trading Account in which the Variation
    Margin is required, in each case as necessary to provide for payment to
    Broker of the amount of Variation Margin that Broker shall have specified
    in the Notice, or (iii) with respect to Collateral in the form of cash,
    Broker may give Instructions from Broker to State Street to immediately
    transfer cash in the amount of the Variation Margin that Broker shall have
    specified in such Notice from such Pledge Account to the account of Broker.
    Any Notice pursuant to this paragraph 10(d) must state that all conditions
    precedent to Broker's right to direct the disposition of the Fund's assets
    in such Pledge Account have been met.  State Street shall immediately give
    Notice by State Street to the Fund of its receipt of such Instructions from
    Broker and, upon taking any action pursuant to such Instructions, shall
    immediately give Notice by State Street to the Fund of such actions.
    Subject to the notice provisions set forth above, State Street shall take
    Instructions solely from Broker with respect to the


                                          4

<PAGE>

sale of securities and/or the transfer of cash to Broker.  In the event that
Broker receives eligible U.S. Government Securities pursuant to this paragraph
(d), it shall have the right to sell or otherwise dispose of such securities and
shall remit to the Fund any proceeds of such sale or disposition in excess of
the amount of Variation Margin specified in Instructions from Broker to State
Street.

              (e)  State Street shall release from the Pledge Account to the
    Fund's custodial account any Collateral in excess of the amount of
    Variation Margin specified in Instructions from Broker to State Street
    including any proceeds from sale of securities in excess of such amount.

         11.  Neither Broker nor any person claiming through Broker shall have
access to Collateral in the Pledge Account established and maintained pursuant
to this Agreement other than the Pledge Account which relates to the Trading
Account in which the Variation Margin is required and only in accordance with
the provisions of this Agreement.

         12.  If State Street, upon receipt of Instructions from Broker to
release Collateral, fails to take the action specified in such Instructions as
provided herein in a timely fashion and the Fund incurs a loss by reason
thereof, State Street shall indemnify the Fund for such loss.

         13.  No amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless in
writing and signed by persons thereunto duly authorized.

         14.  Written communications hereunder shall be, except as otherwise
required hereunder, hand-delivered or mailed first class postage prepaid, except
that written notice of termination shall be sent by certified mail addressed:

              (a)  if to State Street, to:

                   Custody and Shareholder Services
                   State Street Bank and Trust Company
                   1776 Heritage Drive
                   North Quincy, Massachussets

              (b)  (1) if to the Fund to:

                   The Prudential Insurance Company of America
                   Prudential Plaza
                   Newark, New Jersey 07101

                   (2) With copies to:


                                          5

<PAGE>

                   Robert F. Gunia
                   Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc.
                   One Seaport Plaza
                   New York, New York l0292

              (c)  if to Broker, to
                   __________________________________________
                   __________________________________________
                   __________________________________________
                   __________________________________________


         15.  Except as specifically provided herein, this agreement does not
in any way affect any other agreements entered into among the parties hereto and
any actions taken or omitted by any party hereunder shall not affect any rights
of any other party hereunder.

         16.  Any of the parties hereto may terminate this Agreement upon 30
days written Notice to both of the other parties hereto; provided, however, that
Collateral which has not been released by Broker at or prior to the time of
termination shall be transferred to a substitute custodian designated by the
Fund and acceptable to Broker.

         17.  This Agreement shall be construed according to, and the rights
and liabilities of the parties hereto shall be governed by the laws of the State
of New York.


              STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


              By :_________________________________________________
                   Authorized Signature



              PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INC.



              By :_________________________________________________
                   Authorized Signature


              [BROKER]


                                          6

<PAGE>


              By :_________________________________________________
                   Authorized Signature


                                          7

<PAGE>

                                  CUSTOMER AGREEMENT
                                  ------------------


         ____________________________________________ ("Broker") and
Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc. ("Customer") agree as follows:

         1.   Customer has opened a trading account ("Trading Account") with
Broker for the purpose of trading in contracts for the future delivery of
commodities traded on duly registered boards of trade or commodities exchanges,
including options on such contracts ("Contracts").

         2.   Customer authorizes Broker to purchase and sell Contracts for
Customer's account in accordance with Customer's telephone instructions.
Customer hereby waives any defense that any such instruction was not in writing
as may be required by the Statute of Frauds or any other law, rule or
regulation.

         3.   Customer shall, in connection with Contract transactions, pay
Broker (1) commission charges as agreed upon by Broker and Customer from time to
time, (2) any charges imposed on any transaction undertaken for Customer by the
exchange or clearinghouse through which it is executed and any tax, fees or
charges imposed on such transactions by any competent authority, (3) any margin
required by any exchange on which Contract transactions are effected by Broker
for Customer due to the variations in value of one or more outstanding Contracts
purchased or sold by Customer ("Variation Margin") in accordance with item 7
hereof and (4) interest and service charges on any Customer deficit balances at
the rates customarily charged by the Broker, together with Broker's costs and
attorney's fees incurred in collecting any such deficit.  Such payments shall be
made in Federal funds to Broker at _____________________________________________
_______________.

         4.   Broker shall promptly credit to the Trading Account any margin
due to Customer resulting from the variation in value of one or more Contracts
purchased or sold by Customer in accordance with the rules of any exchange on
which Contract transactions are effected by Broker for Customer.  At Customer's
direction, Broker shall transfer Trading Account balances to Customer in Federal
funds to State Street Bank and Trust Company or such bank account in Customer's
name as Customer shall otherwise direct.  Customer shall give such directions to
Broker by telephone, confirmed thereafter in writing.

         5.   A detailed statement of all Contract transactions for or on the
Customer's behalf shall be furnished to Customer on a daily basis.

         6.   Customer shall timely deposit and maintain in a Pledge Account at
all times Initial Margin, as defined in Item 1 of the Pledge Agreement among
Broker, Customer and State Street Bank and Trust Company executed simultaneously
herewith ("Pledge Agreement").  As used herein, a timely deposit is one which is
effected within one Business Day, as defined in Item


                                          8

<PAGE>

1 of the Pledge Agreement, following telephone notice by Broker to a person
authorized in writing by Customer to receive such notice ("Authorized Person of
Customer") of the requirement for Initial Margin.

         7.   If any Variation Margin is required to be paid by Customer, such
Variation Margin requirement shall first be satisfied by reducing the balance,
if any, currently credited, in accordance with Item 4 above, with respect to the
Trading Account with Broker in which the. Variation Margin is required.  Any
remaining Variation Margin ("Net Variation Margin") shall be paid by Customer to
Broker within the time periods set forth in Item 10 of the Pledge Agreement.

         8.   Customer shall make timely delivery of or payment for financial
instruments in compliance with the terms of the Contracts purchased or sold by
Customer through Broker unless such Contracts have been terminated by an
offsetting purchase or sale prior to the delivery date.  Customer shall, upon
request of Broker, advise Broker of its intentions with respect to the delivery
of or payment for such financial instruments, and Broker shall be entitled to
receive appropriate assurances with respect thereto.

         9.   In the event that Customer shall (a) become insolvent (as defined
below) (b) fail to deposit Initial Margin before the expiration of One Business
Day following telephone notice by Broker to an Authorized Person of Customer of
the failure to deposit Initial Margin in the Pledge Account within the time
period specified in Item 6 of this Agreement or (c) fail to make payment of Net
Variation Margin before the expiration of all notice periods specified in Item
10 of the Pledge Agreement, Broker may close out Customer's open Contracts in
whole or in part, and cancel any outstanding Contract orders and commitments
made by a Broker on behalf of Customer.  Broker may take action pursuant to
clause (b) or (c) hereof only with respect to the particular Trading Account in
which the fail occurred.  In the case of failure by Customer to make delivery of
a financial instrument in accordance with Item 8 hereof, Broker may borrow or
buy any property necessary to make such delivery, Any sale, purchase or
cancellation pursuant to this paragraph may be made at Broker's discretion on
the exchange or other market or through the clearinghouse where such business is
then transacted, at public auction or at private sale, without prior tender,
demand or call upon Customer.  Customer shall remain liable for and shall pay to
Broker the amount of any deficiency resulting from any transaction described
above.  As used above, the term insolvent means that (A) an order, judgment or
decree has been entered under the bankruptcy, reorganization, compromise,
arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation or
similar law (herein called the "bankruptcy Law") of any jurisdiction
adjudicating the Customer insolvent; or (B) the Customer has petitioned or
applied to any tribunal for, or consented to, the appointment of, or taking
possession by, a trustee, receiver, liquidator or similar official, of the
Customer, or commenced a voluntary case under the bankruptcy law of the United
States or any proceedings relating to the Customer under the bankruptcy Law of
any other jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect; or (C) any such
petition or application has been filed, or any such proceedings commenced,
against the Customer and the Customer by any act has indicated its approval
thereof, consent thereto or acquiescence therein, or an order for relief has
been entered in an involuntary case against Customer under the bankruptcy Law of
the United


                                          9


<PAGE>

States, as now or hereafter constituted, or an order, judgment or decree has
been entered therein appointing any such trustee, receiver, liquidator or
similar official, or approving the petition in any such proceedings, and such
order, judgment or decree remains unstayed and in effect for more than 60 days.

         10.  All communications, except notice pursuant to Item 6 hereof,
shall be sent to

              (a)  (1)   if to Customer, to:

                   The Prudential Insurance Company of America
                   Prudential Plaza
                   Newark, New Jersey 07101

                   (2)   With copies to:

                   Robert F. Gunia
                   Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc.
                   One Seaport Plaza
                   New York, New York 10292

                   (b)  if to Broker, to

                        __________________________________________
                        __________________________________________
                        __________________________________________
                        __________________________________________

or to such other address as Customer may hereafter direct Broker in writing to
use.

         11.  This Agreement and the Pledge Agreement contain the entire
agreement between the parties and supersede any prior agreements between the
parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement.  No provision of this
Agreement shall be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by a duly
authorized officer of Customer and a duly authorized officer of Broker.

         12.  This Agreement shall be construed according to, and the rights
and liabilities of the parties hereto shall be governed by, the laws of the
State of New York.


                                          10


<PAGE>

         13.  This Agreement shall be binding on Broker, its successors and
assigns, and shall be binding upon Customer and Customer's successors and
assigns.


              PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.



              By :_______________________________________
                   Authorized Signature


              [BROKER]



              By :_______________________________________
                   Authorized Signature


                                          11


<PAGE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.9






                        TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT

                                       between

                    PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.

                                         and

                        PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.


<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

                        TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT

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

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

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



Article 1     TERMS OF APPOINTMENT; DUTIES OF PMFS

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

<PAGE>

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

              1.02  PMFS agrees that it will perform the following services:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

Article 2     FEES AND EXPENSES

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

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

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

Article 3     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PMFS

         PMFS represents and warrants to the Fund that:

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

Article 4     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND

         The Fund represents and warrants to PMFS that:

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

Article 5     DUTY OF CARE AND INDEMNIFICATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

Article 6     DOCUMENTS AND COVENANTS OF THE FUND AND PMFS


    6.01  The Fund shall promptly furnish to PMFS the following:

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

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

Article 7     TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

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

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

<PAGE>

Article 8      ASSIGNMENT

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

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

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

Article 9     AFFILIATIONS

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

<PAGE>

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

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

<PAGE>

Article 10    AMENDMENT

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

Article 11    APPLICABLE LAW

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

Article 12    MISCELLANEOUS

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

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

<PAGE>

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

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

To the Fund:

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

To PMFS:

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

Article 13    MERGER OF AGREEMENT

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

<PAGE>

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


                                       PRUDENTIAL-BACHE GOVERNMENT PLUS 
                                           FUND, INC.



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


ATTEST:


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

                                       PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND
                                           SERVICES, INC.


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

ATTEST:

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

                                          17

<PAGE>
                                                            Exhibit 10


                      SHEREFF, FRIEDMAN, HOFFMAN & GOODMAN, LLP
                                   919 THIRD AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022-9998
                                    (212) 758-9500



                                                                     May 1, 1997


Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street, 9th Floor
Newark, New Jersey  07102-4077


Gentlemen and Ladies:

    Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), is filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to its
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act") on Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-82976 and 811-3712), relating to the
registration under the 1933 Act of 15,949,378 additional shares of its Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Shares"), which are to be offered and sold
by the Fund in the manner and on the terms set forth in the prospectus of the
Fund current and effective under the 1933 Act at the time of sale.  The Shares
are previously outstanding shares of the Fund's Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, which were redeemed by the Fund during its fiscal year ended February 28,
1997.  According to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Fund's Registration
Statement, none of the Shares have previously been used by the Fund for
reduction pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 24e-2 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") in previous filings of post-effective
amendments to the Fund's Registration Statement during the current fiscal year,
or for the reduction pursuant to paragraph (c) of Rule 24f-2 under the 1940 Act
during the Fund's current fiscal year, of the registration fee payable by the
Fund for the registration of shares for sale under the 1933 Act.

    We have, as counsel, participated in various proceedings relating to the
Fund and to the proposed issuance of the 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 dated April 22, 1997 issued by the State Department of Assessments
and Taxation of the State of Maryland, 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:

<PAGE>

Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
May 1, 1997
Page 2


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

    2.   The Fund is authorized to issue two billion (2,000,000,000) shares of
         Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.  Under Maryland law, (a) the
         number of authorized shares may be increased or decreased by action of
         the Board of Directors and (b) shares which are issued and
         subsequently 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. 24 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 Securities and
Exchange Commission as a part of the above-mentioned Post-Effective Amendment
No. 24 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 1933 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 laws of the State 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  99.11

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the use in Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Registration 
Statement No. 2-82976 of Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc. of our 
report dated April 11, 1997, 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.




Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
April 28, 1997




<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 99.13

                          FORM OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT


     Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc. (the Fund), an open-end, 
diversified management investment company and a Maryland Corporation, and 
Prudential Mutual Fund Management LLP, a New York limited liability company 
(PMF), intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

     1.   In order to provide the Fund with its initial capital, the Fund 
hereby sells to PMF, and PMF hereby purchases, ________ shares of common stock 
(the Shares) of the Fund.  The Shares are apportioned as follows:  ________ 
Shares of Class A, ________ Shares of Class B, ________ Shares of Class C and 
________ Shares of Class Z, each at the net asset value of ____ per share.  
The Fund hereby acknowledges receipt from PMF of funds in the amount of 
$________ in full payment for the Shares.

     2.   PMF represents and warrants to the Fund that the Shares are being 
acquired for investment and not with a view to distribution thereof and that 
PMF has no present intention to redeem and dispose of any of the Shares.

     3.   PMF hereby agrees that it will not redeem any of the Shares except 
in direct proportion to the amortization of organizational expenses by the 
Fund.  In the event that the Fund liquidates before deferred organizational 
expenses are fully amortized, then the Shares shall bear their proportionate 
share of such unamortized organizational expenses.

     IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement as of the 
___th day of ____________, 199 


                                   Prudential-Bache Government Plus Fund, Inc.

                                   By
                                      -----------------------------------------

                                   Prudential Mutual Fund Management, Inc.

                                   By
                                      -----------------------------------------

<PAGE>
                                                               EXHIBIT 99.16(a)


                        PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.

                                      CLASS "A"

                                       EXHIBIT
                                AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
                                     CALCULATION


                                       ERV - P
                               T =   -----------
                                          P

    P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

   ERV = ending redeemable value

     T = Aggregate total return

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


                   1 Year              Inception
                    ended               through
                 February 28          February 28
                    1993                 1993
                 -----------          -----------

    P =            $1,000                $1,000

   ERV =           $1,115                $1,384

    T =            11.50%                38.40%

<PAGE>
                                                              EXHIBIT  99.16(b)


                        PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.

                                      CLASS "B"

                                       EXHIBIT
                                AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
                                     CALCULATION


                                       ERV - P
                               T =   ----------
                                          P

    P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

   ERV = ending redeemable value

     T = Aggregate total return

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


                   1 Year         5 Years        Inception
                    ended          ended          through
                 February 28    February 28     February 28     
                    1993           1993            1993
                 -----------    -----------     -----------

    P =            $1,000         $1,000           $1,000

   ERV =           $1,106         $1,520           $2,020

    T =            10.57%         52.03%          101.97%

<PAGE>
                                                               EXHIBIT 99.16(d)


                        PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT PLUS FUND, INC.

                                      CLASS "Z"

                                       EXHIBIT
                                AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
                                     CALCULATION


                                       ERV - P
                               T =   -----------
                                          P

    P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

   ERV = ending redeemable value

     T = Aggregate total return

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


                   1 Year            
                    ended            
                 February 28         
                    1997             
                 -----------         

    P =            $1,000            

   ERV =           $1,032            

    T =             3.2%            


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000717819
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 001
   <NAME> GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND (CLASS A)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-28-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,389,415,976
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,396,981,953
<RECEIVABLES>                               54,699,769
<ASSETS-OTHER>                              32,835,329
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    39,791,648
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   46,438,193
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,530,756,561
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      159,503,002
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      175,773,428
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                  (140,035,328)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     7,565,977
<NET-ASSETS>                             (335,276,430)
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          112,985,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              16,920,437
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     96,065,519
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                  (20,189,194)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                 (26,314,444)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       49,561,881
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                     (96,065,519)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    326,332,216
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>              (528,279,294)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,955,409
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (190,495,307)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                (119,846,134)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,351,081
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             16,920,437
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       884,862,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.04
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.32
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        (0.6)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               8.76
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    0.9
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000717819
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 002
   <NAME> GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND (CLASS B)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-28-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,389,415,976
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,396,981,953
<RECEIVABLES>                               54,699,769
<ASSETS-OTHER>                              32,835,329
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    39,791,648
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   45,438,193
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,530,756,561
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      159,503,002
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      175,773,428
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                  (140,035,328)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     7,565,977
<NET-ASSETS>                             (335,276,430)
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          112,985,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              16,920,437
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     96,065,519
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                  (20,189,194)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                 (26,314,444)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       49,561,881
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                     (96,065,519)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    326,332,216
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>              (528,279,294)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,955,409
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (190,495,307)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                (119,846,134)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,351,081
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             16,920,437
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       543,796,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.04
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.27
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (0.54)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               8.77
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.57
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000717819
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 003
   <NAME> GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND (CLASS C)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-28-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,389,415,976
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,396,981,953
<RECEIVABLES>                               54,699,769
<ASSETS-OTHER>                              32,835,329
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    39,791,648
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   46,438,193
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,530,756,561
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      159,503,002
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      175,773,428
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                  (140,035,328)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     7,565,977
<NET-ASSETS>                             (335,276,430)
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          112,985,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              16,920,437
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     96,065,519
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                  (20,189,194)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                 (26,314,444)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       49,561,881
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                     (96,065,519)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    326,332,216
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>              (528,279,294)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,955,409
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (190,495,307)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                (119,846,134)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,351,081
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             16,920,437
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                         2,440,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.04
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.27
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (0.54)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               8.77
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    1.5
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000717819
<NAME> PRUDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 004
   <NAME> GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND (CLASS Z)
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-28-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    1,389,415,976
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,396,981,953
<RECEIVABLES>                               54,699,769
<ASSETS-OTHER>                              32,835,329
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    39,791,648
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   46,438,193
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 1,530,756,561
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      159,503,002
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      175,773,428
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                  (140,035,328)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     7,565,977
<NET-ASSETS>                             (335,276,430)
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          112,985,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              16,920,437
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     96,065,519
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                  (20,189,194)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                 (26,314,444)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       49,561,881
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                     (96,065,519)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    326,332,216
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>              (528,279,294)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                         57,955,409
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (190,495,307)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                (119,846,134)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        7,351,081
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             16,920,437
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        39,551,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.13
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.24
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                       (0.61)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               8.76
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0.75
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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