NICHOLAS APPLEGATE FUND INC
497, 1999-03-18
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<PAGE>
 
 
     FUND TYPE:
     _________________________________
     Stock
 
     INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE:
     _________________________________
     Capital appreciation
 
 
     Nicholas-Applegate
     Growth Equity Fund

                                                [GRAPHIC]    

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PROSPECTUS: MARCH 15, 1999
 
 
As with all mutual funds, the
Securities and Exchange
Commission has not approved or
disapproved the Fund's shares,
nor has the SEC determined that
this prospectus is complete or
accurate. It is a criminal
offense to state otherwise.
                                                [LOGO] PRUDENTIAL 
                                                       INVESTMENTS 
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Table of Contents
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<TABLE>
 <C> <S>
 1   RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
 1   Investment Objective and Principal Strategies
 1   Principal Risks
 2   Evaluating Performance
 4   Fees and Expenses

 6   HOW THE FUND INVESTS
 6   Investment Objective and Policies
 7   Other Investments
 7   Additional Strategies
 8   Investment Risks

 10  HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED
 10  Board of Directors
 10  Manager
 10  Investment Adviser
 11  Portfolio Managers
 11  Distributor
 11  Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure

 13  FUND DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX ISSUES
 13  Distributions
 14  Tax Issues
 15  If You Sell or Exchange Your Shares

 16  HOW TO BUY, SELL AND EXCHANGE SHARES OF THE FUND
 16  How to Buy Shares
 24  How to Sell Your Shares
 28  How to Exchange Your Shares

 30  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 31  Class A Shares
 32  Class B Shares
 33  Class C Shares
 34  Class Z Shares

 36  The Prudential Mutual Fund Family
     For More Information (Back Cover)
</TABLE>
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   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND              [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Risk/Return Summary
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This section highlights key information about the NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH
EQUITY FUND, which we refer to as "the Fund." Additional information follows
this summary.
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES
Our investment objective is CAPITAL APPRECIATION. This means we seek
investments that will increase in value. We normally invest at least 90% of the
Fund's total assets in a diversified portfolio of equity securities, primarily
in the common stock of U.S. companies.

   To achieve our objective, we look for securities that will provide
investment returns above those of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the
S&P 500). We intend to invest primarily in stocks from a universe of U.S.
companies with market capitalizations corresponding to the middle 90% of the
Russell Midcap Growth Index at time of purchase. As of December 30, 1998, the
middle 90% included companies with market capitalizations between approximately
$1.6 billion and $10.7 billion. Market capitalization of a company is the total
market price of its publicly traded equity securities. The market
capitalization of companies in the index will change over time. While we make
every effort to achieve our objective, we can't guarantee success.
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS
Although we try to invest wisely, all investments involve risk. Since the Fund
invests primarily in stocks, there is the risk that the price of a particular
stock we own could go down, or pay lower-than-expected dividends. Generally,
the stock prices of medium-size and small companies are less stable than large
companies, although this is not always the case. The Fund's net asset value may
be subject to above-average fluctuations.

   In addition to an individual stock losing value, there is the risk that the
value of the equity markets as a whole could go down, which could affect the
value of all of the Fund's stock investments. Some of our investment strategies
also involve risk. Like any mutual fund, an investment in the Fund could lose
value, and you could lose money. For more detailed information about the risks
associated with the Fund, see "Investment Risks."

   An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.
 
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WE'RE GROWTH EQUITY INVESTORS
In deciding which stocks to buy, we use what is known as a growth equity
investment style. That is, we invest in stocks of companies that we expect to
enter into an accelerating earnings period, to attract increasing institutional
sponsorship or to demonstrate strong price appreciation relative to their
industries and to broad market averages.
 
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                                                                        1
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   Risk/Return Summary
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EVALUATING PERFORMANCE
A number of factors--including risk--affect how the Fund performs. The
following bar chart shows the Fund's performance for each full calendar year of
operation for the last 10 years. The table shows how the Fund's average annual
returns for the periods indicated compare with those of a broad-based
securities market index and a group of similar mutual funds. They demonstrate
the risk of investing in the Fund and how returns can change from year to year.
Past performance does not mean that the Fund will achieve similar results in
the future.
 
                           [BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]

Annual Returns (Class A shares/1/)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

  1989      1990       1991     1992     1993      1994       1995     1996       1997       1998
<S>       <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>        <C> 
36.83%    (10.02)%    55.36%   8.96%    20.26%    (9.53)%    31.20    16.45%     17.33%     12.83%
</TABLE> 

BEST QUARTER: 25.05% (4th quarter of 1998)
WORST QUARTER: (20.08)% (3rd quarter of 1990)

1 These annual returns do not include sales charges. If the sales charges were
  included, the annual returns would be lower than those shown.
 
 AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS/1/ (AS OF 12-31-98)
<TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                           1 YR   5 YRS  10 YRS        SINCE INCEPTION
  <S>                    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
  Class A shares          7.19%  11.70%  15.86% 12.65% (since 4-9-87)
  Class B shares          6.87%  11.83%     N/A 14.95% (since 6-10-91)
  Class C shares          9.75%     N/A     N/A 16.05% (since 8-1-94)
  Class Z shares         13.13%     N/A     N/A 19.32% (since 3-18-97)
  S&P 500/2/             28.60%  24.05%  19.19% N/A
  Russell Midcap Growth
   Index /3/             17.86%  17.34%  17.30% N/A
  Lipper Average/4/      12.24% 102.87% 335.55% N/A
</TABLE>
 
1 The Fund's returns are after deduction of sales charges and expenses.
2 The Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index--an unmanaged index of 500 stocks of
  large U.S. companies--gives a broad look at how stock prices have performed.
  These returns do not include the effect of any sales charges, and would be
  lower if they did. S&P 500 returns since the inception of each class are
  16.22% for Class A, 19.19% for Class B, 27.67% for Class C and 34.05% for
  Class Z shares. Source: Lipper, Inc.
 
 
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2    NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Risk/Return Summary
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3 The Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of those companies
  among the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 index with higher than
  average price to book ratios and forecasted growth. These returns do not
  include the effect of any sales charges, and would be lower if they did.
  Russell Midcap Growth Index returns since inception of each class are 13.90%
  for Class A, 16.00% for Class B, 21.16% for Class C and 26.02% for Class Z
  Shares. Source: Russell Indexes.

4 The Lipper Mid-Cap Funds Average gives the average return of all mutual funds
  in the Lipper Mid-Cap Fund category. These returns do not include the effect
  of any sales charges, and would be lower if they did. Lipper returns since
  the inception of each class are 12.55% for Class A, 14.65% for Class B,
  18.78% for Class C and 22.41% for Class Z shares. Source: Lipper, Inc.
 
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                                                                        3
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Risk/Return Summary
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FEES AND EXPENSES
These tables show the sales charges, fees and expenses for each share class of
the Fund--Class A, B, C and Z. Each share class has different sales charges--
known as loads--and expenses, but represents an investment in the same fund.
Class Z shares are available only to a limited group of investors. For more
information about which share class may be right for you, see "How to Buy, Sell
and Exchange Shares of the Fund."
 
 SHAREHOLDER FEES/1/ (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             CLASS A  CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z
  <S>                                        <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
  Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on           5%    None      1%    None
  purchases (as a percentage of offering
  price)
 
  Maximum deferred sales charge (load)           None   5%/2/   1%/3/    None
  imposed on sales (as a percentage of the
  lower of original purchase price or sale
  proceeds)
 
  Maximum sales charge (load) on reinvested      None    None    None    None
  dividends and other distributions
 
  Redemption fees                                None    None    None    None
 
  Exchange fee                                   None    None    None    None
 
 
 ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
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<CAPTION>
                                             CLASS A  CLASS B CLASS C CLASS Z
  <S>                                        <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
  Management fees                             .95%       .95%    .95%    .95%
  + Distribution (12b-1) and service fees     .30%/4/   1.00%   1.00%    None
  + Other expenses                            .29%       .29%    .29%    .29%
  = TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES     1.54%      2.24%   2.24%   1.24%
  - Waivers and/or reimbursements             .05%       None    None    None
  = NET ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES       1.49%      2.24%   2.24%   1.24%
</TABLE>
 
1 Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for purchases and
  sales of shares.
2 The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) for Class B shares decreases by
  1% annually to 1% in the fifth and sixth years and 0% in the seventh year.
  Class B shares convert to Class A shares approximately seven years after
  purchase.
3 The CDSC for Class C shares is 1% for shares redeemed within 18 months of
  purchase.
4 For the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999, the Distributor of the Fund has
  contractually agreed to reduce its distribution and service fees for Class A
  shares to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares.
 
 
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4    NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Risk/Return Summary
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EXAMPLE
This example will help you compare the fees and expenses of the Fund's
different share classes and the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of
investing in other mutual Funds.
   The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that
the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. After the first year, the
example does not take into consideration the Distributor's agreement to reduce
its distribution and service fees for Class A shares. Although your actual
costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
 
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  1 YR 3 YRS  5 YRS  10 YRS
  <S>             <C>  <C>    <C>    <C>
  Class A shares  $640 $  936 $1,253 $2,148
  Class B shares  $727 $1,000 $1,300 $2,282
  Class C shares  $425 $  793 $1,288 $2,649
  Class Z shares  $126 $  393 $  681 $1,500
</TABLE>
 
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment if you did not sell
your shares:
 
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  1 YR 3 YRS 5 YRS  10 YRS
  <S>             <C>  <C>   <C>    <C>
  Class A shares  $640  $936 $1,253 $2,148
  Class B shares  $227  $700 $1,200 $2,282
  Class C shares  $325  $793 $1,288 $2,249
  Class Z shares  $126  $393 $  681 $1,500
</TABLE>
 
 
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                                                                        5
<PAGE>
 
 
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   How the Fund Invests
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is CAPITAL APPRECIATION. This means we seek
investments that will increase in value. While we make every effort to achieve
our objective, we can't guarantee success.

   In pursuing our objective, we normally invest at least 90% of the Fund's
total assets in a diversified portfolio of equity securities--primarily in the
COMMON STOCK of companies that we believe will provide investment returns above
those of the S&P 500. This means that we focus on securities whose increases in
price plus dividends, as a percentage of the current stock price, are higher
than the average for the stocks that make up the S&P 500.

   We buy common stock of companies with market capitalizations (total market
price of publicly traded equity securities) corresponding to the middle 90% of
the Russell Midcap Growth Index at time of purchase. As of December 30, 1998,
the middle 90% included companies with capitalization between approximately
$1.6 billion and $10.7 billion. Capitalizations of companies in the Index will
change with market conditions and company prospects.

   For more information, see "Investment Risks" and the Statement of Additional
Information, "Description of the Fund, Its Investments and Risks." The
Statement of Additional Information--which we refer to as the SAI--contains
additional information about the Fund. To obtain a copy, see the back cover
page of this prospectus.

   The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that cannot be
changed without shareholder approval. The Board can change investment policies
that are not fundamental.
 
 
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WE USE A GROWTH-EQUITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Our growth equity investment strategy uses a bottom-up (company-by-company)
stock selection process. Our portfolio management team uses three strict
criteria in selecting stocks: evidence of positive fundamental change,
sustainable earnings growth and timeliness of investment. Our sell discipline
is nonemotional. When a stock fails to meet these three criteria, it is
replaced with a more appropriate candidate. Using these guidelines, we focus on
companies with the potential to generate the earnings growth necessary to
provide long-term capital appreciation.
 
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6    NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
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   How the Fund Invests
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OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the principal strategies, we may also make the following
investments to try to increase the Fund's returns or protect its assets if
market conditions warrant.
 
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
Under normal circumstances, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets
in MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. Money market instruments include the commercial
paper of U.S. corporations, short-term obligations of U.S. banks, certificates
of deposit and short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or its agencies.
 
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS
In response to adverse market, economic or political conditions, we may
temporarily invest up to 100% of the Fund's assets in money market instruments.
Investing heavily in these securities limits our ability to achieve capital
appreciation, but may help to preserve the Fund's assets when the equity
markets are unstable. The Fund will only purchase money market instruments in
one of the two highest short-term quality ratings of a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization.
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund also may use REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, where a party agrees to sell a
security to the Fund and then repurchase it at an agreed-upon price at a stated
time. This creates a fixed return for the Fund.
 
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES
The Fund is also authorized to HOLD FOREIGN SECURITIES and ILLIQUID SECURITIES,
PURCHASE PUT AND CALL OPTIONS, BORROW MONEY, LEND ITS SECURITIES, and use
certain other strategies. The Fund is subject to certain investment
restrictions that are fundamental policies, which means they cannot be changed
without shareholder approval. For more information about these strategies and
restrictions, see the SAI.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
As a result of the strategies described above, the Fund may have an annual
portfolio turnover rate of up to 200%. Portfolio turnover is generally
 
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                                                                        7
<PAGE>
 
 
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   How the Fund Invests
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the percentage found by dividing the lesser of portfolio purchases or sales by
the monthly average value of the portfolio. High portfolio turnover (100% or
more) results in higher brokerage commissions and other transaction costs and
can affect the Fund's performance. It can also result in a greater amount of
distributions as ordinary income rather than long-term capital gains.
 
INVESTMENT RISKS
As noted, all investments involve risk, and investing in the Fund is no
exception. Since the Fund's holdings can vary significantly from broad market
indexes, performance of the Fund can deviate from performance of the indexes.
This chart outlines the key risks and potential rewards of the Fund's principal
and other investments. See, too, "Description of the Fund, Its Investments and
Risks" in the SAI.
 
 INVESTMENT TYPE
 % OF FUND'S TOTAL       RISKS                  POTENTIAL REWARDS
 ASSETS
 
 COMMON STOCK OF      . Individual stocks     . Historically,
 U.S. COMPANIES         could lose value        stocks have
 At least 65%, but                              outperformed
 normally 90%         . The equity              other
                        markets could go        investments over
                        down, resulting         the long term
                        in a decline in    
                        value of the          . Generally,        
                        Fund's                  economic growth   
                        investments             means higher       
                                                corporate          
                      . Companies that          profits, which     
                        pay dividends may       lead to an         
                        not do so if they       increase in        
                        don't have              stock prices,      
                        profits or              known as capital   
                        adequate cash           appreciation       
                        flow                                       
                                              . May be a source    
                      . Changes in              of dividend        
                        economic or             income             
                        political                                  
                        conditions, both                           
                        domestic and       
                        international,     
                        may result in a    
                        decline in value   
                        of the Fund's      
                        investments        
                                           
                      . The Fund's net
                        asset value may
                        be subject to
                        above-average
                        fluctuations
                        because greater-
                        than-average risk
                        will be assumed
                        in investing in
                        companies to
                        achieve higher
                        than average
                        capital growth
 
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8    NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND             [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
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   How the Fund Invests
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 INVESTMENT TYPE (CONT'D)
 % OF FUND'S TOTAL       RISKS                  POTENTIAL REWARDS
 ASSETS
 
 MONEY MARKET         . Limits potential      . May preserve the
 INSTRUMENTS            for capital             Fund's assets
 Up to 100% on a        appreciation
 temporary basis   
                      . Credit Risk--the
                        default of an
                        issuer would
                        leave the Fund
                        with unpaid
                        interest or
                        principal. The
                        lower a bond's
                        quality, the
                        higher its
                        potential
                        volatility

                      . Market Risk--the
                        risk that the
                        market value of
                        an investment may
                        move up or down,
                        sometimes rapidly
                        or unpredictably.
                        Market risk may
                        affect an
                        industry, a
                        sector or the
                        market as a whole
 
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                                                                        9
<PAGE>
 
 
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   How the Fund is Managed
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
The Fund's Board of Directors oversees the actions of the Manager, Investment
Adviser and Distributor and decides on general policies. The Board also
oversees the Fund's officers who conduct and supervise the daily business
operations of the Fund.
 
MANAGER
PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS FUND MANAGEMENT LLC (PIFM)
GATEWAY CENTER THREE, 100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NJ 07102-4077
 
   Under a management agreement with the Fund, PIFM supervises the Fund's
investment operations and administers its business affairs. For the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998, the Fund paid PIFM management fees of .95% of the
Fund's average net assets.

   As of January 31, 1999, PIFM served as the Manager to all 46 of the
Prudential mutual funds, and as Manager or administrator to 22 closed-end
investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $71.7 billion.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (NACM)
600 WEST BROADWAY
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-3311
 
   Under a sub-advisory agreement with the Fund, NACM manages the investment
operations of the Fund. It is compensated by PIFM, not the Fund. For the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998, PIFM paid NACM sub-advisory fees of .75% of the
Fund's average net assets.

   As of December 31, 1998, NACM served as investment adviser to a variety of
institutional and individual clients, with aggregate assets of approximately
$31 billion. NACM was organized in 1984 to manage discretionary accounts
investing primarily in publicly traded equity securities and securities
convertible into or exercisable for publicly traded equity securities, with the
goal of capital appreciation.
 
 
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10   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
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   How the Fund is Managed
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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed under the general supervision of ARTHUR E. NICHOLAS (who
has been the Chief Investment Officer of NACM since its organization) and
CATHERINE SOMHEGYI, NACM's Chief Investment Officer-- Global Equity, who has
been employed by NACM since 1987. NACM uses a team management approach for the
day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio. The members of the team are
Andrew B. Gallagher, WILLIAM H. CHENOWETH, EMMY SOBIESKI and THOMAS J.
SULLIVAN. Mr. Gallagher has been employed by NACM since 1992. Mr. Chenoweth has
been employed by NACM since 1998; he was previously employed by Turner
Investment Partners, Inc. as a senior portfolio manager and securities analyst.
Ms. Sobieski has been employed by NACM since 1998; she was previously employed
by Farmers Insurance Investment Division as a portfolio manager. Mr. Sullivan
has been employed by NACM since 1994; he was previously employed by Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation as an operations liaison.
 
DISTRIBUTOR
Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS) distributes the Fund's
shares under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund. As authorized by the
Agreement, you may pay sales charges to PIMS as shown in "How to Buy, Sell and
Exchange Shares of the Fund." The Fund also has Distribution and Service Plans
under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act. Under the Plans and the
Distribution Agreement, PIMS pays the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class
A, B, C and Z shares and provides certain shareholder support services. The
Fund pays distribution and other fees to PIMS as compensation for its services
for each class of shares other than Class Z. These fees--known as 12b-1 fees--
are shown in the "Fees and Expenses" tables.
 
YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
The services provided to the Fund and the shareholders by the Manager, the
Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Custodian depend on the smooth
functioning of their computer systems and those of outside service providers.
Many computer software systems in use today cannot distinguish the year 2000
from the year 1900 because of the way dates are encoded and calculated. This
could have a negative impact on handling securities trades, payments of
interest and dividends, pricing and account services.
 
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                                                                        11
<PAGE>
 
 
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   How the Fund is Managed
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Although, at this time, there can be no assurance that there will be no adverse
impact on the Fund, the Manager, the Investment Adviser, the Distributor, the
Transfer Agent and the Custodian have advised the Fund that they have been
actively working on necessary changes to their computer systems to prepare for
the year 2000. The Fund and its Board receive, and have received since early
1998, satisfactory quarterly reports from the principal service providers as to
their preparations for year 2000 readiness, although there can be no assurance
that the service providers (or other securities market participants) will
successfully complete the necessary changes in a timely manner. Moreover, the
Fund at this time has not considered retaining alternative service providers or
directly undertaken efforts to achieve year 2000 readiness, the latter of which
would involve substantial expenses without an assurance of success.

   Additionally, issuers of securities generally as well as those purchased by
the Fund may confront Year 2000 compliance issues which, if material and not
resolved, could have an adverse impact on securities markets and/or a specific
issuer's performance and could result in a decline in the value of the
securities held by the Fund.
 
 
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12   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Fund Distributions and Tax Issues
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Investors who buy shares of the Fund should be aware of some important tax
issues. For example, the Fund pays DIVIDENDS of ordinary income and distributes
LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAINS, if any, to shareholders. These distributions are
subject to federal income taxes, unless you hold your shares in a 401(k) plan,
an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or some other qualified tax-deferred
plan or account. Dividends and distributions from the Fund may also be subject
to state income tax in the state where you live.

   Also, if you sell shares of the Fund for a profit, you may have to pay
capital gains taxes on the amount of your profit, unless you hold your shares
in a qualified tax-deferred plan or account.

   The following briefly discusses some of the important federal income tax
issues you should be aware of, but is not meant to be tax advice. For tax
advice, please speak with your tax adviser.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund pays DIVIDENDS to shareholders out of any net investment income, plus
any short-term capital gains typically once a year. For example, if the Fund
owns an ACME Corp. stock and the stock pays a dividend, the Fund will pay out a
portion of this dividend to its shareholders, assuming the Fund's income is
more than its costs and expenses. The dividends you receive from the Fund will
be taxed as ordinary income whether or not they are reinvested in the Fund.

   The Fund also distributes realized net CAPITAL GAINS to shareholders--
typically once a year--which are generated when the Fund sells its assets for a
profit. For example, if the Fund bought 100 shares of ACME Corp. stock for a
total of $1,000 and more than one year later sold the shares for a total of
$1,500, the Fund has net long-term capital gains of $500, which it will pass on
to shareholders (assuming the Fund's total gains are greater than any losses it
may have). Capital gains are taxed differently depending on how long the Fund
holds the security--if a security is held more than one year before it is sold,
LONG-TERM capital gains are taxed at the rate of 20% but if the security is
held one year or less, SHORT-TERM capital gains are taxed at ordinary income
rates of up to 39.6%. Different rates apply to corporate shareholders.

   For your convenience, dividends and distributions of capital gains are
AUTOMATICALLY REINVESTED in the Fund without any sales charge. If you ask us to
pay the distributions in cash, we will send you a check if your account is with
the Transfer Agent. Otherwise, if your account is with a broker, you will
receive a credit to your account. Either way, the distributions may be
 
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                                                                        13
<PAGE>
 
 
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   Fund Distributions and Tax Issues
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subject to taxes, unless your shares are held in a qualified tax-deferred plan
or account. For more information about automatic reinvestment and other
shareholder services, see "Step 4: Additional Shareholder Services" in the next
section.
 
TAX ISSUES
FORM 1099
Every year, you will receive a Form 1099, which reports the amount of dividends
and capital gains we distributed to you during the prior year. If you own
shares of the Fund as part of a qualified tax-deferred plan or account, your
taxes are deferred, so you will not receive a Form 1099. However, you will
receive a Form 1099 when you receive any distributions from your qualified tax-
deferred plan or account.

   Fund distributions are generally taxable to you in the calendar year they
are received, except when we declare certain dividends in the fourth quarter
and actually pay them in January of the following year. In such cases, the
dividends are treated as if they were paid on December 31 of the prior year.
Corporate shareholders are eligible for the 70% dividends-received deduction
for certain dividends.
 
WITHHOLDING TAXES
If federal tax law requires you to provide the Fund with your tax
identification number and certifications as to your tax status, and you fail to
do this, we will withhold and pay to the U.S. Treasury 31% of your
distributions and sale proceeds. If you are subject to backup withholding, we
will withhold and pay to the U.S. Treasury 31% of your distributions. Dividends
of net investment income and short-term capital gains paid to a nonresident
foreign shareholder generally will be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30%.
This rate may be lower, depending on any tax treaty the U.S. may have with the
shareholder's country.
 
IF YOU PURCHASE JUST BEFORE RECORD DATE
If you buy shares of the Fund just before the record date for a distribution
(the date that determines who receives the distribution), we will pay that
distribution to you. As explained above, the distribution may be subject to
income or capital gains taxes. You may think you've done well since you bought
shares one day and soon thereafter received a distribution. That is not so
because when dividends are paid out the value of each share of the Fund
decreases by the amount of the dividend to reflect the payout. The distribution
you receive makes up for the decrease in share value. However, the timing of
your purchase means that part of your investment came back to you as taxable
income.
 
 
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14   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Fund Distributions and Tax Issues
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
Retirement plans and accounts allow you to defer paying taxes on investment
income and capital gains. Contributions to these plans may also be tax
deductible, although distributions from these plans generally are taxable. In
the case of Roth IRA accounts, contributions are not tax deductible, but
distributions from the plan may be tax-free. Please contact your financial
adviser for information on a variety of Prudential mutual funds that are
suitable for retirement plans offered by Prudential.

[GRAPHIC]
 
IF YOU SELL OR EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
If you sell any shares of the Fund for a profit, you have REALIZED A CAPITAL
GAIN, which is subject to tax unless you hold shares in a qualified tax-
deferred plan or account. The amount of tax you pay depends on how
long you owned your shares. If you sell shares of the Fund for a loss, you may
have a capital loss, which you may use to offset certain capital gains you
have.

   Exchanging your shares of the Fund for the shares of another Prudential
mutual fund is considered a sale for tax purposes. In other words, it's a
"taxable event." Therefore, if the shares you exchanged have increased in value
since you purchased them, you have capital gains, which are subject to the
taxes described above.

   Any gain or loss you may have from selling or exchanging Fund shares will
not be reported on the Form 1099; however, proceeds from the sale or exchange
will be reported on Form 1099-B. Therefore, unless you hold your shares in a
qualified tax-deferred plan or account, you or your financial adviser should
keep track of the dates on which you buy and sell--or exchange--Fund shares, as
well as the amount of any gain or loss on each transaction. For tax advice,
please see your tax adviser.
 
AUTOMATIC CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES
We have obtained a legal opinion that the conversion of Class B shares into
Class A shares--which happens automatically approximately seven years after
purchase--is not a "taxable event". This opinion, however, is not binding on
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more information about the automatic
conversion of Class B shares, see "Class B Shares Convert to Class A Shares
After Approximately Seven Years" in the next section.
 
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                                                                        15
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES
STEP 1: OPEN AN ACCOUNT
If you don't have an account with us or a securities firm that is permitted to
buy or sell shares of the Fund for you, call Prudential Mutual Fund Services
LLC (PMFS) at (800) 225-1852, or contact:
 
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC
ATTN: INVESTMENT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 15020
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08906-5020
 
   To purchase by wire, call the number above to obtain an application. After
PMFS receives your completed application, you will receive an account number.
For additional information about purchasing shares of the Fund, see the back
cover page of this prospectus. We have the right to reject any purchase order
(including an exchange into the Fund) or suspend or modify the Fund's sale of
its shares.
 
STEP 2: CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS
Individual investors can choose among Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z
shares of the Fund, although Class Z shares are available only to a limited
group of investors.

   Multiple share classes let you choose a cost structure that better meets
your needs. With Class A shares, you pay the sales charge at the time of
purchase, but the operating expenses each year are lower than the expenses of
Class B and Class C shares. With Class B shares, you only pay a sales charge if
you sell your shares within six years (that is why it is called a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge or CDSC), but the operating expenses each year are higher
than the Class A share expenses. With Class C shares, you pay a 1% front-end
sales charge and a 1% CDSC if you sell within 18 months of purchase, but the
operating expenses are also higher than the expenses for Class A shares.

   When choosing a share class, you should consider the following:
   .  The amount of your investment
   .  The length of time you expect to hold the shares and the impact of the
      varying distribution fees
 
 
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16   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
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  . The different sales charges that apply to each share class--Class A's
    front-end sales charge vs. Class B's CDSC vs. Class C's low front-end
    sales charge and low CDSC

  . Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges

  . The fact that Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares
    approximately seven years after purchase

  . Whether you qualify to purchase Class Z shares.

  See "How to Sell Your Shares" for a description of the impact of CDSCs.
 
Share Class Comparison. Use this chart to help you compare the Fund's different
share classes. The discussion following this chart will tell you whether you
are entitled to a reduction or waiver of any sales charges.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CLASS A          CLASS B         CLASS C          CLASS Z
 
  <S>                       <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
  Minimum purchase          $1,000           $1,000          $2,500           None
  amount
 
  Minimum amount for        $100             $100            $100             None
  subsequent purchases/1/
 
  Maximum initial           5% of the public None            1% of the public None
  sales charge              offering price                   offering price
 
  Contingent Deferred       None             If sold during: 1% on sales      None
  Sales Charge                               Year 1       5% made within
  (CDSC)/2/                                  Year 2       4% 18 months of
                                             Year 3       3% purchase/2/
                                             Year 4       2%
                                             Years 5/6 1%
                                             Year 7       0%
  Annual distribution       .30 of 1%;       1%              1%               None
  (12b-1) and service fees  (.25 of 1%
  (shown as a percentage    currently)
  of average net
  assets)/3/
</TABLE>
1 The minimum investment requirements do not apply to certain retirement and
  employee savings plans and custodial accounts for minors. The minimum initial
  and subsequent investment for purchases made through the Automatic Investment
  Plan is $50. For more information, see "Additional Shareholder Services--
  Automatic Investment Plan."
2 For more information about the CDSC and how it is calculated, see "How to
  Sell Your Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)." Class C shares
  bought before November 2, 1998, have a 1% CDSC if sold within one year.
3 These distribution fees are paid from the Fund's assets on a continuous
  basis. Over time, the fees will increase the cost of your investment and may
  cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The service fee for
  Class A, Class B and Class C shares is .25 of 1%. The distribution fee for
  Class A shares is limited to .30 of 1% (including the .25 pf 1% service fee)
  and is .75 of 1% for Class B and Class C shares.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        17
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
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REDUCING OR WAIVING CLASS A'S INITIAL SALES CHARGE
The following describes the different ways investors can reduce or avoid paying
Class A's initial sales charge.
 
Increase the Amount of Your Investment. You can reduce Class A's sales charge
by increasing the amount of your investment. This table shows you how the sales
charge decreases as the amount of your investment increases.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SALES CHARGE AS %  SALES CHARGE AS %      DEALER
  AMOUNT OF PURCHASE       OF OFFERING PRICE OF AMOUNT INVESTED REALLOWANCE
  <S>                      <C>               <C>                <C>
  Less than $25,000                    5.00%              5.26%       4.75%
  $25,000 to $49,999                   4.50%              4.71%       4.25%
  $50,000 to $99,999                   4.00%              4.17%       3.75%
  $100,000 to $249,999                 3.25%              3.36%       3.00%
  $250,000 to $499,999                 2.50%              2.56%       2.40%
  $500,000 to $999,999                 2.00%              2.04%       1.90%
  $1 million and above/1/               None               None        None
</TABLE>
 
1 If you invest $1 million or more, you can buy only Class A shares, unless you
  qualify to buy Class Z shares.
 
   To satisfy the purchase amounts above, you can:
   . Invest with an eligible group of related investors
   . Buy the Class A shares of two or more Prudential mutual funds at the same
     time
   . Use your RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION, which allow you to combine the value of
     Prudential mutual fund shares you already own with the value of the
     shares you are purchasing to determine the applicable sales charge (note:
     you must notify the transfer Agent if you qualify for Rights of
     Accumulation)
   . Sign a LETTER OF INTENT, stating in writing that you or an eligible group
     of related investors will purchase a certain amount of shares in the Fund
     and other Prudential mutual funds within 13 months.
 
Benefit Plans. Benefit Plans can avoid Class A's initial sales charges if 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
under the exchange privilege) or 250 eligible employees or
 
 
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18   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
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   How to Buy, Sell and
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
participants. For these purposes, a Benefit Plan is a pension, profit-sharing
or other employee benefit plan qualified under Section 401 of the Internal
Revenue Code, a deferred compensation or annuity plan under Sections 403(b) and
457 of the Internal Revenue Code, a "rabbi" trust, or a nonqualified deferred
compensation plan sponsored by an employer that has a tax qualified benefit
plan with Prudential. Class A shares may also be purchased without a sales
charge by participants who are repaying loans from Benefit Plans where
Prudential (or its affiliates) provides administrative or recordkeeping
services, sponsors the product or provides account services.

   Certain Prudential retirement programs--such as PruArray Association Benefit
Plans and PruArray Savings Programs--may also be exempt from Class A's sales
charge. For more information, see the SAI or contact your financial adviser. In
addition, waivers are available to investors in certain programs sponsored by
brokers, investment advisers and financial planners who have agreements with
Prudential Investments Advisory Group relating to:

  . Mutual fund "wrap" or asset allocation programs, where the sponsor places
    Fund trades and charges its clients a management, consulting or other fee
    for its services
  . Mutual fund "supermarket" programs, where the sponsor links its
    customers' accounts to a master account in the sponsor's name and the
    sponsor charges a fee for its services.
 
Other Types of Investors. Other investors pay no sales charge, including
certain officers, employees or agents of Prudential and its affiliates,
Prudential Mutual Funds, the subadvisers of the Prudential Mutual Funds and
clients of brokers that have entered into a selected dealer agreement with the
Distributor. To qualify for a reduction or waiver of the sales charge, you must
notify the Transfer Agent or your broker at the time of purchase. For more
information, about reducing or eliminating Class A's sales charge, see the SAI,
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares--Reduction and Waiver of
Initial Sales Charge--Class A Shares."
 
WAIVING CLASS C'S INITIAL SALES CHARGE
Benefit Plans. Benefit Plans (as defined above) may purchase Class C shares
without paying an initial sales charge. Participants who are repaying loans
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        19
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
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   Exchange Shares of the Fund
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from Benefit Plans where Prudential (or its affiliates) provides administrative
or recordkeeping services, sponsors the product or provides account services
may also purchase Class C Shares without an initial sales charge.
 
Prudential Retirement Plans. The initial sales charge will be waived for
purchases of Class C shares by both qualified and nonqualified retirement and
deferred compensation plans participating in a PruArray Plan and other plans if
Prudential also provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
Investment of Redemption Proceeds from Other Investment Companies. The initial
sales charge will be waived for purchases of Class C shares if the purchase is
made with money from the redemption of shares of any unaffiliated investment
company, as long as the shares were not held in an account at Prudential
Securities Incorporated or one of its affiliates. Such purchases must be made
within 60 days of the redemption. To qualify for this waiver, you must do one
of the following:

  . Purchase your shares through an account at Prudential Securities
  . Purchase your shares through an ADVANTAGE Account or an Investor Account
    with Pruco Securities Corporation
  . Purchase your shares through another broker.
 
   This waiver is not available to investors who purchase shares directly from
the Transfer Agent. If you are entitled to the waiver, you must notify either
the Transfer Agent or your broker. The Transfer Agent may require any
supporting documents it considers to be appropriate.
 
QUALIFYING FOR CLASS Z SHARES
Class Z shares of the Fund can be purchased by any of the following:

  . Any Benefit Plan as defined above, and certain nonqualified plans,
    provided the Benefit Plan--in combination with other plans sponsored by
    the same employer or group of related employers--has at least $50 million
    in defined contribution assets
  . Participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by
    Prudential or an affiliate which includes mutual funds as investment
    options and the Fund as an available option
 
 
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20   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
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   How to Buy, Sell and
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  . 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 option
  . Benefit Plans for which an affiliate of the Distributor provides
    administrative or recordkeeping services and, as of September 20, 1996,
    were either Class Z shareholders of the Prudential mutual funds or
    executed a letter of intent to purchase Class Z shares of the Prudential
    mutual funds
  . The Prudential Securities Cash Balance Pension Plan, an employee- defined
    benefit plan sponsored by Prudential Securities
  . Current and former Directors/Trustees of the Prudential Mutual Funds
    (including the Fund)
  . Employees of Prudential and/or Prudential Securities who participate in a
    Prudential-sponsored employee savings plan
  . Prudential with an investment of $10 million or more.
 
   In connection with the sale of shares, the Manager, the Distributor or one
of their affiliates may pay brokers, financial advisers and other persons a
commission of up to 4% of the purchase price for Class B shares, up to 2% of
the purchase price for Class C shares, and a finder's fee for Class Z shares
from their own resources based on a percentage of the net asset value of shares
sold or otherwise.
 
CLASS B SHARES CONVERT TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER APPROXIMATELY SEVEN YEARS
If you buy Class B shares and hold them for approximately seven years, we will
automatically convert them into Class A shares without charge. At that time, we
will also convert any Class B shares that you purchased with reinvested
dividends and other distributions. Since the 12b-1 fees for Class A shares are
lower than for Class B shares, converting to Class A shares lowers your Fund
expenses.

   When we do the conversion, you will get fewer Class A shares than the number
of converted Class B shares if the price of the Class A shares is higher than
the price of Class B shares. The total dollar value will be the same, so you
will not have lost any money by getting fewer Class A shares. We do the
conversions quarterly, not on the anniversary date of your purchase. For more
information, see the SAI, "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares--
Conversion Feature--Class B Shares."
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        21
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUTUAL FUND SHARES
The NAV of mutual fund shares changes every day because the value of a fund's
portfolio changes constantly. For example, if Fund XYZ holds ACME Corp. stock
in its portfolio and the price of ACME stock goes up while the value of the
fund's other holdings remains the same and expenses don't change, the NAV of
Fund XYZ will increase.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
STEP 3: UNDERSTANDING THE PRICE YOU'LL PAY
The price you pay for each share of the Fund is based on the share value. The
share value of a mutual fund--known as the NET ASSET VALUE or NAV--is
determined by a simple calculation: it's the total value of the Fund (assets
minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding. For
example, if the value of the investments held by Fund XYZ (minus its
liabilities) is $1,000 and there are 100 shares of Fund XYZ owned by
shareholders, the price of one share of the fund--or the NAV--is $10 ($1,000
divided by 100). We value portfolio securities based upon market quotations or,
if not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under
procedures established by the Fund's Board. Most national newspapers report the
NAVs of most mutual funds, which allows investors to check the prices of mutual
funds daily.

   We determine the NAV of our shares once each business day at 4:15 p.m. New
York Time on days that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. We do
not determine the NAV on days when we have not received any orders to purchase,
sell or exchange Fund shares, or when changes in the value of the Fund's
portfolio do not materially affect the NAV.
 
WHAT PRICE WILL YOU PAY FOR SHARES OF THE FUND?
For Class A and Class C shares, you'll pay the public offering price, which is
the NAV next determined after we receive your order to purchase, plus an
initial sales charge (unless you're entitled to a waiver). For Class B and
Class Z shares, you will pay the NAV next determined after we receive your
order to purchase (remember, there are no up-front sales charges for these
share classes). Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for
purchases of shares.
 
 
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22   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
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STEP 4: ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
As a Fund shareholder, you can take advantage of the following services and
privileges:
 
Automatic Reinvestment. As we explained in the "Fund Distributions and Tax
Issues" section, the Fund pays out--or distributes--its net investment income
and capital gains to all shareholders. For your convenience, we will
automatically reinvest your distributions in the Fund at NAV without any sales
charge. If you want your distributions paid in cash, you can indicate this
preference on your application, notify your broker or notify the Transfer Agent
in writing (at the address below) at least five business days before the date
we determine who receives dividends.
 
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC
ATTN: ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE
P.O. BOX 15015
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08906-5015
 
Automatic Investment Plan. You can make regular purchases of Fund shares for as
little as $50 by having the funds automatically withdrawn from your bank or
brokerage account at specified intervals.
 
Retirement Plan Services. Prudential offers a wide variety of retirement plans
for individuals and institutions, including large and small businesses. For
information on IRAs, including Roth IRAs, or SEP-IRAs for a one-person
business, please contact your financial adviser. If you are interested in
opening a 401(k) or other company-sponsored retirement plan (SIMPLES, SEP
plans, Keoghs, 403(b) plans, pension and profit-sharing plans), your financial
adviser will help you determine which retirement plan best meets your needs.
Complete instructions about how to establish and maintain your plan and how to
open accounts for you and your employees will be included in the retirement
plan kit you receive in the mail.
 
The PruTector Program. Optional group term life insurance--which protects the
value of your Prudential mutual fund investment for your beneficiaries against
market declines--is available to investors who purchase their shares through
Prudential. This insurance is subject to various restrictions and charges and
is not available in all states.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        23
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. A systematic withdrawal plan is available that will
provide you with monthly or quarterly checks. Remember, the sale of Class B and
Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC.
 
Reports to Shareholders. Every year, we will send you an annual report (along
with an updated prospectus) and a semi-annual report, which contain important
financial information about the Fund. To reduce Fund expenses, we will send one
annual shareholder report, one semi-annual shareholder report and one annual
prospectus per household, unless you instruct us or your broker otherwise.
 
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
You can sell your shares of the Fund for cash (in the form of a check) at any
time, subject to certain restrictions.

   When you sell shares of the Fund--also known as redeeming your shares--the
price you will receive will be the NAV next determined after the Transfer
Agent, the Distributor or your broker receives your order to sell (less any
applicable CDSC). If your broker holds your shares, he must receive your order
to sell by 4:15 p.m. New York Time to process the sale on that day. Otherwise
contact:
 
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC
ATTN: REDEMPTION SERVICES
P.O. BOX 15010
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08906-5010
 
   Generally, we will pay you for the shares that you sell within seven days
after the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker receives your sell
order. If you hold shares through a broker, we will credit payment to your
account. If you are selling shares you recently purchased with a check, we may
delay sending you the proceeds until your check clears, which can take up to 10
days from the purchase date. You can avoid the delay if you purchase shares by
wire, certified check or cashier's check. Your broker may charge you a separate
or additional fee for sales of shares.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON SALES
At certain times you may not be able to sell shares of the Fund, or we may
delay paying you the proceeds from a sale. This may happen during
 
 
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24   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
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   Exchange Shares of the Fund
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unusual market conditions or emergencies when the Fund can't determine the
value of its assets or sell its holdings. For more information, see the SAI,
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares--Sale of Shares."

   If you are selling more than $50,000 of shares, you want the check sent to
someone or some place that is not in our records, or you are a business or a
trust, and you hold your shares directly with the Transfer Agent, you will need
to have the signature on your sell order guaranteed by a financial institution.
For more information, see the SAI, "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund
Shares--Sale of Shares--Signature Guarantee."
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC)
If you sell Class B shares within six years of purchase or Class C shares
within 18 months of purchase (one year for Class C shares purchased before
November 2, 1998), you will have to pay a CDSC. To keep the CDSC as low as
possible, we will sell amounts representing shares in the following order:

  . Amounts representing shares you purchased with reinvested dividends and
    distributions
  . Amounts representing shares that represent the increase in NAV above the
    total amount of your payments for shares made during the past six years
    for Class B shares (five years for Class B shares purchased before
    January 22, 1990) and 18 months for Class C shares (one year for Class C
    shares purchased before November 2, 1998)
  . Amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the CDSC period (six
    years for Class B shares and 18 months for Class C shares).
 
   Since shares that fall into any of the categories listed above are not
subject to the CDSC, selling them first helps you to avoid--or at least
minimize--the CDSC.

   Having sold the exempt shares first, if there are any remaining shares that
are subject to the CDSC, we will apply the CDSC to amounts representing the
cost of shares held for the longest period of time within the applicable CDSC
period.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        25
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   As we noted before in the "Share Class Comparison" chart, the CDSC for Class
B shares is 5% in the first year, 4% in the second, 3% in the third, 2% in the
fourth and 1% in the fifth and sixth years. The rate decreases on the first day
of the month following the anniversary date of your purchase, not on the
anniversary date itself. The CDSC is 1% for Class C shares-- which is applied
to shares sold within 18 months of purchase (or one year for Class C shares
purchased before November 2, 1998). For both Class B and Class C shares, the
CDSC is calculated based on the lesser of the original purchase price or the
redemption proceeds. For purposes of determining how long you've held your
shares, all purchases during the month are grouped together and considered to
have been made on the last day of the month.

   The holding period for purposes of determining the applicable CDSC will be
calculated from the first day of the month after initial purchase, excluding
any time shares were held in a money market fund.
 
WAIVER OF THE CDSC--CLASS B SHARES
The CDSC will be waived if the Class B shares are sold:

  . After a shareholder dies or is disabled (or, in the case of a trust
    account, the death or disability of the grantor). This waiver applies to
    individual shareholders, as well as shares owned in joint tenancy (with
    rights of survivorship), provided the shares were purchased before the
    death or disability
  . To provide for certain distributions--made without IRS penalty--from a
    tax-deferred retirement plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account
  . On certain sales from a Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
 
   For more information on the above and other waivers, see the SAI, "Purchase,
Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares--Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge--Class B Shares."
 
WAIVER OF THE CDSC--CLASS C SHARES
Prudential Retirement Plans. The CDSC will be waived for purchases of Class C
shares by both qualified and nonqualified retirement and deferred compensation
plans participating in a PruArray Plan and other plans if Prudential also
provides administrative or recordkeeping services. The
 
 
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26   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
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CDSC will also be waived on redemptions sponsored by Prudential and its
affiliates to the extent that the redemption proceeds are invested in the
Guaranteed Investment Account, a group annuity insurance product sponsored by
Prudential, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account, a separate account
offered by Prudential, and shares of the Stable Value Fund, an unaffiliated
bank collective fund.
 
Other Benefit Plans. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from Benefit Plans
holding shares through a broker not affiliated with Prudential and for which
the broker provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
REDEMPTION IN KIND
If the sales of Fund shares you make during any 90-day period reach the lesser
of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net assets, we can then give you
securities from the Fund's portfolio instead of cash. If you want to sell the
securities for cash, you would have to pay the costs charged by a broker.
 
SMALL ACCOUNTS
If you make a sale that reduces your account value to less than $500, we may
sell the rest of your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your
account. We would do this to minimize the Fund's expenses paid by other
shareholders. We will give you 60 days' notice, during which time you can
purchase additional shares to avoid this action. This involuntary sale does not
apply to shareholders who own their shares as part of a 401(k) plan, an IRA, or
some other tax-deferred plan or account.
 
90-DAY REPURCHASE PRIVILEGE
After you redeem your shares, you may reinvest any of the redemption proceeds
in shares of the same Fund for 90 days without paying an initial sales charge.
Also, if you paid a CDSC when you redeemed your shares, we will credit your new
account with the appropriate number of shares to reflect the amount of the CDSC
you paid. To take advantage of this one-time privilege, you must notify the
Transfer Agent or your broker at the time of the repurchase. See the SAI,
"Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares--Sale of Shares."
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        27
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
RETIREMENT PLANS
To sell shares and receive a distribution from your retirement account, call
your broker or the Transfer Agent for a distribution request form. Special
distribution and income tax withholding requirements apply to distributions
from retirement plans and you must submit a withholding form with your request
to avoid delay. If your retirement plan account is held by your employer or
plan trustee, you must arrange for the distribution request to be signed and
sent by the plan administrator or trustee. For additional information, see the
SAI.
 
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
You can exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of the same class in
certain other Prudential mutual funds--including certain money market funds--if
you satisfy the minimum investment requirements. For example, you can exchange
Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of another Prudential mutual
fund, but you can't exchange Class A shares for Class B, Class C or Class Z
shares. Class B and Class C shares may not be exchanged into money market funds
other than Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc. After an exchange, at
redemption, the CDSC will be calculated from the first day of the month after
your initial purchase, excluding any time shares were held in a money market
fund. We may change the terms of the exchange privilege after giving you 60
days' notice.

   If you hold shares through a broker, you must exchange shares through your
broker. Otherwise contact:
 
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC
ATTN: EXCHANGE PROCESSING
P.O. BOX 15010
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08906-5010
 
   If you exchange--and then sell--Class B shares within approximately six
years of your original purchase, or Class C shares within 18 months of your
original purchase, you must still pay the applicable CDSC. If you have
exchanged Class B or Class C shares into a money market fund, the time you hold
the shares in the money market account will not be counted for purposes of
calculating the required holding periods for CDSC liability.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
28   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
   How to Buy, Sell and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Exchange Shares of the Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   Remember, as we explained in the section entitled "Fund Distributions and
Tax Issues--If You Sell or Exchange Your Shares," exchanging shares is
considered a sale for tax purposes. Therefore, if the shares you exchange are
worth more than you paid for them, you may have to pay capital gains tax. For
additional information about exchanging shares, see the SAI, "Shareholder
Investment Account--Exchange Privilege."

   If you own Class B or Class C shares and qualify to purchase Class A shares
without paying an initial sales charge, we will automatically exchange your
Class B or Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC for Class A shares.
We make such exchanges on a quarterly basis, if you qualify for this exchange
privilege. We have obtained a legal opinion that this exchange is not a
"taxable event" for federal income tax purposes. This opinion is not binding on
the IRS.
 
FREQUENT TRADING
Frequent trading of Fund shares in response to short-term fluctuations in the
market--also known as "market timing"--may make it very difficult to manage the
Fund's investments. When market timing occurs, the Fund may have to sell
portfolio securities to have the cash necessary to redeem the market timer's
shares. This can happen at a time when it is not advantageous to sell any
securities, so the Fund's performance may be hurt. When large dollar amounts
are involved, market timing can also make it difficult to use long-term
investment strategies because we cannot predict how much cash the Fund will
have to invest. When in our opinion such activity would have a disruptive
effect on portfolio management, the Fund reserves the right to refuse purchase
orders and exchanges into the Fund by any person, group or commonly controlled
account. The Fund may notify a market timer of rejection of an exchange or
purchase order after the day on which the order is placed. If the Fund allows a
market timer to trade Fund shares, it may require the market timer to enter
into a written agreement to follow certain procedures and limitations.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        3
 
                                                                        29
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The financial highlights will help you evaluate the Fund's financial
performance. The TOTAL RETURN in each chart represents the rate that a
shareholder earned on an investment in that share class of the Fund, assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. The information is for
each share class for the periods indicated.

   Review each chart with the financial statements and report of independent
accountants, which appear in the annual report and the SAI and are available
upon request. Additional performance information for each share class is
contained in the annual report, which you can receive at no charge.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
30   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CLASS A SHARES
The financial highlights for the four years ended December 31, 1998, were
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, and the financial highlights for the year ended
December 31, 1994, were audited by other independent auditors, whose reports
were unqualified.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  CLASS A SHARES (FISCAL YEARS ENDED 12-31)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE       1998     1997     1996  1995/1/  1994/1/
  <S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
  NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF
  YEAR                                $14.47   $15.41   $15.18   $11.99   $13.56
  INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS:
  Net investment loss                  (.17)    (.12)    (.14)    (.11)    (.07)
  Net realized and unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  transactions                          1.95     2.60     2.64     3.82   (1.19)
  TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS                            1.78     2.48     2.50     3.71   (1.26)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from net investment
  income                                  --       --       --       --       --
  Distributions from net realized
  gains                                (.87)   (3.42)   (2.27)    (.52)    (.31)
  TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                  (.87)   (3.42)   (2.27)    (.52)    (.31)
  NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR        $15.38   $14.47   $15.41   $15.18   $11.99
  TOTAL RETURN/2/                     12.83%   17.33%   16.45%   31.20%  (9.53)%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA              1998     1997     1996     1995     1994
  <S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
  NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000)     $130,362 $133,973 $145,120 $124,340  $88,069
  Average net assets (000)          $124,408 $139,933 $136,482 $109,740  $93,620
  RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses, including
  distribution fees                    1.45%    1.37%    1.41%    1.44% 1.49%/4/
  Expenses, excluding
  distribution fees                    1.24%    1.19%    1.23%    1.27% 1.32%/4/
  Net investment income              (1.19)%   (.82)%   (.93)%   (.83)%   (.59)%
  Portfolio turnover/3/                 171%     182%     113%     106%     110%
  Asset coverage or borrowing             --       --       --       --       --
  Total debt outstanding (000
  omitted)                                --       --       --       --       --
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the periods
  due to effects of open-ending, Fund share sales and the resulting share
  issuance from the stock rights offering.
2 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.
3 Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without
  distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
4 Current year amounts have been restated from prior periods presentation.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                        31
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CLASS B SHARES
The financial highlights for the four years ended December 31, 1998, were
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, and the financial highlights for the year ended
December 31, 1994, were audited by other independent auditors, whose reports
were unqualified.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  CLASS B/2/ SHARES (FISCAL YEARS ENDED 12-31)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE       1998     1997     1996  1995/1/  1994/1/
  <S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
  NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF
  YEAR                                $13.26   $14.48   $14.49   $11.56   $13.18
  INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS:
  Net investment loss                  (.29)    (.23)    (.24)    (.22)    (.17)
  Net realized and unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  transactions                          1.79     2.43     2.50     3.67   (1.14)
  TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS                            1.50     2.20     2.26     3.45   (1.31)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Distributions from net realized
  gains                                (.87)   (3.42)   (2.27)    (.52)    (.31)
  TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                  (.87)   (3.42)   (2.27)    (.52)    (.31)
  NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR        $13.89   $13.26   $14.48   $14.49   $11.56
  TOTAL RETURN/2/                     11.87%   16.48%   15.54%   30.11%   10.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA              1998     1997     1996  1995/3/     1994
  <S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
  NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000)     $236,242 $284,191 $317,768 $290,751 $257,059
  Average net assets (000)          $250,317 $300,520 $304,841 $265,597 $261,285
  RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses, including
  distribution fees                    2.24%    2.19%    2.23%    2.27% 2.32%/3/
  Expenses, excluding
  distribution fees                    1.24%    1.19%    1.23%    1.27% 1.32%/3/
  Net investment income              (1.98)%  (1.64)%  (1.75)%  (1.66)%  (1.39)%
  Portfolio turnover/4/                 171%     182%     113%     106%     110%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1  Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the periods
   due to effects of open-ending, Fund share sales and the resulting share
   issuance from the stock rights offering.
2  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.
3  Current year amounts have been restated from prior periods presentation.
4  Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without
   distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
32   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
CLASS C SHARES
The financial highlights for the four years ended December 31, 1998, were
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, and the financial highlights for the period from
August 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, were audited by other independent
auditors, whose reports were unqualified.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  CLASS C SHARES (FISCAL YEARS ENDED 12-31)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE                        1998     1997    1996    1995  1994/1/,/2/
  <S>                             <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
  NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD                           $13.26   $14.48  $14.49  $11.56       $11.62
  INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
   OPERATIONS:
  Net investment loss               (.28)    (.22)   (.22)   (.22)        (.05)
  Net realized and unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  transactions                       1.78     2.42    2.48    3.67        (.01)
  TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS                         1.50     2.20    2.26    3.45        (.06)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Distributions from net
  realized gains                     (.87)  (3.42)  (2.27)   (.52)           --
  TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                (.87)  (3.42)  (2.27)   (.52)           --
  NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $13.89   $13.26  $14.48  $14.49       $11.56
  TOTAL RETURN/3/                  11.87%   16.48%  15.54%  30.11%       (.52)%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA           1998     1997    1996    1995         1994
  <S>                             <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
  NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD
  (000)                            $6,146   $6,750  $6,735  $4,897       $1,100
  Average net assets (000)         $6,164  $ 6,796  $5,862  $2,961         $225
  RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses, including
  distribution fees                 2.24%    2.19%   2.23%   2.27% 6.23%/4/,/5/
  Expenses, excluding
  distribution fees                 1.24%    1.19%   1.23%   1.27% 5.23%/4/,/5/
  Net investment income           (1.98)%  (1.64)% (1.75)% (1.63)%   (3.36)%/4/
  Portfolio turnover                 171%     182%     113    106%         110%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Information shown for the period August 1, 1994, when Class C shares were
  first offered, through December 31, 1994.
2 Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the periods
  due to effects of open-ending, Fund sales and the resulting share issuance
  from the stock rights offering.
3 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 less than a full year are not
  annualized.
4 Annualized.
5 Current year amounts have been restated from prior periods presentation.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                        33
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CLASS Z SHARES
The financial highlights for the two years ended December 31, 1998, and for the
period from March 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997, were audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, whose reports were unqualified.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  CLASS Z SHARES (FISCAL YEARS ENDED 12-31)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE               1998   1997/1/
  <S>                                         <C>    <C>
  NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD        $14.53    $14.48
  INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net investment loss                          (.12)     (.22)
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions                       1.95      3.18
  Total from investment operations              1.83      2.96
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Distributions from net realized gains        (.87)    (2.91)
  TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                          (.87)    (2.91)
  NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD              $15.49    $14.53
  TOTAL RETURN/2/                             13.13%    21.90%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                      1998      1997
  <S>                                         <C>    <C>
  NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD (000)             $1,649      $633
  Average net assets (000)                    $1,318      $121
  RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses, including distribution fees        1.24%  1.19%/3/
  Expenses, excluding distribution fees        1.24%  1.19%/3/
  Net investment income                       (.99)% (.85)%/3/
  Portfolio turnover                            171%      182%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Information shown is for the period March 18, 1997, when Class Z shares were
  first offered, through December 31, 1997.
2 Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends and any other distributions.
  It is calculated assuming shares are purchased on the first day and sold on
  the last day of each period reported. Total return for periods of less than a
  full year is not annualized.
3 Annualized.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
34   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
                 [This page has been left blank intentionally.]
 
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        35
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Prudential Mutual Fund Family
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential offers a broad range of mutual funds designed to meet your
individual needs. For information about these funds, contact your financial
adviser or call us at (800) 225-1852. Read the prospectus carefully before you
invest or send money.
 
STOCK FUNDS
Prudential Distressed Securities Fund, Inc.
Prudential Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Fund, Inc.
Prudential Equity Income Fund
Prudential Index Series Fund
 Prudential Small-Cap Index Fund
 Prudential Stock Index Fund
The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc.
 Prudential Jennison Growth Fund
 Prudential Jennison Growth & Income Fund
Prudential Mid-Cap Value Fund
Prudential Real Estate Securities Fund
Prudential Small-Cap Quantum Fund, Inc.
Prudential Small Company Value Fund, Inc.
Prudential Tax-Managed Equity Fund
Prudential 20/20 Focus Fund
Prudential Utility Fund, Inc.
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.
 Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund
 
ASSET ALLOCATION/BALANCED FUNDS
Prudential Balanced Fund
Prudential Diversified Funds
 Conservative Growth Fund
 Moderate Growth Fund
 High Growth Fund
The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc.
 Prudential Active Balanced Fund
 
GLOBAL FUNDS
GLOBAL STOCK FUNDS
Prudential Developing Markets Fund
 Prudential Developing Markets Equity Fund
 Prudential Latin America Equity Fund
Prudential Europe Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential Global Genesis Fund, Inc.
Prudential Index Series Fund
 Prudential Europe Index Fund
 Prudential Pacific Index Fund
Prudential Natural Resources Fund, Inc.
Prudential Pacific Growth Fund, Inc.
Prudential World Fund, Inc.
 Global Series
 International Stock Series
Global Utility Fund, Inc.
 
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
Prudential Global Limited Maturity Fund, Inc.
 Limited Maturity Portfolio
Prudential Intermediate Global Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential International Bond Fund, Inc.
The Global Total Return Fund, Inc.
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
36   NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND            [GRAPHIC] (800) 225-1852
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Prudential Mutual Fund Family
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOND FUNDS
TAXABLE BOND FUNDS
Prudential Diversified Bond Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.
Prudential Government Securities Trust
 Short-Intermediate Term Series
Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.
Prudential High Yield Total Return Fund, Inc.
Prudential Index Series Fund
 Prudential Bond Market Index Fund
Prudential Structured Maturity Fund, Inc.
 Income Portfolio
 
TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS
Prudential California Municipal Fund
 California Series
 California Income Series
Prudential Municipal Bond Fund
 High Income Series
 Insured Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
 Florida Series
 Massachusetts Series
 New Jersey Series
 New York Series
 North Carolina Series
 Ohio Series
 Pennsylvania Series
Prudential National Municipals Fund, Inc.
 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Cash Accumulation Trust
 Liquid Assets Fund
 National Money Market Fund
Prudential Government Securities Trust
 Money Market Series
 U.S. Treasury Money Market Series
Prudential Special Money Market Fund, Inc.
 Money Market Series
Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc.
 
TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
Prudential California Municipal Fund
 California Money Market Series
Prudential Municipal Series Fund
 Connecticut Money Market Series
 Massachusetts Money Market Series
 New Jersey Money Market Series
 New York Money Market Series
 
COMMAND FUNDS
Command Money Fund
Command Government Fund
Command Tax-Free Fund
 
INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc.
 Institutional Money Market Series
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                        37
<PAGE>
 
 
    FOR MORE INFORMATION
    -------------------------------------------------------
 
Please read this prospectus before you invest in the Fund and keep it for fu-
ture reference. For information or shareholder questions contact:
 
PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC
P.O. BOX 15005
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08906-5005
(800) 225-1852
(732) 417-7555
 (if calling from outside the U.S.)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside Brokers Should Contact:
PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
P.O. BOX 15035
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08906-5035
(800) 778-8769

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit Prudential's Web Site At:
HTTP://WWW.PRUDENTIAL.COM

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional information about the Fund can be obtained without charge and can be
found in the following documents:
 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
 (incorporated by reference into this prospectus)
 
ANNUAL REPORT
 (contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies
 that significantly affected the Fund's performance)
 
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
 
You can also obtain copies of Fund documents from the Securities and Exchange
Commission as follows:
 
By Mail:
Securities and Exchange Commission
Public Reference Section
Washington, DC 20549-6009
 (The SEC charges a fee to copy documents.)
 
In Person:
Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
 (For hours of operation, call 1(800) SEC-0330)
 
Via the Internet:
http://www.sec.gov

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSIP NUMBERS:
CLASS A: 653698-20-9
CLASS B: 653698-30-8
CLASS C: 653698-40-7
CLASS Z: 653698-50-6
 
Investment Company Act File No:
33-38461
 
 
                                        [GRAPHIC]   Printed on Recycled Paper
 
MF151A
<PAGE>
 
                         NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
                     NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
 
                      Statement of Additional Information
                             dated March 15, 1999
 
  Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a series of Nicholas-
Applegate Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), an open-end, diversified management
investment company. The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing principally
in a diversified portfolio of common stocks, the earnings and securities
prices of which its Investment Adviser expects to grow at a rate above the
rate of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500"). The Fund
intends to invest primarily in stocks from a universe of U.S. companies with
market capitalizations corresponding to the middle 90% of the Russell Midcap
Growth Index at the time of purchase. As of December 30, 1998, the middle 90%
included companies with capitalizations between approximately $1.6 billion and
$10.7 billion. Capitalizations of companies in the Index will change with
market conditions and new developments. No assurance can be given that the
Fund's investment objective will be achieved. See "Investment Objective and
Policies".
 
  The Fund's address is Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102-4077, and its telephone number is (800) 225-1852. The Statement
of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus dated March 15, 1999, a copy of which
may be obtained from the Fund upon request.
 
 
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>
Fund History.............................................................. B-2
Description of the Fund, Its Investments and Risks........................ B-2
Investment Restrictions................................................... B-6
Directors and Principal Officers.......................................... B-8
Investment Advisory and Other Services.................................... B-10
Capital Shares, Other Securities and Organization......................... B-17
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund Shares........................... B-18
Shareholder Investment Account............................................ B-29
Net Asset Value........................................................... B-34
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes........................................ B-35
Performance Information................................................... B-36
Financial Statements...................................................... B-39
Report of Independent Auditors............................................ B-51
Appendix I--General Investment Information................................ I-1
Appendix II--Historical Performance Data.................................. II-1
Appendix III--Information Relating to The Prudential...................... III-I
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MF151B
<PAGE>
 
                                 FUND HISTORY
 
  The Company was incorporated in Maryland on January 30, 1987 under the name
"Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund, Inc." as a closed-end, diversified
management investment company. The Fund operated as a closed-end fund until
June 10, 1991. As a closed-end investment company during the 1990 calendar
year, the Fund's shares traded at an average discount from net asset value of
7.52%. Because of this discounted valuation of its shares, the Company
converted to an open-end investment company in accordance with its Charter and
changed its name to "Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc." on June 10, 1991. All
outstanding shares of the Company at the time of the conversion to an open-end
investment company were converted into Class A shares of the Fund.
 
              DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND, ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
 
  CLASSIFICATION. The Fund is a diversified, open-end, management investment
company.
 
  INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND RISKS. The Fund's investment objective
is capital appreciation. While the principal investment policies and
strategies for seeking to achieve this objective are described in the Fund's
Prospectus, the Fund may from time to time also use the securities,
instruments, policies and strategies described below in seeking to achieve its
objective. The Fund may not achieve its objective and you could lose money.
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund is authorized to invest up to 20% of its total
assets in foreign securities, ADRs and other similar receipts or shares,
although it currently intends to do so only occasionally. Any such securities
will be traded on U.S. exchanges or the NASDAQ National Market System.
 
  Foreign securities involve certain risks, which should be considered
carefully by an investor in the Fund. These risks include political or
economic instability in the country of the issuer, the difficulty of
predicting international trade patterns, the possibility of imposition of
exchange controls and the risk of currency fluctuations. Such securities may
be subject to greater fluctuations in price than securities issued by U.S.
corporations. In addition, there may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Foreign companies
generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic companies.
There is generally less government regulation of securities exchanges, brokers
and listed companies abroad than in the United States, and, for certain
foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation or diplomatic developments which could affect investment in those
countries.
 
  PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. The Fund is authorized to purchase listed covered
"put" and "call" options with respect to securities which are otherwise
eligible for purchase by the Fund and with respect to the S&P 500, subject to
certain restrictions, although it currently intends to do so only occasionally
and only for hedging purposes. The Fund does not presently intend to purchase
options that are not traded on a national securities exchange.
 
  If the Fund purchases a listed put option, it acquires the right to sell the
underlying security at a specified price at any time during the term of the
option. Purchasing put options may be used as a portfolio investment strategy
when the Investment Adviser perceives significant short-term risk but
substantial long-term appreciation for the underlying security. The put option
acts as an insurance policy, as it protects against significant downward price
movement while it allows full participation in any upward movement. If the
Fund is holding a stock which it feels has strong fundamentals, but for some
reason may be weak in the near term, it may purchase a listed put on such
security, thereby giving itself the right to sell such security at a certain
strike price throughout the term of the option. Consequently, the Fund will
exercise the put only if the price of such security falls below the strike
price of the put. The difference between the put's strike price and the market
price of the underlying security on the date the Fund exercises the put, less
transaction costs, will be the amount by which the Fund will be able to hedge
against a decline in the underlying security. If during the period of the
option the market price for the underlying security remains at or above the
put's strike price, the put will expire worthless, representing a loss of the
price the Fund paid for the put, plus transaction costs. If the price of the
underlying security increases, the profit the Fund realizes on the sale of the
security will be reduced by the premium paid for the put option less any
amount for which the put may be sold.
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
  If the Fund purchases a listed call option, it acquires the right to
purchase the underlying security at a specified price at any time during the
term of the option. The purchase of a call option is a type of insurance
policy to hedge against a substantial increase in the market price of a
security it intends to purchase. The Fund will exercise a call option only if
the price of the underlying security is above the strike price at the time of
exercise. If during the option period the market price for the underlying
security remains at or below the strike price of the call option, the option
will expire worthless, representing a loss of the price paid for the option,
plus transaction costs.
 
  The Fund may also purchase "put" and "call" options with respect to the S&P
500. Such options may be purchased as a hedge against changes resulting from
market conditions in the values of securities which are held in the Fund's
portfolio or which it intends to purchase or sell, or when they are
economically appropriate for the reduction of risks inherent in the ongoing
management of the Fund. The distinctive characteristics of options on stock
indices create certain risks that are not present with stock options
generally. Because the value of an index option depends upon movements in the
level of the index rather than the price of a particular stock, whether the
Fund will realize a gain or loss on the purchase or sale of an option on an
index depends upon movements in the level of stock prices in the stock market
generally rather than movements in the price of a particular stock.
Accordingly, successful use by the Fund of options on the S&P 500 would be
subject to the Investment Adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in
the direction of the stock market generally. This requires different skills
and techniques than predicting changes in the price of individual stocks.
 
  Index prices may be distorted if trading of certain stocks included in the
index is interrupted. Trading of index options also may be interrupted in
certain circumstances, such as if trading were halted in a substantial number
of stocks included in the index. If this occurred, the Fund would not be able
to close out options which it had purchased, and if restrictions on exercise
were imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it holds, which
could result in substantial losses to the Fund. It is the Fund's policy to
purchase put or call options only with respect to the S&P 500, which index it
believes includes a sufficient number of stocks to minimize the likelihood of
a trading halt in the index.
 
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
 
  The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its total assets in repurchase
agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days or in other
illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the
absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on
resale. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to
contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act),
securities which are otherwise not readily marketable and repurchase
agreements having a maturity of longer than seven days. Securities which have
not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private
placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer
or in the secondary market. Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant
amount of these restricted or other illiquid securities because of the
potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on
resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities
and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid
securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience
difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also
have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them
resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could
impede such a public offering of securities.
 
  In recent years, however, a large institutional market has developed for
certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act including
repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal
securities, convertible securities and corporate bonds and notes.
Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which
the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to
honor a demand for repayment. The fact that there are contractual or legal
restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may
not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments.
 
  Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows for a broader institutional
trading market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to
the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act for resales of certain
securities to qualified institutional buyers. The investment adviser
anticipates that the market for certain restricted securities such as
institutional commercial paper and foreign securities will expand further as a
result of this regulation and the development of automated systems for the
trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and
foreign issuers, such as the PORTAL System sponsored by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD).
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
  Restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act and privately placed commercial paper for which there is a
readily available market are treated as liquid only when deemed liquid under
procedures established by the Board of Directors. The Fund's investment in
Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing illiquidity to the
extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a limited time,
uninterested in purchasing Rule 144A securities. 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, among others, 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 (for example, 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, (a) 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 (b) 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.
 
  BORROWING POLICY. Although the Fund is authorized to borrow money from time
to time in amounts of up to 30% of the value of its total assets at the time
of such borrowings, the Board of Directors has adopted a policy that the Fund
may borrow an amount equal to no more than 30% of the value of its total
assets (calculated when the loan is made) only for temporary, extraordinary or
emergency purposes or for the clearance of transactions. The Fund participates
in a $1 billion joint committed syndicated credit agreement with other
Prudential mutual funds. The Fund may pledge up to 30% of its total assets to
secure these borrowings. See "Investment Restrictions". This Board policy is
not a fundamental policy of the Fund and the Board of Directors may change its
current policy in the future, without shareholder approval, if it concludes
that such a change would be in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders. If the Fund's asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%,
the Fund will take prompt action (within 3 days) to reduce its borrowings. If
the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or
other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities to reduce
the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be
disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.
 
LENDING OF SECURITIES
 
  Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Fund may lend its
portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided
that outstanding loans do not exceed in the aggregate 25% of the value of the
Fund's total assets and that the loans are callable at any time by the Fund.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not lend more than 25% of the
value of its total assets. Any such loans will be made only upon approval of,
and subject to any conditions imposed by the Fund's Board of Directors. The
loans must at all times be secured by cash or other liquid assets or secured
by an irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the Fund in an amount equal to
at least 100%, determined daily, of the market value of the loaned securities.
The collateral is segregated pursuant to applicable regulations. 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. The
advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive payments in lieu
of the interest and dividends on the loaned securities, while at the same time
earning interest either directly from the borrower or on the collateral, which
will be invested in short-term obligations.
 
  A loan may be terminated by the borrower or by the Fund at any time. If the
borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan
automatically terminates and the Fund could use the collateral to replace the
securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement
cost over collateral. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of
delay in recovery and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should
the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, these loans of
portfolio securities will only be made to firms determined to be creditworthy
pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund. On
termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to
the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure
to the Fund.
 
  Since voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the
borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loan, in whole or in
part as may be appropriate, to permit the exercise of such rights if the
matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in the
securities which are the subject of the loan. The Fund will pay reasonable
finders',-
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities
or may share the interest earned on collateral with the borrower.
 
DEFENSIVE STRATEGY AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
  The Fund may invest in short-term investments during periods when, in the
opinion of the Investment Adviser, attractive equity investments are
temporarily unavailable or other circumstances or market conditions warrant
such investments. Under normal circumstances no more than 10% of the Fund's
total assets will be retained in cash and equivalents. Such investments may
include U.S. Treasury Bills or other U.S. Government or Government agency
obligations; certificates of deposit of the 50 largest commercial banks in the
United States, measured by total assets as shown by their most recent annual
financial statements; commercial paper rated A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poor's
Corporation or P-1 or P-2 by Moody's Investors Service or, if not rated,
issued by companies having an outstanding debt issue rated AA or better by
Standard & Poor's or Aa or better by Moody's; shares of money market mutual
funds; or repurchase agreements with respect to such securities. To the extent
that the Fund is or becomes a shareholder in a money market mutual fund, the
Fund will bear its ratable share of such fund's expenses, including management
fees, and will remain subject to payment of the management fee to the Manager
with respect to the Fund's assets so invested.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
  The Investment Adviser's growth equity management approach results in
substantial portfolio turnover, as the Investment Adviser sells portfolio
securities when it believes the reasons for their initial purchase are no
longer valid. The Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 were 171% and 182%, respectively.
Although it is not possible to predict future portfolio turnover rates
accurately, and such rates may vary greatly from year to year, the Fund
anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will not exceed 200%.
Portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund's
annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the monthly average value
of securities in the portfolio during the year, excluding portfolio securities
the maturities of which at the time of acquisition were one year or less. See
"Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices" and "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes."
 
  Portfolio turnover will not otherwise be a limiting factor in making
investment decisions, and the Fund's investment policies may result in
portfolio turnover substantially greater than that of other investment
companies. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater
brokerage commission expense than a lower rate, which expense must be borne by
the Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover may also result in the
realization of substantial net short-term capital gains, and any distributions
resulting from such gains will be ordinary income for federal income tax
purposes.
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
  The following restrictions are fundamental policies. Fundamental policies
are those which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities," when used in this Statement of
Additional Information, means the lesser of (1) 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 (2) more than 50% of
the outstanding voting shares. All percentage limitations set forth below
apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment, and any subsequent
change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations will
not require elimination of any security from the Fund's portfolio.
 
  1. The Fund may not invest in securities of any one issuer if more than 5%
of the market value of its total assets would be invested in the securities of
such issuer. However, up to 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to this limitation. In addition, this restriction does not
apply to investments in securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies.
 
  2. The Fund may not purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities, or of any class of securities, of any one issuer, or purchase the
securities of any issuer for the purpose of exercising control.
 
  3. The Fund may not invest 25% or more of the market value of its total
assets in the securities of issuers in any one particular industry. This
restriction does not apply to investments in securities of the U.S. Government
or its agencies.
 
  4. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate. However, the Fund may
invest in securities secured by, or issued by companies that invest in, real
estate or interests in real estate.
 
  5. The Fund may not write put or call options or purchase any securities on
margin, except that the Fund may obtain short-term credit necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities.
 
  6. The Fund may not make loans of money, except that the Fund may purchase
publicly distributed debt instruments and certificates of deposit and enter
into repurchase agreements. The Fund reserves the authority to make loans of
its portfolio securities in an aggregate amount not exceeding 25% of the value
of its total assets. Any such loans will be made only upon approval of, and
subject to any conditions imposed by, the Company's Board of Directors.
 
  7. The Fund may borrow money on a secured or unsecured basis for any purpose
(including short-term credit referred to in restriction 5 above) in amounts
not exceeding 30% of the value of its total assets at the time of the
borrowing, provided that, pursuant to the Investment Company Act, borrowings
will only be made from banks and will be made only to the extent that the
value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities other than borrowings,
is equal to at least 300% of all borrowings (including the proposed
borrowing). If such asset coverage of 300% is not maintained, the Fund will
take prompt action to reduce its borrowings as required by applicable law.
 
  8. The Fund may not pledge or in any way transfer as security for
indebtedness any securities owned or held by it, except to secure indebtedness
permitted by restriction 7 above.
 
  9. The Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar
as it may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in selling
portfolio securities.
 
  10. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets
in securities that at the time of purchase have legal or contractual
restrictions on resale, or more than 20% of the value of its total assets in
securities of foreign issuers and American Depository Receipts.
 
  11. The Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts,
including options contracts and options on futures contracts. For purposes of
this investment restriction, futures contracts are deemed to be commodity
contracts.
 
  12. The Fund may not issue any securities senior to its Common Stock, except
that the Fund may borrow money as permitted by restriction 7 above.
 
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
  As a matter of policy, the Board of Directors has determined that the Fund's
Investment Adviser will not be authorized to (i) make loans of its portfolio
securities in excess of 10% of the value of its total assets, (ii) make short
sales or maintain a short position if to do so would create liabilities or
require collateral deposits and segregation of assets arising in connection
with short sales aggregating more than 25% of the Fund's total assets, taken
at market value, (iii) invest in listed covered call options in excess of 5%
of the market value of the Fund's assets as of the date of investment, or
invest in listed covered put options in excess of 5% of the market value of
the Fund's assets as of the date of investment, or (iv) borrow money for any
purpose. These are not fundamental policies of the Fund and the Company's
Board of Directors reserves the right to change any such determination in the
future, without shareholder approval, if it concludes that such a change would
be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
                       DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
 
  The names and addresses of the Directors and principal officers of the
Company are set forth below, together with their positions and their principal
occupations during the past five years and, in the case of the Directors,
their positions with certain other organizations and companies.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               POSITION WITH        PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
 NAME AND ADDRESS              THE FUND             DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
 ----------------              -------------        ----------------------
 <C>                           <C>            <S>
 *Arthur E. Nicholas (52)      Director,      Managing Partner and Chief
 600 West Broadway             Chairman and    Investment Officer, Nicholas-
 29th Floor                    President       Applegate Capital Management
 San Diego, California                         (since August 1984); Trustee and
                                               Chairman of the Board of
                                               Trustees, Nicholas-Applegate
                                               Mutual Funds (since 1998);
                                               Chairman/President of Nicholas-
                                               Applegate Securities.
 Fred C. Applegate (53)        Director       Private Investor. Formerly
 885 La Jolla Corona Court                     President, Nicholas-Applegate
 La Jolla, California                          Capital Management (August 1984-
                                               December 1991). Trustee and
                                               Chairman of the Board of
                                               Trustees, Nicholas-Applegate
                                               Mutual Funds (since 1993).
 Dann V. Angeloff (63)         Director       President, The Angeloff Company
 727 West Seventh Street                       (corporate financial advisers)
 Los Angeles, California                       (since 1976); Trustee (1979-
                                               1987) and University Counselor
                                               to the President (since 1987),
                                               University of Southern
                                               California; Director, Public
                                               Storage, Inc. (since 1980) (real
                                               estate investment trust);
                                               Trustee, Nicholas-Applegate
                                               Mutual Funds (since 1998).
 Theodore J. Coburn (45)       Director       Partner, Brown, Coburn & Co.
 17 Cotswold Road                              (investment banking firm) (since
 Brookline, Massachusetts                      1991); research associate,
                                               Harvard Graduate School of
                                               Education (since September
                                               1996); formerly Managing
                                               Director of Global Equity
                                               Transactions Group and Member of
                                               Board of Directors, Prudential
                                               Securities (September 1986-June
                                               1991); Trustee, Nicholas-
                                               Applegate Mutual Funds (since
                                               1998); Director, Emerging
                                               Germany Fund (since 1991),
                                               Moovies, Inc. (since 1995).
 *Robert F. Gunia (52)         Director and   Vice President, The Prudential
 Gateway Center Three          Vice President  Insurance Company of America
 100 Mulberry Street                           (Prudential) (since September
 Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077                 1997); Executive Vice President
                                               and Treasurer, Prudential
                                               Investment Fund Management LLC
                                               (PIFM); Senior Vice President
                                               (since March 1987), Prudential
                                               Securities Incorporated
                                               (Prudential Securities);
                                               formerly Chief Administrative
                                               Officer (July 1990-September
                                               1996), Director (January 1989-
                                               September 1996), Executive Vice
                                               President, Treasurer and Chief
                                               Financial Officer (June 1987-
                                               September 1996), Prudential
                                               Mutual Fund Management, Inc.;
                                               Vice President and Director, The
                                               Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (since
                                               May 1989); Director, The High
                                               Yield Income Fund, Inc. (since
                                               October 1996).
 *+Arthur B. Laffer (58)       Director       Chairman of Laffer Associates
 5405 Morehouse Drive                          (formerly A.B. Laffer, V.A.
 #340                                          Canto & Associates) (economic
 San Diego, California                         consulting) (since 1979);
                                               Chairman, Laffer Advisors
                                               Incorporated (economic
                                               consulting) (since 1981);
                                               Director, U.S. Filter
                                               Corporation (since March 1991),
                                               Coinmach Laundry Corporation
                                               (since September 1996), Oxigene
                                               Inc. (since 1998), and MasTec,
                                               Inc. (construction) (since
                                               1994); Chairman, Calport Asset
                                               Management, Inc. (since 1992);
                                               Distinguished University
                                               Professor and Director,
                                               Pepperdine University (September
                                               1985-May 1988), Professor of
                                               Business Economics, University
                                               of Southern California (1978-
                                               1984); Trustee, Nicholas-
                                               Applegate Mutual Funds (since
                                               1993).
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               POSITION WITH           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
 NAME AND ADDRESS              THE FUND               DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
 ----------------              -------------          ----------------------
 <C>                           <C>                 <S>
 Charles E. Young (67)         Director            Chancellor Emeritus (July
 10920 Wilshire Blvd.                               1987-present), Chancellor
 Ste. 1835                                          (from September 1968 to
 Los Angeles, California 90024                      July 1997), University of
                                                    California at Los Angeles;
                                                    Director, Intel Corp.
                                                    (since April 1974), Academy
                                                    of Television Arts and
                                                    Sciences Foundation (since
                                                    October 1988), Los Angeles
                                                    World Affairs Council
                                                    (since October 1977), Town
                                                    Hall of California (since
                                                    1982); Trustee, Nicholas-
                                                    Applegate Mutual Funds
                                                    (since 1993).
 Grace Torres (39)             Treasurer and       First Vice President (since
 Gateway Center Three          Chief Accounting     December 1996), PIFM;
 100 Mulberry Street           Officer              formerly First Vice
 Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077                      President, Prudential
                                                    Securities (March 1994-
                                                    September 1996); Vice
                                                    President, Bankers Trust
                                                    Corporation (July 1989-
                                                    March 1994).
 Stephen M. Ungerman (45)      Assistant Treasurer Tax Director, Prudential
 Gateway Center Three                               Investments (since March
 100 Mulberry Street                                1996); formerly First Vice
 Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077                      President, Prudential
                                                    Mutual Fund Management,
                                                    Inc. (February 1993-
                                                    September 1996).
 Deborah A. Docs (41)          Secretary           Vice President and Associate
 Gateway Center Three                               General Counsel (since
 100 Mulberry Street                                December 1996), PIFM; Vice
 Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077                      President and Associate
                                                    General Counsel (June 1991-
                                                    September 1996), Prudential
                                                    Mutual Fund Management,
                                                    Inc.; Vice President and
                                                    Associate General Counsel,
                                                    Prudential Securities.
 Robert E. Carlson (68)        Assistant Secretary Partner, Paul, Hastings,
 555 South Flower Street                            Janofsky & Walker LLP (law
 22nd Floor                                         firm) (since August 1988);
 Los Angeles, California                            formerly Partner (through
                                                    his Professional
                                                    Corporation), Hufstedler,
                                                    Miller, Carlson & Beardsley
                                                    (law firm) (1967-1988).
</TABLE>
- ----------
* An "interested" Director of the Company as defined in the Investment Company
  Act.
+ Mr. Laffer is considered to be an "interested person" of the Trust because
  Laffer Associates (formerly A.B. Laffer, V.A. Canto & Associates) or its
  affiliates received material compensation from the Investment Adviser for
  consulting services provided from time to time to the Investment Adviser,
  and because during of portion of last two fiscal years his son was an
  employee of the Investment Adviser.
 
  Some 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 Incorporated. The officers conduct and supervise the
daily business operations of the Fund, while the Directors review such actions
and decide on general policy.
 
  The Fund pays to each of its Directors who is not an affiliated person of
PIFM or the Adviser annual compensation of $10,000 and $1,000 per Board
meeting attended. In addition, the Fund pays certain out-of-pocket expenses to
all of its Directors. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an
additional $1,500 and each member of the Audit Committee receives an
additional $1,000 per meeting attended.
 
  Directors may receive their Director's fees pursuant to a deferred fee
agreement with the Fund. Under the terms of the agreement, the Fund accrues
daily the amount of such Director's 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, pursuant to an SEC exemptive order,
at the daily rate of return of the Fund (the Fund rate). Payment of the
interest so accrued is also deferred and accruals become payable at the option
of the Director. The Fund's obligation to make payments of deferred Director's
fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Fund.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement with the Trust, the
Manager or Subadviser, as appropriate, 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.
 
                                      B-9
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Fund
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 to the Directors who are not
affiliated with the Manager or Subadviser and the aggregate compensation paid
to such Directors for service on the Fund's board and that of all other funds
managed by Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (Fund Complex) for the
calendar year ended December 31, 1998.
 
                              COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       TOTAL
                                     PENSION OR                     COMPENSATION
                                     RETIREMENT                      FROM FUND
                      AGGREGATE   BENEFITS ACCRUED ESTIMATED ANNUAL   AND FUND
                     COMPENSATION AS PART OF FUND   BENEFITS UPON   COMPLEX PAID
 NAME AND POSITION    FROM FUND       EXPENSES        RETIREMENT    TO DIRECTORS
 -----------------   ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
<S>                  <C>          <C>              <C>              <C>
Fred C. Applegate,     $11,500          None             N/A          $11,500(1)*
Director
Dann V. Angeloff,      $17,000          None             N/A          $17,000(1)*
Director
Theodore J. Coburn,    $13,500          None             N/A          $13,500(1)*
Director
Arthur B. Laffer,      $14,000          None             N/A          $14,000(1)*
Director
Charles E. Young,      $12,500          None             N/A          $12,500(1)*
Director
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Indicates number of funds in Fund Complex (including the Fund) to which
 aggregate compensation relates.
 
  As of March 5, 1999 the Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group,
owned less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Fund.
 
  As of March 5, 1999, there were no beneficial owners, directly or
indirectly, of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of common
stock of the Fund.
 
  As of March 5, 1999, Prudential Securities was the record holder for other
beneficial owners of 3,424,317 Class A shares (or 42% of the outstanding Class
A shares), 9,906,653 Class B shares (or 59% of the outstanding Class B
shares), 293,767 Class C shares (or 62% of the outstanding Class C shares) and
90,403 Class Z shares (or 99% 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 record holder.
 
                    INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
 
MANAGER
 
  The Manager of the Fund is Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC (PIFM
or the Manager), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey
07102-4077. 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 January 31, 1999, PIFM
managed and/or administered open-end and closed-end management investment
companies with assets of approximately $71.7 billion. According to the
Investment Company Institute, as of November 30, 1998 the Prudential Mutual
Funds were the 18th largest family of mutual funds in the United States.
 
  Pursuant to the Management Agreement with the Company (the Management
Agreement), and subject to the supervision of the Company's Board of Directors
and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, PIFM is responsible
for managing the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the
Fund's portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition of
portfolio securities. In this regard, PIFM provides supervision of the Fund's
investments, furnishes a continuous investment program for the Fund's
portfolio and places purchase and sale orders for portfolio securities of the
Fund and other investments. The Investment Adviser provides the foregoing
services to PIFM pursuant to the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement among
PIFM, the Investment Adviser and the Company (the Subadvisory Agreement).
Under the Management Agreement, PIFM administers the Fund's corporate affairs,
subject to the supervision of the Company's Board of Directors and, in
connection therewith, furnishes the Fund with office facilities and ordinary
clerical and bookkeeping services which are not furnished by the
 
                                     B-10
<PAGE>
 
Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent and custodian. 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 equal to .95 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. PIFM pays the fees of the Investment Adviser (.75 of 1%) from this
management fee.
 
  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 Company'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 Investment
Adviser pursuant to its Subadvisory Agreement.
 
  Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the
payment of the following expenses: (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 with PIFM or the Investment Adviser, (c) out-of-pocket travel
expenses for all Directors and other expenses of Directors' meetings, (d) the
fees and certain expenses of the Fund's custodian, (e) the fees and expenses
of the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent that relate to the
maintenance of each shareholder account, (f) the charges and expenses of the
Fund's legal counsel and independent accountants, (g) brokerage commissions
and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its
securities transactions, (h) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund
to federal, state and other governmental agencies, (i) the fees of any trade
association of which the Fund may be a member, (j) the cost of stock
certificates representing, and non-negotiable share deposit receipts
evidencing, shares of the Fund, (k) the cost of fidelity and liability
insurance, (l) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
registration of the Fund and of its shares with the Commission including the
preparation and printing of the Fund's registration statement, prospectus and
statement of additional information for such purposes, and paying the fees and
expenses of notice filings made in accordance with state securities laws, (m)
allocable communication expenses with respect to investor services and all
expenses of shareholders' and Board of Directors' meetings and of preparing,
printing and mailing prospectuses and reports to shareholders, (n) litigation
and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in
the ordinary course of the Fund's business and (o) expenses assumed by the
Fund pursuant to the Plans of Distribution adopted in conformity with Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act.
 
  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 misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
its duties. The Management Agreement provides that it will terminate
automatically if assigned, and that it may be terminated without penalty by
either PIFM or the Company (by the Board of Directors or vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the Investment
Company Act) 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.
 
  For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, PIFM received
net management and administrative fees of $762,503, $892,503 and $892,788.
 
  Prudential Investments Fund Management LLC, the Manager of the Fund, is a
subsidiary of Prudential Securities Incorporated (PSI) and The Prudential
Insurance Company of America (Prudential). Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
(PMFS or the Transfer Agent) 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.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
  The Fund's Investment Adviser is Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, a
California limited partnership, with offices at 600 West Broadway, San Diego,
California 92101. The Investment Adviser was organized in August 1984 to
manage discretionary accounts investing primarily in publicly traded equity
securities and securities convertible into or exercisable for publicly traded
equity securities, with the goal of capital appreciation. Its general partner
is Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management Holdings,
 
                                     B-11
<PAGE>
 
L.P., a California limited partnership of which the general partner is
Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management Holdings, Inc. (a California corporation
owned by Mr. Nicholas).
 
  The Investment Adviser currently has 23 partners (including Mr. Nicholas)
who manage a staff of approximately 530 employees including 47 portfolio
managers.
 
  Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement with the Company and PIFM, the
Manager retains the Investment Adviser to manage the Fund's investment
portfolio, subject to the direction of the Company's Board of Directors and
the Manager. The Investment Adviser is authorized to determine which
securities are to be bought or sold by the Fund and in what amounts. In
addition to providing management and investment advisory services, the
Investment Adviser compensates all Directors and officers of the Fund who are
"interested persons" of the Investment Adviser, as such term is defined in the
Investment Company Act.
 
  The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the Investment Adviser will 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 the Subadvisory Agreement
relates, except for liability resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless
disregard of its duties and obligations or a breach of its fiduciary duty
under the Subadvisory Agreement. The Fund has agreed to indemnify the
Investment Adviser against liabilities, costs and expenses that the Investment
Adviser may incur in connection with any action, suit, investigation or other
proceeding arising out of or otherwise based on any action actually or
allegedly taken or omitted to be taken by the Investment Adviser in connection
with the performance of its duties or obligations under the Subadvisory
Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Fund. The Investment
Adviser is not entitled to indemnification with respect to any liability to
the Fund or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or of its reckless
disregard of its duties and obligations or of a breach of its fiduciary duty
under the Subadvisory Agreement.
 
  The Subadvisory Agreement further provides that the Fund may use "Nicholas-
Applegate" as part of its name so long as the Subadvisory Agreement is in
effect. Because the name "Nicholas-Applegate" is a property right of the
Investment Adviser, the Investment Adviser, as well as Mr. Nicholas and Mr.
Applegate, may, upon the termination of the Subadvisory Agreement, require the
Fund to refrain from using the name "Nicholas-Applegate" in any form.
 
  The Manager pays to the Investment Adviser, as compensation for the services
provided by the Investment Adviser under the Subadvisory Agreement, a fee at
an annual rate equal to .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
 
  During the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund and the
Manager paid the Investment Adviser aggregate advisory fees of $3,358,584,
$3,357,513 and $2,868,464 respectively, pursuant to the terms of the
Subadvisory Agreement.
 
  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 Company (by the Board of Directors or vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the Investment
Company Act), PIFM or the Investment Adviser upon not more than 60 days' nor
less than 30 days' written notice, without payment of any penalty. 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 conformity with the Investment
Company Act.
 
  The Investment Adviser and its affiliated companies have adopted a personal
investment policy consistent with Investment Company Institute guidelines.
This policy includes, among other things, a ban on acquisitions of securities
in an initial public offering; restrictions on acquisitions of securities in
private placements; investment pre-clearance and reporting requirements;
review of duplicate confirmation statements; annual recertification of
compliance with a code of ethics; disclosure of personal holdings by certain
personnel; blackout periods on personal investing for certain personnel;
prohibition of short-term trading profits for investment personnel;
limitations on service as a director of publicly traded companies; and
disclosure of personal securities transactions.
 
 
                                     B-12
<PAGE>
 
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, DISTRIBUTOR AND RULE 12B-1 PLANS
 
  Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS or the Distributor),
Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, acts
as the distributor of the shares of the Fund. The Fund is engaged in a
continuous offering of securities and pursuant to its Distribution Agreement
with the Fund, the Distributor is obligated to use reasonable efforts to
effect sales of shares of the Fund, but shall not be obligated to sell any
specific number of shares. Prior to June 1, 1998, Prudential Securities
Incorporated (Prudential Securities) was the Fund's distributor. PIMS and
Prudential Securities are subsidiaries of Prudential.
 
  Pursuant to separate Distribution and Service Plans (the Class A Plan, the
Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, collectively the "Plans") adopted pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act and a distribution agreement
(the "Distribution Agreement"), the Distributor incurs the expenses of
distributing the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor
also incurs the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class Z shares under the
Distribution Agreement, none of which are reimbursed by or paid for by the
Fund. See "How the Fund is Managed--Distributor" in the Prospectus.
 
  The expenses incurred under the Plans include commissions and account
servicing fees paid to, or on account of, brokers or financial institutions
which have entered into agreements with the Distributor, advertising expenses,
the cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and
indirect and overhead costs of the Distributor associated with the sale of
Fund shares, including lease, utility, communications and sales promotion
expenses. The distribution and/or service fees may also be used by the
Distributor to compensate on a continuing basis brokers in consideration for
the distribution, marketing, administrative and other services and activities
provided by brokers with respect to the promotion of the sale of the Fund's
shares and the maintenance of related shareholder accounts.
 
  Under the Plans, the Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service
fees to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service
activities, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the
Distributor's expenses exceed its distribution and service fees, the Fund will
not be obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses
are less than such distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees
and realize a profit.
 
  The distribution and/or service fees may also be used by the Distributor to
compensate on a continuing basis dealers in consideration for the
distribution, marketing, administrative and other services and activities
provided by dealers with respect to the promotion of the sale of the Fund's
shares and the maintenance of related shareholder accounts.
 
  CLASS A PLAN. Under the Class A Plan, the Fund may pay the Distributor for
its distribution-related activities with respect to Class A shares at an
annual rate of up to .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A
shares. The Class A Plan provides that (1) 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 (2) total
distribution fees (including the service fee of .25 of 1%) may not exceed .30
of 1%. The Distributor has contractually agreed to limit its distribution-
related fees payable under the Class A Plan to .25 of 1% of the average daily
net assets of the Class A shares for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999
and voluntarily limited its distribution-related fees for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the
Class A shares.
 
  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Distributor and Prudential
Securities collectively received payments of approximately $261,300 under the
Class A Plan and spent approximately $180,400 in distributing the Fund's
shares. This amount was primarily expended for payments of account servicing
fees to financial advisers and other persons who sell Class A shares. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Distributor and Prudential Securities
also collectively received approximately $101,700 in initial sales charges in
connection with the sale of Class A shares.
 
  CLASS B AND CLASS C PLANS. Under the Class B and Class C Plans, the Fund
pays the Distributor for its distribution-related activities with respect to
Class B and Class C shares at an annual rate of up to 1% of the average daily
net assets of each of the Class B and Class C shares. The Class B Plan
provides that (1) up to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class
B shares may be paid as a service fee and (2) up to .75 of 1% (not including
the service fee) of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares (asset-
based sales charge) may be paid for distribution-related expenses with respect
to the Class B shares. The Class C Plan provides that (1) up to .25 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class C shares may be paid as a service
fee for providing personal service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts and
(2) up to .75 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares may
be paid for distribution-related expenses with respect to Class C shares. The
service fee (.25 of 1% of average daily net assets) is used to pay for
personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The
Distributor also
 
                                     B-13
<PAGE>
 
receives contingent deferred sales charges from certain redeeming shareholder
and, with respect to Class C shares, an initial sales charge.
 
  CLASS B PLAN. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Distributor
and Prudential Securities collectively received approximately $2,503,200 from
the Fund under the Class B Plan and spent approximately $875,600 in
distributing the Fund's Class B shares. It is estimated that of the latter
total amount, approximately 0.1% ($700) was spent on printing and mailing of
prospectuses to other than current shareholders; 30.7% ($268,200) on
compensation to broker-dealers for commissions to representatives and other
expenses, including an allocation of overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses, incurred for distribution of Fund shares; and
69.2% ($604,700) on the aggregate of (1) payments of commissions and account
servicing fees to financial advisers (51.4% or $449,300) and (2) an allocation
of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses for payments
of related expenses (17.8% or $155,400). The term "overhead and other branch
office distribution-related expenses" represents (a) the expenses of operating
Prudential Securities' and Pruco Securities Corporation's (Prusec's) branch
offices in connection with the sale of Fund shares, including lease costs, the
salaries and employee benefits of operations and sales support personnel,
utility costs, communications costs and the costs of stationery and supplies,
(b) the costs of client sales seminars, (c) expenses of mutual fund sales
coordinators to promote the sale of Fund shares and (d) other incidental
expenses relating to branch promotion of Fund sales.
 
  The Distributor (and Prudential Securities as its predecessor) also receive
the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon
certain redemptions of Class B shares. For the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998, the Distributor and Prudential Securities collectively received
approximately $434,000 in contingent deferred sales charges attributable to
Class B shares.
 
  CLASS C PLAN. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Distributor
and Prudential Securities collectively received approximately $61,600 under
the Class C Plan and spent approximately $56,800 in distributing Class C
shares. Of the latter total amount, approximately 3.9% ($2,200) was spent on
compensation to broker-dealers for commissions to representatives and other
expenses, including an allocation of overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses, incurred for distribution of Fund shares; and
96.1% ($54,500) was spent on the aggregate of (i) payments of commissions and
account servicing fees to financial advisers (90.8% or $51,500) and (ii) an
allocation of overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses
for payments of related expenses (5.3% or $3,000). For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998, the Distributor and Prudential Securities also collectively
received approximately $400 on initial sales charges. The Distributor (and
Prudential Securities as its predecessor) also receive the proceeds of
contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon certain redemptions
of Class C shares. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the
Distributor and Prudential Securities collectively received approximately
$2,400 in contingent deferred sales charges attributable to Class C shares.
 
  Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of Class A, Class B and Class
C shares of the Fund other than expenses allocable to a particular class are
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. The
distribution fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize
the sale of another class.
 
  The Class A, Class B and Class C Plans continue in effect from year to year,
provided that each such continuance is approved at least annually by a vote of
the Board of Directors, including a majority vote of the Directors who are not
interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the Class A, Class B or Class C Plan or in any agreement related
to the Plans (Rule 12b-1 Directors), cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such continuance. A Plan may 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 of the Fund on not more than 30 days' written notice to any
other party to the Plan. 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 the Class A Plan, Class B Plan or
Class C Plan if such Plan is terminated or not continued.
 
 
                                     B-14
<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 the Class
A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund by the Distributor. The report will
include an itemization of the distribution expenses and the purposes of such
expenditures. In addition, as long as the Plans remain in effect, the
selection and nomination of Directors who are not "interested persons" of the
Company will be committed to the Directors who are not interested persons of
the Company.
 
  Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify the
Distributor to the extent permitted by applicable law against certain
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended.
 
  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 to dealers (including Prudential Securities) and other persons
which distribute shares of the Fund (including Class Z shares). Such payments
may be calculated by reference to the net asset value of shares sold by such
persons or otherwise.
 
FEE WAIVERS/SUBSIDIES
 
  PIFM may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and
subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund. In addition,
the Distributor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its
distribution fees for the Class A shares for the fiscal year ending December
31, 1999. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase the Fund's total return.
 
NASD MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE RULE
 
  Pursuant to rules of the NASD Inc., the Distributor is required to limit
aggregate initial sales charges, deferred sales charges and asset-based sales
charges to 6.25% of total gross sales of each class of shares. Interest
charges on unreimbursed distribution expenses equal to the prime rate plus one
percent per annum may be added to the 6.25% limitation. Sales from the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions are not included in the
calculation of the 6.25% limitation. The annual asset-based sales charge on
shares of the Fund may not exceed .75 of 1% per class. The 6.25% limitation
applies to the Fund rather than on a per shareholder basis. If aggregate sales
charges were to exceed 6.25% of total gross sales of any class, all sales
charges on shares of all classes would be suspended.
 
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
 
  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. Subcustodians
provide custodial services for any foreign assets of the Fund held outside the
United States.
 
  Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), Raritan Plaza One, Edison, New
Jersey 08837, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the
Fund. PMFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM. PMFS provides customary
transfer agency services to the Fund, including the handling of shareholder
communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of
shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions and
related functions. For these services, PMFS receives an annual fee of $10.00
per shareholder account and a new account set-up fee of $2.00 for each
manually established shareholder account. PMFS is also reimbursed for its out-
of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to postage, stationery,
printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs.
 
  Ernst & Young LLP, 515 Flower Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, serves
as the Fund's independent accountants and in that capacity audits the Fund's
annual financial statements.
 
                   BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
 
  Subject to policies established by the Company's Board of Directors and the
oversight and review of the Manager, the Investment Adviser is primarily
responsible for the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions and the
allocation of its brokerage
 
                                     B-15
<PAGE>
 
business. In executing such transactions, the Investment Adviser will seek to
obtain the best price and execution for the Fund, taking into account such
factors as price, size of order, difficulty and risk of execution and
operational facilities of the firm involved. Securities in which the Fund
invests may be traded in the over-the-counter markets, and the Fund deals
directly with the dealers who make markets in such securities except in those
circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere.
Commission rates are established pursuant to negotiation with brokers or
dealers based on the quality or quantity of services provided in light of
generally prevailing rates, and while the Investment Adviser generally seeks
reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund does not necessarily pay the
lowest commissions available. The allocation of orders among brokers and the
commission rates paid are reviewed quarterly by the Board of Directors of the
Company.
 
  The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in
executing transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to obtaining the best
price and execution, brokers who sell shares of the Fund or provide
supplemental research, market and statistical information and other research
services and products to the Investment Adviser may receive orders for
transactions by the Fund. Such information, services and products are those
which brokerage houses customarily provide to institutional investors, and
include items such as statistical and economic data, research reports on
particular companies and industries, and computer software used for research
with respect to investment decisions. Information, services and products so
received are in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be
performed by the Investment Adviser under the Subadvisory Agreement and the
expenses of the Investment Adviser are not necessarily reduced as a result of
the receipt of such supplemental information, services and products. Such
information, services and products may be useful to the Investment Adviser in
providing services to clients other than the Fund, and not all such
information, services and products are used by the Investment Adviser in
connection with the Fund. Similarly, such information, services and products
provided to the Investment Adviser by brokers and dealers through whom other
clients of the Investment Adviser effect securities transactions may be useful
to the Investment Adviser in providing services to the Fund. The Investment
Adviser is authorized to pay higher commissions on brokerage transactions for
the Fund to brokers in order to secure information, services and products
described above, subject to review by the Company's Board of Directors from
time to time as to the extent and continuation of this practice. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, substantially all of the Fund's brokerage
commissions were paid to firms which provided research services to the Fund's
Investment Adviser.
 
  Although investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those
of the other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser, investments of the
kind made by the Fund may often also be made by such other accounts. When a
purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time
on behalf of the Fund and one or more other accounts managed by the Investment
Adviser, available investments are allocated in the discretion of the
Investment Adviser by such means as, in its judgment, result in fair
treatment. The Investment Adviser aggregates orders for purchases and sales of
securities of the same issuer on the same day among the Fund and its other
managed accounts, and the price paid to or received by the Fund and those
accounts is the average obtained in those orders. In some cases, such
aggregation and allocation procedures may affect adversely the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position purchased or sold by the
Fund.
 
  In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a "net"
basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated
commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to
the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed
price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally
referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain
money market instruments 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 in any transaction in which Prudential
Securities acts as principal. Thus, it will not deal in over-the-counter
securities with Prudential Securities acting as market marker, and it will not
execute a negotiated trade with Prudential Securities if execution involves
Prudential Securities acting as principal with respect to any part of the
Fund's order.
 
  Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling
syndicate of which Prudential Securities (or any affiliate), during the
existence of the syndicate, is a principal underwriter (as defined in the
Investment Company Act), except in accordance with rules of the Commission.
This limitation, in the opinion of the 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 limitation.
 
  Subject to the above considerations, Prudential Securities may act as a
securities broker or dealer for the Fund. In order for Prudential Securities
to effect any portfolio transactions for the Fund, the commissions, fees or
other remuneration received by
 
                                     B-16
<PAGE>
 
Prudential Securities must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions,
fees or other remuneration paid to other such brokers or dealers in connection
with comparable transactions involving similar securities sold on an exchange
during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow Prudential
Securities to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to
be received by an unaffiliated broker or dealer in a commensurate arms-length
transaction. Furthermore, the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a
majority of the Directors who are not "interested" directors, has adopted
procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees
or other remuneration paid to Prudential Securities are consistent with the
foregoing standard. In accordance with Section 11(a) under 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 in a
written contract executed by the Fund and Prudential Securities. Section 11(a)
provides that Prudential Securities must furnish to the Fund at least annually
a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained by
Prudential Securities for transactions effected by the Fund during the
applicable period. Brokerage transactions with Prudential Securities are also
subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed by applicable law.
 
  The table below shows certain information regarding the payment of
commissions by the Fund, including the commissions paid to Prudential
Securities, for the three years ended December 31, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           -------------------------------------
                                              1998        1997       1996
                                           ----------  ----------  --------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
Total brokerage commissions paid by the
 Fund....................................  $1,452,439  $1,554,271  $914,031
Total brokerage commissions paid to
 Prudential Securities...................  $        0  $        0  $      0
Percentage of total brokerage commissions
 paid to Prudential Securities...........           0%          0%        0%
</TABLE>
 
  Of the total brokerage commissions paid during the year ended December 31,
1998, $1,019,039 or (70%) were paid to firms which provided research,
statistical or other services to the Manager. PIFM has not separately
identified a portion of such brokerage commissions as applicable to the
provision of such research, statistical or other services to PIFM.
 
  The Fund is required to disclose its holdings of securities of its regular
brokers and dealers (as defined under Rule 10b-1 of the Investment Company
Act) and their parents at December 31, 1998. As of December 31, 1998, the Fund
held no such securities.
 
               CAPITAL SHARES, OTHER SECURITIES AND ORGANIZATION
 
  THE COMPANY IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE 50 MILLION SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON
STOCK, 50 MILLION SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK, 50 MILLION SHARES OF CLASS C
COMMON STOCK AND 50 MILLION SHARES OF CLASS Z COMMON STOCK OF THE NICHOLAS-
APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND SERIES, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE. Each class of
shares represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and is identical
in all respects except that (i) each class is subject to different sales
charges and distribution and/or service fees (except for Class Z shares, which
are not subject to any sales charges and distribution and/or service fees)
which may affect performance, (ii) each class has exclusive voting rights on
any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its distribution
and/or service fee arrangements and has separate voting rights on any other
matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ
from the interests of another 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 sales to a limited group of investors. See
"How the Fund is Managed--Distributor." In accordance with the Company's
Charter, the Board of Directors may authorize the creation of additional
series of common stock, and classes within series, with such preferences,
privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as the Board may
determine.
 
  The Board of Directors may increase or decrease the number of authorized
shares without the approval of shareholders. Shares of the Fund, when issued,
are fully paid, nonassessable, fully transferable and redeemable at the option
of the holder. Shares of the Fund are also redeemable at the option of the
Company under certain circumstances as described under "Shareholder Guide--How
to Sell Your Shares." Each share of each class of Common Stock is equal as to
earnings, assets and voting privileges, except as noted above, and each class
bears the expenses related to the distribution of its shares with the
exception of Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution or
service fees. Except for the conversion feature applicable to 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 debts 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
 
                                     B-17
<PAGE>
 
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 COMPANY DOES NOT INTEND TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF THE
FUND UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW. THE COMPANY 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.
 
                PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES
 
  Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value (NAV) per share plus a sales charge which, at the election of
the investor, may be imposed either (1) at the time of the purchase (Class A
shares) or on a deferred basis (Class B or Class C shares). Class Z shares of
the Fund are offered to a limited group of investors at NAV without any sales
charges.
 
  PURCHASE BY WIRE. For an initial purchase of shares of the Fund by wire, you
must complete an application and telephone PMFS at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free)
to receive an account number. PMFS will request the following information:
your name, address, tax identification number, class election, dividend
distribution election, amount being wired and wiring bank. You should then
give instructions to your bank to transfer funds by wire to State Street Bank
and Trust Company (State Street), Boston, Massachusetts, Custody and
Shareholder Services Division, Attention: Prudential Equity Income Fund,
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 the
calculation of NAV (4:15 P.M., New York time), on a business day, you may
purchase shares of the Fund as of that day.
 
  In making a subsequent purchase order by wire, you should wire State Street
directly and should be sure that the wire specifies Nicholas-Applegate Fund,
Inc., Class A, Class B, Class C or Class Z shares and your name and individual
account number. You do not need to call PMFS to make subsequent purchase
orders utilizing Federal Funds. The minimum amount which may be invested by
wire is $1,000.
 
ISSUANCE OF FUND SHARES FOR SECURITIES
 
  Transactions involving the issuance of Fund shares for securities (rather
than cash) will be limited to (i) reorganizations, (ii) statutory mergers, or
(iii) other acquisitions of portfolio securities that meet the investment
objective and policies of the Fund, are liquid and not subject to restrictions
on resale, have a value that is readily ascertainable via listing on or
trading in a recognized United States or international exchange or market, and
are approved by the Fund's investment adviser.
 
 
                                     B-18
<PAGE>
 
SPECIMEN PRICE MAKE-UP
 
  Under the current distribution arrangements between the Fund and the
Distributor, the Distributor sells Class A shares at a maximum sales charge of
5%, sells Class C* shares with a 1% sales charge, and sells Class B* and Class
Z shares at NAV. Using the NAV at December 31, 1998, the maximum offering
price of the Fund's shares is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                               <C>
       CLASS A
       Net asset value.................................................. $15.38
       Maximum sales charge (5% of offering price)......................    .81
                                                                         ------
       Offering price to public......................................... $16.19
                                                                         ======
       CLASS B
       Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class B
        share*.......................................................... $13.89
                                                                         ======
       CLASS C
       Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class C
        share*.......................................................... $13.89
       Sales charges (1% of offering price) ............................    .14
                                                                         ------
       Offering price to public......................................... $14.03
                                                                         ======
       CLASS Z
       Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per Class Z
        share........................................................... $15.49
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>
           ----------
           *Class B and Class C shares are subject to a contingent
           deferred sales charge on certain redemptions.
 
SELECTING A PURCHASE ALTERNATIVE
 
  The following will assist you in determining which method of purchase best
suits your individual circumstances, based on the Fund's current fees and
expenses:
 
  If you intend to hold your investment in the Fund for less than 4 years and
do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, since Class A
shares are subject to an initial sales charge of 5% and Class B shares are
subject to a CDSC of 5% which declines to zero over a 6 year period, you
should consider purchasing Class C shares over either Class A or Class B
shares.
 
  If you intend to hold your investment for longer than 4 years, but less than
5 years, and do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, you
should consider purchasing Class B or Class C shares over Class A shares. This
is because the initial sales charge plus the cumulative annual distribution-
related fee on Class A shares would exceed those of the Class B and Class C
shares if you redeem your investment during this time period. In addition,
more of your money would be invested initially in the case of Class C shares,
because of the relatively low initial sales charge, and all of your money
would be invested initially in the case of Class B shares, which are sold at
NAV.
 
  If you qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares, you may benefit
by purchasing Class A shares over either Class B or Class C shares regardless
of how long you intend to hold your investment. However, unlike Class B
shares, you would not have all of your money invested initially because the
sales charge on Class A shares is deducted at the time of purchase.
 
  If you do not qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A shares and you
purchase Class B or Class C shares, you would have to hold your investment for
more than 6 years in the case of Class B shares and 5 years in the case of
Class C shares for the higher cumulative annual distribution-related fee on
those shares plus, in the case of Class C shares, the 1% initial sales charge
to exceed the initial sales charge plus the cumulative annual distribution-
related fees on Class A shares. This does not take into account the time value
of money, which further reduces the impact of the higher Class B or Class C
distribution-related fee on the investment, fluctuations in NAV, the effect of
the return on the investment over this period of time or redemptions when the
CDSC is applicable.
 
 
                                     B-19
<PAGE>
 
REDUCTION AND WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGE--CLASS A SHARES
 
  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 or annuity plans under Sections 401(a), 403(b) and 457 of the
Internal Revenue Code, "rabbi" trusts and non-qualified deferred compensation
plans that are sponsored by any employer that has a tax qualified plan with
Prudential (collectively, Benefit Plans), provided that the Benefit Plan has
existing assets of at least $1 million invested in shares of Prudential Mutual
Funds (excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the
exchange privilege) or 250 eligible employees or participants. In the case of
Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential
Securities does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit
Plans) and Benefit Plans sponsored by Prudential Securities or its
subsidiaries (Prudential Securities or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans),
Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by participants who are repaying loans
made from such plans to the participant.
 
  Prudential Retirement Programs. Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by
certain savings, retirement and deferred compensation plans, qualified or non-
qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, for which Prudential provides
administrative or recordkeeping services, provided that (1) the plan has at
least $1 million in existing assets or 250 eligible employees and (2) the Fund
is an available investment option. These plans include pension, profit-
sharing, stock-bonus or other employee benefit plans under Section 401 of the
Internal Revenue Code, deferred compensation and annuity plans under Sections
457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code and plans that participate in
the PruArray Program (benefit plan recordkeeping service) (hereafter referred
to as a PruArray Plan). All Benefit Plans of a company (or affiliated
companies under common control) for which Prudential serves as plan
administrator or recordkeeper are aggregated in meeting the $1 million
threshold, provided that Prudential has been notified in advance of the
entitlement to the waiver of the sales charge based on the aggregated assets.
The term "existing assets" includes stock issued by a plan sponsor, shares of
Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of certain unaffiliated mutual funds that
participate in the PruArray Plan (Participating Fund). "Existing assets" also
include monies invested in The Guaranteed Investment Account (GIA), a group
annuity insurance product issued by Prudential, The Guaranteed Insulated
Separate Account, a separate account offered by Prudential and units of The
Stable Value Fund (SVF), an unaffiliated bank collective fund. Class A shares
may also be purchased at NAV by plans that have monies invested in GIA and
SVF, provided (1) the purchase is made with the proceeds of a redemption from
either GIA or SVF and (2) Class A shares are an investment option of the plan.
 
  PruArray Association Benefit Plans. Class A shares are also offered at NAV
to Benefit Plans or non-qualified plans sponsored by employers which are
members of a common trade, professional or membership association
(Association) that participate in a PruArray Plan provided that the
Association enters into a written agreement with Prudential. Such Benefit
Plans or non-qualified plans may purchase Class A shares at NAV without regard
to the assets or number of participants in the individual employer's qualified
Plan(s) or non-qualified plans so long as the employers in the Association (1)
have retirement plan assets in the aggregate of at least $1 million or 250
participants in the aggregate and (2) maintain their accounts with the
Transfer Agent.
 
  PruArray Savings Program. Class A shares are also offered at NAV to
employees of companies that enter into a written agreement with Prudential
Retirement Services to participate in the PruArray Savings Program. Under this
Program, a limited number of Prudential Mutual Funds are available for
purchase at NAV by Individual Retirement Accounts and Savings Accumulation
Plans of the company's employees. The Program is available only to (1)
employees who open an IRA or Savings Accumulation Plan account with the
Transfer Agent and (2) spouses of employees who open an IRA account with the
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 Plan qualifies to purchase Class A shares at NAV, all subsequent
purchases will be made at NAV.
 
  Other Waivers. In addition, Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, through
the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, by:
 
  .  officers of the Prudential Mutual Funds (including the Fund),
 
  .  employees of the Distributor, Prudential Securities, PIFM and their
     subsidiaries and members of the families of such persons who maintain an
     "employee related" account at Prudential Securities or the Transfer
     Agent,
 
  .  employees of subadvisers of the Prudential Mutual Funds provided that
     purchases at NAV are permitted by such person's employer,
 
                                     B-20
<PAGE>
 
  .  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,
 
  .  registered representatives and employees of brokers who have entered
     into a selected dealer agreement with the Distributor provided that
     purchases at NAV are permitted by such person's employer,
 
  .  investors who have a business relationship with a financial adviser who
     joined Prudential Securities from another investment firm, provided that
     (1) the purchase is made within 180 days of the commencement of the
     financial adviser's employment at Prudential Securities, or within one
     year in the case of Benefit Plans, (2) 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 (3) the financial adviser served as the client's broker on the
     previous purchase,
 
  .  investors in Individual Retirement Accounts, provided the purchase is
     made in a directed rollover to such individual Retirement Account with
     the proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan for
     which Prudential provides administrative or recordkeeping services and
     further provided that such purchase is made within 60 days of receipt of
     the Benefit Plan distribution,
 
  .  orders placed by broker-dealers, investment advisors or financial
     planners who have entered into an agreement with the Distributor, who
     place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients and
     who charge a management, consulting or other fee for their services
     (e.g. mutual fund "wrap" or asset allocation programs), and
 
  .  orders placed by clients of broker-dealers, investment advisers or
     financial planners who place trades for customer accounts if the
     accounts are linked to the master account of such broker-dealer,
     investment adviser or financial planner and the broker-dealer,
     investment adviser or financial planner charges its clients a separate
     fee for its services (e.g. mutual fund "supermarket programs").
 
  For an investor to obtain any reduction or waiver of the initial sales
charges, at the time of the sale either the Transfer Agent must be notified
directly by the investor or the Distributor must be notified by the broker
facilitating the transaction that the sale qualifies for the reduced or waived
sales charge. The reduction or waiver will be granted subject to confirmation
of your entitlement. No initial sales charges are imposed upon Class A shares
acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
 
  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 "How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares of
the Fund--Reducing or Waiving Class A's Initial Sales Charge" in the
Prospectus.
 
  An eligible group of related Fund investors includes any combination of the
following:
 
  .  an individual,
 
  .  the individual's spouse, their children and their parents,
 
  .  the individual's and spouse's Individual Retirement Account (IRA),
 
  .  any company controlled by the individual (a person, entity or group that
     holds 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a company will
     be deemed to control the company, and, a partnership will be deemed to
     be controlled by each of its general partners),
 
  .  a trust created by the individual, the beneficiaries of which are the
     individual, his or her spouse, parents or children,
 
  .  a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account
     created by the individual or the individual's spouse, and
 
  .  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).
 
                                     B-21
<PAGE>
 
  The Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker must be notified at the
time of purchase that the investor is entitled to a reduced sales charge. The
reduced sales charges will be granted subject to confirmation of the
investor's holdings. The Combined Purchase and Cumulative Purchase Privilege
does not apply to individual participants in any retirement or group plans.
 
  RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. Reduced sales charges are also available through
Rights of Accumulation, under which an investor or an eligible group of
related investors, as described above under "Combined Purchase and Cumulative
Purchase Privilege," may aggregate the value of their existing holdings of
shares of the Fund and shares of other Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding
money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange
privilege) to determine the reduced sales charge. However, the value of shares
held directly with the Transfer Agent and through your broker will not be
aggregated to determine the reduced sales charge. The value of existing
holdings for purposes of determining the reduced sales charge is calculated
using the maximum offering price (NAV plus maximum sales charge) as of the
previous business day. The Distributor or the Transfer Agent must be notified
at the time of purchase that the investor is entitled to a reduced sales
charge. The reduced sales 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 also 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 Prudential Mutual Funds (excluding money market funds other than
those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) which were previously
purchased and are still owned are also included in determining the applicable
reduction. However, the value of shares held directly with the Transfer Agent,
Prudential or its affiliates, and through your broker will not be aggregated
to determine the reduced sales charge.
 
  A Letter of Intent permits a purchaser, in the case of an Investment Letter
of Intent, to establish a total investment goal to be achieved by any number
of investments over a thirteen-month period and, in the case of a Participant
Letter of Intent, to establish a minimum eligible employee or participant
enrollment goal over a thirteen-month period. Each investment made during the
period, in the case of an Investment Letter of Intent, will receive the
reduced sales charge applicable to the amount represented by the goal, as if
it were a single investment. In the case of a Participant Letter of Intent,
each investment made during the period will be made at net asset value.
Escrowed shares totaling 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of Intent will
be held by the Transfer Agent in the name of the purchaser, except in the case
of retirement and group plans where the employer or plan sponsor will be
responsible for paying any applicable sales charge. The effective date of an
Investment Letter of Intent, except in the case of retirement and group plans,
may be back-dated up to 90 days, in order that any investments made during
this 90-day period, valued at the purchaser's cost, can be applied to the
fulfillment of the Letter of Intent goal.
 
  The Investment Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to purchase,
or 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. If 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)
must 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. If the goal is exceeded in an amount which qualifies for a lower
sales charge, a price adjustment is made by refunding to the purchaser the
amount of excess sales charge, if any, paid during the thirteen-month period.
Investors electing to purchase 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 group or plan. Letters of Intent are not available to
individual participants in retirement or group plans.
 
 
                                     B-22
<PAGE>
 
CLASS B SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class B shares for investors choosing one of the
deferred sales charge alternatives is the NAV next determined following
receipt of an order in proper form by the Transfer Agent, your broker or the
Distributor. Although there is no sales charge imposed at the time of
purchase, redemptions of Class B shares may be subject to a CDSC. See "Sale of
Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" below.
 
  The Distributor will pay, from its own resources, sales commissions of up to
4% of the purchase price of Class B shares to brokers, financial advisers and
other persons who sell Class B shares at the time of sale. This facilitates
the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B shares without an initial sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. The Distributor anticipates
that it will recoup its advancement of sales commissions from the combination
of the CDSC and the distribution fee.
 
CLASS C SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class C shares is the next determined NAV plus a 1%
sales charge. In connection with the sale of Class C shares, the Distributor
will pay, from its own resources, brokers, financial advisers and other
persons which distribute Class C shares a sales commission of up to 2% of the
purchase price at the time of the sale.
 
WAIVER OF INITIAL SALES CHARGE--CLASS C SHARES
 
  BENEFIT PLANS. Class C shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of an
initial sales charge, by Benefit Plans (as defined above). In the case of
Benefit Plans whose accounts are held directly with the Transfer Agent or
Prudential Securities and for which the Transfer Agent or Prudential
Securities does individual account recordkeeping (Direct Account Benefit
Plans) and Benefit Plans sponsored by Prudential. Prudential Securities or its
subsidiaries (Prudential Securities or Subsidiary Prototype Benefit Plans).
Class C shares may be purchased at NAV by participants who are repaying the
loans made from such plans to the participant.
 
  PRUDENTIAL RETIREMENT PLANS. The initial sales charge will be waived with
respect to purchases of Class C shares by qualified and non-qualified
retirement and deferred compensation plans participating in the PruArray Plan
and other plans for which Prudential provides administrative or recordkeeping
services.
 
  INVESTMENTS OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS FROM OTHER INVESTMENT
COMPANIES. Investors may purchase Class C shares at NAV, without the initial
sales charge, with the proceeds from the redemption of shares of any
unaffiliated registered investment company which were not held through an
account with any Prudential affiliate. Such purchases must be made within 60
days of the redemption. Investors eligible for this waiver include: (i)
investors purchasing shares through an account at Prudential Securities; (ii)
investors purchasing shares through an ADVANTAGE Account or an Investor
Account with Pruco Securities Corporation (Prusec); and (iii) investors
purchasing shares though other Dealers. This waiver is not available to
investors who purchase shares directly from the Transfer Agent. You must
notify the Transfer Agent directly or through your Dealer if you are entitled
to this waiver and provide the Transfer Agent with such supporting documents
as it may deem appropriate.
 
CLASS Z SHARES
 
  Class Z shares of the Fund currently are available for purchase by the
following categories of investors:
 
  .  pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans qualified under
     Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, deferred compensation and
     annuity plans under Sections 457 and 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue
     Code and non-qualified plans for which the Fund is an available option
     (collectively, Benefit Plans), provided such Benefit Plans (in
     combination with other plans sponsored by the same employer or group of
     related employers) have at least $50 million in defined contribution
     assets,
 
  .  participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by an
     affiliate of the Distributor which includes mutual funds as investment
     options and for which the Fund is an available option,
 
  .  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,
 
                                     B-23
<PAGE>
 
  .  Benefit Plans for which an affiliate of the Distributor provides
     administrative or recordkeeping services and as of September 20, 1996,
     (a) were Class Z shareholders of the Prudential Mutual Funds or (b)
     executed a letter of intent to purchase Class Z shares of the Prudential
     Mutual Funds,
 
  .  the Prudential Securities Cash Balance Pension Plan, an employee defined
     benefit plan sponsored by Prudential Securities,
 
  .  current and former Directors/Trustees of the Prudential Mutual Funds
     (including the Fund);
 
  .  employees of Prudential and/or Prudential Securities who participate in
     a Prudential-sponsored employee savings plan and
 
  .  Prudential with an investment of $10 million or more.
 
  After a Benefit Plan qualifies to purchase Class Z shares, all subsequent
purchases will be for Class Z shares.
 
  In connection with the sale of Class Z shares, the Manager, the Distributor
or one of their affiliates may pay dealers, financial advisers and other
persons which distribute shares a finders' fee, from its own resources, based
on a percentage of the net asset value of shares sold by such persons.
 
  Class Z shares of the Fund may also be purchased by certain savings,
retirement and deferred compensation plans, qualified or non-qualified under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code),
provided that (1) the plan purchases shares of the Fund pursuant to an
investment management agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of
America or its affiliates, (2) the Fund is an available investment option
under the agreement and (3) the plan will participate in the PruArray and
SmartPath Programs (benefit plan recordkeeping services) sponsored by PMFS
LLC. [These plans include 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 or 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
 
SALE OF SHARES
 
  You can redeem your shares at any time for cash at the NAV next determined
after the redemption request is received in proper form (in accordance with
procedures established by the Transfer Agent in connection with investors'
accounts) by the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker. In certain
cases, however, redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of any
applicable CDSC, as described in "Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" below. If
you are redeeming your shares through a broker, your broker must receive your
sell order before the Fund computes its NAV for that day (that is, 4:15 P.M.,
New York time) in order to receive that day's NAV. Your broker will be
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Distributor and
may charge you for its services in connection with redeeming shares of the
Fund.
 
  If you hold shares of the Fund through Prudential Securities, you must
redeem your shares through Prudential Securities. Please contact 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, the Distributor or your
broker in order for the redemption request to be processed. If redemption is
requested by a corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, written evidence
of authority acceptable to the Transfer Agent must be submitted before such
request will be accepted. All correspondence and documents concerning
redemptions should be sent to the Fund in care of its Transfer Agent,
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attention: Redemption Services, P.O. Box
15010, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08906-5010, the Distributor or to your
broker.
 
  SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. If the proceeds of the redemption (1) exceed $50,000,
(2) are to be paid to a person other than the record owner, (3) are to be sent
to an address other than the address on the Transfer Agent's records, or (4)
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
 
                                     B-24
<PAGE>
 
manager of most Prudential Insurance and Financial Services or Preferred
Services offices. In the case of redemptions from a PruArray Plan, if the
proceeds of the redemption are invested in another investment option of the
plan in the name of the record holder and at the same address as reflected in
the Transfer Agent's records, a signature guarantee is not required.
 
  Payment for shares presented for redemption will be made by check within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker
of the certificate and/or written request, except as indicated below. If you
hold shares through a broker, payment for shares presented for redemption will
be credited to your account at your broker, unless you indicate otherwise.
Such payment may be postponed or the right of redemption suspended at times
(1) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary
weekends and holidays, (2) when trading on such Exchange is restricted, (3)
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
(4) during any other period when the Commission, by order, so permits;
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Commission shall govern
as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2), (3) or (4) exist.
 
  Payment for redemption of recently purchased shares will be delayed until
the Fund or its Transfer Agent has been advised that the purchase check has
been honored, which may take up to 10 calendar days from the time of receipt
of the purchase check by the Transfer Agent. Such delay may be avoided by
purchasing shares by wire or by certified or cashier's check.
 
  REDEMPTION IN KIND. If the Trustees determine that it would be detrimental
to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make
payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in
whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of
the Commission. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in
the same manner as in a regular redemption. If your shares are redeemed in
kind, you would incur transaction costs in converting the assets into cash.
The Fund, however, has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the
Investment Company Act, under which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares
solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund
during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
 
  INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION. In order to reduce expenses of the Fund, the Fund
may redeem all of the shares of any shareholder, other than a shareholder
which is an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement plan, whose account has a net
asset value of less than $500 due to a redemption. The Fund will give such
shareholders 60 days' prior written notice in which to purchase sufficient
additional shares to avoid such redemption. No CDSC will be imposed on any
such involuntary redemption.
 
  90-DAY REPURCHASE PRIVILEGE. If you redeem your shares and have not
previously exercised the repurchase privilege, you may reinvest any portion or
all of the proceeds of such redemption in shares of the Fund at the NAV next
determined after the order is received, which must be within 90 days after the
date of the redemption. Any CDSC paid in connection with such redemption will
be credited (in shares) to your account. (If less than a full repurchase is
made, the credit will be on a pro rata basis.) You must notify the Transfer
Agent, either directly or through the Distributor or your broker, 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
Charge" below. Exercise of the repurchase privilege will generally not affect
federal tax treatment of any gain realized upon redemption. However, if the
redemption was made within a 30 day period of the repurchase and if the
redemption resulted in a loss, some or all of the loss, depending on the
amount reinvested, may not be allowed for federal income tax purposes.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
 
  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 18 months of purchase (or one year in the case of
shares purchased prior to November 2, 1998), will be subject to a 1% CDSC. The
CDSC will be deducted from the redemption proceeds and reduce the amount paid
to you. The CDSC will be imposed on any redemption by you which reduces the
current value of your Class B or Class C shares to an amount which is lower
than the amount of all payments by you for shares during the preceding six
years, in the case of Class B shares, and 18 months, in the case of Class C
shares (one year for Class C shares purchased before November 2, 1998). A CDSC
will be applied on the lesser of the original purchase price or the current
value of the shares being redeemed. Increases in the value of your shares or
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions are not
subject to a CDSC. The amount of any CDSC will be paid to and retained by the
Distributor.
 
                                     B-25
<PAGE>
 
  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.
 
  The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to
redemptions of Class B shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
                                                       CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE
     YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                               OF DOLLARS INVESTED OR
         PAYMENT MADE                                    REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
     -------------------                              -------------------------
        <S>                                           <C>
        First........................................            5.0%
        Second.......................................            4.0%
        Third........................................            3.0%
        Fourth.......................................            2.0%
        Fifth........................................            1.0%
        Sixth........................................            1.0%
        Seventh......................................             None
</TABLE>
 
  In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation
will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate. It will be
assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts representing shares
acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions; then of
amounts representing the increase in NAV above the total amount of payments
for the purchase of Class B shares made during the preceding six years (five
years for Class B shares purchased prior to January 22, 1990 and 18 months for
Class C shares (one year for Class C shares bought before November 2, 1998);
then of amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the applicable
CDSC period; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares held for
the longest period of time within the applicable CDSC period.
 
  For example, assume you purchased 100 Class B shares at $10 per share for a
cost of $1,000. Subsequently, you acquired 5 additional Class B shares through
dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase you decided
to redeem $500 of your investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the
NAV had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of your Class B shares would
be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to the
value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount which represents
appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500
minus $260) would be charged at a rate of 4% (the applicable rate in the
second year after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
 
  For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the CDSC will reduce the gain
or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount recognized on the
redemption of shares.
 
  WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--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 are:
 
  (1) in the case of a tax-deferred retirement plan, a lump-sum or other
distribution after retirement;
 
  (2) in the case of an IRA (including a Roth IRA), a lump-sum or other
distribution after attaining age 59 1/2 or a periodic distribution based on
life expectancy;
 
  (3) in the case of a Section 403(b) custodial account, a lump sum or other
distribution after attaining age 59 1/2; and
 
 
                                     B-26
<PAGE>
 
  (4) a tax-free return of an excess contribution or plan distributions
following the death or disability of the shareholder, provided that the shares
were purchased prior to death or disability.
 
  (5) Finally, the CDSC will be waived to the extent that the proceeds from
shares redeemed are invested in Prudential Mutual Funds. The Guaranteed
Investment Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account, or units of The
Stable Value Fund.
 
  The waiver does not apply in the case of a tax-free rollover or transfer of
assets, other than one following a separation from service (i.e., following
voluntary or involuntary termination of employment or following retirement).
Under no circumstances will the CDSC be waived on redemptions resulting from
the termination of a tax-deferred retirement plan, unless such redemptions
otherwise qualify for a waiver as described above. In the case of Direct
Account and Prudential Securities 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.
 
  Finally, the CDSC will be waived to the extent that the proceeds from shares
redeemed are invested in Prudential Mutual Funds, The Guaranteed Investment
Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account or units of The Stable
Value Fund.
 
  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 Transfer Agent will calculate the total amount available for this waiver
annually on the anniversary date of your purchase or, for shares purchased
prior to March 1, 1997, on March 1 of the current year. The CDSC will be
waived (or reduced) on redemptions until this threshold 12% is reached.
 
  In addition, the CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares held by
Directors of the Fund.
 
  You must notify the Fund's Transfer Agent either directly or through your
broker, 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.
 
  In connection with these waivers, the Transfer Agent will require you to
submit the supporting documentation set forth below.
 
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         A copy of the Social Security
considered disabled if he or she is       Administration award letter or a
unable to engage in any substantial       letter from a physician on the
gainful activity by reason of any         physician's letterhead stating that
medically determinable physical or        the shareholder (or, in the case of
mental impairment which can be            a trust, the grantor) is permanently
expected to result in death or to be      disabled. The letter must also
of long-continued and indefinite          indicate the date of disability.
duration.
 
Distribution from an IRA or 403(b)        A copy of the distribution form from
Custodial Account                         the 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.
 
                                     B-27
<PAGE>
 
  The Transfer Agent reserves the right to request such additional documents
as it may deem appropriate.
 
QUANTITY DISCOUNT--CLASS B SHARES PURCHASED PRIOR TO AUGUST 1, 1994
 
  The CDSC is reduced on redemptions of Class B shares of the Fund purchased
prior to August 1, 1994 if immediately after a purchase of such shares, the
aggregate cost of all Class B shares of the Fund owned by you in a single
account exceeded $500,000. For example, if you purchased $100,000 of Class B
shares of the Fund and the following year 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 Distributor or 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.
 
WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS C SHARES
 
  Prudential Retirement Plans. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from
qualified and non-qualified retirement and deferred compensation plans that
participate in a PruArray Plan and other plans for which Prudential provides
administrative or recordkeeping services. The CDSC will also be waived on
redemptions from Benefit Plans sponsored by Prudential and its affiliates to
the extent that the redemption proceeds are invested in The Guaranteed
Investment Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account and units of The
Stable Value Fund.
 
  Other Benefit Plans. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions from Benefit
Plans holding shares through a Dealer not affiliated with Prudential and for
whom the Dealer provides administrative or recordkeeping services.
 
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
 
  Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly
basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected
at relative net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales
charge.
 
  Since the Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought
on each purchase of Class B shares, the number of Class B shares eligible to
convert to Class A shares (excluding shares acquired through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will
be determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following
formula: (i) the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at
least seven years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid
for all Class B shares purchased and then held in your account (ii) multiplied
by the total number of Class B shares purchased and then held in your account.
Each time any Eligible Shares in your account convert to Class A shares, all
shares or amounts representing Class B shares then in your account that were
acquired through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and other
distributions will convert to Class A shares.
 
  For purposes of determining the number of Eligible Shares, if the Class B
shares in your account on any conversion date are the result of multiple
purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible
Shares calculated as described
 
                                     B-28
<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 NAV of the Class A shares may be higher than
that of the Class B shares at the time of conversion. Thus, although the
aggregate dollar value will be the same, you may receive fewer Class A shares
than Class B shares converted.
 
  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 would 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 (1) 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 (2) 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.
 
                        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 its shareholders the following privileges and plans:
 
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND/OR DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  For the convenience of investors, all dividends and distributions are
automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at net
asset value per share. An investor may direct the Transfer Agent in writing
not less than five full business days prior to the record date to have
subsequent dividends and/or distributions sent in cash rather than reinvested.
In the case of recently purchased shares for which registration instructions
have not been received on the record date, cash payment will be made directly
to the broker. Any shareholder who receives a cash payment representing a
dividend or distribution may reinvest such distribution at NAV (without a
sales charge) 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 CDSC paid
in connection with the amount of the 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
 
                                     B-29
<PAGE>
 
exchanges are made on the basis of the relative NAV next determined after
receipt of an order in proper form. An exchange will be treated as a
redemption and purchase for tax purposes. Shares may be exchanged for shares
of another fund only if shares of such fund may legally be sold under
applicable state laws. For retirement and group plans having a limited menu of
Prudential Mutual Funds, the Exchange Privilege is available for those funds
eligible for investment in the particular program.
 
  It is contemplated that the Exchange Privilege may be applicable to new
mutual funds (including new series of the Company) the shares of which may be
distributed by the Distributor.
 
  In order to exchange shares by telephone, you must authorize telephone
exchanges on your initial application form or by written notice to the
Transfer Agent and hold shares in non-certificate form. Thereafter, you may
call the Fund at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on
weekdays, except holidays, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., New
York time. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your
telephone call will be recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal
identification number. A written confirmation of the exchange transaction will
be sent to you. Neither the Fund nor its agents will be liable for any loss,
liability or cost which results from acting upon instructions reasonably
believed to be genuine under the foregoing procedures. All exchanges will be
made on the basis of the relative NAV of the two funds next determined after
the request is received in good order.
 
  If you hold shares through Prudential Securities, you must exchange your
shares by contacting your Prudential Securities financial adviser.
 
  If you hold certificates, the certificates, signed in the name(s) shown on
the face of the certificates, must be returned in order for the shares to be
exchanged.
 
  You may also exchange shares by mail by writing to Prudential Mutual Fund
Services LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P.O. Box 15010, New Brunswick,
New Jersey 08906-5010.
 
  In periods of severe market or economic conditions the telephone exchange of
shares may be difficult to implement and you should make exchanges by mail by
writing to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, at the address noted above.
 
  CLASS A. Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class A shares for
Class A shares of certain 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 and U.S.
Treasury Money Market Series) (Class A shares); Prudential Municipal Series
Fund (Connecticut Money Market Series, Massachusetts Money Market Series, New
York Money Market Series and New Jersey Money Market Series); Prudential
MoneyMart Assets (Class A shares); and Prudential Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc.
 
  CLASS B AND CLASS C. Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their Class B and
Class C shares of the Fund for Class B and Class C shares, respectively, of
certain other Prudential Mutual Funds and shares of Prudential Special Money
Market Fund, a money market fund. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange,
but a CDSC may be payable upon the redemption of the Class B and Class C
shares acquired as a result of an exchange. The applicable sales charge will
be that imposed by the fund in which shares were initially purchased and the
purchase date will be deemed to be the first day of the month after the
initial purchase, rather than the date of the exchange.
 
  Class B and Class C shares of the Fund may also be exchanged for Class B and
Class C shares, respectively, of an eligible money market fund without
imposition of any CDSC at the time of exchange. Upon subsequent redemption
from such money market fund or after re-exchange into the Fund, such shares
will be subject to the CDSC calculated without regard to the time such shares
were held in the money market fund. In order to minimize the period of time in
which shares are subject to a CDSC, shares exchanged out of the money market
fund will be exchanged on the basis of their remaining holding periods, with
the longest remaining holding periods being transferred first. In measuring
the time period shares are held in a money market fund
 
                                     B-30
<PAGE>
 
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 without subjecting such shares to any CDSC. Shares of any fund
participating in the Class B or Class C exchange privilege that were acquired
through reinvestment of dividends or distributions may be exchanged for Class
B or Class C shares of other funds without being subject to any CDSC.
 
  CLASS Z. Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of other
Prudential Mutual Funds.
 
  SPECIAL EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES. A special exchange privilege is available for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV and for
shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares. 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, Prusec or
another broker 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 Prudential Securities' 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 Prudential Securities 401(k) Plan
following separation from service (i.e., voluntary or involuntary termination
of employment or retirement) will have their Class Z shares exchanged for
Class A shares at NAV.
 
  The Prudential Securities Cash Balance Pension Plan may only exchange its
Class Z shares for Class Z shares of those Prudential Mutual Funds which
permit investment by the Prudential Securities Cash Balance Pension Plan.
 
  Additional details about the exchange privilege and prospectuses for each of
the Prudential Mutual Funds are available from the Fund's Transfer Agent, the
Distributor or your broker. The exchange privilege may be modified, terminated
or suspended on sixty days' notice, and any fund, including the Fund, or the
Distributor, has the right to reject any exchange application relating to such
fund's shares.
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
  Dollar cost averaging is a method of accumulating shares by investing a
fixed amount of dollars in shares at set intervals. A 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 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 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
 
                                     B-31
<PAGE>
 
projected, for the freshman class beginning in 2011, the cost of four years at
a private college could reach $210,000 and over $90,000 at a public
university./1/
 
  The following chart shows how much you would need in monthly investments to
achieve specified lump sums to finance your investment goals./2/
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD OF
MONTHLY INVESTMENTS:                         $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $250,000
- --------------------                         -------- -------- -------- --------
<S>                                          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
25 years....................................  $  110   $  165   $  220   $  275
20 years....................................     176      264      352      440
15 years....................................     296      444      592      740
10 years....................................     555      833    1,110    1,388
5 years.....................................   1,371    2,057    2,742    3,428
</TABLE>
 
See "Automatic Investment Plan."
- ----------
/1/Source information concerning the costs of education at public and private
universities is available from The College Board Annual Survey of Colleges,
1993. Information about the costs of private colleges is from the Digest of
Education Statistics, 1992; The National Center for Educational Statistics;
and the U.S. Department of Education. Average costs for private institutions
include tuition, fees and room and board for the 1993-1994 academic year.
 
/2/The chart assumes an effective rate of return of 8% (assuming monthly
compounding). This example is for illustrative purposes only and is not
intended to reflect the performance of an investment in shares of the Fund.
The investment return and principal value of investment will fluctuate so that
an investor's shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their
original cost.
 
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN ("AIP")
 
  Under AIP, an investor may arrange to have a fixed amount automatically
invested in shares of the Fund monthly by authorizing his or her bank account
or brokerage account (including a Prudential Securities Command Account) to be
debited to invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The
investor's bank must be a member of the Automatic Clearing House System. Stock
certificates are not issued to AIP participants.
 
  Further information about this program and an application form can be
obtained from the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker.
 
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.
 
  In the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent (i) a $10,000 minimum
account value applies, (ii) withdrawals may not be for less than $100, and
(iii) the shareholder must elect to have all dividends and/or distributions
automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares at NAV on
shares held under this plan.
 
  The Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker acts 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
 
                                     B-32
<PAGE>
 
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
plan, particularly if used in connection with a retirement plan.
 
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  Various tax deferred retirement plans, including a 401(k) Plan, self-
directed individual retirement accounts and "tax-deferred 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, their administration, custodial fees and other
details are available from the Distributor or the Transfer Agent.
 
  Investors who are considering the adoption of such a plan should consult
with their own legal counsel or tax adviser with respect to the establishment
and maintenance of 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, and 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.
 
                          TAX-DEFERRED COMPOUNDING/1/
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             CONTRIBUTIONS                   PERSONAL
              MADE OVER:                     SAVINGS                                    IRA
             -------------                   --------                                   ---
             <S>                             <C>                                      <C>
               10 years                      $ 26,165                                 $ 31,291
               15 years                        44,675                                   58,649
               20 years                        68,109                                   98,846
               25 years                        97,780                                  157,909
               30 years                       135,346                                  244,692
</TABLE>
- ----------
/1/The chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the
performance of the Fund or any specific investment. It shows taxable versus
tax-deferred compounding for the periods and on the terms indicated. Earnings
in a traditional IRA account will be subject to tax when withdrawn from the
account. Distributions from a Roth IRA which meets the conditions required
under the Internal Revenue Code will not be subject to tax upon withdrawal
from the account.
 
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, such as, to seek greater
diversification, protection from interest rate movements or access to
different management styles. In the event such a program is instituted, there
may be a minimum investment requirement for the program as a whole. The Fund
may waive or reduce the minimum initial investment requirements in connection
with such a program.
 
  The mutual funds in the program may be purchased individually or as part of
a program. Since the allocation of portfolios included in the program may not
be appropriate for all investors, individuals should consult their financial
advisor concerning the appropriate blend of portfolios for them. If investors
elect to purchase the individual mutual funds that constitute the program in
an investment ratio different from that offered by the program, the standard
minimum investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.
 
 
                                     B-33
<PAGE>
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
 
  The Fund's net asset value per share or NAV is determined by subtracting its
liabilities from the value of its assets and dividing the remainder by the
number of outstanding shares. NAV is calculated separately for each class. The
Fund will compute its NAV at 4:15 P.M., New York Time, on each day the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no orders to
purchase, sell or redeem Fund shares have been received or days on which
changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not affect NAV. In
the event the New York Stock Exchange closes early on any business day, the
NAV of the Fund's shares will be determined at a time between such closing and
4:15 P.M., New York Time. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the
following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
 
  Under the Investment Company Act, the Board of Directors is responsible for
determining in good faith the fair value of securities of the Fund. In
accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, the value of
investments listed on a securities exchange and NASDAQ National Market System
securities (other than options on stock and stock indices) are valued at the
last sale price on such exchange or system on the day of valuation or, if
there was no sale on such day, the mean between the last bid and asked prices
on such day, or at the bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price.
Corporate bonds (other than convertible debt securities) and U.S. Government
securities that are actively traded in the over-the-counter market, including
listed securities for which the primary market is believed by the Manager in
consultation with the Investment Adviser to be over-the-counter, are valued on
the basis of valuations provided by an independent pricing agent or principal
market maker which uses information with respect to transactions in bonds,
quotations from bond dealers, agency ratings, market transactions in
comparable securities and various relationships between securities in
determining value. Convertible debt securities that are actively traded in the
over-the-counter market, including listed securities for which the primary
market is believed to be over-the-counter, are valued at the mean between the
last reported bid and asked prices provided by principal market makers.
Options on stock and stock indices traded on an exchange are valued at the
mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on the respective
exchange and futures contracts and options thereon are valued at their last
sale prices as of the close of trading on the applicable commodities exchange
or board of trade or, if there was no sale on the applicable commodities
exchange or board of trade on such day, at the mean between the most recently
quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange or board of trade. Quotations of
foreign securities in a foreign currency are converted to U.S. dollar
equivalents at the current rate obtained from a recognized bank or dealer and
forward currency forward contracts are valued at the current cost of covering
or offsetting such contracts. Should an extraordinary event, which is likely
to affect the value of the security, occur after the close of an exchange on
which a portfolio security is traded, such security will be valued at fair
value considering factors determined in good faith by the investment adviser
under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the
Fund's Board of Directors.
 
  Securities or other assets for which reliable market quotations are not
readily available or for which the pricing agent or principal market maker
does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or
methodology that, in the judgment of the Manager or Investment Adviser (or
Valuation Committee or Board of Directors) does not represent fair value, are
valued by the Valuation Committee or Board of Directors in consultation with
the Manager or Investment Adviser including its portfolio manager, traders,
and its research and credit analysts, on the basis of the following factors:
cost of the security, transactions in comparable securities, relationships
among various securities and such other factors as may be determined by the
Manager, Investment Adviser, Board of Directors or Valuation Committee to
materially affect the value of the security. Short-term debt securities are
valued at cost, with interest accrued or discount amortized to the date of
maturity, if their original maturity was 60 days or less, unless this is
determined by the Board of Directors not to represent fair value. Short-term
securities with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, for which market
quotations are readily available, are valued at their current market
quotations as supplied by an independent pricing agent or principal market
maker. The Fund will compute its NAV at 4:15 P.M., New York time, on each day
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading except on days on which no
orders to purchase, sell or redeem Fund shares have been received or days on
which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not affect
NAV. In the event the New York Stock Exchange closes early on any business
day, the NAV of the Fund's shares shall be determined at the time between such
closing and 4:15 P.M., New York time. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on
the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
President's 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. NAV is calculated separately for each class. The NAV of
Class B and Class C shares will
 
                                     B-34
<PAGE>
 
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 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 or service fee. 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.
 
                      DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
  DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTION POLICY. The Fund's present policy, which may be
changed by the Company's Board of Directors, is to make distributions of any
net investment income and capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually.
 
  TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. The Fund has elected to qualify and
intends to remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter
M of the Internal Revenue Code. As a regulated investment company, the Fund
will not be liable for federal income tax on its income and capital gains
provided it distributes all of its income and gains currently. Qualification
as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code requires,
among other things, that the Fund (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income
from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains
from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or
other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
securities or currencies; and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end
of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's
assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government securities and securities of
other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of
this calculation generally limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount
not greater than 5% of the market value of the Fund's assets and 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and (ii) not more than 25% of
the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated
investment companies), or two or more issuers which the Company controls and
which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or
businesses. The Fund generally will be subject to a nondeductible excise tax
of 4% to the extent that it does not meet certain minimum distribution
requirements as of the end of each calendar year. The Fund intends to make
timely distributions of its income in compliance with these requirements and
anticipates that it will not be subject to the excise tax.
 
  Dividends paid by the Fund from ordinary income, and distributions of the
Fund's net realized short-term capital gains, are taxable to its shareholders
as ordinary income. Distributions to corporate shareholders will be eligible
for the 70% dividends received deduction to the extent that the income of the
Fund is derived from dividends on common or preferred stock. Dividend income
earned by the Fund will be eligible for the dividends received deduction only
if the Fund has satisfied a 46-day holding period requirement with respect to
the underlying portfolio security (91 days in the case of dividends derived
from preferred stock). In addition, a corporate shareholder must have held its
shares in the Fund for not less than 46 days (91 days in the case of dividends
derived from preferred stock) in order to claim the dividend received
deduction. Not later than 60 days after the end of its taxable year, the Fund
will send to its shareholders a written notice designating the amount of any
distributions made during such year which may be taken into account by its
shareholders for purposes of such deduction provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code. Net capital gain distributions are not eligible for the dividends
received deduction.
 
  Under the Internal Revenue Code, any distributions designated as being made
from the Fund's net capital gains are taxable to its shareholders as long-term
capital gains, regardless of the holding period of such shareholders. Such
distributions of net capital gains will be designated by the Fund as a capital
gains distribution in a written notice to its shareholders which accompanies
the distribution payment. Any loss on the sale of shares held for less than
six months will be treated as a long-term capital loss for federal tax
purposes to the extent a shareholder receives net capital gain distributions
on such shares. The maximum federal income tax rate applicable to long-term
capital gains is currently 20% for individual shareholders and 35% for
corporate shareholders. Dividends and distributions are taxable as described
whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
 
  Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund by
a shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within
a 61-day period (beginning 30 days before the disposition of shares). Shares
purchased pursuant to the reinvestment of a dividend will constitute a
replacement of shares.
 
 
                                     B-35
<PAGE>
 
  A shareholder who acquires shares of the Fund and sells or otherwise
disposes of such shares within 90 days of acquisition may not be allowed to
include certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes
of calculating gain or loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the
Fund.
 
  The per share dividends on Class B and Class C shares will be lower than the
per share dividends on Class A and Class Z shares as a result of the higher
distribution-related fee applicable to the Class B and Class C shares. The per
share distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same
amount for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares. See "Net Asset
Value."
 
  The Company may also be subject to state or local taxes in certain other
states where it is deemed to be doing business. Further, in those states which
have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Company and of shareholders of
the Fund with respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax
treatment. Distributions to shareholders may be subject to additional state
and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN. The Company may from time to time advertise the
Fund's average annual total return. Average annual total return is determined
separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z Shares.
 
  Average annual total return is computed according to the following formula:
 
                        P(1+T)/to the nth power/ = 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 $1,000 payment made at
          the beginning of the 1, 5, or 10 year periods at the end of the
          period (or fractional portion thereof).
 
  Average annual total return takes into account any applicable initial or
contingent deferred sales charges but does not take into account any federal
or state income taxes that may be payable upon redemption.
 
  Below are the average annual total returns for the Fund's share classes for
the periods ended December 31, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1      5     10      SINCE
                                        YEAR   YEARS  YEARS  INCEPTION
                                        -----  -----  -----  ---------
      <S>                               <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>
      Class A..........................  7.19% 11.70% 15.86%   12.65%   (4-9-87)
      Class B..........................  6.87  11.83    N/A    14.95   (6-10-91)
      Class C..........................  9.75    N/A    N/A    16.05    (8-1-94)
      Class Z.......................... 13.13    N/A    N/A    19.32   (3-18-97)
</TABLE>
 
  The average annual total return for Class A shares for the one year, five
year, ten year and since inception periods ended on December 31, 1998 was
7.19%, 11.70, 15.86 and 12.65% respectively. The average annual total return
for Class B shares for the one year, five year and since inception periods
ended December 31, 1998 was 6.87%, 11.83% and 14.95%, respectively. The
average annual total return for Class C shares for the one year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 1998 was 9.75% and 16.05%, respectively.
The average annual total return for Class Z shares for the one year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 1998 were 13.13% and 19.32%,
respectively.
 
  AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN. The Fund may also advertise its aggregate total
return. Aggregate total return is determined separately for Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class Z shares. See "How the Fund Calculates Performance" in the
Prospectus.
 
 
                                     B-36
<PAGE>
 
  Aggregate total return represents the cumulative change in the value of an
investment in the Fund and is computed according to the following formula:
 
                          ERV - P
                      T = -------
                             P

 
Where:P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000.
      T = aggregate total return.
      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.
 
  Below are the aggregate total returns for the Fund's share classes for the
periods ended December 31, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1      5      10      SINCE
                                       YEAR   YEARS  YEARS   INCEPTION
                                       -----  -----  ------  ---------
      <S>                              <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>       <C>
      Class A......................... 12.83% 82.99% 358.63%  325.77%   (4-9-87)
      Class B......................... 11.87  75.92     N/A   186.72   (6-10-91)
      Class C......................... 11.87    N/A     N/A    94.88    (8-1-94)
      Class Z......................... 13.13    N/A     N/A    37.21   (3-18-97)
</TABLE>
 
  YIELD. The Fund may from time to time advertise its yield as calculated over
a 30-day period. Yield is calculated separately for Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class Z shares. The yield will be computed by dividing the Fund's net
investment income per share earned during this 30-day period by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of this period. Yield is calculated
according to the following formula:
 
                                    a - b
                         YIELD = 2[(----- +1) /to the 6th power/-1]
                                      cd
<TABLE>
<S>       <C> <C> <C>
  Where:  a    =  dividends and interest earned during the period.
          b    =  expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
                  the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive
          c    =  dividends.
          d    =  the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
</TABLE>
 
  Yield fluctuates and an annualized yield quotation is not a representation
by the Fund as to what an investment in the Fund will actually yield for any
given period.
 
  The Fund's 30-day yields for the period ended December 31, 1998 were
(1.14)%, (1.90)%, (1.88)% and (1.01)% for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class
Z shares, respectively.
 
                                     B-37
<PAGE>
 
  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. 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/

           Performance Comparison of Different Types of Investments
                     Over the Long Term (12/31/25-12/31/98)

                           [BAR GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

               Common Stocks                     11.2%
               Long-Term Gov't. Bonds             5.3%
               Inflation                          3.1%

 
/1/Source: Ibbotson Associates. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Common stock returns are based on the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, a
market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks in a variety of industry
sectors. It is a commonly used indicator of broad stock price movements. This
chart is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to represent the
performance of any particular investment or fund. Investors cannot invest
directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
 
                                     B-38
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.                           Portfolio of Investments
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND                          December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Shares               Description              Value
                                              (Note 1)
- -------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>                          <C>
              COMMON STOCKS--98.8%
              CAPITAL GOODS--21.0%
              Drugs & Healthcare--2.6%
    84,800    Bausch & Lomb, Inc.........  $  5,088,000
    42,400    Guidant Corp...............     4,674,600
                                           ------------
                                              9,762,600
                                           ------------
              Leisure & Recreation--0.7%
    51,900    Harley-Davidson, Inc.......     2,458,763
                                           ------------
              Retail/Wholesale Specialty Chain--17.7%
    49,200    Abercrombie & Fitch Co.*...     3,480,900
    25,400    Amazon.Com, Inc.*..........     8,159,750
   112,500    Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*...     3,839,062
    94,200    Costco Companies, Inc.*....     6,800,062
   151,875    Dollar Tree Stores Inc.*...     6,635,039
   216,800    Family Dollar Stores,
                Inc......................     4,769,600
    56,500    Kohl's Corp.*..............     3,471,219
   107,900    Micro Warehouse, Inc*......     3,648,369
    65,000    Rite Aid Corp..............     3,221,563
   114,800    Safeway Inc.*..............     6,995,625
   174,100    Staples, Inc.*.............     7,605,994
   136,000    Starbucks Corp.*...........     7,633,000
                                           ------------
                                             66,260,183
                                           ------------
              CONSUMER NON-DURABLES--18.1%
              Aerospace--0.9%
    61,800    Gulfstream Aerospace
                Corp.*...................     3,290,850
                                           ------------
              Airlines--0.6%
    71,200    Comair Holdings, Inc.......     2,403,000
                                           ------------
              Business Services--3.4%
    85,850    Concord EFS, Inc.*.........     3,637,894
   113,200    Fiserv, Inc.*..............     5,822,725
    66,400    Metzler Group, Inc.
                (The)*...................     3,232,850
                                           ------------
                                             12,693,469
                                           ------------
              Drugs & Healthcare--12.9%
   112,000    Allegiance Corp............     5,222,000
    81,600    Allergan, Inc..............     5,283,600
    38,700    Cardinal Health, Inc.......     2,936,363
    58,100    Elan Corp. PLC (ADR)*......  $  4,041,581
    66,300    Forest Laboratories,
                Inc.*....................     3,526,331
    58,300    Genzyme Corp.*.............     2,900,425
    33,100    Immunex Corp.*.............     4,164,394
    67,900    McKesson Corporation.......     5,368,344
   173,300    Watson Pharmaceuticals,
                Inc.*....................    10,896,237
    44,500    Wellpoint Health Networks
                Inc.*....................     3,871,500
                                           ------------
                                             48,210,775
                                           ------------
              Equipment Rental--0.3%
    36,300    United Rentals Inc.*.......     1,202,437
                                           ------------
              ENERGY--3.3%
              Oil & Gas-Production/Pipeline--1.6%
    87,000    Burlington Resources,
                Inc......................     3,115,688
    65,100    Diamond Offshore Drilling,
                Inc......................     1,542,056
    52,300    Transocean Offshore Inc....     1,402,294
                                           ------------
                                              6,060,038
                                           ------------
              Oil Services--1.7%
   231,200    Global Industries, Ltd.*...     1,416,100
    67,000    Smith International,
                Inc.*....................     1,687,562
   103,100    Veritas DGC, Inc.*.........     1,340,300
   102,600    Weatherford International,
                Inc.*....................     1,987,875
                                           ------------
                                              6,431,837
                                           ------------
              FINANCIAL SERVICES--11.2%
              Financial/Business Services
    53,900    Capital One Financial
                Corp.....................     6,198,500
    93,700    CIT Group*.................     2,980,831
    87,000    Donaldson, Lufkin &
                Jenrette, Inc............     3,567,000
    72,500    FINOVA Group, Inc..........     3,910,469
    41,700    Firstar Corp...............     3,888,525
    48,800    Hartford Life, Inc.........     2,842,600
   113,800    PaineWebber Group, Inc.....     4,395,525
   147,550    Paychex, Inc...............     7,589,603
    59,800    ReliaStar Financial
                Corp.....................     2,758,275
    69,300    Schwab Charles Corp.
                (The)....................     3,893,794
                                           ------------
                                             42,025,122
                                           ------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Financial Statements.     

                                      B-39
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND (cont'd)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Shares               Description              Value    
                                              (Note 1)  
- -------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>                          <C>
              GENERAL BUSINESS--10.8%
              Advertising--3.3%
    26,900    CMG Information Services,
                Inc.*....................  $  2,864,850
    86,000    Lamar Advertising Co.*.....     3,203,500
   214,350    Outdoor Systems, Inc.*.....     6,430,500
                                           ------------
                                             12,498,850
                                           ------------
              Home Furnishings--0.8%
   120,800    Shaw Industries, Inc.......     2,929,400
                                           ------------
              Media--6.7%
   129,800    Clear Channel
                Communications, Inc.*....     7,074,100
    60,500    Cox Communications,
                Inc.*....................     4,182,063
    70,400    Infinity Broadcasting
                Corp.*...................     1,927,200
    88,400    Jacor Communications,
                Inc.*....................     5,690,750
   183,900    USA Networks, Inc.*........     6,091,687
                                           ------------
                                             24,965,800
                                           ------------
              TECHNOLOGY--34.4%
              Computer Networks--8.6%
    98,900    3Com Corp.*................     4,431,956
   126,000    Ascend Communications,
                Inc.*....................     8,284,500
   210,600    Maxtor Corp.*..............     2,948,400
   112,600    Network Appliance, Inc.*...     5,067,000
   115,200    Novell, Inc.*..............     2,088,000
    39,300    RF Micro Devices Inc.*.....     1,822,538
   158,300    Seagate Technology,
                Inc.*....................     4,788,575
    41,200    Symbol Technologies,
                Inc......................     2,634,225
                                           ------------
                                             32,065,194
                                           ------------
              Computer Services--0.9%
    47,000    At Home Corp.*.............     3,489,750
                                           ------------
              Computer Software--11.1%
   102,200    Citrix Systems, Inc.*......     9,919,787
    76,500    Compuware Corp.*...........     5,976,562
    34,500    Infoseek Corp.*............     1,703,438
    24,200    Inktomi Corp.*.............     3,130,875
   125,700    Netscape Communications
                Corp.*...................     7,636,275
    64,300    Networks Associates,
                Inc.*....................     4,259,875
    69,800    VERITAS Software Corp.*....  $  4,183,638
    20,000    Yahoo! Inc.*...............     4,738,750
                                           ------------
                                             41,549,200
                                           ------------
              Electronic Components--1.4%
    84,400    ASM Lithography Holding
                NV*......................     2,574,200
    29,400    Solectron Corp.*...........     2,732,362
                                           ------------
                                              5,306,562
                                           ------------
              Semiconductors--5.5%
   136,800    Applied Materials, Inc.*...     5,839,650
    37,100    Broadcom Corp.*............     4,479,825
    65,300    Micron Technology, Inc.*...     3,301,731
    69,500    Novellus Systems, Inc.*....     3,440,250
    53,100    Xilinx, Inc.*..............     3,458,138
                                           ------------
                                             20,519,594
                                           ------------
              Telecommunication Equipment--2.4%
   164,700    General Instrument
                Corp.*...................     5,589,506
    79,500    Teradyne, Inc.*............     3,368,813
                                           ------------
                                              8,958,319
                                           ------------
              Telecommunication Services--4.5%
    89,500    American Tower Corp.*......     2,645,844
    93,400    Crown Castle International
                Corp.*...................     2,194,900
    80,900    Qwest Communications
                Int'l., Inc.*............     4,045,000
   110,700    Sprint PCS *...............     2,559,937
   135,500    WinStar Communications,
                Inc.*....................     5,284,500
                                           ------------
                                             16,730,181
                                           ------------
              Total common stocks
                (cost $282,139,845)......   369,811,924
                                           ------------
<CAPTION>
Principal
  Amount
  (000)
- ----------
<C>           <S>                          <C>
              SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--2.1%
              Commercial Paper
$    7,956    Northern States Power Co.
                5.05%, 1/4/99............     7,952,652
                                           ------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                      B-40
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND (cont'd)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
 Amount               Description              Value
  (000)                                       (Note 1)
- -------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>                          <C>
              Other
$        5    Seven Seas Money Market
                Fund.....................  $      5,272
                                           ------------
              Total short-term
                investments
                (cost $7,957,925)........     7,957,924
                                           ------------
              Total Investments--100.9%
                (cost $290,097,770; Note
                4).......................   377,769,848
                                           ------------
              Liabilities in excess of
                other assets--(0.9%).....    (3,370,520)
                                           ------------
              Net Assets--100%...........  $374,399,328
                                           ============
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Non-income producing.
ADR--American Depository Receipt.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                      B-41
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets                                                                                   December 31, 1998
                                                                                         -----------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Investments, at value (cost $290,097,770).............................................     $ 377,769,848  
Cash..................................................................................           152,374  
Receivable for investments sold.......................................................         9,011,094  
Receivable for Fund shares sold.......................................................         2,357,893  
Dividends and interest receivable.....................................................            78,080  
Prepaid expenses......................................................................            53,394  
                                                                                           -------------  
    Total assets......................................................................       389,422,683  
                                                                                           -------------  
Liabilities                                                                                               
Payable for investments purchased.....................................................        12,904,232  
Payable for Fund shares reacquired....................................................         1,394,507  
Management fee payable................................................................           277,930  
Distribution fee payable..............................................................           212,349  
Accrued expenses......................................................................           234,337  
                                                                                           -------------  
    Total liabilities.................................................................        15,023,355  
                                                                                           -------------  
Net Assets............................................................................     $ 374,399,328  
                                                                                           =============
Net assets were comprised of:                                                                             
  Common stock, at par................................................................     $     260,308  
  Paid-in capital in excess of par....................................................       250,684,837  
                                                                                           -------------  
                                                                                             250,945,145  
  Accumulated net realized gain on investments........................................        35,782,105  
  Net unrealized appreciation on investments..........................................        87,672,078  
                                                                                           -------------  
Net assets, December 31, 1998.........................................................     $ 374,399,328  
                                                                                           =============  
Class A:
  Net asset value and redemption price per share
    ($130,362,161 / 8,475,178 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)..........            $15.38  
  Maximum sales charge (5% of offering price).........................................               .81  
                                                                                                  ------  
  Maximum offering price to public....................................................            $16.19  
                                                                                                  ======  
Class B:                                                                                                  
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share                                          
    ($236,241,847 / 17,006,638 shares of common stock issued and outstanding).........            $13.89  
                                                                                                  ======  
Class C:                                                                                                  
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share                                          
    ($6,146,000 / 442,459 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)..............            $13.89  
  Maximum sales charge (1% of offering price).........................................               .14  
                                                                                                  ------  
  Maximum offering price to public....................................................            $14.03  
                                                                                                  ======  
Class Z:                                                                                          
  Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share                                  
    ($1,649,320 / 106,487 shares of common stock issued and outstanding)..............            $15.49
                                                                                                  ======  
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                      B-42
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Statement of Operations

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Year Ended
                                       December 31,
Net Investment Loss                        1998
                                       -------------
<S>                                    <C>
Income
  Dividends (net of foreign
    withholding taxes
    of $343).........................  $    551,149
  Interest...........................       446,141
                                       -------------
    Total income.....................       997,290
                                       -------------
Expenses
  Management fees....................     3,630,967
  Distribution fee--Class A..........       261,257
  Distribution fee--Class B..........     2,503,173
  Distribution fee--Class C..........        61,638
  Transfer agent's fees and
    expenses.........................       680,000
  Custodian's fees and expenses......       103,000
  Reports to shareholders............       100,000
  Directors' fees....................        77,000
  Registration fees..................        50,000
  Audit fees and expense.............        33,500
  Insurance expense..................        33,000
  Legal fees and expenses............        25,000
  Miscellaneous......................         5,390
                                       -------------
    Total expenses...................     7,563,925
                                       -------------
Net investment loss..................    (6,566,635)
                                       -------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain on Investments
Net realized gain on investment
  transactions.......................    35,691,553
Net change in unrealized appreciation
  of investments.....................    13,250,865 
                                       -------------
Net gain on investments..............    48,942,418
                                       -------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations............  $ 42,375,783
                                       =============
</TABLE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Year Ended         Year Ended
Increase (Decrease)          December 31,       December 31,
in Net Assets                    1998               1997
                          ------------------    -------------
<S>                       <C>                   <C>
Operations
  Net investment loss...    $     (6,566,635)   $  (6,194,430)
  Net realized gain on
    investment
    transactions........          35,691,553       94,942,716
  Net change in
    unrealized
    appreciation
    (depreciation)
    on investments......          13,250,865      (18,521,412)
                          ------------------    -------------
  Net increase in net
    assets resulting
    from operations.....          42,375,783       70,226,874
                          ------------------    -------------
Distributions to
  shareholders from net
  realized gains on
  investments
    Class A.............          (7,262,297)     (27,098,267)
    Class B.............         (15,902,446)     (63,813,523)
    Class C.............            (391,936)      (1,442,170)
    Class Z.............             (81,237)         (66,424)
                          ------------------    -------------
                                 (23,637,916)     (92,420,384)
                          ------------------    -------------
Fund share transactions
  (Note 5)
  (net of share
  conversions)
  Net proceeds from
    shares subscribed...         176,084,464      543,622,835
  Net asset value of
    shares issued to
    shareholders in
    reinvestment of
    distributions.......          21,975,782       84,714,423
  Cost of shares
    reacquired..........        (267,946,119)    (650,219,421)
                          ------------------    -------------
  Net decrease in net
    assets from Fund
    share
    transactions........         (69,885,873)     (21,882,163)
                          ------------------    -------------
Total decrease..........         (51,148,006)     (44,075,673)
Net Assets
Beginning of year.......         425,547,334      469,623,007
                          ------------------    -------------
End of year.............    $    374,399,328    $ 425,547,334
                          ==================    =============
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                      B-43
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Notes to Financial Statements

   Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund (the "Fund") is currently the only
series of Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc. The Fund commenced operations as a
closed-end, diversified management investment company on April 9, 1987. On June
7, 1991, the Fund ceased operations as a closed-end investment company.
Effective June 10, 1991, trading in the Fund's shares was discontinued on the
New York Stock Exchange and the Fund commenced operations as an open-end,
diversified management investment company.

   The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. It seeks to achieve
this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of U.S. companies, the
earnings and securities prices of which the investment adviser expects to grow
at a rate above that of the S&P 500. The Fund intends to invest primarily in
stocks from a universe of U.S. companies with market capitalizations
corresponding to the middle 90% of the Russell Midcap Growth Index at time of
purchase. Capitalization of companies in the Index will change with market
conditions.
                              
Note 1. Accounting            The following is a summary
Policies                      of significant accounting poli-
                              cies followed by the Fund in the preparation of
its financial statements.

Security Valuation: Investments are stated at value. Investments for which
market quotations are readily available are valued at the last reported sales
price. If there are no sales on the date of valuation, then investments are
valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices
provided by principal market makers. Securities for which market quotations are
not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Fund's Board of Directors. Short-term securities are
valued at amortized cost.

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

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from
security transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend
income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an
accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis which may require the
use of certain estimates by management.

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

Dividends and Distributions: Dividends from net investment income and
distributions of net capital gains in excess of capital loss carryforwards, if
any, are declared and paid annually. 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 income to shareholders.
Therefore, no tax provision is required.

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

Reclassification of Capital Accounts: The Fund accounts and reports for
distributions to shareholders in accordance with the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountant's Statement of Position 93-2: Determination,
                                                          --------------
Disclosure, and Financial Statement Presentation of Income, Capital Gain and
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies. For the year ended
- --------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1998 the Fund decreased accumulated net investment loss by
$6,566,635 and decreased paid-in capital by $6,566,635 due to the Fund
experiencing a net investment loss during the year. Net realized gains and net
assets were not affected by this change.
                              
Note 2. Agreements            The Fund has a management
                              agreement with Prudential Investments Fund
Management LLC ("PIFM"). Pursuant to the management agreement, PIFM has
responsibility for all investment advisory services and supervises the
subadviser's

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

                                      B-44
<PAGE>
 
performance of such services. PIFM has entered into a subadvisory agreement with
Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management ("NACM"); NACM furnishes investment
advisory services in connection with the management of the Fund. PIFM pays for
the services of the subadviser, the compensation of officers of the Fund who are
employees of PIFM, occupancy and certain clerical and bookkeeping costs of the
Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses.

   The management fee paid PIFM is computed daily and payable monthly at an
annual rate of .95% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. PIFM pays NACM,
as compensation for its services pursuant to the subadvisory agreement, a fee at
the rate of .75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. During the year
ended December 31, 1998, PIFM earned $3,630,967 in management fees of which it
paid $2,868,464 to NACM under the foregoing agreements.

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

   Pursuant to the Class A, B and C Plans, the Fund compensates PIMS for
distribution-related activities at an annual rate of up to .30 of 1%, 1% and 1%,
of the average daily net assets of the Class A, B and C shares, respectively.
Such expenses under the Plans were .21 of 1% of average daily net assets of
Class A shares and 1% of the average daily net assets of both the Class B and
Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1998.

   PSI and PIMS have advised the Fund that they have received approximately
$102,000 in front-end sales charges resulting from sales of Class A shares and
after November 2, 1998 Class C shares for the year ended December 31, 1998. From
these fees, PSI and PIMS paid such sales charges to PRUCO Securities Corporation
("PRUSEC"), an affiliated broker-dealer, which in turn paid commissions to
salespersons and incurred other distribution costs.

   PSI and PIMS have advised the Fund that for the year ended December 31, 1998,
they received approximately $436,400 in contingent deferred sales charges
imposed upon certain redemptions by Class B and C shareholders.

   PSI, PIFM, PIMS and PRUSEC are (indirect) wholly owned subsidiaries of The
Prudential Insurance Company of America. ("Prudential")

   The Fund, along with other affiliated registered investment companies (the
"Funds"), had a credit agreement (the "Agreement") with an unaffiliated lender.
The maximum commitment under the Agreement is $200,000,000. Interest on any such
borrowings outstanding will be at market rates. The purposes of the Agreement is
to serve as an alternative source of funding for capital share redemptions. The
Fund has not borrowed any amounts pursuant to the Agreement during the year
ended December 31, 1998. The Funds pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of
 .055 of 1% on the unused portion of the credit facility. The commitment fee is
accrued and paid quarterly on a pro rata basis by the Funds. The Agreement
expired on December 29, 1998 and has been extended through February 28, 1999
under the same terms.
                              
Note 3. Other                 Prudential Mutual Fund Ser-
Transactions                  vices LLC ("PMFS"), a 
with Affiliates               wholly owned subsidiary of 
                              PIFM, serves as the Fund's transfer agent. During
the year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund incurred fees of approximately
$572,000 for the services of PMFS. As of December 31, 1998, approximately
$45,100 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
nonaffiliates.
                              
Note 4. Portfolio             Purchases and sales of invest-
Securities                    ment securities, other than 
                              short-term investments, for the year ended
December 31, 1998 aggregated $644,599,740 and $744,085,307, respectively.

   The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at December 31,
1998 was $290,185,266 and, accordingly, net unrealized appreciation of
investments for federal income tax purposes was $87,584,582 (gross unrealized
appreciation--$97,200,513; gross unrealized depreciation--$9,615,931).
                              
Note 5. 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 5%. Class B shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which
declines from 5% to zero depending upon the period of time the shares are held.
Prior to November 2, 1998, Class C

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

                                      B-45
<PAGE>
 
shares were sold with a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% during the first
year. Effective November 2, 1998, Class C shares are sold with a front-end sales
charge of 1% and a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% during the first 18
months. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a
quarterly basis approximately seven years after purchase. A special exchange
privilege is also available for shareholders who qualified to purchase Class A
shares at net asset value. Class Z shares are not subject to any sales or
redemption charge and are offered exclusively for sale to a limited group of
investors.

   The Fund has authorized 200 million shares of common stock at $.01 par value
per share equally divided into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class Z shares.Transactions in shares of common stock were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A                           Shares          Amount
- -------                         -----------    -------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Shares sold...................    7,446,667    $ 106,396,040
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of dividends and
  distributions...............      449,538        6,346,234
Shares reacquired.............   (9,167,087)    (131,574,252)
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion..................   (1,270,882)     (18,831,978)
Shares issued upon conversion
  from Class B................      489,749        7,024,166
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.................     (781,133)   $ (11,807,812)
                                ===========    =============
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................   26,028,147    $ 403,257,239
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of dividends and
  distributions...............    1,629,888       23,021,141
Shares reacquired.............  (28,489,469)    (443,979,190)
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion..................     (831,434)     (17,700,810)
Shares issued upon conversion
  from Class B................      670,378       10,138,513
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.................     (161,056)   $  (7,562,297)
                                ===========    =============
<CAPTION>
Class B                           Shares          Amount
- -------                         -----------    -------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Shares sold...................    5,070,770    $  65,665,558
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of distributions............    1,182,446       15,174,732
Shares reacquired.............  (10,146,490)    (131,935,822)
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion..................   (3,893,274)     (51,095,532)
Shares reacquired upon
  conversion into Class A.....     (538,840)      (7,024,166)
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.................   (4,432,114)   $ (58,119,698)
                                ===========    =============
Year ended
  December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................    9,457,319    $ 135,337,537
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of distributions............    4,638,652       60,246,458
Shares reacquired.............  (13,888,004)    (200,836,623)
                                -----------    -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding before
  conversion..................      207,967       (5,252,628)
Shares reacquired upon
  conversion into Class A.....     (721,300)     (10,138,513)
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.................     (513,333)   $ (15,391,141)
                                ===========    =============
<CAPTION>
Class C
- -------
<S>                             <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Shares sold...................      178,150    $   2,342,004
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of distributions............       29,154          373,747
Shares reacquired.............     (274,036)      (3,655,185)
                                -----------    -------------
Net decrease in shares
  outstanding.................      (66,732)   $    (939,434)
                                ===========    =============
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................      297,583    $   4,319,397
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of distributions............      106,388        1,380,420
Shares reacquired.............     (360,051)      (5,302,665)
                                -----------    -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding.................       43,920    $     397,152
                                ===========    =============
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      B-46
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class Z                           Shares          Amount
- -------                         -----------    -------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Shares sold...................      111,423    $   1,680,862
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of dividends and
  distributions...............        5,739           81,069
Shares reacquired.............      (54,259)        (780,860)
                                -----------    -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding.................       62,903    $     981,071
                                ===========    =============
March 18, 1997(a) through
  December 31, 1997:
Shares sold...................       45,102    $     708,662
Shares issued in reinvestment
  of distributions                    4,760           66,404
Shares reacquired                    (6,278)        (100,943)
                                -----------    -------------
Net increase in shares
  outstanding                        43,584    $     674,123
                                ===========    =============
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Commencement of offering of Class Z shares.

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

                                      B-47
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Financial Highlights

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Class A
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Year Ended December 31,
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1998         1997         1996       1995(a)      1994(a)
                                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     -------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>    
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year...............    $  14.47     $  15.41     $  15.18     $  11.99     $ 13.56
                                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     -------
Income from investment operations:
- ---------------------------------
Net investment loss..............................        (.17)        (.12)        (.14)        (.11)       (.07)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions........................        1.95         2.60         2.64         3.82       (1.19)
                                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     -------
  Total from investment operations...............        1.78         2.48         2.50         3.71       (1.26)
                                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     -------
Less distributions:
- ------------------
Distributions from net realized gains from
  investment transactions........................        (.87)       (3.42)       (2.27)        (.52)       (.31)
                                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     -------
  Total distributions............................        (.87)       (3.42)       (2.27)        (.52)       (.31)
                                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     -------
Net asset value, end of year.....................    $  15.38     $  14.47     $  15.41     $  15.18     $ 11.99
                                                     ========     ========     ========     ========     =======
TOTAL RETURN(b):.................................       12.83%       17.33%       16.45%       31.20%      (9.53)%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)....................    $130,362     $133,973     $145,120     $124,340     $88,069
Average net assets (000).........................    $124,408     $139,933     $136,482     $109,740     $93,620
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fee...........        1.45%        1.37%        1.41%        1.44%       1.49%(d)
  Expenses, excluding distribution fee...........        1.24%        1.19%        1.23%        1.27%       1.32%(d)
  Net investment loss............................       (1.19)%       (.82)%       (.93)%       (.83)%      (.59)%
For Class A, B, C and Z shares:
Portfolio turnover rate(c).......................         171%         182%         113%         106%        110%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
 (a) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the
     periods due to effects of open-ending, Fund share sales and the resulting
     share issuance from the stock rights offering.
 (b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
     calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
     last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
     distributions.
 (c) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole
     without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
 (d) Current year amounts have been restated from prior periods presentation.

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

                                      B-48
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Financial Highlights

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Class B
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1998         1997         1996       1995(a)      1994(a)
                                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>    
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of year..............    $  13.26     $  14.48     $  14.49     $  11.56     $  13.18
                                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Income from investment operations:
- ---------------------------------
Net investment loss.............................        (.29)        (.23)        (.24)        (.22)        (.17)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
  investment transactions.......................        1.79         2.43         2.50         3.67        (1.14)
                                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
  Total from investment operations..............        1.50         2.20         2.26         3.45        (1.31)
                                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Less distributions:
- ------------------
Distributions from net realized gains from
  investment transactions.......................        (.87)       (3.42)       (2.27)        (.52)        (.31)
                                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
  Total distributions...........................        (.87)       (3.42)       (2.27)        (.52)        (.31)
                                                    --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Net asset value, end of year....................    $  13.89     $  13.26     $  14.48     $  14.49     $  11.56
                                                    ========     ========     ========     ========     ========
TOTAL RETURN(b):................................       11.87%       16.48%       15.54%       30.11%      (10.20)%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000)...................    $236,242     $284,191     $317,768     $290,751     $257,059
Average net assets (000)........................    $250,317     $300,520     $304,841     $265,597     $261,285
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses, including distribution fee..........        2.24%        2.19%        2.23%        2.27%        2.32%(c)
  Expenses, excluding distribution fee..........        1.24%        1.19%        1.23%        1.27%        1.32%(c)
  Net investment loss...........................       (1.98)%      (1.64)%      (1.75)%      (1.66)%      (1.39)%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
 (a) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the
     periods due to effects of open-ending, Fund share sales and the resulting
     share issuance from the stock rights offering.
 (b) Total return does not consider the effects of sales loads. Total return is
     calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the
     last day of each year reported and includes reinvestment of dividends and
     distributions.
 (c) Current year amounts have been restated from prior periods presentation.

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

                                      B-49
<PAGE>
 
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE FUND, INC.
NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND
Financial Highlights

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Class C                                         Class Z
                                ------------------------------------------------------------     -------------------------
                                                                                 August 1,                    March 18,
                                                                                  1994(c)                      1997(f)
                                          Year Ended December 31,                 Through                      Through
                                -------------------------------------------     December 31,                 December 31,
                                 1998       1997        1996       1995(a)        1994(a)         1998           1997
                                ------     ------     --------     --------     ------------     -------     -------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>         <C>       
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning
  of period.................    $13.26     $14.48     $  14.49     $  11.56       $  11.62       $ 14.53        $ 14.48
                                ------     ------     --------     --------     ------------     -------     ----------   
Income from investment
- ----------------------
  operations:
  ----------
Net investment loss.........      (.28)      (.22)        (.22)        (.22)          (.05)         (.12)          (.22)
Net realized and unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  transactions..............      1.78       2.42         2.48         3.67           (.01)         1.95           3.18
                                ------     ------     --------     --------     ----------       -------     ----------   
  Total from investment
  operations................      1.50       2.20         2.26         3.45           (.06)         1.83           2.96
                                ------     ------     --------     --------     ----------       -------     ----------   
Less distributions:
- ------------------
Distributions from net
  realized gains from
  investment transactions...      (.87)     (3.42)       (2.27)        (.52)            --          (.87)         (2.91)
                                ------     ------     --------     --------     ----------       -------     ----------   
  Total distributions.......      (.87)     (3.42)       (2.27)        (.52)            --          (.87)         (2.91)
                                ------     ------     --------     --------     ----------       -------     ----------   
Net asset value, end of
  period....................    $13.89     $13.26     $  14.48     $  14.49       $  11.56       $ 15.49        $ 14.53
                                ======     ======     ========     ========     ==========       =======     ==========   
TOTAL RETURN(b):............     11.87%     16.48%       15.54%       30.11%          (.52)%       13.13%         21.90%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
  (000).....................    $6,146     $6,750     $  6,735     $  4,897       $  1,100       $ 1,649        $   633
Average net assets (000)....    $6,164     $6,796     $  5,862     $  2,961       $    225       $ 1,318        $   121
Ratios to average net
  assets:
  Expenses, including
    distribution fee........      2.24%      2.19%        2.23%        2.27%          6.23%(d)(e)    1.24%         1.19%(d)
  Expenses, excluding
    distribution fee........      1.24%      1.19%        1.23%        1.27%          5.23%(d)(e)    1.24%         1.19%(d)
  Net investment loss.......     (1.98)%    (1.64)%      (1.75)%      (1.63)%        (3.36)%(d)     (.99)%         (.85)%(d)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
 (a) Calculated based upon weighted average shares outstanding during the
     periods due to effects of open-ending, Fund share sales and the resulting
     share issuance from the stock rights offering.
 (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 less than a full year are not
     annualized.
 (c) Commencement of offering Class C shares.
 (d) Annualized.
 (e) Current year amounts have been restated from prior periods presentation.
 (f) Commencement of offering Class Z shares.

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

                                      B-50
<PAGE>
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc.

   We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund, the only series of Nicholas-Applegate
Fund, Inc., including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 1998, and
the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of
changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and
the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended for
Class A, B, C shares, and for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended
December 31, 1998 for Z shares. 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. The financial highlights of Nicholas-Applegate Growth
Equity Fund for the year ended December 31, 1994 for Class A and Class B shares,
and for the period from August 1, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1994 for Class C shares, were audited by other auditors whose report dated
February 8, 1995 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

   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 and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of December 31, 1998 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, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund as of December 31, 1998, the results of
its operations for the year then ended, and the changes in its net assets for
each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for
each of the four years in the period then ended for Class A, B, C shares, and
for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 1998 for Z
shares, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Los Angeles, California
February 12, 1999

                                      B-51
<PAGE>
 
                  APPENDIX I--GENERAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
 
  The following terms are used in mutual fund investing.
 
ASSET ALLOCATION
 
  Asset allocation is a technique for reducing risk and 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 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 off-set short-term price volatility and realize positive returns.
 
POWER OF COMPOUNDING
 
  Over time, the compounding of returns can significantly impact investment
returns. Compounding is the effect of continuous investment on long-term
investment results, by which the proceeds of capital appreciation ( and income
distributions, if elected) are reinvested to contribute to the overall growth
of assets. The long-term investment results of compounding may be greater than
that of an equivalent initial investment in which the proceeds of capital
appreciation and income distributions are taken in cash.
 
STANDARD DEVIATION
 
  Standard Deviation is an absolute (non-relative) measure of volatility
which, for a mutual fund, depicts how widely the returns varied over a certain
period of time. When a fund has a high standard deviation, its range of
performance has been very wide, implying greater volatility potential.
Standard deviation is only one of several measures of a fund's volatility.
 
                                      I-1
<PAGE>
 
                   APPENDIX II--HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
 
  The historical performance data contained in this Appendix relies on data
obtained from statistical services, reports and other services believed by the
Manager to be reliable. The information has not been independently verified by
the Manager.
 
  This following 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)
 
                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                             [PLOT POINTS TO COME]
 
Small Stocks  -- $5,116.95              Long-Term Bonds -- $44.18
Common Stocks -- $2,350.89              Treasury Bills  -- $14.94
                                        Inflation       -- $ 9.16


 
Source:Ibbotson Associates. Used with permission. All rights reserved. This
chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of the past,
present, or future performance of any asset class or any Prudential Mutual
Fund.
 
Generally, stock returns are due to capital appreciation and reinvesting any
gains. Bond returns are due mainly to reinvesting interest. Also, stock prices
usually are more volatile than bond prices over the long-term. Small stock
returns for 1926-1980 are those of stocks comprising the 5th quintile of the
New York Stock Exchange. Thereafter, returns are those of the Dimensional Fund
Advisors (DFA) Small Company Fund. Common stock returns are based on the S&P
Composite Index, a market-weighted, unmanaged index of 500 stocks (currently)
in a variety of industries. It is often used as a broad measure of stock
market performance.
 
Long-term government bond returns are measured using a constant one-bond
portfolio with a maturity of roughly 20 years. Treasury bill returns are for a
one-month bill. Treasuries are guaranteed by the government as to the timely
payment of principal and interest; equities are not. Inflation is measured by
the consumer price index (CPI).
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
  Set forth below is historical performance data relating to various sectors of
the fixed-income securities markets. The chart shows the historical total
returns of U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. mortgage securities, U.S. corporate bonds,
U.S. high yield bonds and world government bonds on an annual basis from 1988
through 1998. 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 "Risk/Return Summary--Fees and Expenses" in the
prospectus. The net effect of the deduction of the operating expenses of a
mutual fund on the historical total returns, including the compounded effect
over time, could be substantial.
 
           HISTORICAL TOTAL RETURNS OF DIFFERENT BOND MARKET SECTORS
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  YEAR                   1988  1989  1990  1991  1992  1993  1994  1995  1996  1997   1998  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                    <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>    <C>
  U.S. GOVERNMENT        
  TREASURY               
  BONDS/1/                7.0% 14.4%  8.5% 15.3%  7.2% 10.7% -3.4% 18.4%  2.7%  9.6%  10.0% 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  U.S. GOVERNMENT        
  MORTGAGE               
  SECURITIES/2/           8.7% 15.4% 10.7% 15.7%  7.0%  6.8% -1.6% 16.8%  5.4%  9.5%  7.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  U.S. INVESTMENT GRADE  
  CORPORATE BONDS/3/      9.2% 14.1%  7.1% 18.5%  8.7% 12.2% -3.9% 22.3%  3.3% 10.2%  8.6%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  U.S. HIGH YIELD        
  BONDS/4/               12.5%  0.8% -9.6% 46.2% 15.8% 17.1% -1.0% 19.2% 11.4% 12.8%  1.6%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  WORLD GOVERNMENT       
  BONDS/5/                2.3% -3.4% 15.3% 16.2%  4.8% 15.1%  6.0% 19.6%  4.1% -4.3%  5.3%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN     
  HIGHEST AND LOWEST     
  RETURNS PERCENT        10.2% 18.8% 24.9% 30.9% 11.0% 10.3%  9.9%  5.5%  8.7% 17.1%  8.4%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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 mortgaged-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 S&P or Fitch Investors
    Service). All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year. Data
    retrieved from Lipper, Inc.
/5/ Salomon Smith Barney Brothers World Government Index (Non U.S.) include 800
    bonds issued by various foreign governments or agencies, excluding those in
    the U.S., but including those in Japan, Germany, France, the U.K., Canada,
    Italy, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and
    Austria. All bonds in the index have maturities of at least one year.
 
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
This chart illustrates the performance of major world stock markets for the
period from 12/31/85 through 12/31/98. It does not represent the performance of
any Prudential Mutual Fund.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF MAJOR WORLD STOCK MARKETS 12/31/85-12/31/98 (IN
U.S. DOLLARS) 
 
                           [BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]

                           Belgium           22.7%
                           Spain             22.5%
                           The Netherlands   20.85
                           Sweden            19.9%
                           Switzerland       18.3%
                           USA               18.1%
                           Hong Kong         17.8%
                           France            17.4%
                           UK                16.7%
                           Germany           13.4%
                           Austria            8.9%
                           Japan              6.5%

 
Source: Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and Lipper, Inc. as of
12/31/98. Used with permission. Morgan Stanley Country indices are unmanaged
indices which include those stocks making up the largest two-thirds of each
country's total stock market capitalization. Returns reflect the reinvestment
of all distributions. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not
indicative of the past, present or future performance of any specific
investment. Investors cannot invest directly in stock indices.

This chart shows the growth of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the
stocks representing the S&P 500 stock index with and without reinvested
dividends.
 
                           [LINE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                             [PLOT POINTS TO COME]

                 Capital Appreciation and              
                    Reinvesting Dividends     -- $391,707
                 Capital Appreciation only    -- $133,525 
 
Source: Lipper, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. This chart is
used for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to represent the past,
present or future performance of any Prudential Mutual Fund. Common stock total
return is based on the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, a market-value-
weighted index made up of 500 of the largest stocks in the U.S. based upon
their stock market value. Investors cannot invest directly in indices.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
                  ------------------------------------------
 
                 WORLD STOCK MARKET CAPITALIZATION BY REGION
                         WORLD TOTAL: $15.8 TRILLION 

                           [PIE CHART APPEARS HERE]

                                  U.S. 51.0%
                                 Europe 34.7%
                             Pacific Basin 12.5%
                                 Canada 1.8%

 
Source: Morgan Stanley Capital International, December 31, 1998. Used with
permission. This chart represents the capitalization of major world stock
markets as measured by the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World
Index. The total market capitalization is based on the value of approximately
1577 companies in 22 countries (representing approximately 60% of the aggregate
market value of the stock exchanges). This chart is for illustrative purposes
only and does not represent the allocation of any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
  This chart below shows the historical volatility of general interest rates
as measured by the long U.S. Treasury Bond.
 
           LONG TERM U.S. TREASURY BOND YIELD IN PERCENT (1926-1998)

                               [LINE GRAPH]    

 
- ------------------------------------------
Source: Ibbotson Associates. Used with permission. All rights reserved. The
chart illustrates the historical yield of the long-term U.S. Treasury Bond
from 1926-1998. Yields represent that of an annually renewed one-bond
portfolio with a remaining maturity of approximately 20 years. This chart is
for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to represent the yields
of any Prudential Mutual Fund.
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
               APPENDIX III--INFORMATION RELATING TO PRUDENTIAL
 
  Set forth below is information relating to The Prudential Insurance Company
of America (Prudential) and its subsidiaries as well as information relating
to the Prudential Mutual Funds. See "Management of the Fund--Manager" in the
Prospectus. The data will be used in sales materials relating to the
Prudential Mutual Funds. Unless otherwise indicated, the information is as of
December 31, 1997 and is subject to change thereafter. All information relies
on data provided by The Prudential Investment Corporation (PIC) or from other
sources believed by the Manager to be reliable. Such information has not been
verified by the Fund.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL
 
  The Manager and PI/1/ are subsidiaries of Prudential, which is one of the
largest diversified financial services institutions in the world and, based on
total assets, the largest insurance company in North America as of December
31, 1997. Principal products and services include life and health insurance,
other healthcare products, property and casualty insurance, securities
brokerage, asset management, investment advisory services and real estate
brokerage. Prudential (together with its subsidiaries) employs more than
81,000 persons worldwide, and maintains a sales force of approximately 11,500
agents and 6,400 domestic and international financial advisors. Prudential is
a major issuer of annuities, including variable annuities. Prudential seeks to
develop innovative products and services to meet consumer needs in each of its
business areas. Prudential uses the rock of Gibraltar as its symbol. The
Prudential rock is a recognized brand name throughout the world.
 
  Insurance. Prudential has been engaged in the insurance business since 1875.
It insures or provides financial services to nearly 50 million people
worldwide. Long one of the largest issuers of life insurance, Prudential has
22 million life insurance policies in force today with a face value of almost
$1 trillion. Prudential has the largest capital base ($12.1 billion) of any
life insurance company in the United States. The Prudential provides auto
insurance for more than 1.6 million cars and insures more than 1.2 million
homes.
 
  Money Management. Prudential is one of the largest pension fund managers in
the country, providing pension services to 1 in 3 Fortune 500 firms. It
manages $36 billion of individual retirement plan assets, such as 401(k)
plans. As of December 31, 1997, Prudential had more than $370 billion in
assets under management. Prudential Investments, a business group of
Prudential (of which Prudential Mutual Funds is a key part), manages over $211
billion in assets of institutions and individuals. In Institutional Investor,
July 1998, Prudential was ranked eighth in terms of total assets under
management as of December 31, 1997.
 
  Real Estate. The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, is one of the leading
real estate brokerage networks in North America and has more than 37,000 real
estate brokers and agents and more than 1,400 offices throughout the United
States./2/
 
  Healthcare. Over two decades ago, Prudential introduced the first federally-
funded, for-profit HMO in the country. Today, approximately 4.9 million
Americans receive healthcare from a Prudential managed care membership/3/.
 
  Financial Services. The Prudential Savings Bank FSB, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Prudential, has nearly $1 billion in assets and serves nearly
1.5 million customers across 50 states.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
  As of November 30, 1998 Prudential Investments Fund Management is the 18th
largest mutual fund company in the country, with over 2.5 million shareholders
invested in more than 50 mutual fund portfolios and variable annuities with
more than 3.7 million shareholder accounts.
 
  The Prudential Mutual Funds have over 30 portfolio managers who manage over
$55 billion in mutual fund and variable annuity assets. Some of Prudential's
portfolio managers have over 20 years of experience managing investment
portfolios.
- ----------
/1/ Prudential Investments serves as the Subadvisor to substantially all of
    the Prudential Mutual Funds. Wellington Management Company serves as the
    subadvisor to Global Utility Fund, Inc., Nicholas-Applegate Capital
    Management as the subadviser to Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc., Jennison
    Associates Capital Corp., as one of the subadvisors to Prudential
    Investment Portfolios, Inc., and Mercator Asset Management LP as the
    Subadvisor to International Stock Series, a portfolio of Prudential World
    Fund, Inc. There are multiple subadvisors for The Target Portfolio Trust.
/2/ As of December 31, 1997.
/3/ On December 10, 1998, Prudential announced its intention to sell
    Prudential Health Care to Aetna, Inc. for $1 billion.
 
                                     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. Prudential Equity Fund is managed with a "value" investment
style by PIC. In 1995, Prudential Securities introduced Prudential Jennison
Growth Fund, a growth-style equity fund managed by Jennison Associates Capital
LLC, a premier institutional equity manager and a subsidiary of Prudential.
 
  High Yield Funds. Investing in high yield bonds is a complex and research
intensive pursuit. A separate team of high yield bond analysts monitor
approximately 200 issues held in the Prudential High Yield Fund (currently the
largest fund of its kind in the country) along with 100 or so other high yield
bonds, which may be considered for purchase./4/ 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. Investment grade bond analysts monitor the financial
viability of 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 its important to a Prudential
Mutual Fund.
 
  Prudential Mutual Funds trades billions in U.S. and foreign government
securities a year. PIC seeks information from government policy makers.
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.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
 
  Prudential Securities is the fifth largest retail brokerage firm in the
United States with approximately 6,000 financial advisors. It offers to its
clients a wide range of products, including Prudential Mutual Funds and
Annuities. As of December 31, 1998, assets held by Prudential Securities for
its clients approximated $268 billion. During 1998, over 31,000 new customer
accounts were opened each month at Prudential Securities./5/
 
  Prudential Securities has a two-year Financial Advisor training program plus
advanced education programs, including Prudential Securities "university,"
which provides advanced education in a wide array of investment areas.
 
  In addition to training, Prudential Securities provides its financial
advisors with access to firm economists and market analysts. It has also
developed proprietary tools for use by financial advisors, including the
Financial Architects 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 changes 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.
- ----------
/4/ As of December 31, 1997. The number of bonds and the size of the Fund are
    subject to change.
/5/ As of December 31, 1997.
 
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