As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2012

 

Securities Act File No. 33-24962

Investment Company Act File No. 811-5186

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933

 

Post-Effective Amendment No. 103

 

Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940

 

Amendment No. 105

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(203) 926-1888

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Deborah A. Docs

Secretary

Advanced Series Trust

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Copies to:

 

Christopher E. Palmer

Goodwin Procter LLP

901 New York Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20001

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate space):

 

o

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b).

 

x

on August 20, 2012 pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485.

 

o

60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1).

o

on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1).

 

o

75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2).

 

o

on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

o

this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

Shares of Beneficial Interest of AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio, each a series of Advanced Series Trust

(Title of Securities Being Registered)

 

 

 


 


 

Explanatory Note

 

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 102 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and Amendment No. 104 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Amendment) is being filed for the purpose of adding: (i) each of the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio as a new series of the Registrant and (ii) revised disclosure with respect to the investment policies and strategies of the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (to be renamed AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio effective on or about August 20 , 2012).

 

Except for the disclosure relating to the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio and the revised investment policies and strategies for the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (to be renamed AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio effective on or about August 20 , 2012), the Amendment is not intended to amend the Registrant’s current prospectuses, dated October 5, 2011, December 28, 2011, and April 30, 2012 (the Current Prospectuses), or the Registrant’s current statements of additional information, dated October 5, 2011, December 28, 2011, and April 30, 2012 (the Current Statements of Additional Information).

 


 


PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 20, 2012

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102

Advanced Series Trust (the Trust) is an investment vehicle for life insurance companies issuing variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Trust may also be sold directly to certain tax-deferred retirement plans. Each variable annuity contract and variable life insurance policy involves fees and expenses not described in this Prospectus. Please read the Prospectus for the variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy for information regarding the contract or policy, including its fees and expenses. The Portfolios offered in this Prospectus are set forth below:

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

ASTWAMFSLCV



TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY: AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO   3  
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   3  
PORTFOLIO FEES AND EXPENSES   3  
INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE   4  
MANAGEMENT OF THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT
PORTFOLIO
  6  
TAX INFORMATION   6  
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION   7  
SUMMARY: AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   8  
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   8  
PORTFOLIO FEES AND EXPENSES   8  
INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE   8  
MANAGEMENT OF THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   10  
TAX INFORMATION   10  
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION   10  
ABOUT THE TRUST AND ITS PORTFOLIOS   11  
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING
MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO INVESTS
  12  
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS
DEBT PORTFOLIO
  12  
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES
USED BY THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO
  18  
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE
PORTFOLIO INVESTS
  23  
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   23  
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES
USED BY THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
  26  
HOW THE TRUST IS MANAGED   31  
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS   33  
OTHER INFORMATION   38  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   39  
APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN DEBT SECURITIES RATINGS   I-1  


2




SUMMARY: AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The investment objective of the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio or the Portfolio) is to seek to maximize total return.

PORTFOLIO FEES AND EXPENSES

The table below shows the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in shares of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. The table does not include charges incurred in connection with your variable insurance policy or variable annuity contract (together, the Contracts). Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the table. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees     0.85 %  
Distribution (12b-1) Fees     None    
Other Expenses*     0.21 %  
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses     1.06 %  
Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement**     -0.05 %  
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement
    1.01 %  

 

*  The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will commence operations on or about August 20, 2012. Estimate based in part on assumed average daily net assets of approximately $650 million for the Portfolio for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2012.

**  Prudential Investments LLC (PI) and AST Investment Services, Inc. (AST) have contractually agreed to waive a portion of their investment management fee, so that the effective management fee rate paid by the Portfolio is 0.80% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio through July 1, 2014. This arrangement may not be terminated or modified prior to July 1, 2014 and may be discontinued or modified thereafter. The decision on whether to renew, modify or discontinue the arrangement after July 1, 2014 will be subject to review by PI, AST and the Fund's Board of Trustees.

Example. The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The table does not include Contract charges. Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the example. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem 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 Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

    1 Year   3 Year  
AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio   $ 103     $ 332    

 

Portfolio Turnover. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the


3



example, will affect the Portfolio's performance. No portfolio turnover rate is presented for the Portfolio, because it has not yet commenced operations.

INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE

Principal Investment Strategies. The investment objective of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will be to seek to maximize total return. Total return is comprised of capital appreciation and income. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Portfolio's assets will be invested in fixed-income securities issued by governments, government related entities and corporations located in emerging markets, and related instruments. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio: (i) will normally invest in issuers located in no less than three emerging market countries; (ii) may invest without limit in high yield debt securities and related investments; and (iii) may invest up to 50% of its assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed income securities.

Principal Risks of Investing in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. All investments have risks to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. An investment in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio makes every effort to achieve its objective, it can't guarantee success.

Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Asset-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables. Like traditional fixed income securities, asset-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. When the underlying pools of assets consist of debt obligations, there is a risk that those obligations will be repaid sooner than expected (prepayment risk) or later than expected (extension risk), both of which may result in lower than expected returns.

Asset Transfer Program Risk. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will be used in connection with certain living benefit programs under variable annuity contracts, including, certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for the relevant participating insurance companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these living benefit programs, such companies will monitor each contract owner's account value from time to time and will systematically transfer amounts between the Portfolio and certain bond funds (or, for one guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit program, the relevant insurer's general account) as required by certain non-discretionary mathematical formulas. Such predetermined mathematical formulas may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and subject the Portfolio to certain risks. Such pre-determined mathematical formulas could adversely affect the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the subadvisers to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting their ability to fully implement the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's investment strategies. These asset transfers may also result in a higher turnover rate for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio compared to similar mutual funds. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. In addition, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio also may have difficulty disposing of securities at the values determined by the Trust for the purpose of determining the Portfolio's net asset value per share, especially during periods when the pre-determined mathematical formulas cause large-scale asset flows out of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (i.e., the Portfolio will be subject to liquidity risk). These pre-determined mathematical formulas may also result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high operating expense ratios for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio compared to other similar funds.


4



Derivatives Risk. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index. The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks, including: the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio; certain derivatives and related trading strategies create debt obligations similar to borrowings, and therefore create, leverage, which can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount the Portfolio originally invested; certain exchange traded derivatives may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time that the seller would like, or at the price that the seller believes the derivative is currently worth, and privately negotiated derivatives may be difficult to terminate or otherwise offset; derivatives used for hedging may reduce losses but also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio; and commodity-linked derivative instruments may be more volatile than the prices of investments in traditional equity and debt securities.

Expense Risk. The actual cost of investing in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may be higher than the daily estimated expenses shown in this Prospectus for a variety of reasons, including, for example, if the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's daily average net assets does not reach the projected level shown above.

Fixed Income Securities Risk. Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including the risk that an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable to pay some or all of the principal and interest when due (credit risk); the risk that the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may not be able to sell some or all of the securities its holds, either at the price it values the security or at any price (liquidity risk); and the risk that the rates of interest income generated by the fixed income investments of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates and that the market prices of the fixed income investments of the Portfolio may decline due to an increase in market interest rates (interest rate risk).

Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in foreign securities generally involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investment risk includes: changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio; securities of issuers located in emerging markets tend to have volatile prices and may be less liquid than investments in more established markets; foreign markets generally are more volatile than U.S. markets, are not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to those in the U.S., and are subject to differing custody and settlement practices; foreign financial reporting standards usually differ from those in the U.S.; foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than the U.S. market; political developments may adversely affect the value of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's foreign securities; and foreign holdings may be subject to special taxation and limitations on repatriating investment proceeds. The risks associated with investments in foreign securities are heightened for investment in securities from issuers located in emerging market countries.

High-Yield Risk. Investments in fixed-income securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as "junk bonds") may be subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risk than investments in investment grade securities. High-yield securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.

Management Risk. Management risk includes the risk that the securities and other financial instruments selected by the subadvisers will underperform the market, the relevant indices, or other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. All decisions by an adviser require judgment and are based on imperfect information. Additionally, the investment techniques, risk analysis and investment strategies used by a subadviser in making investment decisions for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may not produce the desired results.


5



Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the markets in which the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio invests will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably.

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. A mortgage-backed security is a specific type of asset-backed security—one backed by mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Therefore, they have many of the risk characteristics of asset-backed securities, including prepayment and extension risks, as well as interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. Because they are backed by mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities also have risks related to real estate, including significant sensitivity to changes in real estate prices and interest rates and, in the case of commercial mortgages, office and factory occupancy rates. The risks associated with investments in mortgage-backed securities, particularly credit risk, are heightened in connection with investments in sub-prime mortgage-backed securities.

Non-Diversified Risk. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will classified as a "non-diversified" fund, which means it may invest a larger percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers compared to a "diversified" fund. To the extent the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio invests its assets in fewer issuers, the Portfolio will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those issuers.

Recent Events Risk. The ongoing domestic and international financial and debt crises have caused significant declines in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the subadvisers. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to these crises, the U.S. and many foreign governments have increased deficit spending while the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and other foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The reduction or withdrawal of these measures could negatively affect the overall economy and/or the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the United States calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.

Past Performance. No performance history is presented for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, because it does not yet have a full calendar year of performance.

MANAGEMENT OF THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO

Investment Managers: Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc.

Subadvisers*: Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset)/Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML)

Portfolio Manager   Title   Service Date with Portfolio  
Stephen A. Walsh   Chief Investment Officer   August 2012  
Keith J. Gardner   Head of Developing Markets   August 2012  
Matthew C. Duda   Portfolio Manager   August 2012  

 

*  The two subadvisers for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio are collectively referred to herein as the "Western Asset Subadvisers."

TAX INFORMATION

Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information on the federal tax consequences to them. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Contracts and the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, including the application of state and local taxes. The Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are "passed through" pro rata directly to the participating insurance companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes.


6



FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION

If you purchase your Contract through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the issuing insurance company, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio or their related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of the Contract, the selection of the Portfolio and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Contract over another investment or insurance product, or to recommend the Portfolio over another investment option under the Contract. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.


7



SUMMARY: AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The investment objective of the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio (the AST MFS Portfolio or the Portfolio) is to seek capital appreciation.

PORTFOLIO FEES AND EXPENSES

The table below shows the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in shares of the AST MFS Portfolio. The table does not include charges incurred in connection with your variable insurance policy or variable annuity contract (together, the Contracts). Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the table. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees     0.85 %  
Distribution (12b-1) Fees     None    
Other Expenses*     0.16 %*  
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses     1.01 %  

 

*  The AST MFS Portfolio will commence operations on or about August 20, 2012. Estimate based in part on assumed average daily net assets of approximately $500 million for the Portfolio for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2012.

Example. The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the AST MFS Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The table does not include Contract charges. Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the example. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the AST MFS Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem 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 Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

    1 Year   3 Year  
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio   $ 103     $ 322    

 

Portfolio Turnover. The AST MFS Portfolio will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, will affect the Portfolio's performance. No portfolio turnover rate is presented for the Portfolio, because it has not yet commenced operations.

INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE

Principal Investment Strategies The AST MFS Portfolio's investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. The AST MFS Portfolio will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of the AST MFS Portfolio's net assets in issuers with large market capitalizations. Large market capitalization issuers are issuers with market capitalizations of at least $5 billion at the time of purchase. The AST MFS Portfolio will invest primarily in equity securities, and it may also invest in foreign securities. Massachusetts Financial Company (MFS), the subadviser of the AST MFS Portfolio, focuses on investing


8



the AST MFS Portfolio's assets in the stocks of companies it believes are undervalued compared to their perceived worth (value companies). MFS uses a bottom-up investment approach to buying and selling investments for the AST MFS Portfolio. Investments are selected primarily based on fundamental analysis of individual issuers. Quantitative models that systematically evaluate issuers may also be considered.

Principal Risks of Investing in the AST MFS Portfolio. The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the AST MFS Portfolio. All investments have risks to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the AST MFS Portfolio. An investment in the AST MFS Portfolio is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While the AST MFS Portfolio makes every effort to achieve its objective, it can't guarantee success.

Asset Transfer Program Risk. The AST MFS Portfolio will be used in connection with certain living benefit programs under variable annuity contracts, including, certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for the relevant participating insurance companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these living benefit programs, such companies will monitor each contract owner's account value from time to time and will systematically transfer amounts between the Portfolio and certain bond funds (or, for one guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit program, the relevant insurer's general account) as required by certain non-discretionary mathematical formulas. Such predetermined mathematical formulas may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the AST MFS Portfolio and subject the AST MFS Portfolio to certain risks. Such pre-determined mathematical formulas could adversely affect the AST MFS Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the subadviser to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting their ability to fully implement the AST MFS Portfolio's investment strategies. These asset transfers may also result in a higher turnover rate for the AST MFS Portfolio compared to similar mutual funds. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the AST MFS Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. In addition, the AST MFS Portfolio also may have difficulty disposing of securities at the values determined by the Trust for the purpose of determining the AST MFS Portfolio's net asset value per share, especially during periods when the pre-determined mathematical formulas cause large-scale asset flows out of the AST MFS Portfolio (i.e., the AST MFS Portfolio will be subject to liquidity risk). These pre-determined mathematical formulas may also result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high operating expense ratios for the AST MFS Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

Expense Risk. The actual cost of investing in the AST MFS Portfolio may be higher than the daily estimated expenses shown in this Prospectus for a variety of reasons, including, for example, if the AST MFS Portfolio's daily average net assets does not reach the projected level shown above.

Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in foreign securities generally involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investment risk includes: changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the AST MFS Portfolio; securities of issuers located in emerging markets tend to have volatile prices and may be less liquid than investments in more established markets; foreign markets generally are more volatile than U.S. markets, are not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to those in the U.S. and are subject to differing custody and settlement practices; foreign financial reporting standards usually differ from those in the U.S.; foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than the U.S. market; political developments may adversely affect the value of the AST MFS Portfolio's foreign securities; and foreign holdings may be subject to special taxation and limitations on repatriating investment proceeds. The risks associated with investments in foreign securities are heightened for investment in securities from issuers located in emerging market countries.

Management Risk. Management risk includes the risk that the securities and other financial instruments selected by the subadviser for will underperform the market, the relevant indices, or other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. All decisions by an adviser require judgment


9



and are based on imperfect information. Additionally, the investment techniques, risk analysis and investment strategies used by the subadviser in making investment decisions for the AST MFS Portfolio may not produce the desired results.

Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the markets in which the AST MFS Portfolio invests will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably.

Recent Events Risk. The ongoing domestic and international financial and debt crises have caused significant declines in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the subadviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to these crises, the U.S. and many foreign governments have increased deficit spending while the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and other foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The reduction or withdrawal of these measures could negatively affect the overall economy and/or the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the United States calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.

Value Style Risk. There is a risk that the value investment style may be out of favor for a period of time, that the market will not recognize a security's intrinsic value for a long time or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.

Past Performance. No performance history is presented for the AST MFS Portfolio, because it does not yet have a full calendar year of performance.

MANAGEMENT OF THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO

Investment Managers: Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc.

Subadviser: Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS)

Portfolio Manager   Title   Service Date with Portfolio  
Nevin P. Chitkara   Investment Officer   August 2012  
Steven R. Gorham   Investment Officer   August 2012  

 

TAX INFORMATION

Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information on the federal tax consequences to them. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Contracts and the AST MFS Portfolio, including the application of state and local taxes. The Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are "passed through" pro rata directly to the participating insurance companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes.

FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION

If you purchase your Contract through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the issuing insurance company, the AST MFS Portfolio or their related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of the Contract, the selection of the Portfolio and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Contract over another investment or insurance product, or to recommend the Portfolio over another investment option under the Contract. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.


10



ABOUT THE TRUST AND ITS PORTFOLIOS

This prospectus provides information about Advanced Series Trust (the Trust) and its separate portfolios (each, a Trust Portfolio). The Trust Portfolios that are discussed in this prospectus are the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio) and the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio (the AST MFS Portfolio). The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and the AST MFS Portfolio are generically referred to as "Portfolios" in this prospectus. Each Portfolio is a diversified investment company as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act), unless herein noted otherwise.

AST Investment Services, Inc. (AST) and Prudential Investments LLC (PI), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential Financial), serve as overall investment managers of the Trust. Prudential Financial, which is incorporated in the United States, has its principal place of business in the United States. Neither Prudential Financial nor any of its subsidiaries are affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. AST and PI (together, the Investment Managers) have retained the subadvisers listed below to conduct the investment program of the relevant Portfolio, including the purchase, retention, and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments.

Portfolio   Subadvisers  
AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio*
  Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset)
Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML)
 
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio   Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS)  

 

*  The two subadvisers for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio are collectively referred to in this Prospectus as the "Western Asset Subadvisers."

More information about the Investment Managers, the Western Asset Subadvisers, MFS, and the manager-of-managers structure is included in "How the Trust is Managed" later in this Prospectus.

The Trust offers one class of shares in each Trust Portfolio. Shares of the Trust Portfolios are sold only to separate accounts of Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Pramerica of Bermuda Life Assurance Company, Ltd. (collectively, Prudential), and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company as investment options under variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the Contracts). (A separate account keeps the assets supporting certain insurance contracts separate from the general assets and liabilities of the insurance company).

Not every Trust Portfolio is available under every Contract. The prospectus for each Contract lists the Trust Portfolios currently available through that Contract. Each variable annuity contract and variable life insurance policy involves fees and expenses not described in this Prospectus.

Additional information about each Portfolio is set forth in the following sections, and is also provided in the Trust's Statement of Additional Information relating to the Portfolios, dated as of August 20, 2012 (the SAI).


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MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO INVESTS

Investment Objective of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. The investment objective of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is to seek to maximize total return. Total return is comprised of capital appreciation and income. This investment objective is not a fundamental investment policy for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and, therefore, may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) without shareholder approval. No assurance can be given that the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.

Principal Investment Policies of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. In seeking to achieve the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's investment objective, the Investment Managers will cause the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in fixed income securities issued by governments, government-related entities and corporations located in emerging markets and related investments. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may invest without limit in high yield debt securities and related investments rated below investment grade (that is, securities rated below Baa/BBB), or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable credit quality by one of the Western Asset Subadvisers. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio also may invest up to 50% of its assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed income securities. These investments include, but are not limited to, instruments designed to restructure outstanding emerging market debt such as participations in loans between governments and financial institutions. The Western Asset Subadvisers' portfolio managers normally will invest in at least three emerging market countries, which are countries that, at the time of investment, are either: (i) represented in the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global, the JP Morgan Corporate Emerging Bond Index Broad, or the JP Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets Global Diversified; (ii) categorized by the World Bank in its annual categorization of national incomes as low- or middle-income; or (iii) classified by the World Bank as high income in its annual classification of national incomes, but not an OECD member.

Instead of investing directly in particular securities, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may use instruments such as derivatives, including credit default swaps and futures contracts, and synthetic instruments that are intended to provide economic exposure to the securities or the issuer, including but not limited to options, futures, forward agreements, swaps, and credit-linked securities. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may use one or more types of these instruments without limit. The securities underlying these instruments are taken into account when determining compliance with the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in fixed-income securities issued by governments, government-related entities and corporations located in emerging markets, and related instruments. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may also engage in a variety of transactions using derivatives in order to change the investment characteristics of its portfolio securities (such as shortening or lengthening duration) and for other purposes.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO

Although we try to invest wisely, all investments involve risk. Like any mutual fund, an investment in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio could lose value, and you could lose money. The preceding summary section for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio identifies the principal risks that apply to that Portfolio. Set out below is more detailed information about these risks.

Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Asset-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables. Like traditional fixed income securities, asset-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Certain asset-backed securities may also be subject to the risk of prepayment. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may pay what they owe on the underlying assets more quickly than anticipated, which may


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require the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio to reinvest the repayment proceeds in securities that pay lower interest rates. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to extension risk, which is the risk that, in a period of rising interest rates, prepayments may occur at a slower rate than expected, which may prevent the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio from reinvesting repayment proceeds in securities that pay higher interest rates. The more the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio invests in longer-term securities, the more likely it will be affected by changes in interest rates.

Asset Transfer Program Risk. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is used in connection with certain benefit programs under variable annuity contracts, including certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for the relevant participating insurance companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, such companies generally require contract owners to participate in certain specialized asset transfer programs under which such companies will monitor each contract owner's account value and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts between the selected sub-accounts and sub-accounts investing in certain target maturity bond portfolios. The transfers are based on mathematical formulas which generally focus on the amounts guaranteed at specific future dates or the present value of the estimated lifetime payments to be made.

As an example of how these asset transfer programs will operate under certain market environments, a downturn in the equity markets (i.e., a reduction in a contract owner's account value within the selected sub-accounts) and certain market return scenarios involving "flat" returns over a period of time may cause Prudential to transfer some or all of such contract owner's account value to a target maturity bond portfolio sub-account. In general terms, such transfers are designed to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the projected guaranteed amounts are offset by certain fixed income investments.

The asset transfers may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and subject it to certain risks. The asset transfers could adversely affect the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the Western Asset Subadvisers to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting their ability to fully implement their respective investment strategies. These asset transfers may also result in a higher turnover rate for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio compared to similar mutual funds. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. In addition, these asset transfers may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high operating expense ratios for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

For more information on the benefit programs and asset transfer programs, please see your contract prospectus.

Derivatives Risk. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies, or currency exchange rates, and related indexes. Derivatives in which the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may invest include exchange-traded instruments as well as privately negotiated instruments, also called over-the-counter instruments. Examples of derivatives include options, futures, forward agreements, interest rate swap agreements, credit default swap agreements, and credit-linked securities. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivatives to earn income or enhance returns, manage or adjust its risk profile, replace more traditional direct investments, or obtain exposure to certain markets. The use of derivatives to seek to earn income or enhance returns may be considered speculative.

As an open-end investment company registered with the SEC, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, related rules, and various SEC and SEC staff positions. In accordance with these positions, with respect to certain kinds of derivatives, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio must "set aside" (referred to sometimes as "asset


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segregation") liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or staff-approved measures, while the derivative contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to "cash-settle," the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio must cover its open positions by setting aside liquid assets equal to the contracts' full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to "cash-settle," however, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to its daily marked-to-market (net) obligations, if any (i.e., the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's daily net liability, if any), rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled forward and futures contracts, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The Trust reserves the right to modify the asset segregation policies of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its staff.

The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks, including:

•   Counterparty credit risk. There is a risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. This risk is especially important in the context of privately negotiated instruments. For example, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio would be exposed to counterparty credit risk to the extent it enters into a credit default swap, that is, it purchases protection against a default by a debt issuer, and the swap counterparty does not maintain adequate reserves to cover such a default.

•   Leverage risk. Certain derivatives and related trading strategies create debt obligations similar to borrowings, and therefore create, leverage. Leverage can result in losses to the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio that exceed the amount the Portfolio originally invested. To mitigate leverage risk, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will segregate liquid assets or otherwise cover the transactions that may give rise to such risk. The use of leverage may cause the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation or coverage requirements.

•   Liquidity and valuation risk. Certain exchange-traded derivatives may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time that the seller would like, or at the price that the seller believes the derivative is currently worth. Privately negotiated derivatives may be difficult to terminate, and from time to time, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may find it difficult to enter into a transaction that would offset the losses incurred by another derivative that it holds. Derivatives, and especially privately negotiated derivatives, also involve the risk of incorrect valuation (that is, the value assigned to the derivative may not always reflect its risks or potential rewards).

•   Hedging risk. Hedging is a strategy in which the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio uses a derivative to offset the risks associated with its other holdings. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match the value of the holdings being hedged as expected by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced and in fact may be increased. No assurance can be given that any hedging strategy will reduce risk or that hedging transactions will be either available or cost effective. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is not required to use hedging and may choose not to do so.


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Expense Risk. Your actual cost of investing in the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may be higher than the estimated expenses shown in "Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses," above for a variety of reasons. For example, fund operating expense ratios may be higher than those shown if the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio does not maintain its assumed asset base. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Portfolio expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Fixed Income Securities Risk. Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.

•   Credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is less able to make required principal and interest payments. Credit ratings are intended to provide a measure of credit risk. However, ratings are only the opinions of the agencies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. The lower the rating of a debt security held by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, the greater the degree of credit risk that is perceived to exist by the rating agency with respect to that security. Some but not all U.S. government securities are insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, while others are only insured or guaranteed by the issuing agency, which must rely on its own resources to repay the debt. Although credit risk may be lower for U.S. government securities than for other investment-grade securities, the return may be lower.

•   Liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to sell some or all of the securities it holds, either at the price it values the security or at any price. Liquidity risk also includes the risk that there may be delays in selling a security, if it can be sold at all. See "Liquidity and valuation risk," below.

•   Interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the rates of interest income generated by the fixed income investments of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates and that the market prices of the fixed income investments of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may decline due to an increase in market interest rates. Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed income security, the greater is the decline in its value when rates increase. As a result, funds with longer durations and longer weighted average maturities generally have more volatile share prices than funds with shorter durations and shorter weighted average maturities. The prices of fixed income securities generally move in the opposite direction to that of market interest rates. Certain securities acquired by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may pay interest at a variable rate or the principal amount of the security periodically adjusts according to the rate of inflation or other measure. In either case, the interest rate at issuance is generally lower than the fixed interest rate of bonds of similar seniority from the same issuer; however, variable interest rate securities generally are subject to a lower risk that their value will decrease during periods of increasing interest rates and increasing inflation.

Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in foreign securities generally involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investment risk includes the following risks:

•   Currency risk. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and affected by, among other factors, the general economic conditions of a country, the actions of the U.S. and non-U.S. governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A security may be denominated in a currency that is different from the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. If a foreign currency grows weaker relative to the U.S. dollar, the value of securities denominated in that foreign currency generally decreases in terms of U.S. dollars. If the Western Asset


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Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio does not correctly anticipate changes in exchange rates, its share price could decline as a result. A Portfolio may from time to time attempt to hedge a portion of its currency risk using a variety of techniques, including currency futures, forwards, and options. However, these instruments may not always work as intended, and in certain cases the Portfolio may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging instrument. For most emerging market currencies, suitable hedging instruments may not be available.

•   Emerging market risk. Countries in emerging markets (e.g., South America, Eastern and Central Europe, Africa and the Pacific Basin countries) may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade a limited number of securities. Securities of issuers located in these countries tend to have volatile prices and offer the potential for substantial loss as well as gain. In addition, these securities may be less liquid than investments in more established markets as a result of inadequate trading volume or restrictions on trading imposed by the governments of such countries. Emerging markets may also have increased risks associated with clearance and settlement. Delays in settlement could result in periods of uninvested assets, missed investment opportunities or losses for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio.

•   Foreign market risk. Foreign markets tend to be more volatile than U.S. markets and are generally not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to those in the U.S. In addition, foreign markets are subject to differing custody and settlement practices. Foreign markets are subject to bankruptcy laws different than those in the United States, which may result in lower recoveries for investors.

•   Information risk. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets usually differ from those in the U.S.

•   Liquidity and valuation risk. Stocks that trade less frequently can be more difficult or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active stocks. This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular stock, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than the U.S. market. This can make buying and selling certain shares more difficult and costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of shares. In certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell a stock in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches an estimate of its value.

•   Political risk. Political developments may adversely affect the value of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's foreign securities. In addition, some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits to investors abroad, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and financial relations, and imposed high taxes on corporate profits.

•   Regulatory risk. Some foreign governments regulate their exchanges less stringently than the U.S., and the rights of shareholders may not be as firmly established as in the U.S.

•   Taxation risk. Many foreign markets are not as open to foreign investors as U.S. markets. The Portfolio may be required to pay special taxes on gains and distributions that are imposed on foreign investors. Payment of these foreign taxes may reduce the investment performance of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio.

High-Yield Risk. Investments in high-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as "junk bonds") may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit and liquidity risk than investments in investment grade securities. High-yield securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for high-yield securities and reduce the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's ability to sell its high-yield


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securities (liquidity risk). In addition, the market for lower-rated bonds may be thinner and less active than the market for higher-rated bonds, and the prices of lower-rated bonds may fluctuate more than the prices of higher-rated bonds, particularly in times of market stress.

Management Risk. Management risk is the risk that an adviser's investment strategy will not work as intended. All decisions by an adviser require judgment and are based on imperfect information. In addition, portfolios managed using an investment model designed by an adviser are subject to the risk that the investment model may not perform as expected.

Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the markets in which the Portfolios invest will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably. All markets go through cycles, and market risk involves being on the wrong side of a cycle. Factors affecting market risk include political events, broad economic and social changes, and the mood of the investing public. If investor sentiment turns gloomy, the price of all securities may decline.

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. A mortgage-backed security is a specific type of asset-backed security—one backed by mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Therefore, they have many of the risk characteristics of asset-backed securities, including prepayment and extension risks, as well as interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. Because they are backed by mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities also have risks related to real estate, including significant sensitivity to changes in real estate prices and interest rates and, in the case of commercial mortgages, office and factory occupancy rates. Many mortgage-backed securities are issued by federal government agencies such as Ginnie Mae, or by government-sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Currently, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are in government conservatorship. Private issuer mortgage-backed securities may include loans on commercial or residential properties. The risks associated with investments in mortgage-backed securities, particularly credit risk, are heightened in connection with investments in sub-prime mortgage-backed securities.

Non-Diversification Risk. A portfolio is considered "diversified" if, with respect to 75 percent of its total assets, it invests no more than 5 percent of its total assets in the securities of one issuer, and its investments in such issuer represent no more than 10 percent of that issuer's outstanding voting securities. To the extent that a portfolio is not diversified, there is a risk that the portfolio may be adversely affected by the performance of relatively few securities or the securities of a single issuer.

Recent Events Risk. The ongoing domestic and international financial and debt crises have caused significant declines in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the Portfolio's subadvisers. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to these crises, the U.S. and many foreign governments have increased deficit spending while the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and other foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The reduction or withdrawal of these measures could negatively affect the overall economy and/or the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the United States calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.


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MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES USED BY THE AST WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO

Additional Investments & Strategies

As indicated in the descriptions of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio above, we may invest in the following types of securities and/or use the following investment strategies to increase the Portfolio's return or protect its assets if market conditions warrant.

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)— Certificates representing the right to receive foreign securities that have been deposited with a U.S. bank or a foreign branch of a U.S. bank.

Asset-Backed Securities— An asset-backed security is a type of pass-through instrument that pays interest based upon the cash flow of an underlying pool of assets, such as automobile loans or credit card receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of corporate bonds, including junk bonds, or other securities.

Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs)— A CDO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of debt obligations, typically including one or more of the following types of investments: high yield securities, investment grade securities, bank loans, futures or swaps. A CDO provides a single security that has the economic characteristics of a diversified portfolio. The cash flows generated by the collateral are used to pay interest and principal to investors.

Convertible Debt and Convertible Preferred Stock— A convertible security is a security—for example, a bond or preferred stock—that may be converted into common stock, the cash value of common stock or some other security of the same or different issuer. The convertible security sets the price, quantity of shares and time period in which it may be so converted. Convertible stock is senior to a company's common stock but is usually subordinated to debt obligations of the company. Convertible securities provide a steady stream of income which is generally at a higher rate than the income on the company's common stock but lower than the rate on the company's debt obligations. At the same time, convertible securities offer—through their conversion mechanism—the chance to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. The price of a convertible security tends to increase and decrease with the market value of the underlying common stock.

Credit Default Swaps— In a credit default swap, the Portfolio and another party agree to exchange payment of the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default on that debt obligation in return for a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. See also "Swaps" defined below.

Credit-Linked Securities— Credit linked securities are securities that are collateralized by one or more credit default swaps on corporate credits. The Portfolio has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked security at an agreed-upon interest rate, and a return of principal at the maturity date. See also "Credit Default Swaps" defined above.

Derivatives— A derivative is an instrument that derives its price, performance, value, or cash flow from one or more underlying securities or other interests. Derivatives involve costs and can be volatile. With derivatives, the investment adviser tries to predict whether the underlying interest—a security, market index, currency, interest rate or some other benchmark—will go up or down at some future date. We may use derivatives to try to reduce risk or to increase return consistent with a Portfolio's overall investment objective. The adviser will consider other factors (such as cost) in deciding whether to employ any particular strategy, or use any particular instrument. Any derivatives we use may not fully offset a Portfolio's underlying positions and this could result in losses to the Portfolio that would not otherwise have occurred.

As an open-end investment company registered with the SEC, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, related rules, and various SEC and SEC staff positions. In accordance with these positions, with respect to certain kinds of derivatives,


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the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio must "set aside" (referred to sometimes as "asset segregation") liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or staff-approved measures, while the derivative contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to "cash-settle," the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio must cover its open positions by setting aside liquid assets equal to the contracts' full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to "cash-settle," however, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to its daily marked-to-market (net) obligations, if any (i.e., the Portfolio's daily net liability, if any), rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled forward and futures contracts, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Portfolio were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The Trust reserves the right to modify the asset segregation policies of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its staff.

Dollar Rolls— Dollar rolls involve the sale by the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio of a security for delivery in the current month with a promise to repurchase from the buyer a substantially similar—but not necessarily the same—security at a set price and date in the future. During the "roll period," the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio does not receive any principal or interest on the security. Instead, it is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the price of the future purchase, as well as any interest earned on the cash proceeds from the original sale.

Equity Swaps— In an equity swap, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and another party agree to exchange cash flow payments that are based on the performance of equities or an equity index. See also "Swaps" defined below.

Exchange Traded Funds— An investment in an exchange traded fund (ETF) generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and a Portfolio could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (i) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF's shares May be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers'' (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts— A foreign currency forward contract is an obligation to buy or sell a given currency on a future date at a set price. When the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when the Portfolio anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds, the Portfolio may desire to "lock-in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars, for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received. At the maturity of a forward contract, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may either sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency.


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Futures Contracts— A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying product at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index. When a futures contract is entered into, each party deposits with a futures commission merchant (or in a segregated account) approximately 5% of the contract amount. This is known as the "initial margin." Every day during the futures contract, either the buyer or the futures commission merchant will make payments of "variation margin." In other words, if the value of the underlying security, index or interest rate increases, then the buyer will have to add to the margin account so that the account balance equals approximately 5% of the value of the contract on that day. The next day, the value of the underlying security, index or interest rate may decrease, in which case the borrower would receive money from the account equal to the amount by which the account balance exceeds 5% of the value of the contract on that day. A stock index futures contract is an agreement between the buyer and the seller of the contract to transfer an amount of cash equal to the daily variation margin of the contract. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.

Illiquid Securities— An illiquid security is one that may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price used to determine the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's net asset value. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio generally may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined to be liquid pursuant to the Trust's procedures. Those securities are not subject to the 15% limit. The 15% limit is applied as of the date the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio purchases an illiquid security. In the event the market value of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's illiquid securities exceeds the 15% limit due to an increase in the aggregate value of its illiquid securities and/or a decline in the aggregate value of its other securities, the Portfolio: (i) will not purchase additional illiquid securities and (ii) will consider taking other appropriate steps to maintain adequate liquidity, including, without limitation, reducing its holdings of illiquid securities in an orderly fashion.

Interest Rate Swaps— In an interest rate swap, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and another party agree to exchange interest payments. For example, the Portfolio may wish to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate. See also "Swaps" defined below.

Joint Repurchase Account— In a joint repurchase transaction, uninvested cash balances of various Trust Portfolios are added together and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each of the participating Trust Portfolios receives a portion of the income earned in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.

Loans and Assignments— Loans are privately negotiated between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio acquires interests in loans directly (by way of assignment from the selling institution) or indirectly (by way of the purchase of a participation interest from the selling institution. Purchasers of loans depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Interests in loans are also subject to additional liquidity risks. Loans are not generally traded in organized exchange markets but are traded by banks and other institutional investors engaged in loan syndications. Consequently, the liquidity of a loan will depend on the liquidity of these trading markets at the time that the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio sells the loan.

In assignments, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will have no recourse against the selling institution, and the selling institution generally makes no representations about the underlying loan, the borrowers, the documentation or the collateral. In addition, the rights against the borrower that are acquired by the Portfolio may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.

Mortgage-Related Securities— Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed or adjustable


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rate mortgages. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Maes), the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Maes) and debt securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company (Freddie Macs) that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may also invest in private mortgage-related securities that are not guaranteed by U.S. Governmental entities generally have one or more types of credit enhancement to ensure timely receipt of payments and to protect against default.

Mortgage-related securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, multi-class pass through securities and stripped mortgage-backed securities. A collateralized mortgage-backed obligation (CMO) is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that may be issued or guaranteed by entities such as banks, U.S. Governmental entities or broker-dealers. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets.

Payments of principal and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income provide the money to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. A stripped mortgage-backed security (MBS strip) may be issued by U.S. Governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. MBS strips are highly sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates.

Options— A call option on stock is a short-term contract that gives the option purchaser or "holder" the right to acquire a particular equity security for a specified price at any time during a specified period. For this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a certain amount of money or "premium" which is set before the option contract is entered into. The seller or "writer" of the option is obligated to deliver the particular security if the option purchaser exercises the option. A put option on stock is a similar contract. In a put option, the option purchaser has the right to sell a particular security to the option seller for a specified price at any time during a specified period. In exchange for this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a premium. Options on debt securities are similar to stock options except that the option holder has the right to acquire or sell a debt security rather than an equity security. Options on stock indexes are similar to options on stocks, except that instead of giving the option holder the right to receive or sell a stock, it gives the holder the right to receive an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash the holder will receive is determined by multiplying the difference between the index's closing price and the option's exercise price, expressed in dollars, by a specified "multiplier." Unlike stock options, stock index options are always settled in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the stock market generally (or a particular market segment, depending on the index) rather than the price movement of an individual stock.

Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs)— A PIPE is an equity security in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)— A REIT is a company that manages a portfolio of real estate to earn profits for its shareholders. Some REITs acquire equity interests in real estate and then receive


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income from rents and capital gains when the buildings are sold. Other REITs lend money to real estate developers and receive interest income from the mortgages. Some REITs invest in both types of interests.

Repurchase Agreements— In a repurchase transaction, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio agrees to purchase certain securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the same securities at an agreed upon price on a specified date. This creates a fixed return for the Portfolio.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements— In a reverse repurchase transaction, the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio sells a security it owns and agrees to buy it back at a set price and date. During the period the security is held by the other party, the Portfolio may continue to receive principal and interest payments on the security.

Short Sales Against-the-Box— A short sale against the box involves selling a security that the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio owns, or has the right to obtain without additional costs, for delivery at a specified date in the future. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio may make a short sale against the box to hedge against anticipated declines in the market price of a portfolio security. If the value of the security sold short increases instead, the Portfolio loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.

Swap Options— A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a swap agreement or to shorten, extend cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms. See also "Options" defined above.

Swaps— Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Credit Default Swaps, Equity Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps and Total Return Swaps are four types of swap agreements.

Total Return Swaps— In a total return swap, payment (or receipt) of an index's total return is exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of a floating interest rate. See also "Swaps" defined above.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities— With when-issued or delayed delivery securities, the delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the transaction. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will make commitments for when-issued transactions only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities. The Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's custodian will maintain in a segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than such commitments. If the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition, it could, as with the disposition of any other security, incur a gain or loss.


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MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO INVESTS

Investment Objective of AST MFS Portfolio. The investment objective of the AST MFS Portfolio is to seek capital appreciation. The investment objective is not a fundamental investment policy for the AST MFS Portfolio and, therefore, may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. No assurance can be given that the AST MFS Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.

Principal Investment Policies of AST MFS Portfolio . The AST MFS Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of the AST MFS Portfolio's net assets in issuers with large market capitalizations. Large market capitalization issuers are issuers with market capitalizations of at least $5 billion at the time of purchase. The AST MFS Portfolio will normally invest its assets primarily in equity securities. The AST MFS Portfolio may invest its assets in foreign securities.

The AST MFS Portfolio will focus on investing its assets in the stocks of companies that it believes are undervalued compared to their perceived worth (value companies). Value companies tend to have stock prices that are low relative to their earnings, dividends, assets, or other financial measures.

The subadviser to the AST MFS Portfolio uses a bottom-up investment approach to buying and selling investments. Investments will be selected primarily based on fundamental analysis of individual issuers and their potential in light of their financial condition, and market, economic, political, and regulatory conditions. Factors considered may include analysis of an issuer's earnings, cash flows, competitive position, and management ability. Quantitative models that systematically evaluate an issuer's valuation, price and earnings momentum, earnings quality, and other factors may also be considered.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO

Although we try to invest wisely, all investments involve risk. Like any mutual fund, an investment in the AST MFS Portfolio could lose value, and you could lose money. The preceding summary section for the AST MFS Portfolio identifies the principal risks that apply to that Portfolio. Set out below is more detailed information about these risks.

Asset transfer program risk. The AST MFS Portfolio is used in connection with certain benefit programs under variable annuity contracts, including certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for the relevant participating insurance companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, such companies generally require contract owners to participate in certain specialized asset transfer programs under which such companies will monitor each contract owner's account value and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts between the selected sub-accounts and sub-accounts investing in certain target maturity bond portfolios. The transfers are based on mathematical formulas which generally focus on the amounts guaranteed at specific future dates or the present value of the estimated lifetime payments to be made.

As an example of how these asset transfer programs will operate under certain market environments, a downturn in the equity markets (i.e., a reduction in a contract owner's account value within the selected sub-accounts) and certain market return scenarios involving "flat" returns over a period of time may cause Prudential to transfer some or all of such contract owner's account value to a target maturity bond portfolio sub-account. In general terms, such transfers are designed to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the projected guaranteed amounts are offset by certain fixed income investments.

The asset transfers may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the AST MFS Portfolio and subject it to certain risks. The asset transfers could adversely affect the AST MFS Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the AST MFS Portfolio's subadviser to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting their ability to fully implement their respective investment strategies. These asset transfers may also result in a higher turnover rate for the AST MFS Portfolio


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compared to similar mutual funds. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. In addition, these asset transfers may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high operating expense ratios for the AST MFS Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

For more information on the benefit programs and asset transfer programs, please see your contract prospectus.

Expense risk. Your actual cost of investing in the AST MFS Portfolio may be higher than the estimated expenses shown in "Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses," above for a variety of reasons. For example, fund operating expense ratios may be higher than those shown if the AST MFS Portfolio does not maintain its assumed asset base. Net assets are more likely to decrease and Portfolio expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.

Foreign and Emerging Markets risk. Investment in foreign securities generally involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investment risk includes the following risks:

•   Currency risk. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the AST MFS Portfolio. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and affected by, among other factors, the general economic conditions of a country, the actions of the U.S. and non-U.S. governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation. A security may be denominated in a currency that is different from the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the value of foreign securities held by the AST MFS Portfolio. If a foreign currency grows weaker relative to the U.S. dollar, the value of securities denominated in that foreign currency generally decreases in terms of U.S. dollars. If the AST MFS Portfolio does not correctly anticipate changes in exchange rates, its share price could decline as a result. A Portfolio may from time to time attempt to hedge a portion of its currency risk using a variety of techniques, including currency futures, forwards, and options. However, these instruments may not always work as intended, and in certain cases the Portfolio may be worse off than if it had not used a hedging instrument. For most emerging market currencies, suitable hedging instruments may not be available.

•   Emerging market risk. Countries in emerging markets (e.g., South America, Eastern and Central Europe, Africa and the Pacific Basin countries) may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that trade a limited number of securities. Securities of issuers located in these countries tend to have volatile prices and offer the potential for substantial loss as well as gain. In addition, these securities may be less liquid than investments in more established markets as a result of inadequate trading volume or restrictions on trading imposed by the governments of such countries. Emerging markets may also have increased risks associated with clearance and settlement. Delays in settlement could result in periods of uninvested assets, missed investment opportunities or losses for the AST MFS Portfolio.

•   Foreign market risk. Foreign markets tend to be more volatile than U.S. markets and are generally not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to those in the U.S. In addition, foreign markets are subject to differing custody and settlement practices. Foreign markets are subject to bankruptcy laws different than those in the United States, which may result in lower recoveries for investors.

•   Information risk. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets usually differ from those in the U.S.

•   Liquidity and valuation risk. Stocks that trade less frequently can be more difficult or more costly to buy, or to sell, than more liquid or active stocks. This liquidity risk is a factor of the trading volume of a particular stock, as well as the size and liquidity of the entire local market. On


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the whole, foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than the U.S. market. This can make buying and selling certain shares more difficult and costly. Relatively small transactions in some instances can have a disproportionately large effect on the price and supply of shares. In certain situations, it may become virtually impossible to sell a stock in an orderly fashion at a price that approaches an estimate of its value.

•   Political risk. Political developments may adversely affect the value of the AST MFS Portfolio's foreign securities. In addition, some foreign governments have limited the outflow of profits to investors abroad, extended diplomatic disputes to include trade and financial relations, and imposed high taxes on corporate profits.

•   Regulatory risk. Some foreign governments regulate their exchanges less stringently than the U.S., and the rights of shareholders may not be as firmly established as in the U.S.

•   Taxation risk. Many foreign markets are not as open to foreign investors as U.S. markets. A Portfolio may be required to pay special taxes on gains and distributions that are imposed on foreign investors. Payment of these foreign taxes may reduce the investment performance of the AST MFS Portfolio.

Management risk. Management risk is the risk that an adviser's investment strategy will not work as intended. All decisions by an adviser require judgment and are based on imperfect information. In addition, a portfolios managed using an investment model designed by an adviser are subject to the risk that the investment model may not perform as expected.

Market risk. Market risk is the risk that the markets in which the Portfolios invest will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably. All markets go through cycles, and market risk involves being on the wrong side of a cycle. Factors affecting market risk include political events, broad economic and social changes, and the mood of the investing public. If investor sentiment turns gloomy, the price of all securities may decline.

Recent events risk. The ongoing domestic and international financial and debt crises have caused significant declines in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the Portfolio's subadviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to these crises, the U.S. and many foreign governments have increased deficit spending while the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and other foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The reduction or withdrawal of these measures could negatively affect the overall economy and/or the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the United States calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.

Value style risk. There is a risk that the value investment style may be out of favor for a period of time, that the market will not recognize a security's intrinsic value for a long time or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.


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MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES USED BY THE AST MFS LARGE-CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO

Additional Investments & Strategies

As indicated in the descriptions of the AST MFS Portfolio above, we may invest in the following types of securities and/or use the following investment strategies to increase the Portfolio's return or protect its assets if market conditions warrant.

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)— Certificates representing the right to receive foreign securities that have been deposited with a U.S. bank or a foreign branch of a U.S. bank.

Asset-Backed Securities— An asset-backed security is a type of pass-through instrument that pays interest based upon the cash flow of an underlying pool of assets, such as automobile loans or credit card receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of corporate bonds, including junk bonds, or other securities.

Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs)— A CDO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of debt obligations, typically including one or more of the following types of investments: high yield securities, investment grade securities, bank loans, futures or swaps. A CDO provides a single security that has the economic characteristics of a diversified portfolio. The cash flows generated by the collateral are used to pay interest and principal to investors.

Convertible Debt and Convertible Preferred Stock— A convertible security is a security—for example, a bond or preferred stock—that may be converted into common stock, the cash value of common stock or some other security of the same or different issuer. The convertible security sets the price, quantity of shares and time period in which it may be so converted. Convertible stock is senior to a company's common stock but is usually subordinated to debt obligations of the company. Convertible securities provide a steady stream of income which is generally at a higher rate than the income on the company's common stock but lower than the rate on the company's debt obligations. At the same time, convertible securities offer—through their conversion mechanism—the chance to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. The price of a convertible security tends to increase and decrease with the market value of the underlying common stock.

Credit Default Swaps— In a credit default swap, the Portfolio and another party agree to exchange payment of the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default on that debt obligation in return for a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. See also "Swaps" defined below.

Credit-Linked Securities— Credit linked securities are securities that are collateralized by one or more credit default swaps on corporate credits. The Portfolio has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked security at an agreed-upon interest rate, and a return of principal at the maturity date. See also "Credit Default Swaps" defined above.

Derivatives— A derivative is an instrument that derives its price, performance, value, or cash flow from one or more underlying securities or other interests. Derivatives involve costs and can be volatile. With derivatives, the investment adviser tries to predict whether the underlying interest—a security, market index, currency, interest rate or some other benchmark—will go up or down at some future date. We may use derivatives to try to reduce risk or to increase return consistent with a Portfolio's overall investment objective. The adviser will consider other factors (such as cost) in deciding whether to employ any particular strategy, or use any particular instrument. Any derivatives we use may not fully offset a Portfolio's underlying positions and this could result in losses to the Portfolio that would not otherwise have occurred.

As an open-end investment company registered with the SEC, the AST MFS Portfolio is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, related rules, and various SEC and SEC staff positions. In accordance with these positions, with respect to certain kinds of derivatives, the AST MFS Portfolio must


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"set aside" (referred to sometimes as "asset segregation") liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or staff-approved measures, while the derivative contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to "cash-settle," the AST MFS Portfolio must cover its open positions by setting aside liquid assets equal to the contracts' full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to "cash-settle," however, the AST MFS Portfolio is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to its daily marked-to-market (net) obligations, if any (i.e., the AST MFS Portfolio's daily net liability, if any), rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled forward and futures contracts, the AST MFS Portfolio will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Portfolio were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The Trust reserves the right to modify the asset segregation policies of the AST MFS Portfolio in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its staff.

Dollar Rolls— Dollar rolls involve the sale by the AST MFS Portfolio of a security for delivery in the current month with a promise to repurchase from the buyer a substantially similar—but not necessarily the same—security at a set price and date in the future. During the "roll period," the AST MFS Portfolio does not receive any principal or interest on the security. Instead, it is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the price of the future purchase, as well as any interest earned on the cash proceeds from the original sale.

Equity Swaps— In an equity swap, the AST MFS Portfolio and another party agree to exchange cash flow payments that are based on the performance of equities or an equity index. See also "Swaps" defined below.

Exchange Traded Funds— An investment in an exchange traded fund (ETF) generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and a Portfolio could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (i) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF's shares May be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts— A foreign currency forward contract is an obligation to buy or sell a given currency on a future date at a set price. When the AST MFS Portfolio enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when the Portfolio anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds, the Portfolio may desire to "lock-in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars, for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the AST MFS Portfolio will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received. At the maturity of a forward contract, the AST MFS Portfolio may either sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency.

Futures Contracts— A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying product at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index. When


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a futures contract is entered into, each party deposits with a futures commission merchant (or in a segregated account) approximately 5% of the contract amount. This is known as the "initial margin." Every day during the futures contract, either the buyer or the futures commission merchant will make payments of "variation margin." In other words, if the value of the underlying security, index or interest rate increases, then the buyer will have to add to the margin account so that the account balance equals approximately 5% of the value of the contract on that day. The next day, the value of the underlying security, index or interest rate may decrease, in which case the borrower would receive money from the account equal to the amount by which the account balance exceeds 5% of the value of the contract on that day. A stock index futures contract is an agreement between the buyer and the seller of the contract to transfer an amount of cash equal to the daily variation margin of the contract. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.

Illiquid Securities— An illiquid security is one that may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price used to determine the AST MFS Portfolio's net asset value. The AST MFS Portfolio generally may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The AST MFS Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined to be liquid pursuant to the Trust's procedures. Those securities are not subject to the 15% limit. The 15% limit is applied as of the date the AST MFS Portfolio purchases an illiquid security. In the event the market value of the AST MFS Portfolio's illiquid securities exceeds the 15% limit due to an increase in the aggregate value of its illiquid securities and/or a decline in the aggregate value of its other securities, the AST MFS Portfolio: (i) will not purchase additional illiquid securities and (ii) will consider taking other appropriate steps to maintain adequate liquidity, including, without limitation, reducing its holdings of illiquid securities in an orderly fashion.

Interest Rate Swaps— In an interest rate swap, the AST MFS Portfolio and another party agree to exchange interest payments. For example, the AST v Portfolio may wish to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate. See also "Swaps" defined below.

Joint Repurchase Account— In a joint repurchase transaction, uninvested cash balances of various Trust Portfolios are added together and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each of the participating Trust Portfolios receives a portion of the income earned in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.

Loans and Assignments— Loans are privately negotiated between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions. The AST MFS Portfolio acquires interests in loans directly (by way of assignment from the selling institution) or indirectly (by way of the purchase of a participation interest from the selling institution. Purchasers of loans depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Interests in loans are also subject to additional liquidity risks. Loans are not generally traded in organized exchange markets but are traded by banks and other institutional investors engaged in loan syndications. Consequently, the liquidity of a loan will depend on the liquidity of these trading markets at the time that the AST MFS Portfolio sells the loan.

In assignments, the AST MFS Portfolio will have no recourse against the selling institution, and the selling institution generally makes no representations about the underlying loan, the borrowers, the documentation or the collateral. In addition, the rights against the borrower that are acquired by the Portfolio may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.

Mortgage-Related Securities— Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. The AST MFS Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Maes), the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Maes) and debt securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage


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Company (Freddie Macs) that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The AST MFS Portfolio may also invest in private mortgage-related securities that are not guaranteed by U.S. Governmental entities generally have one or more types of credit enhancement to ensure timely receipt of payments and to protect against default.

Mortgage-related securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, multi-class pass through securities and stripped mortgage-backed securities. A collateralized mortgage-backed obligation (CMO) is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that may be issued or guaranteed by entities such as banks, U.S. Governmental entities or broker-dealers. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets.

Payments of principal and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income provide the money to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. A stripped mortgage-backed security (MBS strip) may be issued by U.S. Governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. MBS strips are highly sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates.

Options— A call option on stock is a short-term contract that gives the option purchaser or "holder" the right to acquire a particular equity security for a specified price at any time during a specified period. For this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a certain amount of money or "premium" which is set before the option contract is entered into. The seller or "writer" of the option is obligated to deliver the particular security if the option purchaser exercises the option. A put option on stock is a similar contract. In a put option, the option purchaser has the right to sell a particular security to the option seller for a specified price at any time during a specified period. In exchange for this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a premium. Options on debt securities are similar to stock options except that the option holder has the right to acquire or sell a debt security rather than an equity security. Options on stock indexes are similar to options on stocks, except that instead of giving the option holder the right to receive or sell a stock, it gives the holder the right to receive an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash the holder will receive is determined by multiplying the difference between the index's closing price and the option's exercise price, expressed in dollars, by a specified "multiplier." Unlike stock options, stock index options are always settled in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the stock market generally (or a particular market segment, depending on the index) rather than the price movement of an individual stock.

Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs)— A PIPE is an equity security in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)— A REIT is a company that manages a portfolio of real estate to earn profits for its shareholders. Some REITs acquire equity interests in real estate and then receive income from rents and capital gains when the buildings are sold. Other REITs lend money to real estate developers and receive interest income from the mortgages. Some REITs invest in both types of interests.

Repurchase Agreements— In a repurchase transaction, the AST MFS Portfolio agrees to purchase certain securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the same securities at an agreed upon price on a specified date. This creates a fixed return for the Portfolio.


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Reverse Repurchase Agreements— In a reverse repurchase transaction, the AST MFS Portfolio sells a security it owns and agrees to buy it back at a set price and date. During the period the security is held by the other party, the Portfolio may continue to receive principal and interest payments on the security.

Short Sales Against-the-Box— A short sale against the box involves selling a security that the AST MFS Portfolio owns, or has the right to obtain without additional costs, for delivery at a specified date in the future. The AST MFS Portfolio may make a short sale against the box to hedge against anticipated declines in the market price of a portfolio security. If the value of the security sold short increases instead, the Portfolio loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.

Swap Options— A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a swap agreement or to shorten, extend cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms. See also "Options" defined above.

Swaps— Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Credit Default Swaps, Equity Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps and Total Return Swaps are four types of swap agreements.

Total Return Swaps— In a total return swap, payment (or receipt) of an index's total return is exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of a floating interest rate. See also "Swaps" defined above.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities— With when-issued or delayed delivery securities, the delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the transaction. The AST MFS Portfolio will make commitments for when-issued transactions only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities. The AST MFS Portfolio's custodian will maintain in a segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than such commitments. If the AST MFS Portfolio chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition, it could, as with the disposition of any other security, incur a gain or loss.


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HOW THE TRUST IS MANAGED

Board of Trustees

The Board oversees the actions of the Investment Managers, the Western Asset Subadvisers, and MFS and decides on general policies. The Board also oversees the Trust's officers who conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the Trust.

Investment Managers

AST Investment Services, Inc. (AST) One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, and Prudential Investments LLC (PI) Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey, serve as co-investment managers of the Trust.

The Trust's Investment Management Agreements, on behalf of each Trust Portfolio, with AST and PI (the Management Agreements), provide that AST and PI (the Investment Managers) will furnish each applicable Trust Portfolio with investment advice and administrative services subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the applicable Trust Portfolio. The Investment Managers must also provide, or obtain and supervise, the executive, administrative, accounting, custody, transfer agent and shareholder servicing services that are deemed advisable by the Board.

The Investment Managers have engaged the subadvisers to conduct the investment programs of the Trust Portfolios, including the purchase, retention and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments. The Investment Managers are responsible for monitoring the activities of the subadvisers and reporting on such activities to the Board. The Trust has obtained an exemption from the SEC that permits the Investment Managers, subject to approval by the Board, to change subadvisers for a Trust Portfolio by: (i) entering into new subadvisory agreements with non-affiliated sub-advisers, without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes and (ii) entering into new subadvisory agreements with affiliated sub-advisers with shareholder approval of such changes. This exemption (which is similar to exemptions granted to other investment companies that are organized in a manner similar to the Trust) is intended to facilitate the efficient supervision and management of the subadvisers by the Investment Managers and the Trustees. PI, in conjunction with Quantitative Management Associates, participates in the management of the AST Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolios and the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio. PI, in conjunction with the relevant subadvisers, participates in the management of the AST Tactical Asset Allocation Programs.

If at a point there is more than one subadviser for a Trust Portfolio, the Investment Managers will determine the division of the assets for that Trust Portfolio among the applicable subadvisers under normal conditions. All daily cash inflows (that is, purchases and reinvested distributions) and outflows (that is, redemptions and expense items) will be divided among such subadvisers as the Investment Managers deem appropriate. The Investment Managers may change the target allocation of assets among subadvisers, transfer assets between subadvisers, or change the allocation of cash inflows or cash outflows among subadvisers for any reason and at any time without notice. As a consequence, the Investment Managers may allocate assets or cash flows from a portfolio segment that has appreciated more to another portfolio segment.

Reallocations of assets among the subadvisers and PI may result in additional costs since sales of securities may result in higher portfolio turnover. Also, because the subadvisers and PI select portfolio securities independently, it is possible that a security held by a portfolio segment may also be held by another portfolio segment of the Trust Portfolio or that certain subadvisers or PI may simultaneously favor the same industry. The Investment Managers will monitor the overall portfolio to ensure that any such overlaps do not create an unintended industry concentration. In addition, if a subadviser or PI buys a security as another subadviser or PI sells it, the net position of the Trust Portfolio in the security may be approximately the same as it would have been with a single portfolio and no such sale and purchase, but the Trust Portfolio will have incurred additional costs. The Investment Managers will consider these costs in


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determining the allocation of assets or cash flows. The Investment Managers will consider the timing of asset and cash flow reallocations based upon the best interests of each Trust Portfolio and its shareholders.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Trust's investment advisory agreements is available in the Trust's semi-annual report (for agreements approved during the six month period ended June 30) and in the Trust's annual report (for agreements approved during the six month period ended December 31).

Investment Subadvisers

Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset) &Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML). Western Asset, established in 1971 and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc., acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. Total assets under management by Western Asset and its supervised affiliates were approximately $443.1 billion as of December 31, 2011.Western Asset's address is 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101.WAML, a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc., acts as investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds and endowment funds. WAML is located at 10 Exchange Place, London, England.

Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS). MFS is the oldest U.S. mutual fund organization. MFS and its predecessor organizations have managed money since 1924 and founded the first mutual fund in the United States. MFS is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial Inc. (a diversified financial services company). The principal address of MFS is 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Net assets under management of the MFS organization were approximately $251 billion as of December 31, 2011.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Information about the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of each Portfolio is set forth below.

In addition to the information set forth below, the Trust's SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Manager's compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, and the Portfolio Manager's ownership of shares of the Trust's Portfolio.

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

The portfolio managers responsible for management of the Western Asset Emerging Market Debt Portfolio are Stephen J. Walsh, Keith J. Gardner, and Matthew C. Duda.

Mr. Walsh is Chief Investment Officer at Western Asset. He has been employed by Western Asset Management since 1991 and has held the position of Chief Investment Officer since 2009.

Mr. Gardner is Head of Developing Markets at Western Asset. He has been employed by Western Asset since 1994.

Mr. Duda is a Research Analyst at Western Asset. He has been employed by Western Asset since 1991.

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

The portfolio managers responsible for management of the AST MFS Portfolio are Nevin P. Chitkara and Steven R. Gorham.

Mr. Chitkara is an Investment Officer of MFS. He has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 1997.

Mr. Gorham is an Investment Officer of MFS. He has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 1992.


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Fees and Expenses

Investment Management Fees. The contractual investment management fee for each Portfolio is set forth below.

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio   0.85% of the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio's average daily net assets  
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio   0.85% of the AST MFS Portfolio's average daily net assets  

 

The investment management fees for each Portfolio are accrued daily for the purposes of determining the sale and redemption price of Portfolio shares. More information about investment management fees for each Portfolio is set forth under the caption "Management and Advisory Arrangements" in the SAI.

The Investment Managers pay the relevant subadviser a portion of such investment management fee for the performance of the subadvisory services at no additional cost to the relevant Portfolio. More information about the subadvisory fees payable by the Investment Managers to the relevant subadvisers is set forth under the caption "Management and Advisory Arrangements" in the SAI.

Other Expenses. As used in connection with each Portfolio, "Other Expenses" includes expenses for accounting and valuation services, custodian fees, audit and legal fees, transfer agency fees, fees paid to non-interested Trustees, and certain other miscellaneous items. Each Portfolio also will pay participating insurance companies an administrative services fee of 0.10% of its average daily net assets on an annualized basis, subject to certain voluntary asset-based breakpoints. Such administrative fees will compensate participating insurance companies for providing certain services to the beneficial shareholders of each Portfolio in lieu of the Trust, including the printing and mailing of fund prospectuses and shareholder reports.

HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS

Purchasing Shares of the Portfolios

The way to invest in the Portfolios is through certain variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. Together with this Prospectus, you should have received a prospectus for such a Contract. You should refer to that prospectus for further information on investing in the Portfolios.

Portfolio shares are redeemed for cash within seven days of receipt of a proper notice of redemption or sooner if required by law. There is no redemption charge in connection with the redemption of Portfolio shares. We may suspend the right to redeem shares or receive payment when the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the Commission.

Redemption in Kind

The Trust may pay the redemption price to shareholders of record (generally, the insurance company separate accounts holding Trust shares) in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of securities from the relevant investment portfolio of the Trust, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC and procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the same manner as in a regular redemption.

If shares are redeemed in kind, the recipient will incur transaction costs in converting such assets into cash. These procedures govern the redemption by the shareholder of record, generally an insurance company separate account. The procedures do not affect payments by an insurance company to a contract owner under a variable contract.


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Frequent Purchases or Redemptions of Portfolio Shares

The Trust is part of the group of investment companies advised by PI that seeks to prevent patterns of frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by its investors (the PI funds). Frequent purchases and redemptions may adversely affect the investment performance and interests of long-term investors in the Portfolio. When an investor engages in frequent or short-term trading, the PI funds may have to sell portfolio securities to have the cash necessary to pay the redemption amounts. This may cause the PI funds to sell Portfolio securities at inopportune times, hurting their investment performance. When large dollar amounts are involved, frequent trading can also make it difficult for the PI funds to use long-term investment strategies because they cannot predict how much cash they will have to invest. In addition, if a PI fund is forced to liquidate investments due to short-term trading activity, it may incur increased transaction and tax costs.

Similarly, the PI funds may bear increased administrative costs as a result of the asset level and investment volatility that accompanies patterns of short-term trading. Moreover, frequent or short-term trading by certain investors may cause dilution in the value of PI fund shares held by other investors. PI funds that invest in foreign securities may be particularly susceptible to frequent trading, because time zone differences among international stock markets can allow an investor engaging in short-term trading to exploit fund share prices that may be based on closing prices of foreign securities established some time before the fund calculates its own share price. PI funds that invest in certain fixed income securities, such as high-yield bonds or certain asset-backed securities, may also constitute effective vehicles for an investor's frequent trading strategies.

The Boards of Directors/Trustees of the PI funds, including the Trust, have adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage or prevent frequent trading by investors. The policies and procedures for the Trust are limited, however, because the Trust does not directly sell its shares directly to the public. Instead, Portfolio shares are sold only to insurance company separate accounts that fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (together, the "contracts"). Therefore, the insurance companies purchasing Portfolio shares (the "participating insurance companies"), not the Trust, maintain the individual contract owner account records. Each participating insurance company submits to the Trust's transfer agent daily aggregate orders combining the transactions of many contract owners. Therefore, the Trust and its transfer agent do not monitor trading by individual contract owners.

Under the Trust's policies and procedures, the Trust has notified each participating insurance company that the Trust expects the insurance company to impose restrictions on transfers by contract owners. The current participating insurance companies are Prudential and two insurance companies not affiliated with Prudential. The Trust may add additional participating insurance companies in the future. The Trust receives reports on the trading restrictions imposed by Prudential on variable contract owners investing in the Portfolio, and the Trust monitors the aggregate cash flows received from unaffiliated insurance companies. In addition, the Trust has entered shareholder information agreements with participating insurance companies as required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act. Under these agreements, the participating insurance companies have agreed to: (i) provide certain information regarding contract owners who engage in transactions involving Portfolio shares and (ii) execute any instructions from the Trust to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Portfolio shares by contract owners who have been identified by the Trust as having engaged in transactions in Portfolio shares that violate the Trust's frequent trading policies and procedures. The Trust and its transfer agent also reserve the right to reject all or a portion of a purchase order from a participating insurance company. If a purchase order is rejected, the purchase amount will be returned to the insurance company.

The Trust also employs fair value pricing procedures to deter frequent trading. Those procedures are described in more detail under "Net Asset Value," below.

Certain Portfolios of the Trust invest their assets primarily or exclusively in other Portfolios of the Trust that, in turn, invest in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. The Portfolios of the Trust that invest


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in other Portfolios of the Trust are often referred to as "Funds of Funds." The Portfolios of the Trust in which the Funds of Funds invest are referred to as "Underlying Trust Portfolios." The policies that have been implemented by the participating insurance companies to discourage frequent trading apply to transactions in Funds of Funds shares. Transactions by the Funds of Funds in Underlying Trust Portfolio shares, however, are not subject to any limitations and are not considered frequent or short-term trading. For example, the Funds of Funds may engage in significant transactions in Underlying Trust Portfolio shares in order to: (i) change their investment focus, (ii) rebalance their investments to match the then-current asset allocation mix, (iii) respond to significant purchases or redemptions of Fund of Funds shares, or (iv) respond to changes required by the underlying contracts. These transactions by the Funds of Funds in Underlying Trust Portfolio shares may be disruptive to the management of an Underlying Trust Portfolio because such transactions may: (i) cause the Underlying Trust Portfolio to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times to have the cash necessary to pay redemption requests, hurting their investment performance, (ii) make it difficult for the Subadvisers for the Underlying Trust Portfolios to fully implement their investment strategies, and (iii) lead to increased transaction and tax costs.

The Bond Portfolios and certain other Portfolios may be used in connection with certain living benefit programs under variable annuity contracts, including, without limitation, certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for the participating insurance companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, the insurance companies generally: (i) limit the number and types of variable sub-accounts in which contract holders may allocate their account values (referred to in this Prospectus as the Permitted Sub-Accounts) and (ii) require contract holders to participate in certain specialized asset transfer programs. Under these asset transfer programs, the participating insurance companies will monitor each contract owner's account value from time to time and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among the Permitted Sub-Accounts as dictated by certain non-discretionary mathematical formulas. These mathematical formulas will generally focus on the amounts guaranteed at specific future dates or the present value of the estimated lifetime payments to be made, as applicable.

As an example of how these asset transfer programs will operate under certain market environments, a downturn in the equity markets (i.e., a reduction in a contract holder's account value within the Permitted Sub-Accounts) and certain market return scenarios involving "flat" returns over a period of time may cause participating insurance companies to transfer some or all of such contract owner's account value to a Target Maturity Portfolio or the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio. In general terms, such transfers are designed to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the projected guaranteed amounts are offset by assets in investments like the Target Maturity Portfolios or the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio.

The above-referenced asset transfer programs are an important part of the guarantees offered in connection with the applicable living benefit programs. Such asset transfers may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the relevant Portfolios. Such asset transfers could adversely affect a Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the relevant investment adviser or subadviser to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting the ability of the relevant investment adviser or subadviser to fully implement the Portfolio's investment strategies. These asset transfers may also result in a higher turnover rate for the Portfolio compared to similar mutual funds. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Portfolio, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. In addition, these asset transfers may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high transaction costs and operating expense ratios for a Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

Investors seeking to engage in frequent trading activities may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection and, despite the efforts of the Trust and the participating insurance companies to prevent such trading, there is no guarantee that the Trust or the participating insurance companies will be able to identify these investors or curtail their trading practices. Therefore, some Trust investors may be able to engage in frequent trading, and, if they do, the other Trust investors would bear any harm caused by that frequent


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trading. The Trust does not have any arrangements intended to permit trading in contravention of the policies described above.

For information about the trading limitations applicable to you, please see the prospectus for your contract or contact your insurance company.

Net Asset Value

Any purchase or sale of Trust Portfolio shares is made at the net asset value, or NAV, of such shares. The price at which a purchase or redemption is made is based on the next calculation of the NAV after the order is received in good order. The NAV of each share class of each Trust Portfolio is determined on each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of the exchange's regular trading session (which is generally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. The Trust does not price, and shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Trust Portfolio shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for a Trust Portfolio's foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Trust will ordinarily price Trust Portfolio shares, and shareholders may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed.

The securities held by each of the Trust Portfolio are valued based upon market quotations or, if not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. The Trust may use fair value pricing for a Trust Portfolio if it determines that a market quotation is not reliable based, among other things, on market conditions that occur after the quotation is derived or after the closing of the primary market on which the security is traded, but before the time that the NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing most commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside of the U.S., because such securities present time-zone arbitrage opportunities when events or conditions affecting the prices of specific securities or the prices of securities traded in such markets generally occur after the close of the foreign markets but prior to the time that a Trust Portfolio determines its NAV.

The Trust may also use fair value pricing with respect to a Trust Portfolio's U.S. traded securities if, for example, trading in a particular security is halted and does not resume before a Trust Portfolio calculates its NAV or the exchange on which a security is traded closes early. In addition, fair value pricing is used for securities where 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 Investment Managers (or the relevant subadviser) does not represent fair value. Different valuation methods may result in differing values for the same security. The fair value of the Portfolio security that the Portfolio uses to determine its NAV may differ from the security's published or quoted price. If a Trust Portfolio needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of the Trust Portfolio are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the published NAV price. For purposes of computing a Trust Portfolio's NAV, we will value the Trust Portfolio's futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Except when we fair value securities, we normally value each foreign security held by the Trust Portfolio as of the close of the security's primary market.

Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for a Trust Portfolio's securities and its NAV that are reasonable in light of the circumstances which make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. No assurance can be given, however, that fair value pricing will more accurately reflect the market value of a security than the market price of such security on that day or that it will prevent dilution of a Trust Portfolio's NAV by short-term traders.

The NAV for each of the Trust Portfolio other than the Money Market Portfolio is determined by a simple calculation. It's the total value of a Trust Portfolio (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding. The NAV for the Money Market Portfolio will ordinarily remain at $1 per share. (The price of each share remains the same but you will have more shares when dividends are declared.)


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To determine a Trust Portfolio's NAV, its holdings are valued as follows:

Equity Securities for which the primary market is on an exchange (whether domestic or foreign) shall be valued at the last sale price on such exchange or market on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities included within the NASDAQ market shall be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP issued, at the last sale price on such day. Securities included within the NASDAQ market for which there is no NOCP and no last sale price on the day of valuation shall be valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Equity securities that are not sold on an exchange or NASDAQ are generally valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker. A Trust Portfolio may own securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Trust Portfolio does not price its shares. Therefore, the value of a Trust Portfolio's assets may change on days when shareholders cannot purchase or redeem Trust Portfolio shares.

All short-term debt securities held by the Money Market Portfolio are valued at amortized cost. The amortized cost valuation method is widely used by mutual funds. It means that the security is valued initially at its purchase price and then decreases in value by equal amounts each day until the security matures. It almost always results in a value that is extremely close to the actual market value. The Board has established procedures to monitor whether any material deviation between valuation and market value occurs and if so, will promptly consider what action, if any, should be taken to prevent unfair results to Contract owners.

For each Trust Portfolio other than the Money Market Portfolio, short-term debt securities, including bonds, notes, debentures and other debt securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks, with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).

Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at cost with interest accrued or discount amortized to the date of maturity, unless such valuation, in the judgment of PI or a subadviser, does not represent fair value.

Convertible debt securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed convertible debt securities for which the primary market is believed by PI or a subadviser to be over-the-counter, are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices provided by a principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).

Other debt securities —those that are not valued on an amortized cost basis—are valued using an independent pricing service.

Options on stock and stock indexes that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange.

Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the last sale price at the close of the commodities exchange or board of trade on which they are traded. If there has been no sale that day, the securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on that exchange or board of trade.

Forward currency exchange contracts are valued at the cost of covering or offsetting such contracts calculated on the day of valuation. Securities which are valued in accordance herewith in a currency other than U.S. dollars shall be converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at a rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service on the day of valuation.


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Over-the-counter (OTC) options are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by a dealer (which may be the counterparty). A subadviser will monitor the market prices of the securities underlying the OTC options with a view to determining the necessity of obtaining additional bid and ask quotations from other dealers to assess the validity of the prices received from the primary pricing dealer.

Distributor

The Trust currently sells its shares only to insurance company separate accounts to fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.

OTHER INFORMATION

Federal Income Taxes

The Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits will be "passed through" pro rata directly to the participating insurance companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes. Distributions may be made to the various separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies in the form of additional shares (not in cash).

Holders of variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies should consult the prospectuses of their respective contracts or policies for information on the federal income tax consequences to such holders. In addition, variable contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Trust, including the application of state and local taxes.

Monitoring for Possible Conflicts

The Trust sells its shares to fund variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity contracts and is authorized to offer its shares to qualified retirement plans. Because of differences in tax treatment and other considerations, it is possible that the interest of variable life insurance contract owners, variable annuity contract owners and participants in qualified retirement plans could conflict. The Trust will monitor the situation and in the event that a material conflict did develop, the Trust would determine what action, if any, to take in response.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio's portfolio securities is described in the SAI and is available at www.prudentialannuities.com. The Trust will provide a full list of the securities held by the Portfolio at www.prudentialannuities.com, in accordance with those policies and procedures. The Trust will also file a list of securities held by the Portfolio with the Commission as of the end of each quarter. The Trust's quarterly portfolio holdings filings are available on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.

Legal Proceedings

Commencing in 2003, Prudential Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) received formal requests for information from the SEC and the New York Attorney General's Office (NYAG) relating to market timing in variable annuities by certain American Skandia entities. In connection with these investigations, with the approval of Skandia, an offer was made by American Skandia to the SEC and NYAG, to settle these matters by paying restitution and a civil penalty. In April 2009, AST Investment Services, Inc., formerly named American Skandia Investment Services, Inc. (ASISI), reached a resolution of these previously disclosed investigations by the SEC and the NYAG into market timing related misconduct involving certain variable annuities. The settlements relate to conduct that generally occurred between January 1998 and September 2003. The Company acquired ASISI from Skandia Insurance Company Ltd (publ) (Skandia) in May 2003. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company implemented controls, procedures and measures designed to protect customers from the types of activities involved in these investigations. These settlements resolve the investigations by the above named authorities into these


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matters, subject to the settlement terms. Under the terms of the settlements, ASISI has paid a total of $34 million in disgorgement and an additional $34 million as a civil money penalty into a Fair Fund administered by the SEC to compensate those harmed by the market timing related activities. Pursuant to the settlements, ASISI has retained, at its ongoing cost and expense, the services of an Independent Distribution consultant acceptable to the Staff of the SEC to develop a proposed plan for the distribution of Fair Fund amounts according to a methodology developed in consultation with and acceptable to the Staff. As part of these settlements, ASISI hired an independent third party which conducted a compliance review and issued a report of its findings and recommendations to ASISI's Board of Directors, the Audit Committee of the Trust's Board of Trustees and the Staff of the SEC. In addition, ASISI has agreed, among other things, to continue to cooperate with the SEC and NYAG in any litigation, ongoing investigations or other proceedings relating to or arising from their investigations into these matters. Under the terms of the Acquisition Agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired ASISI from Skandia, the Company was indemnified for the settlements.

Payments to Affiliates

PI and AST and its affiliates, including a subadviser or the distributor of the Portfolios may compensate affiliates of PI and AST, including the insurance companies issuing variable annuity or variable life contracts by providing reimbursement, defraying the costs of, or paying directly for, among other things, marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide in connection with the variable annuity and/or variable life contracts which offer the Portfolios as investment options. These services may include, but are not limited to: sponsoring or co-sponsoring various promotional, educational or marketing meetings and seminars attended by distributors, wholesalers, and/or broker dealer firms' registered representatives, and creating marketing material discussing the contracts, available options, and the Portfolios.

The amounts paid depend on the nature of the meetings, the number of meetings attended by PI or AST, the subadviser, or distributor, the number of participants and attendees at the meetings, the costs expected to be incurred, and the level of PI's, AST's, subadviser's or distributor's participation. These payments or reimbursements may not be offered by all advisers, subadvisers, or distributor and the amounts of such payments may vary between and among each adviser, subadviser and distributor depending on their respective participation.

With respect to variable annuity contracts, the amounts paid under these arrangements to Prudential-affiliated insurers are set forth in the prospectuses for the variable annuity contracts which offer the Portfolios as investment options.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Because the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, no financial highlights data is provided.

Because the AST MFS Portfolio had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, no financial highlights data is provided.


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APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN DEBT SECURITIES RATINGS

STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES (S&P)

Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories

Commercial Paper Ratings

A-1: This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.

A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.

Notes Ratings

An S&P notes rating reflects the liquidity factors and market risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a notes rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment.

•  Amortization schedule-the longer the final maturity relative to other maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note.

•  Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.


I-1



Note rating symbols are as follows:

SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODY'S)

Debt Ratings

Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating category from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issuer is in the higher end of its letter rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; the modifier 3 indicates that the issuer is in the lower end of the letter ranking category.

Short-Term Ratings

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor senior financial obligations and contracts. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.


I-2



PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

•  Leading market positions in well-established industries.

•  High rates of return on Portfolios employed.

•  Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

•  Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

•  Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This normally will be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

MIG 1: This designation denotes best quality. There is strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2: This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the proceeding group.

FITCH, INC.

International Long-Term Credit Ratings

AAA: Highest Credit Quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

BB: Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

B: Highly Speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

CCC, CC, C: High Default Risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.


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INVESTOR INFORMATION SERVICES:

Shareholder inquiries should be made by calling (800) 778-2255 or by writing to Advanced Series Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Additional information about the Portfolios is included in the SAI, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about each Portfolio's investments is available in the Trust's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the annual reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Portfolio's performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and additional copies of annual and semi-annual reports are available without charge by calling the above number. The SAI and the annual and semi-annual reports are also available without charge on the Trust's website at www.annuities.prudential.com/view/page/investor/294.

Delivery of Prospectus and Other Documents to Households. To lower costs and eliminate duplicate documents sent to your address, the Trust, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, may begin mailing only one copy of the Trust's prospectus, prospectus supplements, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and information statements, or any other required documents to your address even if more than one shareholder lives there. If you have previously consented to have any of these documents delivered to multiple investors at a shared address, as required by law, and you wish to revoke this consent or would otherwise prefer to continue to receive your own copy, you should call the number above, or write to the Trust at the above address. The Trust will begin sending individual copies to you within thirty days of revocation.

The information in the Trust's filings with the SEC (including the SAI) is available from the Commission. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of duplicating fees, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, DC 20549-0102. The information can also be reviewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-202-551-8090. Finally, information about the Trust is available on the EDGAR database on the Commission's internet site at www.sec.gov.

Investment Company File Act No. 811-05186




 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED AUGUST 20, 2012

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Advanced Series Trust (the Trust) is an investment company that has 68 separate investment portfolios (each, a Trust Portfolio and collectively, the Trust Portfolios) as of the date hereof. This Statement of Additional Information (this SAI) discusses the following Trust Portfolio (each, a Portfolio, and together, the Portfolio):

 

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio )
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio (the AST MFS Portfolio)

 

This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Trust, dated as of April 30, 2012 (the Prospectus) and can be obtained, without charge, by calling (800) 778-2255 or by writing to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. This SAI has been incorporated by reference into the Prospectus.

 

The Trust’s audited financial statements are incorporated into this SAI by reference to the Trust’s most recent Annual Report (File No. 811-5186). You may request a copy of the Annual Report at no charge by calling the telephone number or writing to the address indicated above.

 

1



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

3

 

 

INTRODUCTION

3

 

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

4

 

 

FUND PORTFOLIOS, INVESTMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

5

 

 

INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

7

 

 

MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS

16

 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: OTHER ACCOUNTS

20

 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: COMPENSATION AND CONFLICTS POLICIES

20

 

 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

22

 

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

23

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

24

 

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

28

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28

 

 

PART II

29

 

 

INVESTMENT RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

29

 

 

NET ASSET VALUES

49

 

 

TAXATION

50

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

51

 

 

PROXY VOTING

54

 

 

CODES OF ETHICS

54

 

 

APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN DEBT SECURITIES RATINGS

I-1

 

 

APPENDIX II: DESCRIPTION OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

II-1

 

2



 

PART I

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This SAI sets forth information about the Trust. Part I provides additional information about the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board), certain investments restrictions that apply to the Trust Portfolios, the advisory services provided to and the management fees paid by the Trust, and information about other fees paid by and services provided to the Trust. Part II provides additional information about certain investments and investment strategies that may be used by the Trust Portfolios and explanations of various investments and strategies which may be used by the Trust Portfolios and explanations of these investments and strategies, and should be read in conjunction with Part I.

 

Before reading the SAI, you should consult the Glossary below, which defines certain of the terms used in the SAI:

 

Glossary

 

Term

 

Definition

ADR

 

American Depositary Receipt

ADS

 

American Depositary Share

ASTI

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

Board

 

Board Trustees of the Trust

Board Member

 

A trustee or director of the Board of Trustees of the Trust

Code

 

Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended

EDR

 

European Depositary Receipt

ETF

 

Exchange-Traded Fund

Fannie Mae

 

Federal National Mortgage Association

Fitch

 

Fitch, Inc.

Freddie Mac

 

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

Global Depositary Receipt

 

GDR

Ginnie Mae

 

Government National Mortgage Association

IPO

 

Initial Public Offering

IRS

 

Internal Revenue Service

1933 Act

 

Securities Act of 1933, as amended

1934 Act

 

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

1940 Act

 

Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended

LIBOR

 

London Interbank Offered Rate

Manager

 

Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc.

Moody’s

 

Moody’s Investor Services, Inc.

NASDAQ

 

National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System

NAV

 

Net Asset Value

NYSE

 

New York Stock Exchange

OTC

 

Over the Counter

PI

 

Prudential Investments LLC

PMFS

 

Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC

REIT

 

Real Estate Investment Trust

RIC

 

Regulated Investment Company, as the term is used in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended

S&P

 

Standard & Poor’s Corporation

 

3



 

SEC

 

U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission

World Bank

 

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

Set forth below are certain restrictions applicable to each Portfolio. Fundamental restrictions may not be changed without a majority vote of shareholders as required by the 1940 Act.  Non-Fundamental restrictions may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

Under their fundamental investment restrictions, each of the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio will not:

 

1. Issue senior securities or borrow money or pledge its assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and rules thereunder, exemptive order, SEC release, no-action letter or similar relief or interpretations. For purposes of this restriction, the purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, short sales, derivative and hedging transactions such as interest rate swap transactions, and collateral arrangements with respect thereto, and transactions similar to any of the foregoing and collateral arrangements with respect thereto, and obligations of either Portfolio to Trustees pursuant to any deferred compensation arrangements are not deemed to be a pledge of assets or the issuance of a senior security.

 

2. Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that a Portfolio may be deemed to be an underwriter (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit either Portfolio from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or in securities of companies engaged in the real estate business.

 

4. Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit either Portfolio from (i) engaging in permissible options and futures transactions and forward foreign currency contracts in accordance with its investment policies, or (ii) investing in securities of any kind.

 

5. Make loans, except that each Portfolio may (i) lend portfolio securities in accordance with its investment policies in amounts up to 33 1 / 3  % of its total assets taken at market value, (ii) purchase money market securities and enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) acquire publicly distributed or privately placed debt securities, and (iv) make loans of money to other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any exemption there from that may be granted by the SEC or any SEC releases, no-action letters or similar relief or interpretive guidance.

 

6. Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of a Portfolio’s assets would be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry; provided that this restriction does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or to municipal securities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto). For purposes of this limitation, investments in other investment companies shall not be considered an investment in any particular industry.

 

7. With respect to 75% of the value of its total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, (i) more than 5% of the value of a Portfolio’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or (ii) more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be held by that Portfolio.

 

If a restriction on a Portfolio’s investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of the Portfolio’s assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, or change in average duration of its investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of its total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.

 

With respect to investment restriction (5), the restriction on making loans is not considered to limit either Portfolio’s investments in loan participations and assignments.

 

With respect to investment restriction (6), neither Portfolio will consider a bank-issued guaranty or financial guaranty insurance as a separate security for purposes of determining the percentage of the Portfolio’s assets invested in the securities of issuers in a particular industry.

 

4



 

With respect to investment restrictions (1) and (5), neither Portfolio will borrow or lend to any other fund unless it applies for and receives an exemptive order from the SEC, if so required, or the SEC issues rules permitting such transactions.

 

TRUST PORTFOLIOS, INVESTMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

 

The Trust is an open-end management investment company (commonly known as a mutual fund) that is intended to provide a range of investment alternatives through the Trust Portfolios, each of which is, for investment purposes, in effect a separate fund. The Trust Portfolios that are currently offered are set forth below:

 

·                   AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio

·                   AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

·                   AST BlackRock Value Portfolio

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2015

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2016

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2017

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2018

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2019

 

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2020

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2021

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2022

·                   AST Bond Portfolio 2023

·                   AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST CLS Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio

·                   AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio

·                   AST FI Pyramis® Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST First Trust Balanced Target Portfolio

 

·                   AST First Trust Capital Appreciation Target Portfolio

·                   AST Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST Global Real Estate Portfolio

·                   AST Goldman Sachs Concentrated Growth Portfolio

·                   AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio

·                   AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio

·                   AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio

·                   AST High Yield Portfolio

·                   AST Horizon Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST International Growth Portfolio

 

·                   AST International Value Portfolio

·                   AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio

·                   AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

·                   AST Jennison Large-Cap Value Portfolio

·                   AST JPMorgan Global Thematic Portfolio ( formerly AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio )

·                   AST JPMorgan International Equity Portfolio

·                   AST JPMorgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio

·                   AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio

·                   AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed-Income Portfolio

·                   AST Marsico Capital Growth Portfolio

 

·                   AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio ( effective August 20, 2012 )

·                   AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio

·                   AST MFS Growth Portfolio

·                   AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio

·                   AST Money Market Portfolio

·                   AST Neuberger Berman Core Bond Portfolio

 

5



 

·                   AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio

·                   AST Neuberger Berman / LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio

·                   AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 

·                   AST PIMCO Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio

·                   AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio

·                   AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio

·                   AST QMA US Equity Alpha Portfolio

·                   AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio

·                   AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio (formerly, AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio)

·                   AST Schroders Multi-Asset World Strategies Portfolio

·                   AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio

·                   AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio

 

·                   AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio

·                   AST T. Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio (formerly, AST AllianceBernstein Core Value Portfolio)

·                   AST T. Rowe Price Global Bond Portfolio

·                   AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

·                   AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio

·                   AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio

·                   AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio

·                   AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (effective August 20, 2012)

 

The Trust offers one class of shares in each Trust Portfolio. Shares of each Trust Portfolio are sold only to separate accounts of Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Pramerica of Bermuda Life Assurance Company, Ltd. (collectively, Prudential), and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company as investment options under variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (together, the Contracts). (A separate account keeps the assets supporting certain insurance contracts separate from the general assets and liabilities of the insurance company).

 

Not every Trust Portfolio is available under each Contract. The prospectus for each Contract lists the Trust Portfolios currently available under that particular Contract.

 

In order to sell shares to both Prudential and non-Prudential insurance companies, the Trust has obtained an exemptive order (the Order) from the United States SEC. The Trust and the Trust Portfolios are managed in compliance with the terms and conditions of that Order.

 

The Trust Portfolios are managed by Prudential Investments and AST Investment Services, Inc. (collectively referred to as PI, or the Manager) as discussed in the Prospectus. Each of the Trust Portfolios has a different investment objective. For this reason, each Trust Portfolio will have different investment results and be subject to different financial and market risks. As discussed in the Prospectus, several of the Trust Portfolios may invest in money market instruments and comparable securities as part of assuming a temporary defensive position. The investment objectives of each Trust Portfolio are discussed in the Prospectus.

 

Each of the Funds of Funds, as identified in the Prospectus, may engage in all of the investments and investment strategies discussed in Part II of this SAI, either by each such Portfolio’s investments in an underlying fund or by investing the Trust Portfolio’s assets in the investments or strategies.

 

6



 

INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

Information about the Trustees and the Officers of the Trust is set forth below. Trustees, who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Trustees who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust are referred to as “Interested Trustees.” The Trustees are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Trust and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act.

 

Independent Trustees (1)

 

Name, Address, Age
No. of Portfolios Overseen

 

Principal Occupation(s) During
Past Five Years

 

Other Directorships Held

 

 

 

 

 

Susan Davenport Austin (44)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Since 2007) and Vice President of Strategic Planning and Treasurer (2002-2007) of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation; President of Sheridan Gospel Network (Since 2004); Vice President, Goldman, Sachs & Co. (2000-2001); Associate Director, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (1997-2000); Vice President, Salomon Brothers Inc. (1993-1997); President of the Board, The MacDowell Colony (Since 2010); Member of the Board of Directors, Broadcast Music, Inc. (Since 2007); Member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (Since 2010); formerly Member of the Board of Directors, National Association of Broadcasters (2004-2010).

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Saul K. Fenster, Ph.D. (78)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

President Emeritus of New Jersey Institute of Technology (since 2002); formerly President (1978-2002) of New Jersey Institute of Technology; Commissioner (1998-2002) of the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education; Commissioner (1985-2002) of the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology; formerly Director (1998-2005) of Society of Manufacturing Engineering Education Foundation; formerly Director of Prosperity New Jersey; formerly a director or trustee of Liberty Science Center, Research and Development Council of New Jersey, New Jersey State Chamber of

 

Formerly Director (2000-2006) of IDT Corporation.

 

7



 

 

 

Commerce, and National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delayne Dedrick Gold (73)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Marketing Consultant (1982-present); formerly Senior Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors, Prudential Bache Securities, Inc.

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

W. Scott McDonald, Jr., Ph.D. (74)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Formerly Management Consultant (1997-2004) and of Counsel (2004-2005) at Kaludis Consulting Group, Inc. (company serving higher education); formerly principal (1995-1997), Scott McDonald Associates; Chief Operating Officer (1991-1995), Fairleigh Dickinson University; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (1975-1991), Drew University; interim President (1988-1990), Drew University; formerly Director of School, College and University Underwriters Ltd.

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas T. Mooney (70)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Formerly Chief Executive Officer, Excell Partners, Inc. (2005-2007) formerly President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce (1976-2004) formerly Rochester City Manager (1973); formerly Deputy Monroe County Executive (1974-1976).

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas M. O’Brien (61)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

President and COO (since November 2006) and CEO (since April 2007) of State Bancorp, Inc. and State Bank; formerly Vice Chairman (January 1997-April 2000) of North Fork Bank; formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (December 1984-December 1996) of North Side Savings Bank; formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (May 2000-June 2006) Atlantic Bank of New York.

 

Director (since April 2008) of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York; formerly Director (December 1996-May 2000) of North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.; formerly Director (May 2000-April 2006) of Atlantic Bank of New York; Director (since November 2006) of State Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: STBC) and State Bank of Long Island.

 

 

 

 

 

F. Don Schwartz (76)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Independent Management/Marketing Consultant (since 2002); formerly CEO and President of AceCo, Inc. (1985-2001) (consulting firm specializing in universal/variable life and variable annuity products); formerly Vice President of The Equitable Life Assurance Society; formerly Guest Insurance Professor at the American College, Louisiana State University, Alabama State University and the Insurance

 

None.

 

8



 

 

 

Marketing Institute; Advisor to several state insurance commissioners; a Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Fellow of the Life Insurance Management Institute.

 

 

 

Interested Trustees (1)

 

Robert F. O’Donnell (43)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 87

 

President of Prudential Annuities (since April 2012); Senior Vice President, Head of Product, Investment Management & Marketing for Prudential Annuities (October 2008 - April 2012); Senior Vice President, Head of Product (July 2004 - October 2008).

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

Robert F. Gunia (65)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Independent Consultant (since October 2009); formerly Chief Administrative Officer (September 1999-September 2009) and Executive Vice President (December 1996-September 2009) of Prudential Investments LLC; formerly Executive Vice President (March 1999-September 2009) and Treasurer (May 2000-September 2009) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; formerly President (April 1999-December 2008) and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (December 2008-December 2009) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; formerly Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Vice President and Director (May 2003-September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

Director (since May 1989) of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy S. Cronin (46)
Number of Portfolios Overseen: 84

 

Chief Investment Officer and Strategist of Prudential Annuities (since January 2004); Director of Investment & Research Strategy (since February 1998); President of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since June 2005).

 

None.

 


(1) The year that each Trustee joined the Trust’s Board is as follows: Susan Davenport Austin, 2011; Timothy S. Cronin, 2009; Saul K. Fenster, 2003; Delayne Dedrick Gold, 2003; Robert F. Gunia, 2003; W. Scott McDonald, Jr., 2003; Thomas T. Mooney, 2003; Thomas M. O’Brien, 1992; Robert O’Donnell, 2012; F. Don Schwartz, 1992.

 

9



 

Trust Officers (a)(1)

 

Name, Address and Age 
Position with the Trust

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years

 

 

 

Kathryn L. Quirk (59)
Chief Legal Officer

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2004) of Prudential; Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since July 2005) of PI and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since June 2005) and Secretary (since February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (November 2004-August 2005) of PI; formerly Assistant Secretary (June 2005-February 2006) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Managing Director, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary (1997-2002) of Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc.

 

 

 

Deborah A. Docs (54)
Secretary

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2001) of Prudential; Vice President (since December 1996) and Assistant Secretary (since March 1999) of PI; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

 

 

Jonathan D. Shain (53)
Assistant Secretary

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since August 1998) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since May 2001) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since February 2001) of PMFS; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

 

 

Claudia DiGiacomo (37)
Assistant Secretary

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown Wood LLP (1999-2004).

 

 

 

John P. Schwartz (40)
Assistant Secretary

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since April 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of PI (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown Wood LLP (1997-2005).

 

 

 

Andrew R. French (49)
Assistant Secretary

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since February 2010) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of PMFS.

 

 

 

Timothy J. Knierim (53)
Chief Compliance Officer

 

Chief Compliance Officer of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (since July 2007); formerly Chief Risk Officer of PIM and PI (2002-2007) and formerly Chief Ethics Officer of PIM and PI (2006-2007).

 

 

 

Valerie M. Simpson (53)
Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

 

Chief Compliance Officer (since April 2007) of PI and AST Investment Services, Inc.; formerly Vice President-Financial Reporting (June 1999-March 2006) for Prudential Life and Annuities Finance.

 

 

 

Theresa C. Thompson (49)
Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

 

Vice President, Compliance, PI (since April 2004); and Director, Compliance, PI (2001 - 2004).

 

 

 

Richard W. Kinville (43)
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

 

Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2005) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2007); formerly

 

10



 

 

 

Investigator and Supervisor in the Special Investigations Unit for the New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company (August 1994-January 1999); Investigator in AXA Financial’s Internal Audit Department and Manager in AXA’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (January 1999-January 2005); first chair of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (June 2007-December 2009 ).

 

 

 

Grace C. Torres (52)
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

Assistant Treasurer (since March 1999) and Senior Vice President (since September 1999) of PI; Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) and Vice President (since June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) of Prudential Annuities Advisory Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

 

 

M. Sadiq Peshimam (48)
Assistant Treasurer

 

Vice President (since 2005) of Prudential Investments LLC.

 

 

 

Peter Parrella (53)
Assistant Treasurer

 

Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2004-2007) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; formerly Tax Manager at SSB Citi Fund Management LLC (1997-2004).

 

 

 

Alan Fu (55)
Assistant Treasurer

 

Vice President and Corporate Counsel - Tax, Prudential Financial, Inc. (since October 2003).

 


(a) Excludes Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Cronin, interested Board Members who also serve as President and Vice President, respectively.

 

(1) The year in which each individual became an Officer of the Trust is as follows: Kathryn L. Quirk, 2005; Deborah A. Docs, 2005; Jonathan D. Shain, 2005; Claudia DiGiacomo, 2005; John P. Schwartz, 2006; Andrew R. French, 2006; Timothy J. Knierim, 2007; Valerie M. Simpson, 2007; Theresa C. Thompson, 2008; Grace C. Torres, 2003; Peter Parrella, 2007; M. Sadiq Peshimam, 2006; Alan Fu, 2006; Richard W. Kinville, 2011.

 

Explanatory Notes to Tables :

 

Trustees are deemed to be “Interested”, as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of their affiliation with Prudential Investments LLC and/or an affiliate of Prudential Investments LLC. Robert O’Donnell and Timothy Cronin are Interested Trustees because they are employed by an affiliate of the Manager of the Trust. Robert F. Gunia will be considered an Interested Trustee for at least two years after his retirement from employment by the Manager and its affiliates (which was on or about October 21, 2009). He will also be an Interested Trustee as long as he holds a beneficial interest in securities issued by the Manager or its affiliates.

 

Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Trustees and Officers is c/o Prudential Investments LLC, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

 

There is no set term of office for Trustees or Officers. The Independent Trustees have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Trustees on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 78, provided that the Board may extend the retirement age on a year-by-year basis for a Trustee.

 

“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

 

11



 

“No. of Portfolios Overseen” includes all investment companies managed by the Manager that are overseen by the Trustee. The investment companies for which PI and/or ASTI serves as Manager include The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, The Prudential Series Fund, Advanced Series Trust and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.

 

Compensation of Trustees and Officers . Pursuant to the Management Agreements with the Trust (collectively, the Management Agreement), the Manager pays all compensation of Trustees, officers and employees of the Trust, other than the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or any subadviser (Non-Management Trustees). Non-Management Trustees include the Independent Trustees and Trustees that are no longer employees of the Manager. The Trust pays each of its Non-Management Trustees annual compensation in addition to certain out-of-pocket expenses. Trustees who serve on Board Committees may receive additional compensation.

 

Non-Management Trustees may defer receipt of their fees pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with the Trust. Under the terms of the agreement, the Trust accrues deferred Trustees’ fees daily which, in turn, accrue interest at a rate equivalent to the prevailing rate to 90-day U.S. Treasury Bills at the beginning of each calendar quarter or, at the daily rate of return of one or more funds managed by Prudential Investments LLC chosen by the Trustee. Payment of the interest so accrued is also deferred and becomes payable at the option of the Trustee. The Trust’s obligation to make payments of deferred Trustees’ fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Trust. The Trust does not have a retirement or pension plan for its Trustees.

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Trust for the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal year to the Non-Management Trustees for service on the Trust’s Board, and the Board of any other investment company in the Trust Complex for the most recently completed calendar year. Trustees and officers who are “interested persons” of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) do not receive compensation from the Trust Complex and therefore are not shown in the following table.

 

Compensation Received by Trustees

 

Name

 

Aggregate Fiscal
Year
Compensation
from Trust (1)

 

Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued as
Part of Trust
Expenses

 

Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement

 

Total
Compensation
from Trust and
Trust Complex for
Most Recent
Calendar Year

Susan Davenport Austin (2)

 

$180,065

 

None

 

None

 

$225,000 (3/84)*

Saul K. Fenster

 

$204,810

 

None

 

None

 

$255,00 (3/84)*

Delayne Dedrick Gold

 

$204,810

 

None

 

None

 

$255,000 (3/84)*

Robert F. Gunia

 

$188,230

 

None

 

None

 

$235,000 (3/84)*

W. Scott McDonald, Jr.**

 

$221,350

 

None

 

None

 

$275,000 (3/84)*

Thomas T. Mooney**

 

$246,220

 

None

 

None

 

$305,000 (3/84)*

Thomas M. O’Brien**

 

$221,350

 

None

 

None

 

$275,000 (3/84)*

F. Don Schwartz**

 

$196,640

 

None

 

None

 

$245,000 (3/84)*

Timothy Cronin

 

None

 

None

 

None

 

None

Stephen Pelletier (3)

 

None

 

None

 

None

 

None

 


Explanatory Notes to Compensation Table

(1) Compensation relates to portfolios that were in existence during 2011.

(2) Ms. Austin joined the Board during March 2011.

(3) Mr. Pelletier resigned from the Board effective April 18, 2012.

* Number of funds and portfolios represents those in existence as of December 31, 2011 and excludes funds that have merged or liquidated during the year.

** Under the Trust’s deferred fee arrangement, certain Board Members have elected to defer all or part of their total compensation. The total amount of deferred compensation accrued during the calendar year ended December 31, 2011, including

 

12



 

investment results during the year on cumulative deferred fees, amounted to $(2,942), $28,577, $15,221, and $60,541 for Messrs. McDonald, Mooney, O’Brien and Schwartz, respectively.

 

Board Committees . The Board has established four standing committees in connection with governance of the Trust—Audit, Compliance, Governance, and Investment Review and Risk. Information on the membership of each standing committee and its functions is set forth below.

 

Audit Committee . The Audit Committee of the Board consists of Mr. O’Brien (chair), Ms. Gold and Mr. Mooney. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is not an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in overseeing the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, accounting policies and procedures, and other areas relating to the Trust’s auditing processes. The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all audit services and any permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm directly to the Trust. The Audit Committee is also responsible for pre-approving permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to (1) the Manager and (2) any entity in a control relationship with the Manager that provides ongoing services to the Trust, provided that the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm relates directly to the operation and financial reporting of the Trust. The scope of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities is oversight. It is management’s responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal control and the independent registered public accounting firm’s responsibility to plan and carry out an audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The Audit Committee Charter is available at http://www.annuities.prudential.com/view/page/investor/294. The number of Audit Committee meetings held during the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.

 

Compliance Committee . The Compliance Committee of the Board consists of Mr. McDonald (chair), Ms. Gold, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Gunia and Mr. Mooney (ex-officio). The Compliance Committee serves as a liaison between the Board and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The Compliance Committee is responsible for considering, in consultation with the Board’s Chair and outside counsel, any material compliance matters that are identified and reported by the CCO to the Compliance Committee between Board meetings. The Compliance Committee is also responsible for considering, when requested by the CCO, the CCO’s recommendations regarding the materiality of compliance matters to be reported to the Board. The Compliance Committee reviews compliance matters that it determines warrant review between Board meetings. Further, when the CCO wishes to engage an independent third party to perform compliance-related work at the Trust’s expense, the Compliance Committee will evaluate with the CCO which third party to recommend to the Board as well as the appropriate scope of the work. The number of Compliance Committee meetings held during the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Compliance Committee Charter is available on the Trust’s website at http://www.annuities.prudential.com/view/page/investor/294.

 

Governance Committee . The Governance Committee of the Board is responsible for nominating Trustees and making recommendations to the Board concerning Board composition, committee structure and governance, director compensation and expenses, director education, and governance practices. The members of the Governance Committee are Mr. Fenster (Chair), Mr. McDonald, Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Mooney (ex-officio). The Board has determined that each member of the Governance Committee is not an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act. The number of Governance Committee meetings held during the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Governance Committee Charter is available on the Trust’s website at http://www.annuities.prudential.com/view/page/investor/294.

 

Investment Review and Risk Committee (IRRC) .  The IRRC consists of all members of the Board and is chaired by Mr. Mooney, the Chairman of the Board.  The Board created the IRRC to help the Board in reviewing certain types of risk, especially those risks related to portfolio investments, the subadvisers for the Portfolios and other related risks.  The responsibilities of the IRRC include, but are not limited to: reviewing written materials and reports pertaining to Portfolio performance, investments and risk from subadvisers, the Strategic Investment Review Group (SIRG) of Prudential Investments LLC (PI) and others; considering presentations from subadvisers, the Manager, SIRG or other service providers on matters relating to Portfolio performance, investments and risk; and periodically reviewing management’s evaluation of various types of risks to the Portfolios.

 

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Leadership Structure and Qualifications of Board. The Board is responsible for oversight of the Trust. The Trust has engaged the Manager to manage the Trust on a day-to-day basis. The Board oversees the Manager and certain other principal service providers in the operations of the Trust. The Board is currently composed of ten members, seven of whom are Independent Trustees and one of whom is no longer an employee of the Manager or its affiliates but does not currently meet the requirements for an Independent Trustee. There are also two Trustees who are employed by the Manager. The Board meets in-person at regularly scheduled meetings four times throughout the year. In addition, the Board Members may meet in-person or by telephone at special meetings or on an informal basis at other times. As described above, the Board has established three standing committees - Audit, Compliance and Governance - and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities.

 

The Board is chaired by an Independent Trustee. As Chair, this Independent Trustee leads the Board in its activities. Also, the Chair acts as a member or an ex-officio member of each standing committee and any ad hoc committee of the Board of Trustees. The Board is vice chaired by an Independent Trustee. As Vice-Chair this Independent Trustee will, in the absence of the Chair lead the Board in its activities. The Trustees have determined that the Board’s leadership and committee structure is appropriate because the Board believes it sets the proper tone to the relationships between the Trust, on the one hand, and the Manager, the subadviser(s) and certain other principal service providers, on the other, and facilitates the exercise of the Board’s independent judgment in evaluating and managing the relationships. In addition, the structure efficiently allocates responsibility among committees.

 

The Board has concluded that, based on each Board Member’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Board Members, each Board Member should serve as a Board Member. Among other attributes common to all Board Members are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the various service providers to the Trust, and to exercise reasonable business judgment in the performance of their duties as Board Members. In addition, the Board has taken into account the actual service and commitment of the Board members during their tenure in concluding that each should continue to serve. A Board Member’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through a Board Member’s educational background or professional training; business, consulting, public service or academic positions; experience from service as a Board Member of the Trust, other funds in the Trust Complex, public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations; or other experiences. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience qualifications, attributes or skills of each Board Member that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a Board Member.

 

Ms. Gold and Messrs. Fenster, McDonald, Mooney, O’Brien and Schwartz have each served for more than 10 years as a Board Member of mutual funds advised by the Manager or its predecessors, including some or all of the following funds: Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc, and/or other mutual funds advised by Prudential Investments or its predecessors. In addition, Messrs. Fenster and McDonald have more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership positions at institutions of higher learning. Ms. Gold has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Mr. Mooney has more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership positions with municipal organizations and other companies. Mr. O’Brien has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the banking industry. Mr. Schwartz has more than 30 years experience as a management consultant including in the financial services industry and additional experience in the insurance industry. Messrs. Fenster, Mooney and O’Brien have experience serving on boards of other entities. Mr. Gunia has served for more than 10 years as a Board Member of mutual funds advised by the Manager or its predecessors. In addition, Mr. Gunia served in senior leadership positions for more than 28 years with the Manager and its affiliates and predecessors. Ms. Austin currently serves as a director and as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation and President of the Sheridan Gospel Network. In addition to her experience in senior leadership positions with private companies, Ms. Austin has more than 10 years of experience in the investment banking industry. Mr. O’Donnell is President of Prudential Annuities. Mr. Cronin, an Interested Trustee of the Trust and other funds advised by the Manager since 2009, has served as a Vice President of the Trust and other funds advised by the Manager since 2009 and has held senior positions with Prudential Financial (and American Skandia, which was purchased by Prudential Financial) since 1998.

 

Specific details about each Trustee’s professional experience is set forth in the professional biography tables, above.

 

14



 

Risk Oversight. Investing in general and the operation of a mutual fund involve a variety of risks, such as investment risk, compliance risk, and operational risk, among others. The Board oversees risk as part of its oversight of the Trust. Risk oversight is addressed as part of various regular Board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from among others, the Manager, sub-advisers, the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, counsel, and internal auditors of the Manager or its affiliates, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Trust and the risk management programs of the Manager and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Trust resides with the Manager and other service providers to the Trust. Although the risk management policies of the Manager and the service providers are designed to be effective, those policies and their implementation vary among service providers and over time, and there is no guarantee that they will be effective. Not all risks that may affect the Trust can be identified or processes and controls developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects, and some risks are simply beyond any control of the Trust or the Manager, its affiliates or other service providers.

 

Selection of Trustee Nominees . The Governance Committee is responsible for considering trustee nominees for Trustees at such times as it considers electing new members to the Board. The Governance Committee may consider recommendations by business and personal contacts of current Board members, and by executive search firms which the Committee may engage from time to time and will also consider shareholder recommendations. The Governance Committee has not established specific, minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a nominee. In evaluating nominees, the Governance Committee considers, among other things, an individual’s background, skills, and experience; whether the individual is an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; and whether the individual would be deemed an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of applicable Commission rules. The Governance Committee also considers whether the individual’s background, skills, and experience will complement the background, skills, and experience of other nominees and will contribute to the diversity of the Board. There are no differences in the manner in which the Governance Committee evaluates nominees for the Board based on whether the nominee is recommended by a shareholder.

 

A shareholder who wishes to recommend a director for nomination should submit his or her recommendation in writing to the Chair of the Board (Thomas T. Mooney) or the Chair of the Governance Committee (Saul K. Fenster), in either case in care of the Trust, at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077. At a minimum, the recommendation should include: the name, address, and business, educational, and/or other pertinent background of the person being recommended; a statement concerning whether the person is an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; any other information that the Trust would be required to include in a proxy statement concerning the person if he or she was nominated; and the name and address of the person submitting the recommendation, together with the number of Trust shares held by such person and the period for which the shares have been held. The recommendation also can include any additional information which the person submitting it believes would assist the Governance Committee in evaluating the recommendation.

 

Shareholders should note that a person who owns securities issued by Prudential Financial, Inc. (the parent company of the Trust’s investment adviser) would be deemed an “interested person” under the 1940 Act. In addition, certain other relationships with Prudential Financial, Inc. or its subsidiaries, with registered broker-dealers, or with the Trust’s outside legal counsel may cause a person to be deemed an “interested person.” Before the Governance Committee decides to nominate an individual to the Board, Committee members and other Board members customarily interview the individual in person. In addition, the individual customarily is asked to complete a detailed questionnaire which is designed to elicit information which must be disclosed under Commission and stock exchange rules and to determine whether the individual is subject to any statutory disqualification from serving on the board of a registered investment company.

 

Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)

 

Audit Committee 

 

Governance
Committee

 

Compliance Committee

 

Investment Review and
Risk Committee

 

4

 

3

 

4

 

2

 

 

Share Ownership . Information relating to each Trustee’s share ownership in the indicated Trust(s) and in all registered funds in the PI-advised funds that are overseen by the respective Trustee as of the most recently completed calendar year is set forth in the chart below.

 

15



 

Trustee Share Ownership

 

Name

 

Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Trust

 

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities Owned by
Trustee in All Registered
Investment Companies in Trust
Complex

Susan Davenport Austin

 

None

 

None

Timothy Cronin

 

None

 

$50,001-$100,000

Saul K. Fenster

 

None

 

over $100,000

Robert F. Gunia

 

None

 

over $100,000

Delayne Dedrick Gold

 

None

 

over $100,000

W. Scott McDonald, Jr.

 

None

 

over $100,000

Thomas T. Mooney

 

None

 

over $100,000

Thomas M. O’Brien

 

None

 

over $100,000

Robert O’Donnell

 

None

 

over $100,000

F. Don Schwartz

 

None

 

over $100,000

 

None of the Independent Trustees, or any member of his / her immediate family, owned beneficially or of record any securities in an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust as of the most recently completed calendar year.

 

Shareholder Communications with the Board . Shareholders of the Trust can communicate directly with the Board by writing to the Chair of the Board, c/o the Trust, 1 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to that Trustee, c/o the Trust, 1 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484. Such communications to the Board or individual Trustees are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.

 

MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS

 

Co-Managers . The co-investment managers of the Trust are PI and ASTI, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102. As of December 31, 2011, PI served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential U.S. and offshore open-end investment companies, and as administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $160.5 billion. PI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM HoldCo LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Asset Management Holding Company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential).

 

16



 

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Trust, manages both the investment operations of each Portfolio and the composition of each Portfolio, including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities and other assets. In connection therewith, the Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Trust. The Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Trust. The Manager will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements. The Manager will review the performance of the Subadvisers (as later defined) and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of investment advisers and the renewal of contracts. The Manager also administers the Trust’s corporate affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes the Trust with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by, the Trust’s custodian (the Custodian), and the Trust’s transfer agent. The management services of the Manager to the Trust are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and the Manager is free to, and does, render management services to others.

 

In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Trust, the Manager bears the following expenses:

 

·                   the salaries and expenses of all of its and the Trust’s personnel except the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or any subadviser;

·                   all expenses incurred by the Manager or the Trust in connection with managing the ordinary course of a Trust’s business, other than those assumed by the Trust as described below; and

·                   the fees, costs and expenses payable to any investment subadvisers pursuant to Subadvisory Agreements between the Manager and such investment subadvisers.

 

Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Trust is responsible for the payment Trust expenses not paid by the Manager, including:

 

·                   the fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the management of the investment and reinvestment of the Trust’s assets payable to the Manager;

·                   the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Manager or any subadviser;

·                   the fees and certain expenses of the custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent, including the cost of providing records to the Manager in connection with its obligation of maintaining required records of the Trust and of pricing the  Trust’s shares;

·                   the charges and expenses of the Trust’s legal counsel and independent auditors;

·                   brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with its securities (and futures, if applicable) transactions;

·                   all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Trust to governmental agencies;

·                   the fees of any trade associations of which the Trust may be a member;

·                   the cost of share certificates representing and/or non-negotiable share deposit receipts evidencing shares of the Trust;

·                   the cost of fidelity, directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;

·                   the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Trust and of its shares with the Commission and paying notice filing fees under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Trust’s registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes;

·                   allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders’ and Trustees’ meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing reports and notices to shareholders;

·                   litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust’s business and distribution and service (12b-1) fees.

 

The Management Agreement provides that the Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment by the Manager or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties. The Management Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically, if assigned (as defined in the 1940 Act), and that it may be terminated without penalty by either the Manager or a Trust by the Board or vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, (as defined in the 1940 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 accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

17



 

Fees payable under the Management Agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. The Manager 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 a Portfolio. Management fee waivers and subsidies will increase a Portfolio’s total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at any time without notice.

 

The table below sets forth the applicable contractual management fee rate and the management fees received by the Manager from the Trust for each Portfolio for the indicated fiscal years.

 

The manager-of-managers structure operates under an order issued by the SEC. The current order permits us to hire subadvisers or amend subadvisory agreements, without shareholder approval, only with subadvisers that are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. The current order imposes the following conditions:

 

1. The Manager will provide general management and administrative services to the Trust including overall supervisory responsibility for the general management and investment of the Trust’s securities portfolio, and, subject to review and approval by the Board, will (a) set the Portfolios’ overall investment strategies; (b) select subadvisers; (c) monitor and evaluate the performance of subadvisers; (d) allocate and, when appropriate, reallocate a Portfolio’s assets among its subadvisers in those cases where a Portfolio has more than one subadviser; and (e) implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the subadvisers comply with the Trust’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions.

 

2. Before a Portfolio may rely on the order, the operation of the Portfolio in the manner described in the Application will be approved by a majority of its outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, or, in the case of a Portfolio whose public shareholders purchased shares on the basis of a prospectus containing the disclosure contemplated by condition (4) below, by the sole shareholder before offering of shares of such Portfolio to the public.

 

3. The Trust will furnish to shareholders all information about a new subadviser or subadvisory agreement that would be included in a proxy statement. Such information will include any change in such disclosure caused by the addition of a new subadviser or any proposed material change in a Portfolio’s subadvisory agreement. The Trust will meet this condition by providing shareholders with an information statement complying with the provisions of Regulation 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as amended, and Schedule 14C thereunder. With respect to a newly retained subadviser, or a change in a subadvisory agreement, this information statement will be provided to shareholders of the Portfolio a maximum of ninety (90) days after the addition of the new subadviser or the implementation of any material change in a subadvisory agreement. The information statement will also meet the requirements of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act.

 

4. The Trust will disclose in its prospectus the existence, substance and effect of the order granted pursuant to the Application.

 

5. No Trustee or officer of the Trust or director or officer of the Manager will own directly or indirectly (other than through a pooled investment vehicle that is not controlled by such director or officer) any interest in any subadviser except for (a) ownership of interests in PI or any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with PI, or (b) ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding securities of any class of equity or debt of a publicly-traded company that is either a subadviser or any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a subadviser.

 

6. The Manager will not enter into a subadvisory agreement with any subadviser that is an affiliated person, as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, of the Trust or the Manager other than by reason of serving a subadviser to one or more Portfolios (an “Affiliated Subadviser”) without such agreement, including the compensation to be paid thereunder, being approved by the shareholders of the applicable Portfolio.

 

7. At all times, a majority of the members of the Board will be persons each of whom is not an “interested person” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (Independent Trustees), and the nomination of new or additional Independent Trustees will be placed within the discretion of the then existing Independent Trustees.

 

8. When a subadviser change is proposed for a Portfolio with an Affiliated Subadviser, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, will make a separate finding, reflected in the Board’s minutes, that such change is in the best interests of the Portfolio and its shareholders and does not involve a conflict of interest from which the Manager or the Affiliated Subadviser derives an inappropriate advantage.

 

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Management Fee Rates and Management Fees Paid by the Portfolios

 

Portfolio

 

Contractual Fee Rate

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

0.85% of the average daily net assets

 

None

 

None

 

None

MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

0.85% of the average daily net assets

 

None

 

None

 

None

 

Voluntary Waiver of Administrative Services Fee. Shares of the Portfolios are generally purchased through variable insurance products. The Trust has entered into arrangements with the issuers of the variable insurance products offering the Portfolios under which certain Portfolios are subject to a contractual administrative services fee equal to 0.10% of each such Portfolio’s average daily net assets.  This administrative services fee compensates the issuers for providing ongoing services to Portfolio shareholders in lieu of the Trust providing such services directly to shareholders. Amounts paid under these arrangements are included in “Other Expenses.” The issuers of the variable insurance products offering the Portfolio have agreed to voluntarily waive a portion of the 0.10% administrative services fee, based on the average daily net assets of the Portfolio, as set forth in the table below:

 

Average Daily Net Assets of Portfolio

 

Fee Rate Including Waiver

Up to and including $300 million

 

0.10% (no waiver)

Over $300 million up to and including $500 million

 

0.08%

Over $500 million up to and including $750 million

 

0.07%

Over $750 million

 

0.06%

 

Subadvisers . The Manager has entered into separate subadvisory agreements relating to the Portfolios (each, a Subadvisory Agreement and collectively, the Subadvisory Agreements) with each subadviser listed below.

 

Portfolio

 

Subadvisers**

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio *

 

Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset)
Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML)

 

 

 

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS)

 


* The two subadvisers for the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio are collectively referred to in this SAI as the “Western Asset Subadvisers.”

** The Western Asset Subadvisers and MFS are collectively referred to as the “Subadvisers.”

 

Each Subadvisory Agreement provides that the relevant Subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of each Portfolio. In connection therewith, each Subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Trust. Under each Subadvisory Agreement, the relevant Subadviser, subject to the supervision of the Manager, is responsible for managing the assets of the relevant Portfolio in accordance with that Portfolio’s investment objectives, investment program and policies. Each Subadviser determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for a Portfolio and are responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to that Portfolio. The Manager continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises each Subadviser’s performance of such services.

 

Pursuant to each Subadvisory Agreement, the Manager pays each Subadviser a fee. The tables below set forth the current fee rates and fees paid by the Manager to each Subadviser with respect to the Portfolios for the three most recent fiscal years. The fee rates represent the fees as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets.

 

As discussed in the Prospectus, the Manager employs each Subadviser under a “manager of managers” structure that allows the Manager to replace a Subadviser or amend a Subadvisory Agreement without seeking shareholder approval. The Manager is authorized to select (with the approval of the Board in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act) one or more subadvisers to handle the actual day-to-day investment management of a Portfolio. The Manager monitors each Subadviser’s performance through quantitative and qualitative analysis and periodically reports to the Board as to whether the relevant Subadvisory Agreement should be renewed, terminated or modified. It is possible that the Manager will continue to be satisfied with the performance record of the Subadvisers and not recommend the appointment of an additional Subadviser. The Manager is also responsible for allocating assets among the Subadvisers if a Portfolio has more than one subadviser. In those circumstances, the allocation for each Subadviser can range from 0% to 100% of the Portfolio’s assets, and the Manager can change the allocations without Board or shareholder approval. The Manager will review the allocations periodically and may adjust them without prior notice. The annual update to the Trust’s

 

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prospectus will reflect these adjustments. Shareholders will be notified of any new subadvisers or materially amended Subadvisory Agreements.

 

 

 

Subadvisory Fee Rates

Western Asset Subadvisers

 

0.40% of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio’s average daily net assets to $100 million;

0.20% of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio’s average daily net assets over $100 million

 

 

 

MFS

 

0.35% of AST MFS Portfolio’s average daily net assets to $100 million;

0.30% of AST MFS Portfolio’s average daily net assets from $100 million to $500 million;

0.275% of AST MFS Portfolio’s average daily net assets over $500 million

 

These subadvisory fees are not directly paid to the relevant Subadviser by a Portfolio.  Instead, the subadvisory fees are paid by the Manager to the relevant Subadviser out of the investment management fees received by the Manager from a Portfolio.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: OTHER ACCOUNTS

 

Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers — Other Accounts and Trust Ownership. The following tables set forth information about the Portfolio and accounts other than the Portfolio for which the Portfolio’s portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of December 31, 2011.  The table shows, for the Portfolio manager, the number of accounts managed and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts whose fees are based on performance is indicated in italics typeface. The tables also set forth the dollar range of equity securities of the Portfolio of the Trust beneficially owned by the portfolio managers.

 

 

 

Portfolio
Manager(s)

 

Registered
Investment
Companies/
Total Assets

 

Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles/Total
Assets

 

Other
Accounts/Total
Assets

 

Ownership
of Portfolio
Securities

 

Western Asset/WAML

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Walsh

 

102/$163,938,381,955.46

 

208/$103,652,071,901.64

 

741/$175,549,422,985.00

 

None

 

 

 

Keith Gardner

 

41/$27,033,325,289.73

 

7/$2,550,563,646.83

 

2/$1,116,862,383.47

 

None

 

 

 

Matthew Duda

 

4/$1,350,747,101.53

 

3/$260,814,336.53

 

16/$1,209,859,642.23

 

None

 

 

 

 

Portfolio
Manager(s)

 

Registered
Investment
Companies/
Total Assets

 

Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles/Total 
Assets

 

Other
Accounts/Total
Assets

 

Ownership
of Portfolio
Securities

 

MFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nevin P. Chitkara

 

18/$38.6 billion

 

4/$2.5 billion

 

35/$9.9 billion

 

None

 

 

 

Steven R. Gorham

 

18/$38.6 billion

 

4/$2.5 billion

 

35/$9.9 billion

 

None

 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: COMPENSATION AND CONFLICTS POLICIES

 

Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers — Compensation and Conflicts of Interest. Set forth below, for each Portfolio Manager, is an explanation of the structure of, and method(s) used by, the relevant Subadviser (or, where applicable, the Manager) to determine, portfolio manager compensation. Also set forth below, for the Portfolio Manager, is an explanation of any material conflicts of interest that may arise between the Portfolio Manager’s management of a Portfolio’s investments and investments in other accounts.

 

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Western Asset Management Company

Western Asset Management Company Limited

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION. At Western Asset, one compensation methodology covers all products and functional areas, including portfolio managers. Western Asset’s philosophy is to reward its employees through Total Compensation. Total Compensation is reflective of the external market value for skills, experience, ability to produce results, and the performance of one’s group and the firm as a whole. Discretionary bonuses make up the variable component of total compensation. These are structured to reward sector specialists for contributions to the firm as well as relative performance of their specific portfolios/product and are determined by the professional’s job function and performance as measured by a formal review process.

 

For portfolio managers, the formal review process includes a thorough review of portfolios they were assigned to lead or with which they were otherwise involved, and includes not only investment performance, but maintaining a detailed knowledge of client portfolio objectives and guidelines, monitoring of risks and performance for adherence to these parameters, execution of asset allocation consistent with current firm and portfolio strategy, and communication with clients. In reviewing investment performance, one, three, and five year annualized returns are measured against appropriate market peer groups and to each fund’s benchmark index.

 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST . Western Asset has adopted compliance policies and procedures to address a wide range of potential conflicts of interest that could directly impact client portfolios. For example, potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios (including portfolios managed in a personal capacity). These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the knowledge and timing of a portfolio’s trades, investment opportunities and broker selection. portfolio managers are privy to the size, timing, and possible market impact of a portfolio’s trades. It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a portfolio and another account. A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, the advisers or an affiliate has an interest in the account. The firm has adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time. All eligible accounts that can participate in a trade share the same price on a pro-rata allocation basis to ensure that no conflict of interest occurs. Trades are allocated among similarly managed accounts to maintain consistency of portfolio strategy, taking into account cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy.

 

With respect to securities transactions, the adviser determines which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the firm may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer. In these cases, trades for a portfolio in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a portfolio or the other account(s) involved. Additionally, the management of multiple portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each portfolio and/or other account. Western Asset’s team approach to portfolio management and block trading approach works to limit this potential risk.

 

The firm also maintains a gift and entertainment policy to address the potential for a business contact to give gifts or host entertainment events that may influence the business judgment of an employee. Employees are permitted to retain gifts of only a nominal value and are required to make reimbursement for entertainment events above a certain value. All gifts (except those of a de minimus value) and entertainment events that are given or sponsored by a business contact are required to be reported in a gift and entertainment log which is reviewed on a regular basis for possible issues.

 

Employees of the firm have access to transactions and holdings information regarding client accounts and the firm’s overall trading activities. This information represents a potential conflict of interest because employees may take advantage of this information as they trade in their personal accounts. Accordingly, the firm maintains a Code of Ethics that is compliant with Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1 to address personal trading. In addition, the Code of Ethics seeks to establish broader principles of good conduct and fiduciary responsibility in all aspects of the firm’s business. The Code of Ethics is administered by the Legal and Compliance Department and monitored through the firm’s compliance monitoring program.

 

Western Asset may also face other potential conflicts of interest with respect to managing client assets, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist. The firm also maintains a compliance monitoring program and engages independent auditors to conduct a SSAE16/ISAE 3402 audit on an annual basis. These steps help to ensure that potential conflicts of interest have been addressed.

 

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Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS)

 

COMPENSATION. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually. As of December 31, 2011, portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:

 

·                   Base Salary—Base salary represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation than performance bonus.

·                   Performance Bonus—Generally, the performance bonus represents more than a majority of portfolio manager total cash compensation.

 

The performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, generally with more weight given to the former and less weight given to the latter. The quantitative portion is based on the pre-tax performance of assets managed by the portfolio manager over one-, three-, and five-year periods relative to peer group universes and/or indices (“benchmarks”).

 

Additional or different benchmarks, including versions of indices and custom indices may also be used. Primary weight is given to portfolio performance over a three-year time period with lesser consideration given to portfolio performance over one-year and five-year periods (adjusted as appropriate if the portfolio manager has served for less than five years).

 

The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (conducted by other portfolio managers, analysts, and traders) and management’s assessment of overall portfolio manager contributions to investor relations and the investment process (distinct from fund and other account performance).

 

Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests and/or options to acquire equity interests in MFS or its parent company are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process and other factors.

 

Finally, portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans (including a defined contribution plan and health and other insurance plans) and programs available generally to other employees of MFS. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager’s compensation depends upon the length of the individual’s tenure at MFS and salary level, as well as other factors.

 

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager’s management of both the portfolio and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential conflicts.

 

The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) gives rise to potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons and fees as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances there are securities which are suitable for the portfolio as well as for accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries with similar investment objectives. A portfolio’s trade allocation policies may give rise to conflicts of interest if the portfolio’s orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts of MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely affect the value of the portfolio’s investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the portfolio may outperform investments selected for the portfolio.

 

When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed by MFS to be fair and equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the portfolio is concerned. In most cases, however, MFS believes that the portfolio’s ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the portfolio.

 

MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the portfolio, for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance adjustment and/or include an investment by the portfolio manager.

 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Custodians . The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286 serves as Custodian for the Trust’s portfolio securities and cash, and in that capacity, maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside the United States.

 

Transfer Agent and Shareholder Servicing Agent . Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust. PMFS is an affiliate of PI. PMFS provides customary transfer agency services to the Trust, including the handling of shareholder communications, the

 

22



 

processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, PMFS receives compensation from the Trust and is reimbursed for its transfer agent expenses which include an annual fee per shareholder account, a monthly inactive account fee per shareholder account and its out-of-pocket expenses; including but not limited to postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs.

 

BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (BNYAS) serves as sub-transfer agent to the Trust. PMFS has contracted with BNYAS, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, to provide certain administrative functions to the Transfer Agent. PMFS will compensate BNYAS for such services.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  KPMG served as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, and in that capacity will audit the annual financial statements for the portfolio for the current fiscal year.

 

Securities Lending Agent . Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) serves as securities lending agent for the portfolios of the Trust and in that role administers the portfolios’ securities lending program. For its services, PIM receives a portion of the amount earned by lending securities.

 

Distributor.  The Trust currently sells its shares only to insurance company separate accounts to fund the Contracts. The Trust has no principal underwriter or distributor. See the prospectus for your Contract for more information on distribution arrangements related to your Contract.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

 

The Trust has adopted a policy pursuant to which the Trust and the Manager, the Subadvisers, and principal underwriter are prohibited from directly or indirectly compensating a broker-dealer for promoting or selling portfolio shares by directing brokerage transactions to that broker. The Trust has adopted procedures for the purpose of deterring and detecting any violations of the policy. The policy permits the Trust, the Manager, and the Subadvisersto use selling brokers to execute transactions in portfolio securities so long as the selection of such selling brokers is the result of a decision that executing such transactions is in the best interest of a portfolio and is not influenced by considerations about the sale of portfolio shares.

 

The Manager and the relevant Subadvisers are responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, futures contracts and options on such securities and futures for the portfolio’s, the selection of brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. On a national securities exchange, broker-dealers may receive negotiated brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions, including options, futures, and options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying securities upon the exercise of options. On a foreign securities exchange, commissions may be fixed.  Orders may be directed to any broker or futures commission merchant including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws, Wells Fargo Advisors and its affiliates, or one of the affiliates of a Subadviser (an affiliated broker). Brokerage commissions on U.S. securities, options and futures exchanges or boards of trade are subject to negotiation between the Manager (or the Subadviser) and the broker or futures commission merchant.

 

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 U.S. government agency securities may be purchased directly from the issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. The Trust will not deal with an affiliated broker in any transaction in which an affiliated broker acts as principal except in accordance with the rules of the Commission. Thus, it will not deal in the over-the-counter market with Wells Fargo Advisors acting as market maker, and it will not execute a negotiated trade with an affiliated broker if execution involves Wells Fargo Advisors acting as principal with respect to any part of the Trust’s order.

 

In placing orders for portfolio securities of a Portfolio, the overriding objective of the Manager and the Subadvisers is to obtain the best possible combination of favorable price and efficient execution. The Manager and the Subadvisers seek to effect such transaction at a price and commission that provides the most favorable total cost of proceeds reasonably attainable in the circumstances. The factors that the Manager and the Subadvisers may consider in selecting a particular broker, dealer or futures commission merchant (firms) are their knowledge of negotiated commission rates currently available and other current transaction costs; the nature of the portfolio transaction; the size of the transaction; the desired timing of the trade; the activity existing and expected in the market for the particular transaction; confidentiality; the execution, clearance and settlement capabilities of the firms; the availability of research and research related services provided through such firms; their knowledge of the financial stability of the firms; their knowledge of actual

 

23


 

 


 

or apparent operational problems of firms; and the amount of capital, if any, that would be contributed by firms executing the transaction. Given these factors, a Portfolio may pay transaction costs in excess of that which another firm might have charged for effecting the same transaction.

 

When the Manager or a Subadviser selects a firm that executes orders or is a party to portfolio transactions, relevant factors taken into consideration are whether that firm has furnished research and research-related products and/or services, such as research reports, research compilations, statistical and economic data, computer data bases, quotation equipment and services, research-oriented computer software, hardware and services, reports concerning the performance of accounts, valuations of securities, investment related periodicals, investment seminars and other economic services and consultations. Such services are used in connection with some or all of the investment activities of the Manager or the relevant Subadviser; some of such services, obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for one investment account, may be used in managing other accounts, and not all of these services may be used in connection with a Portfolio. The Manager and each Subadviser maintains an internal allocation procedure to identify those firms who have provided it with research and research-related products and/or services, and the amount that was provided, and to endeavor to direct sufficient commissions to them to ensure the continued receipt of those services that the Manager believes provide a benefit to a Portfolio and its other clients.  The Manager and each Subadviser makes a good faith determination that the research and/or service is reasonable in light of the type of service provided and the price and execution of the related portfolio transactions.

 

When the Manager or a Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of equities to be in the best interests of a Portfolio or its other clients, including Prudential, the Manager or the relevant Subadviser may, but is under no obligation to, aggregate the transactions in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the transactions, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Manager or the relevant Subadviser in the manner they consider to be most equitable and consistent with their fiduciary obligations to its clients. The allocation of orders among firms and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Board. Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling syndicate of which any affiliated broker, during the existence of the syndicate, is a principal underwriter (as defined in the 1940 Act), except in accordance with rules of the Commission. This limitation, in the opinion of the Trust, will not significantly affect either Portfolio’s ability to pursue its present investment objective. However, in the future in other circumstances, a Portfolio may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other funds with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.

 

Subject to the above considerations, an affiliated broker may act as a broker or futures commission merchant for a Portfolio. In order for an affiliated broker to effect any portfolio transactions for a Portfolio the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the affiliated broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other firms in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures being purchased or sold on an exchange or board of trade during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow the affiliated broker to receive no more than the remuneration that would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated firm in a commensurate arm’s-length transaction. Furthermore, the Board, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to the affiliated broker (or any affiliate) are consistent with the foregoing standard. In accordance with Section 11 (a) of the 1934 Act, an affiliated broker may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national securities exchange for a Portfolio unless the Trust has expressly authorized the retention of such compensation. The affiliated broker must furnish to the Trust at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained by it from transactions effected for a Portfolio during the applicable period.  Brokerage transactions with an affiliated broker are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon the broker by applicable law. Transactions in options by a Portfolio will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options that a Portfolio may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by the Manager or the relevant Subadviser and other investment advisory clients of the Manager and the relevant Subadviser. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

 

Because neither Portfolio had commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, no information concerning the brokerage commission paid by the Portfolios is included herein.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Trust History . The Trust is a managed, open-end investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust, the separate Portfolios of which are diversified, unless otherwise indicated. Formerly, the Trust was known as the Henderson International Growth Trust, which consisted of only one Portfolio (The Henderson International Growth Fund is currently known as the AST JPMorgan International Equity Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Strong International Equity Portfolio, the AST AIM International Equity Portfolio, the AST Putnam International Equity Portfolio and the Seligman Henderson International Equity Portfolio)).The Investment Manager was Henderson International, Inc. Shareholders of what was, at the time, the Henderson International Growth Fund,

 

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approved certain changes in a meeting held April 17, 1992. These changes included engagement of a new Investment Manager, engagement of a Sub-advisor and election of new Trustees. Subsequent to that meeting, the new Trustees adopted a number of resolutions, including, but not limited to, resolutions renaming the Trust. Since that time the Trustees have adopted a number of resolutions, including, but not limited to, making Portfolios available and adopting forms of Investment Management Agreements and subadvisory Agreements between the Manager and the Trust and the Manager and each subadviser, respectively.

 

The AST AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio and as the AST Lord Abbett Growth and Income Portfolio) was first offered as of May 1, 1992. The AST Goldman Sachs Concentrated Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST JanCap Growth Portfolio) and the AST Money Market Portfolio were first offered as of November 4, 1992. The AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly known as the Federated Utility Income Portfolio) and the AST UBS Dynamic Alpha Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Global Allocation Portfolio, the DeAM Global Allocation Portfolio, the AIM Balanced Portfolio, the AST Putnam Balanced Portfolio and the AST Phoenix Balanced Asset Portfolio) were first offered as of May 1, 1993. The AST High Yield Portfolio (formerly known as the Goldman Sachs High Yield Portfolio and the AST Federated High Yield Portfolio), the AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio, AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST State Street Research Small-Cap Growth Portfolio, the AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the PBHG Small-Cap Growth Portfolio), the AST Janus Small-Cap Growth Portfolio and the Founders Capital Appreciation Portfolio), the Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Hotchkis Wiley Large-Cap Value Portfolio and the AST INVESCO Capital Income Portfolio) and the AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio were first offered as of December 31, 1993. The AST T. Rowe Price Global Bond Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Scudder International Bond Portfolio) was first offered as of May 1, 1994. The AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the Berger Capital Growth Portfolio) was first offered as of January 4, 1994.

 

The AST International Value Portfolio (formerly known as the AST LSV International Value Portfolio, the AST DeAM International Equity Portfolio,the AST Founders Passport Portfolio and the Seligman Henderson International Small Cap Portfolio), the AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio and the AST PIMCO Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio were first offered as of May 2, 1995. The AST AllianceBernstein Large-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Alliance Growth Portfolio, AST Oppenheimer Large-Cap Growth Portfolio, and the Robertson Stephens Value + Growth Portfolio) was first offered as of May 2, 1996. The AST International Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST William Blair International Growth Portfolio and the AST Janus Overseas Growth Portfolio), the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Gabelli Small-Cap Value Portfolio and the AST T. Rowe Price Small Company Value Portfolio), the AST Schroders Multi-Asset World Strategies Portfolio (formerly the AST American Century Strategic Allocation Portfolio, which was formerly known as the AST American Century Strategic Balanced Portfolio) and the AST American Century Income & Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Putnam Value Growth Income Portfolio) were first offered as of January 2, 1997. The AST Marsico Capital Growth Portfolio was first offered as of December 22, 1997. The AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Lord Abbett Small Cap Value Portfolio), the AST Cohen Steers Realty Portfolio, and the AST PIM US Equity Alpha Portfolio (formerly known as the AST AllianceBernstein Managed Index 500 Portfolio, the AST Sanford Bernstein Managed Index 500 Portfolio and as the AST Bankers Trust Managed Index 500 Portfolio) were first offered as of January 2, 1998. The AST Neuberger Berman Small-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST DeAM Small-Cap Growth Portfolio and the AST Scudder Small-Cap Growth Portfolio) was first offered as of January 4, 1999. The AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio and the AST MFS Growth Portfolio were first offered as of October 18, 1999. The AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Janus Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio) was first offered as of May 1, 2000. The AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio, the AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Gabelli All-Cap Value Portfolio), the AST DeAM Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly known as the Janus Strategic Value Portfolio) and the AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed-Income Portfolio (formerly, the AST Lord Abbett Bond-Debenture Portfolio) were first offered on October 23, 2000. The AST AllianceBernstein Core Value (formerly known as the AST Sanford Bernstein Core Value) Portfolio was first offered on May 1, 2001.

 

Effective as of December 2, 2005, the AST Alger All-Cap Growth Portfolio and the AST AllianceBernstein Growth + Value Portfolio were reorganized into the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio and the AST AllianceBernstein Managed Index 500 Portfolio, respectively, and ceased to exist.

 

The AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio, the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio, the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio (formerly the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio), the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio (formerly the AST Conservative Asset Allocation Portfolio, and the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio were each first offered on or about December 5, 2005.

 

The AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio, the AST First Trust Balanced Target Portfolio and the AST First Trust Capital Appreciation Target Portfolio were each first offered on or about March 20, 2006.

 

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The AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio, the AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio, the AST CLS Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio, the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio, the AST Horizon Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio, and the AST Niemann Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio were each first offered on or about November 17, 2007.

 

The AST Bond Portfolio 2015, the AST Bond Portfolio 2018, the AST Bond Portfolio 2019, and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio were each first offered on or about January 28, 2008.

 

The AST Global Real Estate Portfolio and the AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio were each first offered on or about April 28, 2008.

 

The AST Focus Four Plus Portfolio was first offered on or about July 21, 2008.

 

Effective as of July 18, 2008, the AST DeAM Small-Cap Value Portfolio was reorganized into the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio.

 

The AST Bond Portfolio 2016 and the AST Bond Portfolio 2020 were each first offered on or about January 2, 2009.

 

Effective as of November 13, 2009, the AST Focus Four Plus Portfolio was reorganized into the AST First Trust Capital Appreciation Target Portfolio.

 

The AST Bond Portfolio 2017 and the AST Bond Portfolio 2021 were each first offered on or about January 14, 2010.

 

The AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio and the AST Jennison Large-Cap Value Portfolio were each first offered on or about November 16, 2009.

 

Effective as of March 15, 2010, the AST Niemann Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio and the AST UBS Dynamic Alpha Portfolio were renamed as the AST FI Pyramis ®  Asset Allocation Portfolio and the AST JPMorgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio, respectively.

 

Effective as of May 1, 2010, the AST DeAM Large-Cap Value Portfolio was renamed the AST Value Portfolio.  Effective as of July 16, 2010, the AST Value Portfolio was renamed as the AST BlackRock Value Portfolio.  Effective as of May 1, 2011, the AST Lord Abbett Bond-Debenture Portfolio was renamed the AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed-Income Portfolio.

 

The AST Bond Portfolio 2022 was first offered on or about January 3, 2011.

 

The AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio and the AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio were each first offered on or about May 2, 2011.

 

Effective as of April 29, 2011, the AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio was renamed the AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio.

 

The AST Neuberger Berman Small-Cap Growth Portfolio was reorganized (merged) into the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio on April 29, 2011.

 

Effective as of October 3, 2011, the AST AllianceBernstein Core Value Portfolio was re-named the AST T. Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio.

 

The AST Neuberger Berman Core Bond Portfolio and the AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio were each first offered on or about October 17, 2011.

 

The AST Bond Portfolio 2023 was first offered on or about January 3, 2012.

 

The AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio was renamed the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio on April 27, 2012.

 

The AST American Century Income & Growth Portfolio was reorganized (merged) into the AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio on April 30, 2012. The AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio was first offered on April 30, 2012.

 

Effective as of April 27, 2012, the AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio was re-named the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio.

 

The Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Portfolio was first offered on April 30, 2012.

 

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The AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio were first offered on or about August 20, 2012.

 

The AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio was first offered on or about August 20, 2012.

 

If approved by the Trustees, the Trust may add more Trust Portfolios and may cease to offer any existing Trust Portfolio in the future.

 

Effective as of May 1, 2007, the Trust changed its name from American Skandia Trust to Advanced Series Trust.

 

Description of Shares and Organization . As of the date of this SAI, the beneficial interest in the Trust is divided into 68 separate Portfolios, each offering one class of shares.

 

The Trust’s Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated December 1, 2005 (the Declaration of Trust), which governs certain Trust matters, permits the Board to issue multiple classes of shares, and within each class, an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $.001 per share. Each share entitles the holder to one vote for the election of Trustees and on all other matters that are not specific to one class of shares, and to participate equally in dividends, distributions of capital gains and net assets of each applicable Portfolio. Only shareholders of shares of a specific Portfolio may vote on matters specific to that Portfolio. Shares of one class may not bear the same economic relationship to the Trust as shares of another class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of shares of a Portfolio will receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, the proceeds of the sale of the assets held in such Portfolio less the liabilities attributable to such Portfolio. Shareholders of a Portfolio will not be liable for the expenses, obligations or debts of another Portfolio.

 

No preemptive or conversion rights apply to any of the Trust’s shares. The Trust’s shares, when issued, will be fully paid, non-assessable and transferable. The Trustees may at any time create additional series of shares without shareholder approval.

 

Generally, there will not be annual meetings of shareholders of any Trust Portfolio. A Trustee may, in accordance with certain rules of the SEC, be removed from office when the holders of record of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares either present a written declaration to the Trust’s custodian or vote in person or by proxy at a meeting called for this purpose. In addition, the Trustees will promptly call a meeting of shareholders to remove a Trustee(s) when requested to do so in writing by record holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares. Finally, the Trustees shall, in certain circumstances, give such shareholders access to a list of the names and addresses of all other shareholders or inform them of the number of shareholders and the cost of mailing their request.

 

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees to all parties, and each party thereto must expressly waive all rights of action directly against shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust’s property for all loss and expense of any shareholder of the Trust held liable on account of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust would be unable to meet its obligations wherein the complaining party was held not to be bound by the disclaimer.

 

The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will have no personal liability to any person in connection with the Trust property or affairs of the Trust except for that arising from his bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duty to that person. All persons must look solely to the Trust property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the Trust’s affairs. In general, the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification by the Trust of the Trustees and officers of the Trust except with respect to any matter as to which the Trustee or officer acted in bad faith, or with willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties.

 

From time to time, Prudential and/or its insurance company affiliates have purchased shares of the Trust to provide initial capital and to enable a Trust Portfolio to avoid unrealistically poor investment performance that might otherwise result because the amounts available for investment are too small. Prudential will not redeem any of its shares until a Trust Portfolio is large enough so that redemption will not have an adverse effect upon investment performance. Prudential will vote its shares in the same manner and in the same proportion as the shares held by the separate accounts that invest in the Trust, which in turn, are generally voted in accordance with instructions from Contract owners.

 

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

As of August 20, 2012, there were no outstanding shares of either Portfolio. As a result, as of the date of this SAI, no person owned beneficially more than 5% of any class of either Portfolio’s outstanding shares.

 

The Participating Insurance Companies are not obligated to continue to invest in shares of a Portfolio under all circumstances. Variable annuity and variable life insurance policy holders should refer to the prospectuses for such products for a description of the circumstances in which such a change might occur.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Each Portfolio is newly-organized and had no operations or financial information of its own as of the date of this SAI.  The Trust’s Annual and Semiannual Reports to Shareholders for each Portfolio will not be available until each Portfolio completes its first annual and semiannual fiscal reporting periods, respectively. We send copies of the Annual and Semiannual Reports to Shareholders for each Portfolio and any documents incorporated by reference herein upon receipt of your written or oral request. Please address your written requests to Advanced Series Trust, P.O. Box 883, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484 or call (203) 926-1888.

 

The fiscal year end for each Portfolio is December 31. KPMG serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Trust.

 

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PART II

 

INVESTMENT RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

 

Set forth below are descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that a Portfolio may use, and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. A Portfolio may invest in the types of investments and investment strategies that are consistent with its investment objective, policies and any limitations described in the prospectus and in the SAI.

 

INVESTMENT RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

 

Set forth below are descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that a Portfolio may use, and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. A Portfolio may invest in the types of investments and investment strategies that are consistent with its investment objective, policies and any limitations described in the prospectus and in the SAI.

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES . The Portfolios may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities directly or indirectly represent a participation interest in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets such as motor vehicle or credit card receivables. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.

 

Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities which represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest received to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.

 

Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments, also known as collateralized obligations, are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.

 

Credit-Related Asset-Backed Securities. This type of asset-backed security is collateralized by a basket of corporate bonds or other securities, including junk bonds. Unlike the traditional asset-backed securities described above, these asset-backed securities often do have the benefit of a security interest or ownership interest in the related collateral. With a credit-related asset-backed security, the underlying bonds have the risk of being prepaid prior to maturity. Although generally not pre-payable at any time, some of the underlying bonds may have call options, while others may have maturity dates that are earlier than the asset-backed security itself. As with traditional asset-backed securities described above, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of the resulting increase or decrease in yield to maturity after a prepayment of an underlying bond. However, the primary risk associated with credit-related asset-backed securities is the potential loss of principal associated with losses on the underlying bonds.

 

BORROWING AND LEVERAGE . A Portfolio may borrow up to 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing). The Portfolio may pledge up to 33 1/3% of its total assets to secure these borrowings. If the Portfolio’s asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, the Portfolio will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings. If the Portfolio borrows to invest in securities, any investment gains made on the securities in excess of interest paid on the borrowing will cause the net asset value of the shares to rise faster than would otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment performance of the additional securities purchased fails to cover their cost (including any interest paid on the money borrowed) to the Portfolio, the net asset value of the Portfolio’s shares will decrease faster than would otherwise be the case. This is the speculative factor known as “leverage.”

 

A Portfolio may borrow from time to time, at the subadviser’s discretion, to take advantage of investment opportunities, when yields on available investments exceed interest rates and other expenses of related borrowing, or when, in the investment adviser’s opinion, unusual market conditions otherwise make it advantageous for the Portfolio to increase its investment capacity. A Portfolio will only borrow when there is an expectation that it will benefit a Portfolio after taking into account considerations such as interest income and possible losses upon liquidation. Borrowing by a Portfolio creates an opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time,

 

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creates risks, including the fact that leverage may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of Portfolio shares and in the yield on a Portfolio. A Portfolio may borrow through forward rolls, dollar rolls or reverse repurchase agreements, although no Portfolio currently has any intention of doing so.

 

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES . Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest payments paid on corporate debt securities or the dividend preference on a preferred stock until such time as the convertible security matures or is redeemed or until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. The characteristics of convertible securities make them appropriate investments for an investment company seeking a high total return from capital appreciation and investment income. These characteristics include the potential for capital appreciation as the value of the underlying common stock increases, the relatively high yield received from dividend or interest payments as compared to common stock dividends and decreased risks of decline in value relative to the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income nature. As a result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend preference on a convertible security is generally less than would be the case if the securities were issued in nonconvertible form.

 

In analyzing convertible securities, the Manager will consider both the yield on the convertible security relative to its credit quality and the potential capital appreciation that is offered by the underlying common stock, among other things.

 

Convertible securities are issued and traded in a number of securities markets. Even in cases where a substantial portion of the convertible securities held by a Portfolio are denominated in U.S. dollars, the underlying equity securities may be quoted in the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. With respect to convertible securities denominated in a currency different from that of the underlying equity securities, the conversion price may be based on a fixed exchange rate established at the time the security is issued. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the currency in which the debt security is denominated and the currency in which the share price is quoted will affect the value of the convertible security. As described below, a Portfolio is authorized to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions in which it may seek to reduce the effect of such fluctuations.

 

Apart from currency considerations, the value of convertible securities is influenced by both the yield of nonconvertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its “investment value.” To the extent interest rates change, the investment value of the convertible security typically will fluctuate. However, at the same time, the value of the convertible security will be influenced by its “conversion value,” which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common stock. If, because of a low price of the common stock the conversion value is substantially below the investment value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value.

 

To the extent the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the price of the convertible security will be influenced principally by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over the conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed-income security. The yield and conversion premium of convertible securities issued in Japan and the Euromarket are frequently determined at levels that cause the conversion value to affect their market value more than the securities’ investment value.

 

Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other debt securities of the same issuer. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter provision, indenture or other governing instrument pursuant to which the convertible security was issued. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Certain convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder, which entitles the holder to cause the security to be redeemed by the issuer at a premium over the stated principal amount of the debt security under certain circumstances.

 

Synthetic convertible securities may be either (i) a debt security or preferred stock that may be convertible only under certain contingent circumstances or that may pay the holder a cash amount based on the value of shares of underlying common stock partly or wholly in lieu of a conversion right (a “Cash-Settled Convertible”), (ii) a combination of separate securities chosen by the Manager in order to create the economic characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., a fixed income security paired with a security with equity conversion features, such as an option or warrant ( a “Manufactured Convertible”) or (iii) a synthetic security manufactured by another party.

 

Synthetic convertible securities may include either Cash-Settled Convertibles or Manufactured Convertibles. Cash-Settled Convertibles are instruments that are created by the issuer and have the economic characteristics of traditional convertible securities but may not actually permit conversion into the underlying equity securities in all circumstances. As an example, a private company

 

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may issue a Cash-Settled Convertible that is convertible into common stock only if the company successfully completes a public offering of its common stock prior to maturity and otherwise pays a cash amount to reflect any equity appreciation. Manufactured Convertibles are created by the Manager by combining separate securities that possess one of the two principal characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., fixed income (fixed income component) or a right to acquire equity securities (“convertibility component”). The fixed income component is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed income securities, such as nonconvertible bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The convertibility component is achieved by investing in call options, warrants, or other securities with equity conversion features (equity features) granting the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of the underlying stocks within a specified period of time at a specified price or, in the case of a stock index option, the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the underlying stock index.

 

A Manufactured Convertible differs from traditional convertible securities in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a unitary market value, a Manufactured Convertible is comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the total “market value” of such a Manufactured Convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertibility component.

 

More flexibility is possible in the creation of a Manufactured Convertible than in the purchase of a traditional convertible security. Because many corporations have not issued convertible securities, the Manager may combine a fixed income instrument and an equity feature with respect to the stock of the issuer of the fixed income instrument to create a synthetic convertible security otherwise unavailable in the market. The Manager may also combine a fixed income instrument of an issuer with an equity feature with respect to the stock of a different issuer when the Manager believes such a Manufactured Convertible would better promote a Portfolio’s objective than alternate investments. For example, the Manager may combine an equity feature with respect to an issuer’s stock with a fixed income security of a different issuer in the same industry to diversify the Portfolio’s credit exposure, or with a U.S. Treasury instrument to create a Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional convertible security issued by that issuer. A Manufactured Convertible also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, “combined” to create a Manufactured Convertible. For example, a Portfolio may purchase a warrant for eventual inclusion in a Manufactured Convertible while postponing the purchase of a suitable bond to pair with the warrant pending development of more favorable market conditions.

 

The value of a Manufactured Convertible may respond differently to certain market fluctuations than would a traditional convertible security with similar characteristics. For example, in the event a Portfolio created a Manufactured Convertible by combining a short-term U.S. Treasury instrument and a call option on a stock, the Manufactured Convertible would likely outperform a traditional convertible of similar maturity that is convertible into that stock during periods when Treasury instruments outperform corporate fixed income securities and underperform during periods when corporate fixed-income securities outperform Treasury instruments.

 

CORPORATE LOANS . Commercial banks and other financial institutions make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the prime rate of U.S. banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less responsive to shifts in market interest rates. Because the trading market for corporate loans is less developed than the secondary market for bonds and notes, a Portfolio may experience difficulties from time to time in selling its corporate loans. Borrowers frequently provide collateral to secure repayment of these obligations. Leading financial institutions often act as agent for a broader group of lenders, generally referred to as a “syndicate.” The syndicate’s agent arranges the corporate loans, holds collateral and accepts payments of principal and interest. If the agent develops financial problems, a Portfolio may not recover its investment, or there might be a delay in the Portfolio’s recovery. By investing in a corporate loan, a Portfolio becomes a member of the syndicate.

 

As in the case of junk bonds, the Corporate Loans in which a Portfolio may invest can be expected to provide higher yields than higher-rated fixed income securities but may be subject to greater risk of loss of principal and income. There are, however, some significant differences between Corporate Loans and junk bonds. Corporate Loans are frequently secured by pledges of liens and security interests in the assets of the borrower, and the holders of Corporate Loans are frequently the beneficiaries of debt service subordination provisions imposed on the borrower’s bondholders. These arrangements are designed to give Corporate Loan investors preferential treatment over junk bond investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the Corporate Loans will be repaid in full. Corporate Loans generally bear interest at rates set at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate that may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, in the case of the Prime Rate of a U.S. bank, or that may be adjusted on set dates, typically 30 days but generally not more than one year, in the case of LIBOR. Consequently, the value of Corporate Loans held by a Portfolio may be expected to fluctuate significantly less than the value of fixed rate junk bond instruments as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. On the other hand, the secondary dealer market for Corporate Loans is not as well developed as the secondary dealer market for junk bonds, and therefore presents increased market risk relating to liquidity and pricing concerns.

 

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A Portfolio may acquire interests in Corporate Loans by means of a novation, assignment or participation. In a novation, a Portfolio would succeed to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and become a contracting party under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation. As an alternative, a Portfolio may purchase an assignment, in which case the Portfolio may be required to rely on the assigning institution to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower but would otherwise typically be entitled to all of such assigning institution’s rights under the credit agreement. Participation interests in a portion of a debt obligation typically result in a contractual relationship only with the institution selling the participation interest and not with the borrower. In purchasing a loan participation, a Portfolio generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Portfolio may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a Portfolio will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation to the Portfolio.

 

DEBT SECURITIES . Debt securities, such as bonds, involve credit risk. This is the risk that the issuer will not make timely payments of principal and interest. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the bonds. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of a Portfolio’s investment in that issuer. Credit risk is reduced to the extent a Portfolio limits its debt investments to U.S. Government securities. All debt securities, however, are subject to interest rate risk. This is the risk that the value of the security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities.

 

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS . A Portfolio may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of Depositary Receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and American Depositary Shares (ADSs) are receipts or shares typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) are receipts issued in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs and ADSs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Portfolio may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into or for which they may be converted or exchanged.

 

DERIVATIVES . A Portfolio may use instruments referred to as derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments the value of which is derived from another security, a commodity (such as gold or oil), a currency or an index (a measure of value or rates, such as the S&P 500 Index or the prime lending rate). Derivatives allow a Portfolio to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Portfolio is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. Each Portfolio may use Derivatives for hedging purposes. Certain Portfolios may also use derivatives to seek to enhance returns. The use of a Derivative is speculative if the Portfolio is primarily seeking to achieve gains, rather than offset the risk of other positions. When the Portfolio invests in a Derivative for speculative purposes, the Portfolio will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that Derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the Derivative’s cost. No Portfolio may use any Derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly.

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS . Each Portfolio may invest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). ETFs, which may be unit investment trusts or mutual funds, typically hold portfolios of securities designed to track the performance of various broad securities indexes or sectors of such indexes. ETFs provide another means, in addition to futures and options on indexes, of including stock index exposure in these Portfolios’ investment strategies. A Portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such ETF.

 

HEDGING . Hedging is a strategy in which a derivative or security is used to offset the risks associated with other Portfolio holdings. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a different manner than anticipated by the Portfolio or if the cost of the derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by a Portfolio, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced or may be increased. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a Portfolio’s ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by the Portfolio of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Portfolio has an open position in an option, a futures contract or a related option. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio’s hedging strategies will be effective or that

 

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hedging transactions will be available to a Portfolio. No Portfolio is required to engage in hedging transactions and each Portfolio may choose not to do so.

 

INDEXED AND INVERSE SECURITIES . A Portfolio may invest in securities the potential return of which is based on an index or interest rate. As an illustration, a Portfolio may invest in a security whose value is based on changes in a specific index or that pays interest based on the current value of an interest rate index, such as the prime rate. A Portfolio may also invest in a debt security that returns principal at maturity based on the level of a securities index or a basket of securities, or based on the relative changes of two indices. In addition, certain Portfolios may invest in securities the potential return of which is based inversely on the change in an index or interest rate (that is, a security the value of which will move in the opposite direction of changes to an index or interest rate). For example, a Portfolio may invest in securities that pay a higher rate of interest when a particular index decreases and pay a lower rate of interest (or do not fully return principal) when the value of the index increases. If a Portfolio invests in such securities, it may be subject to reduced or eliminated interest payments or loss of principal in the event of an adverse movement in the relevant interest rate, index or indices. Indexed and inverse securities may involve credit risk, and certain indexed and inverse securities may involve leverage risk, liquidity risk and currency risk. A Portfolio may invest in indexed and inverse securities for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns. When used for hedging purposes, indexed and inverse securities involve correlation risk. (Furthermore, where such a security includes a contingent liability, in the event of such an adverse movement, a Portfolio may be required to pay substantial additional margin to maintain the position.)

 

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS . Each Portfolio may invest in initial public offerings (IPOs). An IPO is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded.

 

In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), best offering price and time to bring it to market. The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and a Portfolio may not be able to buy any shares at the offering price, or if it is able to buy shares, it may not be able to buy as many shares at the offering price as it would like.

 

Investing in IPOs entails risks. Importantly, the prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. It is difficult to predict what the stock will do on its initial day of trading and in the near future since there is often little historical data with which to analyze the company. Also, most IPOs are of companies going through a transitory growth period, and they are therefore subject to additional uncertainty regarding their future value.

 

SWAP AGREEMENTS . Certain Portfolios may enter into swap transactions, including but not limited to, interest rate, index, credit default, total return and, to the extent that it may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, currency exchange rate swap agreements. In addition, certain Portfolios may enter into options on swap agreements (swap options). These swap transactions are entered into in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return.

 

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on or calculated with respect to particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” that is, the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index or other investments or instruments.

 

Most swap agreements entered into by a Portfolio would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently the Portfolio’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Portfolio’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Portfolio) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation of liquid assets.

 

To the extent that a Portfolio enters into swaps on other than a net basis, the amount maintained in a segregated account will be the full amount of the Portfolio’s obligations, if any, with respect to such swaps, accrued on a daily basis. Inasmuch as segregated accounts are established for these hedging transactions, the investment adviser and the Portfolio believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Portfolio will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreement related to the transaction. Since swaps are individually negotiated, the Portfolio expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its rights to receive a

 

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return on its portfolio securities and its rights and obligations to receive and pay a return pursuant to swaps. The Portfolio will enter into swaps only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards of the investment subadviser. The investment subadviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such parties.

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS . Certain Portfolios may enter into credit default swap agreements and similar agreements, and may also buy credit-linked securities. The credit default swap agreement or similar instrument may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by a Portfolio. The protection “buyer” in a credit default contract may be obligated to pay the protection “seller” an up front or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided generally that no credit event on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. A Portfolio may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Portfolio is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Portfolio recovers nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Portfolio generally receives an up front payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, provided that there is no credit event. If a credit event occurs, generally the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value.

 

Credit default swaps and similar instruments involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the reference obligation directly, since, in addition to general market risks, they are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Portfolio will enter into credit default swap agreements and similar instruments only with counterparties who are rated investment grade quality by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization at the time of entering into such transaction or whose creditworthiness is believed by the Manager to be equivalent to such rating. A buyer also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the up front or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Portfolio. When a Portfolio acts as a seller of a credit default swap or a similar instrument, it is exposed to many of the same risks of leverage since, if a credit event occurs, the seller may be required to pay the buyer the full notional value of the contract net of any amounts owed by the buyer related to its delivery of deliverable obligations.

 

CREDIT LINKED SECURITIES . Among the income producing securities in which a Portfolio may invest are credit linked securities, which are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such a credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain fixed income markets. For instance, a Portfolio may invest in credit linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to a certain market and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available.

 

Like an investment in a bond, investments in these credit linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer’s receipt of payments from, and the issuer’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the issuer invests. For instance, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the issuer would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a Portfolio would receive. A Portfolio’s investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is also expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAP AGREEMENTS . Certain Portfolios may enter into total return swap agreements. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of the underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market. Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to the Portfolio’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Total return swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its payment obligations to the Portfolio thereunder. Swap agreements also bear the risk that the Portfolio will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, the Portfolio will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of

 

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the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Portfolio’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of cash or liquid instruments having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by the Portfolio. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Portfolio’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of the Portfolio’s obligations will be segregated by the Portfolio in an amount equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the total return swap agreement or the amount it would have cost the Portfolio initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount the Portfolio is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.

 

Unless otherwise noted, a Portfolio’s net obligations in respect of all swap agreements (i.e., the aggregate net amount owed by the Portfolio) is limited to 15% of its net assets.

 

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDEXES . A Portfolio may invest in options on individual securities, baskets of securities or particular measurements of value or rate (an “index”), such as an index of the price of treasury securities or an index representative of short term interest rates.

 

Types of Options . A Portfolio may engage in transactions in options on individual securities, baskets of securities or securities indices, or particular measurements of value or rate (an “index”), such as an index of the price of treasury securities or an index representative of short term interest rates. Such investments may be made on exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties’ obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally do not require the parties to post margin and are subject to greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk. See “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” below.

 

A Portfolio will write only “covered” options. A written option is covered if, so long as a Portfolio is obligated the option, it (1) owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency or (2) segregates cash or other liquid assets, in an amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the option.

 

CALL OPTIONS . A Portfolio may purchase call options on any of the types of securities or instruments in which it may invest. A call option gives a Portfolio the right to buy, and obligates the seller to sell, the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. A Portfolio also may purchase and sell call options on indices. Index options are similar to options on securities except that, rather than taking or making delivery of securities underlying the option at a specified price upon exercise, an index option gives the holder the right to receive cash upon exercise of the option if the level of the index upon which the option is based is greater than the exercise price of the option.

 

Each Portfolio may only write (i.e., sell) covered call options on the securities or instruments in which it may invest and to enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered call option is an option in which a Portfolio either owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency, or the Portfolio segregates cash or other liquid assets in an amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the option. The principal reason for writing call options is the attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing covered call options, a Portfolio gives up the opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, a Portfolio’s ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out a Portfolio’s position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered call options also serve as a partial hedge to the extent of the premium received against the price of the underlying security declining.

 

PUT OPTIONS . A Portfolio may purchase put options to seek to hedge against a decline in the value of its securities or to enhance its return. By buying a put option, a Portfolio acquires a right to sell such underlying securities or instruments at the exercise price, thus limiting the Portfolio’s risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the securities or instruments until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying securities or instruments will be partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction and profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out a Portfolio’s position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. A Portfolio also may purchase uncovered put options.

 

Each Portfolio may write (i.e., sell) put options on the types of securities or instruments that may be held by the Portfolio, provided that such put options are covered, meaning that such options are secured by segregated, liquid instruments. A Portfolio will receive a

 

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premium for writing a put option, which increases the Portfolio’s return. A Portfolio will not sell puts if, as a result, more than 25% of the Portfolio’s net assets would be required to cover its potential obligations under its hedging and other investment transactions.

 

FUTURES . A Portfolio may engage in transactions in futures and options thereon. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts which obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Rather, upon purchasing or selling a futures contract a Portfolio is required to deposit collateral (margin) equal to a percentage (generally less than 10%) of the contract value. Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the Portfolio will pay additional margin representing any loss experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day or be entitled to a payment representing any profit experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day. Futures involve substantial leverage risk.

 

The sale of a futures contract limits a Portfolio’s risk of loss through a decline in the market value of portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract prior to the futures contract’s expiration date. In the event the market value of the portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract increases rather than decreases, however, a Portfolio will realize a loss on the futures position and a lower return on the portfolio holdings than would have been realized without the purchase of the futures contract.

 

The purchase of a futures contract may protect a Portfolio from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Portfolio was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Portfolio believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or a Portfolio determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Portfolio may realize a loss relating to the futures position.

 

A Portfolio is also authorized to purchase or sell call and put options on futures contracts including financial futures and stock indices in connection with its hedging activities. Generally, these strategies would be used under the same market and market sector conditions (i.e., conditions relating to specific types of investments) in which the Portfolio entered into futures transactions. A Portfolio may purchase put options or write (i.e., sell) call options on futures contracts and stock indices rather than selling the underlying futures contract in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities. Similarly, a Portfolio can purchase call options, or write put options on futures contracts and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such futures to hedge against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of securities which the Portfolio intends to purchase.

 

A Portfolio may only write “covered” put and call options on futures contracts. A Portfolio will be considered “covered” with respect to a call option it writes on a futures contract if the Portfolio owns the assets that are deliverable under the futures contract or an option to purchase that futures contract having a strike price equal to or less than the strike price of the “covered” option and having an expiration date not earlier than the expiration date of the “covered” option, or if it segregates for the term of the option cash or other liquid assets equal to the fluctuating value of the optioned future. A Portfolio will be considered “covered” with respect to a put option it writes on a futures contract if it owns an option to sell that futures contract having a strike price equal to or greater than the strike price of the “covered” option, or if it segregates for the term of the option cash or other liquid assets at all times equal in value to the exercise price of the put (less any initial margin deposited by the Portfolio with its custodian with respect to such option). There is no limitation on the amount of a Portfolio’s assets that can be segregated.

 

With respect to futures contracts that are not legally required to “cash settle,” a Portfolio may cover the open position by setting aside or earmarking liquid assets in an amount equal to the market value of the futures contact. With respect to futures that are required to “cash settle,” however, a Portfolio is permitted to set aside or earmark liquid assets in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s daily marked to market (net) obligation, if any, (in other words, the Portfolio’s daily net liability, if any) rather than the market value of the futures contract. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligation under cash-settled futures, a Portfolio will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Portfolio were required to segregate assets equal to the full market value of the futures contract.

 

Each Portfolio has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the CEA. The Manager is not, therefore, subject to registration or regulation as a “commodity pool operator” under the CEA and each Portfolio is operated so as not to be deemed to be a “commodity pool” under the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS . A Portfolio may engage in spot and forward foreign exchange transactions and currency swaps, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures and related options thereon (collectively, “Currency Instruments”) for purposes of hedging against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the U.S. dollar or, with respect to certain Portfolios, to seek to enhance returns. Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on non-U.S. dollar denominated securities owned by a Portfolio, sold by a Portfolio but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by a Portfolio. As an illustration, a Portfolio may use such techniques to

 

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hedge the stated value in U.S. dollars of an investment in a yen-denominated security. In such circumstances, for example, the Portfolio may purchase a foreign currency put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an increase in the value of the put option. To offset, in whole or in part, the cost of acquiring such a put option, the Portfolio may also sell a call option which, if exercised, requires it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date (a technique called a “straddle”). By selling such a call option in this illustration, the Portfolio gives up the opportunity to profit without limit from increases in the relative value of the yen to the dollar. “Straddles” of the type that may be used by a Portfolio are considered to constitute hedging transactions and are consistent with the policies described above. No Portfolio will attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions.

 

FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS . Forward foreign exchange transactions are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Spot foreign exchange transactions are similar but require current, rather than future, settlement. A Portfolio will enter into foreign exchange transactions for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or a portfolio position, or, with respect to certain Portfolios, to seek to enhance returns. A Portfolio may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a specific transaction by, for example, purchasing a currency needed to settle a security transaction or selling a currency in which the Portfolio has received or anticipates receiving a dividend or distribution. A Portfolio may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a portfolio position by selling forward a currency in which a portfolio position of the Portfolio is denominated or by purchasing a currency in which the Portfolio anticipates acquiring a portfolio position in the near future. A Portfolio may also hedge portfolio positions through currency swaps, which are transactions in which one currency is simultaneously bought for a second currency on a spot basis and sold for the second currency on a forward basis. Forward foreign exchange transactions involve substantial currency risk, and also involve credit and liquidity risk.

 

CURRENCY FUTURES . A Portfolio may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the U.S. dollar through use of currency futures or options thereon. Currency futures are similar to forward foreign exchange transactions except that futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts. See “Futures” above. Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.

 

CURRENCY OPTIONS . A Portfolio may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the U.S. dollar through the use of currency options. Currency options are similar to options on securities, but in consideration for an option premium the writer of a currency option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or purchase (in the case of a put option) a specified amount of a specified currency on or before the expiration date for a specified amount of another currency. A Portfolio may engage in transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. See “Types of Options” above and “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” below. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.

 

LIMITATIONS ON CURRENCY HEDGING . Most Portfolios will not speculate in Currency Instruments although certain Portfolios may use such instruments to seek to enhance returns. Accordingly, a Portfolio will not hedge a currency in excess of the aggregate market value of the securities that it owns (including receivables for unsettled securities sales), or has committed to or anticipates purchasing, which are denominated in such currency. A Portfolio may, however, hedge a currency by entering into a transaction in a Currency Instrument denominated in a currency other than the currency being hedged (a “cross-hedge”). A Portfolio will only enter into a cross-hedge if the Manager believes that (i) there is a demonstrable high correlation between the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated and the currency being hedged, and (ii) executing a cross-hedge through the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated will be significantly more cost-effective or provide substantially greater liquidity than executing a similar hedging transaction by means of the currency being hedged.

 

RISK FACTORS IN HEDGING FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS. Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments involve substantial risks, including correlation risk. While a Portfolio’s use of Currency Instruments to effect hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of the Portfolio’s shares, the net asset value of the Portfolio’s shares will fluctuate. Moreover, although Currency Instruments will be used with the intention of hedging against adverse currency movements, transactions in Currency Instruments involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that the Portfolio’s hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that a Portfolio hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Portfolio may realize losses and decrease its total return as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, a Portfolio will only engage in hedging activities from time to time and may not be engaging in hedging activities when movements in currency exchange rates occur.

 

In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, a Portfolio will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such

 

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contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. With respect to its trading of forward contracts, if any, a Portfolio will be subject to the risk of bank or dealer failure and the inability of, or refusal by, a bank or dealer to perform with respect to such contracts. Any such default would deprive the Portfolio of any profit potential or force the Portfolio to cover its commitments for resale, if any, at the then market price and could result in a loss to the Portfolio.

 

It may not be possible for a Portfolio to hedge against currency exchange rate movements, even if correctly anticipated, in the event that (i) the currency exchange rate movement is so generally anticipated that the Portfolio is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an effective price, or (ii) the currency exchange rate movement relates to a market with respect to which Currency Instruments are not available and it is not possible to engage in effective foreign currency hedging. The cost to a Portfolio of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency exchange usually are conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.

 

RISK FACTORS IN DERIVATIVES . Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks, including:

 

Counterparty credit risk — there is a risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to a Portfolio. This risk is especially important in the context of privately negotiated instruments. For example, the Portfolio would be exposed to counterparty credit risk to the extent it enters into a credit default swap, that is, it purchases protection against a default by a debt issuer, and the swap counterparty does not maintain adequate reserves to cover such a default.

 

Leverage Risk — the risk associated with certain types of investments or trading strategies (such as borrowing money to increase the amount of investments) that relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of an investment. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.

 

Liquidity Risk — the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the seller would like or at the price that the seller believes the security is currently worth.

 

Use of Derivatives for hedging purposes involves correlation risk. If the value of the Derivative moves more or less than the value of the hedged instruments, a Portfolio will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the value of the hedged instruments.

 

A Portfolio intends to enter into transactions involving Derivatives only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such instruments or, in the case of illiquid instruments traded in OTC transactions, such instruments satisfy the criteria set forth below under “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives.” However, there can be no assurance that, at any specific time, either a liquid secondary market will exist for a Derivative or the Portfolio will otherwise be able to sell such instrument at an acceptable price. It may therefore not be possible to close a position in a Derivative without incurring substantial losses, if at all.

 

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISKS . Certain Portfolios may invest in foreign equity and/or debt securities. Foreign debt securities include certain foreign bank obligations and U.S. dollar or foreign currency-denominated obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities.

 

Foreign Market Risk . Portfolios that may invest in foreign securities offer the potential for more diversification than a Portfolio that invests only in the United States because securities traded on foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently than securities in the United States. However, such investments involve special risks not present in U.S. investments that can increase the chances that a Portfolio will lose money. In particular, a Portfolio is subject to the risk that, because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be difficult for the Portfolio to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may fluctuate more than prices of securities traded in the United States.

 

Foreign Economy Risk . The economies of certain foreign markets often do not compare favorably with that of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources, and balance of payments position. Certain such economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by

 

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governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. In addition, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair a Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer the Portfolio’s assets or income back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect a Portfolio’s operations. Other foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts, and political and social instability. Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries.

 

Currency Risk and Exchange Risk . Securities in which a Portfolio invests may be denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of a Portfolio’s portfolio. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency loses value because the currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Conversely, when the U.S. dollar decreases in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency gains value because the currency is worth more U.S. dollars. This risk, generally known as “currency risk,” means that a stronger U.S. dollar will reduce returns for U.S. investors while a weak U.S. dollar will increase those returns.

 

Governmental Supervision and Regulation/Accounting Standards . Many foreign governments supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities less than does the United States. Some countries may not have laws to protect investors comparable to the U.S. securities laws. For example, some foreign countries may have no laws or rules against insider trading. Insider trading occurs when a person buys or sells a company’s securities based on nonpublic information about that company. Accounting standards in other countries are not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as U.S. accounting standards, it may be harder for Portfolio management to completely and accurately determine a company’s financial condition.

 

Certain Risks of Holding Portfolio Assets Outside the United States . A Portfolio generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on a Portfolio’s ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank or depository or issuer of a security or any of their agents goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for a Portfolio to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount a Portfolio can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Portfolio as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.

 

Settlement Risk . Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically generated by the settlement of U.S. investments. Communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates. Settlements in certain foreign countries at times have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions; these problems may make it difficult for a Portfolio to carry out transactions. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Portfolio could be liable to that party for any losses incurred.

 

Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thereby reducing the amount available for distribution to shareholders.

 

Certain transactions in Derivatives (such as futures transactions or sales of put options) involve substantial leverage risk and may expose a Portfolio to potential losses, which exceed the amount originally invested by the Portfolio. When a Portfolio engages in such a transaction, the Portfolio will deposit in a segregated account at its custodian liquid securities with a value at least equal to the Portfolio’s exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to the transaction (as calculated pursuant to requirements of the Commission). Such segregation will ensure that a Portfolio has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction, but will not limit the Portfolio’s exposure to loss.

 

Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives. Certain Derivatives traded in OTC markets, including indexed securities, swaps and OTC options, involve substantial liquidity risk. The absence of liquidity may make it difficult or impossible for a Portfolio to sell such instruments promptly at an acceptable price. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for a Portfolio to ascertain a market value for such instruments. A Portfolio will, therefore, acquire illiquid OTC instruments (i) if the agreement pursuant to which the instrument is purchased contains a formula price at which the instrument may be terminated

 

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or sold, or (ii) for which the Manager anticipates the Portfolio can receive on each business day at least two independent bids or offers, unless a quotation from only one dealer is available, in which case that dealer’s quotation may be used.

 

Because Derivatives traded in OTC markets are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation and generally do not require payment of margin, to the extent that a Portfolio has unrealized gains in such instruments or has deposited collateral with its counterparty the Portfolio is at risk that its counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. A Portfolio will attempt to minimize the risk that a counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations by engaging in transactions in Derivatives traded in OTC markets only with financial institutions that appear to have substantial capital or that have provided the Portfolio with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.

 

DISTRESSED SECURITIES . A Portfolio may invest in securities, including corporate loans purchased in the secondary market, which are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or interest at the time of acquisition by the Portfolio or are rated in the lower rating categories (Ca or lower by Moody’s and CC or lower by S&P or Fitch) or which, if unrated, are in the judgment of the Manager of equivalent quality (Distressed Securities). Investment in Distressed Securities is speculative and involves significant risks. Distressed Securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may require a Portfolio to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.

 

A Portfolio will generally make such investments only when the Manager believes it is reasonably likely that the issuer of the Distressed Securities will make an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization pursuant to which the Portfolio will receive new securities. However, there can be no assurance that such an exchange offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. In addition, a significant period of time may pass between the time at which a Portfolio makes its investment in Distressed Securities and the time that any such exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed. During this period, it is unlikely that a Portfolio will receive any interest payments on the Distressed Securities, the Portfolio will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan of reorganization will be completed and the Portfolio may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect and recover its investment. Even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to Distressed Securities held by a Portfolio, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by a Portfolio in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by a Portfolio upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of a Portfolio’s participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of Distressed Securities, the Portfolio may be restricted from disposing of such securities.

 

ILLIQUID OR RESTRICTED SECURITIES . Each Portfolio generally may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.. An illiquid security is one that may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price used to determine the Portfolio’s net asset value. Illiquid securities include, but are not limited to, certain securities sold in private placements with restrictions on resale and not traded, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, and other investment determined not to be readily marketable. The 15% limit is applied as of the date the Portfolio purchases an illiquid security. It is possible that a Portfolio’s holding of illiquid securities could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.

 

Each Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined to be liquid pursuant to the procedures of the Portfolios. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and are called Rule 144A securities. Securities determined to be liquid under these procedures are not subject to the 15% limit.

 

Investments in illiquid securities involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid securities. Investment of a Portfolio’s assets in illiquid securities may restrict the ability of the Portfolio to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where a Portfolio’s operations require cash, such as when a Portfolio has net redemptions, and could result in the Portfolio borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments.

 

Illiquid securities are often restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Portfolio or less than the fair value of the securities. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If

 

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any privately placed securities held by a Portfolio are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Portfolio may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, a Portfolio may obtain access to material non-public information, which may restrict the Portfolio’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.

 

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING RISK . The volume of initial public offerings and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If initial public offerings are brought to the market, availability may be limited and the Portfolio may not be able to buy any shares at the offering price, or if it is able to buy shares, it may not be able to buy as many shares at the offering price as it would like. In addition, the prices of securities involved in initial public offerings are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks.

 

INVESTMENT IN EMERGING MARKETS . Certain Portfolios may invest in the securities of issuers domiciled in various countries with emerging capital markets. Specifically, a country with an emerging capital market is any country that the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the United Nations or its authorities has determined to have a low or middle income economy. Countries with emerging markets can be found in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa.

 

Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks not involved in investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets, (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments, (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit a Portfolio’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.

 

Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for a Portfolio. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that a Portfolio could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets.

 

Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the United States, such as price/earnings ratios, may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and companies may be held by a limited number of persons. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Portfolio’s acquisition or disposal of securities.

 

Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because a Portfolio will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost. A Portfolio would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation.

 

Restrictions on Certain Investments . A number of publicly traded closed-end investment companies have been organized to facilitate indirect foreign investment in developing countries, and certain of such countries, such as Thailand, South Korea, Chile and Brazil have specifically authorized such Portfolios. There also are investment opportunities in certain of such countries in pooled vehicles that resemble open-end investment companies. In accordance with the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies, not more than 5% of which may be invested in any one such company. In addition, under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company. These

 

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restrictions on investments in securities of investment companies may limit opportunities for a Portfolio to invest indirectly in certain developing countries. New shares of certain investment companies may at times be acquired only at market prices representing premiums to their net asset values. If a Portfolio acquires shares of other investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses of the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such other investment companies. SEE ALSO “INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.”

 

Restrictions on Foreign Investments in Asia-Pacific Countries . Some developing Asia-Pacific countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as a Portfolio. As illustrations, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to a Portfolio’s purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.

 

The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain developing Asia-Pacific countries, as well as limitations on such investments, also may have an adverse impact on the operations of a Portfolio. For example, a Portfolio may be required in certain of such countries to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares purchased re-registered in the name of the Portfolio. Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis, resulting in a delay during which a Portfolio may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where a Portfolio places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled, depriving the Portfolio of the ability to make its desired investment at that time.

 

Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to a Portfolio’s ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. A Portfolio could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Portfolio of any restrictions on investments. For example, in September 1998, Malaysia imposed currency controls that limited a Portfolio’s ability to repatriate proceeds of Malaysian investments. It is possible that Malaysia, or certain other countries may impose similar restrictions or other restrictions relating to their currencies or to securities of issuers in those countries. To the extent that such restrictions have the effect of making certain investments illiquid, securities may not be available to meet redemptions. Depending on a variety of financial factors, the percentage of a Portfolio’s portfolio subject to currency controls may increase. In the event other countries impose similar controls, the portion of the Portfolio’s assets that may be used to meet redemptions may be further decreased. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operations of a Portfolio. For example, Portfolios may be withdrawn from the People’s Republic of China only in U.S. or Hong Kong dollars and only at an exchange rate established by the government once each week. In certain countries, banks or other financial institutions may be among the leading companies or have actively traded securities. The 1940 Act restricts a Portfolio’s investments in any equity securities of an issuer that, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from “securities related activities,” as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may restrict a Portfolio’s investments in certain foreign banks and other financial institutions.

 

INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES . Each Portfolio may invest in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(A) the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies. In addition, under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company and not more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets may be invested in securities of any investment company. (These limits do not restrict a Feeder Trust from investing all of its assets in shares of its Master Portfolio).

 

Notwithstanding the limits discussed above, a Portfolio may invest in other investment companies without regard to the limits set forth above, provided that the Portfolio complies with Sections 12(d)(1)(F) and 12(d)(1)(G) and/or Rules 12d1-1, 12d1-2 and 12d1-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act. As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Portfolio acquires shares in investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such investment companies (including management and advisory fees). Investments in a Portfolio in wholly-owned investment companies created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed an investment in other investment companies.

 

JUNK BONDS . Junk bonds are debt securities that are rated below investment grade by the major rating agencies or are unrated securities that the Manager believes are of comparable quality. Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than

 

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investment grade bonds, they are high risk investments that may cause income and principal losses for a Portfolio. The major risks in junk bond investments include the following:

 

·                   Junk bonds are issued by less credit worthy companies. These securities are vulnerable to adverse changes in the issuer’s industry and to general economic conditions. Issuers of junk bonds may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations because of an economic downturn, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing.

·                   The issuers of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. If the issuer experiences financial stress, it may be unable to meet its debt obligations. The issuer’s ability to pay its debt obligations also may be lessened by specific issuer developments, or the unavailability of additional financing.

·                   Junk bonds are frequently ranked junior to claims by other creditors. If the issuer cannot meet its obligations, the senior obligations are generally paid off before the junior obligations.

·                   Junk bonds frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from a Portfolio before it matures. If an issuer redeems the junk bonds, a Portfolio may have to invest the proceeds in bonds with lower yields and may lose income.

·                   Prices of junk bonds are subject to extreme price fluctuations. Negative economic developments may have a greater impact on the prices of junk bonds than on other higher rated fixed income securities.

·                   Junk bonds may be less liquid than higher rated fixed income securities even under normal economic conditions. There are fewer dealers in the junk bond market, and there may be significant differences in the prices quoted for junk bonds by the dealers. Because they are less liquid, judgment may play a greater role in valuing certain of a Portfolio’s portfolio securities than in the case of securities trading in a more liquid market.

·                   A Portfolio may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.

 

MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS . Certain Portfolios may invest in money market instruments. Money market instruments include cash equivalents and short-term obligations of U.S. banks, certificates of deposit, short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Money market instruments also include bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and Eurodollar obligations issued or guaranteed by bank holding companies in the U.S., their subsidiaries and foreign branches, by foreign banking institutions, and by the World Bank and other multinational instrumentalities, as well as commercial paper and other short-term obligations of, and variable amount master demand notes, variable rate notes and similar agreements issued by, U.S. and foreign corporations.

 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES . Investing in mortgage-backed securities involves certain unique risks in addition to those generally associated with investing in fixed-income securities and in the real estate industry in general. These unique risks include the failure of a party to meet its commitments under the related operative documents, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Mortgage-backed securities are “pass-through” securities, meaning that principal and interest payments made by the borrower on the underlying mortgages are passed through to a Portfolio. The value of mortgage-backed securities, like that of traditional fixed-income securities, typically increases when interest rates fall and decreases when interest rates rise. However, mortgage-backed securities differ from traditional fixed-income securities because of their potential for prepayment without penalty. The price paid by a Portfolio for its mortgage-backed securities, the yield the Portfolio expects to receive from such securities and the average life of the securities are based on a number of factors, including the anticipated rate of prepayment of the underlying mortgages. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may prepay the underlying mortgages more quickly than anticipated, thereby reducing the yield to maturity and the average life of the mortgage-backed securities. Moreover, when a Portfolio reinvests the proceeds of a prepayment in these circumstances, it will likely receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the security that was prepaid.

 

To the extent that a Portfolio purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If a Portfolio buys such securities at a discount, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments of the underlying mortgages may occur at a slower than expected rate, creating maturity extension risk. This particular risk may effectively change a security that was considered short or intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a long-term security. Since long-term securities generally fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities, maturity extension risk could increase the inherent volatility of the Portfolio. Under certain interest rate and prepayment scenarios, a Portfolio may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee.

 

Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by Federal government agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), or by government sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the

 

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Federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Such securities generally have very little credit risk, but may be subject to substantial interest rate risks. Private mortgage-backed securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies and are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.

 

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES . Each Portfolio may, from time to time, invest in municipal bonds including general obligation and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest, whereas revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. A Portfolio may also invest in municipal notes including tax, revenue and bond anticipation notes which are issued to obtain Portfolios for various public purposes.

 

Municipal securities include notes and bonds issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and the District of Columbia, the interest on which is generally eligible for exclusion from federal income tax and, in certain instances, applicable state or local income and personal property taxes. Such securities are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market.

 

The interest rates payable on certain municipal bonds and municipal notes are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Municipal bonds and notes of this type are called “variable rate” obligations. The interest rate payable on a variable rate obligation is adjusted either at predesignated intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate payable is based. Other features may include the right whereby a Portfolio may demand prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated maturity (a demand feature) and the right of the issuer to prepay the principal amount prior to maturity. The principal benefit of a variable rate obligation is that the interest rate adjustment minimizes changes in the market value of the obligation. As a result, the purchase of variable rate obligations should enhance the ability of a Portfolio to maintain a stable NAV per share and to sell an obligation prior to maturity at a price approximating the full principal amount of the obligation.

 

Variable or floating rate securities include participation interests therein and inverse floaters. Floating rate securities normally have a rate of interest that is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate, such as the rate on Treasury Bonds or Bills. The interest rate on floating rate securities changes whenever there is a change in the designated base interest rate. Variable rate securities provide for a specific periodic adjustment in the interest rate based on prevailing market rates and generally would allow a Portfolio to demand payment of the obligation on short notice at par plus accrued interest, which amount may, at times, be more or less than the amount the Portfolio paid for them. Some floating rate and variable rate securities have maturities longer than 397 calendar days but afford the holder the right to demand payment at dates earlier than the final maturity date. Such floating rate and variable rate securities will be treated as having maturities equal to the demand date or the period of adjustment of the interest rate whichever is longer.

 

An inverse floater is a debt instrument with a floating or variable interest rate that moves in the opposite direction of the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Changes in the interest rate on the other security or index inversely affect the residual interest rate paid on the inverse floater, with the result that the inverse floater’s price will be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Generally, income from inverse floating rate bonds will decrease when short-term interest rates increase, and will increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Such securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate, long-term, tax-exempt securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the market values of such securities generally will be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt securities. For additional information relating to inverse floaters, please see “Indexed and Inverse Securities.”

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS . A Portfolio may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements. A Portfolio will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards as set forth in the Portfolio’s repurchase agreement procedures.

 

Under such agreements, the other party agrees, upon entering into the contract with a Portfolio, to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price in a specified currency, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period, although such return may be affected by currency fluctuations. In the case of repurchase agreements, the prices at which the trades are conducted do not reflect accrued interest on the underlying obligation. Such agreements usually cover short periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities transferred to the purchaser.

 

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In the case of a repurchase agreement, as a purchaser, a Portfolio will require all repurchase agreements to be fully collateralized at all times by cash or other liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the resale price. The seller is required to provide additional collateral if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase price at any time during the term of the repurchase agreement. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities are not owned by the Portfolio but only constitute collateral for the seller’s obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Portfolio may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with disposition of the collateral.

 

A Portfolio may participate in a joint repurchase agreement account with other investment companies managed by PI pursuant to an order of the Commission. On a daily basis, any uninvested cash balances of the Portfolio may be aggregated with those of such investment companies and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each Portfolio participates in the income earned or accrued in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.

 

DOLLAR ROLLS . Certain Portfolios may enter into dollar rolls. In a dollar roll,a Portfolio sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date from the same party. During the roll period, a Portfolio foregoes principal and interest paid on the securities. A Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sale price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the drop) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Portfolio will establish a segregated account in which it will maintain cash or other liquid assets, marked to market daily, having a value equal to its obligations in respect of dollar rolls.

 

Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Portfolio may decline below the price of the securities, the Portfolio has sold but is obligated to repurchase under the agreement. In the event the buyer of securities under a dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Portfolio’s use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Portfolio’s obligation to repurchase the securities. Cash proceeds from dollar rolls may be invested in cash or other liquid assets.

 

SECURITIES LENDING . Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements,a Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided that outstanding loans of a Portfolio do not exceed in the aggregate 33 1/ 3% of the value of a Portfolio’s total assets and provided that such loans are callable at any time by a Portfolio and are at all times secured by cash or equivalent collateral (including a line of credit) that is equal to at least 100% of the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower will pay a Portfolio an amount equivalent to any dividend or interest paid on such securities and a Portfolio 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 thata Portfolio continues to receive payments in lieu of the interest and dividends of 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 on one business day’s notice or by a Portfolio at any time. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates, and a Portfolio 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 a Portfolio. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to a Portfolio, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to a Portfolio. Since voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower,a Portfolio 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 ona Portfolio’s investment in the securities which are the subject of the loan.A Portfolio will pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities or may share the interest earned on collateral with the borrower.

 

SHORT SALES AND SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX . Certain Portfolios may make short sales of securities, either as a hedge against potential declines in value of a portfolio security or to realize appreciation when a security that the Portfolio does not own declines in value. When a Portfolio makes a short sale, it borrows the security sold short and delivers it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A Portfolio may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to turn over any payments received on such borrowed securities to the lender of the securities. The Trust may not be able to limit any losses resulting from share price volatility if the security indefinitely continues to increase in value at such specified time.

 

A Portfolio secures its obligation to replace the borrowed security by depositing collateral with the broker-dealer, usually in cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. With respect to the uncovered short positions, a Portfolio is required to (1) deposit similar collateral with its custodian or otherwise segregate collateral on its records, to the extent that the value

 

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of the collateral in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold short, or (2) a Portfolio must otherwise cover its short position. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Portfolio borrowed the security, regarding payment over of any payments received bya Portfolio on such security, a Portfolio may not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited with such broker-dealer. Because making short sales in securities that it does not own exposes a Portfolio to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. As a result, if a Portfolio makes short sales in securities that increase in value, it will likely underperform similar mutual Portfolios that do not make short sales in securities they do not own. A Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Portfolio replaces the borrowed security. A Portfolio will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to close out a short sale position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Portfolio’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited.

 

Certain Portfolios may also make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box is a short sale in which the Portfolio owns an equal amount of the securities sold short, or securities convertible or exchangeable for, with or without payment of any further consideration, such securities. However, if further consideration is required in connection with the conversion or exchange, cash or other liquid assets, in an amount equal to such consideration must be segregated on a Portfolio’s records or with its Custodian.

 

SOVEREIGN DEBT . Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the government entity’s policy towards the International Monetary Portfolio and the political constraints to which a government entity may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor’s obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties’ commitments to lend Portfolios to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt. Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government entities. In the event of a default by a governmental entity, there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt.

 

STANDBY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS . A Portfolio may enter into standby commitment agreements. These agreements commit a Portfolio, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of securities that may be issued and sold to that Portfolio at the option of the issuer. The price of the security is fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement the Portfolio is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately issued. A Portfolio will enter into such agreements for the purpose of investing in the security underlying the commitment at a price that is considered advantageous to the Portfolio. A Portfolio will limit its investment in such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of securities subject to such commitments, together with the value of portfolio securities subject to legal restrictions on resale that affect their marketability, will not exceed 15% of its net assets taken at the time of the commitment. A Portfolio segregates liquid assets in an aggregate amount equal to the purchase price of the securities underlying the commitment. There can be no assurance that the securities subject to a standby commitment will be issued, and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of such security and may not benefit from any appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period. The purchase of a security subject to a standby commitment agreement and the related commitment fee will be recorded on the date on which the security can reasonably be expected to be issued, and the value of the security thereafter will be reflected in the calculation of a Portfolio’s net asset value. The cost basis of the security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment fee. In the event the security is not issued, the commitment fee will be recorded as income on the expiration date of the standby commitment.

 

STRIPPED SECURITIES . Stripped securities are created when the issuer separates the interest and principal components of an instrument and sells them as separate securities. In general, one security is entitled to receive the interest payments on the underlying assets (the interest only or “IO” security) and the other to receive the principal payments (the principal only or “PO” security). Some stripped securities may receive a combination of interest and principal payments. The yields to maturity on IOs and POs are sensitive to the expected or anticipated rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying assets, and principal payments may have a material effect on yield to maturity. If the underlying assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Portfolio may not fully recoup its initial investment in IOs. Conversely, if the underlying assets experience less than

 

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anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield on POs could be adversely affected. Stripped securities may be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and rates of prepayment.

 

STRUCTURED NOTES . Certain Portfolios may invest in structured notes. The values of the structured notes in which a Portfolio will invest may be linked to equity securities or equity indices or other instruments or indices(“reference instruments”). These notes differ from other types of debt securities in several respects. The interest rate or principal amount payable at maturity may vary based on changes in the value of the equity security, instrument,or index. A structured note may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured note may be a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s).

 

Investments in structured notes involve certain risks, including the credit risk of the issuer and the normal risks of price changes in response to changes in interest rates. Further, in the case of certain structured notes, a decline or increase in the value of the reference instrument may cause the interest rate to be reduced to zero, and any further declines or increases in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. The percentage by which the value of the structured note decreases may be far greater than the percentage by which the value of the reference instrument increases or decreases. Finally, these securities may be less liquid than other types of securities, and may be more volatile than their underlying reference instruments.

 

SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES . A Portfolio may invest in debt securities of supranational entities . Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Steel and Coal Community, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The government members, or “stockholders,” usually make initial capital contributions to the supranational entity and in many cases are committed to make additional capital contributions if the supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings.

 

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS . Each Portfolio may temporarily invest without limit in money market instruments, including commercial paper of U.S. corporations, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and other obligations of domestic banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or its instrumentalities, as part of a temporary defensive strategy or to maintain liquidity to meet redemptions. Money market instruments typically have a maturity of one year or less as measured from the date of purchase.

 

A Portfolio also may temporarily hold cash or invest in money market instruments pending investment of proceeds from new sales of Portfolio shares or during periods of portfolio restructuring.

 

TRACERS and TRAINS. Tradable Custodial Receipts or TRACERS represent an interest in a basket of investment grade corporate credits. Targeted Return Index Securities or TRAINS represent an interest in a basket of high yield securities of varying credit quality. Only the Jennison Value Portfolio may invest in TRAINS. Interests in TRACERS and TRAINS provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing individual issues.

 

WARRANTS AND RIGHTS . Warrants and rights are securities permitting, but not obligating, the warrant holder to subscribe for other securities. Buying a warrant does not make a Portfolio a shareholder of the underlying stock. The warrant holder has no right to dividends or votes on the underlying stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based investments.

 

WHEN ISSUED SECURITIES, DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS . A Portfolio may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when issued basis. A Portfolio may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment. These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by a Portfolio at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Portfolio enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Portfolio at the time of entering into the transaction. No Portfolio has established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in connection with these transactions. When a Portfolio purchases securities in these transactions, the Portfolio segregates liquid securities in an amount equal to the amount of its purchase commitments.

 

There can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when issued basis will be issued or that a security purchased or sold through a forward commitment will be delivered. The value of securities in these transactions on the delivery date may be more or less than the Portfolio’s purchase price. The Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of the security in these transactions and may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period.

 

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U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES . Certain Trust Portfolios may invest in adjustable rate and fixed rate U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government. U.S. Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Trust’s shares. Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency.

 

U.S. Treasury securities include bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. These instruments are direct obligations of the U.S. Government and, as such, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They differ primarily in their interest rates, the lengths of their maturities and the dates of their issuances. U.S. Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Portfolio’s shares.

 

Securities issued by agencies of the U.S. Government or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of the Ginnie Mae, the Farmers Home Administration and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a Trust Portfolio must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.

 

Certain Trust Portfolios may also invest in component parts of U.S. Government securities, namely either the corpus (principal) of such obligations or one or more of the interest payments scheduled to be paid on such obligations. These obligations may take the form of (1) obligations from which the interest coupons have been stripped; (2) the interest coupons that are stripped; (3) book-entries at a Federal Reserve member bank representing ownership of obligation components; or (4) receipts evidencing the component parts (corpus or coupons) of U.S. Government obligations that have not actually been stripped. Such receipts evidence ownership of component parts of U.S. Government obligations (corpus or coupons) purchased by a third party (typically an investment banking firm) and held on behalf of the third party in physical or book-entry form by a major commercial bank or trust company pursuant to a custody agreement with the third party. A Trust Portfolio may also invest in custodial receipts held by a third party that are not U.S. Government securities.

 

ZERO COUPON SECURITIES, PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES . Certain Portfolios may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a discount to par value and on which interest payments are not made during the life of the security. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity on the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the security. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received income (“phantom income”) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder’s ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities that pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash.

 

A Portfolio accrues income with respect to these securities for Federal income tax and accounting purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments. Zero coupon securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals. In addition to the above-described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, a Portfolio’s investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held in the Portfolio’s portfolio. Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the Federal tax laws, a Portfolio is required to distribute income to its shareholders and, consequently, may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate the cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash to satisfy these distributions, as they relate to the income accrued but not yet received. The required distributions will result in an increase in a Portfolio’s exposure to such securities.

 

Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain a zero coupon security until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. Holders of these types of securities are deemed to have received income (“phantom income”) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments which do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned

 

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not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder’s ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities which pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals.

 

In addition to the above described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, the Portfolio’s investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held in the Portfolio’s portfolio. Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the federal tax laws, the Portfolio is required to distribute income to its shareholders and, consequently, may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate the cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash to satisfy these distributions, as they relate to the distribution of phantom income and the value of the paid-in-kind interest. The required distributions will result in an increase in the Portfolio’s exposure to such securities.

 

NET ASSET VALUES

 

Any purchase or sale of Portfolio shares is made at the net asset value, or NAV, of such shares. The price at which a purchase or redemption is made is based on the next calculation of the NAV after the order is received in good order. The NAV of each share class of each Portfolio is determined on each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of the exchange’s regular trading session (which is generally 4:00p.m. New York time). The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. The Trust does not price, and shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Trust’s shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for the Trust’s foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Trust will ordinarily price its shares, and shareholders may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed.

 

The securities held by each Portfolio are valued based upon market quotations or, if not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. The Trust may use fair value pricing if it determines that a market quotation is not reliable based, among other things, on market conditions that occur after the quotation is derived or after the closing of the primary market on which the security is traded, but before the time that the NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing most commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside of the U.S. because such securities present time-zone arbitrage opportunities when events or conditions affecting the prices of specific securities or the prices of securities traded in such markets generally occur after the close of the foreign markets but prior to the time that a Portfolio determines its NAV.

 

The Trust may also use fair value pricing with respect to U.S. traded securities if, for example, trading in a particular security is halted and does not resume before a Portfolio calculates its NAV or the exchange on which a security is traded closes early. In addition, fair value pricing is used for securities where 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 Subadviser) does not represent fair value. Different valuation methods may result in differing values for the same security. The fair value of a portfolio security that a Portfolio uses to determine its NAV may differ from the security’s published or quoted price. If the Trust needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of a Portfolio are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the published NAV price. For purposes of computing a Portfolio’s NAV, we will value the Portfolio’s futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Except when we fair value securities, we normally value each foreign security held by a Portfolio as of the close of the security’s primary market.

 

Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for a Portfolio’s securities and its NAV that are reasonable in light of the circumstances which make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance, however, that fair value pricing will more accurately reflect the market value of a security than the market price of such security on that day or that it will prevent dilution of a Portfolio’s NAV by short-term traders.

 

The NAV for each Portfolio is determined by a simple calculation. It’s the total value of a Portfolio (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

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To determine a Portfolio’s NAV, its holdings are valued as follows:

 

Equity securities for which the primary market is on an exchange (whether domestic or foreign) shall be valued at the last sale price on such exchange or market on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities included within the NASDAQ market shall be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP issued, at the last sale price on such day. Securities included within the NASDAQ market for which there is no NOCP and no last sale price on the day of valuation shall be valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Equity securities that are not sold on an exchange or NASDAQ are generally valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker.

 

A Portfolio may own securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolios do not price their shares. Therefore, the value of a Portfolio’s assets may change on days when shareholders cannot purchase or redeem Portfolio shares.

 

All Short-term Debt Securities held by the Money Market Portfolio are valued at amortized cost. The amortized cost valuation method is widely used by mutual funds. It means that the security is valued initially at its purchase price and then decreases in value by equal amounts each day until the security matures. It almost always results in a value that is extremely close to the actual market value. The Board has established procedures to monitor whether any material deviation between valuation and market value occurs and if so, will promptly consider what action, if any, should be taken to prevent unfair results to Contract owners.

 

For each Portfolio, short-term debt securities, including bonds, notes, debentures and other debt securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks, with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).

 

Short-term Debt Securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at cost with interest accrued or discount amortized to the date of maturity, unless such valuation, in the judgment of PI or a subadviser, does not represent fair value.

 

Convertible debt securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed convertible debt securities for which the primary market is believed by PI or a subadviser to be over-the-counter, are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices provided by a principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).

 

Other debt securities — those that are not valued on an amortized cost basis — are valued using an independent pricing service. Options on stock and stock indexes that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange.

 

Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the last sale price at the close of the commodities exchange or board of trade on which they are traded. If there has been no sale that day, the securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on that exchange or board of trade.

 

Forward currency exchange contracts are valued at the cost of covering or offsetting such contracts calculated on the day of valuation. Securities which are valued in accordance herewith in a currency other than U.S. dollars shall be converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at a rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service on the day of valuation.

 

Over-the-counter (OTC) options are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by a dealer (which may be the counterparty). A subadviser will monitor the market prices of the securities underlying the OTC options with a view to determining the necessity of obtaining additional bid and ask quotations from other dealers to assess the validity of the prices received from the primary pricing dealer.

 

TAXATION

 

This discussion of federal income tax consequences applies to the Participating Insurance Companies because they are the direct shareholders of each Portfolio. Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information relating to the tax matters applicable to their Contracts. In addition, variable contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in a Portfolio, including the application of state and local taxes.

 

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Each Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, each Portfolio’s income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits will be “passed through” pro rata directly to the Participating Insurance Companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes. Distributions may be made to the various separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies in the form of additional shares (not in cash).

 

Under Code Section 817(h), a segregated asset account upon which a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy is based must be “adequately diversified.” A segregated asset account will be adequately diversified if it satisfies one of two alternative tests set forth in Treasury regulations. For purposes of these alternative diversification tests, a segregated asset account investing in shares of a partnership will be entitled to “look-through” the partnership to its pro rata portion of the partnership’s assets, provided the partnership satisfies certain conditions relating to the ownership of its interests. The Trust intends to satisfy these ownership conditions. Further, the Trust intends that each Portfolio separately will be adequately diversified. Accordingly, a segregated asset account investing solely in shares of a Portfolio will be adequately diversified, and a segregated asset account investing in shares of one or more Trust Portfolios and shares of other adequately diversified funds generally will be adequately diversified.

 

The foregoing discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on tax laws and regulations in effect on the date of this SAI, and is subject to change by legislative or administrative action. A description of other tax considerations generally affecting the Portfolios and its shareholders is found in the section of the Prospectus entitled “Federal Income Taxes.” No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Portfolios or their respective shareholders. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of state or local tax matters. The discussion herein and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

General. Each Portfolio’s portfolio holdings as of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters are made public, as required by law, in the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports. These reports are filed with the Commission on Form N-CSR and mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports are posted on the Trust’s website. Each Portfolio’s portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters are made public and filed with the Commission on Form N-Q within 60 days after the end of the Portfolio’s first and third fiscal quarters. In addition, the Trust may provide a full list of each Portfolio’s portfolio holdings as of the end of each month on its website no sooner than approximately three business days prior to the end of the following month. The Trust may also release each Portfolio’s top ten holdings, sector and country breakdowns, and largest industries on a quarterly or monthly basis, with the information as of a date 15 days prior to the release. Such information will be posted on the Trust’s website. The Trust may also provide a percentage breakdown of the AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio’s assets that are invested in equity underlying portfolios versus debt-money market underlying portfolios.  Such summary holdings information for the AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio would be provided as of the 15 th  day of each month and the last day of each month, with such information as of a date at least five calendar days prior to its release.  If the 15 th  day or the last day of any particular month was a non-business day, such summary holdings information for the AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio would be provided as of the immediately preceding business day.

 

Procedures for Release of Portfolio Holdings Information:

 

1. A request for release of Portfolio holdings shall be provided by such third party setting forth a legitimate business purpose for such release which shall specify the Portfolio, the terms of such release, and frequency (e.g., level of detail staleness). The request shall address whether there are any conflicts of interest between the Portfolio and the investment adviser, sub-adviser, principal underwriter or any affiliated person thereof and how such conflicts shall be dealt with to demonstrate that the disclosure is in the best interest of the shareholders of the Portfolio.

 

2. The request shall be forwarded to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust, or his delegate, for review and approval.

 

3. A confidentiality agreement in the form approved by an officer of the Trust must be executed with the recipient of the Portfolio holdings information.

 

4. An officer of the Portfolio shall approve the release and agreement. Copies of the release and agreement shall be sent to PI’s law department.

 

5. Written notification of the approval shall be sent by such officer to PI’s Fund Administration Department to arrange the release of Portfolio holdings information.

 

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6. PI’s Fund Administration Department shall arrange for the release of Portfolio holdings information by the Portfolio’s custodian bank(s).

 

As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Trust will provide:

 

1. Traditional External Recipients/Vendors

 

·          Neuberger Berman Fixed Income uses a third party called Syntel Inc. to assist with the reconciliation process.

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to RiskMetrics Group, Broadridge and Glass, Lewis & Co (proxy voting administrator/agents) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to RickMetrics Group (securities class action claims services administrator) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to each Portfolio’s Subadviser(s) (as identified n the Trust’s prospectus), Custodian Bank, sub-custodian (Citibank, NA (foreign sub-custodian)) and accounting agents (which includes the Custodian Bank and any other accounting agent that may be appointed) at the end of each day. When a Portfolio has more than one Subadviser, each Subadviser receives holdings information only with respect to the “sleeve” or segment of the Portfolio for which the Subadviser has responsibility;

·          Full holdings to a Portfolio’s independent registered public accounting firm (                    ) as soon as practicable following the Portfolio’s fiscal year-end or on an as-needed basis; and

·          Full holdings to financial printers (RR Donnelly and/or VG Reed, as applicable) as soon as practicable following the end of a Portfolio’s quarterly, semi-annual and annual period ends.

 

2. Analytical Service Providers

 

·          Portfolio trades on a quarterly basis to Abel/Noser Corp. (an agency-only broker and transaction cost analysis company) as soon as practicable following a Portfolio’s fiscal quarter-end;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to FT Interactive Data (a fair value information service) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to FactSet Research Systems, Inc. and Lipper, Inc. (analytical services/investment research providers) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to Vestek (for preparation of fact sheets) at the end of each day (Target Funds and selected Prudential Investments Funds only);

·          Full holdings on a quarterly basis to Plexus (review of brokerage transactions) as soon as practicable following a Portfolio’s fiscal quarter-end;

·          Full holdings on a monthly basis to Advanced Quantitative Consulting (AQC) (attribution analysis) (AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio only) as soon as practicable following the close of each calendar month;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to Investment Technology Group, Inc. (analytical services) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to Markit WSO Corporation (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day;

·          Full holdings on a daily basis to State Street Bank and Trust Company (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day.

 

In each case, the information disclosed must be for a legitimate business purpose and is subject to a confidentiality agreement intended to prohibit the recipient from trading on or further disseminating such information (except for legitimate business purposes). Such arrangements will be monitored on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and PI’s Law Department on an annual basis.

 

In addition, certain authorized employees of PI receive portfolio holdings information on a quarterly, monthly or daily basis or upon request, in order to perform their business functions. All PI employees are subject to the requirements of the personal securities trading policy of Prudential, which prohibits employees from trading on, or further disseminating confidential information, including portfolio holdings information.

 

In no instance may the Manager or the Trust receive any compensation or consideration in exchange for the portfolio holdings information.

 

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The Board has approved PI’s Policy for the Dissemination of Portfolio Holdings. The Board shall, on a quarterly basis, receive a report from PI detailing the recipients of the portfolio holdings information and the reason for such disclosure. The Board has delegated oversight of the Trust’s disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Arrangements pursuant to which the Trust discloses non-public information with respect to its portfolio holdings do not provide for any compensation in return for the disclosure of the information.

 

There can be no assurance that the Trust’s policies and procedures on portfolio holdings information will protect the Trust from the potential misuse of such information by individuals or entities that come into possession of the information.

 

In each case, the information disclosed must be for a legitimate business purpose and is subject to a confidentiality agreement intended to prohibit the recipient from trading on or further disseminating such information (except for legitimate business purposes). Such arrangements will be monitored on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and PI’s Law Department on an annual basis.

 

In addition, certain authorized employees of PI receive portfolio holdings information on a quarterly, monthly or daily basis or upon request, in order to perform their business functions. All PI employees are subject to the requirements of the personal securities trading policy of Prudential Financial, Inc., which prohibits employees from trading on, or further disseminating confidential information, including portfolio holdings information.

 

In no instance may the Investment Adviser or the Trust receive any compensation or consideration in exchange for the portfolio holdings information.

 

The Board has approved PI’s Policy for the Dissemination of Portfolio Holdings. The Board shall, on a quarterly basis, receive a report from PI detailing the recipients of the portfolio holdings information and the reason for such disclosure. The Board has delegated oversight over the Trust’s disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

No assurance can be given that the Trust’s policies and procedures on portfolio holdings information will protect a Portfolio from the potential misuse of such information by individuals or entities that come into possession of the information.

 

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PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated to the Trust’s investment manager, PI, the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to each Portfolio. The Trust authorizes the Manager to delegate, in whole or in part, its proxy voting authority to its investment subadviser or third party vendors consistent with the policies set forth below. The proxy voting process shall remain subject to the supervision of the Board, including any committee thereof established for that purpose.

 

The Manager and the Board view the proxy voting process as a component of the investment process and, as such, seek to ensure that all proxy proposals are voted with the primary goal of seeking the optimal benefit for each Portfolio. Consistent with this goal, the Board views the proxy voting process as a means to encourage strong corporate governance practices and ethical conduct by corporate management. The Manager and the Board maintain a policy of seeking to protect the best interests of each Portfolio should a proxy issue potentially implicate a conflict of interest between a Portfolio and the Manager or its affiliates.

 

The Manager delegates to the Subadvisers for the Portfolio the responsibility for voting each Portfolio’s proxies. Each Subadviser is expected to identify and seek to obtain the optimal benefit for the Portfolio it manages, and to adopt written policies that meet certain minimum standards, including that the policies be reasonably designed to protect the best interests of a Portfolio and delineate procedures to be followed when a proxy vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Portfolio and the interests of the Subadviser or its affiliates.

 

The Manager and the Board expect that each Subadviser will notify the Manager and Board at least annually of any such conflicts identified and confirm how the issue was resolved. In addition, the Manager expects that the Subadviser will deliver to the Manager, or its appointed vendor, information required for filing the Form N-PX with the Commission. Information regarding how each Portfolio of the Trust voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available on the internet at www.prudentialfunds.com and on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics. In addition, the Manager, investment subadviser(s) and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics (the Codes). The Codes apply to access persons (generally, persons who have access to information about a Portfolio’s investment program) and permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a Portfolio. However, the protective provisions of the Codes prohibit certain investments and limit such personnel from making investments during periods when the Portfolio is making such investments. The Codes are on public file with, and are available from, the Commission.

 

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APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN DEBT SECURITIES RATINGS

 

STANDARD & POOR’S RATINGS SERVICES (S&P)

 

Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings

 

AAA : An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

AA : An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

 

A : An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

 

BBB : An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

BB : An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B : An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

CCC : An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

CC : An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

 

C : The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.

 

Plus (+) or Minus (-) : The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories

 

Commercial Paper Ratings

 

A-1 : This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.

 

A-2 : Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.

 

Notes Ratings

 

An S&P notes rating reflects the liquidity factors and market risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a notes rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment.

 

·                   Amortization schedule-the longer the final maturity relative to other maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note.

·                   Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

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Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

SP-1 : Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

SP-2 : Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODY’S)

 

Debt Ratings

 

Aaa : Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged.” Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

 

Aa : Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

 

A : Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

 

Baa : Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

 

Ba : Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

 

B : Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

 

Caa : Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

 

Ca : Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

 

C : Bonds which are rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

 

Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating category from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issuer is in the higher end of its letter rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; the modifier 3 indicates that the issuer is in the lower end of the letter ranking category.

 

Short-Term Ratings

 

Moody’s short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor senior financial obligations and contracts. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

 

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PRIME-1 : Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

 

·                   Leading market positions in well-established industries.

·                   High rates of return on Portfolios employed.

·                   Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

·                   Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

·                   Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

 

PRIME-2 : Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This normally will be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

 

MIG 1 : This designation denotes best quality. There is strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

MIG 2 : This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the proceeding group.

 

FITCH, INC.

 

International Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

AAA : Highest Credit Quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

AA : Very High Credit Quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

A : High Credit Quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

BBB : Good Credit Quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

 

BB : Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

 

B : Highly Speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

 

CCC, CC, C : High Default Risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.

 

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APPENDIX II: DESCRIPTION OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED

 

BACKGROUND An investment adviser is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities have been established for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the investment manager.

 

POLICY As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager. While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).

 

In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset Management Company Limited) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.

 

PROCEDURE

Responsibility and Oversight

The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for Determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.

 

Client Authority

The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.

 

Proxy Gathering

Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.

 

Proxy Voting

Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:

a.                Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted.

b.               Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority.

c.                Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.)

d.               If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client),Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party.

 

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e.                Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department.

f.                  Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials.

 

Timing

Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.

 

Recordkeeping

Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:

a.                A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures.

b.               Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities.

c.                A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies.

d.               Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written

a.                client requests.

e.                A proxy log including:

f.                  Issuer name;

g.               Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted;

h.               Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted;

i.                   A brief identification of the matter voted on;

j.                   Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer;

k.                Whether a vote was cast on the matter;

l.                   A record of how the vote was cast; and

m.             Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.

 

Disclosure

Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part II of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.

 

Conflicts of Interest

All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:

1.                Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company;

2.                Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and

3.                Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders.

 

Voting Guidelines

Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.

 

Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.

 

Board Approved Proposals

The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in

 

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public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:

 

Matters relating to the Board of Directors

Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:

 

·                   Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors.

·                   Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director.

·                   Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences.

·                   Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors.

 

Matters relating to Executive Compensation

Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:

·                   Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution.

·                   Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options.

·                   Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price.

·                   Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less.

 

Matters relating to Capitalization

The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.

·                   Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock.

·                   Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits).

·                   Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs.

 

Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions

Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.

 

Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures

Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:

·                   Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans.

·                   Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.

 

Other Business Matters

Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.

 

Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting.

 

Shareholder Proposals

SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:

·                   Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans.

·                   Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals.

 

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·                   Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.

 

Voting Shares of Investment Companies

Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.

 

Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios.

 

Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided.

 

Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers

In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers — i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.

 

·                   Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management.

·                   Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees.

·                   Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated.

·                   Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.

 

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary. Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager.

 

In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (a) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (b)Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.

 

MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY (MFS)

 

Massachusetts Financial Services Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., MFS International (UK) Limited, MFS Heritage Trust Company, McLean Budden Limited and MFS’ other subsidiaries that perform discretionary investment management activities (collectively, “MFS”) have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures, as set forth below (“MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures”), with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has the power to vote proxies, including the pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS (the “MFS Funds”). References to “clients” in these policies and procedures include the MFS Funds and other clients of MFS, such as funds organized offshore, sub-advised funds and separate account clients, to the extent these clients have delegated to MFS the responsibility to vote proxies on their behalf under the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include:

A.            Voting Guidelines;

B.              Administrative Procedures;

C.              Records Retention; and

D.             Reports.

 

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A. Voting Guidelines.

1. GENERAL POLICY; POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST . MFS’ policy is that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in the interests of any other party or in MFS’ corporate interests, including interests such as the distribution of MFS Fund shares and institutional client relationships.

 

In developing these proxy voting guidelines, MFS reviews corporate governance issues and proxy voting matters that are presented for shareholder vote by either management or shareholders of public companies. Based on the overall principle that all votes cast by MFS on behalf of its clients must be in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of such clients, MFS has adopted proxy voting guidelines, set forth below, that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote.

 

As a general matter, MFS votes consistently on similar proxy proposals across all shareholder meetings. However, some proxy proposals, such as certain excessive executive compensation, environmental, social and governance matters, are analyzed on a case-by-case basis in light of all the relevant facts and circumstances of the proposal. Therefore, MFS may vote similar proposals differently at different shareholder meetings based on the specific facts and circumstances of the issuer or the terms of the proposal. In addition, MFS also reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular proxy proposal when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients.

 

MFS also generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client accounts, unless MFS has received explicit voting instructions to vote differently from a client for its own account. From time to time, MFS may also receive comments on the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these guidelines and revises them as appropriate.

 

These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see Sections B.2 and D below), and shall ultimately vote the relevant proxies in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring and reporting with respect to such potential material conflicts of interest.

 

MFS is also a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. In developing these guidelines, MFS considered environmental, social and corporate governance issues in light of MFS’ fiduciary obligation to vote proxies in the best long-term economic interest of its clients.

 

2. MFS’ POLICY ON SPECIFIC ISSUES

Election of Directors : MFS believes that good governance should be based on a board with at least a simple majority of directors who are “independent” of management, and whose key committees (e.g., compensation, nominating, and audit committees) are comprised entirely of “independent” directors. While MFS generally supports the board’s nominees in uncontested or non-contentious elections, we will not support a nominee to a board of a U.S. issuer (or issuer listed on a U.S. exchange) if, as a result of such nominee being elected to the board, the board would be comprised of a simple majority of members who are not “independent” or, alternatively, the compensation, nominating (including instances in which the full board serves as the compensation or nominating committee) or audit committees would include members who are not “independent.”

 

MFS will also not support a nominee to a board if we can determine that he or she attended less than 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason stated in the proxy materials or other company communications. In addition, MFS may not support all nominees standing for re-election to a board if we can determine: (1) the board or its compensation committee has re-priced or exchanged underwater stock options since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval; (2) the board or relevant committee has not taken adequately responsive action to an issue that received majority support or opposition from shareholders, including MFS ; (3) the board has implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval since the last annual meeting and such poison pill is not on the subsequent shareholder meeting’s agenda, (including those related to net-operating loss carryforwards); or (4) there are severe governance concerns at the issuer.

 

MFS may not support certain board nominees of U.S. issuers under certain circumstances where MFS deems compensation to be egregious due to pay-for-performance issues and/or poor pay practices. Please see the section below titled “MFS’ Policy on Specific Issues - Advisory Votes on Compensation” for further details.

 

MFS evaluates a contested or contentious election of directors on a case-by-case basis considering the long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry, management’s track record, the qualifications of all nominees, and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders.

 

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Majority Voting and Director Elections : MFS votes for reasonably crafted proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company’s bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g., contested elections) (“Majority Vote Proposals”).

 

Classified Boards : MFS generally supports proposals to declassify a board (e.g. a board in which only one-third of board members is elected each year) for all issuers other than for certain closed-end investment companies. MFS generally opposes proposals to classify a board for issuers other than for certain closed-end investment companies.

 

Proxy Access : MFS analyzes proposals seeking the ability of qualifying shareholders to nominate a certain number of directors on the company’s proxy statement (“Proxy Access”) on a case-by-case basis. In its analysis, MFS will consider the proposed ownership criteria for qualifying shareholders (such as ownership threshold and holding period) as well as the proponent’s rationale for seeking Proxy Access.

 

Stock Plans : MFS opposes stock option programs and restricted stock plans that provide unduly generous compensation for officers, directors or employees, or that could result in excessive dilution to other shareholders. As a general guideline, MFS votes against restricted stock, stock option, non-employee director, omnibus stock plans and any other stock plan if all such plans for a particular company involve potential dilution, in the aggregate, of more than 15%. However, MFS will also vote against stock plans that involve potential dilution, in aggregate, of more than 10% at U.S. issuers that are listed in the Standard and Poor’s 100 index as of December 31 of the previous year.

 

MFS also opposes stock option programs that allow the board or the compensation committee to re-price underwater options or to automatically replenish shares without shareholder approval. MFS also votes against stock option programs for officers, employees or non-employee directors that do not require an investment by the optionee, that give “free rides” on the stock price, or that permit grants of stock options with an exercise price below fair market value on the date the options are granted. MFS will consider proposals to exchange existing options for newly issued options, restricted stock or cash on a case-by-case basis, taking into account certain factors, including, but not limited to, whether there is a reasonable value-for-value exchange and whether senior executives are excluded from participating in the exchange. MFS supports the use of a broad-based employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value and do not result in excessive dilution.

 

Shareholder Proposals on Executive Compensation : MFS believes that competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. However, MFS also recognizes that certain executive compensation practices can be “excessive” and not in the best, long-term economic interest of a company’s shareholders.We believe that the election of an issuer’s board of directors (as outlined above), votes on stock plans (as outlined above) and advisory votes on pay (as outlined below) are typically the most effective mechanisms to express our view on a company’s compensation practices.

 

MFS generally opposes shareholder proposals that seek to set rigid restrictions on executive compensation as MFS believes that compensation committees should retain some flexibility to determine the appropriate pay package for executives. Although we support linking executive stock option grants to a company’s performance, MFS also opposes shareholder proposals that mandate a link of performance-based pay to a specific metric. MFS generally supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals that (i) require the issuer to adopt a policy to recover the portion of performance-based bonuses and awards paid to senior executives that were not earned based upon a significant negative restatement of earnings unless the company already has adopted a satisfactory policy on the matter, or (ii) expressly prohibit the backdating of stock options.

 

Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation : MFS will analyze advisory votes on executive compensation on a case-by-case basis. MFS will vote against an advisory vote on executive compensation if MFS determines that the issuer has adopted excessive executive compensation practices and will vote in favor of an advisory vote on executive compensation if MFS has not determined that the issuer has adopted excessive executive compensation practices. Examples of excessive executive compensation practices may include, but are not limited to, a pay-for-performance disconnect, employment contract terms such as guaranteed bonus provisions, unwarranted pension payouts, backdated stock options, overly generous hiring bonuses for chief executive officers, unnecessary perquisites, or the potential reimbursement of excise taxes to an executive in regards to a severance package. In cases where MFS (i) votes against consecutive advisory pay votes, or (ii) determines that a particularly egregious excessive executive compensation practice has occurred, then MFS may also vote against certain or all board nominees. MFS may also vote against certain or all board nominees if an advisory pay vote for a U.S. issuer is not on the agenda, or the company has not implemented the advisory vote frequency supported by a plurality/ majority of shareholders.

 

MFS generally supports proposals to include an advisory shareholder vote on an issuer’s executive compensation practices on an annual basis.

 

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“Golden Parachutes”: From time to time, MFS may evaluate a separate, advisory vote on severance packages or “golden parachutes” to certain executives at the same time as a vote on a proposed merger or acquisition. MFS will support an advisory vote on a severance package on a on a case-by-case basis, and MFS may vote against the severance package regardless of whether MFS supports the proposed merger or acquisition.

 

Shareholders of companies may also submit proxy proposals that would require shareholder approval of severance packages for executive officers that exceed certain predetermined thresholds. MFS votes in favor of such shareholder proposals when they would require shareholder approval of any severance package for an executive officer that exceeds a certain multiple of such officer’s annual compensation that is not determined in MFS’ judgment to be excessive.

 

Anti-Takeover Measures : In general, MFS votes against any measure that inhibits capital appreciation in a stock, including proposals that protect management from action by shareholders. These types of proposals take many forms, ranging from “poison pills” and “shark repellents” to super-majority requirements.

 

MFS generally votes for proposals to rescind existing “poison pills” and proposals that would require shareholder approval to adopt prospective “poison pills,” unless the company already has adopted a clearly satisfactory policy on the matter. MFS may consider the adoption of a prospective “poison pill” or the continuation of an existing “poison pill” if we can determine that the following two conditions are met: (1) the “poison pill” allows MFS clients to hold an aggregate position of up to 15% of a company’s total voting securities (and of any class of voting securities); and (2) either (a) the “poison pill” has a term of not longer than five years, provided that MFS will consider voting in favor of the “poison pill” if the term does not exceed seven years and the “poison pill” is linked to a business strategy or purpose that MFS believes is likely to result in greater value for shareholders; or (b) the terms of the “poison pill” allow MFS clients the opportunity to accept a fairly structured and attractively priced tender offer (e.g. a “chewable poison pill” that automatically dissolves in the event of an all cash, all shares tender offer at a premium price). MFS will also consider on a case-by-case basis proposals designed to prevent tenders which are disadvantageous to shareholders such as tenders at below market prices and tenders for substantially less than all shares of an issuer.

 

MFS will consider any poison pills designed to protect a company’s net-operating loss carryforwards on a case-by-case basis, weighing the accounting and tax benefits of such a pill against the risk of deterring future acquisition candidates.

 

Reincorporation and Reorganization Proposals : When presented with a proposal to reincorporate a company under the laws of a different state, or to effect some other type of corporate reorganization, MFS considers the underlying purpose and ultimate effect of such a proposal in determining whether or not to support such a measure. MFS generally votes with management in regards to these types of proposals, however, if MFS believes the proposal is in the best long-term economic interests of its clients, then MFS may vote against management (e.g. the intent or effect would be to create additional inappropriate impediments to possible acquisitions or takeovers).

 

Issuance of Stock : There are many legitimate reasons for the issuance of stock. Nevertheless, as noted above under “Non-Salary Compensation Programs,” when a stock option plan (either individually or when aggregated with other plans of the same company) would substantially dilute the existing equity (e.g. by approximately 10-15% as described above), MFS generally votes against the plan. In addition, MFS typically votes against proposals where management is asking for authorization to issue common or preferred stock with no reason stated (a “blank check”) because the unexplained authorization could work as a potential anti-takeover device. MFS may also vote against the authorization or issuance of common or preferred stock if MFS determines that the requested authorization is excessive or not warranted.

 

Repurchase Programs : MFS supports proposals to institute share repurchase plans in which all shareholders have the opportunity to participate on an equal basis. Such plans may include a company acquiring its own shares on the open market, or a company making a tender offer to its own shareholders.

 

Cumulative Voting : MFS opposes proposals that seek to introduce cumulative voting and for proposals that seek to eliminate cumulative voting. In either case, MFS will consider whether cumulative voting is likely to enhance the interests of MFS’ clients as minority shareholders. In our view, shareholders should provide names of qualified candidates to a company’s nominating committee, which, in our view, should be comprised solely of “independent” directors.

 

Written Consent and Special Meetings : The right to call a special meeting or act by written consent can be a powerful tool for shareholders. As such, MFS supports proposals requesting the right for shareholders who hold at least 10% of the issuer’s outstanding stock to call a special meeting. MFS also supports proposals requesting the right for shareholders to act by written consent.

 

Independent Auditors : MFS believes that the appointment of auditors for U.S. issuers is best left to the board of directors of the company and therefore supports the ratification of the board’s selection of an auditor for the company. Some shareholder groups have submitted proposals to limit the non-audit activities of a company’s audit firm or prohibit any non-audit services by a company’s auditors to that company. MFS opposes proposals recommending the prohibition or limitation of the performance of non-audit services by an auditor, and proposals recommending the removal of a company’s auditor due to the performance of non-audit work for

 

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the company by its auditor. MFS believes that the board, or its audit committee, should have the discretion to hire the company’s auditor for specific pieces of non-audit work in the limited situations permitted under current law.

 

Other Business : MFS generally votes against “other business” proposals as the content of any such matter is not known at the time of our vote.

 

Adjourn Shareholder Meeting : MFS generally supports proposals to adjourn a shareholder meeting if we support the other ballot items on the meeting’s agenda. MFS generally votes against proposals to adjourn a meeting if we do not support the other ballot items on the meeting’s agenda.

 

Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Issues : MFS believes that a company’s ESG practices may have an impact on the company’s long-term economic financial performance and will generally support proposals relating to ESG issues that MFS believes are in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders. For those ESG proposals for which a specific policy has not been adopted, MFS considers such ESG proposals on a case-by-case basis. As a result, it may vote similar proposals differently at various shareholder meetings based on the specific facts and circumstances of such proposal. MFS generally supports proposals that seek to remove governance structures that insulate management from shareholders (i.e., anti-takeover measures) or that seek to enhance shareholder rights. Many of these governance-related issues, including compensation issues, are outlined within the context of the above guidelines. In addition, MFS typically supports proposals that require an issuer to reimburse successful dissident shareholders (who are not seeking control of the company) for reasonable expenses that such dissident incurred in soliciting an alternative slate of director candidates. MFS also generally supports reasonably crafted shareholder proposals requesting increased disclosure around the company’s use of collateral in derivatives trading. MFS typically does not support proposals to separate the chairman and CEO positions as we believe that the most beneficial leadership structure of a company should be determined by the company’s board of directors. For any governance-related proposal for which an explicit guideline is not provided above, MFS will consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis and will support such proposals if MFS believes that it is in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders.

 

MFS generally supports proposals that request disclosure on the impact of environmental issues on the company’s operations, sales, and capital investments. However, MFS may not support such proposals based on the facts and circumstances surrounding a specific proposal, including, but not limited to, whether (i) the proposal is unduly costly, restrictive, or burdensome, (ii) the company already provides publicly-available information that is sufficient to enable shareholders to evaluate the potential opportunities and risks that environmental matters pose to the company’s operations, sales and capital investments, or (iii) the proposal seeks a level of disclosure that exceeds that provided by the company’s industry peers. MFS will analyze all other environmental proposals on a case-by-case basis and will support such proposals if MFS believes such proposal is in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders.

 

MFS will analyze social proposals on a case-by-case basis. MFS will support such proposals if MFS believes that such proposal is in the best long-term economic interest of the company’s shareholders. Generally, MFS will support shareholder proposals that (i) seek to amend a company’s equal employment opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and (ii) request additional disclosure regarding a company’s political contributions (including trade organizations and lobbying activity)(unless the company already provides publicly-available information that is sufficient to enable shareholders to evaluate the potential opportunities and risks that such contributions pose to the company’s operations, sales and capital investments).

 

The laws of various states or countries may regulate how the interests of certain clients subject to those laws (e.g. state pension plans) are voted with respect to social issues. Thus, it may be necessary to cast ballots differently for certain clients than MFS might normally do for other clients.

 

Foreign Issuers : MFS generally supports the election of a director nominee standing for re-election in uncontested or on-contentious elections unless it can be determined that (1) he or she failed to attend at least 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason given in the proxy materials; (2) since the last annual meeting of shareholders and without shareholder approval, the board or its compensation committee has re-priced underwater stock options; or (3) since the last annual meeting, the board has either implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval or has not taken responsive action to a majority shareholder approved resolution recommending that the “poison pill” be rescinded. Also, certain markets outside of the U.S. have adopted best practice guidelines relating to corporate governance matters (e.g. the United Kingdom’s Corporate Governance Code).

 

Many of these guidelines operate on a “comply or explain” basis. As such, MFS will evaluate any explanations by companies relating to their compliance with a particular corporate governance guideline on a case-by-case basis and may vote against the board nominees or other relevant ballot item if such explanation is not satisfactory.

 

MFS generally supports the election of auditors, but may determine to vote against the election of a statutory auditor in certain markets if MFS reasonably believes that the statutory auditor is not truly independent.

 

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Some international markets have also adopted mandatory requirements for all companies to hold shareholder votes on executive compensation. MFS will not support such proposals if MFS determines that a company’s executive compensation practices are excessive, considering such factors as the specific market’s best practices that seek to maintain appropriate pay-for-performance alignment and to create long-term shareholder value.

 

Many other items on foreign proxies involve repetitive, non-controversial matters that are mandated by local law. Accordingly, the items that are generally deemed routine and which do not require the exercise of judgment under these guidelines (and therefore voted with management) for foreign issuers include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) receiving financial statements or other reports from the board; (ii) approval of declarations of dividends; (iii) appointment of shareholders to sign board meeting minutes;  (iv) discharge of management and supervisory boards; and (v) approval of share repurchase programs (absent any anti-takeover or other concerns). MFS will evaluate all other items on proxies for foreign companies in the context of the guidelines described above, but will generally vote against an item if there is not sufficient information disclosed in order to make an informed voting decision.

 

In accordance with local law or business practices, some foreign companies or custodians prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting (“share blocking”). Depending on the country in which a company is domiciled, the blocking period may begin a stated number of days prior or subsequent to the meeting (e.g. one, three or five days) or on a date established by the company. While practices vary, in many countries the block period can be continued for a longer period if the shareholder meeting is adjourned and postponed to a later date. Similarly, practices vary widely as to the ability of a shareholder to have the “block” restriction lifted early (e.g. in some countries shares generally can be “unblocked” up to two days prior to the meeting whereas in other countries the removal of the block appears to be discretionary with the issuer’s transfer agent). Due to these restrictions, MFS must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. For companies in countries with share blocking periods or in markets where some custodians may block shares, the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock regardless of changing conditions generally outweighs the advantages of voting at the shareholder meeting for routine items. Accordingly, MFS will not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote that outweighs the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock.

 

In limited circumstances, other market specific impediments to voting shares may limit our ability to cast votes, including, but not limited to, late delivery of proxy materials, power of attorney and share re-registration requirements, or any other unusual voting requirements. In these limited instances, MFS votes securities on a best efforts basis in the context of the guidelines described above.

 

B. Administrative Procedures.

1. MFS PROXY VOTING COMMITTEE The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment Support Departments. The Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales.

 

The MFS Proxy Voting Committee:

·                   Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;

·                   Determines whether any potential material conflict of interest exists with respect to instances in which MFS (i) seeks to override these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (ii) votes on ballot items not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (iii) evaluates an excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors; or (iv) requests a vote recommendation from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions); and

·                   Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time.

 

2. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS’ clients.

 

Due to the client focus of our investment management business, we believe that the potential for actual material conflict of interest issues is small. Nonetheless, we have developed precautions to assure that all proxy votes are cast in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders1. Other MFS internal policies require all MFS employees to avoid actual and potential conflicts of interests between personal activities and MFS’ client activities. If an employee identifies an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to any voting decision, then that employee must recuse himself/herself from participating in the voting process. Additionally, with respect to decisions concerning all Non-Standard Votes, as defined below, MFS will review the securities holdings reported by investment professionals that participate in such decisions to determine whether such person has a direct economic interest in the decision, in which case such person shall not further participate in making the decision. Any significant attempt by an employee of

 

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MFS or its subsidiaries to unduly influence MFS’ voting on a particular proxy matter should also be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

In cases where proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist. In cases where (i) MFS is considering overriding these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (ii) matters presented for vote are not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (iii) MFS evaluates a potentially excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors or advisory pay or severance package vote, or (iv) a vote recommendation is requested from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions) (collectively, “Non-Standard Votes”); the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will follow these procedures:

1.                                    Compare the name of the issuer of such proxy against a list of significant current (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, and (ii) MFS institutional clients (the “MFS Significant Client List”);

2.                                    If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;

3.                                    If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests; and

4.                                    For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuer’s relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients, and not in MFS’ corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS’ Conflicts Officer.

 

The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Client List, in consultation with MFS’ distribution and institutional business units. The MFS Significant Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.

 

If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by Sun Life Financial, Inc. or any of its affiliates (collectively “Sun Life”), MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client pursuant to the recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.’s (“ISS”) benchmark policy, or as required by law. Except as described in the MFS Fund’s prospectus, from time to time, certain MFS Funds (the “top tier fund”) may own shares of other MFS Funds (the “underlying fund”). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a shareholder vote, the top tier fund will generally vote its shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the underlying fund. If there are no other shareholders in the underlying fund, the top tier fund will vote in what MFS believes to be in the top tier fund’s best long-term economic interest. If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by a pooled investment vehicle advised by MFS, MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the pooled investment vehicle.

 

3. GATHERING PROXIES Most proxies received by MFS and its clients originate at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). Broadridge and other service providers, on behalf of custodians, send proxy related material to the record holders of the shares beneficially owned by MFS’ clients, usually to the client’s proxy voting administrator or, less commonly, to the client itself. This material will include proxy ballots reflecting the shareholdings of Funds and of clients on the record dates for such shareholder meetings, as well as proxy materials with the issuer’s explanation of the items to be voted upon.

 

MFS, on behalf of itself and certain of its clients (including the MFS Funds) has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm pursuant to which the proxy administration firm performs various proxy vote related administrative services such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions. Except as noted below, the proxy administration firm for MFS and its clients, including the MFS Funds, is ISS. The proxy administration firm for MFS Development Funds, LLC is Glass, Lewis & Co., Inc. (“Glass Lewis”; Glass Lewis and ISS are each hereinafter referred to as the “Proxy Administrator”).

 

The Proxy Administrator receives proxy statements and proxy ballots directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are input into the Proxy Administrator’s system by an MFS holdings data-feed. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders’ meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.

 

It is the responsibility of the Proxy Administrator and MFS to monitor the receipt of ballots. When proxy ballots and materials for clients are received by the Proxy Administrator, they are input into the Proxy Administrator’s on-line system. The Proxy Administrator then reconciles a list of all MFS accounts that hold shares of a company’s stock and the number of shares held on the record date by these accounts with the Proxy Administrator’s list of any upcoming shareholder’s meeting of that company. If a proxy

 

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ballot has not been received, the Proxy Administrator contacts the custodian requesting the reason as to why a ballot has not been received.

 

4. ANALYZING PROXIES Proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator, at the prior direction of MFS, automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by MFS.With respect to proxy matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee considers and votes on those proxy matters. MFS also receives research and recommendations from the Proxy Administrator which it may take into account in deciding how to vote. MFS uses the research of ISS to identify (i) circumstances in which a board may have approved excessive executive compensation, (ii) environmental and social proposals that warrant consideration or (iii) circumstances in which a non-U.S. company is not in compliance with local governance or compensation best practices. In those situations where the only MFS fund that is eligible to vote at a shareholder meeting has Glass Lewis as its Proxy Administrator, then we will rely on research from Glass Lewis to identify such issues. Representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

As a general matter, portfolio managers and investment analysts have little or no involvement in most votes taken by MFS. This is designed to promote consistency in the application of MFS’ voting guidelines, to promote consistency in voting on the same or similar issues (for the same or for multiple issuers) across all client accounts, and to minimize the potential that proxy solicitors, issuers, or third parties might attempt to exert inappropriate influence on the vote. In limited types of votes (e.g. mergers and acquisitions, capitalization matters, potentially excessive executive compensation issues, or shareholder proposals relating to environmental and social issues), a representative of MFS Proxy Voting Committee may consult with or seek recommendations from MFS portfolio managers or investment analysts. However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee would ultimately determine the manner in which all proxies are voted.

 

As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS’ best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS’ clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.

 

5. VOTING PROXIES In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS’ clients.

 

6. SECURITIES LENDING From time to time, the MFS Funds or other pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS may participate in a securities lending program. In the event MFS or its agent receives timely notice of a shareholder meeting for a U.S. security, MFS and its agent will attempt to recall any securities on loan before the meeting’s record date so that MFS will be entitled to vote these shares. However, there may be instances in which MFS is unable to timely recall securities on loan for a U.S. security, in which cases MFS will not be able to vote these shares. MFS will report to the appropriate board of the MFS Funds those instances in which MFS is not able to timely recall the loaned securities. MFS generally does not recall non-U.S. securities on loan because there may be insufficient advance notice of proxy materials, record dates, or vote cut-off dates to allow MFS to timely recall the shares in certain markets. As a result, non-U.S. securities that are on loan will not generally be voted. If MFS receives timely notice of what MFS determines to be an unusual, significant vote for a non-U.S. security whereas MFS shares are on loan, and determines that voting is in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders, then MFS will attempt to timely recall the loaned shares.

 

7. ENGAGEMENT The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are available on www.mfs.com and may be accessed by both MFS’ clients and the companies in which MFS’ clients invest. From time to time, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial for representatives from the MFS Proxy Voting Committee to engage in a dialogue or written communication with a company or other shareholders regarding certain matters on the company’s proxy statement that are of concern to shareholders, including environmental, social and governance matters. A company or shareholder may also seek to engage with representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee in advance of the company’s formal proxy solicitation to review issues more generally or gauge support or certain contemplated proposals.

 

C. Records Retention. MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees and Board of Managers of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. Proxy solicitation materials, including electronic versions of the proxy ballots completed by representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, together with their respective notes and comments, are maintained in an electronic format by the Proxy Administrator and are accessible on-line by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including records generated by the Proxy Administrator’s system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each company’s proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable law.

 

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D. Reports.

1. MFS FUNDS MFS publicly discloses the proxy voting records of the MFS Funds on an annual basis, as required by law. MFS will also report the results of its voting to the Board of Trustees and Board of Managers of the MFS Funds. These reports will include: (i) a summary of how votes were cast (including advisory votes on pay and “golden parachutes”) ; (ii) a summary of votes against management’s recommendation; (iii) a review of situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the guidelines and the rationale therefore; (iv) a review of the procedures used by MFS to identify material conflicts of interest and any matters identified as a material conflict of interest; (v) a review of these policies and the guidelines; (vi) a review of our proxy engagement activity; (vii) a report and impact assessment of instances in which the recall of loaned securities of a U.S. issuer was unsuccessful; and (viii) as necessary or appropriate, any proposed modifications thereto to reflect new developments in corporate governance and other issues. Based on these reviews, the Trustees and Managers of the MFS Funds will consider possible modifications to these policies to the extent necessary or advisable.

 

2. ALL MFS ADVISORY CLIENTS MFS may publicly disclose the proxy voting records of certain clients or the votes it casts with respect to certain matters as required by law. At any time, a report can also be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue and, upon request, may identify situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

 

Except as described above, MFS generally will not divulge actual voting practices to any party other than the client or its representatives because we consider that information to be confidential and proprietary to the client. However, as noted above, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue with a company regarding certain matters. During such dialogue with the company, MFS may disclose the vote it intends to cast in order to potentially effect positive change at a company in regards to environmental, social or governance issues.

 


(1) For clarification purposes, note that MFS votes in what we believe to be the best, long-term economic interest of our clients entitled to vote at the shareholder meeting, regardless of whether other MFS clients hold “short” positions in the same issuer.

(2) From time to time, due to travel schedules and other commitments, an appropriate portfolio manager or research analyst may not be available to provide a vote recommendation. If such a recommendation cannot be obtained within a reasonable time prior to the cut-off date of the shareholder meeting, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may determine to abstain from voting.

 

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ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 30, 2012
SUPPLEMENT DATED AUGUST 20, 2012

This supplement sets forth changes to the Prospectus, dated April 30, 2012 (the Prospectus), of Advanced Series Trust (the Trust). The Portfolio of the Trust discussed in this supplement may not be available under your variable contract. For more information about the Portfolios available under your contract, please refer to your contract prospectus. The following should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and should be retained for future reference. Defined terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Prospectus.

Changes relating to AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio
(To be Renamed AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio Effective on or about August 20, 2012)

The beneficial shareholders of the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (the AST Horizon Portfolio) recently approved an increase in the investment management fee rate paid to the Investment Managers by the Portfolio. As a result, the contractual investment management fee rate inclusive of the underlying funds for the Portfolio will increase from 0.89% to 0.95% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets. The Investment Managers proposed the above-referenced increase in the investment management fee rate in order to be able to retain J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (J.P, Morgan or the New Subadviser) as subadviser for the Portfolio. Such subadvisory arrangement is expected to become effective on or about August 20, 2012. In connection therewith, also on or about August 20, 2012: (i) the Investment Managers will terminate Horizon Investments, LLC as the subadviser for the AST Horizon Portfolio; (ii) the New Subadviser will begin to implement a new investment strategy for the Portfolio; (iii) the name of the Portfolio will be changed from the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio to the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio (the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio or the Portfolio); and (iv) certain changes to the Portfolio's investment objective, performance benchmark, and non-fundamental investment policies will become effective.

The AST Horizon Portfolio currently operates as a fund-of-funds. Under normal circumstances, the AST Horizon Portfolio invests approximately 90% of its assets in other portfolios of the Trust and approximately 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) rather than investing directly in equity and fixed-income securities and other financial instruments. Upon effectiveness of these changes, the Portfolio will no longer operate as a fund-of-funds. Instead, the New Subadviser will purchase and sell equity and debt securities and other financial instruments to implement the various investment strategies described below. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will, however, remain a global asset allocation investment vehicle. These changes, which are expected to become effective on or about August 20, 2012, are summarized below.

Current Non-Fundamental Investment Policy of
AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio
  Proposed Non-Fundamental Investment Policy of
AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio
 
Investment Objective:
Highest potential total return consistent with its specified level of risk tolerance
  Investment Objective:
To seek capital appreciation consistent with its specified level of risk tolerance.
 
Fund-of-Funds:
Under normal circumstances, the Horizon Portfolio invests approximately 90% of its assets in other portfolios of the Trust and up to 10% of its assets in ETFs.
  Fund-of-Funds:
Termination of policy. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may, however, invest in other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
 

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Current Non-Fundamental Investment Policy of
AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio
  Proposed Non-Fundamental Investment Policy of
AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio
 
Blended Performance Benchmark:
Russell 3000 Index: 60%
MSCI EAFE Index: 10%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: 30%
  Blended Performance Benchmark:
Russell 3000 Index: 38.50%
MSCI EAFE Index: 14.0%
MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index: 8.0%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: 30.0%
Barclays Capital HY 2% Constrained Index: 3.0%
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Index: 4.50%
J.P. Morgan EMBI Global Index: 2.0%
 

 

All references to the current AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio are hereby deemed deleted from the Prospectus as of the retention of the New Subadviser and its implementation of a new investment strategy for the Portfolio. The new investment strategy to be implemented by the New Subadviser and the principal risks associated with an investment in the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio are described below. Depending upon market, economic, and financial conditions as of August 20, 2012 and the Trust's ability to implement certain legal agreements and custody arrangements, it may take several weeks for the New Subadviser to fully implement its investment strategies for the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio.

A. The section of the Prospectus entitled "Summary: AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio" is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following in order to reflect the changes described above.

SUMMARY: AST J.P. MORGAN GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The investment objective of the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio (the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio or the Portfolio) is to seek capital appreciation consistent with its specified level of risk tolerance.

PORTFOLIO FEES AND EXPENSES

The table below shows the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in shares of the Portfolio. The table does not include charges incurred in connection with your variable insurance policy or variable annuity contract (together the contracts). Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the table. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)*

Management Fees     0.95 %  
Distribution (12b-1) Fees     None    
Other Expenses     0.15 %  
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses     None    
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses     1.10 %  

 

*  Effective August 20, 2012, the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio will change its subadviser, investment objective, policies, strategy, expense structure, and its name to the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio. The fees and expenses identified in this table reflect these changes and are estimates based in part on assumed average daily net assets of $1.5 billion for the Portfolio (i.e., the approximate amount of the Portfolio's net assets as of December 31, 2011) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

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Example. The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The table does not include Contract charges. Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the example. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem 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 Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

    1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years  
AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio   $ 112     $ 350     $ 606     $ 1,340    

 

Portfolio Turnover. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may result in higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, will affect the Portfolio's performance. During the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, the Portfolio's turnover rate was 131% of the average value of its portfolio. As described above, the Portfolio was known as the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio during the most recent fiscal year ended December 31. As a result, the portfolio turnover rate above reflects the investment performance, investment operations, investment policies, investment strategies, and expense structure of the former AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio and is not representative in any way whatsoever of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's current subadviser, investment objective, policies, strategy, and expense structure.

INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE

Principal Investment Strategies. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will provide exposure to a long-term strategic asset allocation while having the flexibility to express shorter-term tactical views by capitalizing upon market opportunities globally. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will invest across a broad range of asset classes, including, without limitation, domestic equity and debt, international and global developed equity, emerging markets equity and debt, high yield debt, convertible bonds, and real estate investment trusts. The New Subadviser will seek to achieve the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's investment objective by utilizing a select spectrum of investment strategies that have been developed within the J.P. Morgan organization. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will invest primarily in individual securities in order to meet its investment objective and will also utilize derivative instruments for tactical positioning and risk management, including futures contracts on securities, financial indices and foreign currencies and options on such contracts and may invest in options on securities, financial indices and foreign currencies, forward contracts and interest rate swaps and swap-related products. Other types of derivatives in which the Portfolio may invest include participation notes ("P-Notes") or Low Exercise Price Warrants ("LEPWs") or similar instruments as a way to access certain non-U.S. markets. These instruments are derivative securities which provide investors with economic exposure to an individual stock, basket of stocks, or equity.

Under normal circumstances, approximately 65% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets will be invested to provide exposure to equity securities and approximately 35% of its net assets will be invested to provide exposure to fixed-income securities. Depending on market conditions, such equity exposure may range between 55-75% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets and such fixed-income exposure may range between 25-45% of its net assets. Such exposures may be obtained through: (i) the purchase of "physical" securities ( e.g. , common stocks, bonds, etc.); (ii) the use of derivatives ( e.g. , option and futures contracts on indices, securities, and commodities, currency forwards, etc.); and (iii) the purchase of

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Underlying ETFs. More specific information regarding the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's minimum, neutral, and maximum exposures to various asset classes under normal circumstances is set forth below.

Asset Class   Minimum Exposure   Neutral Exposure   Maximum Exposure  
Equities  
U.S. Equity     24.50 %     36.50 %     48.50 %  
REITs     0.50 %     4.50 %     8.50 %  
Developed Intl. Equity     2.0 %     12.0 %     22.0 %  
Emerging Intl. Equity     2.0 %     8.0 %     14.0 %  
Global Convertibles     0.0 %     4.0 %     8.0 %  
Total Equities     55 %*     65 %     75 %**  
Fixed-Income  
U.S. Core Fixed Income     20.0 %     30.0 %     40.0 %  
U.S. "High Yield"     0.0 %     3.0 %     11.0 %  
Emerging Market Debt     0.0 %     2.0 %     6.0 %  
Total Fixed-Income     25 %***     35 %     45 %****  

 

*  Notwithstanding the individual minimum exposures for the various equity segments, the minimum combined exposure to equity investments is 55% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets.

**  Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the various equity segments, the maximum combined exposure to equity investments is 75% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets.

***  Notwithstanding the individual minimum exposures for the various fixed-income segments, the minimum combined exposure to fixed-income investments is 25% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets. Fixed income futures may also be utilized for duration management and are not considered to have a notional market value and therefore are not included within the above ranges.

****  Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the various fixed-income segments, the maximum combined exposure to fixed-income investments is 45% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets. Fixed income futures may also be utilized for duration management and are not considered to have a notional market value and therefore are not included within the above ranges.

Subject to the overall exposures shown above, more specific information regarding the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's normal minimum, neutral, and maximum exposures to various sub-asset classes is set forth below.

Sub-Asset Class   Minimum Exposure   Neutral Exposure   Maximum Exposure  
Total Non-U.S. Assets     15.0 %     25.25 %     35.0 %  
Total REITs & Emerging Intl. Equity     5.0 %     12.50 %     20.0 %  
Total High Yield & Small-Cap Equity     0.0 %*     6.0 %     15.0 %  

 

*  The minimum exposure applies to physical securities only. By using derivatives in small-cap equity, the minimum exposure may fall below 0%.

Principal Risks of Investing in the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio. The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio. All investments have risks to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio. An investment in the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio makes every effort to achieve its objective, it can't guarantee success.

Asset-backed securities risk. Asset-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables. Like traditional fixed income

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securities, asset-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. When the underlying pools of assets consist of debt obligations, there is a risk that those obligations will be repaid sooner than expected (prepayment risk) or later than expected (extension risk), both of which may result in lower than expected returns.

Asset Transfer Program Risk. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio is used in connection with certain benefit programs under Prudential variable annuity contracts, including, certain "guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit" programs and certain "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit" programs. In order for Prudential to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, Prudential will monitor each contract owner's account value from time to time and will systematically transfer amounts between the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio and other portfolios (or, for one guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit program, the insurer's general account) as required by certain non-discretionary mathematical formulas. Such pre-determined mathematical formulas may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio and subject the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio to certain risks. Such pre-determined mathematical formulas could adversely affect the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's investment performance by requiring the New Subadviser to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting their ability to fully implement their investment strategies. In addition, these predetermined mathematical formulas may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high operating expense ratios for the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio compared to other similar funds.

Commodity Risk. A commodity-linked derivative instrument is an financial instrument, the value of which is determined by the value of one or more commodities, such as precious metals and agricultural products, or an index of various commodities. The prices of these instrument historically have been affected by, among other things, overall market movements and changes in interest and exchange rates and have may be volatile than the prices of investments in traditional equity and debt securities.

Derivatives Risk. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index. The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks, including: the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) to a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Portfolio; certain derivatives and related trading strategies create debt obligations similar to borrowings, and therefore create, leverage, which can result in losses to the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio that exceed the amount it originally invested; certain exchange-traded derivatives may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time that the seller would like, or at the price that the seller believes the derivative is currently worth, and privately negotiated derivatives may be difficult to terminate or otherwise offset; derivatives used for hedging may reduce losses but also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio; and commodity-linked derivative instruments may be more volatile than the prices of investments in traditional equity and debt securities.

Equity Securities Risk. There is the risk that the value or price of a particular stock or other equity or equity-related security owned by the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio could go down and investors could lose money. In addition to an individual stock losing value, the value of the equity markets or a sector of those markets in which the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio invests could go down.

Expense Risk. The actual cost of investing in the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown above in this Memorandum for a variety of reasons, including, for example, if the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's average net assets decreases significantly.

Fixed Income Securities Risk. Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including the risk that an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable to pay some or all of the principal and interest when due (credit risk); the risk that the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may not be able to sell some or all of the securities its holds, either at the price it values the security or at any price (liquidity risk); and the risk that the rates of interest income generated by the fixed income investments of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may decline due to a decrease in market interest rates and that the market prices of the fixed income investments of the Portfolio may decline due to an increase in market interest rates (interest rate risk).

Foreign Investment Risk. Investments in foreign securities generally involve more risk than investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investment risk includes: adverse changes in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of foreign securities held by a Portfolio; securities of issuers located in

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emerging markets tend to have volatile prices and may be less liquid than investments in more established markets; foreign markets generally are more volatile than U.S. markets, are not subject to regulatory requirements comparable to those in the U.S, and are subject to differing custody and settlement practices; foreign financial reporting standards usually differ from those in the U.S.; foreign exchanges are smaller and less liquid than the U.S. market; political developments may adversely affect the value of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's foreign securities; and foreign holdings may be subject to special taxation and limitations on repatriating investment proceeds.

High-Yield Risk. Investments in fixed-income securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as "junk bonds") may be subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risk than investments in investment grade securities. High-yield securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.

Market and Management Risk. Markets in which the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio invests may experience volatility and go down in value, and possibly sharply and unpredictably. All decisions by the New Subadviser require judgment and are based on imperfect information. Additionally, the investment techniques, risk analysis and investment strategies used by the New Subadviser in making investment decisions for the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may not produce the desired results.

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. A mortgage-backed security is a specific type of asset-backed security—one backed by mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Therefore, they have many of the risk characteristics of asset-backed securities, including prepayment and extension risks, as well as interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. Because they are backed by mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities also have risks related to real estate, including significant sensitivity to changes in real estate prices and interest rates and, in the case of commercial mortgages, office and factory occupancy rates. The risks associated with investments in mortgage-backed securities, particularly credit risk, are heightened in connection with investments in sub-prime mortgage-backed securities.

Participation Notes (P-Notes) Risk. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may gain exposure to securities traded in foreign markets through investments in P-notes. P-notes are generally issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to an underlying common stock or other security. An investment in a P-note involves additional risks beyond the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying security. While the holder of a P-note is entitled to receive from the broker-dealer or bank any dividends paid by the underling security, the holder is not entitled to the same rights (e.g., voting rights) as a direct owner of the underlying security. P-notes are considered general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them as the counterparty. As such, the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio must rely on the creditworthiness of the counterparty for its investment returns on the P-notes and would have no rights against the issuer of the underlying security. Additionally, there is no assurance that there will be a secondary trading market for a P-note or that the trading price of a P-note will equal the value of the underlying security.

Recent Events Risk. The ongoing financial and debt crises have caused significant declines in the value and liquidity of many securities. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the New Subadviser. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments have increased deficit spending while the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The reduction or withdrawal of these measures could negatively affect the overall economy and/or the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the United States calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.

Real Estate Risk. Investments in real estate investment trusts (RETTs) and real estate-linked derivative instruments will subject the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand for real estate and office space, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes, and operating expenses. An investment in a derivative instrument that is linked to the value of a REIT is subject to additional risks, such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT, adverse changes to the tax laws, or failure by the REIT to qualify for favorable tax

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treatment under current tax laws. In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property.

Past Performance. Prior to August 20, 2012 the Portfolio was known as the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio. Effective August 20, 2012 the Portfolio replaced the old subadviser (Horizon) with a new subadviser, changed its investment objective, policies, strategy, and expense structure. The performance figures furnished below reflect the investment performance, investment operations, investment policies, investment strategies, and expense structure of the former AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio and is not representative in any way whatsoever of the Portfolio's current subadviser, investment objective, policies, strategy, and expense structure.

A number of factors, including risk, affected how the former AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio performed. The bar chart and table provides some indication of the risks of investing in the former AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio by showing changes in its performance from year to year and by showing how its average annual returns for 1 year, 3 years, and since inception of the Portfolio compared with those of a broad measure of market performance. Past performance does not mean that the former AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio or the current AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio will achieve similar results in the future.

The annual returns and average annual returns shown in the chart and table are after deduction of expenses and do not include Contract charges. If Contract charges were included, the returns shown would have been lower than those shown. Consult your Contract prospectus for information about Contract charges.

The table also demonstrates how the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio's average annual returns compared to the returns of a custom blended stock index which includes the stocks of companies with similar investment objectives. The AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio's custom blended stock index consists of the Russell 3000 Index (60%), MSCI EAFE Index (10%), and the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index (30%). The Investment Managers determined the weight of each index comprising the blended indexes.

Average Annual Returns

Best Quarter   Worst Quarter  
2nd Quarter of 2009 15.34%   4th Quarter of 2008 -15.73%  

 

Average Annual Total Returns (For the periods ended December 31, 2011)

    1 year   Since
Inception
(11/19/07)
 
Portfolio     -0.57 %     0.34 %  
Index  
Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)
    2.09 %     -1.77 %  
Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)     1.99 %     0.67 %  

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MANAGEMENT OF THE AST J.P. MORGAN GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO

Investment Managers: Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc.

Subadviser: J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (J.P. Morgan)

Portfolio Manager   Title   Service Date with Portfolio  
Neill Nuttall   Managing Director   August 2012  
Patrik Jakobson   Managing Director   August 2012  
Nicole Fazio   Vice President   August 2012  

 

TAX INFORMATION

Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information on the federal tax consequences to them. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Contracts and the Portfolio, including the application of state and local taxes. The Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are "passed through" pro rata directly to the participating insurance companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes.

FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION

If you purchase your Contract through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the issuing insurance company, the Portfolio or their related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of the Contract, the selection of the Portfolio and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Contract over another investment or insurance product, or to recommend the Portfolio over another investment option under the Contract. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

B. The following information is added at the end of the section of the Prospectus entitled "More Detailed Information on How the Portfolios Invest" in order to reflect the changes described above.

Investment Objective of the Portfolio. The investment objective of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio is to seek capital appreciation consistent with its specified level of risk tolerance. This investment objective is not a fundamental investment policy for the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio and, therefore, may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) without shareholder approval. No assurance can be given that the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.

Principal Investment Strategies. The AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio is a multi asset-class fund that invests directly in, among other things, equity and equity-related securities, investment grade debt securities, high yield or "junk" bonds, real estate investments trusts (REITs), convertibles, Underlying Portfolios, and various types of derivative instruments. The Portfolio allocates its assets among various regions and countries throughout the world, including the United States. The New Subadviser uses various investment strategies and a global tactical asset allocation strategy in order to help the Portfolio achieve its investment objective.

Under normal circumstances, approximately 65% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets will be invested to provide exposure to equity securities and approximately 35% of its net assets will be invested to provide exposure to fixed-income securities. Depending on market conditions, such equity exposure may range between 55-75% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets and such fixed-income exposure may range between 25-45% of its net assets. Such exposures may be obtained through: (i) the purchase of "physical" securities ( e.g. , common stocks, bonds, etc.); (ii) the use of derivatives ( e.g. , futures contracts, currency forwards, etc.); and (iii) the purchase of Underlying ETFs. More specific information regarding the

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AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's minimum, neutral, and maximum exposures to various asset classes under normal circumstances is set forth below.

Asset Class   Minimum Exposure   Neutral Exposure   Maximum Exposure  
Equities  
U.S. Equity     24.50 %     36.50 %     48.50 %  
REITs     0.50 %     4.50 %     8.50 %  
Developed Intl. Equity     2.0 %     12.0 %     22.0 %  
Emerging Intl. Equity     2.0 %     8.0 %     14.0 %  
Global Convertibles     0.0 %     4.0 %     8.0 %  
Total Equities     55 %*     65 %     75 %**  
Fixed-Income  
U.S. Core Fixed Income     20.0 %     30.0 %     40.0 %  
U.S. "High Yield"     0.0 %     3.0 %     11.0 %  
Emerging Market Debt     0.0 %     2.0 %     6.0 %  
Total Fixed-Income     25 %***     35 %     45 %****  

 

*  Notwithstanding the individual minimum exposures for the various equity segments, the minimum combined exposure to equity investments is 55% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets.

**  Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the various equity segments, the maximum combined exposure to equity investments is 75% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets.

***  Notwithstanding the individual minimum exposures for the various fixed-income segments, the minimum combined exposure to fixed-income investments is 25% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets. Fixed-income futures may also be used for duration management and are not considered to have a notional market value and therefore are not included within the above ranges.

****  Notwithstanding the individual maximum exposures for the various fixed-income segments, the maximum combined exposure to fixed-income investments is 45% of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's net assets. Fixed-income futures may also be used for duration management and are not considered to have a notional market value and therefore are not included within the above ranges.

Subject to the overall exposures shown above, more specific information regarding the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's normal minimum, neutral, and maximum exposures to various sub-asset classes is set forth below.

Sub-Asset Class   Minimum Exposure   Neutral Exposure   Maximum Exposure  
Total Non-U.S. Assets     15.0 %     25.25 %     35.0 %  
Total REITs & Emerging Intl. Equity     5.0 %     12.50 %     20.0 %  
Total High Yield & Small-Cap Equity     0.0 %*     6.0 %     15.0 %  

 

*  The minimum exposure applies to physical securities only. By using derivatives in small-cap equity, the minimum exposure may fall below 0%.

Temporary Defensive Investments. In response to adverse market, economic, or political conditions or to satisfy redemptions, the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio may take a temporary defensive position and invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments, including short-term obligations of, or securities guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or in high-quality obligations of banks and corporations, repurchase agreements, or hold up to 100% of its assets in cash, cash equivalents or shares of money market or short-term bond funds that are advised by PI, AST, or their affiliates. Investing heavily

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in these securities will limit the New Subadviser's ability to achieve the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio's investment objective, but can help to preserve Portfolio assets.

C. The following information is added at the end of the table contained in the section of the Prospectus entitled "How the Fund Is Managed—Investment Management Fees" in order to reflect the changes described above.

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio     0.95 %  

 

D. The following information is added at the end of the section of the Prospectus entitled "How the Fund Is Managed—Investment Subadvisers" in order to reflect the changes described above.

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (J.P. Morgan) is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Chase Co., a publicly held bank holding company and global financial services firm. JP Morgan manages assets for governments, corporations, endowments, foundations and individuals worldwide. As of December 31, 2011, J.P. Morgan and its affiliated companies had approximately $1.3 trillion in assets under management worldwide. J.P. Morgan's address is 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

E. The following information is added at the end of the section of the Prospectus entitled "How the Fund Is Managed—Portfolio Managers" in order to reflect the changes described above.

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio. Patrik Jakobson, Managing Director, is a portfolio manager with J.P. Morgan's Global Multi-Asset Group (GMAG). He is a member of the Global Strategy Team that is responsible for managing the group's tactical allocation investment process and global portfolio strategy. An employee since 1987, Patrik has served as a portfolio manager for the firm's global asset allocation and balanced portfolios since 1995 and has worked extensively with institutional clients on strategic asset allocation issues. He previously managed equity portfolios and worked as a research analyst specializing in the retail industry in corporate finance. Patrik earned a B.A. in economics from Harvard University and an M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School of Business.

Neill Nuttall, Managing Director, joined J.P. Morgan in 1984. Neill is Chief Investment Officer and head of GMAG, with particular responsibility for global tactical asset allocation, total return and convertible bond portfolios. Prior to joining GMAG he worked for Jardine Fleming in Hong Kong as head of currency, Asian fixed income and convertible bond management, and more recently as a qualitative portfolio manager in the Currency Group in London. Previously, he worked for Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Nicole Fazio, CFA, Vice President, is a portfolio manager in GMAG based in New York. An employee since 2003, she is responsible for manager research and portfolio construction. Nicole also focuses on portfolio management and implementation of tactical asset allocation strategy across GMAG's accounts, as well as strategic asset allocation. Previously, she was a junior client portfolio manager within the group, helping to support the global asset allocation and balanced portfolios. Nicole holds a B.S. in Finance from Boston College and is a CFA charterholder.

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ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED APRIL 30, 2012

SUPPLEMENT DATED AUGUST 20, 2012

 

This supplement describes certain changes relating to AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (to be renamed AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio effective on or about August 20, 2012). The following should be read in conjunction with the Statement of Additional Information, dated April 30, 2012 (the SAI), of Advanced Series Trust (the Trust) and the Prospectus and should be retained for future reference. Defined terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Prospectus.

 

The beneficial shareholders of the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio (the AST Horizon Portfolio) recently approved an increase in the investment management fee rate paid to the Investment Managers by the Portfolio. As a result, the contractual investment management fee rate for the Portfolio will increase from 0.89% to 0.95% of the Portfolio’s annualized average daily net assets. The Investment Managers proposed the above-referenced increase in the investment management fee rate in order to be able to retain J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (J.P. Morgan or the New Subadviser) as subadviser for the Portfolio.  Such subadvisory arrangement is expected to become effective on or about August 20, 2012. In connection therewith, also on or about August 20, 2012: (i) the Investment Managers will terminate Horizon Investments, LLC as the subadviser for the AST Horizon Portfolio; (ii) the New Subadviser will begin to implement a new investment strategy for the Portfolio; (iii) the name of the Portfolio will be changed from the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio to the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio (the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio or the Portfolio); and (iv) certain changes to the Portfolio’s investment objective, performance benchmark, and non-fundamental investment policies will become effective.

 

All references to the current AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio are hereby deemed deleted from this SAI as of the retention of the New Subadviser and its implementation of a new investment strategy for the Portfolio. Depending upon market, economic, and financial conditions as of August 20, 2012 and the Trust’s ability to implement certain legal agreements and custody arrangements, it may take several weeks for the New Subadviser to fully implement their investment strategies for the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio.

 

A. Subadvisory Fee Arrangements. The subadvisory fee arrangements for the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio are set forth below.

 

Portfolio Name

 

Subadviser

 

Contractual Subadvisory Fee Rate

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

 

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

 

0.35% of annualized average daily net assets to $600 million; and
0.32% of annualized average daily net assets over $600 million

 

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B. Additional Information about the Portfolio Managers—Other Accounts and Portfolio Ownership. The following tables set forth information about the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio and accounts other than the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio for which such Portfolio’s portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of December 31, 2011 The table shows, for such portfolio managers, as of December 31, 2011 the number of accounts managed and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts whose fees are based on performance, if any, is indicated in italics typeface . The tables also set forth the dollar range of equity securities of each Portfolio of the Trust beneficially owned by the portfolio manager as of December 31, 2011.

 

Portfolio: AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

 

Subadviser

 

Portfolio
Managers

 

Registered
Investment
Companies/
Total Assets (in millions)

 

Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles/Total
Assets (in millions)

 

Other
Accounts/Total
Assets (in millions)

 

Ownership
of Portfolio
Securities

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

 

Patrik Jakobson

 

12/$8,760,490

 

2/$924,270

 

10/$3,480,491

 

None

 

Neill Nuttall

 

3/$2,276,816

 

8/$2,209,471

 

0/$0

 

None

 

Nicole Fazio

 

4/$980,961

 

4/$2,028,926

 

1/$1,348,871

 

None

 

C. Additional Information about the Portfolio Managers—Compensation and Conflicts of Interest. Set forth below, for each portfolio manager, is an explanation of the structure of, and method(s) used by J.P. Morgan to determine, portfolio manager compensation. Also set forth below, for each portfolio manager, is an explanation of any material conflicts of interest that may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio’s investments and investments in other accounts.

 

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS. The potential for conflicts of interest exists when portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the fund (“Similar Accounts”). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.

 

Responsibility for managing J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JP Morgan)’s and its affiliates clients’ portfolios is organized according to investment strategies within asset classes. Generally, client portfolios with similar strategies are managed by portfolio managers in the same portfolio management group using the same objectives, approach and philosophy. Underlying sectors or strategy allocations within a larger portfolio are likewise managed by portfolio managers who use the same approach and philosophy as similarly managed portfolios. Therefore, portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across similar portfolios and strategies, which minimize the potential for conflicts of interest.

 

JP Morgan and/or its affiliates may receive more compensation with respect to certain Similar Accounts than that received with respect to the fund or may receive compensation based in part on the performance of certain Similar Accounts. This may create a potential conflict of interest for JP Morgan and its affiliates or its portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Similar Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. In addition, JP Morgan or its affiliates could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that JP Morgan or an affiliate has a proprietary investment in Similar Accounts, the portfolio managers have personal investments in Similar Accounts or the Similar Accounts are investment options in JP Morgan’s or its affiliate’s employee benefit plans. Potential conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of investment opportunities because of market factors or investment restrictions imposed upon JP Morgan and its affiliates by law, regulation, contract or internal policies. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as JP Morgan or its affiliates may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. JP Morgan and its affiliates may be perceived as causing accounts they manages to participate in an offering to increase JP Morgan’s or its affiliates’ overall allocation of securities in that offering.

 

A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account. If JP Morgan or its affiliates manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the fund invests, JP Morgan or its affiliates could be seen as harming the performance of the fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. As an

 

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internal policy matter, JP Morgan may from time to time maintain certain overall investment limitations on the securities positions or positions in other financial instruments JP Morgan or its affiliates will take on behalf of its various clients due to, among other things, liquidity concerns and regulatory restrictions. Such policies may preclude a fund from purchasing particular securities or financial instruments, even if such securities or financial instruments would otherwise meet the fund’s objectives. The goal of JP Morgan and its affiliates is to meet their fiduciary obligation with respect to all clients. JP Morgan and its affiliates have policies and procedures that seek to manage conflicts. JP Morgan and its affiliates monitor a variety of areas, including compliance with fund guidelines, review of allocation decisions and compliance with JP Morgan’s Codes of Ethics and JPMC’s Code of Conduct. With respect to the allocation of investment opportunities, JP Morgan and its affiliates also have certain policies designed to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example: Orders for the same equity security are aggregated on a continual basis throughout each trading day consistent with JP Morgan’s duty of best execution for its clients. If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially completed orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. For example, accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation relative to their size may be excluded from the order. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. If partial completion of the order would result in an uneconomic allocation to an account due to fixed transaction or custody costs, JP Morgan or its affiliates may exclude small orders until 50% of the total order is completed. Then the small orders will be executed. Following this procedure, small orders will lag in the early execution of the order, but will be completed before completion of the total order.

 

Purchases of money market instruments and fixed income securities cannot always be allocated pro rata across the accounts with the same investment strategy and objective. However, JP Morgan and its affiliates attempt to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro rata allocations traded through a single trading desk or system upon objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of JP Morgan or its affiliates so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION. JP Morgan’s portfolio managers participate in a competitive compensation program that is designed to attract and retain outstanding people and closely link the performance of investment professionals to client investment objectives. The total compensation program includes a base salary fixed from year to year and a variable performance bonus consisting of cash incentives and restricted stock and may include mandatory notional investments (as described below) in selected mutual funds advised by JP Morgan. These elements reflect individual performance and the performance of JP Morgan’s business as a whole. Each portfolio manager’s performance is formally evaluated annually based on a variety of factors including the aggregate size and blended performance of the portfolios such portfolio manager manages. Individual contribution relative to client goals carries the highest impact. Portfolio manager compensation is primarily driven by meeting or exceeding clients’ risk and return objectives, relative performance to competitors or competitive indices and compliance with firm policies and regulatory requirements. In evaluating each portfolio manager’s performance with respect to the mutual funds he or she manages, the funds’ pre-tax performance is compared to the appropriate market peer group and to each fund’s benchmark index listed in the fund’s prospectus over one, three and five year periods (or such shorter time as the portfolio manager has managed the fund). Investment performance is generally more heavily weighted to the long term.

 

Awards of restricted stock are granted as part of an employee’s annual performance bonus and comprise from 0% to 40% of a portfolio manager’s total bonus. As the level of incentive compensation increases, the percentage of compensation awarded in restricted stock also increases. Up to 50% of the restricted stock portion of a portfolio manager’s bonus may instead be subject to a mandatory notional investment in selected mutual funds advised by JP Morgan or its affiliates. When these awards vest over time, the portfolio manager receives cash equal to the market value of the notional investment in the selected mutual funds.

 

D. The following information is added at the end of the section of the SAI entitled “Management & Advisor—Fee Waivers/Subsidies” in order to reflect the changes described above.

 

Voluntary Expense Cap for Acquired Fund Expenses for AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio. J.P. Morgan may, from time to time, invest a portion of the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio’s assets in underlying non-affiliated portfolios. As a result, the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio will indirectly incur a pro rata portion of the fees and expenses of the relevant underlying non-affiliated portfolios. The Investment Managers have voluntarily agreed to reimburse expenses and/or waive fees to the extent that the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio’s “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” exceed 0.23% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. For purposes of applying this voluntary expense cap, “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” shall not include, and the Investment Managers shall not reimburse expenses or waive fees with respect to, taxes, short sale interest and dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, distribution fees, and extraordinary expenses incurred by the relevant underlying non-affiliated portfolios. This arrangement will be monitored and applied daily based upon the AST J.P. Morgan Portfolio’s then current holdings of the underlying non-affiliated portfolios and the expense ratios of the relevant underlying non-affiliated portfolios as of their most recent fiscal year end.

 

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PART C

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registrant’s Registration Statement for Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-24962 and 811-5186) (the “Registration Statement “), which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(a)(2) Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b) By-laws of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(c) None

 

(d)(1)(a)  Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and Prudential Investments LLC for the various portfolios of the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(1)(b) Amended Fee Schedule to Investment Management Agreement. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 15, 2010, and is incorporated by reference herein

 

(d)(1)(c) Contractual investment management fee waiver relating to AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(1)(d) Contractual investment management fee waiver relating to the AST Bond Portfolios 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(1)(e) Contractual investment management fee waiver relating to the AST Money Market Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(1)(f) Contractual expense cap for AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio and AST Neuberger Berman Core Bond Portfolio. Filed as Exhibit 6(c) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-171772), which was filed via EDGAR on October 5, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(1)(g) Contractual expense cap for AST Bond 2023 Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 23, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d)(1)(h) Contractual expense cap for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(1)(i) Contractual expense cap for AST Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(1)(j) Contractual investment management fee waiver for AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(1)(k) Contractual investment management fee waiver for AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Portfolio. Filed herewith.

 

(d)(2) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for the AST Goldman Sachs Concentrated Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Money Market Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(b)(i) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2015, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(b)(ii) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2016 and AST Bond Portfolio 2020. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(b)(iii)  Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2017 and AST Bond Portfolio 2021.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to Registration Statement which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 28, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(b)(iv)  Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2022.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 22, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(b)(v)  Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 5, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(3)(b)(vi) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2023. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective

 

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Amendment No. 93 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 23, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(4) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(5)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(5)(b) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(6) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference

 

(d)(7) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company for the AST PIMCO Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference

 

(d)(8) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price International, Inc. for the AST T. Rowe Price Global Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(9) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and William Blair & Company LLC for the AST International Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(10)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST International Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(10)(b) Amendment to Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST International Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(11) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and J. P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST JPMorgan International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-

 

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Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(12) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(13) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated and Eaton Vance Management LLC for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(14) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for the AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(15) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. for the AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(16)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Marsico Capital Management, LLC for the AST Marsico Capital Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(16)(b) Amendment to Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Marsico Capital Management, LLC for the AST Marsico Capital Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(17) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management, Incorporated for the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (now known as the AST Neuberger Berman/LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference

 

(d)(18)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management, Incorporated for the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(18)(b) Amendment to Sub-advisory Agreements among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management, Inc. for each of the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (now known as the AST Neuberger Berman /LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio) and the Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d)(19) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Eagle Asset Management, Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference

 

(d)(20) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(21) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(22) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for the AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(23)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Federated Investment Counseling for the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(23)(b) Amendment to Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Federated Investment Counseling for the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(24) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Lee Munder Investments, Ltd. for the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(25) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(26) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. for the AST DeAM Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(27) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Lord Abbett & Co. for the AST Lord Abbett Bond-Debenture Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d)(28) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and First Trust Advisors, L.P. for the AST First Trust Balanced Target Portfolio. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference

 

(d)(29) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and First Trust Advisors, L.P. for the AST First Trust Capital Appreciation Target Portfolio. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(30) Amendment to Sub-advisory Agreements among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and First Trust Advisors, L.P. for each of the AST First Trust Balanced Target Portfolio and the AST First Trust Capital Appreciation Target Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(31)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(31)(b) Amendment to Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(32) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and William Blair & Company LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(33) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(34) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Marsico Capital Management, LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(35)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(35)(b) Amendment to Sub-Advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d)(36) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, Quantitative Management Associates, LLC, Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and Jennison Associates, LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(37) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST High Yield Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(38) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio (formerly the AST UBS Dynamic Alpha Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(39) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Federated MDTA LLC, for the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(40) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Marsico Capital Management, LLC, for the AST International Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(41) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Thornburg Investment Management, Inc., for the AST International Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(42) Amended and Restated Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, Salomon Brothers Asset Management, and ClearBridge Advisors, LLC, for the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(43) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc., for the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(44) Sub-advisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., for the AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(45)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and CLS Investment Firm, LLC for the AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio and the AST CLS Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-

 

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Effective Amendment No. 79 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 2, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(45)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. for the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio (formerly AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(45)(c) Sub-Subadvisory Agreement among Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd., AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), and Prudential Investments LLC for the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio (formerly AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(46)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Horizon Investments, LLC for the AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio and the AST Horizon Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(46)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC and J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio (formerly AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio ) . Filed herewith.

 

(d)(47) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(48) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company for the AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(49) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Real Estate Investors for the AST Global Real Estate Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(50) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC for the AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(51) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST PIM

 

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US Equity Alpha Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(52) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (re-named as the AST Neuberger Berman / LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(53) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and EARNEST Partners LLC for the AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(54) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC and First Trust Advisors, L.P. for the AST Focus Four Plus Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(55)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. for the AST Schroders Multi-Asset World Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(55)(b) Sub-Subadvisory Agreement among Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd., AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), and Prudential Investments LLC for the AST Schroders Multi-Asset World Strategies Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(56)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC, and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC, Prudential Bache Asset Management, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(56)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC, and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(56)(c) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and AlphaSimplex Group for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(56)(d) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and First Quadrant, L.P. for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-

 

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Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(57)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(57)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(57)(c) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(57)(d) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(58)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Jennison Associates LLC, for AST Jennison Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on September 10, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(58)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Jennison Associates LLC, for AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on September 10, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(59) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC, for AST FI Pyramis® Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(60) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC, for AST Neuberger Berman Core Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 5, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(61) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Quantitative Management Associates, for AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

C-10



 

(d)(62) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Wellington Management Company, LLP, for AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)(63)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Bradford & Marzec LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(63)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Brown Advisory, LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(63)(c) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and C.S. McKee, LP, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(63)(d) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and EARNEST Partners, LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

C-11



 

(d)(63)(e) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Epoch Investment Partners, Inc., for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(63)(f) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Security Investors, LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(63)(g) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(64)(a) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Franklin Advisers, Inc., for AST Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Portfolio. To be filed by subsequent amendment.

 

(d)(64)(b) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, for AST Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Portfolio. To be filed by subsequent amendment.

 

(d)(64)(c) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Templeton Global Advisors Limited, for AST Franklin Templeton Founding Funds Allocation Portfolio. To be filed by subsequent amendment.

 

(d)(65) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust, for AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(66)  Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., for AST T. Rowe Price Equity Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(67)  Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Jennison Associates LLC, for AST International Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(68)  Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Jefferies Asset Management, LLC for AST Academic Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(d)(69) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company for the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. Filed herewith.

 

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(d)(70) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. Filed herewith.

 

(d)(71) Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC, and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed herewith.

 

(e)(1) Sales Agreement between Registrant and American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(e)(2) Sales Agreement between Registrant and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 24, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(f) None. (g)(1) Custodian Agreement dated July 1, 2005 between the Registrant and PFPC Trust Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(g)(2) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York dated November 7, 2002, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Dryden Municipal Bond Fund filed via EDGAR on July 1, 2005 (File No. 33-10649).

 

(h)(1) Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc., dated May 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference to the Dryden Municipal Bond Fund Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on July 1, 2007 (File No. 33-10649).

 

(h)(1)(i) Amendment dated December 27, 2007 to Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated May 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference to the JennisonDryden Portfolios Post - Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registration statement of on Form N1-A filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2007 (File No. 33-9269).

 

(h)(1)(ii) Amendment dated September 2, 2008 to Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agerement dated May 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference to the Target Portfolio Trust Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement filed on Form N-1A, which was filed via EDGAR on December 29, 2008 (File No. 33-50476), and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(h)(2) Service Agreement between American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 28, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(h)(3) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation, American Skandia Trust, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(h)(4) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, American Skandia Trust, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the

 

C-13



 

Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(h)(5) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(h)(6) Participation Agreement among Pramerica of Bermuda Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(i)(1)Opinion of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(i)(2) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(i)(3) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed herewith

 

(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  Filed herewith

 

(k) None.

 

(l) Certificate re: initial $100,000 capital. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(m) None.

 

(n) None.

 

(o) None.

 

(p)(1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant dated January 15, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A for Prudential Investment Portfolios 5, filed via EDGAR on September 27, 2010 (File No. 333-82621).

 

(2) Code of Ethics and Personal Securities Trading Policy of Prudential, including the Manager and Distributor, dated January 10, 2011, incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Prudential Investment Portfolios 12, filed via EDGAR on June 1, 2011 (File No. 333-42705).

 

(p)(3) Code of Ethics of Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

C-14



 

(p)(4) Code of Ethics of Federated Investment Counseling. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(5) Code of Ethics of Federated Global Investment Management Corp. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 28, 2003, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(6) Code of Ethics of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(7) Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(8) Code of Ethics of J. P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(9) Code of Ethics of Lord, Abbett & Co. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(10) Code of Ethics of Marsico Capital Management, LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on May 1, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(11) Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(12) Code of Ethics of Neuberger Berman Management, Inc. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(13) Code of Ethics of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(14) Code of Ethics of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. dated March 1, 2008. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(15) Code of Ethics of LSV Asset Management. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(16) Code of Ethics of Lee Munder Investments, Ltd. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

C-15



 

(p)(17) Code of Ethics of Eagle Asset Management. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(18) Code of Ethics of William Blair & Company, LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(19) Code of Ethics of First Trust Advisors, L.P. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(20) Code of Ethics of Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(21) Code of Ethics of ClearBridge Advisors, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registration Statement of The Prudential Series Fund on Form N-1A (File No.2-80896) filed via EDGAR on April 27, 2007.

 

(p)(22) Code of Ethics of CLS Investment Firm, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(23) Code of Ethics of Horizon Investments, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(24) Code of Ethics of Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(25) Code of Ethics of Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(26) Code of Ethics of Prudential Investment Management, Inc.. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(27) Code of Ethics of WEDGE Capital Management LLP. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(28) Code of Ethics of EARNEST Partners LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(29) Code of Ethics of AlphaSimplex Group, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

C-16



 

(p)(30) Code of Ethics of Eaton Vance Management. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(31) Code of Ethics of First Quadrant, L.P. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(32) Code of Ethics of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(p)(33) Code of Ethics of Wellington Management Company, LLP. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the Registration Statement of Prudential Sector Funds, Inc. on Form N-1A (File No. 2-72097 filed via EDGAR on January 26, 2011.

 

(p)(34) Code of Ethics of Bradford & Marzec LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(35) Code of Ethics of Brown Advisory, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(36) Code of Ethics of C.S. McKee, LP. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(37) Code of Ethics of Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(38) Code of Ethics of Security Investors, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(39) Code of Ethics of Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(40) Code of Ethics of Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, and Templeton Global Advisors Limited. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

(p)(41) Code of Ethics of Emerald Advisers Inc. and Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to the Registration Statement of The Target Portfolio Trust on Form N-1A (File No. 33-50476) filed via EDGAR on February 23, 2012.

 

(p)(42) Code of Ethics of CoreCommodity Management, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

C-17



 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant.

 

Registrant does not control any person within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Registrant may be deemed to be under common control with its investment manager and its affiliates because a controlling interest in Registrant is held of record by Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation. See Registrant’s Statement of Additional Information under “Management and Advisory Arrangements” and “Other Information.”

 

Item 30. Indemnification.

 

Section 5.2 of the Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

 

The Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees, Trustee Emeritus, officers, employees, and agents (including persons who serve at its request as directors, officers, employees, agents or trustees of another organization in which it has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) against all liabilities and expenses (including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise, as fines and penalties, and as counsel fees) reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which he may be involved or with which he may be threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of his being or having been such a trustee, trustee emeritus, officer, employee or agent, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of having acted in bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties; provided, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such person, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless approved as in the best interests of the Trust, after notice that it involves such indemnification, by at least a majority of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) upon a determination, based upon a review of readily available facts, that (i) such person acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust and (ii) is not liable to the Trust or the Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties; or the trust shall have received a written opinion from independent legal counsel approved by the Trustees to the effect that (x) if the matter of good faith and reasonable belief as to the best interests of the Trust, had been adjudicated, it would have been adjudicated in favor of such person, and (y) based upon a review of readily available facts such trustee, officer, employee or agent did not engage in willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The rights accruing to any Person under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled; provided that no Person may satisfy any right of indemnity or reimbursement granted herein or in Section 5.1 or to which he may be otherwise entitled except out of the property of the Trust, and no Shareholder shall be personally liable to any Person with respect to any claim for indemnity or reimbursement or otherwise.

 

The Trustees may make advance payments in connection with indemnification under this Section 5.2, provided that the indemnified person shall have given a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust in the event it is subsequently determined that he is not entitled to such indemnification and, provided further, that the Trust shall have obtained protection, satisfactory in the sole judgment of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter), against losses arising out of such advance payments or such Trustees, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts that there is reason to believe that such person will be found to be entitled to such indemnification.

 

With respect to liability of the Investment Manager to Registrant or to shareholders of Registrant’s Portfolios under the Investment Management Agreements, reference is made to Section 13 or 14 of each Investment Management Agreement filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein.

 

C-18



 

With respect to the Sub-Advisors’ indemnification of the Investment Manager and its affiliated and controlling persons, and the Investment Manager’s indemnification of each Sub-advisor and its affiliated and controlling persons, reference is made to Section 14 of each Sub-Advisory Agreement filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein.  Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant or expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser.

 

AST Investment Services, Incorporated (“ASTI”), One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484, and Prudential Investments LLC (“PI”), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serve as the co- investment managers to the Registrant. Information as to the business and other connections of the officers and directors of ASTI is included in ASTI’s Form ADV (File No. 801-40532), including the amendments to such Form ADV filed with the Commission, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information as to the business and other connections of the officers and directors of PI is included in PI’s Form ADV (File No. 801-3110), including the amendments to such Form ADV filed with the Commission, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriters.

 

Registrant’s shares are currently offered only to insurance company separate accounts as an investment option for variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.  The Trust has no principal underwriter or distributor.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.

 

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (BNY), One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Gateway Center Two, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, the Registrant, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), 100 Mulberry Street, Gateway Center Three, Newark, New Jersey 07102.

 

Documents required by Rules 31a-1(b) (4), (5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and 31a-1 (d) and (f) will be kept at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and the remaining accounts, books and other documents required by such other pertinent provisions of Section 31(a) and the Rules promulgated thereunder will be kept by BNY and PMFS.

 

Item 34. Management Services.

 

Other than as set forth under the caption “How the Fund is Managed-Investment Managers” in the Prospectus and the caption “Management and Advisory Arrangements” in the SAI, constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement, Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.

 

Item 35. Undertakings.

 

Not applicable.

 

C-19


 


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, the Registrant certifies that it has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Newark, and State of New Jersey, on the 25 th  day of July, 2012.

 

 

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

*By:

/s/ Robert F. O’Donnell

 

 

Robert F. O’Donnell

 

 

President

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ ROBERT F. O’DONNELL*

 

Trustee and President, Principal Executive Officer

 

 

Robert F. O’Donnell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ TIMOTHY S. CRONIN

 

Trustee and Vice President

 

 

Timothy S. Cronin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ GRACE C. TORRES*

 

Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

 

Grace C. Torres

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ SAUL K. FENSTER, PH.D.*

 

Trustee

 

 

Saul K. Fenster, Ph.D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ DELAYNE DEDRICK GOLD*

 

Trustee

 

 

Delayne Dedrick Gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ ROBERT F. GUNIA*

 

Trustee

 

 

Robert F. Gunia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ W. SCOTT MCDONALD, JR.*

 

Trustee

 

 

W. Scott McDonald, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ THOMAS T. MOONEY*

 

Trustee

 

 

Thomas T. Mooney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ THOMAS M. O’BRIEN*

 

Trustee

 

 

Thomas M. O’Brien

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ F. DON SCHWARTZ*

 

Trustee

 

 

F. Don Schwartz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ SUSAN DAVENPORT AUSTIN*

 

Trustee

 

 

Susan Davenport Austin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*By: /s/ JONATHAN D. SHAIN

 

Assistant Secretary, Attorney-in-Fact

 

July 25, 2012

Jonathan D. Shain

 

 

 

 

 

C-20



 

Power of Attorney

 

The undersigned Directors, Trustees and Officers of the Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (collectively, the “Funds”), hereby constitute, appoint and authorize each of, Andrew French, Claudia DiGiacomo, Deborah A. Docs, Katherine P. Feld, Raymond O’Hara, Amanda Ryan and Jonathan D. Shain, as true and lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact, to sign, execute and deliver on his or her behalf in the appropriate capacities indicated, any Registration Statements of the Funds on the appropriate forms, any and all amendments thereto (including pre- and post-effective amendments), and any and all supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, including Form N-PX, Forms 3, 4 and 5, as appropriate, to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the securities regulators of appropriate states and territories, and generally to do all such things in his or her name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorney-in-fact deems necessary or appropriate to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, all related requirements of the SEC and all requirements of appropriate states and territories.  The undersigned do hereby give to said agents and attorneys-in-fact full power and authority to act in these premises, including, but not limited to, the power to appoint a substitute or substitutes to act hereunder with the same power and authority as said agents and attorneys-in-fact would have if personally acting.  The undersigned do hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said agents and attorneys-in-fact, or any substitute or substitutes, may do by virtue hereof.

 

/s/ Timothy S. Cronin

 

/s/ Thomas T. Mooney

Timothy S. Cronin

 

Thomas T. Mooney

 

 

 

/s/ Susan Davenport Austin

 

/s/ Thomas M. O’Brien

Susan Davenport Austin

 

Thomas M. O’Brien

 

 

 

/s/ Saul K. Fenster, PhD

 

/s/ Robert F. O’Donnell

Saul K. Fenster, PhD

 

Robert F. O’Donnell

 

 

 

/s/ Delayne Dedrick Gold

 

/s/ F. Don Schwartz

Delayne Dedrick Gold

 

F. Don Schwartz

 

 

 

/s/ Robert F. Gunia

 

/s/ Grace C. Torres

Robert F. Gunia

 

Grace C. Torres

 

 

 

/s/ W. Scott McDonald, Jr.

 

 

W. Scott McDonald, Jr.

 

 

 

 

Dated:   June 14, 2012

 

C-21



 

Item 28
Exhibit No.

 

Description

(d)(1)(k)

 

Contractual investment management fee waiver for AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Portfolio.

 

 

 

(d)(46)(b)

 

Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC and J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio (formerly AST Horizon Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio).

 

 

 

(d)(69)

 

Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company for the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio.

 

 

 

(d)(70)

 

Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio.

 

 

 

(d)(71)

 

Sub-advisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC, and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio.

 

 

 

(i)(3)

 

Consent of Counsel for the Registrant.

 

 

 

(j)

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

C-22


Exhibit 99.(d)(1)(k)

 

Prudential Investments LLC

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

One Corporate Drive

Shelton, Connecticut 06484

 

July 9, 2012

 

The Board of Trustees of Advanced Series Trust

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Re:          Contractual Expense Cap for AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. hereby agree to waive a portion of their investment management fee, so that the effective management fee rate paid by the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio is 0.80% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio through July 1, 2014.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Timothy S. Cronin

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Timothy S. Cronin

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

 

 

Title: President

 


Exhibit 99.(d)(46)(b)

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

 

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Agreement made as of this 12th day of July, 2012 among Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (ASTISI), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JP Morgan or the Subadviser).

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and ASTISI act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and the series referred to Schedule A hereto (the Portfolio or referred to individually and collectively, with the Trust, as the Trust), to manage such portion of the Portfolio as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct,  to allocate and re-allocate the assets of the Portfolio allocated to it by the Co-Managers between itself and any affiliated adviser (the Sub-subadviser) retained to provide advisory services to the Portfolio pursuant to an agreement approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Sub-subadvisory Agreement), and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust’s portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers from time to time, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the “Prospectus”), and subject to the following understandings:

 

(i) The Subadviser may allocate some, all, or none of the assets allocated to it by the Co-Managers to the Sub-subadviser for management pursuant to the Sub-subadvisory Agreement.  The Subadviser shall retain responsibility to the Portfolio and the Co-Managers for all assets allocated to it, including any assets managed by the Sub-subadviser.  The Subadviser, or the Sub-subadviser subject to the oversight of the Subadviser, shall determine what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold, or loaned by the Portfolio, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-Laws of the Trust, the Prospectus of the Trust, provided from time to time to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers (collectively, the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that are not inconsistent with the Trust Documents, co-operate with the Co-Managers’ (or their designees’) personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust’s compliance, and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”),including, without limitation, Section 817 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and all other applicable federal laws and regulations. In addition, the Co-Managers may inform the Subadviser in writing of the requirements of certain state laws or regulations applicable to the Trust (“State Requirements”). The Subadviser agrees to manage the portion of the Trust’s assets under its supervision in conformance with such State Requirements. In connection with its management of Trust assets, the Subadviser shall, among other things, assist the Co-Managers with the preparation and filing of such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

 

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, derivative instruments and other investments to be purchased or sold and will place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants (including but not limited to any broker or dealer affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) as it determines in its discretion subject to the requirements of this paragraph. In executing transactions for the Trust and selecting brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants, the Sub-Adviser will use its best efforts to seek on behalf of the Trust the best overall terms available. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser shall consider all the factors that it deems relevant including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant, the reasonableness of the commission, if any, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis and the research and investment information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser’s other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through broker-dealers (including, to the extent legally permissible,

 



 

broker-dealers affiliated with the Subadviser) who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and to cause the Trust to pay any such broker-dealers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Co-Managers or Subadviser determine(s) in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it or an affiliate may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act).  The Co-Managers hereby acknowledge receipt of the current best execution policy of Subadviser’s London branch and consent to Subadviser following such policy.  Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers with updated versions of such policy as it may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time.  Subject to the requirements of U.S. laws rules, and regulations, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act), and the rules thereunder, the Co-Managers agree that the Subadviser’s London branch may follow the then-current version of such best execution policy in managing the portion of the Trust’s assets assigned to it. In addition, the Co-Managers agree that in managing the portion of the Trust’s assets assigned to it, the Subadviser’s London branch may execute trades in markets that are not “regulated markets” as that term is defined in the “Markets in Financial Instruments Directive” and may utilize a multilateral trading facility .

 

On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, derivatives instrument or other investment to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, derivative instruments and other investments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, derivatives instruments and other investments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients. The Co-Managers recognize that, in some cases, this procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or sold for the Trust.

 

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust’s portfolio transactions effected by it as required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust’s Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust’s securities.

 

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust’s Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust’s assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

 

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a “manager-of-managers” style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i)  continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii)  periodically make recommendations to the Trust’s Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust’s Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

 

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust’s portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets; provided, however, that Subadviser may consult with the Sub-subadviser.  (b) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust’s books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser’s services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

 

(c) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to comply with the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, other applicable federal regulations and State Requirements.

 

2



 

(d) Upon request, the Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with the performance of this Agreement and any reports prepared for external distribution in accordance with the compliance procedures maintained pursuant to paragraph 1(c) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

 

(e) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the portion of the Portfolio it manages, subject to such reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

 

(f) The Subadviser agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Co-Managers or the Trust’s Custodian in determining the value of any portfolio security.  Such reasonable assistance shall include (but is not limited to): (i)  upon the request of the Co-Managers or the Trust’s Custodian, assisting in obtaining bids and offers or quotes from broker/dealers or market-makers with respect to portfolio securities; and (ii) notifying the Co-Managers in the event the Subadviser has reason to believe that the price it has received for a portfolio security held by the Portfolio does not appear to reflect corporate actions, news, significant events or such security otherwise requires review to determine if fair valuation may be necessary under the Trust’s valuation procedures.  Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser shall make its employees and officers reasonably available for consultation with the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers to assist it in its valuation of the securities of the Trust as the valuation committee or the Co-Managers may request from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the securities being valued.

 

2. (a) The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust’s custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

(b) The Co-Managers acknowledge that all services provided by the Subadviser through its London Branch under the Agreement are provided on the basis that the Co-Managers and the Trust are considered to be “Professional Clients” by Subadviser within the meaning of the U.K. Financial Services Authority’s rules

 

3. For the services provided and the expenses assumed by the Subadviser pursuant to this Agreement and by the Sub-subadviser pursuant to the Sub-subadvisory Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust’s average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Liability for payment of compensation by the Co-Managers to the Subadviser under this Agreement is contingent upon the Co-Managers’ receipt of payment from the Trust for management services described under the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Co-Managers. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers. The Subadviser agrees and acknowledges that if the Co-Managers pay the entire amount of the subadvisory fee contemplated under Schedule A to this Agreement to the Subadviser, then: (i) the Subadviser (and not the Co-Managers) shall be responsible for paying any and all compensation to the Sub-subadviser; and (ii) the Subadviser’s liability to the Co-Managers under this Agreement shall not be affected in any way whatsoever by any delegation of services by the Subadviser to the Sub-subadviser.

 

4. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser’s part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a direct result of the Co-Managers’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a direct result of the Subadviser’s or the Sub-subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.  Neither the Co-Managers nor the Subadviser shall be liable for special, consequential or incidental damages.

 

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

 

3



 

Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change or anticipated change in control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser; provided that the Subadviser need not provide notice of such an anticipated event to the Co-Managers before the anticipated event is a matter of public record.

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for ASTISI); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 575 Washington Boulevard, Floor 10, Jersey City, N.J. 07310-1616, Attention:  Scott Moritz.

 

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

 

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

 

8. Subadviser agrees that, for so long as Subadviser is the sole subadviser of any series of the Trust, the name “J.P. Morgan” may be used in the name of such series and that such use of the name “J.P. Morgan” may include use of the name in related fund and variable insurance product prospectuses, reports, and sales and marketing materials used by the Co-Managers and/or their affiliates.  Upon termination of this Agreement, new uses of the name of J. P. Morgan (or any derivative or logo) by the Co-Managers and/or their affiliates in such types of materials shall promptly cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser agrees that such fund and variable insurance product prospectuses, reports, and sales and marketing materials containing the name of J. P. Morgan (or any derivative or logo) that had been published and distributed prior to the termination of the Agreement may continue to be used by the Co-Managers and/or their affiliates after the termination of this Agreement.  Co-Managers acknowledge that the name J.P. Morgan is the property of the Subadviser for copyright and other purposes.

 

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

 

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

 

11. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

12 . (a) Except where prohibited by applicable law or regulation, the Subadviser may perform any or all of the services contemplated hereunder, including but not limited to managing a portion of the assets of the Portfolio and placing orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities or other investments, directly or through such of its affiliated persons (as defined in the 1940 Act), as the Subadviser shall determine; provided, however, that performance of such services through such subsidiaries or other affiliates shall have been approved, at the intervals required by the 1940 Act and in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.  The Subadviser may employ an unaffiliated third party to perform any accounting, administrative, reporting, and ancillary services required to enable the Subadviser to perform its functions under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Subadviser’s liability to the Co-Managers under this Agreement shall not be affected in any way whatsoever by any delegation of services by the Subadviser to any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser or any unaffiliated third party.

 

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, the Subadviser: (i) may provide information about the Co-Managers and the Trust to any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser or any unaffiliated third party for purposes of this Section 12; (ii) will act in good faith and with due diligence in the selection, use, and monitoring of such “affiliated persons” of the Subadviser and/or unaffiliated third parties; and (iii) shall ensure that any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser or unaffiliated third party to which services have been

 

4



 

delegated hereunder is subject to confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations that are substantially similar to the confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations to which the Subadviser is subject with respect to the Trust.

 

13. Termination of this Agreement will be without prejudice to the completion of any transaction already initiated. On, or after, the effective date of termination of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall be entitled, without prior notice to the Co-Managers, to direct the Custodian to retain and/or realize any assets of the Trust as may be required to settle transactions already initiated.  Following the date of effective termination of this Agreement, any new transactions will only be executed by mutual agreement between the Co-Managers and the Subadviser.

 

14 (a) Neither the Co-Managers nor the Subadviser shall disclose information of a confidential nature acquired in consequence of this Agreement, except for information which they may be entitled or bound to disclose by law, regulation, regulatory requirement or which is disclosed to their advisers where reasonably necessary for the performance of their professional services or, in the case of the Subadviser, as permitted in accordance with clauses 12 and 14(b).

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any market counterparty with whom the Subadviser deals requires information relating to the Trust (including, but not limited to, the identity of the Co-Managers and market value of the Trust), the Subadviser shall be permitted to disclose such information to the extent necessary to effect transactions on behalf of the Co-Managers or the Trust in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

15. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Subadviser has adopted a Customer Identification Program, (“CIP”) pursuant to which Subadviser is required to obtain, verify and maintain records of certain information relating to its clients. In order to facilitate Subadviser’s compliance with its CIP, the Co-Managers hereby represent and warrant that (i) they have provided the Subadviser with the Trust’s taxpayer identification number or other government issued identification number, (ii) all documents provided to Subadviser are true and accurate as of the date hereof, and (iii) the Co-Managers agree to provide to Subadviser such other information and documents that Subadviser requests in order to comply with Subadviser’s CIP.

 

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

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Timothy Cronin

 

 

Name:

Timothy Cronin

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Timothy Cronin

 

 

Name:

Timothy Cronin

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. P. MORGAN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott Moritz

 

 

Name:

Scott Moritz

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

5



 

SCHEDULE A

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

 

As compensation for services provided by JP Morgan, Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. will pay JP Morgan a fee equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Name

 

Advisory Fee

 

 

 

AST J. P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

 

0.35% of average daily net assets to $600 million; and
0.32% of average daily net assets over $600 million

 

 

Dated as of July 12, 2012.

 

6


Exhibit 99.(d)(69)

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Agreement made as of this 12th day of June, 2012 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company, and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and Western Asset Management Company (WAMCO or the Subadviser).

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, as amended, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the Portfolio), to allocate and re-allocate the assets of the Portfolio between itself and an affiliated adviser, Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML), which acts as a subadviser to the Portfolio pursuant to a separate agreement with the Co-Managers (the WAML Agreement), and to manage the portion of the Portfolio retained by the Subadviser for management, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage the Portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the “Prospectus”), and subject to the following understandings:

 

(i) WAMCO may allocate some, all, or none of the assets of the Portfolio to itself or WAML, for management by WAML pursuant to the WAML Agreement or for management by WAMCO pursuant to this Agreement.  WAMCO acknowledges that WAMCO (and not the Co-Managers) shall be responsible for allocating Portfolio assets between WAMCO and WAML, and for ensuring that all of the Portfolio’s assets are being managed either by WAMCO or WAML.  The portion of the assets managed by the Subadviser shall be referred to as the Subadviser Assets,

 



 

and the portion of the assets managed by WAML shall be referred to as the WAML Assets.  The Subadviser shall provide supervision of the Subadviser Assets, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold, or loaned by the Portfolio, and what portion of the Subadviser Assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, and the Prospectus of the Trust provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, cooperate with the Co-Managers’ (or their designees’) personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust’s compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

 

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities and futures contracts to be purchased or sold for the Subadviser Assets, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants (including but not limited to any broker or dealer affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust’s Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the best execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser’s other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through broker-dealers (including, to the extent legally permissible, broker-dealers affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and to cause the Trust to pay any such broker-dealers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission.

 

On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security or futures contract to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of

 

2



 

the securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.

 

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust’s portfolio transactions effected by it as required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust’s Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall use reasonable efforts to make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation during Subadviser’s normal business hours with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust’s securities.

 

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust’s Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the Subadviser Assets, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

 

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a “manager-of-managers” style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i)  continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii)  periodically make recommendations to the Trust’s Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust’s Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

 

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets (provided, however, that the Subadviser and WAML may consult with each other).

 

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

 

(c) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust’s books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser’s services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are

 

3



 

the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

 

(d) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations.

 

(e) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities included in the Subadviser Assets, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

 

(g) Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing securities of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the securities being valued.

 

(h) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others.  Subject to the Subadviser’s responsibility to the Portfolio, the Co-Managers agree that the Subadviser may give advice or exercise investment responsibility and take such other action with respect to other individuals or entities that may differ from advice given to the Portfolio.  The Co-Managers acknowledge that the Subadviser, or its agent, or employees or any of the accounts Subadviser advises may, at any time, hold, acquire, increase, decrease, dispose of or otherwise deal with positions in investments in which the Portfolio may or may not have an interest from time to time, whether such transactions involve the Portfolio or otherwise.

 

(i)  The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Trust certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement.  These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.

 

(j)  The Co-Managers acknowledge receipt of the Subadviser’s Form-ADV Part II at least 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

4



 

2. The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust’s Custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the Portfolio, cash requirements and cash available for investment in the Portfolio, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement and the WAML Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser and WAML as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets as described in the attached Schedule A.  Liability for payment of compensation by the Co-Managers to the Subadviser under this Agreement and to WAML under the WAML Agreement is contingent upon the Co-Managers’ receipt of payment from the Trust for management services described under the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Co-Managers.  Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser or WAML, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser or WAML by the Co-Managers.  The Subadviser agrees and acknowledges that if the Co-Managers pay the entire amount of the subadvisory fee contemplated under Schedule A to this Agreement to WAMCO, then: (i) WAMCO (and not the Co-Managers) shall be responsible for paying any and all compensation to WAML for WAML’s management of the WAML Assets and (ii) the Co-Managers shall have no liability whatsoever to Subadviser or WAML or any other entity affiliated with Subadviser or WAML for any fees or expenses arising out of or relating to WAML’s management of the WAML Assets.

 

4. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser’s part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

 

5



 

The Co-Managers acknowledge and agree that Subadviser makes no warranty, expressed or implied, that any level of performance or investment results will be achieved by the Portfolio or that the Portfolio will perform comparably with any standard or index, including other clients of the Subadviser, whether public or private.

 

5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 385 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91101, Attention: Legal Department.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

6



 

10. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

7



 

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

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

8



 

SCHEDULE A

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

As compensation for services provided by Western Asset Management Company (WAMCO), Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. will pay WAMCO an advisory fee on the Portfolio’s net assets. The advisory fee will be paid monthly in arrears and is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Name

 

Advisory Fee*

 

 

 

AST Western Asset
Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

0.40% of New Portfolio’s average daily net assets to $100 million; and
0.20% of New Portfolio’s average daily net assets over $100 million

 


* For purposes of calculating the subadvisory fee, the assets managed by WAMCO in the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will be aggregated with the assets managed by Western Asset Management Company Limited in the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio.

 

 

Dated as of June 12, 2012.

 

9


Exhibit 99.(d)(70)

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Agreement made as of this 12th day of June, 2012 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company, and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML or the Subadviser).

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, as amended, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the Portfolio), and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, have entered into a separate subadvisory agreement with Western Asset Management Company (WAMCO), an affiliate of WAML (the WAMCO Agreement), pursuant to which WAMCO will provide investment advisory services to the Portfolio and will allocate and re-allocate the assets of the Portfolio between itself and WAML; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage the Portfolio, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the “Prospectus”), and subject to the following understandings:

 

(i) WAMCO may allocate some, all, or none of the assets of the Portfolio to itself or WAML, for management by WAML pursuant to the WAML Agreement or for management by WAMCO pursuant to the WAMCO Agreement.  WAML acknowledges that WAMCO (and not the Co-Managers) shall be responsible for allocating Portfolio assets between WAMCO and WAML,

 



 

and for ensuring that all of the Portfolio’s assets are being managed either by WAMCO or WAML.  The portion of the assets managed by the Subadviser shall be referred to as the Subadviser Assets, and the portion of the assets managed by WAMCO shall be referred to as the WAMCO Assets.  The Subadviser shall provide supervision of the Subadviser Assets, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold, or loaned by the Portfolio, and what portion of the Subadviser Assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, and the Prospectus of the Trust provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, cooperate with the Co-Managers’ (or their designees’) personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust’s compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

 

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities and futures contracts to be purchased or sold for the Subadviser Assets, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants (including but not limited to any broker or dealer affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust’s Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the best execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser’s other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through broker-dealers (including, to the extent legally permissible, broker-dealers affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and to cause the Trust to pay any such broker-dealers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission.

 

2



 

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

 

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust’s portfolio transactions effected by it as required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust’s Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall use reasonable efforts to make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation during Subadviser’s normal business hours with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust’s securities.

 

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust’s Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the Subadviser Assets, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

 

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a “manager-of-managers” style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i)  continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii)  periodically make recommendations to the Trust’s Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust’s Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

 

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets (provided, however, that the Subadviser and WAMCO may consult with each other).

 

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

 

3



 

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

 

(d) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations.

 

(e) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities included in the Subadviser Assets, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

 

(g) Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing securities of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the securities being valued.

 

(h) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others.  Subject to the Subadviser’s responsibility to the Portfolio, the Co-Managers agree that the Subadviser may give advice or exercise investment responsibility and take such other action with respect to other individuals or entities which may differ from advice given to the Portfolio.  The Co-Managers acknowledge that the Subadviser, or its agent, or employees or any of the accounts Subadviser advises may, at any time, hold, acquire, increase, decrease, dispose of or otherwise deal with positions in investments in which the Portfolio may or may not have an interest from time to time, whether such transactions involve the Portfolio or otherwise.

 

(i)  The Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Trust certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement.  These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment related agreements and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.

 

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(j)  The Co-Managers acknowledge receipt of the Subadviser’s Form-ADV Part II at least 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

2. The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust’s Custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the Portfolio, cash requirements and cash available for investment in the Portfolio, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement and the WAMCO Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser and WAMCO as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets as described in the attached Schedule A.  Liability for payment of compensation by the Co-Managers to the Subadviser under this Agreement and to WAMCO under the WAMCO Agreement is contingent upon the Co-Managers’ receipt of payment from the Trust for management services described under the Management Agreement between the Trust and the Co-Managers.  Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser or WAMCO, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser or WAMCO by the Co-Managers.  The Subadviser agrees and acknowledges that if the Co-Managers pay the entire amount of the subadvisory fee contemplated under Schedule A to this Agreement to WAMCO, then: (i) WAMCO (and not the Co-Managers) shall be responsible for paying any and all compensation to Subadviser for Subadviser’s management of the Subadviser Assets and (ii) the Co-Managers shall have no liability whatsoever to Subadviser or WAMCO or any other entity affiliated with Subadviser or WAMCO for any fees or expenses arising out of or relating to Subadviser’s management of the Subadviser Assets.

 

4. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser’s part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties

 

5



 

hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

 

The Co-Managers acknowledge and agree that Subadviser makes no warranty, expressed or implied, that any level of performance or investment results will be achieved by the Portfolio or that the Portfolio will perform comparably with any standard or index, including other clients of the Subadviser, whether public or private.

 

5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 10 Exchange Square Primrose Street, London, England EC2A 2EN, Attention: Legal Department.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

10. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

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

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED

 

 

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

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SCHEDULE A

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

As compensation for services provided by Western Asset Management Company Limited (WAML), Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. will pay WAML an advisory fee on the Portfolio’s net assets. The advisory fee will be paid monthly in arrears and is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Name

 

Advisory Fee*

 

 

 

AST Western Asset
Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

0.40% of New Portfolio’s average daily net assets to $100 million; and
0.20% of New Portfolio’s average daily net assets over $100 million

 


* For purposes of calculating the subadvisory fee, the assets managed by WAML in the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio will be aggregated with the assets managed by Western Asset Management Company in the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio.

 

 

Dated as of June 12, 2012.

 

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Exhibit 99.(d)(71)

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Agreement made as of this          day of July, 2012 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS or the Subadviser), a Delaware corporation.

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust’s portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the “Prospectus”), and subject to the following understandings:

 

(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust’s investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and the Subadviser shall have discretion without prior consultation with the Manager to determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, the Prospectus of the Trust, and any procedures adopted by the Board applicable to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder including any amendments to those procedures as provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Co-Managers’ (or their designees’) personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust’s compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, each as applicable to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations (collectively “Applicable Law”). Subject to the Co-Managers’ oversight, Subadviser shall monitor compliance with Applicable Law based on Subadviser’s books and records and, to the extent provided, information provided by the Co-Managers and/or the Trust’s Custodian. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of Schedule 13G and Form 13-F reflecting the Trust’s securities holdings unless otherwise directed in writing by the Co-Managers.  The Subadviser shall not be responsible for the preparation or filing of any other reports required of the Trust by any governmental or regulatory agency, except as expressly agreed to in writing.  The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents. Until the Co-Managers, the Trust, or the Board delivers any Trust Document regarding the management of the Trust or the Subadviser’s duties hereunder to the Subadviser, the Subdviser shall not be liable and shall be fully protected in relying on any previously delivered document sent by the Co-Managers, the Trust, or the Board to the Subadviser.

 

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities and futures contracts to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust’s portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants (including but not limited to any broker or dealer affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust’s Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and

 



 

investment information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser’s other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through broker-dealers (including, to the extent legally permissible, broker-dealers affiliated with the Subadviser(s)) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and to cause the Trust to pay any such broker-dealers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission.

 

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

 

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust’s portfolio transactions effected by it as required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust’s Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust’s securities.

 

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust’s Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust’s assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

 

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a “manager-of-managers” style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii)  periodically make recommendations to the Trust’s Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust’s Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

 

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust’s portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.

 

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

 

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

 

(d) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, each as applicable to the services provided by the Subadviser hereunder, and other applicable state and federal regulations.

 

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(e) The Subadviser shall furnish the Co-Managers with such monthly, quarterly, or annual reports concerning the Subadviser’s transactions and performance, as well as compliance procedures referenced in paragraph 1(d) hereof, as the Manager may reasonably request.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust’s portfolio in accordance with the Subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.  It shall be the sole responsibility of the Trust, Co-Managers, or Custodian (and not of the Subadviser) to process and file any claim forms or other documentation relating to any securities action claims litigation on behalf of the Trust.

 

(g)   The Subadviser agrees to use reasonable efforts (i) to monitor whether market quotations are readily available for the Trust’s portfolio securities and whether those market quotations are reliable for purposes of internally valuing the Trust’s portfolio securities and determining the Trust’s net asset value per share; and (ii) to promptly notify the Co-Managers upon the occurrence of any significant event with respect to any of the Trust’s portfolio securities in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and any related written guidance from the Commission and the Commission staff, , in conformity with the Trust’s valuation procedures.  Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing securities of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the securities being valued.  The Co-Managers and the Trust acknowledge and agree that (i) the Subadviser is not the Trust’s pricing agent and shall not be deemed a substitute for any independent pricing agent and/or valuation committee of the Trust pursuant to the Trust’s Fair Valuation Policies and Procedures; and (ii) none of the information which the Subadviser provides the Co-Managers hereunder shall be deemed to be the official books and records of the Fund for tax, accounting or any other purposes.

 

2. The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust’s custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser). The Co-Managers shall provide on an on-going basis a list of all affiliates of the Co-Managers and the Fund, including publicly traded affiliates of the Co-Managers that may not be purchased by the Fund (such list shall include security name, cusip number, sedol and/or applicable ticker) and a list of all brokers and underwriters affiliated with the Co-Managers for reporting transactions under applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust’s average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A.  Liability for payment of compensation by the Co-Managers to the Subadviser under this Agreement is contingent upon the Co-Managers’ receipt of payment from the Trust for management services described under the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Co-Managers.  Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.  If this Agreement becomes effective or terminates, or if the manner of determining the applicable fee changes, in the middle of any month, the fee (if any) for the period from the effective date to the end of such month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination or change, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination or change occurs.

 

4. (a.)The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser’s part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

 

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(b). The Co-Managers acknowledge and agree that the Subadviser makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, that any level of performance or investment results will be achieved by the Trust or that the Trust will perform comparably with any standard or index, including other clients of the Subadviser, whether public or private.

 

5. Subject to the right of each of the Co-Managers and Subadviser to comply with applicable law, including any demand of any regulatory or taxing authority having jurisdiction over it, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all information pertaining to the Trust and the actions of each of the Co-Managers and Subadviser in respect thereof. In accordance with Regulation S-P, if non-public personal information regarding either party’s customers or consumers is disclosed to the other party in connection with the Agreement, the party receiving such information will not disclose or use that information other than as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

 

6. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Jessica McLaughlin.

 

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

 

8. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof.  During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers also agree to furnish the Subadviser, upon request, representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public, which make reference to the Subadviser. The Co-Managers further agree to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon the Subadviser’s written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

 

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

 

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

 

11. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

4



 

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

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

5



 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

As compensation for services provided by MFS, Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) will pay MFS an advisory fee on the net assets managed by MFS that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Name 

 

Advisory Fee

 

 

 

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

0.35% of average daily net assets to $100 million
0.30% of average daily net assets from $100 million to $500 million; and
0.275% of average daily net assets over $500 million

 

 

Dated as of July     , 2012.

 

6


Exhibit 99.(i)(3)

 

Christopher E. Palmer

Goodwin Procter LLP

202.346.4253

Counselors at Law

cpalmer@

901 New York Avenue NW

goodwinprocter.com

Washington, DC 20001

 

T: 202.346.4000

 

F: 202.346.4444

 

July 12, 2012

 

Advanced Series Trust

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Re:                                Advanced Series Trust (“Registrant”) Form N-1A; Post-Effective Amendment No. 102 to the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and Amendment No. 104 to the Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Amendment”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We provided an opinion to the Registrant dated April 25, 2005 (the “Opinion”), which the Registrant filed as an exhibit to its Registration Statement filed April 29, 2005.

 

We consent to the filing of this letter with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Amendment and the incorporation by reference of the Opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment.  We also consent to the reference in the Registration Statement to the Trust to the fact that Goodwin Procter LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and has provided the Opinion.

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

/s/ Goodwin Procter LLP

 

 

 

Goodwin Procter LLP

 


Exhibit 99.(j)

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders

Advanced Series Trust:

 

We consent to the references to our firm under the headings “Other Service Providers” and “Financial Statements” in the statement of additional information.

 

 

 

 

 

New York, New York

 

July 19, 2012