As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on December 30, 2005
Registration No. 333-66895
811-09101
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 18 x
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 o
Amendment No. 19 x
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
DRYDEN TAX-MANAGED FUNDS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
GATEWAY CENTER THREE
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102-4077
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code: (973) 367-7521
Deborah A. Docs, Esq.
Gateway Center Three
100 Mulberry Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate date of proposed public offering:
As soon as practicable after the effective
date of the Registration Statement.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
(check appropriate box):
X immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
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.
If appropriate, check the following box:
o this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
|
for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
Title of Securities Being Registered...Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.001 par value per share.
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund
DECEMBER 30, 2005 | PROSPECTUS |
FUND TYPE
Large capitalization stock
OBJECTIVE
Long-term after-tax growth of capital
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the Fund's shares, nor has the SEC determined that this prospectus is complete or accurate. It is a criminal offense to state otherwise. JennisonDryden is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ, and its affiliates.
INSIDE FRONT COVER
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
ABOUT THE FUND
This section highlights key information about Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund . The Fund is a series of Dryden Tax-Managed Funds. Additional information follows this summary.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES
Our investment objective is long-term after-tax growth of capital. We seek investments that will appreciate over time. We also try to reduce the taxes shareholders may pay on the Fund's investment income and capital gains. We normally invest at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in common stock and equity-related securities of large capitalization U.S. companies. The term "investable assets" in this prospectus refers to the Fund's net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund's investable assets will be less than its total assets to the extent that it has borrowed money for non-investment purposes, such as to meet anticipated redemptions.
Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA) manages the Fund using an investment process that is centered around a quantitative stock selection model used to evaluate growth portential, valuation, liquidity and investment risk. They try to select securities that will provide strong capital appreciation, while trying to limit both the effects of taxation and the differences in portfolio characteristics from those of the overall stock market. The portfolio will normally consist of at least 200 securities selected from a broad universe of stocks.
We try to limit taxes by attempting to avoid short-term capital gains and by selling securities that have fallen in value in order to generate losses that can be used to offset realized capital gains on other securities. We also try to limit taxes on investment income by investing in lower-yielding equity securities. We may use hedging techniques to help limit taxable income and capital gains. We also may use derivatives to try to improve the Fund's returns.
The Fund tries to outperform the returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500 Index) on an after-tax basis over the long term. While we make every effort to achieve our objective, we can't guarantee success.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
Although we try to invest wisely, all investments involve risk. Since the Fund invests primarily in common stock and convertible preferred securities, there is the risk that the price of a particular stock we own could go down, or the value of the equity markets or a sector of them could go down. Stock markets are volatile. Generally, the stock prices of large capitalization companies are more stable than the stock prices of small companies. The Fund's holdings can vary significantly from broad market indexes, and performance of the Fund can deviate from the performance of such indexes.
Some of our investment strategies - such as using derivatives - involve above-average risks. The Fund may use hedging techniques to help limit taxes, preserve assets and enhance return, including using options and stock index or other financial futures contracts. Derivatives may not match or fully offset the underlying positions and this could result in losses to the Fund that would not otherwise have occurred.
Like any mutual fund, an investment in the Fund could lose value and you could lose money. For more detailed information about the risks associated with the Fund, see "How the Fund Invests - Investment Risks."
An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
The Fund is designed for long-term taxable investors.
If you are investing for the short term (less than one year), you may suffer negative tax consequences by investing in the Fund. Market conditions may limit the Fund's ability to generate tax losses or to avoid dividend income. Excessive shareholder redemptions may require the Fund to sell securities and realize gains. While the Fund tries to limit the extent to which shareholders incur taxes on Fund distributions of income and net realized gains, the Fund expects to distribute taxable income or capital gains from time to time.
EVALUATING PERFORMANCE
A number of factors - including risk - can affect how the Fund performs. The following bar chart shows the Fund's performance for each full calendar year of operation or for the last 10 calendar years, whichever is shorter. The bar chart and Average Annual Total Returns table below demonstrate the risk of investing in the Fund by showing how returns can change from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual total returns compare with a broad-based securities market index and a group of similar mutual funds.
Past performance (before and after taxes) does not mean that the Fund will achieve similar results in the future.
|
BEST QUARTER: 15.8% | WORST QUARTER: -16.5% |
(4th quarter of 1999) | (3rd quarter of 2002) |
Average Annual Total Returns % (as of 10-31-05) | ||||
Return Before Taxes | One Year | Five Years | Since Inception (3-3-99) | |
Class A shares |
2.85
|
-3.00
|
0.96
|
|
Class C shares |
6.95
|
-2.65
|
1.06
|
|
Class Z shares |
9.06
|
-1.67
|
2.08
|
Class B Shares % | ||||
Return Before Taxes |
2.95
|
-2.84
|
1.06
|
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions |
2.95
|
-2.84
|
1.06
|
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
1.92
|
-2.39
|
0.91
|
Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | ||||
S&P 500 Index
|
8.72
|
-1.73
|
0.47
|
|
Lipper Average |
8.35
|
-3.06
|
1.14
|
FEES AND EXPENSES
This table shows the sales charges, fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of each share class of the Fund. Each share class has different (or no) sales charges known as loads and expenses, but represents an investment in the same fund. For more information about which share class may be right for you, see "How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares of the Fund."
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment) | ||||
Class A | Class B | Class C | Class Z | |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.5% | None | None | None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) | 1% | 5% | 1% | None |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends and other distributions | None | None | None | None |
Redemption fees | None | None | None | None |
Exchange fee | None | None | None | None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (deducted from Fund assets) | |||||
Class A | Class B | Class C | Class Z | ||
Management fees | .65 | .65 | .65 | .65 | |
+ Distribution and service (12b-1) fees | .30 | 1.00 | 1.00 | None | |
+ Other expenses | .32 | .32 | .32 | .32 | |
= Total annual Fund operating expenses | 1.27 | 1.97 | 1.97 | .97 | |
- Fee waiver or expense reimbursement | .05 | None | None | None | |
= Net annual Fund operating expenses | 1.22 | 1.97 | 1.97 | .97 |
EXAMPLES
This example is intended to help you compare the fees and expenses of the Fund's different share classes and compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, except for the Distributor's reduction of distribution and service (12b-1) fees for Class A, which is effective in this example for only the first year. Approximately seven years after purchase, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis. The information in the ten years column reflects this conversion. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
Example (Redemption) | ||||
One Year | Three Years | Five Years | Ten Years | |
Class A shares | $667 | $926 | $1,204 | $1,995 |
Class B shares | $700 | $918 | $1,162 | $2,030 |
Class C shares | $300 | $618 | $1,062 | $2,296 |
Class Z shares | $99 | $309 | $536 | $1,190 |
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment if you did not sell your shares:
Example (No Redemption) | ||||
One Year | Three Years | Five Years | Ten Years | |
Class A shares | $667 | $926 | $1,204 | $1,995 |
Class B shares | $200 | $618 | $1,062 | $2,030 |
Class C shares | $200 | $618 | $1,062 | $2,296 |
Class Z shares | $99 | $309 | $536 | $1,190 |
HOW THE FUND INVESTS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is long-term after-tax growth of capital . This means we seek investments that will appreciate over time. We also try to limit current and future taxes shareholders may pay on the Fund's investment income and capital gains. Our goal is to outperform the returns of the S&P 500 Index on an after-tax basis over the long term. While we make every effort to achieve our objective, we can't guarantee success.
Our Tax-Managed Approach
Taxes are a major influence on the net returns that you receive on your taxable investments. We try to achieve long-term after-tax returns for you by managing our investments so as to limit and defer the taxes you incur as a result of your investment in the Fund.
In pursuing our objective, we normally invest at least 80% of the Fund's investable assets in common stock and convertible preferred securities of large capitalization U.S. companies. We currently consider large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations above $5 billion. Market capitalization is measured at the time of initial purchase so that companies whose capitalization no longer meets this definition after purchase continue to be considered large capitalization for purposes of achieving our investment objective. We may change the kind of companies we consider large capitalization to reflect industry norms.
We use a quantitative stock selection model to help us decide which common stocks to buy. The model evaluates growth potential, valuation, liquidity and investment risk.
Convertible securities are securities - like bonds, corporate notes and preferred stock - that we can convert into a company's common stock or some other equity security. The Fund also invests in other equity-related securities, including American Depositary Receipts (ADRs); nonconvertible preferred stock; warrants and rights that can be exercised to obtain stock; investments in various types of business ventures, including partnerships and joint ventures and similar securities.
Our strategy is long-term capital appreciation while limiting the taxes you incur from investment income and realized capital gains. Distributions of net investment income and net realized short-term gains (on stocks held for one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income. Distributions of realized long-term gains (on stocks held for more than one year) generally are taxed at rates of up to 15%. Price appreciation (an unrealized gain) is not subject to current federal income tax. We try to limit taxes by attempting to avoid short-term capital gains. We also try to limit taxes on investment income by investing in lower-yielding equity securities. However, a portion of the Fund's securities may offer high potential capital appreciation and a yield component.
When deciding whether to sell securities, we will consider the negative tax impact of realizing capital gains and the positive tax impact of realizing capital losses. We sometimes may defer the sale of a security until the realized capital gain would qualify as a long-term capital gain. We also may sell a security to realize a capital loss that can be used to offset realized capital gains. When selling a portion of a holding, we may sell those securities with a higher cost basis first. The portfolio managers may employ tax-advantaged hedging techniques such as using options to protect the value of a holding without selling the security.
For more information, see "Investment Risks" below and in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information - which we refer to as the SAI - contains additional information about the Fund. To obtain a copy, see the back cover page of this prospectus.
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. The Company's Board of Trustees can change investment policies that are not fundamental.
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND STRATEGIES
In addition to the principal strategies, we also may use the following investment strategies to try to increase the Fund's returns or protect its assets if market conditions warrant.
Foreign Equity Securities . We may invest in foreign equity securities including stocks and other equity-related securities. We do not consider American Depository Receipts (ADRs), American Depository Shares (ADSs) and other similar receipts or shares traded in U.S. markets to be foreign securities.
Money Market Instruments. The Fund may hold cash or invest in high-quality money market instruments during periods of portfolio restructuring, until we invest the proceeds from new Fund share sales or to meet ordinary daily cash needs. Money market instruments include commercial paper of a U.S. or foreign company, foreign government securities, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, time deposits of domestic and foreign banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies. These obligations may be U.S. dollar-denominated or denominated in a foreign currency. Money market instruments typically have a maturity of one year or less as measured from the date of purchase.
If we believe it is necessary, we may temporarily invest up to 100% of the Fund's total assets in money market instruments. Investing heavily in these securities limits our ability to achieve our investment objective, but may help to preserve the Fund's assets when global or international markets are unstable.
Generally, we will purchase only "investment-grade" commercial paper and bonds. This means the commercial paper and bonds have received one of the four highest quality ratings determined by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's), or Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), or one of the other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs). On occasion, the Fund may buy instruments that are not rated, but that are of comparable quality to the investment-grade bonds described above. For more information about bonds and bond ratings, see the SAI.
Derivative Strategies . We may use various derivative strategies to try to improve the Fund's returns. We may also use hedging techniques to try to protect the Fund's assets. We cannot guarantee that these strategies and techniques will work, that the instruments necessary to implement these strategies and techniques will be available, or that the Fund will not lose money. The use of derivatives such as futures, foreign currency forward contracts, options on futures and various types of swaps involves costs and can be volatile. With derivatives, we try to predict if the underlying investment 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 the Fund's overall investment objectives. We will consider other factors (such as cost) in deciding whether to employ any particular strategy or technique, or use any pa rticular instrument. Any derivatives we may use may not match or offset the Fund's underlying positions and this could result in losses to the Fund that would not otherwise have occurred. Derivatives that involve leverage could magnify losses. When the Fund uses derivative strategies, the Fund designates certain assets as segregated or otherwise covers its exposure, as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Futures Contracts and Related Options. The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and related options on financial futures. A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying asset at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index, or some other asset, at a stipulated future date. The terms of futures contracts are standardized. In the case of a financial futures contract based upon a broad index, there is no delivery of the securities comprising the underlying index, margin is uniform, a clearing corporation or an exchange is the counterparty and the Fund makes daily margin payments based on price movements in the index. An option gives the purchaser the right to buy or sell securities or currencies, or in the case of an option on a futures contract or an option on a swap, the right to buy or sell a futures contract or swap, respectively, in exchange for a premium.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. The Fund may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to protect the value of its assets against future changes in the level of foreign exchange rates. A foreign currency forward contract is an obligation to buy or sell a given currency on a future date and at a set price or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a given currency at a future date. Delivery of the underlying currency is expected, the terms are individually negotiated, the counterparty is not a clearing corporation or an exchange, and payment on the contract is made upon delivery, rather than daily.
Swap Transactions. The Fund may enter into swap transactions . 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 particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. There are various types of swaps, including but not limited to, credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and index swaps.
Swap Options . The Fund may enter into swap options . A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. For more information about these strategies, see the SAI.
Tax-Advantaged Hedging . To protect against price declines in our holdings that have developed large accumulated capital gains, we may use hedging techniques to help reduce taxes, including the purchase of put options on securities held, and financial and stock index futures contracts. Using these techniques rather than selling these securities may reduce exposure to price declines in certain securities without realizing substantial capital gains under current tax law. Our ability to use these strategies as a tax management technique for holdings of appreciated securities is limited - certain hedging transactions must be closed out within 30 days after the end of the taxable year. Our ability to use different tax-management strategies may be limited in the future by market volatility, excessive shareholder redemptions or changes in tax law. We expect that by using various tax management strategies, we may reduce the extent to which you incur taxes on Fund distributions of in vestment income and net realized gains. Even so, we expect to distribute taxable income or capital gains from time to time.
Options on Securities and Financial Indexes . The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on securities and financial indexes traded on U.S. or foreign securities exchanges, on Nasdaq or in the over-the-counter market. An option gives the purchaser the right to buy or sell securities in exchange for a premium. The Fund will sell only covered options. For more information about the Fund's use of options, see the SAI.
Short Sales . The Fund may make short sales of a security. This means that the Fund may sell a security that it does not own, which it may do, for example, when we think the value of the security will decline. The Fund generally borrows the security to deliver to the buyers in a short sale. The Fund must then replace the borrowed security by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. Short sales involve costs and risk. The Fund must pay the lender any dividends or interest that accrues on the security it borrows, and the Fund will lose money if the price of the security increases between the time of the short sale and the date when the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund may make short sales "against the box" . In a short sale against the box, at the time of sale, the Fund owns or has the right to acquire the identical security at no additional cost. When selling short against the box, the Fund gives up the opportunity for capital ap preciation in the security.
Temporary Defensive Investments . In response to adverse market, economic or political conditions, the Fund may take a temporary defensive position and invest up to 100% of the Fund's 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, and may hold up to 100% of the Fund's assets in cash or cash equivalents. Investing heavily in these securities limits our ability to achieve our investment objectives, but can help to preserve the Fund's assets.
Additional Strategies. The Fund follows certain policies when it borrows money (the Fund can borrow up to 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets); purchases shares of affiliated mutual funds (the Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of affiliated money market funds or open-ended short-term bond funds with a portfolio maturity of three years or less); lends its securities to others (the Fund can lend up to 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets); and holds illiquid securities (the Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, those without a readily available market and repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days).
The Fund is subject to certain other investment restrictions that are fundamental policies, which means they cannot be changed without shareholder approval. For more information about these restrictions, see the SAI.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund may actively and frequently trade its portfolio securities to achieve its investment objective. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, the Fund's annual turnover rates were 74% and 73%, respectively. Future portfolio turnover could be higher or lower. Portfolio turnover is generally the percentage obtained by dividing the lesser of portfolio purchases or sales (excluding all securities, including options, whose maturities or expiration date at acquisition were one year or less) by the monthly average value of the portfolio. High portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly higher brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which are borne directly by the Fund. In addition, high portfolio turnover may also mean that a proportionately greater amount of distributions to shareholders will be taxed as ordinary income rather than long-term capital gains compared to investment companies with lower portfolio turnover.
INVESTMENT RISKS
As noted previously, all investments involve risk, and investing in the Fund is no exception. Since the Fund's holdings can vary significantly from broad-based securities market indexes, performance of the Fund can deviate from performance of the indexes. This chart outlines the key risks and potential rewards of the Fund's principal strategies and certain other non-principal strategies that the Fund may use. The investment types are listed in the order in which they normally will be used by the portfolio manager. Unless otherwise noted, the Fund's ability to engage in a particular type of investment is expressed as a percentage of total assets. For more information, see the SAI.
Common Stocks and other equity related securities (At least 80% of investable assets) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
|
Convertible Securities (At least 80% of investable assets) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
|
Tax-related investing (At least 80%) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
|
Derivatives (Percentage varies; usually less than 10% of total assets) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
|
Foreign Securities (Up to 20% usually less than 10%) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
|
Illiquid Securities (Up to 15% of net assets) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
|
Money market instruments (Up to 20% under normal circumstances; up to 100% on a temporary basis) | |
Risks | Potential Rewards |
|
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HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Fund is overseen by a Board of Directors or Trustees (hereafter referred to as Directors, or the Board). The Board oversees the actions of the Manager, investment subadviser and Distributor and decides on general policies. The Board also oversees the Fund's officers, who conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the Fund.
MANAGER
Prudential Investments LLC (PI) Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102
Under a Management Agreement with the Fund, PI manages the Fund's investment operations and administers its business affairs and is responsible for supervising the Fund's investment subadviser. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, the Fund paid PI management fees of .55 % of the Fund's average daily net assets for all share classes.
PI and its predecessors have served as manager or administrator to investment companies since 1987. As of September 30, 2005 , PI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential U.S. and offshore open-end investment companies, and as the administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $93.8 billion.
Subject to the supervision of the Board, Pl is responsible for conducting the initial review of prospective investment subadvisers for the Fund. In evaluating a prospective investment subadviser, Pl considers many factors, including the firm's experience, investment philosophy and historical performance. Pl is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the Fund's investment subadviser.
Pl and the Fund operate under an exemptive order (the Order) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) that generally permits Pl to enter into or amend agreements with investment subadvisers without obtaining shareholder approval each time. This authority is subject to certain conditions, including the requirement that the Board must approve any new or amended agreements with an investment subadviser. Shareholders of the Fund still have the right to terminate these agreements at any time by a vote of the majority of outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will notify shareholders of any new investment subadvisers or material amendments to subadvisory agreements pursuant to the Order.
A discussion of the basis for the Directors' approvals of the Fund's management and subadvisory agreement(s) is available in the Fund's annual report to shareholders (for agreements approved during the six month period ended October 31) and in the Fund's semi-annual report to shareholders (for agreements approved during the six month period ended April 30).
INVESTMENT SUBADVISER
Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA) is the subadviser to the Fund. QMA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. QMA manages equity and balanced portfolios for institutional and retail clients. As of June 30, 2005, QMA had approximately $46 billion in assets under management (including approximately $6 billion in assets for which QMA, as balanced manager, allocates to affiliated and unaffiliated managers). The address of QMA is Gateway Center Two, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
QMA typically follows a team approach in the management of its portfolios. QMA uses a disciplined investment process based on fundamental data, driven by it quantitative investment models. QMA incorporates into its investment process insights gained from its original research and the seasoned judgment of its portfolio managers and analysts. The members of QMA's portfolio management team with primary responsibility for managing the Fund are listed below.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is co-managed by M. Stumpp, Ph.D., T. Lockwood and P. Xu, Ph.D. Ms. Stumpp and Mr. Lockwood have been portfolio managers since the Fund's inception. Mr Xu joined the management team in 2005.
Margaret S. Stumpp, PhD is the Chief Investment Officer of QMA. Maggie is responsible for portfolio management and investment strategy for the Fund. She is portfolio manager for QMA's enhanced index equity portfolios for institutional investors and mutual fund clients. Maggie is extensively involved in quantitative research in asset allocation, security selection and portfolio construction for QMA. Previously, Maggie was employed by the AT&T Treasury department and by Price Waterhouse as a senior consultant. In both positions, she was responsible for providing expert testimony on economic and financial matters. She has published articles on finance and economics in numerous publications, including, The Financial Analysts Journal , The Journal of Portfolio Management , The Journal of Investment Management and Award Papers in Public Utility Economics . Maggie earned a BA cum laude with distinction in Economics from Boston University, and holds an AM and PhD in Economics from Brown University.
Ted Lockwood is a Managing Director of QMA. Ted is responsible for portfolio management and investment research for the Fund. He oversees QMA's equity area, which includes quantitative equity, derivative, and index funds. He is also responsible for managing portfolios, investment research, and new product development. Previously, Ted was with ATT and a member of the technical staff at ATT Bell Laboratories. Ted graduated summa cum laude with a BE in Engineering from Stony Brook University and received an MS in Engineering and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University.
Peter Xu, PhD is a Managing Director of QMA. Peter is responsible for portfolio management and investment research for the Series. He conducts equity market research, the results of which are used in QMA's stock selection process for all quantitative core equity portfolios. He has published articles in various journals, including The Financial Analysts Journal , The Journal of Portfolio Management , Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting , and Review of Pacific Basin Financial Markets and Policies . Prior to joining QMA's predecessor in 1997, Peter taught in the business school at the University of Houston. He earned a BS in Nuclear Physics from Fudan University in Shanghai, an MA in Economics from Rice University, and a PhD in Finance from the University of Houston.
Additional information about the portfolio managers, their compensation, other accounts that they manage and ownership of securities in the Fund may be found in the SAI.
DISTRIBUTOR
Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS or the Distributor) distributes the Fund's shares under a Distribution Agreement with the Fund. The Fund also has a Distribution and Service Plan (the Plan) under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act with respect to each of the Class A, Class B and Class C Shares. Under the Plans and the Distribution Agreement, PIMS pays the expenses of distributing the Fund's Class A, B, C, and Z shares and provides certain shareholder support services. The Fund pays distribution and other fees to PIMS as compensation for its services for each class of shares other than Class Z. These fees known as 12b-1 fees are shown in the "Fees and Expenses" tables.
Because the fees are paid from the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is described in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information and on the Fund's website at www.jennisondryden.com. The Fund will provide a full list of its portfolio holdings as of the end of each month within approximately 30 days after the end of each month. In addition, the Fund may release its 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. All information will be posted to the Fund's website. These postings can be located at www.jennisondryden.com.
FUND DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX ISSUES
DISTRIBUTIONS
Investors who buy shares of the Fund should be aware of some important tax issues. For example, the Fund distributes dividends of net investment income and realized net capital gains , if any, to shareholders. These distributions are subject to taxes, unless you hold your shares in a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or some other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. Dividends and distributions from the Fund also may be subject to state and local income taxes.
Also, if you sell shares of the Fund for a profit, you may have to pay capital gains taxes on the amount of your profit unless you hold your shares in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account.
The following briefly discusses some of the important federal income tax issues you should be aware of, but is not meant to be tax advice. For tax advice, please speak with your tax adviser.
The Fund distributes dividends of any net investment income to shareholderstypically every month. For example, if the Fund owns ACME Corp. stock and the stock pays a dividend, the Fund will pay out a portion of this dividend to its shareholders, assuming the fund's income is more than its costs and expenses. The dividends you receive from the Fund will be subject to taxation whether or not they are reinvested in the Fund.
The Fund also distributes any realized net capital gains to shareholderstypically every month. Capital gains are generated when the Fund sells its assets for a profit. For example, if the Fund bought 100 shares of ACME Corp. stock for a total of $1,000 and more than one year later sold the shares for a total of $1,500, the Fund has net long-term capital gains of $500, which it will pass on to shareholders (assuming the Fund's remaining total gains are greater than any losses it may have). Capital gains are taxed differently depending on how long the Fund holds the securityif the Fund holds a security for more than one year before selling it, any gain is treated as long-term capital gain which, if recognized before January 1, 2009, is generally taxed at rates of up to 15%, provided that the Fund distributes the net capital to non-corporate U.S. shareholders. If the Fund holds the security for one year or less, any gain is treated as short-term capit al gain which is taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income. Different rates apply to corporate shareholders.
Dividends of net investment income paid to a noncorporate U.S. shareholder before January 1, 2009 that are designated as qualified dividend income will generally be taxable to such shareholder at a maximum rate of 15%. Dividends of net investment income that are not designated as qualified dividend income will be taxable to shareholders at ordinary income rates. Also, a portion of the dividends paid to corporate shareholders of the Fund will be eligible for the 70% dividends received deduction to the extent a Fund's income is derived from certain dividends received from U.S. corporations.
TAX ISSUES
Form 1099 Every year, you will receive a Form 1099 , which reports the amount of dividends and long-term capital gains we distributed to you during the prior year unless you own shares of the Fund as part of a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. If you do own shares of the Fund as part of a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account, your taxes are deferred, so you will not receive a Form 1099 annually, but instead, you will receive a Form 1099 when you take any distributions from your qualified or tax-deferred plan or account.
Fund distributions are generally taxable to you in the calendar year in which they are received, except when we declare certain dividends in the fourth quarter, and actually pay them in January of the following year. In such cases, the dividends are treated as if they were paid on December 31 of the prior year.
Withholding Taxes
If federal tax law requires you to provide the Fund with your taxpayer identification number and certifications as to your tax status, and you fail to do this, or if you are otherwise subject to backup withholding, we will withhold and pay to the U.S. Treasury a portion (currently 28%) of your distributions and sale proceeds. Dividends of net investment income and net short-term capital gains paid to a nonresident foreign shareholder generally will be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30%. This rate may be lower, depending on any tax treaty the U.S. may have with the shareholder's country.
If You Purchase Just Before Record Date
If you buy shares of the Fund just before the record date for a distribution (the date that determines who receives the distribution), we will pay that distribution to you. As explained above, the distribution may be subject to taxes. You may think you've done well since you bought shares one day and soon thereafter received a distribution. That is not so, because when dividends are paid out, the value of each share of the Fund decreases by the amount of the dividend to reflect the payout, although this may not be apparent because the value of each share of the Fund also will be affected by market changes, if any. The distribution you receive makes up for the decrease in share value. However, the timing of your purchase does mean that part of your investment came back to you as taxable income.
Qualified and Tax-Deferred Retirement Plans
Retirement plans and accounts allow you to defer paying taxes on investment income and capital gains. Contributions to these plans may also be tax deductible, although distributions from these plans generally are taxable. In the case of Roth IRA accounts, contributions are not tax deductible, but distributions from the plan may be tax-free. Please contact your financial adviser for information on a variety of JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds that are suitable for retirement plans offered by Prudential.
IF YOU SELL OR EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
If you sell any shares of the Fund for a profit, you have realized a capital gain , which is subject to tax unless the shares are held in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account. For individuals, the maximum capital gains tax rate is generally 15% for shares held for more than 1 year.
If you sell shares of the Fund for a loss, you may have a capital loss, which you may use to offset capital gains you have, plus, in the case of noncorporate taxpayers, ordinary income of up to $3,000. If you sell shares and realize a loss, you will not be permitted to use the loss to the extent you replace the shares (including pursuant to the reinvestment of a dividend) within a 61-day period (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the sale of the shares). Under certain circumstances, if you acquire shares of the Fund and sell or exchange your shares within 90 days, you may not be allowed to include certain charges incurred in acquiring the shares for purposes of calculating gain or loss realized upon the sale of the shares.
Exchanging your shares of the Fund for the shares of another JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual fund is considered a sale for tax purposes. In other words, it's a taxable event. Therefore, if the shares you exchanged have increased in value since you purchased them, you have capital gains, which are subject to the taxes described above. Any gain or loss you may have from selling or exchanging Fund shares will not be reported on Form 1099; however, proceeds from the sale or exchange will be reported on Form 1099-B. Therefore, unless you hold your shares in a qualified or tax-deferred plan or account, you or your financial adviser should keep track of the dates on which you buy and sell or exchange Fund shares, as well as the amount of any gain or loss on each transaction. For tax advice, please see your tax adviser.
Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares We have obtained a legal opinion that the conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares which happens automatically approximately seven years after purchase is not a taxable event because it does not involve an actual sale of your Class B shares. This opinion, however, is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more information about the automatic conversion of Class B shares, see "Class B Shares Convert to Class A Shares After Approximately Seven Years" in the next section.
HOW TO BUY, SELL AND EXCHANGE SHARES OF THE FUND
HOW TO BUY SHARES
In order to buy shares of the Fund, simply follow the steps described below.
If you don't have an account with us or a financial services firm that is permitted to buy or sell shares of the Fund for you, contact the Fund's Transfer Agent, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS) at (800) 225-1852 or write to:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC Attn: Investment Services P.O. Box 8179 Philadelphia, PA 19176
You may purchase shares by check or wire. We do not accept cash or money orders. To purchase by wire, call the number above to obtain an application. After PMFS receives your completed application, you will receive an account number. For additional information, see the back cover page of this prospectus. We have the right to reject any purchase order (including an exchange into the Fund) or suspend or modify the Fund's sale of its shares, including due to failure by you to provide additional information, such as information needed to verify the source of funds used to purchase shares and your identity or the identity or any underlying beneficial owners of your shares.
With certain limited exceptions, shares of the Fund are only available to be sold in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
Individual investors can choose among Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Z shares of the Fund, although Class Z shares are available only to a limited group of investors.
Multiple share classes let you choose a cost structure that meets your needs:
Class A shares purchased in amounts of less than $1 million require you to pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, but the operating expenses of Class A shares are lower than the operating expenses of Class B and Class C shares. Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are also subject to a CDSC of 1%. (The CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans affiliated with Prudential).
Class B shares do not require you to pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, but do require you to pay a sales charge if you sell your shares within six years (that is why it is called a CDSC). The operating expenses of Class B shares are higher than the operating expenses of Class A shares.
Class C shares do not require you to pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, but do require you to pay a sales charge if you sell your shares within 12 months of purchase. The operating expenses of Class C shares are higher than the operating expenses of Class A shares. When choosing a share class, you should consider the following factors:
The amount of your investment and any previous or planned future investments, which may qualify you for reduced sales charges for Class A shares under Rights of Accumulation or a Letter of Intent.
The length of time you expect to hold the shares and the impact of varying distribution fees. Over time, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. For this reason, Class C shares are generally appropriate only for investors who plan to hold their shares for no more than 3 years.
The different sales charges that apply to each share class Class A's front-end sales charge vs. Class B's CDSC vs. Class C's low CDSC.
The fact that Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares approximately seven years after purchase.
Class B shares purchased in single amounts greater than $100,000 are generally less advantageous than purchasing Class A shares. Purchase orders for Class B shares exceeding this amount generally will not be accepted.
Class C shares purchased in single amounts greater than $1 million are generally less advantageous than purchasing Class A shares. Purchase orders for Class C shares above this amount generally will not be accepted.
Because Class Z shares have lower operating expenses than Class A, Class B or Class C shares, as applicable, you should consider whether you are eligible to purchase Class Z shares.
See "How to Sell Your Shares" for a description of the impact of CDSCs.
Some investors purchase or sell shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries and omnibus accounts maintained by brokers that aggregate the orders of multiple investors and forward the aggregate orders to the Fund. The Fund has advised each financial intermediary and broker of the share class guidelines explained above, and it is their responsibility to monitor and enforce these guidelines with respect to shareholders purchasing shares through financial intermediaries or omnibus accounts.
Share Class Comparison. Use this chart to help you compare the Fund's different share classes. The discussion following this chart will tell you whether you are entitled to a reduction or waiver of any sales charges.
Class A | Class B | Class C | Class Z | |
Minimum purchase amount | $1,000 | $1,000 | $2,500 | None |
Minimum amount for subsequent purchases | $100 | $100 | $100 | None |
Maximum initial sales charge | 5.5% of the public offering price | None | None | None |
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) (as a percentage of the lower of original purchase price or sale proceeds) | 1% |
5% (Year 1) 4% (Year 2) 3% (Year 3) 2% (Year 4) 1% (Years 5/6) 0% (Year 7)
|
1% on sales made within 12 months of purchase | None |
Annual distribution and service (12b-1) fees (shown as a percentage of average daily net assets) | .30 of 1% (.25 of 1% currently) | 1% | 1% | None |
The following describes the different ways investors can reduce or avoid paying Class A's initial sales charge.
Increase the Amount of Your Investment. You can reduce Class A's initial sales charge by increasing the amount of your investment. This table shows how the sales charge decreases as the amount of your investment increases:
Amount of Purchase | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as a % of Amount Invested | Dealer Reallowance |
Less than $25,000 | 5.50% | 5.82% | 5.00% |
$25,00 to $49,999 | 5.00% | 5.26% | 4.50% |
$50,000 to $99,999 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 4.00% |
$100,000 to $249,999 | 3.75% | 3.90% | 3.25% |
$250,000 to $499,999 | 2.75% | 2.83% | 2.50% |
$500,000 to $999,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
$1 million to $4,999,999* | None | None | 1.00%** |
To satisfy the purchase amounts above, you can:
Use your Rights of Accumulation , which allow you or an eligible group of related investors to combine (1) the current value of JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual fund shares you or the group already own (2) the value of money market shares you or an eligible group of related investors have received for shares of other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds in an exchange transaction, and (3) the value of the shares you or an eligible group of related investors are purchasing;
Sign a Letter of Intent , stating in writing that you or an eligible group of related investors will purchase a certain amount of shares in the Fund and other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds within 13 months;
Use your Combined Purchase and Cumulative Purchase Privilege , which allows you and an eligible group of related investors to combine the value of Class A shares of this Fund with the value of other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds that you or the group are purchasing at the same time.
Note: Class Z shares cannot be aggregated with any other share class for purposes of reducing or waiving Class A's initial sales charge.
An "eligible group of related investors" includes any combination of the following:
All accounts held in your name (alone or with other account holders) and taxpayer identification number (TIN);
Accounts held in your spouse's name (alone or with other account holders) and TIN (see definition of spouse below);
Accounts for your children or your spouse's children including children for whom you and /or your spouse are legal guardian (e.g. UGMAs and UTMAs);
Accounts in the name and TINs of your parents;
Trusts with you, your spouse, your children, your spouse's children, and/or your parents as the beneficiairies;
With limited exclusions, accounts with the same address (exclusions include, but are not limited to addresses for brokerage firms and other intermediaries and Post Office boxes);
Accounts held in the name of a company controlled by you (a person, entity or group that holds 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a company will be deemed to control the company, and a partnership will be deemed to be controlled by each of its general partners), including employee benefit plans of the company where the accounts are held in the plan's TIN.
A "spouse" is defined as follows:
The person to whom you are legally married. We also consider your spouse to include the following;
An individual of the same gender with whom you have been joined in a civil union, or legal contract similar to marriage;
A domestic partner, who is an individual (including one of the same gender) with whom you have shared a primary residence for at least six months, in a relationship as a couple where you, your domestic partner or both provide personal or financial welfare of the other without a fee, to whom you are not related by blood; or
An individual with whom you have a common law marriage, which is a marriage in a state where such marriages are recognized between a man and a woman arising from the fact that the two live together and hold themselves out as being married.
The value of shares held by you or an eligible group of related investors will be determined as follows:
for Class A and Class L shares the value of existing shares is determined by the maximum offering price (NAV plus maximum sales charge) as of the previous business day; and
for Class B shares,Class C shares, Class M shares and Clazz X shares, the value of existing shares is determined by the NAV as of the previous business day.
Note: Class L, M, and X shares are only offered by certain JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners funds.
If your shares are held directly by the Transfer Agent, and you believe you qualify for a reduction or waiver of Class A's initial sales charge, you must notify the Transfer Agent at the time of the qualifying share purchase in order to receive the applicable reduction or waiver. If your shares are held through a broker or other financial intermediary, and you believe you qualify for a reduction or waiver of Class A's initial sales charge, you must notify your broker or intermediary at the time of the qualifying purchase in order to receive the applicable reduction or waiver. Shares held through a broker or other financial intermediary will not be systematically aggregated with shares held directly by the Transfer Agent for purposes of receiving a reduction or waiver of Class A's initial sales charge. The reduced or waived sales charge will be granted subject to confirmation of account holdings.
If your shares are held directly by the Transfer Agent, you must identify the eligible group of related investors. Although the Transfer Agent does not require any specific form of documentation in order to establish your eligibility to receive a waiver or reduction of Class A's initial sales charge, you may be required to provide appropriate documentation if the Transfer Agent is unable to establish your eligibility.
If your shares are held through a broker or other intermediary, the broker or intermediary is responsible for determining the specific documentation, if any, that you may need in order to establish your eligibility to receive a waiver or reduction of Class A's initial sales charge. Your broker or intermediary is also responsible for notifying the Transfer Agent if your share purchase qualifies for a reduction or waiver of Class A's initial sales charge.
Purchases of $1 million or more . If you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares, you will not be subject to an initial sales charge, although a CDSC may apply, as previously noted.
Benefit Plans. Certain group retirement and savings plans may purchase Class A shares without paying the initial sales charge if they meet the required minimum for amount of assets, average account balance or number of eligible employees. For more information about these requirements, call Prudential at (800) 353-2847.
Mutual Fund Programs . The initial sales charge will be waived for investors in certain programs sponsored by broker-dealers, investment advisers and financial planners who have agreements with the Distributor relating to:
Mutual fund "wrap" or asset allocation programs; where the sponsor places fund trades, links its clients' accounts to a master account in the sponsor's name and charges its clients a management, consulting or other fee for its services, or
Mutual fund "supermarket" programs; where the sponsor links its clients' accounts to a master account in the sponsor's name and the sponsor charges a fee for its services.
Broker-dealers, investment advisers or financial planners sponsoring these mutual fund programs may offer their clients more than one class of shares in the Fund in connection with different pricing options for their programs. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class.
Other Types of Investors . Certain other types of investors may purchase Class A shares without paying the initial sales charge, including:
certain directors, officers, employees (and certain members of their families) of Prudential and its affiliates, the JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds, and the investment subadvisers of the JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds;
persons who have retired directly from active service with Prudential or one of its subsidiaries;
certain real estate brokers, agents and employees of real estate brokerage companies affiliated with the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates;
registered representatives and employees of brokers that have entered into dealer agreements with the Distributor; and
investors in IRA accounts, provided that (a) the purchase is made either from a directed rollover to such Individual Retirement Account or with the proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan for which Prudential Retirement (the institutional Benefit Plan recordkeeping entity of Prudential) provides administrative or recordkeeping services, in each case provided that such purchase is made within 60 days of receipt of the Benefit Plan distribution, or recordkeeping for the Individual Retirement Account is performed by Prudential Retirement as part of its "Rollover IRA" program (regardless of whether or not the assets of the Individual Retirement Account consist of proceeds of a tax-free rollover of assets from a Benefit Plan described above).
To qualify for a waiver of the Class A sales charge at the time of purchase, you must notify the Transfer Agent or the Distributor must be notified by the broker facilitating the purchase that the transaction qualifies for a waiver of the Class A sales charge. The waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of your account holdings.
Additional Information About Reducing or Waiving Class A's Sales Charge . The Fund also makes available free of charge, on the Fund's website at www.jennisondryden.com, in a clear and prominent format, information relating to the Fund's Class A initial sales charge, and the different ways that investors can reduce or avoid paying the initial sales charge. The Fund's website includes hyperlinks that facilitate access to this information.
You may need to provide your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary through which you hold Fund shares with the information necessary to take full advantage of reduced or waived Class A sales charges.
The Distributor may reallow Class A's sales charge to dealers.
Benefit Plans . Certain group retirement plans may purchase Class Z shares if they meet the required minimum for amount of assets, average account balance or number of eligible employees. For more information about these requirements, call Prudential at (800) 353-2847.
Mutual Fund Programs . Class Z shares also can be purchased by participants in any fee-based program or trust program sponsored by Prudential or an affiliate that includes the Fund as an available option. Class Z shares also can be purchased by investors in certain programs sponsored by broker-dealers, investment advisers and financial planners who have agreements with Prudential Investments Advisory Group relating to:
Mutual fund "wrap" or asset allocation programs, where the sponsor places fund trades, links its clients' accounts to a master account in the sponsor's name and charges its clients a management, consulting or other fee for its services; or
Mutual fund "supermarket" programs, where the sponsor links its clients' accounts to a master account in the sponsor's name and the sponsor charges a fee for its services.
Broker-dealers, investment advisers or financial planners sponsoring these mutual fund programs may offer their clients more than one class of shares in the Fund in connection with different pricing options for their programs. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class.
Other Types of Investors . Class Z shares also can be purchased by any of the following:
Certain participants in the MEDLEY Program (group variable annuity contracts) sponsored by Prudential for whom Class Z shares of the JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds are an available option;
Current and former Directors/Trustees of the JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds (including the Fund);
Prudential, with an investment of $10 million or more; and
Class Z shares may also be purchased by qualified state tuition programs (529 plans).
The Manager, Distributor or their affiliates have entered into revenue sharing or other similar arrangements with financial services firms, including affiliates of the Manager. These revenue sharing arrangements are intended to promote the sale of Fund shares or to compensate the financial services firms for marketing or marketing support activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares. Revenue sharing payments may be used by financial services firms in a variety of ways, including defraying costs incurred by the firms to educate their registered representatives about the Fund, as well as defraying costs incurred by the firms in providing or facilitating shareholder recordkeeping as well as the servicing or maintenance of shareholder accounts.
In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Fund may receive placement on a financial services firm's preferred or recommended product list. Financial services firms and registered representatives participating in a revenue sharing program may receive greater compensation for selling shares of the Fund than for selling other mutual funds, and your individual registered representative may receive some or all of the revenue sharing amounts paid to the firm that employs him or her. Revenue sharing payments may provide an incentive for financial services firms and their registered representatives to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to you and in doing so may create conflicts of interest between the firms' financial interests and their duties to customers. In exchange for revenue sharing payments, the Fund also may receive preferred access to registered representatives of a financial services firm (for example the ability to make presentations in branch offices or at conferences) or preferred access to customers of the financial services firm (for example the ability to advertise to the firm's customers).
Payments under revenue sharing arrangements are made out of the Manager's or Distributor's own resources and without additional direct cost to the Fund or its shareholders. Revenue sharing payments may be in addition to the sales charges (including Rule 12b-1 fees) or other amounts paid by the Funds, which are also used to compensate financial services firms and their registered representatives for marketing and distribution of the Funds.
Revenue sharing payments are usually calculated based on a percentage of Fund sales and/or Fund assets attributable to a particular financial services firm. Revenue sharing payments may also be based on other criteria or factors, such as a percentage of a registered representative's charges applicable to the sale of Fund shares, a networking fee based on the number of accounts at the firm holding shares of the Fund, a periodic flat fee for set-up and maintenance of the Fund on the computer systems of a financial services firm, or a flat fee for marketing services, such as access to registered representatives. Specific payment formulas are negotiated based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships and scope and quality of services provided. The amount of revenue sharing also may vary based on the class of shares purchased.
No one factor is determinative of the type or amount of additional compensation to be provided. Please contact your financial services provider for details about any revenue sharing payments it may receive.
If you buy Class B shares and hold them for approximately seven years, we will automatically convert them into Class A shares without charge. At that time, we will also convert any Class B shares that you purchased with reinvested dividends and other distributions. Since the distribution and service (12b-1 fees) for Class A shares are lower than for Class B shares, converting to Class A shares lowers your Fund expenses. Class B shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions will be converted to Class A shares according to the procedures utilized by the broker-dealer through which the Class B shares were purchased, if the shares are carried on the books of that broker-dealer and the broker-dealer provides subaccounting services to the Fund. Otherwise, the procedures utilized by PMFS or its affiliates, will be used. The use of different procedures may result in a timing differential in the conversion of Class B shares acquired through the reinvestment of divi dends and distributions.
When we do the conversion, you will get fewer Class A shares than the number of Class B shares converted if the price of the Class A shares is higher than the price of Class B shares. The total dollar value will be the same, so you will not have lost any money by getting fewer Class A shares. We do the conversions quarterly, not on the anniversary date of your purchase. For more information, see the SAI.
The price you pay for each share of the Fund is based on the share value. The share value of a mutual fund known as the net asset value or NAV is determined by a simple calculation: it's the total value of the Fund (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding. For example, if the value of the investments held by Fund XYZ (minus its liabilities) is $1,000 and there are 100 shares of Fund XYZ owned by shareholders, the value of one share of the fund or the NAV is $10 ($1,000 divided by 100).
Mutual Fund Shares
The NAV of mutual fund shares changes every day because the value of a fund's portfolio changes constantly. For example, if Fund XYZ holds ACME Corp. bonds in its portfolio and the price of ACME bonds goes up, while the value of the fund's other holdings remains the same and expenses don't change, the NAV of Fund XYZ will increase.
The Fund's portfolio securities 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.
With respect to any portion of the Fund's assets that are invested in one or more open-end investment companies, the Fund's net asset value will be calculated based upon the net asset value of the investment company in which the Fund invests. The Fund may also use fair value pricing if it determines that a market quotation is not reliable based, among other things, on events or 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 Fund's NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing most commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside 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 the Fund determines its NAV. The Fund may also u se 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 the Fund 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 the Fund uses to determine its NAV may differ from the security's quoted or published price. If the Fund needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of the Fund are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the published NAV price.
For purposes of computing the Fund's NAV, we will value the Fund's futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Except when we fair value securities, we normally value each foreign security held by the Fund as of the close of the security's primary market. Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for the Fund's securities and its net asset value that are reasonable in light of the circumstances which make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and may have the effect of reducing 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 the Fund's NAV by short-term traders.
We determine the Fund's NAV once each business day at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. New York time. The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. We do not price, and you will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Fund's shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for the Fund's foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Fund will ordinarily price its shares, and you may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed. We may not determine the NAV of the Fund on days when we have not received any orders to purchase, sell or exchange the Fund's shares, or when changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio do not materially affect its NAV.
Most national newspapers report the NAVs of larger mutual funds, which allows investors to check the prices of those funds daily.
What Price Will You Pay for Shares of the Fund? For Class A shares, you'll pay the public offering price, which is the NAV next determined after we receive your order to purchase, plus an initial sales charge (unless you're entitled to a waiver). For all other share classes, you will pay the NAV next determined after we receive your order to purchase (remember, there are no up-front sales charges for these share classes). Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for purchases of shares. Unless regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, your order to purchase must be received by the Transfer Agent by 4:00 p.m. New York time in order to receive that day's NAV. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to purchase is received by the Transfer Agent after the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
As a Fund shareholder, you can take advantage of the following services and privileges:
Automatic Reinvestment . As we explained in the "Fund Distributions and Tax Issues" section, the Fund pays out or distributes its net investment income and capital gains to all shareholders. For your convenience, we will automatically reinvest your distributions in the Fund at NAV, without any sales charge. If you want your distributions paid in cash, you can indicate this preference on your application, or by notifying your broker or the Transfer Agent in writing (at the address below) at least five business days before the date we determine who receives dividends.
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC Attn: Account Maintenance P.O. Box 8159 Philadelphia, PA 19176
Automatic Investment Plan . You can make regular purchases of the Fund for as little as $50 by having the money automatically withdrawn from your bank or brokerage account at specified intervals.
Retirement Plan Services . Prudential offers a wide variety of retirement plans for individuals and institutions, including large and small businesses. For information on IRAs, including Roth IRAs or SEP-IRAs for a one-person business, please contact your financial adviser. If you are interested in opening a 401(k) or other company-sponsored retirement plan (SIMPLE IRAs, SEP plans, Keoghs, 403(b)(7) plans, pension and profit-sharing plans), your financial adviser will help you determine which retirement plan best meets your needs. Complete instructions about how to establish and maintain your plan and how to open accounts for you and your employees will be included in the retirement plan kit you receive in the mail.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan . A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available that will provide you with monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual redemption checks. Remember, the sale of Class A (in certain cases), Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available to participants in certain retirement plans. Please contact PMFS at (800) 225-1852 for more details.
Reports to Shareholders . Every year we will send you an annual report (along with an updated prospectus) and a semi-annual report, which contain important financial information about the Fund. To reduce Fund expenses, we may send one annual shareholder report, one semi-annual shareholder report and one annual prospectus per household, unless you instruct us or your broker otherwise. If each Fund shareholder in your household would like to receive a copy of the Fund's prospectus, shareholder report and proxy statement, please call us toll free at (800) 225-1852. We will begin sending additional copies of these documents within 30 days of receipt of your request.
HOW TO SELL YOUR SHARES
You can sell your shares of the Fund for cash (in the form of a check) at any time, subject to certain restrictions. For more information about these restrictions, see "Restrictions on Sales" below.
When you sell shares of the Fund also known as redeeming your shares the price you will receive will be the NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker receives your order to sell (less any applicable CDSC). If your broker holds your shares, your broker must receive your order to sell by 4:00 p.m., New York time, to process the sale on that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to sell is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Otherwise, contact:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC Attn: Redemption Services P.O. Box 8149 Philadelphia, PA 19176
Generally, we will pay you for the shares that you sell within seven days after the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker receives your sell order. If you hold shares through a broker, payment will be credited to your account. If you are selling shares you recently purchased with a check, we may delay sending you the proceeds until your check clears, which can take up to 10 days from the purchase date. You can avoid delay if you purchase shares by wire, certified check, or cashier's check. Your broker may charge you a separate or additional fee for sales of shares.
Restrictions on Sales There are certain times when you may not be able to sell shares of the Fund or when we may delay paying you the proceeds from a sale. As permitted by the Commission, this may happen only during unusual market conditions or emergencies when the Fund can't determine the value of its assets or sell its holdings. For more information, see the SAI.
If you hold your shares directly with the Transfer Agent, you will need to have the signature on your sell order signature guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" if:
You are selling more than $100,000 of shares,
You want the redemption proceeds made payable to someone that is not in our records,
You want the redemption proceeds sent to some place that is not in our records, or
You are a business or a trust.
An "eligible guarantor institution" includes any bank, broker-dealer, savings association or credit union. For more information, see the SAI.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC)
If you sell Class B shares within six years of purchase or Class C shares within 12 months of purchase you will have to pay a CDSC. In addition, if you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares, although you are not subject to an initial sales charge, you are subject to a 1% CDSC for shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. (The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans affiliated with Prudential) To keep the CDSC as low as possible, we will sell amounts representing shares in the following order:
Amounts representing shares you purchased with reinvested dividends and distributions,
Amounts representing the increase in NAV above the total amount of payments for shares made during the past 12 months for Class A shares (in certain cases), 6 years for Class B shares and 12 months for Class C shares, and
Amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the CDSC period (12 months for Class A shares (in certain cases), 6 years for Class B shares and 12 months for Class C shares.
Since shares that fall into any of the categories listed above are not subject to the CDSC, selling them first helps you to avoid or at least minimize the CDSC.
Having sold the exempt shares first, if there are any remaining shares that are subject to the CDSC, we will apply the CDSC to amounts representing the cost of shares held for the longest period of time within the applicable CDSC period.
As we noted before in the "Share Class Comparison" chart, if you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares, although you are not subject to an initial sales charge, you are subject to a 1% CDSC for shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. (The CDSC is waived for purchases by certain retirement and/or benefit plans affiliated with Prudential) The CDSC for Class B shares is 5% in the first year, 4% in the second, 3% in the third, 2% in the fourth, and 1% in the fifth and sixth years. The rate decreases on the first day of the month following the anniversary date of your purchase, not on the anniversary date itself. The CDSC is 1% for Class C shares which is applied to shares sold within 12 months of purchase. For Class A, Class B and Class C shares, the CDSC is calculated based on the lesser of the original purchase price or the redemption proceeds. For purposes of determining how long you've held your shares, all purchases during the month are grouped together and c onsidered to have been made on the last day of the month.
The holding period for purposes of determining the applicable CDSC will be calculated from the first day of the month after purchase, excluding any time shares were held in a money market fund.
Waiver of the CDSC Class B Shares The CDSC will be waived if the Class B shares are sold:
After a shareholder is deceased or disabled (or, in the case of a trust account, the death or disability of the grantor). This waiver applies to individual shareholders, as well as shares held in joint tenancy, provided the shares were purchased before the death or disability;
To provide for certain distributions made without IRS penalty from a qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan, IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account; and
On certain sales effected through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
For more information on the above and other waivers, see the SAI.
Waiver of the CDSC Class C Shares Benefit Plans. The CDSC will be waived for redemptions by certain group retirement plans for which Prudential or brokers not affiliated with Prudential provide administrative or recordkeeping services. The CDSC also will be waived for certain redemptions by benefit plans sponsored by Prudential and its affiliates. For more information, call Prudential at (800) 353-2847.
Redemption In Kind If the sales of Fund shares you make during any 90-day period reach the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net assets, we can then give you securities from the Fund's portfolio instead of cash. If you want to sell the securities for cash, you would have to pay the costs charged by a broker.
Small Accounts If you make a sale that reduces your account value to less than $500, we may sell the rest of your shares (without charging any CDSC) and close your account. We would do this to minimize the Fund's expenses paid by other shareholders. We will give you 60 days' notice, during which time you can purchase additional shares to avoid this action. This involuntary sale does not apply to shareholders who own their shares as part of a 401(k) plan, an IRA or some other qualified or tax-deferred plan or account.
90-Day Repurchase Privilege After you redeem your shares, you have a 90-day period during which you may reinvest back into your account any of the redemption proceeds in shares of the same Fund without paying an initial sales charge. Also, if you paid a CDSC when you redeemed your shares, we will credit your account with the appropriate number of shares to reflect the amount of the CDSC you paid on that reinvested portion of your redemption proceeds. In order to take advantage of this one-time privilege, you must notify the Transfer Agent or your broker at the time of the repurchase. For more information, see the SAI.
Retirement Plans To sell shares and receive a distribution from your retirement account, call your broker or the Transfer Agent for a distribution request form. There are special distribution and income tax withholding requirements for distributions from retirement plans and you must submit a withholding form with your request to avoid delay. If your retirement plan account is held for you by your employer or plan trustee, you must arrange for the distribution request to be signed and sent by the plan administrator or trustee. For additional information, see the SAI.
HOW TO EXCHANGE YOUR SHARES
You can exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of the same class in certain other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds including certain money market funds, if you satisfy the minimum investment requirements. For example, you can exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of another JennisonDryden mutual fund or Class A shares of certain of the Strategic Partners mutual funds, but you can't exchange Class A shares for Class B, Class C, Class Z or Class R shares. Class B and Class C shares may not be exchanged into money market funds other than MoneyMart Assets, Inc. (MoneyMart). After an exchange, at redemption the CDSC will be calculated from the first day of the month after initial purchase, excluding any time shares were held in a money market fund. We may change the terms of any exchange privilege after giving you 60 days' notice.
If you hold shares through a broker, you must exchange shares through your broker. Otherwise contact:
Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC Attn: Exchange Processing P.O. Box 8157 Philadelphia, PA 19176
There is no sales charge for exchanges. If, however, you exchange and then sell Class A shares within 12 months of your original purchase (in certain circumstances), Class B shares within approximately 6 years of your original purchase or Class C shares within 12 months of your original purchase, you must still pay the applicable CDSC. If you have exchanged Class A, Class B or Class C shares into MoneyMart, the time you hold the shares in the money market account will not be counted in calculating the required holding period for CDSC liability.
Remember, as we explained in the section entitled "Fund Distributions and Tax Issues If You Sell or Exchange Your Shares," exchanging shares is considered a sale for tax purposes. Therefore, if the shares you exchange are worth more than the amount that you paid for them, you may have to pay capital gains tax. For additional information about exchanging shares, see the SAI.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares The Fund seeks to prevent patterns of frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by its shareholders. Frequent purchases and sales of shares of the Fund may adversely affect Fund performance and the interests of long-term investors. When a shareholder engages in frequent or short-term trading, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to have the cash necessary to redeem the shareholder's shares. This can happen when it is not advantageous to sell any securities, so the Fund's performance may be hurt. When large dollar amounts are involved, frequent trading can also make it difficult to use long-term investment strategies because the Fund cannot predict how much cash it will have to invest. In addition, if the Fund is forced to liquidate investments due to short-term trading activity, it may incur increased brokerage and tax costs. Similarly, the Fund 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 shareholders may cause dilution in the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders. Funds that invest in foreign securities may be particularly susceptible to frequent trading because time zone differences among international stock markets can allow a shareholder engaging in frequent 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. Funds that invest in certain fixed-income securities, such as high-yield bonds or certain asset-backed securities, may also constitute an effective vehicle for a shareholder's frequent trading strategy.
The Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage or prevent frequent trading activities by Fund shareholders. In an effort to prevent such practices, the Fund's Transfer Agent monitors trading activity on a daily basis. The Fund has implemented a trading policy that limits the number of times a shareholder may purchase Fund shares or exchange into the Fund and then sell those shares within a specified period of time (a "round-trip transaction") as established by the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The CCO is authorized to set and modify the parameters of the trading policy at any time as required to prevent the adverse impact of frequent trading on Fund shareholders. The CCO has defined frequent trading as one or more round-trip transactions in shares of the Fund within a 30-day period. A second round-trip within 60 days will begin a warning period that will remain in effect for 90 days. If additional purchase activity is initiated during th e warning period, the purchase activity will be cancelled. In addition, if two round-trips have already been completed within the past 90 days, a trading suspension will be placed on the account that remains in effect for 90 days. Exceptions to the trading policy will not normally be granted. Transactions in the Prudential money market funds and the Dryden Ultra Short Bond Fund are excluded from this policy.
The Fund reserves the right to reject or cancel, without prior notice, all additional purchases or exchanges into the Fund by a shareholder who has violated this policy. Moreover, the Fund may direct a broker-dealer or other intermediary to block a shareholder account from future trading in the Fund. The Transfer Agent will monitor trading activity over $25,000 per account on a daily basis for a rolling 30-day period. If a purchase into the Fund is rejected or cancelled for violations of the trading policy, the shareholder will receive a return of the purchase amount.
If the Fund is offered to qualified plans on an omnibus basis or if Fund shares may be purchased through other omnibus arrangements ("Intermediaries"), Intermediaries maintain the individual beneficial owner records and submit to the Fund only aggregate orders combining the transactions of many beneficial owners. The Fund itself generally cannot monitor trading by particular beneficial owners. The Fund communicates to Intermediaries in writing that it expects the Intermediaries to impose restrictions on transfers by beneficial owners. Intermediaries may impose different or stricter restrictions on transfers by beneficial owners. Consistent with the restrictions described above, investments in the Fund through retirement programs administered by Prudential Retirement will be similarly identified for frequent purchases and redemptions and appropriately restricted.
The Transfer Agent also reviews the aggregate net flows in excess of one million dollars. In those cases, the trade detail is reviewed to determine if any of the activity relates to previously identified policy offenders. In cases of omnibus orders, the Intermediary may be contacted by the Transfer Agent to obtain additional information. The Transfer Agent has the authority to cancel all or a portion of the trade if the information reveals that the activity relates to previously identified policy offenders. Where appropriate, the Transfer Agent may request that the Intermediary block a financial adviser or client from accessing the Fund. If necessary, the Fund may be removed from a particular Intermediary's platform.
Shareholders seeking to engage in frequent trading activities may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection and, despite the efforts of the Fund to prevent such trading, there is no guarantee that the Fund, the Transfer Agent or Intermediaries will be able to identify these shareholders or curtail their trading practices. The Fund does not have any arrangements intended to permit trading of its shares in contravention of the policies described above.
Telephone Redemptions or Exchanges You may redeem your shares of the Fund if the proceeds of the redemption do not exceed $100,000 or exchange your shares in any amount by calling the Fund at (800) 225-1852 before 4:00 p.m. New York time. You will receive a redemption or exchange amount based on that day's NAV. Certain restrictions apply; please see the section entitled "How to Sell Your Shares Restrictions on Sales" above for additional information. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to sell or exchange is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
The Transfer Agent will record your telephone instructions and request specific account information before redeeming or exchanging shares. The Fund will not be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions if it follows instructions that it reasonably believes are made by the shareholder. If the Fund does not follow reasonable procedures, it may be liable.
In the event of drastic economic or market changes, you may have difficulty in redeeming or exchanging your shares by telephone. If this occurs, you should consider redeeming or exchanging your shares by mail or through your broker.
The telephone redemption and exchange procedures may be modified or terminated at any time. If this occurs, you will receive a written notice from the Fund.
Expedited Redemption Privilege If you have selected the Expedited Redemption Privilege, you may have your redemption proceeds sent directly to your bank account. Expedited redemption requests may be made by telephone or letter, must be received by the Fund prior to 4:00 p.m. New York time, to receive a redemption amount based on that day's NAV and are subject to the terms and conditions regarding the redemption of shares. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to sell is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. For more information, see the SAI. The Expedited Redemption Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time without notice.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
INTRODUCTION
The financial highlights below are intended to help you evaluate the financial performance of the Fund for the past five fiscal years. The total return in each chart represents the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on an investment in that share class of the Fund, assuming investment at the start of the period and reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. The information is for each share class for the periods indicated.
A copy of the Fund's annual report, along with the Fund's audited financial statements and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, is available, upon request, at no charge, as described on the back cover of this prospectus.
CLASS A SHARES
The financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, were derived from the financial statements audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports were unqualified. The financial highlights for the years ending prior to October 31, 2004 were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm whose report on those financial highlights was unqualified.
Per Share Operating Performance | 2005 | 2004(b) | 2003(b) | 2002(b) | 2001(b) |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $10.36 | $9.47 | $7.79 | $9.06 | $12.41 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income | .08 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | .83 | 0.84 | 1.64 | (1.30) | (3.37) |
Total from investment operations | .91 | 0.89 | 1.68 | (1.27) | (3.35) |
Net asset value, end of year | $11.20 | $10.36 | $9.47 | $7.79 | $9.06 |
Total return(a) | 8.84% | 9.40% | 21.57% | %(14.02) | (26.99)% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |
Net assets, end of year (000) | $50,856 | $49,979 | $51,026 | $49,310 | $66,788 |
Average net assets (000) | $52,404 | $48,763 | $48,812 | $62,399 | $81,877 |
Ratios to average net assets: | |||||
Expenses, including distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees(c) | 1.22% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.16% | 1.10% |
Expenses, excluding distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | .97% | .91% | .94% | .91% | .85% |
Net investment income (loss) | .75% | .47% | .48% | .32% | .15% |
For Class A, B, C and Z shares: | |||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 74% | 73% | 69% | 69% | 73% |
CLASS B SHARES
The financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, were derived from the financial statements audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports were unqualified. The financial highlights for the years ending prior to October 31, 2004 were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm whose report on those financial highlights was unqualified.
Per Share Operating Performance | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002(b) | 2001(b) |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $9.94 | $9.15 | $7.59 | $8.89 | $12.27 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) | -(c) | (.03) | (.02) | (.04) | (.06) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | .79 | .82 | 1.58 | (1.26) | (3.32) |
Total from investment operations | .79 | .79 | 1.56 | (1.30) | (3.38) |
Net asset value, end of year | $10.73 | $9.94 | $9.15 | $7.59 | $8.89 |
Total return(a) | 7.95% | 8.63% | 20.55% | (14.62)% | (27.55)% |
Ratio/Supplemental Data | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |
Net assets, end of year (000) | $71,436 | $89,099 | $99,237 | $99,771 | $147,021 |
Average net assets (000) | $83,027 | $96,512 | $95,925 | $132,783 | $184,943 |
Ratios to average net assets: | |||||
Expenses,including distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | 1.97% | 1.91% | 1.94% | 1.91% | 1.85% |
Expenses, excluding distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | .97% | .91% | .94% | .91% | .85% |
Net investment income (loss) | .04% | (.28)% | (.27)% | (.43)% | (.60)% |
CLASS C SHARES
The financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, were derived from the financial statements audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports were unqualified. The financial highlights for the years ending prior to October 31, 2004 were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm whose report on those financial highlights was unqualified.
Per Share Operating Performance | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002(b) | 2001(b) |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $9.94 | $9.15 | $7.59 | $8.89 | $12.27 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) | -(c) | (.03) | (.02) | (.04) | (.06) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | .79 | .82 | 1.58 | (1.26) | (3.32) |
Total from investment operations | .79 | .79 | 1.56 | (1.30) | (3.38) |
Net asset value, end of year | $10.73 | $9.94 | $9.15 | $7.59 | $8.89 |
Total return(a) | 7.95% | 8.63% | 20.55% | (14.62)% | (27.55)% |
Ratio/Supplemental Data | 2005 | 2004(d) | 2003(d) | 2002(d) | 2001 |
Net assets, end of year (000) | $42,422 | $50,042 | $55,112 | $54,415 | $85,848 |
Average net assets (000) | $47,629 | $53,868 | $52,674 | $75,295 | $109,346 |
Ratios to average net assets: | |||||
Expenses,including distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | 1.97% | 1.91% | 1.94% | 1.91% | 1.85% |
Expenses, excluding distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | .97% | .91% | .94% | .91% | .85% |
Net investment income (loss) | .03% | (.28)% | (.27)% | (.43)% | (.60)% |
CLASS Z SHARES
The financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, were derived from the financial statements audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports were unqualified. The financial highlights for the years ending prior to October 31, 2004 were audited by another independent registered public accounting firm whose report on those financial highlights was unqualified.
Per Share Operating Performance | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002(b) | 2001(b) |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $10.52 | $9.59 | $7.88 | $9.13 | $12.48 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income | .11 | .06 | .07 | .05 | .04 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | .84 | .87 | 1.64 | (1.30) | (3.39) |
Total from investment operations | .95 | .93 | 1.71 | (1.25) | (3.35) |
Less Dividends from net investment income | (.10) | - | - | - | - |
Net asset value, end of year | $11.37 | $10.52 | $9.59 | $7.88 | $9.13 |
Total return(a) | 9.06% | 9.70% | 21.70% | (13.69)% | (26.84)% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 |
Net assets, end of year (000) | $13,713 | $11,457 | $7,198 | $6,969 | $13,649 |
Average net assets (000) | $13,218 | $8,905 | $6,981 | $11,218 | $18,523 |
Ratios to average net assets: | |||||
Expenses,including distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | .97% | .91% | .94% | .91% | .85% |
Expenses, excluding distribution fees and service (12b-1) fees | .97% | .91% | .94% | .91% | .85% |
Net investment income | .96% | .73% | .73% | .55% | .39% |
INSIDE BACK COVER
BACK COVER
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please read this prospectus before you invest in the Fund and keep it for future reference. For information on shareholder questions contact:
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These reports and the SAI contain additional information. Shareholders may obtain free copies of the SAI, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report as well as other information about the Fund and may make other shareholder inquiries through the telephone number, address and website listed above.
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Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund | ||||
Share Class | A | B | C | Z |
NASDAQ | PTMAX | PTMBX | PTMCX | PTEZX |
CUSIP | 26248W106 | 26248W205 | 476297304 | 26248W403 |
MF 187A
Investment Company Act File
No. 811-09101
Dryden Tax-Managed Funds
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund
DECEMBER 30, 2005 | STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
This Statement of Additional Information
(SAI) of Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund (the "Fund") of Dryden
Tax-Managed Funds is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction
with the Prospectus of the Fund dated December 30, 2005, and can be
obtained, without charge, by calling (800) 225-1852 or by writing to the
Fund at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey
07102-1852. The Fund's Prospectus is incorporated by reference into this
SAI, and Part I of this SAI and the portions of Part II of this SAI that
relate to the Fund have been incorporated by reference into the Fund's
Prospectus. The portions of part II of this SAI that do not relate to the
Fund do not form a part of the Fund's SAI, have not been incorporated by
reference into the Fund's Prospectus and should not be relied upon by
investors in the Fund. The Fund's audited financial statements are
incorporated into this SAI by reference to the Fund's 2005 Annual Report
(File No. 811-09101). You
may request a copy of the Annual Report at no charge by calling (800) 225-1852
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on any
business day.
MF 187B
INSIDE FRONT COVER
PART I
INTRODUCTION
Part I of this SAI sets forth information about each Fund identified on the front cover. It provides additional information about the Fund(s') Board of Directors, the advisory services provided to and the management fees paid by each Fund, performance data for each Fund, and information about other fees paid by and services provided to each Fund. Part I should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and those portions of Part II of this SAI that pertain to each Fund.
FUND CLASSIFICATION, INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES & POLICIES
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund is the only series of Dryden Tax-Managed Funds.
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term after-tax growth of capital. While the principal investment policies and strategies for seeking to achieve this objective are described in the Prospectus, the Fund may from time to time also use the securities, instruments, policies and principal and non-principal strategies that are further described below in seeking to achieve its objective. The Fund may not be successful in achieving its objective and you could lose money.
The following table identifies certain of the types of investments and investment strategies that the Fund may use. The "Investment Risks and Considerations" Section in Part II of the SAI includes explanations of these investments and investment strategies, as well as the risks and considerations associated with these investments and investment strategies.
Fund Investments and Strategies | |
Dryden Large Cap Core Equity Fund | |
144A Securities | X |
Asset-Backed Securities | |
Asset-Based Securities | |
Precious Metal-Related Securities | |
Borrowing and Leverage | X |
Convertible Securities | X |
Corporate Loans | |
Debt Securities | X |
Depositary Receipts | X |
Derivatives | X |
Hedging | |
Indexed and Inverse Securities | |
Swap Agreements | X |
Credit Default Swap Agreements | |
Credit Linked Securities | |
Total Return Swap Agreements | |
Options on Securities and Securities Indices | X |
Call Options | X |
Put Options | X |
Types of Options | X |
Futures | X |
Foreign Exchange Transactions | |
Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions | X |
Currency Futures | X |
Currency Options | X |
Limitations on Currency Hedging | |
Risk Factors in Heding Foreign Currency Risks | X |
Risk Factors in Derivatives | X |
Credit Risk | X |
Currency Risk | X |
Leverage Risk | X |
Liquidity Risk | X |
Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives | |
Distressed Securities | |
Foreign Investment Risk | X |
Foreign Market Risk | X |
Foreign Economy Risk | X |
Currency Risk and Exchange Risk | X |
Governmental Supervision and Regulation / Accounting Standards | X |
Certain Risks of Holding Fund Assets Outside the United States | X |
Settlement Risk | X |
Illiquid or Restricted Securities | X |
Initial Public Offerings | |
Investment in Other Investment Companies | X |
Exchange Traded Funds | X |
Investment in Emerging Markets | |
Restrictions on Certain Investments | |
Risks of Investing in Asia-Pacific Countries |
Fund Investments and Strategies | |
Risks of Investments in Russia | |
Junk Bonds | |
Mortgage Backed Securities | |
Real Estate Related Securities | |
Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") | X |
Repurchase Agreements | X |
Dollar Rolls | |
Securities Lending | X |
Securities of Smaller or Emerging Growth Companies | X |
Short Sales and Short Sales Against-the-Box | X |
Sovereign Debt | |
Standby Commitment Agreements | |
Stripped Securities | |
Structured Notes | |
Supranational Entities | |
Utility Industries | |
Electric | |
Telecommunications | |
Temporary Defensive Strategy and Short-Term Investments | X |
Gas | |
Water | |
Warrants and Rights | X |
When Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments | X |
Zero Coupon Bonds |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following restrictions are fundamental policies. Fundamental policies, under the 1940 Act, are those which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities," when used in this SAI, means the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares are present in person or represented by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares.
The Fund may not:
1. Purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, the Fund would fail to be a diversified company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time except to the extent that the Fund may be permitted to do so by exemptive order, SEC release, no-action letter or similar relief or interpretations (collectively, the 1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions).
2. Issue senior securities or borrow money or pledge its assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions. 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 the Fund to its Trustees pursuant to deferred compensation arrangements are not deemed to be a pledge of assets or the issuance of a senior security.
3. Buy or sell real estate, except that investment in securities of issuers that invest in real estate and investments in mortgage-backed securities, mortgage participations or other instruments supported or secured by interests in real estate are not subject to this limitation, and except that the Fund may exercise rights relating to such securities, including the right to enforce security interests and to hold real estate acquired by reason of such enforcement until that real estate can be liquidated in an orderly manner.
4. Buy or sell physical commodities or contracts involving physical commodities. The Fund may purchase and sell (i) derivative, hedging and similar instruments such as financial futures contracts and options thereon, and (ii) securities or instruments backed by, or the return from which is linked to, physical commodities or currencies, such as forward currency exchange contracts, and the Fund may exercise rights relating to such instruments, including the right to enforce security interests and to hold physical commodities and contracts involving physical commodities acquired as a result of the Fund's ownership of instruments supported or secured thereby until they can be liquidated in an orderly manner.
5. Purchase any security if as a result 25% or more of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry, except for temporary defensive purposes, and except that this limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
6. Act as underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.
The Fund may make loans, including loans of assets of the Fund, repurchase agreements, trade claims, loan participations or similar investments, or as permitted by the 1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions. The acquisition of bonds, debentures, other debt securities or instruments, or participations or other interests therein and investments in government obligations, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or instruments similar to any of the foregoing will not be considered the making of a loan, and is permitted if consistent with the Fund's investment objective.
For purposes of Investment Restriction 1, the Fund will currently not purchase any security (other than obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if as a result, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, (i) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets (determined at the time of investment) would be invested in securities of a single issuer and (ii) the Fund would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer. Whenever any fundamental investment policy or investment restriction states a maximum percentage of the Fund's assets, it is intended that if the percentage limitation is met at the time the investment is made, a later change in percentage resulting from changing total or net asset values will not be considered a violation of such policy. However, if the Fund's asset coverage for borrowings permitted by Investment Restriction 2 falls below 300%, or the Fund holds more than 15% of its assets in illiquid securities, the Fund will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings, as required by the 1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions.
Although not fundamental, the Fund has the following additional investment restrictions.
The Fund may not:
1. Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions); provided that the deposit or payment by the Fund of initial or maintenance margin in connection with futures or options is not considered the purchase of a security on margin.
2. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management.
3. Purchase more than 10% of all outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
4. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except: (i) purchases in the open market involving only customary brokerage commissions and as a result of which the Fund will not hold more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of any one investment company, will not have invested more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company and will not have invested more than 10% of its total assets (determined at the time of investment) in such securities of one or more investment companies, (ii) as part of a merger, consolidation or other acquisition, or (iii) purchases of affiliated investment company shares pursuant to and subject to such limits as the Commission may impose by rule or order.
5. Make uncovered short sales of securities in excess of 5% of its total assets. The Fund may use short sales "against-the-box". The Fund will provide 60 days' written notice to shareholders of a change in the Fund's non-fundamental policy of investing at least 80% of its investable assets (that is, net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in the type of investments suggested by the Fund's name. In addition, the Fund may not: acquire securities of other investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on subparagraph (F) or (G) of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act so long as it is a fund in which one or more of the JennisonDryden Asset Allocation Funds (which are series of The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc., Registration Nos. 33-61997, 811-7343) may invest.
INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Information about the Directors/Trustees (referred to herein as "Directors") and the Officers of each Fund is set forth below. Directors who are not deemed to be "interested persons" of a Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as "Independent Directors." Directors who are deemed to be "interested persons" of a Fund are referred to as "Interested Directors." The Directors are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of each Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act.
Independent Directors | ||
Name, Address, Age Length of Service No. of Portfolios Overseen: | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | Other Directorships Held |
Linda W. Bynoe (53) Director Since: 2005 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 88
|
President and Chief Executive Oficer (since March 1995) of Telemat, Ltd.; formerly Vice President at Morgan Stanley & Co.
|
Director of Dynegy Inc. (energy services) (since September 2002) and Simon Property Group, Inc. (real estate investment trust) (since May 2003); Director (since August 2005) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
|
David E.A. Carson (71) Director Since: 2003 No.of Portfolios Overseen: 92 |
Formerly Director January 2000May 2000), Chairman (January 1999December 1999), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (January 1998December 1998) and President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples Bank (19831997).
|
Director (since 2004) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. |
Robert E. La Blanc (71) Director Since: 2003 No.of Portfolios Overseen: 89 |
President (since 1981) of Robert E. La Blanc Associates, Inc. (telecommunications).
|
Director of Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Ltd. (since 1998); Computer Associates International, Inc. (since 2002) (software company); FiberNet Telecom Group, Inc. (since 2003)(telecom company); Director (since April 1999) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
|
Douglas H. McCorkindale (66) Director Since: 1998 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 89 |
Chairman (since February 2001) of Gannett Co., Inc. (publishing and media); formerly Chief Executive Officer (June 2000-July 2005), President (September 1997-July 2005) and Vice Chairman (March 1984-May 2000) of Gannett Co., Inc.
|
Director of Gannett Co., Inc.; Director of Continental Airlines, Inc. (since May 1993); Director of Lockheed Martin Corp. (aerospace and defense)(since May 2001); Director of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.(since 1996).
|
Richard A. Redeker (62) Director Since: 1998 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 89 |
Management Consultant; Director of Invesmart, Inc.(since 2001) and Director of Penn Tank Lines, Inc. (since 1999).
|
Director (since January 2005) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. |
Robin B. Smith (66) Director Since: 1998 No of Portfolios Overseen: 90 |
Chairman of the Board (since January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House (direct marketing), formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (August 1996-January 2003) of Publishers Clearing House.
|
Director of BellSouth Corporation (since 1992), Director (since January 2005) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
|
Stephen G. Stoneburn (62) Director Since: 2003 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 89 |
President and Chief Executive Officer (since June 1996) of Quadrant Media Corp. (a publishing company); formerly President (June 1995-June 1996) of Argus Integrated Media, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Managing Director (January 1993-1995) of Cowles Business Media and Senior Vice President of Fairchild Publications, Inc. (1975-1989).
|
Director (since January 2005) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
|
Clay T. Whitehead (66) Director Since: 1998 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 90 |
President (since 1983) of National Exchange Inc. (new business development firm).
|
Director (since 2000) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. |
Interested Directors | ||
Judy A. Rice (57) Director Since: 2000 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 89 |
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since February 2003) of Prudential Investments LLC; Vice President (since February 1999) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; President, Chief Executive Officer and Officer-In-Charge (since April 2003) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; formerly Executive Vice President (September 1999-February 2003) of Prudential Investments LLC; Member of Board of Governors of the Money Management Institute.
|
Director (since August 2005) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. |
Robert F. Gunia (58) Director Since: 1996 No. of Portfolios Overseen: 157 |
Chief Administrative Officer (since September 1999) and Executive Vice President (since December 1996) of Prudential Investments LLC; President (since April 1999) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; Executive Vice President (since March 1999) and Treasurer (since May 2000) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.
|
Vice President and Director (since May 1989) and Treasurer (since 1999) of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.; Vice President (since 2004) and Director (since August 2005) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
|
Fund Officers | |
Name, Address and Age Position with Fund | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Kathryn L. Quirk (52) Chief Legal Officer Since 2005 |
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since September 2004) of Prudential; Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since July 2005) of Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; formerly Managing Director, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary (1997-2002) of Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc.
|
Deborah A. Docs (47) Secretary Since 2003 |
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 American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.
|
Jonathan D. Shain (47) Assistant Secretary Since 2005 |
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 American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.
|
Claudia DiGiacomo (31) Assistant Secretary Since 2005 |
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Associate at Sidley Austin Brown Wood LLP (1999-2004).
|
Marina Belaya (38) Assistant Secretary Since 2005 |
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since April 2005) of Prudential; formerly Associate (September 2002-March 2005) at Schutle, Roth Zabel LLP.
|
Lee D. Augsburger (46) Chief Compliance Officer Since 2004 |
Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since April 2003) of PI; Vice President (since November 2000) and Chief Compliance Officer (since October 2000) of Prudential Investment Management, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President (since May 2003) of American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since October 2004) of Quantitative Management Associates LLC.
|
Maryanne Ryan (41) Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Since 2002 |
Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Vice President (since April 2002) of Pruco Securities, LLC; Vice President and Bank Secrecy Act Officer (since July 2004) of Prudential Trust Company; Anti-Money Laundering Officer (since April 2003) of PI.
|
Grace C. Torres (46) Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Since 1998 |
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 American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since May 2003) of American Skandia Advisory Services, Inc.; formerly Senior Vice President (May 2003-June 2005) of American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.
|
Jack Benintende (41) Acting Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Since 2005 |
Vice President (since June 2000) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; Assistant Treasurer (since September 2004) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.; formerly Assistant Treasurer (2000-October 2004) of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. and Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.; Senior manager within the investment management practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (May 1994 through June 2000).
|
Explanatory Notes to Tables :
Directors 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.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Directors 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 Directors or Officers. The Independent Directors have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Directors on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 75.
"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.
"No. of Portfolios Overseen" includes all investment companies managed by Prudential Investments LLC. The investment companies for which PI serves as manager include the JennisonDryden Funds, Strategic Partners Funds, The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, The Target Portfolio Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, and the American Skandia Trust.
Compensation of Directors and Officers . Pursuant to a Management Agreement with each Fund, the Manager pays all compensation of Officers and employees of the Fund as well as the fees and expenses of all Interested Directors.
Each Fund pays each of its Independent Directors annual compensation in addition to certain out-of-pocket expenses. Directors who serve on Board Committees may receive additional compensation. The amount of annual compensation paid to each Independent Director may change as a result of the introduction of additional funds on whose Boards the Director may be asked to serve.
Independent Directors may defer receipt of their fees pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with each Fund. Under the terms of the agreement, a Fund accrues deferred Directors' 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 any JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual fund chosen by the Director. Payment of the interest so accrued is also deferred and becomes payable at the option of the Director. A Fund's obligation to make payments of deferred Directors' fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Fund. No Fund has a retirement or pension plan for its Directors.
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the indicated Fund(s) for the Fund(s') most recently completed fiscal year to the Independent Directors for service on the Fund(s') Board, and the Board of any other investment company in the Fund Complex for the most recently completed calendar year. Directors and officers who are "interested persons" of the Fund(s) (as defined in the 1940 Act) do not receive compensation from the Fund Complex and therefore are not shown in the following table.
Compensation Received by Independent Directors -- Dryden Tax-Managed Funds | ||||
Name*** | Aggregate Fiscal Year Compensation from Fund | Pension or Retirement Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Total Compensation from Fund and Fund Complex for Most Recent Calendar Year |
Linda W. Bynoe**** | $921 | None | None | N/A |
David E.A. Carson | 1,608 | None | None | $199,750 (38/92)* |
Robert E. La Blanc | 1,514 | None | None | 204,500 (38/92)* |
Douglas H. McCorkindale** | 1,556 | None | None | 176,916 (38/92)* |
Richard A. Redeker | 1,608 | None | None | 184,833 (37/91)* |
Robin B. Smith** | 1,636 | None | None | 206,500 (37/91)* |
Stephen G. Stoneburn** | 1,576 | None | None | 194,000 (37/91)* |
Clay T. Whitehead | 1,576 | None | None | 201,500 (38/92)* |
Explanatory Notes to Director Compensation Table
*Shows number of funds/portfolios in existence as of the most recently completed calendar year. **Although the last column shows the total amount paid to Directors from the PI-managed funds during the most recently completed calendar year, such compensation was deferred at the election of the Directors, in total, or in part, under the Fund's deferred fee agreement. Including accrued interest, on amounts deferred through the end of the most recently completed calendar year, the total value of compensation for such calendar year amounted to $291,729, $195,039 and $423,670 for Messrs. McCorkindale and Stoneburn, and Ms. Smith. ***Directors and officers who are "interested persons" of the Fund(s) (as defined in the 1940 Act) do not receive compensation from the Fund(s) and therefore are not shown in the compensation table. ****Ms. Bynoe became a Director of each Fund as of March 2, 2005.
Board Committees . The Board of Directors (the Board) has established three standing committees in connection with governance of each FundAudit, Nominating and Governance, and Investment. Information on the membership of each standing committee and its functions is set forth below.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Carson (Chair), Stoneburn and Whitehead and Ms. Smith (ex-officio). 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 Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, accounting policies and procedures, and other areas relating to the Funds' 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 Funds. 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 Funds, provided that the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm relates directly to the operation and financial reporting of the Funds. 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 number of Audit Committee meetings held during the indicated Fund(s') most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board is responsible for nominating Directors and making recommendations to the Board concerning Board composition, committee structure and governance, director education, and governance practices. The members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Mr. Redeker (Chair), Mr. LaBlanc, Mr. McCorkindale and Ms. Smith (ex-officio). The Board has determined that each member of the Nominating and Governance Committee is not an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act. The number of Nominating and Governance Committee meetings held during the indicated Fund(s') most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter is available on the Fund's website at www.jennisondryden.com.
JennisonDryden and Strategic Partners Investment Committees. In September 2005, the Board of each Fund in the Prudential retail mutual funds complex formed joint committees to review the performance of each Fund in the fund complex. The JennisonDryden Investment Committee reviews the performance of each Fund whose subadvisers are affiliates of the Manager, while the Strategic Partners Investment Committee reviews the performance of funds whose subadvisers are not affiliates of the Manager. Each Committee meets at least five times per year and reports the results of its review to the full Board of each Fund at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Every Independent Director sits on one of the two Committees. The JennisonDryden Investment Committee consists of Mses. Bynoe (Chair) and Rice and Messrs. Carson, Stoneburn and Whitehead. The Strategic Partners Investment Committee consists of Messrs. La Blanc, Gunia, McCorkindale (Chair) and Redeker and Ms. Smith.
Selection of Director Nominees . The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for considering director nominees for Directors at such times as it considers electing new members to the Board. The Nominating and 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 Nominating and Governance Committee has not established specific, minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a nominee. In evaluating nominees, the Nominating and 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 Nominating and 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 Nominating and 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 (Robin Smith) or the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee (Richard Redeker), in either case in care of the specified Fund(s), at P.O. Box 13964, Philadelphia, PA 19176. 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 Investment Company Act of 1940; any other information that the Fund 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 Fund 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 pe rson submitting it believes would assist the Nominating and Governance Committee in evaluating the recommendation.
Shareholders should note that a person who owns securities issued by Prudential Financial, Inc. (the parent company of each Fund'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 Funds' outside legal counsel may cause a person to be deemed an "interested person." Before the Nominating and 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) | ||
Fund Name | Audit Committee | Nominating & Governance Committee |
Dryden Tax-Managed Funds | 4 | 3 |
Share Ownership . Information relating to each Director's share ownership in the indicated Fund(s) and in all registered funds in the PI-advised funds that are overseen by the respective Director as of the most recently completed calendar year is set forth in the charts below.
Director Share Ownership--Dryden Tax-Managed Funds | ||
Name | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund(s) |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director in Fund Complex
|
Linda W. Bynoe | - | - |
David E.A. Carson |
-
|
Over $100,000 |
Robert E. La Blanc | - | Over $100,000 |
Douglas H. McCorkindale |
-
|
Over $100,000 |
Richard A. Redeker |
-
|
Over $100,000 |
Robin B. Smith | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
Stephen G. Stoneburn | - | Over $100,000 |
Clay T. Whitehead | - | Over $100,000 |
Judy A. Rice |
$50,001 - $100,000
|
Over $100,000 |
Robert F. Gunia | - | Over $100,000 |
None of the Independent Directors, or any member of his / her immediate family, owned beneficially or of record any securities in an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund(s) 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 Fund(s) as of the most recently completed calendar year.
Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors . Shareholders of each Fund can communicate directly with the Board of Directors by writing to the Chair of the Board, c/o the Fund, P.O. Box 13964, Philadelphia, PA 19176. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Director by writing to that Director, c/o the Fund, P.O. Box 13964, Philadelphia, PA 19176. Such communications to the Board or individual Directors are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.
MANAGEMENT & ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
Manager . The Manager of each Fund is Prudential Investments LLC (PI or the Manager), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102. PI serves as manager to all of the other investment companies that, together with the Fund(s), comprise the JennisonDryden and Strategic Partners mutual funds. See "How the Fund is Managed--Manager" in the Prospectus. As of September 30, 2005, 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 $93.8 billion.
PI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM HoldCo., Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Asset Management Holding Company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential). Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS or the Transfer Agent), an affiliate of PI, serves as the transfer agent and dividend distribution agent for the JennisonDryden and Strategic Partners mutual funds and, in addition, provides customer service, record keeping and management and administrative services to qualified plans.
Pursuant to a Management Agreement with the Fund(s) (the Management Agreement), PI, subject to the supervision of the Fund(s') Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund(s), manages both the investment operations of each Series and the composition of the Fund(s') portfolio, including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities and other assets. In connection therewith, PI is obligated to keep certain books and records of each Fund. PI is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of each Fund. PI will continue to have responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements. PI will review the performance of the Subadviser and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of investment advisers and the renewal of contracts. PI also administers each Fund's corporate affairs and, in connection therewith, furnishes each Fund with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by, each Fund's custodian (the Custodian), and PMFS. The management services of PI to each Fund are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and PI is free to, and does, render management services to others.
PI 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 Fund. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase a Fund's total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at any time without notice.
In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of each Fund, PI bears the following expenses:
the salaries and expenses of all of its and each Fund's personnel except the fees and expenses of Independent Directors;
all expenses incurred by the Manager or a Fund in connection with managing the ordinary course of a Fund's business, other than those assumed by a Fund as described below; and
the fees, costs and expenses payable to any investment subadviser(s) pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement(s) between PI and such investment subadviser(s).
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, each Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses:
the fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with the management of the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets payable to the Manager;
the fees and expenses of Independent Directors;
the fees and certain expenses of the custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent, including the cost of providing records to the Manager in connection with its obligation of maintaining required records of the Fund and of pricing the Fund's shares;
the charges and expenses of the Fund's legal counsel and independent auditors;
brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities (and futures, if applicable) transactions;
all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies;
the fees of any trade associations of which the Fund may be a member;
the cost of share certificates representing and/or non-negotiable share deposit receipts evidencing shares of the Fund;
the cost of fidelity, directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;
the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Fund and of its shares with the Commission and paying notice filing fees under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes;
allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and Directors' 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 Fund's business and distribution and service (12b-1) fees.
The Management Agreement provides that PI will not be liable for any error of judgment by PI or for any loss suffered by a Fund 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 PI or a Fund by the Board or vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, (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 yea rs 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.
Fees payable under the Management Agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. The table below sets forth the applicable fee rate and the management fees received by PI from the indicated Fund(s) for the indicated fiscal years.
Management Fees Paid by the Fund(s) | ||||
Fund Name | Fee Rate | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund
|
0.65 of 1% to $500 million; 0.60 of 1% over $500 million | $1,276,562 | $1,352,314 | $1,328,551 |
Subadviser(s) . PI has entered into a Subadvisory Agreement with the Subadviser(s) named in the table below. The Subadvisory Agreement(s) provides that the Subadviser(s) will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of each Fund. In connection therewith, the Subadviser(s) is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Fund. Under the Subadvisory Agreement(s), the Subadviser(s), subject to the supervision of PI, is responsible for managing the assets of a Fund in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives, investment program and policies. The Subadviser(s) determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for the Fund and is responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Fund. PI continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises the Subadviser's performance of such services.
As discussed in the Prospectus, PI employs the Subadviser(s) under a "manager of managers" structure that allows PI to replace the Subadviser(s) or amend a Subadvisory Agreement(s) without seeking shareholder approval. The Subadvisory Agreement(s) provide that it will terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadvisory Agreement(s) may be terminated by a Fund, PI, or the Subadviser(s) upon not more than 60 days', nor less than 30 days', written notice. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that it will continue in effect for a period of not more than two years from its execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
The table below sets forth the applicable fee rate(s) and the subadvisory fees received by the Subadviser(s) from PI for the indicated fiscal years:
Subadvisory Fees Paid by PI | ||||
Fund Name & Subadviser | Fee Rate | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund Subadviser: Quantitative Management Associates LLC |
0.325 of 1% to $500 million; 0.285 of 1% over $500 million
|
$638,281 | $676,157 | $664,276 |
Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers -- Other Accounts . The following table sets forth information about the indicated Fund(s) and accounts other than the Fund(s) for which the Fund(s') portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of the Fund(s') most recently completed fiscal year. The table shows, for each 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 .
Portfolio Managers: Information About Other Accounts | ||||
Fund Name Subadviser |
Portfolio Manager(s)
|
Registered Investment Companies | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | Other Accounts |
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund Quantitative Management Associates LLC |
Margarett Stumpp, Ph.D
|
12 Registered Mutual Funds with $4,213,786,433 in total assets under management. | 8 Unregistered Pooled Investment Vehicles with $3,827,306,703 in total assets under management. | 17 Other Accounts with $4,987,475,601 in total assets under management. |
4 Other Accounts with $1,844,984,765 in total assets under management. | ||||
Ted Lockwood
|
6 Registered Mutual Fund with $997,366,037 in total assets under management. | 10 Other Accounts with $2,789,562,952 in total assets under management. | ||
Peter Xu
|
3 Registered Mutual Fund with $1,252,679,585 in total assets under management. |
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 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 a Portfolio's investments and investments in other accounts.
QMA investment professionals are compensated through a combination of base salary, a performance-based annual cash incentive bonus and a long-term incentive grant.
The salary component is based on market data relative to similar positions within the industry as well as the past performance, experience and responsibility of the individual.
The size of the annual cash bonus pool is determined quantitatively based on two primary factors: 1) investment performance (pre-tax) of portfolios on a 1-year and 3-year basis relative to appropriate market peer groups or benchmarks, and 2) business results as measured by QMA's pre-tax net income, based on planned and reasonably anticipated expenses. QMA regularly benchmarks its compensation program against leading asset management firms in the industry to monitor competitiveness.
The long-term incentive grant is generally divided between stock options and restricted stock of Prudential Financial, Inc. (QMA is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc.). The size of the long-term incentive pool is determined by Prudential Financial based on a percentage of the aggregate compensation of QMA's eligible employees.
Each investment professional's incentive compensation payment including the annual cash bonus and long-term incentive grant is primarily determined by how significantly he/she contributes to delivering investment performance to clients consistent with portfolio objectives, guidelines, and risk parameters, as well as the individual's qualitative contributions to the organization.
QMA is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. and as such is part of a full-scale global financial services organization, affiliated with insurance companies, investment advisers and registered broker/dealers. QMA portfolio managers are often responsible for managing multiple accounts, including accounts of affiliates, insurance company separate accounts, institutional accounts and other pooled investment vehicles. These affiliations and portfolio management responsibilities may cause potential and actual conflicts of interest. QMA aims to conduct itself in a manner it considers to be the most fair and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to all of its clients including the Fund.
Management of multiple accounts and funds side-by-side may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities, the aggregation and allocation of trades and cross trading. QMA has developed policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts of interest.
The Fund may be prohibited from engaging in transactions with its affiliates even when such transactions may be beneficial for the Fund. Certain affiliated transactions are permitted in accordance with procedures adopted by the Fund and reviewed by the independent directors of the Fund.
There may be restrictions imposed by law, regulation or contract regarding how much, if any, of a particular security QMA may purchase or sell on behalf of the Fund, and as to the timing of such purchase or sale. QMA may come into possession of material, non-public information with respect to a particular issuer and as a result be unable to execute purchase or sale transactions in securities of such issuer for the Fund. QMA is able to avoid a variety of potential conflicts due to the possession of material, non-public information by maintaining an "Information Barrier" to prevent the transfer of information between affiliates.
Certain affiliates of QMA develop and publish credit research that is independent from the research developed within QMA. QMA may hold different opinions on the investment merits of a given security or industry such that QMA may be purchasing or holding a security for the Fund and an affiliated entity may be selling or recommending a sale of the same security. Conversely, QMA may be selling a security for the Fund and an affiliated entity may be purchasing or recommending a buy of the same security. In addition, QMA's affiliated brokers or investment advisers may be executing transactions in the market in the same securities as the Fund at the same time.
With respect to the management of the Fund, QMA may cause securities transactions to be executed concurrently with authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for other accounts managed by QMA, including proprietary accounts or accounts of affiliates. In these instances, the executions of purchases or sales, where possible, are allocated equitably among the various accounts (including the Fund).
QMA may buy or sell, or may direct or recommend that another person buy or sell, securities of the same kind or class that are purchased or sold for the Fund, at a price which may or may not differ from the price of the securities purchased or sold for the Fund. In addition, QMA may, at any time, execute trades of securities of the same kind or class in one direction for an account and trade in the opposite direction or not trade for any other account, including the Fund, due to differences in investment strategy or client direction.
The fees charged to advisory clients by QMA may differ depending upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, the particular strategy, the size of a portfolio being managed, the relationship with the client, the origination and service requirements and the asset class involved. Fees may also differ based on account type (e.g., commingled accounts, trust accounts, insurance company separate accounts, and corporate, bank or trust-owned life insurance products). Fees are negotiable so one client with similar investment objectives or goals may be paying a higher fee than another client. Fees paid by certain clients may also be higher due to performance based fees which increase based on the performance of a portfolio above an established benchmark. Also, large clients generate more revenue for QMA than do smaller accounts. A portfolio manager may be faced with a conflict of interest when allocating scarce investment opportunities given the benefit to QMA of favoring account s that pay a higher fee or generate more income for QMA. To address this conflict of interest, QMA has adopted an Allocation Policy as well as supervisory procedures that attempt to fairly allocate investment opportunities among competing client accounts.
Conflicts of interest may also arise regarding proxy voting. A committee of senior business representatives together with relevant regulatory personnel oversees the proxy voting process and monitors potential conflicts of interest relating to proxy voting. In addition, portfolio managers may advise proprietary accounts, affiliates' accounts, and the general account of The Prudential Insurance Company of America ("Prudential's General Account," and together with QMA's proprietary accounts and affiliates' accounts, the "Affiliated Accounts"). QMA portfolio managers may have a financial interest in the accounts they advise, either directly or indirectly. To address potential conflicts of interest, QMA has procedures, including supervisory review procedures, designed to ensure that, including to the extent that client accounts are managed differently from the Affiliated Accounts, each of the client accounts including the Fund, and each Affiliated Account, is managed in a manner that is consistent with its investment objectives, investment strategies and restrictions, as well as with QMA's fiduciary obligations.
QMA follows Prudential Financial's policies on business ethics, personal securities trading by investment personnel, and information barriers and has adopted a code of ethics, allocation policies, supervisory procedures and conflicts of interest policies, among other policies and procedures, which are designed to ensure that clients are not harmed by these potential or actual conflicts of interests; however, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect and ensure avoidance or disclosure of each and every situation in which a conflict may arise.
Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers -- Fund Ownership . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities of the indicated Fund(s) beneficially owned by the portfolio manager(s) as of the Fund(s') most recently completed fiscal year.
Portfolio Managers: Fund Ownership | ||
Fund Name Subadviser | Portfolio Manager(s) | Dollar Range |
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund Quantitative Management Associates LLC |
M. Stumpp, Ph..D.
|
$0 |
T. Lockwood
|
$10,001-$50,000 | |
P. Xu, Ph.D
|
$0 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Custodian. The Bank of New York, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as Custodian for the Fund(s') portfolio securities and cash, and in that capacity, maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with each Fund. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside the United States.
Transfer Agent . Prudential Mutual Fund Services (PMFS), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of each Fund. PMFS is an affiliate of PI. PMFS provides customary transfer agency services to each Fund, including the handling of shareholder communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, PMFS receives an annual fee of $13.00 per shareholder account, a new account set-up fee of $2.00 annually for each manually-established account and a monthly inactive zero balance account fee of $0.20 per shareholder account. PMFS is also reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to postage, stationery, printing, allocable communications expenses and other costs.
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Fund(s) incurred the following fees for services provided by PMFS:
Fees Paid to PMFS | ||
Fund Name | Amount | |
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund | $223,000 |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . KPMG LLP, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, served as each Fund's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, and in that capacity will audit the annual financial statements for the Fund(s) for the next fiscal year. Other accountants previously served as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund(s). The decision to change the independent registered public accounting firm was approved by the Audit Committee of the Board and the full Board at meetings held on September 2, 2003.
INFORMATION ON SALES CHARGES & DISTRIBUTION-RELATED EXPENSES
Distributor . Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (the Distributor), Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, acts as the distributor of the shares of the Fund. The Distributor is a subsidiary of Prudential.
Pursuant to separate Distribution and Service Plans (the Class A Plan, the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, collectively, the Plans) adopted by each Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and a distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement), the Distributor incurs the expenses of distributing a Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The Distributor also incurs the expenses of distributing each Fund's Class Z shares under the Distribution Agreement, none of which are reimbursed or paid for by the Fund.
The expenses incurred under the Plans include commissions and account servicing fees paid to, or on account of brokers or financial institutions which have entered into agreements with the Distributor, advertising expenses, the cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and indirect and overhead costs of the Distributor associated with the sale of Fund shares, including lease, utility, communications and sales promotion expenses.
Under the Plans, each Fund is obligated to pay distribution and/or service fees to the Distributor as compensation for its distribution and service activities, not as reimbursement for specific expenses incurred. If the Distributor's expenses exceed its distribution and service fees, a Fund will not be obligated to pay any additional expenses. If the Distributor's expenses are less than such distribution and service fees, it will retain its full fees and realize a profit.
The distribution and/or service fees may also be used by the Distributor to compensate on a continuing basis brokers in consideration for the distribution, marketing, administrative and other services and activities provided by brokers with respect to the promotion of the sale of Fund shares and the maintenance of related shareholder accounts.
Distribution expenses attributable to the sale of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of a Fund are allocated to each such class based upon the ratio of sales of each such class to the combined sales of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund, other than expenses allocable to a particular class. The distribution fee and sales charge of one class will not be used to subsidize the sale of another class.
The Plans continue in effect from year to year, provided that each such continuance is approved at least annually by a vote of the Board, including a majority vote of the Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plans or in any agreement related to the Plans (the Rule 12b-1 Directors), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. A Plan may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class of a Fund on not more than 30 days' written notice to any other party to the Plan. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amounts to be spent for the services described therein without approval by the shareholders of the applicable class, and all material amendments are required to be approved by the Board in the manner described above. Each Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. A Fund will not be contractually obligated to pay expenses incurred under any Plan if it is terminated or not continued.
Pursuant to each Plan, the Board will review at least quarterly a written report of the distribution expenses incurred on behalf of each class of shares of a Fund by the Distributor. The report will include an itemization of the distribution expenses and the purposes of such expenditures. In addition, as long as the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of Rule 12b-1 Directors shall be committed to the Rule 12b-1 Directors.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, each Fund has agreed to indemnify the Distributor to the extent permitted by applicable law against certain liabilities under federal securities laws.
In addition to distribution and service fees paid by a Fund under the Plans, the Manager (or one of its affiliates) may make payments out of its own resources to dealers and other persons which distribute shares of a Fund (including Class Z shares). Such payments may be calculated by reference to the net asset value of shares sold by such persons or otherwise.
Class A Sales Charge and Distribution Expense Information . Under the Class A Plan, a Fund may pay the Distributor for its distribution-related activities with respect to Class A shares at an annual rate of .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Class A Plan provides that (1) .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares may be used to pay for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts (service fee) and (2) total distribution fees (including the service fee of .25 of 1%) may not exceed .30 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares. The Prospectus discusses any contractual or voluntary fee waivers that may be in effect.
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor received payments under the Class A Plan. These amounts were expended primarily for payments of account servicing fees to financial advisers and other persons who sell Class A shares For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor also received initial sales charges attributable to Class A shares. The amounts received by the Distributor are detailed in the table below.
Class B and Class C Sales Charge and Distribution Expense Information . Under the Class B and Class C Plans, a Fund may pay the Distributor for its distribution-related activities with respect to Class B and Class C shares at an annual rate of 1% of the average daily net assets of each of the Class B and Class C shares. The Class B and Class C Plans provide that (1) .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the shares may be paid as a service fee and (2) .75 of 1% (not including the service fee) of the average daily net assets of the shares (asset based sales charge) may be paid for distribution-related expenses with respect to the Class B shares. The service fee (.25 of 1% of average daily net assets) is used to pay for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor also receives contingent deferred sales charges from certain redeeming shareholders.
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor received payments under the Class B and C Plans. These amounts were expended primarily for payments of account servicing fees to financial advisers and other persons who sell Class B and C shares. For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor also received the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by shareholders upon certain redemptions of Class B and Class C shares. The amounts received by the Distributor are detailed in the table below.
For the most recently completed fiscal year, the Distributor spent approximately the following amounts on behalf of the indicated Fund(s):
Fund | Printing and Mailing Prospectuses to Other Than Current Shareholders | Commission Payments to Financial Advisers of Distributor | Overhead Costs of Distributor* | Compensation to Distributor for Commission Payments to Representatives and Other Expenses* | Approximate Total Amount Spent By Distributor on Behalf of Fund |
Dryden Large Cap Core Equity Fund--Class B Shares | $800 (.3%) | $41,800 (13.8%) | $207,100 (68.1%) | $54,100 (17.8%) | $303,800 (100.0%) |
Fund | Printing and Mailing Prospectuses to Other Than Current Shareholders | Commission Payments to Financial Advisers of Distributor | Overhead Costs of Distributor* | Compensation to Distributor for Commission Payments to Representatives and Other Expenses* | Approximate Total Amount Spent By Distributor on Behalf of Fund |
Dryden Large Cap Core Equity Fund--Class C Shares | $200 (0.0%) | $2,200 (0.5%) | $467,000 (95.6%) | $19,300 (3.9%) | $488,700 (100.0%) |
Fee Waivers and Subsidies . PI may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund. In addition, the Distributor may from time to time waive a portion of its distribution and service (12b-1) fees as described in the Prospectus. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase a Fund's total return.
Payments to Financial Services Firms . As described in each Fund's Prospectus, the Manager, Distributor or their affiliates have entered into revenue sharing or other similar arrangements with financial services firms, including affiliates of the Manager. These revenue sharing arrangements are intended to promote the sale of Fund shares or to compensate the financial services firms for marketing or marketing support activities in connection with the sale of Fund shares.
The list below includes the names of the firms (or their affiliated broker/dealers) that the Distributor anticipates, as of September 30, 2005, will receive revenue sharing payments of more than $10,0000 in calendar year 2005 for marketing and product support of the Fund and other JennisonDryden and/or Strategic Partners funds as described above.
Linsco Private Ledger Securities America UBS Financial Services Smith Barney Morgan Stanley Merrill Lynch Wachovia Bisys MidAtlantic Capital Corp. Nationwide Financial Services Wilmington Trust Co Mellon HR Solutions Stanton Trust Company
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
Under the current distribution arrangements between the Fund(s) and the Distributor, Class A shares of the Fund(s) are sold at the maximum initial sales charge indicated below, and Class B , Class C and Class Z shares of the Fund(s) are sold at NAV. Using the NAV of the Fund(s) as of the most recently completed fiscal year, the maximum offering prices of Fund shares are as follows:
Offering Price Per Share | |
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund | |
Class A | |
NAV and redemption price per Class A share | $11.20 |
Maximum initial sales charge | .65 |
Maximum offering price to public | 11.85 |
Class B | |
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class B share | $10.73 |
Class C | |
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class C share | $10.73 |
Class Z | |
NAV, offering price and redemption price per Class Z share | $11.37 |
Explanatory Note to Table: Class A, Class B and Class C shares are subject to a deferred contingent sales charge (CDSC) on certain redemptions. See "How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares of the Fund -- How to Sell Your Shares -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" in the Fund's Prospectus.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE
Each Fund has adopted a policy pursuant to which the Fund and its Manager, Subadviser, and principal underwriter are prohibited from directly or indirectly compensating a broker-dealer for promoting or selling Fund shares by directing brokerage transactions to that broker. Each Fund has adopted procedures for the purpose of deterring and detecting any violations of the policy. The policy permits a Fund, the Manager, and the Subadviser(s) to 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 Fund and is not influenced by considerations about the sale of Fund shares.
The Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, futures contracts and options on such securities and futures for each Fund, 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 Fund 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. For purposes of this section, the term "Manager" includes the investment adviser. Orders may be directed to any broker or futures commission merchant including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws, Wachovia Securities and its affiliates, Prudential Equity Group LLC ("Prudential Equity") and its affiliates or one of the investment adviser's aff iliates (an affiliated broker). Brokerage commissions on U.S. securities, options and futures exchanges or boards of trade are subject to negotiation between the Manager 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. Each Fund 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 Wachovia Securities or Prudential Equity acting as market maker, and it will not execute a negotiated trade with an affiliated broker if executio n involves Wachovia Securities or Prudential Equity acting as principal with respect to any part of the Fund's order.
In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Fund, the Manager's overriding objective is to obtain the best possible combination of favorable price and efficient execution. The Manager seeks 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 may consider in selecting a particular broker, dealer or futures commission merchant (firms) are the Manager's 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; the Manager's knowledge of the financial stability o f the firms; the Manager's knowledge of actual 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, the Fund may pay transaction costs in excess of that which another firm might have charged for effecting the same transaction.
When the Manager 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 Manager's investment activities; 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 the Fund. The Manager 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 the Fund and its other clients. The Manager 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 deems the purchase or sale of equities to be in the best interests of the Fund or its other clients, including Prudential, the Manager 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 in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. The allocation of orders among firms and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Fund's Board of Directors. Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling syndicate of which Wachovia Securities or any affiliate, 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 Fund, will not significantly affect the Fund's ability to pursue its present investment objective. However, in the future in other circumstances, the Fund may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other funds with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.
Subject to the above considerations, Wachovia Securities and Prudential Equity may act as a broker or futures commission merchant for the Fund. In order for an affiliate of the investment adviser or Wachovia Securities (or an affiliate) to effect any portfolio transactions for the Fund, 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 which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated firm in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore, the Directors of the Fund, including a majority of the non- interested Directors, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to p rovide 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Wachovia Securities and Prudential Equity may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national securities exchange for the Fund unless the Fund has expressly authorized the retention of such compensation. Wachovia Securities must furnish to the Fund at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained by Wachovia Securities and Prudential Equity from transactions effected for the Fund during the applicable period. Brokerage transactions with an affiliated broker are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon Wachovia Securities and Prudential Equity by applicable law. Transactions in options by the Fund 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 which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by the Manager and other investment advisory clients of the Manager. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
The table below sets forth information concerning the payment of commissions by the Fund, including the amount of such commissions paid to Wachovia Securities (or any affiliate) or Prudential Equity (or any affiliate) for the indicated fiscal years:
Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Fund ($) (Fiscal years ended October 31) | |||
Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund | $86,308 | $232,220 | $178,629 |
Total brokerage commissions paid to Wachovia Securities | None |
None
|
None |
Percentage of total brokerage commissions paid to Wachovia Securities | None |
None
|
None |
Total brokerage commissions paid to Prudential Equity | None | None | None |
Percentage of total brokerage commissions paid to Prudential Equity | None | None | None |
The Fund(s) is required to disclose its holdings of securities of its regular brokers and dealers (as defined under Rule10b-1 of the 1940 Act) and their parents as of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of the most recently completed fiscal year, the Fund(s) held the following securities of its regular brokers and dealers:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fund History . Dryden Tax-Managed Funds (the Company) was organized as a Delaware business trust on September 18, 1998. On December 21, 1999, the Board of Trustees (the Board) authorized the creation of a second series, Prudential Tax-Managed Growth Fund, and, in conjunction therewith, approved a change in the Company's name from Prudential Tax-Managed Equity Fund to Prudential Tax-Managed Funds, effective December 30, 1999.
Effective July 3, 2003, the Company changed its name to Dryden Tax-Managed Funds and the Fund changed its name to Dryden Tax-Managed Equity Fund. Effective on or about December 8, 2003, the name of Dryden Tax-Managed Equity Fund was changed to Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund.
Description of Shares and Organization . The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, $.001 par value per share, of one series, which is divided into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z, although only shares of the Fund currently are being offered. Each class of shares of the Fund represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and is identical in all respects except that (1) each class is subject to different sales charges and distribution and/or service fees (except for Class Z shares, which are not subject to any sales charges and distribution and/or service fees), which may affect performance, (2) each class has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement and has separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, (3) each class has a different exchange privilege, (4) only Class B shares have a conversion feature and (5) Class Z shares are offered exclusively for sale to a limited group of investors. In accordance with the Company's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Board may authorize the creation of additional series of shares and classes within such series, with such preferences, privileges, limitations and voting and dividend rights as the Trustees may determine.
Shares of the Fund, when issued against payment in full therefor, are fully paid, nonassessable, fully transferable and redeemable at the option of the holder. Shares are also redeemable at the option of the Fund under certain circumstances. Each share of each class is equal as to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except as noted above, and each class of shares (with the exception of Class Z shares, which are not subject to any distribution or service fees) bears the expenses related to the distribution of its shares. Except for the conversion feature applicable to the Class B shares, there are no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. In the event of liquidation, each share of the Fund is entitled to its portion of all of the Fund's assets after all debts and expenses of the Fund have been paid. Since Class B and Class C shares generally bear higher distribution expenses than Class A shares, the liquidation proceeds to shareholders of those classes are likely to be lower than to Class A shareholders and to Class Z shareholders, whose shares are not subject to any distribution and/or service fees. The Company's shares do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees.
The Company does not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders unless otherwise required by law. The Company will not be required to hold meetings of shareholders unless, for example, the election of Trustees is required to be acted on by shareholders under the 1940 Act. Shareholders have certain rights, including the right to call a meeting upon a vote of 10% or more of the Company's outstanding shares for the purpose of voting on the removal of one or more Trustees or to transact any other business.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
To the knowledge of the indicated Fund(s), the following persons/entities owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of Fund shares as of December 16, 2005:
As of December 16, 2005, the Directors and Officers of the Fund(s), as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Fund(s).
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements for Dryden Tax-Managed Funds for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, incorporated in this SAI by reference to the 2005 annual report to shareholders (File No. 811-09101), have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. You may obtain a copy of the annual report at no charge by request to the Fund(s) by calling (800) 225-1852 or by writing to the Fund(s) at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077.
INVESTMENT RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Set forth below are descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that a Fund may use, and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. Please see the Prospectus and the "Investment Objectives and Policies" Section in Part I of the SAI, which sets forth each Fund's principal investment objective(s) and and identifies the types of investments and investment strategies that may be used.
Information contained in this section about the risks and considerations associated with a Fund's investments and/or investment strategies applies only to those Funds specifically identified in Part I of the SAI as making a type of investment or using an investment strategy (each, a "Covered Fund"). Information that does not apply to a Covered Fund does not form a part of that Covered Fund's SAI and should not be relied on by investors in that Covered Fund. Only information that is clearly identified as applicable to a Covered Fund is considered to form a part of that Covered Fund's SAI. In this section the term "Manager" includes a fund's subadviser.
144A SECURITIES . A Fund may purchase restricted securities that can be offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Directors have determined to treat as liquid Rule 144A securities that are either freely tradable in their primary markets offshore or have been determined to be liquid in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Fund's Directors. The Directors have adopted guidelines and delegated to the Manager the daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity of restricted securities. The Directors, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. Since it is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how the market for restricted securities sold and offered under Rule 144A will continue to develop, the Directors will carefully monitor a Fund's investments in these securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these securities.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES . Asset-backed securities are "pass-through" securities, meaning that principal and interest payments made by the borrower on the underlying assets (such as credit card receivables) are passed through to a Fund. The value of asset-backed securities, like that of traditional fixed-income securities, typically increases when interest rates fall and decreases when interest rates rise. However, asset-backed securities differ from traditional fixed-income securities because of their potential for prepayment. The price paid by a Fund for its asset-backed securities, the yield the Fund 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 assets. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may prepay the underlying assets more quickly than anticipated, thereby reducing the yield to maturity and the average life of the asset-backed securities. Moreover, when a Fund 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 Fund purchases asset-backed securities at a premium, prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If a Fund buys such securities at a discount, both scheduled payments 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 assets 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 longer term security. Since longer-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 Fund.
ASSET-BASED SECURITIES . Certain Funds may invest in debt, preferred or convertible securities, the principal amount, redemption terms or conversion terms of which are related to the market price of some natural resource asset such as gold bullion. For the purposes of a Fund's investment policies, these securities are referred to as "asset-based securities." A Fund will purchase only asset-based securities that are rated, or are issued by issuers that have outstanding debt obligations rated investment grade (i.e., AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's) or of issuers that the Manager has determined to be of similar creditworthiness. Obligations ranked in the fourth highest rating category, while considered "investment grade," may have certain speculative characteristics and may be more likely to be downg raded than securities rated in the three highest rating categories. If the asset-based security is backed by a bank letter of credit or other similar facility, the Manager may take such backing into account in determining the creditworthiness of the issuer. While the market prices for an asset-based security and the related natural resource asset generally are expected to move in the same direction, there may not be perfect correlation in the two price movements. Asset-based securities may not be secured by a security interest in or claim on the underlying natural resource asset. The asset-based securities in which a Fund may invest may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below market (or even relatively nominal) rates. As an example, assume gold is selling at a market price of $300 per ounce and an issuer sells a $1,000 face amount gold-related note with a seven-year maturity, payable at maturity at the greater of either $1,000 in cash or the then market price of three ounces of gold. If at maturity, the market price of gold is $400 per ounce, the amount payable on the note would be $1,200. Certain asset-based securities may be payable at maturity in cash at the stated principal amount or, at the option of the holder, directly in a stated amount of the asset to which it is related. In such instance, because no Fund presently intends to invest directly in natural resource assets, a Fund would sell the asset-based security in the secondary market, to the extent one exists, prior to maturity if the value of the stated amount of the asset exceeds the stated principal amount and thereby realize the appreciation in the underlying asset.
PRECIOUS METAL-RELATED SECURITIES. A Fund may invest in the equity securities of companies that explore for, extract, process or deal in precious metals, e.g., gold, silver and platinum, and in asset-based securities indexed to the value of such metals. Such securities may be purchased when they are believed to be attractively priced in relation to the value of a company's precious metal-related assets or when the values of precious metals are expected to benefit from inflationary pressure or other economic, political or financial uncertainty or instability. Based on historical experience, during periods of economic or financial instability the securities of companies involved in precious metals may be subject to extreme price fluctuations, reflecting the high volatility of precious metal prices during such periods. In addition, the instability of precious metal prices may result in volatile earnings of precious metal-related companies, which may, in turn, affect adversely the financial condition of such companies.
The major producers of gold include the Republic of South Africa, Russia, Canada, the United States, Brazil and Australia. Sales of gold by Russia are largely unpredictable and often relate to political and economic considerations rather than to market forces. Economic, financial, social and political factors within South Africa may significantly affect South African gold production.
BORROWING AND LEVERAGE . A Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing). The Fund may pledge up to 33 1/3% of its total assets to secure these borrowings. If the Fund's asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, the Fund will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings. If the Fund 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 Fund, the net asset value of the Fund's shares will decrease faster than would otherwise be the case. This is the speculative factor known as "leverage."
A Fund may borrow from time to time, at the investment adviser'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 Fund to increase its investment capacity. A Fund will only borrow when there is an expectation that it will benefit a Fund after taking into account considerations such as interest income and possible losses upon liquidation. A Fund will not purchase portfolio securities when borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its total assets unless the Board of Directors changes this policy. Borrowing by a Fund creates an opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time, creates risks, including the fact that leverage may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of Fund shares and in the yield on a Fund. A Fund may borrow through forward rolls, dollar ro lls or reverse repurchase agreements, although no Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund is called for redemption, the Fund 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 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 inco me 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 Fund'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 Fund's credit exposure, or with a U.S. Treasury instrument to create a Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile tha n 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund may not recover its investment, or there might be a delay in the Fund's recovery. By investing in a corporate loan, a Fund becomes a member of the syndicate.
As in the case of junk bonds, the Corporate Loans in which a Fund 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 general ly 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 Fund 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.
A Fund may acquire interests in Corporate Loans by means of a novation, assignment or participation. In a novation, a Fund 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 Fund may purchase an assignment, in which case the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation to the Fund.
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 Fund's investment in that issuer. Credit risk is reduced to the extent a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Fund is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. Each Fund may use Derivatives for hedging purposes. Certain Funds may also use derivatives to seek to enhance returns. The use of a Derivative is speculative if the Fund is primarily seeking to achieve gains, rather than offset the risk of other positions. When the Fund invests in a Derivative for speculative purposes, the Fund will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that Derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the Derivative's cost. No Fund 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.
HEDGING . Hedging is a strategy in which a Derivative or security is used to offset the risks associated with other Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in an option, a futures contract or a related option. There can be no assurance that a Fund's hedging strategies will be effective or that hedging transactions will be available to a Fund. No Fund is required to engage in hedging transactions and each Fund may choose not to do so.
INDEXED AND INVERSE SECURITIES . A Fund may invest in securities the potential return of which is based on an index or interest rate. As an illustration, a Fund 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 Fund 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 Funds 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 Fund 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 val ue of the index increases. If a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund may be required to pay substantial additional margin to maintain the position.)
SWAP AGREEMENTS . Certain Funds are authorized to enter into equity swap agreements, which are over-the-counter ("OTC") contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of a specified equity security, basket of equity securities or equity index in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the change in market value of a different equity security, basket of equity securities or equity index. Swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to an equity or market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted by local law or is otherwise prohibited.
A Fund's net obligations in respect of all swap agreements (i.e., the aggregate net amount owed by the Fund) is limited to 15% of its net assets.
Swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its payment obligations to a Fund thereunder. A Fund will seek to lessen the risk to some extent by entering into a transaction only if the counterparty meets the current credit requirement for OTC option counterparties. Swap agreements are also subject to the risk that a Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to the counterparty. The Fund, however, will deposit in a segregated account with its custodian, liquid securities or cash or cash equivalents or other assets permitted to be so segregated by the Commission in an amount equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the swap agreement or the amount it would cost the Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount the Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the swap agreement.
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS . Certain Funds 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 Fund. 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 Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Fund i s a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund 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 Fund generally receives an up front payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, which typically is between six months and three years, 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fun d. When a Fund 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.
A Fund's net obligations in respect of all swap agreements (i.e., the aggregate net amount owed by the Fund) is limited to 15% of its net assets.
CREDIT LINKED SECURITIES . Among the income producing securities in which a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fun d would receive. A Fund'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 Funds 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 Fund's portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund 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 Fund thereunder. Swap agreements also bear the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, the Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each 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 Fund. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Fund's obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of the Fund's obligations will be segregated by the Fund 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 Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount the Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.
A Fund's net obligations in respect of all swap agreements (i.e., the aggregate net amount owed by the Fund) is limited to 15% of its net assets.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDEXES . A Fund 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 Fund 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 OT C Derivatives" below.
A Fund will write only "covered" options. A written option is covered if, so long as a Fund 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 Fund may purchase call options on any of the types of securities or instruments in which it may invest. A call option gives a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund either owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency, or the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund's ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing pur chase transaction cancels out a Fund'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 Fund 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 Fund acquires a right to sell such underlying securities or instruments at the exercise price, thus limiting the Fund'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 Fund'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 Fund also may purchase uncovered put options.
Each Fund may write (i.e., sell) put options on the types of securities or instruments that may be held by the Fund, provided that such put options are covered, meaning that such options are secured by segregated, liquid instruments. A Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option, which increases the Fund's return. A Fund will not sell puts if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's net assets would be required to cover its potential obligations under its hedging and other investment transactions.
FUTURES . A Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund'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 Fund 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 Fund from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Fund was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Fund believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or a Fund determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Fund may realize a loss relating to the futures position.
A Fund 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 Fund entered into futures transactions. A Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund intends to purchase.
A Fund may only write "covered" put and call options on futures contracts. A Fund will be considered "covered" with respect to a call option it writes on a futures contract if the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund with its custodian with respect to such option). There is no limitation on the amount of a Fund's assets that can be segregated.
Each Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Funds, to seek to enhance returns. Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on non-U.S. dollar denominated securities owned by a Fund, sold by a Fund but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by a Fund. As an illustration, a Fund may use such techniques to hedge the stated value in U.S. dollars of an investment in a yen-denominated security. In such circumstances, for example, the Fund may purchase a foreign currency put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified pric e 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund are considered to constitute hedging transactions and are consistent with the policies described above. No Fund 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 Fund will enter into foreign exchange transactions for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or a portfolio position, or, with respect to certain Funds, to seek to enhance returns. A Fund 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 Fund has received or anticipates receiving a dividend or distribution. A Fund may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a portfolio position by selling forward a currency in which a portfolio position o f the Fund is denominated or by purchasing a currency in which the Fund anticipates acquiring a portfolio position in the near future. A Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Funds will not speculate in Currency Instruments although certain Funds may use such instruments to seek to enhance returns. Accordingly, a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 th an 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 Fund's use of Currency Instruments to effect hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of the Fund's shares, the net asset value of the Fund'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 Fund's hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that a Fund hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Fund may realize losses and decrease its total return as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, a Fund 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 Fund 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 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 Fund 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 suc h default would deprive the Fund of any profit potential or force the Fund to cover its commitments for resale, if any, at the then market price and could result in a loss to the Fund.
It may not be possible for a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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:
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 Fund will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the value of the hedged instruments.
A Fund 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 Fund 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.
Certain transactions in Derivatives (such as futures transactions or sales of put options) involve substantial leverage risk and may expose a Fund to potential losses, which exceed the amount originally invested by the Fund. When a Fund engages in such a transaction, the Fund will deposit in a segregated account at its custodian liquid securities with a value at least equal to the Fund'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 Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction, but will not limit the Fund'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 Fund to sell such instruments promptly at an acceptable price. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for a Fund to ascertain a market value for such instruments. A Fund 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 or sold, or (ii) for which the Manager anticipates the Fund 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 Fund has unrealized gains in such instruments or has deposited collateral with its counterparty the Fund is at risk that its counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. A Fund 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 Fund with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.
DISTRESSED SECURITIES . A Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.
A Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund will receive any interest payments on the Distressed Securities, the Fund will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan of reorganization will be completed and the Fund may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect and recover its investment. Even if an exchang e offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to Distressed Securities held by a Fund, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by a Fund 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 Fund upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of a Fund's participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of Distressed Securities, the Fund may be restricted from disposing of such securities.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISKS
Foreign Market Risk. Funds that may invest in foreign securities offer the potential for more diversification than a Fund 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 Fund will lose money. In particular, a Fund 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 Fund 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 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 o f these actions could severely affect security prices, impair a Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer the Fund's assets or income back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect a Fund'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 Fund 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 Fund'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 Fund management to completely and accurately determine a company's financial condition.
Certain Risks of Holding Fund Assets Outside the United States. A Fund 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 Fund'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 Fund 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 Fund can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund 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 Fund to carry out transactions. If a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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.
ILLIQUID OR RESTRICTED SECURITIES . Each Fund may invest in securities that lack an established secondary trading market or otherwise are considered illiquid. Liquidity of a security relates to the ability to dispose easily of the security and the price to be obtained upon disposition of the security, which may be less than would be obtained for a comparable more liquid security. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of a Fund's assets in illiquid securities may restrict the ability of the Fund 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 Fund's operations require cash, such as when the Fund redeems shares or pays dividends, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on the sale of illiquid inve stments.
A Fund may invest in securities that are not registered ("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Restricted securities may be 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, privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. As a result of the absence of a public trading market, privately placed securities may be less liquid and more difficult to value than publicly traded securities. To the extent that privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales, due to illiquidity, could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than their fair market value. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject t o the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by a Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Certain of the Fund's investments in private placements may consist of direct investments and may include investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks. 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 such securities, a Fund may obtain access to material nonpublic information, which may restrict the Fund's ability to conduct portfolio transactions in such 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 Fund 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 Funds 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 Fund's investment opportunities such as restrictio ns 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 Fund. 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 Fund 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 Fund'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 Fund 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 Fund 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 funds. There also are investment opportunities in certain of such countries in pooled vehicles that resemble open-end investment companies. In accordance with the Investment Company Act, a Fund 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 Investment Company Act, a Fund may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company. These restrictions on investments in securities of investment companies may limit opportunities for a Fund 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 Fund acquires shares of other investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses of the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such other investment companies. SEE ALSO "INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
Risks of Investing in Asia-Pacific Countries. In addition to the risks of foreign investing and the risks of investing in emerging markets, the developing market Asia-Pacific countries in which a Fund may invest are subject to certain additional or specific risks. Certain Funds may make substantial investments in Asia-Pacific countries. There is a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Many of these markets also may be affected by developments with respect to more established markets in the region such as in Japan and Hong Kong. Brokers in developing market Asia-Pacific countries typically are fewer in number and less well capitalized than brokers in the United States. These factors, combined with the U.S. regulatory requirements for open-end investment companies and the restrictions on foreign investment discu ssed below, result in potentially fewer investment opportunities for a Fund and may have an adverse impact on the investment performance of the Fund.
Many of the developing market Asia-Pacific countries may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. In addition, the governments of many of such countries, such as Indonesia, have a heavy role in regulating and supervising the economy. Another risk common to most such countries is that the economy is heavily export oriented and, accordingly, is dependent upon international trade. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also present risks in certain countries, as do environmental problems. Certain economies also depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors.
The legal systems in certain developing market Asia-Pacific countries also may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market Asia-Pacific countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in developing market Asia-Pacific companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a developing market Asia-Pacific country.
Governments of many developing market Asia-Pacific countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in developing market Asia-Pacific countries, which could affect private sector companies and a Fund itself, as well as the value of securities in the Fund's portfolio. In addition, economic statistics of developing market Asia-Pacific countries may be less reliable than economic statistics of more developed nations.
In addition to the relative lack of publicly available information about developing market Asia-Pacific issuers and the possibility that such issuers may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as U.S. companies, inflation accounting rules in some developing market Asia-Pacific countries require companies that keep accounting records in the local currency, for both tax and accounting purposes, to restate certain assets and liabilities on the company's balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency of constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits for certain developing market Asia-Pacific companies.
Satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some developing Asia-Pacific countries, which may result in the Fund incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside such countries.
Certain developing Asia-Pacific countries, such as the Philippines, India and Turkey, are especially large debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments.
Fund management may determine that, notwithstanding otherwise favorable investment criteria, it may not be practicable or appropriate to invest in a particular developing Asia-Pacific country. A Fund may invest in countries in which foreign investors, including management of the Fund, have had no or limited prior experience.
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 Fund. 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 Fund 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 Fund's purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investm ent 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 Fund. For example, a Fund 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 Fund. Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis, resulting in a delay during which a Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund of the ability to make its desired investment at that time.
Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to a Fund's ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. A Fund 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 Fund of any restrictions on investments. For example, in September 1998, Malaysia imposed currency controls that limited a Fund'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 Fund's portfolio subject to currency controls may increase. In the event other countries impose similar controls, the portion of the Fund'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 Fund. For example, funds 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 Investment Company Act restricts a Fund'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 Fund's investments in certain foreign banks and other financial institutions.
Risks of Investments in Russia. A Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities issued by companies located in Russia. Because of the recent formation of the Russian securities markets as well as the underdeveloped state of Russia's banking system, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to significant risks. Ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the company's share register and normally evidenced by extracts from the register. These extracts are not negotiable instruments and are not effective evidence of securities ownership. The registrars are not necessarily subject to effective state supervision nor are they licensed with any governmental entity. Also, there is no central registration system for shareholders and it is possible for a Fund to lose its registration through fraud, negligence or mere oversight. While a Fund will endeavor to ensure that its interest continues to be appropriately recorded either itself or through a custodian or other agent inspecting the share register and by obtaining extracts of share registers through regular confirmations, these extracts have no legal enforceability and it is possible that subsequent illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive a Fund of its ownership rights or improperly dilute its interest. In addition, while applicable Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for a Fund to enforce any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the event of loss of share registration. While a Fund intends to invest directly in Russian companies that use an independent registrar, there can be no assurance that such investments will not result in a loss to a Fund.
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each Fund may invest in other investment companies, including exchange traded funds. In accordance with the 1940 Act, a Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies. In addition, under the 1940 Act a Fund 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 Fund's total assets may be invested in securities of any investment company. (These limits do not restrict a Feeder Fund from investing all of its assets in shares of its Master Portfolio.) Each Fund has received an exemptive order from the Commission permitting it to invest in affiliated registered money market funds and short-term bond funds without regard to such limitations, provided however, that in all cases the Fund's aggregate investment of cash in shares of such investment companies shall not exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets at any time. As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if a Fund acquires shares in investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such investment companies (including management and advisory fees). Investments by a Fund in wholly owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed an investment in other investment companies. SEE ALSO "RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN INVESTMENTS."
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 investment grade bonds, they are high risk investments that may cause income and principal losses for a Fund. The major risks in junk bond investments include the following:
Junk bonds are issued by less creditworthy 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 Fund before it matures. If an issuer redeems the junk bonds, a Fund 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 Fund's portfolio securities than in the case of securities trading in a more liquid market.
A Fund may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.
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 Fund. 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 Fund for its mortgage-backed securities, the yield the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund. Under certain interest rate and prepayment scenarios, a Fund 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 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 issue d by private corporations rather than government agencies and are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
REAL ESTATE RELATED SECURITIES . Although no Fund may invest directly in real estate, certain Funds may invest in equity securities of issuers that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. Therefore, an investment in such a Fund is subject to certain risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds or other limitations on access to capital; overbuilding; risks associated with leverage; market illiquidity; extended vacancies of properties; increase in competition, property taxes, capital expenditures and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws or other governmental regulation; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; tenant bankruptcies or other credit problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents, including decreases in market rates for rents; investment in developments that are not completed or that are subject to delays in completion; and changes in interest rates. To the extent that assets underlying a Fund's investments are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, the Fund may be subject to certain of the foregoing risks to a greater extent. Investments by a Fund in securities of companies providing mortgage servicing will be subject to the risks associated with refinancings and their impact on servicing rights.
In addition, if a Fund receives rental income or income from the disposition of real property acquired as a result of a default on securities the Fund owns, the receipt of such income may adversely affect the Fund's ability to retain its tax status as a regulated investment company because of certain income source requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS"). Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Code to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass-through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the Investment Company Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
Investing in certain REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. These REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as these REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index. The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which the REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may incur significant amounts of leverage.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS . A Fund may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements. A Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards as set forth in the Fund's repurchase agreement procedures.
Under such agreements, the other party agrees, upon entering into the contract with a Fund, 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.
In the case of a repurchase agreement, as a purchaser, a Fund 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 Fund but only constitute collateral for the seller's obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with disposition of the collateral.
A Fund 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 Fund may be aggregated with those of such investment companies and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each Fund participates in the income earned or accrued in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.
SECURITIES LENDING . Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided that outstanding loans of a Fund do not exceed in the aggregate 33 1 / 3 % of the value of a Fund's total assets and provided that such loans are callable at any time by a Fund 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 Fund an amount equivalent to any dividend or interest paid on such securities and a Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn additional income, or it may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower. The advantage of such loans is that a Fund continues to receive payments in lieu of the interest and dividends of the loaned securities, while at the sa me 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 Fund at any time. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates, and a Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over collateral. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms determined to be creditworthy pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of a Fund. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to a Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to a Fund.
Since voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, a Fund will follow the policy of calling the loan, in whole or in part as may be appropriate, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on a Fund's investment in the securities which are the subject of the loan. A Fund 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.
SECURITIES OF SMALLER OR EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES . Investment in smaller or emerging growth companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in more established companies. The securities of smaller or emerging growth companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established companies or the market average in general. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group.
While smaller or emerging growth company issuers may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than large cap issuers, investments in smaller or emerging growth companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. The Manager believes that properly selected companies of this type have the potential to increase their earnings or market valuation at a rate substantially in excess of the general growth of the economy. Full development of these companies and trends frequently takes time.
Small cap and emerging growth securities will often be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. As a result, the disposition by a Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions or otherwise may require a Fund to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time, or to sell these securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Manager's judgment, such disposition is not desirable.
While the process of selection and continuous supervision by the Manager does not, of course, guarantee successful investment results, it does provide access to an asset class not available to the average individual due to the time and cost involved. Careful initial selection is particularly important in this area as many new enterprises have promise but lack certain of the fundamental factors necessary to prosper. Investing in small cap and emerging growth companies requires specialized research and analysis. In addition, many investors cannot invest sufficient assets in such companies to provide wide diversification.
Small companies are generally little known to most individual investors although some may be dominant in their respective industries. The Manager believes that relatively small companies will continue to have the opportunity to develop into significant business enterprises. A Fund may invest in securities of small issuers in the relatively early stages of business development that have a new technology, a unique or proprietary product or service, or a favorable market position. Such companies may not be counted upon to develop into major industrial companies, but Fund management believes that eventual recognition of their special value characteristics by the investment community can provide above-average long-term growth to the portfolio.
Equity securities of specific small cap issuers may present different opportunities for long-term capital appreciation during varying portions of economic or securities markets cycles, as well as during varying stages of their business development. The market valuation of small cap issuers tends to fluctuate during economic or market cycles, presenting attractive investment opportunities at various points during these cycles.
Smaller companies, due to the size and kinds of markets that they serve, may be less susceptible than large companies to intervention from the Federal government by means of price controls, regulations or litigation.
SHORT SALES AND SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX. Certain Funds 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 Fund does not own declines in value. When a Fund 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 Fund 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.
A Fund 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 Fund is required to (1) deposit similar collateral with its custodian or otherwise segregate collateral on its records, to the extent that the value 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 and will not be less than the market value of the security at the time it was sold short, or (2) a fund must otherwise cover its short position. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Fund borrowed the security, regarding payment over of any payments received by a Fund on such security, a Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited with such broker-dealer. Because making short sales i n securities that it does not own exposes a Fund to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. As a result, if a Fund makes short sales in securities that increase in value, it will likely underperform similar mutual funds that do not make short sales in securities they do not own. A Fund 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 Fund replaces the borrowed security. A Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. There can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to close out a short sale position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Fund'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 Funds may also make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box is a short sale in which the Fund owns an equal amount of the securities sold short, or securities convertible 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 Fund's records or with its Custodian.
Specific Fund Limits :
With respect to Jennison Value Fund, no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets will be, when added together (1) deposited as collateral for the obligation to replace securities borrowed to effect short sales, (2) segregated in connection with short sales and (3) used as cover for short sales.
With respect to Dryden Tax-Managed Funds - Large Cap Core Equity Fund, not more than 25% of the Fund's assets (determined at the time of the short sale) may be subject to such sales, and the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in uncovered short sales.
With respect to Small Cap Core Equity Fund, Inc. not more than 25% of the Fund's assets (determined at the time of the short sale) may be subject to such sales.
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 Fund 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 par t 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 funds 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 Fund may enter into standby commitment agreements. These agreements commit a Fund, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of securities that may be issued and sold to that Fund 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 Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately issued. A Fund 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 Fund. A Fund 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 Fund segregates liquid ass ets 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 Fund 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 Fund'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 recor ded asincome 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 Fund may not fully recoup its initial investment in IOs. Conversely, if the underlying assets experience less than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield on POs could be a dversely affected. Stripped securities may be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and rates of prepayment.
STRUCTURED NOTES. Certain Funds may invest in structured notes. The values of the structured notes in which a Fund 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.
Specific Fund Limits :
With respect to Jennison Value Fund, up to 10% of total assets may be invested in Structured Notes.
SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES . A Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund also may temporarily hold cash or invest in money market instruments pending investment of proceeds from new sales of Fund shares or during periods of portfolio restructuring.
UTILITY INDUSTRIES
Risks that are intrinsic to the utility industries include difficulty in obtaining an adequate return on invested capital, difficulty in financing large construction programs during an inflationary period, restrictions on operations and increased cost and delays attributable to environmental considerations and regulation, difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets, technological innovations that may render existing plants, equipment or products obsolete, the potential impact of natural or man-made disasters, increased costs and reduced availability of certain types of fuel, occasionally reduced availability and high costs of natural gas for resale, the effects of energy conservation, the effects of a national energy policy and lengthy delays and greatly increased costs and other problems associated with the design, construction, licensing, regulation and operation of nuclear facilities for electric generation, including, among other considerations, the problems associated with the use of radioactive materials and the disposal of radioactive wastes. There are substantial differences between the regulatory practices and policies of various jurisdictions, and any given regulatory agency may make major shifts in policy from time to time. There is no assurance that regulatory authorities will, in the future, grant rate increases or that such increases will be adequate to permit the payment of dividends on common stocks. Additionally, existing and possible future regulatory legislation may make it even more difficult for these utilities to obtain adequate relief. Certain of the issuers of securities held in the Fund's portfolio may own or operate nuclear generating facilities. Governmental authorities may from time to time review existing policies and impose additional requirements governing the licensing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants. Prolonged changes in climatic conditions can als o have a significant impact on both the revenues of an electric and gas utility as well as the expenses of a utility, particularly a hydro-based electric utility.
Utility companies in the United States and in foreign countries are generally subject to regulation. In the United States, most utility companies are regulated by state and/or federal authorities. Such regulation is intended to ensure appropriate standards of service and adequate capacity to meet public demand. Generally, prices are also regulated in the United States and in foreign countries with the intention of protecting the public while ensuring that the rate of return earned by utility companies is sufficient to allow them to attract capital in order to grow and continue to provide appropriate services. There can be no assurance that such pricing policies or rates of return will continue in the future.
The nature of regulation of the utility industries continues to evolve both in the United States and in foreign countries. In recent years, changes in regulation in the United States increasingly have allowed utility companies to provide services and products outside their traditional geographic areas and lines of business, creating new areas of competition within the industries. In some instances, utility companies are operating on an unregulated basis. Because of trends toward deregulation and the evolution of independent power producers as well as new entrants to the field of telecommunications, non-regulated providers of utility services have become a significant part of their respective industries. The Manager believes that the emergence of competition and deregulation will result in certain utility companies being able to earn more than their traditional regulated rates of return, while others may be forced to defend their core business from increased competition and may be less profitable. Reduced profitability, as well as new uses of funds (such as for expansion, operations or stock buybacks) could result in cuts in dividend payout rates. The Manager seeks to take advantage of favorable investment opportunities that may arise from these structural changes. Of course, there can be no assurance that favorable developments will occur in the future.
Foreign utility companies are also subject to regulation, although such regulations may or may not be comparable to those in the United States. Foreign utility companies may be more heavily regulated by their respective governments than utilities in the United States and, as in the United States, generally are required to seek government approval for rate increases. In addition, many foreign utilities use fuels that may cause more pollution than those used in the United States, which may require such utilities to invest in pollution control equipment to meet any proposed pollution restrictions. Foreign regulatory systems vary from country to country and may evolve in ways different from regulation in the United States.
A Fund's investment policies are designed to enable it to capitalize on evolving investment opportunities throughout the world. For example, the rapid growth of certain foreign economies will necessitate expansion of capacity in the utility industries in those countries. Although many foreign utility companies currently are government-owned, thereby limiting current investment opportunities for a Fund, the Manager believes that, in order to attract significant capital for growth, foreign governments are likely to seek global investors through the privatization of their utility industries. Privatization, which refers to the trend toward investor ownership of assets rather than government ownership, is expected to occur in newer, faster-growing economies and in mature economies. Of course, there is no assurance that such favorable developments will occur or that investment opportunities in foreign markets for the Fund will increase.
The revenues of domestic and foreign utility companies generally reflect the economic growth and development in the geographic areas in which they do business. The Manager will take into account anticipated economic growth rates and other economic developments when selecting securities of utility companies.
Electric . The electric utility industry consists of companies that are engaged principally in the generation, transmission and sale of electric energy, although many also provide other energy-related services. In the past, electric utility companies, in general, have been favorably affected by lower fuel and financing costs and the full or near completion of major construction programs. In addition, many of these companies have generated cash flows in excess of current operating expenses and construction expenditures, permitting some degree of diversification into unregulated businesses. Some electric utilities have also taken advantage of the right to sell power outside of their traditional geographic areas. Electric utility companies have historically been subject to the risks associated with increases in fuel and other operating costs, high interest costs on borrowings needed for capital construction programs, costs associated with compliance with environmental and safet y regulations and changes in the regulatory climate. As interest rates declined, many utilities refinanced high cost debt and in doing so improved their fixed charges coverage. Regulators, however, lowered allowed rates of return as interest rates declined and thereby caused the benefits of the rate declines to be shared wholly or in part with customers. In a period of rising interest rates, the allowed rates of return may not keep pace with the utilities' increase costs. The construction and operation of nuclear power facilities are subject to increased scrutiny by, and evolving regulations of, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state agencies having comparable jurisdiction. Increased scrutiny might result in higher operating costs and higher capital expenditures, with the risk that the regulators may disallow inclusion of these costs in rate authorizations or the risk that a company may not be permitted to operate or complete construction of a facility. In addition, operators of nuclear power plants may be subject to significant costs for disposal of nuclear fuel and for decommissioning such plants.
The rating agencies look closely at the business profile of utilities. Ratings for companies are expected to be impacted to a greater extent in the future by the division of their asset base. Electric utility companies that focus more on the generation of electricity may be assigned less favorable ratings as this business is expected to be competitive and the least regulated. On the other hand, companies that focus on transmission and distribution which is expected to be the least competitive and the more regulated part of the business may see higher ratings given the greater predictability of cash flow.
A number of states are considering or have enacted deregulation proposals. The introduction of competition into the industry as a result of such deregulation has at times resulted in lower revenue, lower credit ratings, increased default risk, and lower electric utility security prices. Such increased competition may also cause long-term contracts, which electric utilities previously entered into to buy power, to become "stranded assets," which have no economic value. Any loss associated with such contracts must be absorbed by ratepayers and investors. In addition, in anticipation of increasing competition, some electric utilities have acquired electric utilities overseas to diversify, enhance earnings and gain experience in operating in a deregulated environment. In some instances, such acquisitions have involved significant borrowings, which have burdened the acquirer's balance sheet. There is no assurance that current deregulation proposals will be adopted. However, deregulatio n in any form could significantly impact the electric utilities industry.
Telecommunications . The telecommunications industry today includes both traditional telephone companies, with a history of broad market coverage and highly regulated businesses, and cable companies, which began as small, lightly regulated businesses focused on limited markets. Today these two historically different businesses are converging in an industry that is trending toward larger, competitive, national and international markets with an emphasis on deregulation. Companies that distribute telephone services and provide access to the telephone networks still comprise the greatest portion of this segment, but non-regulated activities such as wireless telephone services, paging, data transmission and processing, equipment retailing, computer software and hardware and internet services are becoming increasingly significant components as well. In particular, wireless and internet telephone services continue to gain market share at the expense of traditional telephone compani es. The presence of unregulated companies in this industry and the entry of traditional telephone companies into unregulated or less regulated businesses provide significant investment opportunities with companies which may increase their earnings at faster rates than had been allowed in traditional regulated businesses. Still, increasing competition, technological innovations and other structural changes could adversely affect the profitability of such utilities and the growth rate of their dividends. Given mergers and proposed legislation and enforcement changes, it is likely that both traditional telephone companies and cable companies will continue to provide an expanding range of utility services to both residential, corporate and governmental customers.
Gas . Gas transmission companies and gas distribution companies are undergoing significant changes. In the United States, interstate transmission companies are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is reducing its regulation of the industry. Many companies have diversified into oil and gas exploration and development, making returns more sensitive to energy prices. In the recent decade, gas utility companies have been adversely affected by disruptions in the oil industry and have also been affected by increased concentration and competition. In the opinion of the Manager, however, environmental considerations could improve the gas industry outlook in the future. For example, natural gas is the cleanest of the hydrocarbon fuels, and this may result in incremental shifts in fuel consumption toward natural gas and away from oil and coal, even for electricity generation. However, technological or regulatory changes within the industry may delay or prevent this result.
Water . Water supply utilities are companies that collect, purify, distribute and sell water. In the United States and around the world the industry is highly fragmented because most of the supplies are owned by local authorities. Companies in this industry are generally mature and are experiencing little or no per capita volume growth. In the opinion of the Manager, there may be opportunities for certain companies to acquire other water utility companies and for foreign acquisition of domestic companies. The Manager believes that favorable investment opportunities may result from consolidation of this segment. As with other utilities, however, increased regulation, increased costs and potential disruptions in supply may adversely affect investments in water supply utilities. There can be no assurance that the positive developments noted above, including those relating to privatization and changing regulation, will occur or that risk factors other than those noted above wi ll not develop in the future.
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 Fund 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 Fund may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when issued basis. A Fund 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 Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Fund enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. No Fund has established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in connection with these transactions. When a Fund purchases securities in these transactions, the Fund 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 Fund's purchase price. The Fund 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.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES . Certain Funds 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 obl igations. 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 Fund 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 Fund's investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held in the Fund's portfolio. Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the Federal tax laws, a Fund 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 Fund's exposure to such securities.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES
Share Classes . A Fund may offer shares of one or more classes to investors. Not every Fund may offer every share class described in this SAI, and investors should consult their Fund's prospectus for specific information concerning the share classes that are available to them.
Shares of a Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined NAV per share plus a sales charge (if applicable) which, at the election of the investor, may be imposed either (1) at the time of purchase (Class A shares) or (2) on a deferred basis (Class B and Class C shares or Class A shares, in certain circumstances). Class Z and Class R shares of a Fund are offered to a limited group of investors at NAV without any sales charges.
Certain Funds may also offer additional or different classes of shares, including Class L, Class M, Class X and Class R shares. Specific information with respect to these share classes is set forth in the applicable Fund's prospectus and SAI.
For more information, see "How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares of the Fund--How to Buy Shares" in the Prospectus.
Purchase by Wire . For an initial purchase of shares of a Fund by wire, you must complete an application and telephone PMFS at (800) 225-1852 (toll-free) to receive an account number. PMFS will request the following information: your name, address, tax identification number, Fund name, class election (if applicable), dividend distribution election, amount being wired and wiring bank. PMFS will also furnish you with instructions for wiring the funds from your bank to the Fund's custodian.
If you arrange for receipt by the custodian of federal funds prior to the calculation of NAV (once each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), usually 4:00 p.m. New York time), on a business day, you may purchase shares of the Fund as of that day. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to purchase is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE.
In making a subsequent purchase order by wire, you should wire the Fund's custodian directly and should be sure that the wire specifies the Fund name, the share class to be purchased, your name and individual account number. You do not need to call PMFS to make subsequent purchase orders utilizing federal funds. The minimum amount for subsequent purchase by wire is $100.
Issuance of Fund Shares for Securities . Transactions involving the issuance of Fund shares for securities (rather than cash) will be limited to (1) reorganizations, (2) statutory mergers, or (3) other acquisitions of portfolio securities that: (a) meet the investment objectives and policies of the Fund, (b) are liquid and not subject to restrictions on resale, (c) have a value that is readily ascertainable via listing on or trading in a recognized United States or international exchange or market, and (d) are approved by the Fund's Manager.
Multiple Accounts . An institution may open a single master account by filing an application with PMFS, signed by personnel authorized to act for the institution. Individual subaccounts may be opened at the time the master account is opened by listing them, or they may be added at a later date by written advice. Procedures will be available to identify subaccounts by name and number within the master account name. The foregoing procedures would also apply to related institutional accounts (i.e., accounts of shareholders with a common institutional or corporate parent). The investment minimums as set forth in the relevant Prospectus under "How to Buy and Sell Shares of the FundHow to Buy Shares" are applicable to the aggregate amounts invested by a group, and not to the amount credited to each subaccount. Reopening an Account. Subject to the minimum investment restrictions, an investor may reopen an account, without filing a new application, at any time during the calendar year the account is closed, provided that the information on that application is still applicable.
Restrictions on Sale of Portfolio Shares . A Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for a period of up to seven days. Suspensions or postponements may not exceed seven days except at times (1) when the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) is closed for other than customary weekends and holidays, (2) when trading on the NYSE is restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a Portfolio of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Portfolio fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (4) during any other period when the Commission, by order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2), (3) or (4) exist.
Redemption in Kind . If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the investment portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of the Commission. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the same manner as in a regular redemption. If your shares are redeemed in kind, you would incur transaction costs in converting the assets into cash. The Fund, however, has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, under which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.
Rights of Accumulation . Reduced sales charges are also available through Rights of Accumulation, under which an investor or an eligible group of related investors, as described under "Reducing or Waiving Class A's Initial Sales Charge" in the Prospectus, may aggregate the value of their existing holdings of shares of the Fund and shares of other JennisonDryden and Strategic Partners mutual funds (excluding money market funds other than those acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege) to determine the reduced sales charge. However, the value of shares held directly with the Transfer Agent and through your broker will not be aggregated to determine the reduced sales charge. The value of existing holdings for purposes of determining the reduced sales charge is calculated using the maximum offering price (NAV plus maximum sales charge) as of the previous business day. The Distributor, your broker or the Transfer Agent must be notified at the time of purchase that the investo r is entitled to a reduced sales charge. Reduced sales charges will be granted subject to confirmation of the investor's holdings.
Sale of Shares . You can redeem your shares at any time for cash at the NAV next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (in accordance with procedures established by the Transfer Agent in connection with investors' accounts) by the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker. See "Net Asset Value" below. In certain cases, however, redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC, as described in "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" below. If you are redeeming your shares through a broker, your broker must receive your sell order before the Fund computes its NAV for that day (at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually, 4:00 p.m. New York time) in order to receive that day's NAV. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to sell is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your broker will be respons ible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Distributor and may charge you for its services in connection with redeeming shares of a Fund.
If you hold shares of a Fund through a brokerage firm, you must redeem your shares through the brokerage firm. Please contact your financial adviser.
If you hold shares in non-certificate form, a written request for redemption signed by you exactly as the account is registered is required. If you hold certificates, the certificates must be received by the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker in order for the redemption request to be processed. If redemption is requested by a corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, written evidence of authority acceptable to the Transfer Agent must be submitted before such request will be accepted. All correspondence and documents concerning redemptions should be sent to the Fund in care of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attention: Redemption Services, P.O. Box 8149, Philadelphia, PA 19176, to the Distributor or to your broker.
Payment for redemption of recently purchased shares will be delayed until the Fund or its Transfer Agent has been advised that the purchase check has been honored, which may take up to 10 calendar days from the time of receipt of the purchase check by the Transfer Agent. Such delay may be avoided by purchasing shares by wire or by certified or cashier's check.
Signature Guarantee . If the proceeds of the redemption (1) exceed $100,000, (2) are to be paid to a person other than the record owner, (3) are to be sent to an address other than the address on the transfer agent's records, or (4) are to be paid to a corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, and your shares are held directly with the Transfer Agent, the signature(s) on the redemption request or stock power must be signature guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution." An "eligible guarantor institution" includes any bank, broker-dealer, savings association or credit union. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to request additional information from, and make reasonable inquires of, any eligible guarantor institution. For clients of Pruco, a signature guarantee may be obtained from the agency or office manager of most Prudential Insurance and Financial Services or Preferred Services offices. In the case of redemptions from a PruArray Plan, if the proceeds of th e redemption are invested in another investment option of the plan in the name of the record holder and at the same address as reflected in the Transfer Agent's records, a signature guarantee is not required.
Payment for shares presented for redemption will be made by check within seven days after receipt by the transfer agent, the Distributor or your broker of the written request and certificates, if issued, except as indicated below. If you hold shares through a broker payment for shares presented for redemption will be credited to your account at your broker, unless you indicate otherwise. Such payment may be postponed or the right of redemption suspended at times (1) when the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekends and holidays, (2) when trading on the NYSE is restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (4) during any other period when the Commission, by order, so permits; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions pr escribed in (2), (3) or (4) exist.
Expedited Redemption Privilege . By electing the Expedited Redemption Privilege, you may arrange to have redemption proceeds sent to your bank account. The Expedited Redemption Privilege may be used to redeem shares in an amount of $200 or more, except if an account for which an expedited redemption is requested has a net asset value of less than $200, the entire account will be redeemed. Redemption proceeds in the amount of $500 or more will be remitted by wire to your bank account at a domestic commercial bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve system. Redemption proceeds of less than $500 will be mailed by check to your designated bank account. Any applicable CDSC will be deducted from the redemption proceeds. Expedited redemption requests may be made by telephone or letter, must be received by the Fund prior to 4:00 p.m. New York time to receive a redemption amount based on that day's NAV and are subject to the terms and conditions as set forth in the Prospectus regarding redemption of shares. In the event that regular trading on the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. New York time, you will receive the following day's NAV if your order to sell is received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. For more information, see "How to Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares of the FundTelephone Redemptions or Exchanges" in the Prospectus. The Expedited Redemption Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. To receive further information, shareholders should contact PMFS.
Involuntary Redemption . In order to reduce expenses of a Fund, the Fund may redeem all of the shares of any shareholder, other than a shareholder which is an IRA or other qualified or tax-deferred retirement plan or account, whose account value is less than $500 due to a redemption. A Fund will give such shareholders 60 days' prior written notice in which to purchase sufficient additional shares to avoid such redemption. No CDSC will be imposed on any such involuntary redemption.
90 Day Repurchase Privilege . If you redeem your shares and have not previously exercised the repurchase privilege, you may reinvest back into your account any portion or all of the proceeds of such redemption in shares of the Fund at the NAV next determined after the order is received, which must be within 90 days after the date of the redemption. Any CDSC paid in connection with such redemption will be credited (in shares) to your account. (If less than a full repurchase is made, the credit will be on a pro rata basis.) You must notify the Transfer Agent, either directly or through the Distributor or your broker, at the time the repurchase privilege is exercised to adjust your account for the CDSC you previously paid. Thereafter, any redemptions will be subject to the CDSC applicable at the time of the redemption. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" below. Exercise of the repurchase privilege will generally not affect federal tax treatment of any gain realized upon red emption. However, if the redemption was made within a 30 day period of the repurchase and if the redemption resulted in a loss, some or all of the loss, depending on the amount reinvested, may not be allowed for federal income tax purposes.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC). Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a 1% CDSC. (The CDSC is waived for certain retirement and/or benefit plans affiliated with Prudential.) Redemptions of Class B shares will be subject to a CDSC declining from 5% to zero over a six-year period. Class C shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase will be subject to a 1% CDSC. The CDSC will be deducted from the redemption proceeds and reduce the amount paid to you. The CDSC will be imposed on any redemption that reduces the current value of your Class A, Class B or Class C shares to an amount which is lower than the amount of all payments by you for shares during the preceding 12 months in the case of Class A shares (in certain cases), 6 years in the case of Class B shares, and 12 months, in the case of Class C shares. A CDSC will be applied on the lesser of the original purchase price or the current value of the shares being redeemed. Increases in the value of your shares or shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions are not subject to a CDSC. The amount of any CDSC will be paid to and retained by the Distributor. If you purchased or hold your shares through a broker, third party administrator or other authorized entity that maintains subaccount recordkeeping, any applicable CDSC that you will pay will be calculated and reported to PMFS by such broker, administrator or other authorized entity.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of payment for the purchase of shares until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of years from the time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day of the month. The CDSC will be calculated from the first day of the month after the initial purchase, excluding the time shares were held in a money market fund. See "Exchange Privilege" below.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to redemption, the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions; then of amounts representing the increase in NAV above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class A shares made during the preceding 12 months (in certain cases), 6 years for Class B shares and 12 months for Class C shares; then of amounts representing the cost of shares held beyond the applicable CDSC period; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares held for the longest period of time within the applicable CDSC period.
For example, assume you purchased 100 Class B shares at $10 per share for a cost of $1,000. Subsequently, you acquired 5 additional Class B shares through dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase you decided to redeem $500 of your investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the NAV had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of your Class B shares would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount which represent appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus $260) would be charged at a rate of 4% (the applicable rate in the second year after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the CDSC will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount recognized on the redemption of shares.
Waiver of CDSC Class A Shares . Investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares and sell these shares within 12 months of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1%. The CDSC is waived for certain retirement or benefit plans affiliated with Prudential.
Waiver of CDSC Class B Shares . The CDSC will be waived in the case of a redemption following the death or disability of a shareholder or, in the case of a trust account, following the death or disability of the grantor. The waiver is available for total or partial redemptions of shares owned by a person, either individually or in joint tenancy at the time of death or initial determination of disability, provided that the shares were purchased prior to death or disability.
The CDSC will be waived in the case of a total or partial redemption in connection with certain distributions under the Internal Revenue Code from a tax-deferred retirement plan, an IRA or Section 403(b) custodial account. For more information, call Prudential at (800) 353-2847.
For distributions from an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account, the shareholder must submit a copy of the distribution form from the custodial firm indicating (i) the date of birth of the shareholder and (ii) that the shareholder is over age 70 1 / 2 . The distribution form must be signed by the shareholder.
Finally, the CDSC will be waived to the extent that the proceeds from shares redeemed are invested in JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds, The Guaranteed Investment Account, the Guaranteed Insulated Separate Account or units of The Stable Value Fund.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan . The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on certain redemptions effected through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. On an annual basis, up to 12% of the total dollar amount subject to the CDSC may be redeemed without charge. The Transfer Agent will calculate the total amount available for this waiver annually on the anniversary date of your purchase. The CDSC will be waived (or reduced) on redemptions until this threshold 12% is reached. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available to participants in certain retirement plans. Please contact PMFS at (800) 225-1852 for more details.
In addition, the CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares held by Directors of the Fund.
You must notify PMFS either directly or through your broker, at the time of redemption, that you are entitled to a waiver of the CDSC and provide PMFS or your broker with such supporting documentation as it may deem appropriate. The waiver will be granted subject to confirmation of your entitlement.
PMFS reserves the right to request such additional documents as it may deem appropriate.
Waiver of CDSC Class C Shares . The CDSC will be waived for redemptions by certain group retirement plans for which Prudential or brokers not affiliated with Prudential provide administrative or recordkeeping services. The CDSC will also be waived for certain redemptions by benefit plans sponsored by Prudential and its affiliates. For more information, call Prudential Retirement at (800) 353-2847.
Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares . Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares on a quarterly basis approximately seven years after purchase. Conversions will be effected at relative net asset value without the imposition of any additional sales charge.
Since a Fund tracks amounts paid rather than the number of shares bought on each purchase of Class B shares, the number of Class B shares eligible to convert to Class A shares (excluding shares acquired through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) (the Eligible Shares) will be determined on each conversion date in accordance with the following formula: (1) the ratio of (a) the amounts paid for Class B shares purchased at least seven years prior to the conversion date to (b) the total amount paid for all Class B shares purchased and then held in your account (2) multiplied by the total number of Class B shares purchased and then held in your account. Each time any Eligible Shares in your account convert to Class A shares, all shares or amounts representing Class B shares then in your account that were acquired through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will convert to Class A shares.
For purposes of determining the number of Eligible Shares, if the Class B shares in your account on any conversion date are the result of multiple purchases at different net asset values per share, the number of Eligible Shares calculated as described above will generally be either more or less than the number of shares actually purchased approximately seven years before such conversion date. For example, if 100 shares were initially purchased at $10 per share (for a total of $1,000) and a second purchase of 100 shares was subsequently made at $11 per share (for a total of $1,100), 95.24 shares would convert approximately seven years from the initial purchase (that is, $1,000 divided by $2,100 (47.62%), multiplied by 200 shares equals 95.24 shares). The Manager reserves the right to modify the formula for determining the number of Eligible Shares in the future as it deems appropriate on notice to shareholders.
Since annual distribution-related fees are lower for Class A shares than Class B shares, the per share NAV of the Class A shares may be higher than that of the Class B shares at the time of conversion. Thus, although the aggregate dollar value will be the same, you may receive fewer Class A shares than Class B shares converted.
For purposes of calculating the applicable holding period for conversions, all payments for Class B shares during a month will be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month, or for Class B shares acquired through exchange, or a series of exchanges, on the last day of the month in which the original payment for purchases of such Class B shares was made. For Class B shares previously exchanged for shares of a money market fund, the time period during which such shares were held in the money market fund will be excluded. For example, Class B shares held in a money market fund for one year would not convert to Class A shares until approximately eight years from purchase. For purposes of measuring the time period during which shares are held in a money market fund, exchanges will be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month.
Class B shares acquired through exchange will convert to Class A shares after expiration of the conversion period applicable to the original purchase of such shares. Class B shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions will be converted to Class A shares according to the procedures utilized by the broker-dealer through which the Class B shares were purchased, if the shares are carried on the books of that broker-dealer and the broker-dealer provides subaccounting services to the Fund. Otherwise, the procedures utilized by PMFS, or its affiliates, will be used. The use of different procedures may result in a timing differential in the conversion of Class B shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
The conversion feature may be subject to the continuing availability of opinions of counsel or rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (1) that the dividends and other distributions paid on Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z shares will not constitute "preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code and (2) that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event. The conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares may be suspended if such opinions or rulings are no longer available. If conversions are suspended, Class B shares of the Fund will continue to be subject, possibly indefinitely, to their higher annual distribution and service fee. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the state and local tax consequences of the conversion or exchange of shares.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price an investor pays for each share is based on the share value. Each Fund's share value--known as the net asset value per share or NAV--is determined by subtracting its liabilities from the value of its assets and dividing the remainder by the number of outstanding shares. NAV is calculated separately for each class. Each Fund will compute its NAV once each business day at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. New York time. For purposes of computing a Fund's NAV, the Fund will value the Fund's futures contracts generally 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. A Fund may not compute its NAV on days on which no orders to purchase, sell or exchange shares of the Fund have been received or on days on which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities do not materially affect its NAV. The NYSE is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the value of investments listed on a securities exchange and Nasdaq National Market System securities (other than options on stock and stock indices) are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day, or at the bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price, as provided by a pricing service or principal market marker. Securities included on the Nasdaq Market are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP, at the last sale price. Nasdaq Market Securities for which there was no NOCP or last sale price are valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on the day of valuation, or the last bid price in the absence of an asked price. Corporate bonds (other than convertible debt securities) and U.S. Government securities that are actively traded in the over-t he-counter (OTC) market, including listed securities for which the primary market is believed by the Manager is consultation with the Subadviser to be over-the-counter, are valued on the basis of valuations provided by an independent pricing agent which uses information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, agency ratings, market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between securities in determining value. Convertible debt securities that are actively traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities for which the primary market is believed by the Manager in consultation with the Subadviser to be OTC, are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices provided by principal market makers.
OTC options on stock and stock indices traded on an exchange are valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on the respective exchange and futures contracts and options thereon are valued at their last sale prices as of the close of trading on the applicable commodities exchange or if there was no sale on the applicable commodities exchange on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange or at the last bid price in the absence of an asked price. Quotations of foreign securities in a foreign currency are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service, and forward currency exchange contracts are valued at the current cost of covering or offsetting such contacts. Should an extraordinary event, which is likely to affect the value of the security, occur after the close of an exchange on which a portfolio security is traded, such security will be valued at fair value considering factors determined in good faith by the investment adviser under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Board.
Under the 1940 Act, the Board is responsible for determining in good faith the fair value of securities of a Fund. Portfolio securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing agent or principal market maker does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Manager or Subadviser (or Valuation Committee or Board) does not represent fair value (Fair Value Securities), are valued by the Valuation Committee or Board in consultation with the Subadviser, Adviser or Manager, as applicable, including, as applicable, their portfolio managers, traders, research and credit analysts, and legal and compliance personnel, on the basis of the following factors: the nature of any restrictions on disposition of the securities; assessment of the general liquidity/illiquidity of the securities; the issuer's financial condition and the markets in which it does business; the cost of the investm ent; the size of the holding and the capitalization of issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers for such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst, media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the Manager or Subadviser regarding the issuer or the markets or industry in which it operates; other analytical data; consistency with valuation of similar securities held by other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds; and such other factors as may be determined by the Adviser, Manager, Board or Valuation Committee to materially affect the value of the security. Fair Value Securities may include, but are not limited to, the following: certain private placements and restricted securities that do not have an active trading market; securities whose trading has been suspended or for which market quotes are no longer available; debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market; securities whose prices are stale; se curities affected by significant events; and securities that the Subadviser or Manager believes were priced incorrectly.
A "significant event" (which includes, but is not limited to, an extraordinary political or market event) is an event that the Subadviser or Manager believes with a reasonably high degree of certainty has caused the closing market prices of a Fund's portfolio securities to no longer reflect their value at the time of the Fund's NAV calculation. On a day that the Manager may determine that one or more of the Fund's portfolio securities constitute Fair Value Securities, the Manager may determine the fair value of these securities without the supervision of the Fund's Valuation Committee if the fair valuation of all such securities results in a change of less than $0.01 to the Fund's NAV and the Manager presents these valuations to the Board for its ratification.
Short-term debt securities are valued at cost, with interest accrued of discount amortized to the date of maturity, if their original maturity was 60 days or less, unless this is determined by the Board not to represent fair value. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily available are valued at their current market quotations as supplied by an independent pricing agent or more than one principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market maker).
Securities for which reliable market quotations are not available or for which the pricing agent or principal market maker does not provide a valuation or provides a valuation that, in the judgment of the Subadviser or Manager, does not present fair value, shall be valued in accordance with the following procedures: At the time of purchase, the duration of the security is to be determined. A Treasury issue (or similar security or index for which market quotes are readily available) (the "Proxy") of similar duration will then be selected to serve as a Proxy for the price movements of the security. The price of the security will fluctuate exactly as does the Proxy while maintaining the initial price spread constant. The duration of the security will be reviewed once a month by one or more of the portfolio managers, and at any other time that a portfolio manager believes that there may have been a material change in the duration of the security. Should the duration change, another se curity or index of similar duration will be chosen to serve as proxy, at which point the price spread will be determined. In addition, the validity of the pricing methodology will be monitored by (1) comparing the actual sales proceeds of the security to its price reported by the Fund at the time of the sale and (2) periodically obtaining actual market quotes for the security.
As long as a Fund declares dividends daily, the net asset value of each class of shares of the Fund will generally be the same. It is expected, however, that the dividends, if any, will differ by approximately the amount of the distribution and/or service fee expense accrual differential among the classes.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Upon the initial purchase of Fund shares, a Shareholder Investment Account is established for each investor under which a record of the shares is maintained by the Transfer Agent. If a stock certificate is desired, it must be requested in writing for each transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares and may be redeposited in the Shareholder Investment Account at any time. There is no charge to the investor for issuance of a certificate. Each Fund makes available to its shareholders the following privileges and plans:
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and/or Distributions. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at net asset value (NAV) per share. An investor may direct the Transfer Agent in writing not less than five full business days prior to the record date to have subsequent dividends and/or distributions sent in cash rather than reinvested. In the case of recently purchased shares for which registration instructions have not been received by the record date, cash payment will be made directly to the broker. Any shareholder who receives dividends or distributions in cash may subsequently reinvest any such dividend or distribution at NAV by returning the check or the proceeds to the transfer agent within 30 days after the payment date. Such reinvestment will be made at the NAV per share next determined after receipt of the check or the proceeds by the Transfer Agent. Shares purchased with reinvested dividends and/or distributions will not be subject to any CDSC upon redemption.
Exchange Privileges. Each Fund makes available to its shareholders the privilege of exchanging their shares of the Fund for shares of certain other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds, including one or more specified money market funds, subject in each case to the minimum investment requirements of such funds. Shares of such other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds may also be exchanged for shares of a Fund. All exchanges are made on the basis of the relative NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form. An exchange will be treated as a redemption and purchase for tax purposes. Shares may be exchanged for shares of another fund only if shares of such fund may legally be sold under applicable state laws. For retirement and group plans having a limited menu of JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds, the exchange privilege is available for those funds eligible for investment in the particular program.
It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be applicable to new JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds, the shares of which may be distributed by the Distributor.
In order to exchange shares by telephone, you must authorize telephone exchanges on your initial application form or by written notice to the Transfer Agent and hold shares in non-certificated form. Thereafter, you may call the Fund at (800) 225-1852 to execute a telephone exchange of shares, on weekdays, except holidays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. New York time. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent exchanges, your telephone call will be recorded and you will be asked to provide your personal identification number. A written confirmation of the exchange transaction will be sent to you. Neither a Fund nor its agents will be liable for any loss, liability or cost which results from acting upon instructions reasonably believed to be genuine under the foregoing procedures. All exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative NAV of the two funds next determined after the request is received in good order.
If you hold shares through a brokerage firm, you must exchange your shares by contacting your financial adviser.
If you hold share certificates, the certificates must be returned in order for the shares to be exchanged. See "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Fund SharesSale of Shares" above.
You may also exchange shares by mail by writing to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Attention: Exchange Processing, P.O. Box 8157, Philadelphia, PA 19176.
In periods of severe market or economic conditions the telephone exchange of shares may be difficult to implement and you should make exchanges by mail by writing to Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC at the address noted above.
Class A Shares: Shareholders of a Fund may exchange their Class A shares for Class A shares of certain other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds and shares of the money market funds specified below. No fee or sales load will be imposed upon the exchange. Shareholders of money market funds who acquired such shares upon exchange of Class A shares may use the exchange privilege only to acquire Class A shares of the JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds participating in the exchange privilege.
The following money market funds participate in the Class A exchange privilege: Dryden Government Securities Trust (Money Market Series); MoneyMart Assets, Inc. (Class A shares); and Dryden Tax-Free Money Fund.
Class B and Class C Shares: Shareholders of a Fund may exchange their Class B and Class C shares of the Fund for Class B and Class C shares, respectively, of certain other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds. No CDSC will be payable upon such exchange, but a CDSC may be payable upon the redemption of the Class B and Class C shares acquired as a result of an exchange. The applicable sales charge will be that imposed by the fund in which shares were initially purchased and the purchase date will be deemed to be the first day of the month after the initial purchase, rather than the date of the exchange.
Class B and Class C shares of a Fund may also be exchanged for shares of MoneyMart Assets, Inc. without imposition of any CDSC at the time of exchange. Upon subsequent redemption from such money market fund or after re-exchange into a Fund, such shares will be subject to the CDSC calculated without regard to the time such shares were held in the money market fund. In order to minimize the period of time in which shares are subject to a CDSC, shares exchanged out of the money market fund will be exchanged on the basis of their remaining holding periods, with the longest remaining holding periods being exchanged first. In measuring the time period shares are held in a money market fund and "tolled" for purposes of calculating the CDSC holding period, exchanges are deemed to have been made on the last day of the month. Thus, if shares are exchanged into a Fund from a money market fund during the month (and are held in the Fund at the end of the month), the entire month will be includ ed in the CDSC holding period. Conversely, if shares are exchanged into a money market fund prior to the last day of the month (and are held in the money market fund on the last day of the month), the entire month will be excluded from the CDSC holding period. For purposes of calculating the seven year holding period applicable to the Class B conversion feature, the time period during which Class B shares were held in a money market fund will be excluded.
At any time after acquiring shares of other funds participating in the Class B or Class C exchange privilege, a shareholder may again exchange those shares (and any reinvested dividends and distributions) for Class B or Class C shares of a Fund without subjecting such shares to any CDSC. Shares of any fund participating in the Class B or Class C exchange privilege that were acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions may be exchanged for Class B or Class C shares of other funds without being subject to any CDSC.
Class Z shares: Class Z shares may be exchanged for Class Z shares of other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds.
Special Exchange Privileges: A special exchange privilege is available for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class A shares at NAV (without the initial sales charge) and for shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares. Under this exchange privilege, amounts representing any Class B and Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC held in the account of a shareholder who qualifies to purchase Class A shares of any JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual fund at NAV (without the initial sales charge) will be exchanged for Class A shares on a quarterly basis, unless the shareholder elects otherwise.
Shareholders who qualify to purchase Class Z shares will have their Class B and Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC and their Class A shares exchanged for Class Z shares on a quarterly basis. Eligibility for this exchange privilege will be calculated on the business day prior to the date of the exchange. Amounts representing Class B or Class C shares which are not subject to a CDSC include the following: (1) amounts representing Class B or Class C shares acquired pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions, (2) amounts representing the increase in the net asset value above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Class B or Class C shares and (3) amounts representing Class B or Class C shares held beyond the applicable CDSC period. Class B and Class C shareholders must notify the Transfer Agent either directly or through Wachovia Securities, Pruco or another broker that they are eligible for this special exchange privilege.
Participants in any fee-based program for which a Fund is an available option will have their Class A shares, if any, exchanged for Class Z shares when they elect to have those assets become a part of the fee-based program. Upon leaving the program (whether voluntarily or not), such Class Z shares (and, to the extent provided for in the program, Class Z shares acquired through participation in the program) will be exchanged for Class A shares at net asset value. Similarly, participants in Wachovia Securities' 401(k) Plan for which the Fund's Class Z shares are an available option and who wish to transfer their Class Z shares out of the Wachovia Securities 401(k) Plan following separation from service ( i.e. , voluntary or involuntary termination of employment or retirement) will have their Class Z shares exchanged for Class A shares at NAV.
Additional details about the exchange privilege and prospectuses for each of the JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds are available from the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker. The special exchange privilege may be modified, terminated or suspended on sixty days' notice, and any Fund, or the Distributor, has the right to reject any exchange application relating to such fund's shares.
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP). Under AIP, an investor may arrange to have a fixed amount automatically invested in shares of a Fund by authorizing his or her bank account or brokerage account to be debited to invest specified dollar amounts in shares of the Fund. The investor's bank must be a member of the Automated Clearing House System.
Further information about this program and an application form can be obtained from the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan . A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available to shareholders through the Distributor, the Transfer Agent or your broker. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual redemptions in any amount, except as provided below, up to the value of the shares in the shareholder's account. Systematic withdrawals of Class A (in certain instances), Class B or Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available to participants in certain retirement plans. Please contact PMFS at (800) 225-1852 for more details.
In the case of shares held through the Transfer Agent, the shareholder must elect to have all dividends and/or distributions automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the Fund at NAV in order for the shareholder to participate in the plan.
The Transfer Agent, the Distributor or your broker acts as an agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the systematic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, and the Distributor reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days' written notice to the shareholder.
Systematic withdrawals should not be considered as dividends, yield or income. If systematic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and distributions, the shareholder's original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. In addition, withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional shares are inadvisable because of the sales charges applicable to (i) the purchase of Class A shares and (ii) the redemption of Class A (in certain instances), Class B and Class C shares. Each shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, particularly if used in connection with a retirement plan.
Mutual Fund Programs. From time to time, a Fund may be included in a mutual fund program with other JennisonDryden or Strategic Partners mutual funds. Under such a program, a group of portfolios will be selected and thereafter marketed collectively. Typically, these programs are marketed with an investment theme, such as pursuit of greater diversification, protection from interest rate movements or access to different management styles. In the event such a program is instituted, there may be a minimum investment requirement for the program as a whole. A Fund may waive or reduce the minimum initial investment requirements in connection with such a program.
The mutual funds in the program may be purchased individually or as a part of a program. Since the allocation of portfolios included in the program may not be appropriate for all investors, investors should consult their financial adviser concerning the appropriate blends of portfolios for them. If investors elect to purchase the individual mutual funds that constitute the program in an investment ratio different from that offered by the program, the standard minimum investment requirements for the individual mutual funds will apply.
Tax-Deferred Retirement Programs. Various tax deferred retirement plans, including a 401(k) plan, self-directed individual retirement accounts and "tax-deferred accounts" under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code are available through the Distributor. These plans are for use by both self-employed individuals and corporate employers. These plans permit either self-direction of accounts by participants or a pooled account arrangement. Information regarding the establishment of these plans, their administration, custodial fees and other details is available from the Distributor or the Transfer Agent.
Investors who are considering the adoption of such a plan should consult with their own legal counsel and/or tax adviser with respect to the establishment and maintenance of any such plan.
TAXES, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following is a summary of certain tax considerations generally affecting each Fund and its shareholders. This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. Please consult your own tax advisor concerning the consequences of investing in a Fund in your particular circumstances under the Code and the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company. Each Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and intends to meet all other requirements that are necessary for it to be relieved of federal taxes on income and gains it distributes to shareholders. As a regulated investment company, a Fund is not subject to federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income (i.e., its investment company taxable income, as that term is defined in the Code, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of the sum of its net investment income for the year (the "Distribution Requirement"), and satisfies certain other requirements of the Code that are described below.
Net capital gains of a Fund that are available for distribution to shareholders will be computed by taking into account any applicable capital loss carryforward.
In addition to satisfying the Distribution Requirement, each Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies and other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies.
Each Fund must also satisfy an asset diversification test in order to qualify as a regulated investment company. Under this test, at the close of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, (1) 50% or more of the value of the Fund's assets must be represented by cash, United States government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (2) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's assets may be invested in securities of (x) any one issuer (other than United States government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies), or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (y) in the securities of one or more "qualified publicly traded partnerships" (as s uch term is defined in the Code).
If for any year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders.
Excise Tax on Regulated Investment Companies. A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company to the extent that it distributes income in such a way that it is taxable to shareholders in a calendar year other than the calendar year in which a Fund earned the income. Specifically, the excise tax will be imposed if a Fund fails to distribute in each calendar year an amount equal to 98% of qualified dividend income and ordinary taxable income for the calendar year and 98% of capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year (or, at the election of a regulated investment company having a taxable year ending November 30 or December 31, for its taxable year). The balance of such income must be distributed during the next calendar year. For the foregoing purposes, a regulated investment company is treated as having distributed otherwise retained amounts if it is subject to income tax on those amounts for any tax able year ending in such calendar year.
Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its qualified dividend income, ordinary income and capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for this excise tax. However, investors should note that a Fund may in certain circumstances be required to borrow money or liquidate portfolio investments to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.
Fund Investments. Each Fund may make investments or engage in transactions that affect the character, amount and timing of gains or losses realized by a Fund. A Fund may make investments that produce income that is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by the Fund. Any such income would be treated as income earned by the Fund and therefore would be subject to the Distribution Requirement. Such investments may require a Fund to borrow money or dispose of other securities in order to comply with those requirements. Each Fund may also make investments that prevent or defer the recognition of losses or the deduction of expenses. These investments may likewise require a Fund to borrow money or dispose of other securities in order to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code. Additionally, a Fund may make investments that result in the recognition of ordinary income rather than capital gain, or that prevent the Fund from accruing a long-term holding period. The se investments may prevent the Fund from making capital gain distributions as described below. Each Fund intends to monitor its transactions, will make the appropriate tax elections and will make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it makes any such investments in order to mitigate the effect of these rules. The foregoing concepts are explained in greater detail in the six succeeding paragraphs.
Gains or losses on sales of stock or securities by a Fund generally will be treated as long-term capital gains or losses if the stock or securities have been held by it for more than one year, except in certain cases where the Fund acquires a put or writes a call or otherwise holds an offsetting position, with respect to the stock or securities. Other gains or losses on the sale of stock or securities will be short-term capital gains or losses.
If an option written by a Fund on securities lapses or is terminated through a closing transaction, such as a repurchase by the Fund of the option from its holder, the Fund will generally realize short-term capital gain or loss. If securities are sold by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a call option written by it, the Fund will include the premium received in the sale proceeds of the securities delivered in determining the amount of gain or loss on the sale. Gain or loss on the sale, lapse or other termination of options acquired by a Fund on stock or securities and on narrowly-based stock indexes will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term depending on the holding period of the option.
Certain Fund transactions may be subject to wash sale, short sale, constructive sale, conversion transaction, constructive ownership transaction and straddle provisions of the Code that may, among other things, require a Fund to defer recognition of losses or convert long-term capital gain into ordinary income or short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income.
Debt securities acquired by a Fund may be subject to original issue discount and market discount rules which, respectively, may cause the Fund to accrue income in advance of the receipt of cash with respect to interest or cause gains to be treated as ordinary income subject to the Distribution Requirement referred to above. Market discount generally is the excess, if any, of the principal amount of the security (or, in the case of a security issued at an original issue discount, the adjusted issue price of the security) over the price paid by the Fund for the security. Original issue discount that accrues in a taxable year is treated as income earned by a Fund and therefore is subject to the Distribution Requirement. Because the original issue discount income earned by a Fund in a taxable year may not be represented by cash income, the Fund may have to borrow money or dispose of other securities and use the proceeds to make distributions to satisfy the Distribution Requirement.
Certain futures contracts and certain listed options (referred to as Section 1256 contracts) held by the Funds will be required to be "marked to market" for federal income tax purposes at the end of a Fund's taxable year, that is, treated as having been sold at the fair market value on the last business day of the Fund's taxable year. Except with respect to certain foreign currency forward contracts, sixty percent of any gain or loss recognized on these deemed sales and on actual dispositions will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and forty percent will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any net mark-to-market gains may be subject to Distribution Requirement referred to above, even though a Fund may receive no corresponding cash amounts, possibly requiring the disposition of portfolio securities or borrowing to obtain the necessary cash.
Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time a Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts or dispositions of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency that are attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition thereof generally also are treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, increase or decrease the amount of a Fund's investment company taxable income available to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capi tal gain. If Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, a Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, and distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares.
A Fund may make investments in equity securities of foreign issuers. If a Fund purchases shares in certain foreign corporations (referred to as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") under the Code), the Fund may be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" from such foreign corporation, including any gain from the disposition of such shares, even if such income is distributed by the Fund to its shareholders. In addition, certain interest charges may be imposed on the Fund as a result of such distributions. If a Fund were to invest in an eligible PFIC and elected to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund (a "QEF"), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund would be required to include each year in its income and distribute to shareholders in accordance with the Distribution Requirement, a pro rata portion of the QEF's ordinary earnings and net capital gain, whether or not distributed by the QEF to the Fund. A Fund may not be able to make this election with respect to many PFICs because of certain requirements that the PFICs would have to satisfy.
Alternatively, a Fund generally will be permitted to "mark to market" any shares it holds in a PFIC. If a Fund made such an election, the Fund would be required to include in income each year and distribute to shareholders in accordance with the Distribution Requirement, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the PFIC stock as of the close of the taxable year over the adjusted basis of such stock at that time. A Fund would be allowed a deduction for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the PFIC stock over its fair market value as of the close of the taxable year, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to the stock included by the Fund for prior taxable years. A Fund will make appropriate basis adjustments in the PFIC stock to take into account the mark-to-market amounts.
Notwithstanding any election made by a Fund, dividends attributable to distributions from a foreign corporation will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if the foreign corporation is a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.
Fund Distributions . Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its net investment income for each taxable year. Dividends of net investment income paid to a non-corporate U.S. shareholder before January 1, 2009 that are designated as qualified dividend income will generally be taxable to such shareholder at a maximum rate of 15%. However, the amount of dividend income that may be so designated by a Fund will generally be limited to the aggregate of the eligible dividends received by the Fund. In addition, a Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the shares on which the Fund received the eligible dividends, and the non-corporate U.S. shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Fund shares. Dividends of net investment income that are not designated as qualified dividend income and dividends of net short-term capital gains will be taxable to shareholders at ordinary income rates. Dividends paid by a Fu nd with respect to a taxable year will qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent of the amount of dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations for the taxable year. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed made) during the year, including the portion of dividends paid that qualify for the reduced tax rate.
Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take taxable distributions by a Fund into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, for federal income tax purposes, dividends that are declared by a Fund in October, November or December as of a record date in such month and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as if they were paid on December 31 of the year declared. Therefore, such dividends will generally be taxable to a shareholder in the year declared rather than the year paid.
A Fund may either retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital gain (i.e., excess net long term capital gain over net short term capital loss) for each taxable year. Each Fund currently intends to distribute any such amounts. If net capital gain is distributed and designated as a "capital gain dividend", it will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his shares or whether such gain was recognized by the Fund prior to the date on which the shareholder acquired its shares. Capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. shareholder that is recognized before January 1, 2009 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the property is held by a Fund for more than one year. Capital gain of a corporate shareholder is taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.
Conversely, if a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the 35% corporate tax rate. In such a case, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders of record on the last day of its taxable year treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.
Distributions by a Fund that do not constitute qualified dividend income, ordinary income dividends or capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in its shares; any distribution in excess of such tax basis will be treated as gain from the sale of its shares, as discussed below.
Distributions by a Fund will be treated in the manner described above regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund (or of another fund). Shareholders receiving a distribution in the form of additional shares will be treated as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date. In addition, prospective investors in a Fund should be aware that distributions from the Fund will, all other things being equal, have the effect of reducing the net asset value of the Fund's shares by the amount of the distribution. If the net asset value is reduced below a shareholder's cost, the distribution will nonetheless be taxable as described above, even if the distribution effectively represents a return of invested capital. Investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution, when the price of shares may reflect the a mount of the forthcoming distribution.
Sale or Redemption of Shares. A shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares in a Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of the sale or redemption and the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the shares. All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be disallowed if the shareholder acquires other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before such disposition, such as pursuant to reinvestment of a dividend in shares of the Fund. Additionally, if a shareholder disposes of shares of a Fund within 90 days following their acquisition, and the shareholder subsequently re-acquires Fund shares pursuant to a reinvestment right received upon the purchase of the original shares, any load charge (i.e., sales or additional charge) incurred upon the acquisition of the original shares will not be taken into account as part of the shareholder's basis for computing profit or loss upon the sale of the shares.
In general, any gain or loss arising from (or treated as arising from) the sale or redemption of shares of a Fund will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or redemption of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on (or undistributed capital gains credited with respect to) such shares. Capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. shareholder that is recognized before January 1, 2009 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the property is held by the shareholder for more than one year. Capital gain of a corporate shareholder is taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.
Backup Withholding. A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a portion of qualified dividend income, ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends, and the proceeds of redemption of shares, paid to any shareholder (1) who has provided either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly or (3) who has failed to certify to the Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding or that it is a corporation or other "exempt recipient". Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be refunded or credited against a shareholder's federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
Foreign Shareholders. Dividends paid to a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation, or foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder") will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate) on the gross amount of the dividend. Such a foreign shareholder would generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on gains realized on the sale of shares of a Fund, capital gain dividends and amounts retained by the Fund that are designated as undistributed capital gains. Pursuant to recently enacted legislation, interest-related dividends and short-term capital gains dividends received from a regulated investment company and that are designated as such are exempt from the 30-percent withholding tax. This exemption applies to both nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations for dividends paid prior to January 1, 2008, and generally applies to income that would not be subject to the 30-percent tax if earned by the foreign person directly. With respect to interest-related dividends, this exemption does not apply if a Fund does not receive a statement in Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 stating that the shareholder is not a U.S. person. The Funds do not intend to make such designations.
The foregoing assumes that the foreign shareholder's income from a Fund is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains credited to such shareholder and any gains realized upon the sale of shares of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations.
In the case of foreign non-corporate shareholders, a Fund may be required to backup withhold U.S. federal income tax on distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their foreign status.
The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund, the procedure for claiming the benefit of a lower treaty rate and the applicability of foreign taxes. Transfers by gift of shares of a Fund by an individual foreign shareholder will not be subject to U.S. federal gift tax, but the value of shares of a Fund held by such a shareholder at his death will generally be includible in his gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, subject to any applicable estate tax treaty.
State and Local Tax Matters. Depending on the residence of the shareholders for tax purposes, distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation regarding qualified dividend income, ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends from regulated investment companies may differ from the U.S. federal income tax rules in other respects. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax rules affecting investment in a Fund.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A Fund's portfolio holdings as of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters are made public, as required by law, in the Fund'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. A Fund's annual and semi-annual reports are posted on the Fund's website at www.jennisondryden.com. A Fund'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 Fund's first and third fiscal quarters.
In addition, a Fund will provide a full list of its portfolio holdings as of the end of each month on its website within approximately 30 days after the end of the month. A Fund may also release its 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 Fund's website.
When authorized by a Fund's Chief Compliance Officer and another officer of the Fund, portfolio holdings information may be disseminated more frequently or at different periods than as described above to intermediaries that distribute the Fund's shares, third-party providers of auditing, custody, proxy voting and other services for the Fund, rating and ranking organizations, and certain affiliated persons of the Fund, as described below. The procedures utilized to determine eligibility are set forth below:
Procedures for Release of Portfolio Holdings Information:
1. A request for release of fund holdings shall be provided by such third party setting forth a legitimate business purpose for such release which shall specify the Fund, 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 Fund 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 Fund.
2. The request shall be forwarded to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund, or his delegate, for review and approval.
3. A confidentiality agreement in the form approved by an officer of the Fund must be executed with the recipient of the fund holdings information.
4. An officer of the Fund 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 fund holdings information.
6. PI's Fund Administration Department shall arrange for the release of fund holdings information by the Fund's custodian bank(s).
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, each Fund will provide:
1. Traditional External Recipients/Vendors
Full holdings on a daily basis to Investor Responsibility Research Center (IRRC), Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) (proxy voting agents) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to a Fund's Subadviser(s), Custodian Bank, sub-custodian (if any) 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 Fund has more than one Subadviser, each Subadviser receives holdings information only with respect to the "sleeve" or segment of the Fund for which the Subadviser has responsibility;
Full holdings to a Fund's independent registered public accounting firm as soon as practicable following the Fund's fiscal year-end or on an as-needed basis; and
Full holdings to financial printers as soon as practicable following the end of a Fund's quarterly, semi-annual and annual period-ends.
2. Analytical Service Providers
Fund trades on a quarterly basis to Abel/Noser Corp. (an agency-only broker and transaction cost analysis company) as soon as practicable following a Fund'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; and
Full holdings on a daily basis to FactSet and Lipper, Inc. (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 Portfolio Trust, and selected JennisonDryden and Strategic Partners Funds only).
Full holdings to Frank Russell Company (investment research provider) at the end of each month (Jennison Small Company Fund only)
Full holdings on a monthly basis to Fidelity Advisors (wrap program provider) approximately five days after the end of each month (Jennison Growth Fund and certain other selected JennisonDryden and/or Strategic Partners Funds only)
Full holdings on a weekly basis to SG Constellation (a financing company) approximately one day after the end of the week (Strategic Partners Mutual Funds, Inc. only).
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 a Fund'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.
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 a Fund's disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer.
There can be no assurance that a Fund's policies and procedures on portfolio holdings information will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of such information by individuals or entities that come into possession of the information.
PROXY VOTING
The Board has delegated to each Fund's investment manager, PI, the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to the Fund. Each Fund 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 the Fund. 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 the Fund should a proxy issue potentially implicate a conflict of interest between the Fund and the Manager or its affiliates.
The Manager delegates to each Fund's Subadviser(s) the responsibility for voting the Fund's proxies. The Subadviser is expected to identify and seek to obtain the optimal benefit for the Fund 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 the Fund and delineate procedures to be followed when a proxy vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Subadviser or its affiliates. The Manager and the Board expect that the 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 Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent tw elve-month period ended June 30 is available on the internet at www.jennisondryden.com and on the Commission's website at www.sec.gov.
A summary of the proxy voting policies of the Subadviser(s) is set forth in Appendix II of this SAI.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of each Fund 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, pesons who have access to information about the Fund's investment program) and permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. However, the protective provisions of the Codes prohibit certain investments and limit such personnel from making investments during periods when the Fund is making such investments. The Codes are on public file with, and are available from, the Commission.
APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF BOND 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.
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 some time 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.
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 funds 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.
International Short-Term Credit Ratings
F1: Highest Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good Credit Quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3: Fair Credit Quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B: Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High Default Risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic investment.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus or minus signs may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA long-term rating category, to categories below CCC, or to short-term ratings other than F1.
APPENDIX II: PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISER(S)
Description of QMA Proxy Voting Policies and Recordkeeping Procedures
It is Quantitative Management Associates LLC ("QMA")'s policy to vote proxies on client securities in the best interest of our clients and consistently with portfolio investment guidelines. In the case of pooled accounts, it is our policy to vote proxies on securities in such account in the best interest of the pooled account. In the event of any actual or apparent material conflict between our clients' interest and our own, our policy is to act solely in our clients' interest. To this end, a proxy voting committee, described in the enclosed copy, has established procedures to address proxy voting situations that could involve potential material conflicts.
Summary of QMA Proxy Voting Policy
The overarching goal of QMA is to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients by placing clients' interests ahead of any potential interest of QMA.
A committee comprised of senior business representatives together wi th relevant regulatory personnel oversees the proxy voting process and monitors potential conflicts of interests. The committee is responsible for interpretation of the proxy voting policy and periodi cally assesses the policy's effectiveness.
Clients may obtain the proxy voting policies and procedures of QMA and information concerning the voting of proxies with respect to the client's securities, simply by contacting the client service representative of QMA.
Generally, when a proxy is received, QMA will vote in accordance with a predetermined set of guidelines set forth in a policy established by QMA's proxy voting committee. For other issues, where a policy is not in place or when circumstances suggest a vote not in accordance with the detailed policy, the proxies are voted on a case-by-case basis considering the financial impact of the proposal.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits.
(a) (1) Agreement and Declaration of Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(2) Certificate of Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(3) First Amendment to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(3) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 16, 2001.
(4) First Amendment to Certificate of Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(4) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 16, 2001.
(5) Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust dated July 3, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 30, 2004.
(b) (1) Amended By-Laws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 16, 2001.
(2) Restated By-Laws dated November 16, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(2) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 20, 2004.
(c) Instruments defining rights of shareholders. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (c) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(d) (1) Management Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Investments LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 28, 2001.
(2) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(2) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 28, 2001.
(3) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreements among Prudential Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (PIM) and Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(3) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 20, 2004.
(e) (1) Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 29, 1999.
(2) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(g) (1) Custodian Contract between the Registrant and the Bank of New York (BNY).*
(2) Amendment dated June 6, 2005 to Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and BNY.*
(h) (1) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(2) Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 29, 1999.
(3) Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated September 4, 2002. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 30, 2004.
(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 28, 2001.
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. *
(m) (1) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A Shares. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(1) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(2) Distribution and Service Plan for Class B Shares. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(2) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(3) Distribution and Service Plan for Class C Shares. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(3) to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on November 6, 1998.
(4) Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver for Class A Shares. *
(n) (1) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 16, 2001.
(2) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan.
(3) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan dated January 23, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on January 30, 2004.
(4) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan dated March 11, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(4) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 20, 2004.
(p) (1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant dated April 6, 2005.*
(2) Code of Ethics and Personal Securities Trading Policy of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC dated January 1, 2005.*
(3) Personal Securities Trading Policy of Quantitative Management Associates LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(2) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-66895) filed on December 20, 2004.
(q) (1) Powers of Attorney dated September 7, 2005.* |
* Filed herewith.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
None.
Item 25. Indemnification.
As permitted by Section 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) and pursuant to Del. Code Ann. title 12 sec. 3817, a Delaware statutory trust may provide in its governing instrument for the indemnification of its officers and trustees from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. Article VII, Section 2 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust (Exhibit (a)(1) to Registration Statement) states that (1) the Registrant shall indemnify any present trustee or officer to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability, and all expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of his or her service as a trustee, officer or both, and against any amount incurred in settlement thereof and (2) all persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Registrant shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series (or if no Series has yet been established, only to the assets of the Registrant). Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudged by a court or other adjudicatory body to be liable to the Registrant or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties (collectively disabling conduct). In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination, as specified in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, that the officer or trustee did not engage in disabling conduct. In addition, Article XI of Registrants By-Laws (Exhibit (b) to the Registration Statement) provides that the Registrant shall indemnify present and former trustees, officers, employees or other agents of Registrant against judgments, fines, settlements and expenses and may advance expenses to such parties to the fullest extent authorized, and in the manner permitted, by applicable federal and state law. As permitted by Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act, pursuant to Section 10 of the Distribution Agreement (Exhibit (e)(1) to the Registration Statement), the Distributor of the Registrant may be indemnified against liabilities which it may incur, except liabilities arising from bad faith, gross negligence, willful misfeasance or reckless disregard of duties.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act) 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 such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1940 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1940 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant has purchased an insurance policy insuring its officers and trustees against liabilities, and certain costs of defending claims against such officers and trustees, to the extent such officers and trustees are not found to have committed conduct constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. The insurance policy also insures the Registrant against the cost of indemnification payments to officers and directors under certain circumstances.
Section 9 of the Management Agreement (Exhibit (d)(1) to the Registration Statement) and Section 4 of the Subadvisory Agreement (Exhibit (d)(3) to the Registration Statement) limit the liability of Prudential Investments LLC (PI) and Quantitative Management Associates LLC, respectively, to liabilities arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their respective duties or from reckless disregard by them of their respective obligations and duties under the agreements.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provisions of its By-Laws, Declaration of Trust and the Distribution Agreement in a manner consistent with Release No. 11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act so long as the interpretation of Section 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remain in effect and are consistently applied.
Under Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act, it is the position of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that if there is neither a court determination on the merits that the defendant is not liable nor a court determination that the defendant was not guilty of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of ones office, no indemnification will be permitted unless an independent legal counsel (not including a counsel who does work for either the Registrant, its investment adviser, its principal underwriter or persons affiliated with these persons) determines, based upon a review of the facts, that the person in question was not guilty of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Under its Declaration of Trust, the Registrant may advance funds to provide for indemnification. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission staffs position on Section 17(h) advances will be limited in the following respect:
(1) Any advances must be limited to amounts used, or to be used, for the preparation and/or presentation of a defense to the action (including cost connected with preparation of a settlement);
(2) Any advances must be accompanied by a written promise by, or on behalf of, the recipient to repay that amount of the advance which exceeds the amount to which it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to receive from the Registrant by reason of indemnification;
(3) Such promise must be secured by a surety bond or other suitable insurance; and
(4) Such surety bond or other insurance must be paid for by the recipient of such advance.
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
(a) Prudential Investments LLC (PI)
See How the Fund is Managed-Manager in the Prospectus constituting Part A of this Registration Statement and Management and Advisory Arrangements in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
The business and other connections of the directors and principal executive officers of PI are listed in Schedules A and D of Form ADV of PI as currently on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference (File No. 801-31104).
(b) Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA)
See How the Fund is Managed-Investment Subadvisor and Portfolio Managers in the Prospectus of Dryden Active Allocation Fund and Management and Advisory Arrangements in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of this Registration Statement.
The business and other connections of the directors and executive officers of Quantitative Management Associates LLC are included in Schedule A and D of Form ADV filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 801-62692), as most recently amended, the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 27. Principal Underwriters.
(a) Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS)
PIMS is distributor for Cash Accumulation Trust, Dryden Ultra Short Bond Fund, Nicholas-Applegate Fund, Inc. (Nicholas-Applegate Growth Equity Fund). Dryden California Municipal Fund, Jennison Blend Fund, Inc., Dryden Global Total Return Fund, Inc., Dryden Government Income Fund, Inc., Dryden Government Securities Trust, Dryden High Yield Fund, Inc., Dryden Index Series Fund, Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc., MoneyMart Assets, Inc., Dryden Municipal Bond Fund,
Dryden Municipal Series Fund, Dryden National Municipals Fund, Inc., Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc., Strategic Partners Real Estate Fund, Jennison Sector Funds, Inc., Dryden Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc., Dryden Tax-Free Money Fund, Inc., Dryden Tax-Managed Funds, Dryden Small-Cap Core Equity Fund, Inc., Dryden Total Return Bond Fund, Inc., Jennison 20/20 Focus Fund, Jennison U.S. Emerging Growth Fund, Inc., Jennison Value Fund, Prudential World Fund, Inc., Special Money Market Fund, Inc., Strategic Partners Asset Allocation Funds, Strategic Partners Mutual Funds, Inc., Strategic Partners Opportunity Funds, Strategic Partners Style Specific Funds, The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc., The Target Portfolio Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and American Skandia Trust.
PIMS is also distributor of the following unit investment trusts: Separate Accounts: Prudential Gibraltar Fund, Inc., The Prudential Variable Contract Account-2, The Prudential Variable Contract Account-11, The Prudential Variable Contract Account-24, The Prudential Variable Contract GI-2, The Prudential Discovery Select Group Variable Contract Account, The Pruco Life Flexible Premium Variable Annuity Account, The Pruco Life of New Jersey Flexible Premium Variable Annuity Account, The Prudential Individual Variable Contract Account and The Prudential Qualified Individual Variable Contract Account.
(b) The business and other connections of PIMSs sole member (PIFM Holdco, Inc.) and principal officers are listed in its Form BD as currently on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (BD No. 18353), the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
(c) Registrant has no principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant.
Item 28. 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, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, Quantitative Management Associates LLC, Gateway Center Two, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, the Registrant, Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077, and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Gateway Center Three, 10th Floor, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Documents required by Rules 31a-1(b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11), 31a-1(f), 31a-1(b)(4) and (11) and 31a-1(d) will be kept at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-4077 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 The Bank of New York and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.
Item 29. Management Services.
Other than as set forth under the captions How the Fund is Managed-Manager, How the Fund is Managed-Investment Subadviser and How the Fund is Managed-Distributor in the Prospectus and the caption Management and Advisory Arrangements in the Statement of Additional Information, contained in 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 30. Undertakings.
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, the Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and 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 30th day of December, 2005.
DRYDEN TAX-MANAGED FUNDS
By: /s/ JUDY A. RICE
Judy A. Rice, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
DRYDEN TAX-MANAGED FUNDS
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
|
(g)(1) |
|
Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York (BNY).* |
|
|
(g)(2) |
|
Amendment dated June 6, 2005 to Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and BNY.* |
|
|
(m)(4) |
|
Rule 12b-1 fee waiver for Class A shares.* |
|
|
(j) |
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* |
|
|
(p)(1) |
|
Code of Ethics of the Registrant dated April 6, 2005.* |
|
|
(p)(2) |
|
Code of Ethics and Personal Securities Trading Policy of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC dated January 1, 2005.* |
|
|
(q) |
|
Powers of Attorney dated September 7, 2005.* |
|
|
* Filed herewith.
Exhibit (g)(1)
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of November 7, 2002 between each Fund listed on the attached Schedule A hereto, including any series thereof (each a Fund) each having its principal office and place of business at 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102 (the Fund) and The Bank of New York, a New York corporation authorized to do a banking business having its principal office and place of business at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286 (Custodian).
W I T N E S S E T H:
that for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth the Fund and Custodian agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words shall have the meanings set forth below:
1. Authorized Person shall be any person, whether or not an officer or employee of the Fund, duly authorized by the Funds board to execute any Certificate or to give any Oral Instruction with respect to one or more Accounts, such persons to be designated in a Certificate annexed hereto as Schedule I hereto or such other Certificate as may be received by Custodian from time to time.
2. BNY Affiliate shall mean any office, branch or subsidiary of The Bank of New York Company, Inc.
3. Book-Entry System shall mean the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system for receiving and delivering securities, its successors and nominees.
4. Business Day shall mean any day on which Custodian and relevant Depositories are open for business.
5. Certificate shall mean any notice, instruction, or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to Custodian, which is actually received by Custodian by letter or facsimile transmission and signed on behalf of the Fund by an Authorized Person or a person reasonably believed by Custodian to be an Authorized Person.
6. Composite Currency Unit shall mean the Euro or any other composite currency unit consisting of the aggregate of specified amounts of specified currencies, as such unit may be constituted from time to time.
7. Depository shall include (a) the Book-Entry System, (b) the Depository Trust Company, (c) any other clearing agency or securities depository registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission identified to the Fund from time to time, and (d) the respective successors and nominees of the foregoing.
8. Foreign Depository shall mean (a) Euroclear, (b) Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, (c) each Eligible Securities Depository as defined in Rule 17f-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, identified to the Fund from time to time, and (d) the respective successors and nominees of the foregoing.
9. Instructions shall mean communications transmitted by electronic or telecommunications media, including S.W.I.F.T., computer-to-computer interface, or dedicated transmission lines.
10. Oral Instructions shall mean verbal instructions received by Custodian from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by Custodian to be an Authorized Person.
11. Series shall mean the various portfolios, if any, of the Funds listed on Schedule A hereto, and if none are listed references to Series shall be references to the Funds.
12. Securities shall include, without limitation, any common stock and other equity securities, bonds, debentures and other debt securities, notes, mortgages or other obligations, and any instruments representing rights to receive, purchase, or subscribe for the same, or representing any other rights or interests therein (whether represented by a certificate or held in a Depository or by a Subcustodian).
13. Subcustodian shall mean a bank (including any branch thereof) or other financial institution (other than a Foreign Depository) located outside the U.S. which is utilized by Custodian in connection with the purchase, sale or custody of Securities hereunder and identified to the Fund from time to time, and their respective successors and nominees.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN; ACCOUNTS;
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND COVENANTS
1. (a) The Fund hereby appoints Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash at any time delivered to Custodian during the term of this Agreement, and authorizes Custodian to hold Securities in registered form in its name or the name of its nominees. Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to establish and maintain one or more securities accounts and cash accounts for each Series in which Custodian will hold Securities and cash as provided herein. Custodian shall maintain books and records segregating the assets of each Series from the assets of any other Series. Such accounts (each, an Account collectively, the Accounts) shall be in the name of the Fund.
(b) Custodian may from time to time establish on its books and records such sub-accounts within each Account as the Fund and Custodian may agree upon (each a Special Account), and Custodian shall reflect therein such assets as the Fund may specify in a Certificate or Instructions.
(c) Custodian may from time to time establish pursuant to a written agreement with and for the benefit of a broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or other third party identified in a Certificate or Instructions such accounts on such terms and conditions as the Fund and Custodian shall agree, and Custodian shall transfer to such account such Securities and money as the Fund may specify in a Certificate or Instructions.
2. The Fund hereby represents and warrants, which representations and warranties shall be continuing and shall be deemed to be reaffirmed upon each delivery of a Certificate or each giving of Oral Instructions or Instructions by the Fund, that:
- 2 -
(a) It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement, and to perform its obligations hereunder;
(b) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund, approved by a resolution of its board, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, and there is no statute, regulation, rule, order or judgment binding on it, and no provision of its charter or by-laws, nor of any mortgage, indenture, credit agreement or other contract binding on it or affecting its property, which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement;
(c) It is conducting its business in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and requirements, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory licenses, approvals and consents necessary to carry on its business as now conducted;
(d) It will not knowingly use the services provided by Custodian hereunder in any manner that is, or will result in, a violation of any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Fund;
(e) Unless The Bank of New York is the Funds foreign custody manager, as defined in Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 40 Act), either its board or its foreign custody manager has determined that use of each Subcustodian (including any Replacement Custodian) and each Depository which Custodian or any Subcustodian is authorized to utilize in accordance with Section 1(a) of Article III hereof, satisfies the applicable requirements of the 40 Act and Rules 17f-4 or 17f-5 thereunder, as the case may be;
(f) The Fund or its investment adviser has determined that the custody arrangements of each Foreign Depository provide reasonable safeguards against the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with such Foreign Depository within the meaning of Rule 17f-7 under the 40 Act;
(g) It is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with various methods of transmitting Instructions and Oral Instructions and delivering Certificates to Custodian, understands that there may be more secure methods of transmitting or delivering the same than the methods selected by the Fund, agrees that the security procedures (if any) to be utilized provide a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances, and acknowledges and agrees that Instructions need not be reviewed by Custodian, may conclusively be presumed by Custodian to have been given by person(s) duly authorized, and may be acted upon as given;
(h) It shall manage its borrowings, including, without limitation, any advance or overdraft (including any day-light overdraft) in the Accounts, so that the aggregate of its total borrowings for each Fund does not exceed the amount such Fund is permitted to borrow under the 40 Act;
(i) Its transmission or giving of, and Custodian acting upon and in reliance on, Certificates, Instructions, or Oral Instructions pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times comply with the 40 Act;
(j) It shall impose and maintain restrictions on the destinations to which cash may be disbursed by Instructions to ensure that each disbursement is for a proper purpose; and
(k) It has the right to make the pledge and grant the security interest and security entitlement to Custodian contained in Section 1 of Article V hereof, free of any right of redemption or prior claim of any other person or entity, such pledge and such grants shall have a first priority subject to
- 3 -
no setoffs, counterclaims, or other liens or grants prior to or on a parity therewith, and it shall take such additional steps as Custodian may require to assure such priority.
3. The Fund hereby covenants that it shall from time to time complete and execute and deliver to Custodian upon Custodians request a Form FR U-1 (or successor form) whenever the Fund borrows from Custodian any money to be used for the purchase or carrying of margin stock as defined in Federal Reserve Regulation U.
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY AND RELATED SERVICES
1. (a) Subject to the terms hereof, the Fund hereby authorizes Custodian to hold any Securities received by it from time to time for the Funds account. Custodian shall be entitled to utilize Depositories, Subcustodians, and, subject to subsection(c) of this Section 1, Foreign Depositories, to the extent possible in connection with its performance hereunder. Securities and cash held in a Depository or Foreign Depository will be held subject to the rules, terms and conditions of such entity. Securities and cash held through Subcustodians shall be held subject to the terms and conditions of Custodians agreements with such Subcustodians. Subcustodians may be authorized to hold Securities in Foreign Depositories in which such Subcustodians participate. Unless otherwise required by local law or practice or a particular subcustodian agreement, Securities deposited with a Subcustodian, a Depositary or a Foreign Depository will be held in a commingled account, in the name of Custodian, holding only Securities held by Custodian as custodian for its customers. Custodian shall identify on its books and records the Securities and cash belonging to the Fund, whether held directly or indirectly through Depositories, Foreign Depositories, or Subcustodians. Custodian shall, directly or indirectly through Subcustodians, Depositories, or Foreign Depositories, endeavor, to the extent feasible, to hold Securities in the country or other jurisdiction in which the principal trading market for such Securities is located, where such Securities are to be presented for cancellation and/or payment and/or registration, or where such Securities are acquired. Custodian at any time may cease utilizing any Subcustodian and/or may replace a Subcustodian with a different Subcustodian (the Replacement Subcustodian). In the event Custodian selects a Replacement Subcustodian, Custodian shall not utilize such Replacement Subcustodian until after the Funds board or foreign custody manager has determined that utilization of such Replacement Subcustodian satisfies the requirements of the 40 Act and Rule 17f-5 thereunder.
(b) Unless Custodian has received a Certificate or Instructions to the contrary, Custodian shall hold Securities indirectly through a Subcustodian only if (i) the Securities are not subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of such Subcustodian or its creditors or operators, including a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or similar authority, except for a claim of payment for the safe custody or administration of Securities on behalf of the Fund by such Subcustodian, and (ii) beneficial ownership of the Securities is freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration.
(c) With respect to each Foreign Depository, Custodian shall exercise reasonable care, prudence, and diligence (i) to provide the Fund with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Foreign Depository, and (ii) to monitor such custody risks on a continuing basis and promptly notify the Fund of any material change in such risks in accordance with the requirements of the 40 Act and Rule 17f-7 hereunder. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that such analysis and monitoring shall be made on the basis of, and limited by, information gathered from Subcustodians or through publicly available information otherwise obtained by Custodian, and shall not include any evaluation of Country Risks. As used herein the term Country Risks shall mean with respect to any Foreign Depository: (a) the financial infrastructure of the country in which it is organized, (b) such countrys prevailing custody and settlement practices, (c) nationalization, expropriation or other governmental actions, (d) such countrys regulation of the banking or securities industry, (e) currency
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controls, restrictions, devaluations or fluctuations, and (f) market conditions which affect the order execution of securities transactions or affect the value of securities. In the event that the Custodian shall determine that a Foreign Depository no longer meets the requirements of Rule 17f-7, the Funds assets maintained in such Foreign Depository shall be withdrawn as soon as reasonably practical, and the Custodian shall notify the Fund of any securities maintained in any such Foreign Depository which may not be withdrawn.
2. Custodian shall furnish the Fund with an advice of daily transactions (including a confirmation of each transfer of Securities) and a monthly summary of all transfers to or from the Accounts.
3. With respect to all Securities held hereunder, Custodian shall, unless otherwise instructed to the contrary:
(a) Receive all income and other payments and advise the Fund as promptly as practicable of any such amounts due but not paid;
(b) Present for payment and receive the amount paid upon all Securities which may mature and advise the Fund as promptly as practicable of any such amounts due but not paid;
(c) Forward to the Fund copies of all information or documents that it may actually receive from an issuer of Securities which, in the opinion of Custodian, are intended for the beneficial owner of Securities;
(d) Execute, as custodian, any certificates of ownership, affidavits, declarations or other certificates under any tax laws now or hereafter in effect in connection with the collection of bond and note coupons;
(e) Hold directly or through a Depository, a Foreign Depository, or a Subcustodian all rights and similar Securities issued with respect to any Securities credited to an Account hereunder; and
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(f) |
Endorse for collection checks, drafts or other negotiable instruments. |
4. (a) Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of rights or discretionary actions with respect to Securities held hereunder, and of the date or dates by when such rights must be exercised or such action must be taken, provided that Custodian has actually received, from the issuer or the relevant Depository (with respect to Securities issued in the United States) or from the relevant Subcustodian, Foreign Depository, or a nationally or internationally recognized bond or corporate action service to which Custodian subscribes, timely notice of such rights or discretionary corporate action or of the date or dates such rights must be exercised or such action must be taken. Absent actual receipt of such notice, Custodian shall have no liability for failing to so notify the Fund.
(b) Whenever Securities (including, but not limited to, warrants, options, tenders, options to tender or non-mandatory puts or calls) confer discretionary rights on the Fund or provide for discretionary action or alternative courses of action by the Fund, the Fund shall be responsible for making any decisions relating thereto and for directing Custodian to act. In order for Custodian to act, it must receive the Funds Certificate or Instructions at Custodians offices, addressed as Custodian may from time to time request, not later than noon (New York time) at least two (2) Business Days prior to the last scheduled date to act with respect to such Securities (or such earlier date or time as Custodian may specify in writing to the Fund). Absent Custodians timely receipt of such Certificate or Instructions, Custodian shall not be liable for failure to take any action relating to or to exercise any
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rights conferred by such Securities, provided that Custodian shall have provided prompt timely notice of any notice it actually received.
5. All voting rights with respect to Securities, however registered, shall be exercised by the Fund or its designee. For Securities issued in the United States, Custodians only duty shall be to mail to the Fund any documents (including proxy statements, annual reports and signed proxies) actually received by Custodian relating to the exercise of such voting rights. With respect to Securities issued outside of the United States, Custodians only duty shall be to provide the Fund with access to a provider of global proxy services at the Funds request. The Fund shall be responsible for all costs associated with its use of such services.
6. Custodian shall promptly advise the Fund upon Custodians actual receipt of notification of the partial redemption, partial payment or other action affecting less than all Securities of the relevant class. If Custodian, any Subcustodian, any Depository, or any Foreign Depository holds any Securities in which the Fund has an interest as part of a fungible mass, Custodian, such Subcustodian, Depository, or Foreign Depository may select the Securities to participate in such partial redemption, partial payment or other action in any non-discriminatory manner that it customarily uses to make such selection.
7. Custodian shall not under any circumstances accept bearer interest coupons which have been stripped from United States federal, state or local government or agency securities unless explicitly agreed to by Custodian in writing.
8. The Fund shall be liable for all taxes, assessments, duties and other governmental charges, including any interest or penalty with respect thereto (Taxes), with respect to any cash or Securities held on behalf of the Fund or any transaction related thereto. The Fund shall indemnify Custodian and each Subcustodian for the amount of any Tax that Custodian, any such Subcustodian or any other withholding agent is required under applicable laws (whether by assessment or otherwise) to pay on behalf of, or in respect of income earned by or payments or distributions made to or for the account of the Fund (including any payment of Tax required by reason of an earlier failure to withhold). Custodian shall, or shall instruct the applicable Subcustodian or other withholding agent to, withhold the amount of any Tax which is required to be withheld under applicable law upon collection of any dividend, interest or other distribution made with respect to any Security and any proceeds or income from the sale, loan or other transfer of any Security. In the event that Custodian or any Subcustodian is required under applicable law to pay any Tax on behalf of the Fund, Custodian is hereby authorized to withdraw cash from any cash account in the amount required to pay such Tax and to use such cash, or to remit such cash to the appropriate Subcustodian or other withholding agent, for the timely payment of such Tax in the manner required by applicable law. If the aggregate amount of cash in all cash accounts is not sufficient to pay such Tax, Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of the additional amount of cash (in the appropriate currency) required, and the Fund shall directly deposit such additional amount in the appropriate cash account promptly after receipt of such notice, for use by Custodian as specified herein. In the event that Custodian reasonably believes that Fund is eligible, pursuant to applicable law or to the provisions of any tax treaty, for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, any Tax which is otherwise required to be withheld or paid on behalf of the Fund under any applicable law, Custodian shall, or shall instruct the applicable Subcustodian or withholding agent to, either withhold or pay such Tax at such reduced rate or refrain from withholding or paying such Tax, as appropriate; provided that Custodian shall have received from the Fund all documentary evidence of residence or other qualification for such reduced rate or exemption required to be received under such applicable law or treaty. In the event that Custodian reasonably believes that a reduced rate of, or exemption from, any Tax is obtainable only by means of an application for refund, Custodian and the applicable Subcustodian shall have no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of any forms or documentation provided by the Fund to Custodian hereunder. The Fund hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Custodian and each Subcustodian in respect of any liability arising from any underwithholding or underpayment of any Tax
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which results from the inaccuracy or invalidity of any such forms or other documentation, and such obligation to indemnify shall be a continuing obligation of the Fund, its successors and assigns notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.
9. (a) For the purpose of settling Securities and foreign exchange transactions, the Fund shall provide Custodian with sufficient immediately available funds for all transactions by such time and date as conditions in the relevant market dictate. As used herein, sufficient immediately available funds shall mean either (i) sufficient cash denominated in U.S. dollars to purchase the necessary foreign currency, or (ii) sufficient applicable foreign currency, to settle the transaction. Custodian shall provide the Fund with immediately available funds each day which result from the actual settlement of all sale transactions, based upon advices received by Custodian from Subcustodians, Depositories, and Foreign Depositories. Such funds shall be in U.S. dollars or such other currency as the Fund may specify to Custodian.
(b) Any foreign exchange transaction effected by Custodian in connection with this Agreement may be entered with Custodian or a BNY Affiliate acting as principal or otherwise through customary banking channels. The Fund may issue a standing Certificate or Instructions with respect to foreign exchange transactions, but Custodian may establish rules or limitations concerning any foreign exchange facility made available to the Fund. The Fund shall bear all risks of investing in Securities or holding cash denominated in a foreign currency.
10. Custodian shall promptly send to the Fund (a) any reports it receives from a Depository on such Depositorys system of internal accounting control, and (b) such reports on its own system of internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
11. Until such time as Custodian receives a certificate to the contrary with respect to a particular Security, Custodian may release the identity of the Fund to an issuer which requests such information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and shareholder.
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES;
CREDITS TO ACCOUNT
1. Promptly after each purchase or sale of Securities by the Fund, the Fund shall deliver to Custodian a Certificate or Instructions, or with respect to a purchase or sale of a Security generally required to be settled on the same day the purchase or sale is made, Oral Instructions specifying all information Custodian may reasonably request to settle such purchase or sale. Custodian shall account for all purchases and sales of Securities on the actual settlement date unless otherwise agreed by Custodian.
2. The Fund understands that when Custodian is instructed to deliver Securities against payment, delivery of such Securities and receipt of payment therefor may not be completed simultaneously. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, settlements, payments and deliveries of Securities may be effected by Custodian or any Subcustodian in accordance with the customary or established securities trading or securities processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivery to a purchaser or dealer therefor (or agent) against receipt with the expectation of receiving later payment for such Securities. The Fund assumes full responsibility for all risks, including, without limitation, credit risks, involved in connection with such deliveries of Securities.
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3. Custodian may, as a matter of bookkeeping convenience or by separate agreement with the Fund, credit the Account with the proceeds from the sale, redemption or other disposition of Securities or interest, dividends or other distributions payable on Securities prior to its actual receipt of final payment therefor. All such credits shall be conditional until Custodians actual receipt of final payment and may be reversed by Custodian to the extent that final payment is not received. Payment with respect to a transaction will not be final until Custodian shall have received immediately available funds which under applicable local law, rule and/or practice are irreversible and not subject to any security interest, levy or other encumbrance, and which are specifically applicable to such transaction.
ARTICLE V
OVERDRAFTS OR INDEBTEDNESS
1. If Custodian should in its sole discretion advance funds on behalf of any Fund which results in an overdraft (including, without limitation, any day-light overdraft) because the money held by Custodian in an Account for such Fund shall be insufficient to pay the total amount payable upon a purchase of Securities specifically allocated to such Fund, as set forth in a Certificate, Instructions or Oral Instructions, or if an overdraft arises in the separate account of a Fund for some other reason, including, without limitation, because of a reversal of a conditional credit or the purchase of any currency, or if the Fund is for any other reason indebted to Custodian with respect to a Fund, including any indebtedness to The Bank of New York under the Funds Cash Management and Related Services Agreement, if any (except a borrowing for investment or for temporary or emergency purposes using Securities as collateral pursuant to a separate agreement and subject to the provisions of Section 2 of this Article), such overdraft or indebtedness shall be deemed to be a loan made by Custodian to the Fund payable on demand and shall bear interest from the date incurred at a rate per annum ordinarily charged by Custodian to its institutional customers, as such rate may be adjusted from time to time. In addition, the Fund hereby agrees that Custodian shall to the maximum extent permitted by law have a continuing lien, security interest, and security entitlement in and to any property, including, without limitation, any investment property or any financial asset, of such Fund at any time held by Custodian for the benefit of such Fund or in which such Fund may have an interest which is then in Custodians possession or control or in possession or control of any third party acting in Custodians behalf. The Fund authorizes Custodian, in its sole discretion, at any time to charge any such overdraft or indebtedness together with interest due thereon against any balance of account standing to such Funds credit on Custodians books, provided that Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of any such charges.
2. If the Fund borrows money from any bank (including Custodian if the borrowing is pursuant to a separate agreement) or from any other person (as may be permitted by an SEC exemptive order), for investment or for temporary or emergency purposes using Securities held by Custodian hereunder as collateral for such borrowings, the Fund shall deliver to Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each such borrowing: (a) the Series to which such borrowing relates; (b) the name of the bank, (c) the amount of the borrowing, (d) the time and date, if known, on which the loan is to be entered into, (e) the total amount payable to the Fund on the borrowing date, (f) the Securities to be delivered as collateral for such loan, including the name of the issuer, the title and the number of shares or the principal amount of any particular Securities, and (g) a statement specifying whether such loan is for investment purposes or for temporary or emergency purposes and that such loan is in conformance with the 40 Act and the Funds prospectus. Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing date specified in a Certificate the specified collateral against payment by the lending bank of the total amount of the loan payable, provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in the Certificate. Custodian may, at the option of the lending bank, keep such collateral in its possession, but such collateral shall be subject to all rights therein given the lending bank by virtue of any promissory note or loan agreement. Custodian shall deliver such Securities as additional collateral as may be specified in a Certificate to collateralize further any transaction described in this Section. The Fund shall cause all Securities released from collateral status to be returned directly to Custodian, and Custodian shall receive from time to time such return of
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collateral as may be tendered to it. In the event that the Fund fails to specify in a Certificate the Series, the name of the issuer, the title and number of shares or the principal amount of any particular Securities to be delivered as collateral by Custodian, Custodian shall not be under any obligation to deliver any Securities.
ARTICLE VI
SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
1. Whenever the Fund shall sell any shares issued by the Fund (Shares) it shall deliver to Custodian a Certificate or Instructions specifying the amount of money and/or Securities to be received by Custodian for the sale of such Shares and specifically allocated to an Account for such Fund.
2. Upon receipt of such money, Custodian shall credit such money to an Account in the name of the Fund for which such money was received.
3. Except as provided hereinafter, whenever the Fund desires Custodian to make payment out of the money held by Custodian hereunder in connection with a redemption of any Shares, it shall furnish to Custodian a Certificate or Instructions specifying the total amount to be paid for such Shares. Custodian shall make payment of such total amount to the transfer agent specified in such Certificate or Instructions out of the money held in an Account of the appropriate Fund.
4. Notwithstanding the above provisions regarding the redemption of any Shares, whenever any Shares are redeemed pursuant to any check redemption privilege which may from time to time be offered by the Fund, Custodian, unless otherwise instructed by a Certificate or Instructions, shall, upon presentment of such check, charge the amount thereof against the money held in the Account of the Fund of the Shares being redeemed, provided, that if the Fund or its agent timely advises Custodian that such check is not to be honored, Custodian shall return such check unpaid.
ARTICLE VII
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS
1. Whenever the Fund shall determine to pay a dividend or distribution on Shares it shall furnish to Custodian Instructions or a Certificate setting forth with respect to the Fund specified therein the date of the declaration of such dividend or distribution, the total amount payable, and the payment date.
2. Upon the payment date specified in such Instructions or Certificate, Custodian shall pay out of the money held for the account of such Fund the total amount payable to the dividend agent of the Fund specified therein.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING CUSTODIAN
1. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Custodian shall not be liable for any costs, expenses, damages, liabilities or claims, including attorneys and accountants fees (collectively, Losses), incurred by or asserted against the Fund, except those Losses arising out of Custodians own negligence or willful misconduct. Custodian shall have no liability whatsoever for the action or inaction of any Depositories, or, except to the extent such action or inaction is a direct result of the Custodians failure to fulfill its duties hereunder, of any Foreign Depositories. With respect to any Losses incurred by the Fund as a result of the acts or any failures to act by any Subcustodian (other than a BNY Affiliate), Custodian shall take appropriate action to recover such Losses from such Subcustodian; and Custodians sole responsibility and liability to the Fund shall be limited to amounts so received from
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such Subcustodian (exclusive of costs and expenses incurred by Custodian). In no event shall Custodian be liable to the Fund or any third party for special, indirect or consequential damages, or lost profits or loss of business, arising in connection with this Agreement, nor shall BNY or any Subcustodian be liable: ( i ) for acting in accordance with any Certificate or Oral Instructions actually received by Custodian and reasonably believed by Custodian to be given by an Authorized Person; ( ii ) for acting in accordance with Instructions without reviewing the same; ( iii ) for conclusively presuming that all Instructions are given only by person(s) duly authorized; ( iv ) for conclusively presuming that all disbursements of cash directed by the Fund, whether by a Certificate, an Oral Instruction, or an Instruction, are in accordance with Section 2(i) of Article II hereof; ( v ) for holding property in any particular country, including, but not limited to, Losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation or other governmental actions; regulation of the banking or securities industry; exchange or currency controls or restrictions, devaluations or fluctuations; availability of cash or Securities or market conditions which prevent the transfer of property or execution of Securities transactions or affect the value of property; ( vi ) for any Losses due to forces beyond the control of Custodian, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, acts of war or terrorism, insurrection, revolution, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, or interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; (vii) for the insolvency of any Subcustodian (other than a BNY Affiliate), any Depository, or, except to the extent such action or inaction is a direct result of the Custodians failure to fulfill its duties hereunder, any Foreign Depository; or ( viii ) for any Losses arising from the applicability of any law or regulation now or hereafter in effect, or from the occurrence of any event, including, without limitation, implementation or adoption of any rules or procedures of a Foreign Depository, which may affect, limit, prevent or impose costs or burdens on, the transferability, convertibility, or availability of any currency or Composite Currency Unit in any country or on the transfer of any Securities, and in no event shall Custodian be obligated to substitute another currency for a currency (including a currency that is a component of a Composite Currency Unit) whose transferability, convertibility or availability has been affected, limited, or prevented by such law, regulation or event, and to the extent that any such law, regulation or event imposes a cost or charge upon Custodian in relation to the transferability, convertibility, or availability of any cash currency or Composite Currency Unit, such cost or charge shall be for the account of the Fund, and Custodian may treat any account denominated in an affected currency as a group of separate accounts denominated in the relevant component currencies.
(b) Custodian may enter into subcontracts, agreements and understandings with any BNY Affiliate, whenever and on such terms and conditions as it deems necessary or appropriate to perform its services hereunder. No such subcontract, agreement or understanding shall discharge Custodian from its obligations hereunder or result in any additional costs to a Fund except as otherwise provided in the Fee Schedule between the Funds and the Custodian.
(c) The Fund agrees to indemnify Custodian and hold Custodian harmless from and against any and all Losses sustained or incurred by or asserted against Custodian by reason of or as a result of any action or inaction, or arising out of Custodians performance hereunder, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel incurred by Custodian in a successful defense of claims by the Fund; provided however, that the Fund shall not indemnify Custodian for those Losses arising out of Custodians own negligence or willful misconduct. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Fund, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.
2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Custodian shall be under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
(a) Any Losses incurred by the Fund or any other person as a result of the receipt or acceptance of fraudulent, forged or invalid Securities, or Securities which are otherwise not freely transferable or deliverable without encumbrance in any relevant market;
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(b) The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased, sold, or written by or for the Fund, the legality of the purchase, sale or writing thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid or received therefor;
(c) The legality of the sale or redemption of any Shares, or the propriety of the amount to be received or paid therefor;
(d) The legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund;
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(e) |
The legality of any borrowing by the Fund; |
(f) The legality of any loan of portfolio Securities, nor shall Custodian be under any duty or obligation to see to it that any cash or collateral delivered to it by a broker, dealer or financial institution or held by it at any time as a result of such loan of portfolio Securities is adequate security for the Fund against any loss it might sustain as a result of such loan, which duty or obligation shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund. In addition, Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to see that any broker, dealer or financial institution to which portfolio Securities of the Fund are lent makes payment to it of any dividends or interest which are payable to or for the account of the Fund during the period of such loan or at the termination of such loan, provided, however that Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in the event that such dividends or interest are not paid and received when due;
(g) The sufficiency or value of any amounts of money and/or Securities held in any Special Account in connection with transactions by the Fund; whether any broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or clearing member makes payment to the Fund of any variation margin payment or similar payment which the Fund may be entitled to receive from such broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or clearing member, or whether any payment received by Custodian from any broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or clearing member is the amount the Fund is entitled to receive, or to notify the Fund of Custodians receipt or non-receipt of any such payment; or
(h) Whether any Securities at any time delivered to, or held by it or by any Subcustodian, for the account of the Fund and specifically allocated to a Fund are such as properly may be held by the Fund or such Fund under the provisions of its then current prospectus and statement of additional information, or to ascertain whether any transactions by the Fund, whether or not involving Custodian, are such transactions as may properly be engaged in by the Fund.
3. Custodian may, with respect to questions of law specifically regarding an Account, obtain the advice of counsel and shall be fully protected with respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with such advice.
4. Custodian shall be under no obligation to take action to collect any amount payable on Securities in default, or if payment is refused after due demand and presentment.
5. Custodian shall have no duty or responsibility to inquire into, make recommendations, supervise, or determine the suitability of any transactions affecting any Account.
6. The Fund shall pay to Custodian the fees and charges as may be specifically agreed upon from time to time and such other fees and charges at Custodians standard rates for such services as may be applicable. The Fund shall reimburse Custodian for all costs associated with the conversion of the Funds Securities hereunder and the transfer of Securities and records kept in connection with this Agreement. The Fund shall also reimburse Custodian for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided hereunder.
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7. Custodian has the right to debit any cash account for any amount payable by the Fund in connection with any and all obligations of the Fund to Custodian. In addition to the rights of Custodian under applicable law and other agreements, at any time when the Fund shall not have honored any of its obligations to Custodian, Custodian shall have the right without notice to the Fund to retain or set-off, against such obligations of the Fund, any Securities or cash Custodian or a BNY Affiliate may directly or indirectly hold for the account of the Fund, and any obligations (whether matured or unmatured) that Custodian or a BNY Affiliate may have to the Fund in any currency or Composite Currency Unit. Any such asset of, or obligation to, the Fund may be transferred to Custodian and any BNY Affiliate in order to effect the above rights.
8. The Fund agrees to forward to Custodian a Certificate or Instructions confirming Oral Instructions by the close of business of the same day that such Oral Instructions are given to Custodian. The Fund agrees that the fact that such confirming Certificate or Instructions are not received or that a contrary Certificate or contrary Instructions are received by Custodian shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of transactions authorized by such Oral Instructions and effected by Custodian. If the Fund elects to transmit Instructions through an on-line communications system offered by Custodian, the Funds use thereof shall be subject to the Terms and Conditions attached as Appendix I hereto, and Custodian shall provide user and authorization codes, passwords and authentication keys only to an Authorized Person or a person reasonably believed by Custodian to be an Authorized Person.
9. The books and records pertaining to the Fund which are in possession of Custodian shall be the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall be prepared and maintained as required by the 40 Act and the rules thereunder. The Fund, or its authorized representatives, shall have access to such books and records during Custodians normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any such books and records shall be provided by Custodian to the Fund or its authorized representative. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, Custodian shall provide in hard copy or on computer disc any records included in any such delivery which are maintained by Custodian on a computer disc, or are similarly maintained.
10. Custodian agrees that all non-public books, records and information prepared or maintained by it in connection with its performance of services under this Agreement shall remain confidential and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person, entity or organization, except Custodian may disclose the same to its examiners, regulators, and its internal and external accountants, auditors and counsel, and to any other person, entity or organization if the Custodian is advised by its counsel that it could be liable for a failure to do so. In the event of any demand served on or received by Custodian for the production or release of any non-public books, records or information, Custodian shall endeavor where circumstances permit promptly to notify the Fund of such demand or request and to seek permission from the Fund.
11. It is understood that Custodian is authorized to supply any information regarding the Accounts which is required by any law, regulation or rule now or hereafter in effect. The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by the Custodian on the system of internal accounting control of a Depository, and with such reports on its own system of internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
12. Custodian shall have no duties or responsibilities whatsoever except such duties and responsibilities as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied against Custodian in connection with this Agreement.
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ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION
1. Either of the parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than ninety (90) days after the date of giving of such notice. In the event such notice is given by the Fund, it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the board of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, electing to terminate this Agreement and designating a successor custodian or custodians, each of which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits. In the event such notice is given by Custodian, the Fund shall, on or before the termination date, deliver to Custodian a copy of a resolution of the board of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, designating a successor custodian or custodians. In the absence of such designation by the Fund, Custodian may designate a successor custodian which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits. Upon the date set forth in such notice this Agreement shall terminate, and Custodian shall upon receipt of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian on that date deliver directly to the successor custodian all Securities and money then owned by the Fund and held by it as Custodian, after deducting all fees, expenses and other amounts for the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled.
2. If a successor custodian is not designated by the Fund or Custodian in accordance with the preceding Section, the Fund shall upon the date specified in the notice of termination of this Agreement and upon the delivery by Custodian of all Securities (other than Securities which cannot be delivered to the Fund) and money then owned by the Fund be deemed to be its own custodian and Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all duties and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, other than the duty with respect to Securities which cannot be delivered to the Fund to hold such Securities hereunder in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
1. The Fund agrees to furnish to Custodian a new Certificate of Authorized Persons in the event of any change in the then present Authorized Persons. Until such new Certificate is received, Custodian shall be fully protected in acting upon Certificates or Oral Instructions of such present Authorized Persons.
2. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to Custodian, shall be sufficiently given if addressed to Custodian and received by it at its offices at 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10286, or at such other place as Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
3. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Fund shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the Fund and received by it at its offices at 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, or at such other place as the Fund may from time to time designate in writing.
4. Each and every right granted to either party hereunder or under any other document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, or allowed it by law or equity, shall be cumulative and may be exercised from time to time. No failure on the part of either party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise by either party of any right preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.
- 13 -
5. In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any exclusive jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected thereby. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by a written agreement executed by both parties, except that any amendment to the Schedule I hereto need be signed only by the Fund and any amendment to Appendix I hereto need be signed only by Custodian. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by either party without the written consent of the other.
6. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. The Fund and Custodian hereby consent to the jurisdiction of a state or federal court situated in New York City, New York in connection with any dispute arising hereunder. The Fund hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Fund and Custodian each hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
7. Nothing combined in this Agreement shall affect the terms and conditions of that certain Foreign Custody Manager Agreement between The Bank of New York and the Fund of each date.
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8. |
Custodian shall annually provide to the Fund its FAS 70 Report. |
9. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
10. All references herein to the Fund are to each of the Funds listed on the attached Schedule A individually, as if this Agreement were between such individual Fund and the Custodian. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no Fund or series of a Fund shall be liable for any obligations of any other Fund or series, as applicable.
11. With respect to each Fund listed on Schedule A that is a Massachusetts business trust, all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund as neither the Directors/Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Fund.
12. This Agreement contains the full and complete understanding between the parties with respect to the transactions covered and contemplated hereunder, and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written, express or implied.
13. The Custodian agrees to provide to the Fund such certifications with respect to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as Custodian generally provides to its mutual fund custodial customers.
- 14 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Fund and Custodian have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
EACH FUND LISTED ON SCHEDULE A HERETO
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By: |
/s/ Robert F. Gunia |
Title: Vice President
Tax Identification No:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
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By: |
/s/ Edward G. McGann |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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- 15 -
SCHEDULE I
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS
(The Fund - Oral and Written Instructions)
The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is the duly elected and acting ______________________ of each Fund listed on Schedule A hereto (each a Fund), and further certifies that the following officers or employees of the Fund have been duly authorized in conformity with the Funds Declaration of Trust and By-Laws to deliver Certificates and Oral Instructions to The Bank of New York (Custodian) pursuant to the Custody Agreement between the Fund and Custodian dated _______________, and that the signatures appearing opposite their names are true and correct:
_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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_____________________
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This certificate supersedes any certificate of Authorized Persons you may currently have on file.
[seal] |
By: |
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Title: |
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Date:
APPENDIX I
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
ON-LINE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (THE SYSTEM)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. License; Use . Upon delivery to an Authorized Person or a person reasonably believed by Custodian to be an Authorized Person of the Fund of software enabling the Fund to obtain access to the System (the Software), Custodian grants to the Fund a personal, nontransferable and nonexclusive license to use the Software solely for the purpose of transmitting Written Instructions, receiving reports, making inquiries or otherwise communicating with Custodian in connection with the Account(s). The Fund shall use the Software solely for its own internal and proper business purposes and not in the operation of a service bureau. Except as set forth herein, no license or right of any kind is granted to the Fund with respect to the Software. The Fund acknowledges that Custodian and its suppliers retain and have title and exclusive proprietary rights to the Software, including any trade secrets or other ideas, concepts, know-how, methodologies, or information incorporated therein and the exclusive rights to any copyrights, trademarks and patents (including registrations and applications for registration of either), or other statutory or legal protections available in respect thereof. The Fund further acknowledges that all or a part of the Software may be copyrighted or trademarked (or a registration or claim made therefor) by Custodian or its suppliers. The Fund shall not take any action with respect to the Software inconsistent with the foregoing acknowledgments, nor shall the Fund attempt to decompile, reverse engineer or modify the Software. The Fund may not copy, sell, lease or provide, directly or indirectly, any of the Software or any portion thereof to any other person or entity without Custodians prior written consent. The Fund may not remove any statutory copyright notice or other notice included in the Software or on any media containing the Software. The Fund shall reproduce any such notice on any reproduction of the Software and shall add any statutory copyright notice or other notice to the Software or media upon Custodians request.
2. Equipment . The Fund shall obtain and maintain at its own cost and expense all equipment and services, including but not limited to communications services, necessary for it to utilize the Software and obtain access to the System, and Custodian shall not be responsible for the reliability or availability of any such equipment or services.
3. Proprietary Information . The Software, any data base and any proprietary data, processes, information and documentation made available to the Fund (other than which are or become part of the public domain or are legally required to be made available to the public) (collectively, the Information), are the exclusive and confidential property of Custodian or its suppliers. The Fund shall keep the Information confidential by using the same care and discretion that the Fund uses with respect to its own confidential property and trade secrets, but not less than reasonable care. Upon termination of the Agreement or the Software license granted herein for any reason, the Fund shall return to Custodian any and all copies of the Information which are in its possession or under its control.
4. Modifications . Custodian reserves the right to modify the Software from time to time and the Fund shall install new releases of the Software as Custodian may direct. The Fund agrees not to modify or attempt to modify the Software without Custodians prior written consent. The Fund acknowledges that any modifications to the Software, whether by the Fund or Custodian and whether with or without Custodians consent, shall become the property of Custodian.
5. NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES . CUSTODIAN AND ITS MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS MAKE NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE, SERVICES OR ANY DATABASE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE FUND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SOFTWARE, SERVICES AND ANY DATABASE ARE PROVIDED AS IS. OTHER THAN AS PROVIDED SECTION 5.1 BELOW, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY OR ANY SUPPLIER BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL, WHICH THE FUND MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE, SERVICES OR ANY DATABASE, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY OR SUCH SUPPLIER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL CUSTODIAN OR ANY SUPPLIER BE LIABLE FOR ACTS OF GOD, MACHINE OR COMPUTER BREAKDOWN OR MALFUNCTION, INTERRUPTION OR MALFUNCTION OF COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, LABOR DIFFICULTIES OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR OR DISSIMILAR CAUSE BEYOND THEIR REASONABLE CONTROL.
5.1 (a) Custodian shall defend the Fund, and pay any damages finally awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction, in any action or proceeding commenced by a third party against the Fund based on a claim that the Software or Services infringe upon a United States patent, copyright, or trade secret, provided that the Fund (i) notifies Custodian promptly of any such action or claim, (ii) grants Custodian full and exclusive authority to defend, compromise or settle such claim or action, and (iii) provides Custodian all assistance reasonably necessary to so defend, compromise or settle. The foregoing obligations shall not apply, however, to any claim or action arising from (i) the Funds use of the Software or Services in a manner not authorized by this Agreement, (ii) the Funds use of the Software or Services in combination with other software or services not supplied by the Bank or (iii) the Funds use of a superseded version of the Software after a current version has been made available to the Fund.
(b) In the event that the Software or Services are found to infringe upon a patent, copyright, trade secret, or other proprietary right, or in Custodians opinion the Software or Services are likely to be found to so infringe, Custodian may, at its sole option, (i) procure for the Fund the right to continue using the Software or Services , (ii) replace the Software or Services with software or services that are non-infringing, or (iii) terminate this Agreement and refund to the Fund any pre-paid charges relating to the Software or Services.
(c) THIS SECTION 5.1 STATES THE CUSTODIANS SOLE OBLIGATION, AND THE FUNDS SOLE REMEDY, WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OF INFRINGEMENT BY THE SOFTWARE OR SERVICES.
6. Security; Reliance; Unauthorized Use . The Fund will cause all persons utilizing the Software and System to treat all applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and authentication keys with extreme care, and it will establish internal control and safekeeping procedures to restrict the availability of the same to persons duly authorized to give Instructions. Custodian agrees that the Funds investment advisor shall be entitled to use, install and/or access the Software for the benefit of the Fund, provided such investment advisor agrees in an executed writing delivered to Custodian to be bound by the terms of this Appendix. Custodian is hereby irrevocably authorized to act in accordance with and rely on Instructions received by it through the System. The Fund acknowledges that it is its sole responsibility to assure that only persons duly authorized use the System and that Custodian shall not be responsible nor liable for any unauthorized use thereof.
7. System Acknowledgments . Custodian shall acknowledge through the System its receipt of each transmission communicated through the System, and in the absence of such acknowledgment Custodian shall not be liable for any failure to act in accordance with such transmission and the Fund may not claim that such transmission was received by Custodian.
8. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS . EXPORT OF THE SOFTWARE IS PROHIBITED BY UNITED STATES LAW. THE FUND MAY NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES RESELL, DIVERT, TRANSFER, TRANSSHIP OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE SOFTWARE (IN ANY FORM) IN OR TO ANY OTHER COUNTRY. IF CUSTODIAN DELIVERED THE SOFTWARE TO THE FUND OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES, THE SOFTWARE WAS EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXPORTER ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS. DIVERSION CONTRARY TO U.S. LAW IS PROHIBITED. The Fund hereby authorizes Custodian to report its name and address to government agencies to which Custodian is required to provide such information by law.
9. ENCRYPTION . The Fund acknowledges and agrees that encryption may not be available for every communication through the System, or for all data. The Fund agrees that Custodian may deactivate any encryption features at any time, without notice or liability to the Fund, for the purpose of maintaining, repairing or troubleshooting the System or the Software.
SCHEDULE A
Strategic Partners Style Specific Funds
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Strategic Partners Large Capitalization Growth Fund |
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Strategic Partners Large Capitalization Value Fund |
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Strategic Partners Small Capitalization Value Fund |
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Strategic Partners Small Capitalization Growth Fund |
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Strategic Partners Total Return Fund |
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Strategic Partners International Equity Fund |
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Strategic Partners Opportunity Funds
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Strategic Partners Mid Cap Value Fund |
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Strategic Partners Focused Growth Fund |
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Strategic Partners Focused Value Fund |
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Strategic Partners New Era Growth Fund |
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Strategic Partners Asset Allocation Funds
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Strategic Partners Moderate Growth Fund |
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Strategic Partners High Growth Fund |
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Strategic Partners Conservative Growth Fund |
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The Target Portfolio Trust
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Large Capitalization Growth Portfolio |
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Large Capitalization Value Portfolio |
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Small Capitalization Growth Portfolio |
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Small Capitalization Value Portfolio |
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International Equity Portfolio |
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International Bond Portfolio |
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Total Return Bond Portfolio |
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Intermediate-Term Bond Portfolio |
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Mortgage-Backed Securities Portfolio |
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U.S. Government Money Market Portfolio |
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The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
Exhibit (g)(2)
AMENDMENT
AMENDMENT made as of June 6, 2005 to that certain Custody Agreement dated as of November 7, 2002 between each Fund listed on the attached Schedule A thereto, including any series thereof (the Fund) and The Bank of New York (Custodian) (such Global Custody Agreement hereinafter referred to as the Custody Agreement). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them pursuant to the Custody Agreement.
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Custody Agreement to add certain funds and or series thereof as parties to the Custody Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Schedule A of the Custody Agreement shall be amended as set forth in Exhibit I to this Amendment, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
2. Each party represents to the other that this Amendment has been duly executed.
3. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts, shall, together, constitute only one amendment.
4. This Amendment shall become effective for each Fund as of the date of first service as listed in Exhibit I hereto upon execution by the parties hereto. From and after the execution hereof, any reference to the Custody Agreement shall be a reference to the Custody Agreement as amended hereby. Except as amended hereby, the Custody Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Fund and Custodian have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, as of the day and year first above written.
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EACH FUND LISTED ON |
|
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SCHEDULE A HERETO |
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By: Robert F. Gunia |
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Title: Vice President |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK |
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By: James E. Hillman |
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Title: Managing Director |
EXHIBIT I
SCHEDULE A
To The Custody Agreement
PART I |
Date of First Service |
Strategic Partners Asset Allocation Funds |
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Strategic Partners Moderate Allocation Fund |
January 6, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Growth Allocation Fund |
January 6, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Conservative Allocation Fund |
January 6, 2002 |
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Strategic Partners Opportunity Funds |
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Jennison Select Growth Fund |
December 9, 2002 |
Dryden Strategic Value Fund |
December 9, 2002 |
Strategic Partners New Era Growth Fund |
December 9, 2002 |
SP Mid-Cap Value Fund |
December 9, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Style Specific Funds |
|
Jennison Conservative Growth Fund |
November 18, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Large Capitalization Value Fund |
November 18, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Small Capitalization Growth Fund |
December 9, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Small Capitalization Value Fund |
November 18, 2002 |
Strategic Partners Total Return Bond Fund |
December 23, 2002 |
PART II |
Date of First Service |
Dryden Core Investment Fund-Taxable Money Market Series |
June 6, 2005 |
|
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Dryden Global Total Return Fund, Inc. |
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June 6, 2005 |
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Dryden Government Securities Trust - Money Market Series |
June 6, 2005 |
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Dryden Municipal Bond Fund - Insured Series |
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June 6, 2005 |
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Dryden Municipal Bond Fund - High Income Series |
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June 6, 2005 |
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Dryden Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc. - Dryden Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund |
June 6, 2005 |
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Dryden Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc. - Dryden U Bond Fund |
June 6, 2005 |
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MoneyMart Assets, Inc. |
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June 6, 2005 |
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Prudential Institutional Liquidity Portfolio, Inc. - Institutional Money Market Series |
June 6, 2005 |
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Prudential World Fund, Inc. - Dryden Internatio Fund |
June 6, 2005 |
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Prudential World Fund, Inc. - Jennison Global Growth Fund |
June 6, 2005 |
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The High Yield Income Fund, Inc. |
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June 6, 2005 |
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The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. - Dry Allocation Fund |
June 6, 2005 |
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Dryden Small-Cap Core Equity Fund, Inc. |
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June 27, 2005 |
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Dryden Tax-Managed Funds - Dryden Large Cap Core Equity Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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Dryden Index Series Fund - Dryden Stock Index Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison 20/20 Focus Fund |
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June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc. |
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June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Sector Funds, Inc. - Jennison Financial Services Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Sector Funds, Inc. - Jennison Health Sciences Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Sector Funds, Inc. - Jennison Technology Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Sector Funds, Inc. - Jennison Utility Fund |
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June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc. |
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June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison U.S. Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. |
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June 27, 2005 |
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Jennison Value Fund |
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June 27, 2005 |
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The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. - Jennison Equity Opportunity Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. - Jenni Fund |
June 27, 2005 |
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Dryden Total Return Bond Fund, Inc. |
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July 25, 2005 |
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Dryden Government Income Fund, Inc. |
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July 25, 2005 |
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The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Divers Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
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The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Governm Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
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The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - High Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
|||||||||
Dryden High Yield Fund, Inc. | July 25, 2005 | |||||||||
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Conservative Balanced Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
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- 2 -
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Flexible Managed Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Global Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Jennison 20/20 Focus Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Jennison Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Natural Resources Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Small Capitalization Stock Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - SP Prudential U.S. Emerging Growth Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Stock Index Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Value Portfolio |
July 25, 2005 |
Prudentials Gibraltar Fund, Inc. |
July 25, 2005 |
The Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. - |
July 25, 2005 |
JennisonDryden Asset Allocation Funds - JennisonDryden Conservative Allocation Fund |
July 25, 2005 |
JennisonDryden Asset Allocation Funds - Jennison Dryden Growth Allocation Fund |
July 25, 2005 |
JennisonDryden Asset Allocation Funds - JennisonDryden Moderate Allocation Fund |
July 25, 2005 |
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Cash Accumulation Trust - Liquid Assets Fund |
September 12, 2005 |
Cash Accumulation Trust - National Money Market Fund |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden California Municipal Fund - California Income Series |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden California Municipal Fund - California Series |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden Municipal Series Fund - Florida Series |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden Municipal Series Fund - New Jersey Series |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden Municipal Series Fund - New York Series |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden Municipal Series Fund - Pennsylvania Series |
September 12, 2005 |
Dryden National Municipals Fund, Inc. |
September 12, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - Money Market Portfolio |
September 12, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - SP Aggressive Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio |
September 12, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - SP Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio |
September 12, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - SP Conservative Asset Allocation Portfolio |
September 12, 2005 |
The Prudential Series Fund, Inc. - SP Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio |
September 12, 2005 |
Jennison Blend Fund, Inc. |
September 12, 2005 |
- 3 -
Exhibit (j)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Dryden Tax-Managed Funds - Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund:
We consent to the incorporation by reference, in this registration statement, of our report dated December 23, 2005, on the statement of assets and liabilities of the Dryden Tax-Managed Funds - Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund (hereafter referred to as the Fund), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2005, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, and the statement of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights and our report thereon are included in the Annual Report of the Fund as filed on Form N-CSR.
We also consent to the references to our firm under the headings "Financial Highlights in the Prospectus and "Financial Statements" in the Statement of Additional Information.
KPMG LLP
New York, New York
December 29, 2005
Exhibit (m)(4)
NOTICE OF RULE 12 B-1 FEE WAIVER
THIS NOTICE OF RULE 12B-1 FEE WAIVER is signed as of November 1, 2005 by PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC (PIMS), the Principal Underwriter of Dryden Small-Cap Core Equity Fund, Inc., an open-end management investment company (the Fund).
WHEREAS, PIMS desires to waive a portion of its distribution and shareholder services fees payable on Class A shares of the Fund (Rule 12b-1 fees); and
WHEREAS, PIMS understands and intends that the Fund will rely on this Notice and agreement in preparing a registration statement on Form N-1A and in accruing the Funds expenses for purposes of calculating net asset value and for other purposes, and expressly permits the Fund to do so; and
WHEREAS, shareholders of the Fund will benefit from the ongoing contractual waiver by incurring lower Fund operating expenses than they would absent such waiver.
NOW, THEREFORE, PIMS hereby provides notice that it has agreed to limit the distribution or service (12b-1) fees incurred by Class A shares of the Fund to .25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. This contractual waiver shall be effective from the date hereof until February 28, 2007.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PIMS has signed this Notice of Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver as of the day and year first above written.
PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENT |
MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
By: |
/s/ Robert F. Gunia |
Name: Robert F. Gunia |
Title: |
President |
Exhibit (p)(1)
JENNISONDRYDEN AND
STRATEGIC PARTNERS MUTUAL FUND COMPLEX
(the Fund)
Code of Ethics Adopted Pursuant to Rule 17j-1
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940
(the Code)
1. |
Purposes |
The Code has been adopted by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund, in accordance with Rule 17j-1(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act) and in accordance with the following general principles:
(1) The duty at all times to place the interests of investment company shareholders first.
Investment company personnel should scrupulously avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of shareholders interests in any decision relating to their personal investments.
(2) The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted consistent with the Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individuals position of trust and responsibility.
Investment company personnel must not only seek to achieve technical compliance with the Code but should strive to abide by its spirit and the principles articulated herein.
(3) The fundamental standard that investment company personnel should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.
Investment company personnel must avoid any situation that might compromise, or call into question, their exercise of fully independent judgment in the interest of shareholders, including, but not limited to the receipt of unusual investment opportunities, perquisites, or gifts of more than a de minimis value from persons doing or seeking business with the Fund.
Revised 4/6/05
Rule 17j-1 under the Act generally proscribes fraudulent or manipulative practices with respect to a purchase or sale of a security held or to be acquired (as such term is defined in Section 2) by an investment company, if effected by an associated person of such company.
The purpose of the Code is to establish procedures consistent with the Act and Rule 17j-1 to give effect to the following general prohibitions as set forth in Rule 17j-1(b) as follows:
(a) It shall be unlawful for any affiliated person of or Principal Underwriter for a registered investment company, or any affiliated person of an investment adviser of or principal underwriter for a registered investment company in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such person of a security held or to be acquired, by such registered investment company:
(1) To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud such registered investment company;
(2) To make to such registered investment company any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state to such registered investment company a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(3) To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any such registered investment company; or
(4) To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to such registered investment company.
2
Revised 4/6/05
2. |
Definitions |
(a) Access Person means any director/trustee, officer, general partner or Advisory Person (including any Investment Personnel, as that term is defined herein) of the Fund, the Manager, the Adviser/ Subadviser, or the Principal Underwriter.
(b) Adviser/Subadviser means the Adviser or a Subadviser, if any, of the Fund or both as the context may require.
(c) Advisory Person means (i) any employee of the Fund, Manager or Adviser/Subadviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund, Manager or Adviser/Subadviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains current or pending information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by the Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (ii) any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of a security.
(d) Beneficial Ownership will be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Securities Exchange Act Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining which security holdings of a person are subject to the reporting and short-swing profit provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, except that the determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership will apply to all securities which an Access Person has or acquires ( Exhibit A ).
(e) Complex means the group of registered investment companies for which Prudential Investments LLC serves as Manager; provided, however, that with respect to Access Persons of the Manager or Subadviser (including any unit or subdivision thereof), Complex means the group of registered investment companies in the Complex advised by such Subadviser or unit or subdivision thereof or to which an Access Person is deemed to have access. A list of such registered investment companies will be maintained by the Compliance Officer.
(f) Compliance Officer means the person or persons (including his or her designees) designated by the Manager, the Adviser/Subadviser, or Principal Underwriter, respectively, as having responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Code.
(g) Control will have the same meaning as that set forth in
3
Revised 4/6/05
Section 2(a)(9) of the Act.
(h) Disinterested Director/Trustee means a Director/Trustee of the Fund who is not an interested person of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Act.
An interested Director/Trustee who would not otherwise be deemed to be an Access Person, shall be treated as a Disinterested Director/Trustee for purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Code.
(i) Initial Public Offering means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(j) Investment Personnel means: (a) Portfolio Managers and other Advisory Persons who provide investment information and/or advice to the Portfolio Manager(s) and/or help execute the Portfolio Managers(s) investment decisions, including securities analysts and traders; (b) any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of a security; and (c) certain other individuals as designated by the Compliance Officer.
|
(k) |
Manager means Prudential Investments LLC. |
(l) Mutual Fund Code of Ethics/Personal Securities Trading Committee or Committee means a specified group of Business Unit, Compliance, and Human Resources executives responsible for interpreting and administering the Code, including but not limited to, reviewing violations of the Code and determining any sanctions or other disciplinary actions that may be deemed appropriate. In addition, the Committee may waive and or modify violations and sanctions or other disciplinary actions at its discretion when deemed appropriate by the Committee. The Committee will review such violations in consultation with legal counsel. A list of such Committee members shall be maintained by the Compliance Officer.
(m) Non-proprietary Registered Open-end Investment Company or Non-proprietary Fund means any registered open-end investment company whose registered investment adviser is an entity other than Prudential Investments LLC.
4
Revised 4/6/05
(n) Portfolio Manager means any Advisory Person who has the direct responsibility and authority to make investment decisions for the Fund.
(o) Private placement means a limited offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(6) or pursuant to rule 504, rule 505 or rule 506 under such Securities Act.
(p) Profits means any total or partial gain realized from a securities transaction or group of transactions as defined by the Mutual Fund Code of Ethics/Personal Securities Trading Committee (Committee).
(q) Proprietary Registered Open-End Investment Company or Proprietary Fund means a registered open-end investment company for which Prudential Investments LLC acts as the registered investment adviser, with the exception of proprietary money market open-end registered investment companies or any other open-end registered investment companies identified by the Compliance Officer. 1
(r) Security will have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Act, except that it will not include shares of Non-proprietary Registered Open-end Investment Companies, money market registered open-end investment companies, direct obligations of the Government of the United States, short-term debt securities which are government securities within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Act, bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and such other money market instruments as are designated by the Compliance Officer. For purposes of the Code, an equivalent Security is one that has a substantial economic relationship to another Security. This would include, among other things, (1) a Security that is exchangeable for or convertible into another Security, (2) with respect to an equity Security, a Security having the same issuer (including a private issue by the same issuer) and any derivative, option or warrant relating to that Security and (3) with respect to a fixed-income Security, a Security having the same issuer, maturity, coupon and rating.
(s) Security held or to be acquired means any Security or any equivalent Security which, within the most recent 15 days: (1) is or has been held by the Fund; or (2) is being considered by the Fund or its investment adviser for purchase by the Fund.
_________________________
1 The Compliance Officer will maintain a list of such exempt open-end registered investment companies. |
5
Revised 4/6/05
3. |
Applicability |
The Code applies to all Access Persons, except that Access Persons covered by more than one Code of Ethics meeting the requirements of Rule 17j-1 may be governed by the provisions of such other Code of Ethics and report all transactions pursuant to the terms of such other Code of Ethics provided that such Code was reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund. The Compliance Officer shall ensure that each Access Person subject to this Code receives a copy of the Code. The Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are currently, and within the past five years, subject to the Code.
4. |
Prohibited Purchases and Sales |
The prohibitions described below will only apply to a transaction in a security in which the designated Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership.
|
A. |
Mutual Funds |
Except as provided in Section 5 below, Investment Personnel and certain other individuals identified by the Compliance Officer are required to hold Proprietary Funds purchased for a period of 90-days. Profits realized on such transactions that do not adhere to the requirements of this Section may be promptly required to be disgorged to the Fund or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Committee.
|
B. |
Initial Public Offerings |
No Investment Personnel may acquire any Securities in an initial public offering. For purposes of this restriction, Initial Public Offerings shall not include offerings of government and municipal securities.
6
Revised 4/6/05
|
C. |
Private Placements |
No Investment Personnel may acquire any Securities in a private placement without prior approval.
(i) Prior approval must be obtained in accordance with the preclearance procedure described in Section 6 below. Such approval will take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for the Fund and its shareholders and whether the opportunity is being offered to the Investment Personnel by virtue of his or her position with the Fund. The Adviser/Subadviser shall maintain a record of such prior approval and reason for same, for at least 5 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(ii) Investment Personnel who have been authorized to acquire Securities in a private placement must disclose that investment to the chief investment officer (including his or her designee) of the Adviser/Subadviser (or of any unit or subdivision thereof) or the Compliance Officer when they play a part in any subsequent consideration of an investment by the Fund in the issuer. In such circumstances, the Funds decision to purchase Securities of the issuer will be subject to an independent review by appropriate personnel with no personal interest in the issuer.
|
D. |
Blackout Periods |
(i) Except as provided in Section 5 below, Access Persons are prohibited from executing a Securities transaction on a day during which any investment
7
Revised 4/6/05
company in the Complex has a pending buy or sell order in the same or an equivalent Security and until such time as that order is executed or withdrawn; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to Disinterested Directors/Trustees except if they have actual knowledge of trading by any fund in the Complex.
This prohibition shall also not apply to Access Persons of the Manager, Principal Underwriter, and Adviser/Subadviser who do not, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties, have access to current or pending information regarding the purchase and sale of Securities for the Fund and are not engaged in the day-to-day trading operations of the Fund; provided that Securities investments effected by such Access Persons during the proscribed period are not effected with knowledge of the purchase or sale of the same or equivalent Securities by any fund in the Complex.
A pending buy or sell order exists when a decision to purchase or sell a Security has been made and communicated. However, this prohibition shall not apply to a pending buy or sell order in the same or an equivalent security in a broad based index fund. 2
(ii) Portfolio Managers are prohibited from buying or selling a Security within seven calendar days before or after a Fund in the same Complex trades in the same or an equivalent Security. Nevertheless, a personal trade by any Investment Personnel shall not prevent a Fund in the same Complex from trading in the same or an equivalent security. However, such a transaction shall
8
Revised 4/6/05
be subject to independent review by th e Compliance Officer. This prohibition shall not apply to purchases and sales executed in a broad based index fund
(iii) If trades are effected during the periods proscribed in (i) or (ii) above, except as provided in (iv) below with respect to (i) above, Profits realized on such trades will be promptly required to be disgorged to the Fund or a charitable organization approved by the Committee.
(iv) A transaction by Access Persons (other than Investment Personnel) inadvertently effected during the period proscribed in (i) above will not be considered a violation of the Code and disgorgement will not be required so long as the transaction was effected in accordance with the preclearance procedures described in Section 6 below and without prior knowledge of trading by any Fund in the Complex in the same or an equivalent Security.
|
E. |
Short-Term Trading Profits |
Except as provided in Section 5 below, Investment Personnel are prohibited from profiting from a purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same or an equivalent Security within any 60 calendar day period. For purposes of this prohibition, Security shall exclude Proprietary Funds. If trades are effected during the proscribed period, Profits realized on such trades will be promptly required to be disgorged to the Fund or a charitable organization approved by the Committee.
|
F. |
Short Sales |
No Access Person may sell any security short that is owned by any Fund in the Complex. Access Persons may, however make short sales when he/she owns an
9
Revised 4/6/05
_________________________
2 A list of such Funds shall be maintained by the Compliance Officer.
equivalent amount of the same security. This prohibition does not apply to Disinterested Directors/Trustees.
|
G. |
Options |
No Access Person may write a naked call option or buy a naked put option on a security owned by any Fund in the Complex. Access Persons may purchase options on securities not held by any Fund in the Complex, or purchase call options or write put options on securities owned by any Fund in the Complex, subject to preclearance and the same restrictions applicable to other Securities. Access Persons may write covered call options or buy covered put options on a Security owned by any Fund in the Complex at the discretion of the Compliance Officer. This prohibition does not apply to Disinterested Directors/Trustees.
|
H. |
Investment Clubs |
No Access Person may participate in an investment club. This prohibition does not apply to Disinterested Directors/Trustees.
5. |
Exempted Transactions |
The requirements of Section 4.A. above will not apply to subparagraphs (a), (c), (d), (i), and (k) hereof. In addition, subject to preclearance in accordance with Section 6 below with respect to subparagraphs (b), (e), (f), (g) and (i) hereof, the prohibitions of Sections 4.D. and 4.E., will not apply to the following:
(a) Purchases or sales of Securities effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control or in any account of the Access Person which is managed on a discretionary basis by a person other than such Access Person and with respect to which such Access Person does not in fact influence or control such transactions.
10
Revised 4/6/05
(b) Purchases or sales of Securities (or their equivalents) which are not eligible for purchase or sale by any fund in the Complex.
(c) Purchases or sales of Securities which are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or any fund in the Complex.
(d) Purchases of Securities, which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
(e) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its Securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(f) Any equity Securities transaction, or series of related transactions effected over a 30 calendar day period, involving 500 shares or less in the aggregate, if (i) the Access Person has no prior knowledge of activity in such security by any fund in the Complex and (ii) the issuer is listed on The New York Stock Exchange or has a market capitalization (outstanding shares multiplied by the current price per share) greater than $1 billion (or a corresponding market capitalization in foreign markets).
(g) Any fixed-income Securities transaction, or series of related transactions effected over a 30 calendar day period, involving 100 units ($100,000 principal amount) or less in the aggregate, if the Access Person has no prior knowledge of transactions in such Securities by any fund in the Complex.
(h) Any transaction in index options effected on a broad-based index. 3
(i) Purchases or sales of Securities which receive the prior approval of the Compliance Officer (such person having no personal interest in such purchases or sales), based on a determination that no abuse is involved and that such purchases and sales are not likely to have any economic impact on any fund in the Complex or on its ability to purchase or sell Securities of the same class or other Securities of the same issuer. With respect to the requirements of Section 4.A. above, the Compliance Officer may approve certain hardship or other exceptions.
|
(j) |
Purchases or sales of Unit Investment Trusts. |
|
(k) |
Purchases or sales of Securities that are part of an |
_________________________
3 |
A list of such indices will be maintained by the Compliance Officer. |
11
Revised 4/6/05
automatic investment/withdrawal program or that result from automatic rebalancing.
|
6. |
Preclearance |
Access Persons (other than Disinterested Directors/Trustees) must preclear all personal Securities investments with the exception of those identified in subparts (a), (c), (d), (h) and (j) of Section 5 and Section 4.A. above.
All requests for preclearance must be submitted to the Compliance Officer for approval. All approved orders must be executed by the close of business on the day in which preclearance is granted; provided, however that approved orders for Securities traded in foreign markets may be executed within two (2) business days from the date preclearance is granted. If any order is not timely executed, a request for preclearance must be resubmitted.
|
7. |
Reporting |
(a) Disinterested Directors/Trustees shall report to the Secretary of the Fund the information described in Section 7(b) hereof with respect to transactions in any Security in which such Disinterested Director/Trustee has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership in the Security only if such Disinterested Director/Trustee, at the time of that transaction knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a Director/Trustee of the Fund, should have known that, during the 15-day period immediately preceding or subsequent to the date of the transaction in a Security by such Director/Trustee, such Security is or was purchased or sold by the Fund or was being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund, the Manager or Adviser/Subadviser; provided, however, that a Disinterested
12
Revised 4/6/05
Director/Trustee is not required to make a report with respect to transactions effected in any account over which such Director/Trustee does not have any direct or indirect influence or control or in any account of the Disinterested Director/Trustee which is managed on a discretionary basis by a person other than such Director/Trustee and with respect to which such Director/Trustee does not in fact influence or control such transactions. The Secretary of the Fund shall maintain such reports and such other records to the extent required by Rule 17j-1 under the Act.
(b) Every report required by Section 7(a) hereof shall be made not later than ten days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
|
(i) |
The date of the transaction, the title and the number of shares, and the principal amount of each Security involved; |
|
(ii) |
The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition); |
|
(iii) |
The price at which the transaction was effected; |
|
(iv) |
The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and |
|
(v) |
The date that the report is submitted. |
(c) Any such report may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership in the Security to which the report relates.
8. |
Records of Securities Transactions and Post-Trade Review |
Access Persons (other than Disinterested Directors/Trustees) are required to direct their brokers to supply, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of confirmations of all
13
Revised 4/6/05
personal Securities transactions and copies of periodic statements for all Securities accounts in which such Access Persons have a Beneficial Ownership interest to the Compliance Officer. Such instructions must be made upon becoming an Access Person and promptly as new accounts are established, but no later than ten days after the end of a calendar quarter, with respect to any account established by the Access Person in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect beneficial interest of the Access Person. Notification must be made in writing and a copy of the notification must be submitted to Compliance. This notification will include the broker, dealer or bank with which the account was established and the date the account was established.
Compliance with this Code requirement will be deemed to satisfy the reporting requirements imposed on Access Persons under Rule 17j-1(d), provided, however, that such confirmations and statements contain all the information required by Section 7. b. hereof and are furnished within the time period required by such section.
The Compliance Officer will periodically review the personal investment activity of all Access Persons (including Disinterested Directors/Trustees with respect to Securities transactions reported pursuant to Section 7 above) and holdings reports of all Access Persons.
9. |
Disclosure of Personal Holdings |
Within ten days after an individual first becomes an Access Person and thereafter on an annual basis, each Access Person (other than Disinterested Directors/Trustees) must disclose all personal Securities holdings. Such disclosure must be made in writing and be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the
14
Revised 4/6/05
date the individual first became an Access Person with respect to the initial report and include information that is current within the previous 45 days, with respect to the annual report. All such reports shall include the following: title, number of shares and principal amount of each security held, name of broker, dealer or bank with whom these securities are held and the date of submission by the Access Person.
10. |
Gifts |
Access Persons are prohibited from receiving any gift or other thing, which would be considered excessive in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Fund. Occasional business meals or entertainment (theatrical or sporting events, etc.) are permitted so long as they are not excessive in number or cost.
11. |
Service As a Director |
Investment Personnel are prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization based upon a determination that the board service would be consistent with the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In the limited instances that such board service is authorized, Investment Personnel will be isolated from those making investment decisions affecting transactions in Securities issued by any publicly traded company on whose board such Investment Personnel serves as a director through the use of Chinese Wall or other procedures designed to address the potential conflicts of interest.
12. |
Certification of Compliance with the Code |
Access Persons are required to certify annually as follows:
|
(i) |
that they have read and understood the Code; |
|
(ii) |
that they recognize that they are subject to the Code; |
15
Revised 4/6/05
(iii) | that they have complied with the requirements of the Code; and | |
|
(iv) |
that
they have disclosed or reported all personal Securities transactions
required to be disclosed or reported
|
13. |
Code Violations and Sanctions |
All violations of the Code will be reviewed by the Committee. The Committee will determine any sanctions or other disciplinary actions that may be deemed appropriate. All material violations and corresponding sanctions and/or disciplinary action will be reported to the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund on a quarterly basis. The Board of Directors/Trustees may take action as it deems appropriate, in addition to any action previously taken by the Committee.
14. |
Review by the Board of Directors/Trustees |
The Board of Directors/Trustees will be provided with an annual report which at a minimum:
(i) certifies to the Board that the Fund, Manager, Investment Adviser/Subadviser, and Principal Underwriter have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent its Access persons from violating its Code.
(ii) summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the preceding year;
(iii) identifies material Code or procedural violations and sanctions imposed in response to those material violations; and
(iv) identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon the Funds experience under the Code, evolving industry practices, or
16
Revised 4/6/05
developments
in applicable laws and regulations.
The Board will review such report and determine if any further action is required.
As of 4/6/05
17
Revised 4/6/05
Explanatory Notes to Code
1. No comparable Code requirements have been imposed upon Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, the Funds transfer agent, or those of its directors or officers who are not Directors/Trustees or Officers of the Fund since they are deemed not to constitute Access Persons or Advisory Persons as defined in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of Rule 17j-1.
18
Revised 4/6/05
Exhibit A
|
Definition of Beneficial Ownership |
The term beneficial ownership of securities would include not only ownership of securities held by an access person for his or her own benefit, whether in bearer form or registered in his or her own name or otherwise, but also ownership of securities held for his or her benefit by other (regardless of whether or how they are registered) such as custodians, brokers, executors, administrators, or trustees (including trusts in which he or she has only a remainder interest), and securities held for his or her account by pledges, securities owned by a partnership in which he or she should regard as a personal holding corporation. Correspondingly, this term would exclude securities held by an access person for the benefit of someone else.
Ordinarily, this term would not include securities held by executors or administrators in estates in which an access person is a legatee or beneficiary unless there is a specific legacy to such person of such securities or such person is the sole legatee or beneficiary and there are other assets in the estate sufficient to pay debts ranking ahead of such legacy, or the securities are held in the estate more than a year after the decedents death.
Securities held in the name of another should be considered as beneficially owned by an access person where such person enjoys benefits substantially equivalent to ownership. The SEC has said that although the final determination of beneficial ownership is a question to be determined in the light of the facts of the particular case, generally a person is regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held in the name of his or her spouse and their minor children. Absent special circumstances such relationship ordinarily results in such person obtaining benefits substantially equivalent to ownership, e.g., application of the income derived from such securities to maintain a common home, to meet expenses which such person otherwise would meet from other sources, or the ability to exercise a controlling influence over the purchase, sale or voting of such securities.
An access person also may be regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held in the name of another person, if by reason of any contact, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, he obtains therefrom benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership. Moreover, the fact that the holder is a relative or relative of a spouse and sharing the same home as an access person may in itself indicate that the access person would obtain benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership from securities held in the name of such relative. Thus, absent countervailing facts, it is expected that securities held by relatives who share the same home as an access person will be treated as being beneficially owned by the access person.
An access person also is regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held in the name of a spouse, minor children or other person, even though he does not obtain therefrom the aforementioned benefits of ownership, if he can vest or revest title in himself at once or at some future time.
As of 4/6/05
Exhibit (p)(2)
Personal Securities
Trading Policy
Prudential Financial, Inc.- For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
INTRODUCTION
As a leader in the financial services industry, Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential or Company) aspires to the highest standards of business conduct. Consistent with this standard, Prudential has developed a Personal Securities Trading Policy (Policy) incorporating policies and procedures followed by leading financial service firms. This Policy is designed to ensure Prudential and its associates comply with various securities laws and regulations including the Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988 (ITSFEA) and the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Conduct Rules, and to ensure that its associates conduct their personal trading in a manner consistent with Prudentials policy of placing its shareholders and customers interests first.
This Policy sets forth insider trading standards and requirements, trade monitoring procedures, and personal trading restrictions for Prudential associates.
Section I sets forth Prudentials Policy Statement On Insider Trading that applies to all Prudential associates. It is important that all Prudential associates read and understand this policy, which sets forth their responsibilities in connection with the use and disclosure of material nonpublic information.
Section II sets forth Prudentials trade monitoring procedures and trade reporting obligations for Covered and Access Persons, including the authorized broker-dealer requirements.
Section III sets forth Prudentials policy and restrictions relating to personal trading in securities issued by Prudential for Designated Persons and all other Prudential associates. Responsibilities for Section 16 Insiders are covered under a separate policy.
Section IV sets forth the additional trading policies and procedures applicable to associates of a Prudential broker-dealer.
Section V sets forth the additional trading policies and procedures applicable to associates of a Prudential portfolio management unit, trading unit or registered investment adviser.
Section VI sets forth the additional trading policies and procedures applicable to associates of the private asset management units of Prudential Investment Management (PIM).
Section VII sets forth the additional trading policies and procedures applicable to associates of Prudential Equity Group, Inc. (PEG).
If you are unclear as to your personal trading and reporting responsibilities, or have any questions concerning any aspect of this Policy, please contact the Securities Monitoring Unit, Compliance Department.
The personal trading policy and trade monitoring procedures described in this Policy reflect the practices followed by leading financial service firms. No business unit or
i
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
group may adopt policies or procedures that are inconsistent with this Policy. However, business units may, with the prior approval of the Securities Monitoring Unit, adopt policies and procedures that are more stringent than those contained in this Policy.
ii
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION |
I |
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
III |
I. PRUDENTIAL'S POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING |
6 |
A. Use of Material Nonpublic Information |
6 |
B. Prudential Insider Trading Rules |
6 |
C. What is Nonpublic Information? |
7 |
D. What is Material Information? |
8 |
E. Front-running and Scalping |
9 |
F. Private Securities Transactions |
9 |
G. Charitable Gifts |
9 |
H. Penalties for Insider Trading |
9 |
1. Penalties for Individuals |
10 |
2. Penalties for Supervisors |
10 |
3. Penalties for Prudential |
10 |
II. SECURITIES TRADE MONITORING FOR COVERED AND ACCESS PERSONS |
11 |
A. The SMARTS System |
11 |
B. Covered, Access and Supervised Persons |
11 |
C. Trade Reporting Requirements |
12 |
1. Authorized Broker-Dealer Requirements |
12 |
2. Authorized Broker-Dealer Exceptions |
12 |
3. Trade Reporting Requirements for Exception Accounts |
13 |
4. Personal and Family Member Accounts |
13 |
5. Reportable Securities Transactions |
14 |
6. Confidentiality of Trading Information |
15 |
7. Prohibited Transactions |
15 |
8. Additional Requirements |
15 |
III. POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS FOR PERSONAL TRADING IN SECURITIES ISSUED BY PRUDENTIAL BY DESIGNATED PERSONS |
16 |
A. Designated Persons |
16 |
B. Specific Trading Requirements |
16 |
1. Brokerage Account Requirements for Designated Persons |
17 |
2. Trade Reporting Requirements for Accounts with Non-Authorized Broker-Dealers |
17 |
3. Trading Windows/Blackout Periods |
17 |
4. Preclearance of Trading in Securities Issued by Prudential |
18 |
5. Prohibited Transactions |
18 |
6. PESP |
18 |
C. Supervisory Responsibilities |
18 |
D. Violations to the Policy |
19 |
IV. TRADING RESTRICTIONS FOR ASSOCIATES OF BROKER-DEALERS |
20 |
A. Trade Monitoring for Associates of a Broker/Dealer |
20 |
1. Notification Requirements for Personal Securities Accounts |
20 |
2. Annual Compliance Training and Sign-off |
21 |
3. Requirement for Supervised Persons |
21 |
B. Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public Offerings |
21 |
iii
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
C. Private Securities Transactions |
22 |
D. Additional Restrictions for PEG Associates |
23 |
V.
TRADING RESTRICTIONS FOR PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND TRADING UNITS
|
24 |
A. Background |
24 |
1. Advisers Act Requirements |
24 |
2. Investment Company Act Requirements |
24 |
B. Definitions |
25 |
C. Conflicts of Interest |
25 |
D. Mutual Fund Reporting and Trading Restrictions |
26 |
1. Mutual Fund Holding Period |
26 |
2. Policies Relating to Reporting and Trading Mutual Funds |
27 |
E. Additional Trading Restrictions for Access and Investment Personnel of PIM and Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA) |
28 |
1. Initial Public Offerings |
28 |
2. Private Placements |
28 |
3. Blackout Periods -- 7 Day Rule |
28 |
4. Short-Term Trading Profits |
29 |
5. Short Sales |
29 |
6. Options |
29 |
F. Investment Clubs |
29 |
G. Prohibited Transactions Involving Securities Issued by Prudential |
29 |
H. Preclearance |
30 |
I. Exemptions |
30 |
1. Ineligible securities. |
30 |
2. Exercise of rights issued by issuer. |
30 |
3. De minimis trades. |
31 |
4. Discretionary accounts. |
31 |
5. Index options. |
31 |
6. Unit investment trusts and open-end mutual funds. |
31 |
7. Non-volitional transactions and dividend reinvestment plans. |
31 |
8. Exceptions by prior written approval. |
31 |
9. Automatic Investment/Withdrawal Programs and Automatic Rebalancing. |
32 |
J. Personal Trade Reporting |
32 |
K. Personal Securities Holdings |
32 |
L. Service as a Director |
32 |
M. Gifts |
33 |
N. Code Violations and Sanctions |
33 |
O. Reports to Clients |
33 |
P.
Additional Trading Requirements for Access Persons of Global Portfolio
Strategies
|
33 |
1. Initial Public Offerings |
34 |
2. Private Placements |
34 |
3. Restricted Lists |
34 |
VI. TRADING RESTRICTIONS OF PRIVATE ASSET MANAGEMENT UNITS |
35 |
A. Background |
35 |
B. Conflicts of Interest |
35 |
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C. Requirement of Private-Side Associates |
36 |
D. Private Side Monitored List & Global Real Estate Monitored List |
37 |
E. Investment Clubs |
37 |
F. Mutual Fund Reporting and Trading Restrictions |
37 |
1. Mutual Fund Holding Period |
38 |
2. Policies Relating to Reporting and Trading Mutual Funds |
38 |
D. Personal Securities Holdings |
39 |
E. Private Placements |
39 |
F. Initial Public Offerings |
39 |
G. Additional Restrictions for Certain Units |
40 |
1. Real Estate Units |
40 |
2. Prudential Capital Group |
40 |
VII. POLICY FOR PRUDENTIAL EQUITY GROUP, INC. |
41 |
A. Associated Persons Securities Accounts |
41 |
1. Trade Monitoring at PEG |
41 |
B. Definition of Employee Account and Employee Related Account |
41 |
C. Investment Clubs |
42 |
D. Personal Trading Restrictions |
42 |
1. Purchases of Public Equity Offerings |
42 |
2. Private Securities Transactions |
42 |
3. Annual Compliance Training |
42 |
4. 24 - Hour Research Report Restriction |
42 |
E. Restricted List |
43 |
F. Additional Trading Restrictions for Certain PEG Departments |
43 |
1. Trading Restrictions |
43 |
2. Preclearance Procedures |
43 |
EXHIBITS |
44 |
Exhibit 1 Sample Letter to Brokerage Firm |
44 |
Exhibit 2 Acknowledgment of the Personal Securities Trading Policy |
45 |
Exhibit 3 Compliance and Reporting of Personal Transactions |
47 |
Exhibit 4 Index Options On a Broad-Based Index |
49 |
Exhibit 5 Personal Securities Holdings Report |
50 |
Exhibit 6 -- Section 16 Insiders and Designated Persons Preclearance Request Form |
52 |
Exhibit 7 -- Non Proprietary Subadvised Mutual Funds |
54 |
Exhibit
8 Initial Public Offering and Private Placement Preclearance
Form for Access
|
55 |
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I. PRUDENTIAL'S POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING
Prudential aspires to the highest standard of business ethics. Accordingly, Prudential has developed the following standards and requirements to ensure the proper protection of material nonpublic information and to comply with laws and regulations governing insider trading.
A. Use of Material Nonpublic Information
In the course of your work at Prudential, you may receive or have access to material nonpublic information about Prudential or other public companies. Company policy, industry practice and federal and state laws establish strict guidelines regarding the use of material nonpublic information.
|
You may not use material nonpublic information, obtained in the course of your employment, for your personal gain or share such information with others for their personal benefit; |
|
You must treat as confidential all information that is not publicly disclosed concerning Prudentials financial information and key performance drivers, investment activity or plans, or the financial condition and business activity of Prudential or any company with which Prudential is doing business; and |
|
If you possess material nonpublic information, you must preserve its confidentiality and disclose it only to other associates who have a legitimate business need for the information. |
Under federal securities law, it is illegal to buy or sell a security while in possession of material nonpublic information relating to the security. 1 It is also illegal to tip others about inside information. In other words, you may not pass material nonpublic information about an issuer on to others or recommend that they trade the issuers securities.
Insider trading is an extremely complex area of the law principally regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If you have any questions concerning the law or a particular situation, you should consult with the Securities Monitoring Unit, Compliance Department or the Law Department. If you believe that you may have material nonpublic information about a public company obtained in the course of your position, or if you are in a portfolio or asset management unit and you believe you may have material nonpublic information regardless of the source, you should notify your Chief Compliance Officer or the Securities Monitoring Unit so that the securities can be monitored and/or placed on a restricted list as appropriate.
B. Prudential Insider Trading Rules
__________________
1 In some circumstances, additional elements may be required for there to be a violation of law, including scienter and breach of a duty.
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Below are three rules concerning insider trading. Failure to comply with these rules could result in violations of the federal securities laws and subject you to severe penalties described in Section H . Violations of these rules also may result in discipline by Prudential up to and including termination of employment.
(1) |
You may not buy or sell securities issued by Prudential or any other public company if you are in possession of material nonpublic information relating to those companies. This restriction applies to transactions for you, members of your family, Prudential or any other person for whom you may buy or sell securities. In addition, you may not recommend to others that they buy or sell that security. |
(2) |
If you are aware that Prudential is considering or actually trading any security for any account it manages, you must regard that as material nonpublic information. Accordingly, you may not make any trade or recommendation involving that security, until seven calendar days after you know that such trading is no longer being considered or until seven calendar days after Prudential ceases trading in that security. 2 In addition, you must treat any nonpublic information about portfolio holdings of any registered investment company managed by Prudential as material nonpublic information. |
(3) |
You may not communicate material nonpublic information to anyone except individuals who are entitled to receive it in connection with the performance of their responsibilities for Prudential (i.e., individuals with a need to know). |
C. What is Nonpublic Information?
Nonpublic information is information that is not generally available to the investing public. Information is public if it is generally available through the media or disclosed in public documents such as corporate filings with the SEC. If it is disclosed in a national business or financial wire service (such as Dow Jones or Bloomberg), in a national news service (such as AP or Reuters), in a newspaper, on the television, on the radio, or in a publicly disseminated disclosure document (such as a proxy statement or prospectus), you may consider the information to be public. If the information is not available in the general media or in a public filing, you should consider it to be nonpublic. Neither partial disclosure (disclosure of part of the information), nor the existence of rumors, is sufficient to consider the information to be public. If you are uncertain as to whether information is nonpublic, you should consult your Chief Compliance Officer, the Securities Monitoring Unit or the Law Department.
While you must be especially alert to sensitive information, you may consider information received directly from a designated company spokesperson to be public information unless you know or have reason to believe that such information is not generally available to the investing public. An associate working on a private securities transaction who receives information from a company representative regarding the transaction should presume that the information is nonpublic.
Example :
_________________________
2 For restrictions applicable to PEG trading department associates, see Section VII.
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When telling a Prudential analyst certain information about the company, a company representative gives indication that the information may be nonpublic by saying This is not generally known but . . . In such a situation, the analyst should assume that the information is nonpublic.
D. What is Material Information?
There is no statutory definition of material information. You should assume that information is material if an investor, considering all the surrounding facts and circumstances, would find such information important in deciding whether or when to buy or sell a security. In general, any nonpublic information that, if announced, could affect the price of the security should be considered to be material information. If you are not sure whether nonpublic information is material, you should consult the Law Department, the Securities Monitoring Unit or your Chief Compliance Officer.
Material information may be about Prudential or another public company.
Examples :
|
Information about a companys earnings or dividends (e.g., whether earnings will increase or decrease); |
|
Information about a companys physical assets (e.g., an oil discovery, a fire that destroyed a factory, or an environmental problem); |
|
Information about a companys personnel (e.g., a valuable employee leaving or becoming seriously ill); |
|
Information about a companys pension plans (e.g., the removal of assets from an over-funded plan or an increase or decrease in future contributions); |
|
Information about a companys financial status (e.g., financial restructuring plans or changes to planned payments of debt securities); or |
|
Information about a merger, acquisition, tender offer, joint venture or similar transaction involving the Company generally should be considered material. |
Information may be material even though it may not be directly about a company (e.g., if the information is relevant to that company or its products, business, or assets).
Examples :
|
Information that a companys primary supplier is going to increase dramatically the prices it charges; or |
|
Information that a competitor has just developed a product that will cause sales of a companys products to plummet. |
Material information may also include information about Prudentials activities or plans relating to a company unaffiliated with Prudential.
Example :
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Information that Prudential is going to enter into a transaction with a company, such as, for example, awarding a large service contract to a particular company.
E. Front-running and Scalping
Trading while in possession of information concerning Prudentials trades is prohibited by Prudentials insider trading rules and may also violate federal law. This type of trading activity is referred to as front running and scalping.
Front running occurs when an individual, with knowledge of Prudentials trading intentions, knowingly makes a trade in the same direction as Prudential just before Prudential makes its trade. Examples include buying a security just before Prudential buys that security (in the expectation that the price may rise based on such purchase) or selling a security just before Prudential sells such security (in the expectation that such sale will lead to a drop in price).
Scalping is making a trade in the opposite direction just after Prudentials trade, in other words, buying a security just after Prudential stops selling such security or selling just after Prudential stops buying such security.
Example:
Prudential is planning to sell a large position in ABC Co. If you sell ABC Co. securities ahead of Prudential in expectation that the large sale will depress its price, you are engaging in front running. If you purchase ABC Co. securities after Prudential has completed its sale to take advantage of the temporary price decrease, you are engaging in scalping.
F. Private Securities Transactions
The antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws apply to transactions in both publicly traded securities and private securities. However, the insider trading laws do not prohibit private securities transactions where both parties to the transaction have possession of the same material nonpublic information.
G. Charitable Gifts
If you are in possession of material nonpublic information concerning a security you hold, you may not gift the security to a charitable institution and receive a tax deduction on the gift.
H. Penalties for Insider Trading 3
_________________________
3 In addition to the penalties listed in this section, Prudential and/or Prudential associates could be subject to penalties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) if the insider trading occurs in connection with an ERISA plans investment.
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1. Penalties for Individuals
Individuals who illegally trade while in possession of material nonpublic information or who illegally tip such information to others may be subject to severe civil and criminal penalties including disgorgement of profits, substantial fines and imprisonment. Employment consequences of such behavior may include the loss or suspension of licenses to work in the securities industry, and disciplinary action by Prudential up to and including termination of employment.
2. Penalties for Supervisors
The law provides for penalties for controlling persons of individuals who commit insider trading. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, supervisors of an associate who is found liable for insider trading may be subject to criminal fines up to $1 million per violation, civil penalties and fines, and discipline by Prudential up to and including termination of employment.
3. Penalties for Prudential
Prudential could also be subject to penalties in the event an associate is found liable for insider trading. Such penalties include, among others, harsh criminal fines and civil penalties, as well as, restrictions placed on Prudentials ability to conduct certain business activities including broker-dealer, investment adviser, and investment company activities.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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II. SECURITIES TRADE MONITORING FOR COVERED AND ACCESS PERSONS
A. The SMARTS System
Federal Law requires all broker-dealers and investment advisers to establish procedures to prevent insider trading by their associates. In addition, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines require companies to establish reasonable procedures to prevent and detect violations of the law. To comply with these and other similar laws and rules, Prudential has developed the Personal Securities Trading Policy to prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information about Prudential or other public companies. All employees are held to the general principles of the Policy to ensure the proper use of material nonpublic information.
However, certain employees are required to have their personal trading activities monitored and may be subject to additional restrictions. Prudential has established a program to monitor the personal securities trading of associates with routine access to nonpublic corporate information about Prudential or any external public company, portfolio management activities, nonpublic mutual fund holdings information or other sensitive information. These individuals are required to have their personal securities transactions monitored in the securities trade monitoring system known as SMARTS (Securities Monitoring Automated Reporting and Tracking System).
B. Covered, Access and Supervised Persons
Certain employees are classified as Covered or Access Persons (as defined below). These individuals are categorized based on the information to which they have access. Covered and Access Persons are required to report their personal securities transactions and conform to the authorized broker-dealer requirements (discussed below).
Access Persons - Associates who work in or support portfolio management activities, have access to nonpublic investment advisory client trading information or recommendations or have access to nonpublic portfolio holdings of mutual funds. See Section V for specific requirements. Certain Access Persons are subject to preclearance of all personal securities trading activity, while other Access Persons may only be subject to specific trading restrictions.
Covered Persons Associates, other than Access Persons, who may have access to material nonpublic information about external public companies or those individuals who have a regulatory obligation to be monitored. 4
_________________________
4 Private-Side Associates, as defined under Section VI of this policy (excluding employees of PMCC), are considered Access Persons under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 due to their access to investment advisory client trading information. These individuals will continue to be called Covered Persons or Private-Side Associates under this Policy.
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In addition, certain individuals may be classified as Supervised Persons of a registered investment adviser. Supervised Persons are subject to the following requirements:
|
|
Acknowledge receipt of their Investment Adviser Code of Ethics (Code), including this Policy and any amendments to the Code and/or Policy; |
|
|
Comply with all applicable federal securities laws; and |
|
|
Report any violations of the Code including this Policy to his/her Chief Compliance Officer or the Securities Monitoring Unit. |
If an individual is only classified as a Supervised Person, and is not also classified as an Access, Covered or Designated Person, as defined in Section III.A . , he/she is not required to report his/her personal securities trading activity and is not subject to the authorized broker/dealer requirements.
Supervised Persons are individuals who are officers, directors and employees of a registered investment adviser, as well as certain other individuals who provide advice on behalf of the adviser and are subject to the advisers supervision and control.
If you are unsure as to whether you are an Access, Covered, or Supervised Person, contact your Chief Compliance Officer or the Securities Monitoring Unit. 5
C. Trade Reporting Requirements
1. Authorized Broker-Dealer Requirements
Covered and Access Persons are required to maintain personal brokerage accounts at an authorized broker-dealer. The authorized firms are Wachovia Securities, Pruco Securities, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, Fidelity Investments, and Merrill Lynch. Covered and Access Persons can find information about each firm through the authorized broker-dealer website at http://njplazx51/authorizedbrokerdealers . The account types that are subject to the authorized broker-dealer requirements are listed below in Section C. 4 .
Prudential Financial, Inc. securities held at EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. are not required to be transferred.
New Associates who are subject to this requirement will be required to transfer accounts to an authorized broker-dealer within 60 days of becoming a Covered and/or Access Person. Associates must instruct their brokers to send trading activity (written confirmations and statements) to the Securities Monitoring Unit while they are in the process of transferring their accounts. A sample letter to a brokerage firm is provided as Exhibit 1 to this Policy.
2. Authorized Broker-Dealer Exceptions
Exceptions to the authorized broker-dealer requirement are limited and should be submitted to the Chief Compliance Officer responsible for your business unit who will submit the request to the appropriate Business Unit or Corporate Department Executive
_________________________
5 PEG monitors the personal trading of its associates in conformity with applicable NYSE and NASD rules, through its own process utilizing SMARTS technology. See Section VII.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
at the Senior Vice President level or above for review. Documentation for all exceptions must be forwarded to your business unit compliance officer for review. Exceptions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on the following criteria:
|
Accounts held jointly with or accounts for spouses who are subject to the same type of personal trading requirements that pre-date this policy (June 27, 2002) or that were established prior to being subject to this policy. |
|
Accounts in which the employee has a formal investment management agreement that provides full discretionary authority to a third party money manager. A copy of the management agreement must be submitted to the business unit compliance officer. |
|
Blind trusts and family trusts. A copy of the trust agreement must be submitted to the business unit compliance officer. |
|
Accounts for international employees in locations where there is no local presence or access to one of these firms. |
|
Accounts holding non-transferable securities that may not, due to their nature, be liquidated without undue hardship to the employee (new purchases generally will not be permitted.) |
|
Direct stock purchase or dividend reinvestment plans that are established directly with a public company. |
3. Trade Reporting Requirements for Exception Accounts
If you are granted an exception to the authorized broker-dealer requirement, you must direct the brokerage firm(s) that maintains your securities account(s) to send duplicate copies of your trade confirmations and account statements (trading activity) to the Securities Monitoring Unit. A sample letter to a brokerage firm is provided as Exhibit 1 to this Policy. Remember, accounts maintained at Wachovia Securities, Pruco Securities, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, Merrill Lynch, and Fidelity Investments are exempt from this requirement. 6
4. Personal and Family Member Accounts
You are required to maintain in the manner described above, all securities accounts in which you have a beneficial interest, including the following:
(1) |
Personal accounts; |
(2) |
Accounts in which your spouse has beneficial interest; |
(3) |
Accounts in which your minor children or any dependent family member has a beneficial interest; |
(4) |
Joint or tenant-in-common accounts in which you are a participant; |
(5) |
Accounts for which you act as trustee, executor or custodian; |
_________________________
6 Information concerning securities transactions at the authorized broker-dealers is fed by computer link directly to Prudentials trade monitoring system, SMARTS.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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(6) |
Accounts over which you exercise control or have any investment discretion; and |
(7) |
Accounts of any individual to whose financial support you materially contribute. 7 |
Mutual fund accounts held directly at mutual fund companies, where the account is systematically blocked from trading any securities other than mutual funds, and/or 529 College Savings Plans are not subject to the Policy and do not require disclosure. 8,9 However, all brokerage accounts, even those that only hold mutual funds, are subject to the Policy and must comply with the authorized broker-dealer requirements.
All monitored associates are required to complete and sign an annual Acknowledgment Form, attached as Exhibit 2 , identifying and listing the location of all reportable brokerage accounts, including those held at authorized broker-dealers and those held at non-authorized firms. For the latter, your signature on the Acknowledgement Form will confirm that you have instructed all brokers for such accounts to send duplicate copies of account statements and trade confirmations to the Securities Monitoring Unit. If you are classified an Access or Covered Person, by signing the annual Acknowledgment Form you are also confirming your obligations of notifying the Securities Monitoring Unit of any changes to your accounts that have been granted exceptions under the authorized broker-dealer requirements. 10 Acknowledgment forms, which are supplied to you electronically by the Securities Monitoring Unit, must be completed annually. 11
5. Reportable Securities Transactions
In general, all securities transactions are reportable by Access and Covered Persons except where noted below:
|
Covered Persons, with the exception of Private-Side Associates as defined in Section VI , are not required to report purchases and sales of open-end mutual funds, affiliated variable insurance products and variable annuities, certificates of deposit and certain United States government securities. |
|
Investment Personnel, as defined in Section V.B . , Access Persons and Private-Side Associates are not required to report certificates of deposit and certain United States government securities. Individuals under these classifications are however required to report purchases and sales of affiliated variable insurance products and variable annuities and any underlying sub-account transactions associated with these products, as well as any transactions and holdings of certain open-end mutual funds as described in Section V . |
_________________________
7 For example, this would include individuals with whom you share living expenses, bank accounts, rent or mortgage payments, ownership of a home, or any other material financial support.
8 Investment Personnel, Access Persons and Private-Side Associates are subject to certain trading restrictions and reporting requirements with respect to mutual fund transactions and holdings. See Section V.B.
9 A list of approved mutual fund companies is maintained by the Securities Monitoring Unit.
10 Any changes to accounts that have been previously been granted exceptions must be reevaluated to determine if the exception is still permitted.
11 The Securities Monitoring Unit administers the processing of annual acknowledgment forms. If you are a reporting associate, and have not completed an acknowledgment form, please contact the Securities Monitoring Unit.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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The chart attached as Exhibit 3 identifies the personal securities transactions that are reportable.
6. Confidentiality of Trading Information
The Securities Monitoring Unit is responsible for maintaining SMARTS, and recognizes that your investment records are highly confidential. Accordingly, the Securities Monitoring Unit follows careful procedures for the collection and review of associate trading information to ensure that such records are kept in the strictest confidence. Other than exception reports which are reviewed by business unit heads and business unit compliance personnel or as required by federal securities laws, the only persons who have access to this information are a small group within the Compliance Department.
7. Prohibited Transactions
All employees, including Covered and Access Persons, are prohibited from selling short including short sales against the box and from participating in any options transactions on any securities issued by Prudential. Employees classified as Designated Persons are subject to additional restrictions relating to securities issued by Prudential. These requirements are outlined in Section III of this Policy.
8. Additional Requirements
Additional information and guidance can be found in the following Sections:
Requirements for Designated Person Section III .
Requirements for Associates of Broker Dealers Section IV .
Requirements for Portfolio Management and Trading Units and Registered Investment Advisers. Section V .
Requirements for Private Asset Management Units Section VI .
Requirements for associates of PEG Section VII .
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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III. POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS FOR PERSONAL TRADING IN SECURITIES ISSUED BY PRUDENTIAL BY DESIGNATED PERSONS
This Section specifically addresses the requirements for those associates who have routine access to material nonpublic information about Prudential. These requirements are consistent with policies of leading financial service firms. Specific policies and procedures relating to Section 16 Insiders are addressed in a separate policy statement, which is available through the Securities Monitoring Unit.
A. Designated Persons
A Designated Person is an employee who, during the normal course of his or her job, has routine access to material nonpublic information about Prudential, including information about one or more business units or corporate level information. Employees at the corporate rank of Executive Vice President (EVP) and above are deemed to be Designated Persons. Direct reports to each Vice Chairman and EVP and their direct reports are also deemed to be Designated Persons.
The Vice Presidents (VPs) of Finance for each business unit must identify additional employees in each unit who, regardless of level, have routine access to material nonpublic information about Prudential. It is the responsibility of the VPs of Finance to notify the Securities Monitoring Unit of any changes to this list.
Finally, management of all other business groups and corporate departments are required to identify and inform the Securities Monitoring Unit of any additional employees, who through the performance of their jobs, have regular access to material nonpublic information.
Employees who have been classified as a Designated Person, but believe that they do not have access to material nonpublic information, may request an exception to this requirement. Requests should be forwarded to the Securities Monitoring Unit, who in consultation with the Law Department, will review and facilitate the request. Certain exceptions must be approved by Prudentials General Counsel.
B. Specific Trading Requirements
All employees are prohibited from trading securities issued by Prudential while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding the Company. All employees are also prohibited from selling short including short sales against the box and from participating in any options transactions on any securities issued by Prudential. Employees are also discouraged from engaging in speculative transactions in securities issued by Prudential and are encouraged to hold Prudential securities for long-term investment.
Designated Persons are required to preclear all transactions in Company securities prior to execution through the Securities Monitoring Unit. This requirement excludes
16
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
transactions in Prudential mutual funds and annuities. Trades will be approved only during open trading windows. Designated Persons are also subject to the general prohibition relating to short sales and options transactions. These restrictions apply to all accounts in which a Designated Person has a direct or indirect beneficial interest including, but not limited to, accounts for spouses, family members living in your household, and accounts for which the Designated Person or his/her family member exercises investment discretion.
1. Brokerage Account Requirements for Designated Persons
Designated Persons are required to hold and trade Prudential Financial, Inc. common stock and related equity derivative securities (PRU) only at an authorized broker-dealer. The authorized firms are Wachovia Securities, Pruco Securities, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, Fidelity Investments, and Merrill Lynch.
Designated Persons can access information about each firm through the authorized broker-dealer website at http://njplazx51/authorizedbrokerdealers .
This requirement applies to accounts for you, your family members, or accounts in which you have a beneficial interest or over which you have trading authority. See Section II.C.4. for a complete list of applicable accounts. You may still maintain your accounts at non-authorized broker-dealers for your non-PRU positions, however those accounts are still subject to Prudentials monitoring procedures outlined below in Section B.2.
While PRU stock held by you at EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., (EquiServe) is subject to the provisions of this Policy (e.g., transactions are subject to preclearance and trading window requirements), Designated Persons are not required to transfer PRU positions held at EquiServe to an authorized broker-dealer.
2. Trade Reporting Requirements for Accounts with Non-Authorized Broker-Dealers
Designated Persons who maintain brokerage accounts with brokerage firms (for their non-PRU positions) other than the authorized broker-dealers listed in Section B.1. above, must direct the brokerage firm(s) to send duplicate copies of trade confirmations and account statements to the Securities Monitoring Unit. 12 A sample letter to a brokerage firm is provided as Exhibit 1 to this Policy.
3. Trading Windows/Blackout Periods
Designated Persons are permitted to trade in securities issued by Prudential only during open trading windows. Approximately 24 hours after the Company releases its quarterly earnings to the public, the trading window generally opens and generally will remain open until approximately two weeks before the end of each quarter. In addition, the Company may notify Designated Persons regarding unscheduled blackout periods. For example, in the event the Company decides to make an unscheduled announcement (e.g., a pre quarter-end earnings estimate), Prudential may restrict trading activity during a normally permissible trading window. The Securities Monitoring Unit will notify
_________________________
12 Information concerning securities transactions at the authorized broker-dealers is fed by computer link directly to SMARTS. For accounts held at unauthorized firms, the Securities Monitoring Unit must receive paper copies of all confirms and monthly statements.
17
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Designated Persons of the opening of trading windows and the commencement of blackout periods.
4. Preclearance of Trading in Securities Issued by Prudential
Designated Persons are required to preclear all transactions in securities issued by Prudential through the Securities Monitoring Unit. Designated Persons should submit requests electronically through the SMARTS Preclearance Intranet site. Designated Persons will be sent a link to the Preclearance site from the Securities Monitoring Unit, and a link is also available from the Compliance Departments Intranet site. All approved transactions are valid until the close of the market on the day in which preclearance is granted. Therefore, Designated Persons may not enter into good until cancelled or limit orders involving Prudential securities that carry over until the next trading day. (See Exhibit 6 for sample SMARTS Preclearance Request Form.)
Transactions that require preclearance include, but are not limited to, the following:
|
Open market transactions through a broker/dealer; |
|
Prudential securities transactions executed in EquiServe accounts; |
|
Gifts received or given; |
|
Stock option, restricted stock and performance share plan exercises; and |
|
Prudential Employee Savings Plan (PESP) and Deferred Compensation Plan Company Stock Fund transactions. Purchases through automatic payroll deductions need only be precleared at the time the election is made. Preclearance requests for automatic payroll elections will only be accepted during open trading windows. |
5. Prohibited Transactions
All employees are prohibited from selling short including short sales against the box and from participating in any options transactions on any securities issued by Prudential.
In addition, Designated Persons are prohibited from exercising their employee stock options during a blackout period, regardless of whether the transaction involves the sale of Prudential securities. As a result, controls have been established to prevent option exercises during closed trading windows. If a blocking system fails, the employee will be responsible for the exception to the Policy.
6. PESP
Certain controls have been established to prevent trading activity in PESP during closed trading periods. PESP transactions that are blocked include exchanges, deferral rate and allocation changes, loans and distributions. Remember, it is the Designated Persons obligation to comply with this Policy including the preclearance and trading window requirements. If a blocking system fails, the employee will be responsible for the exception to the Policy.
C. Supervisory Responsibilities
The VPs of Finance, in conjunction with the Business Unit and Department Heads or
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their designees, are responsible for identifying changes to the Designated Persons list in their areas and informing the Securities Monitoring Unit, and, with the Securities Monitoring Unit, facilitating employee understanding of and conformity with this Policy. The trade monitoring process is conducted by the Securities Monitoring Unit with matters brought to the attention of Business Unit/Department Head management as needed.
D. Violations to the Policy
Violations or other exceptions to this policy including the preclearance and trading window requirements are reviewed by the Designated Persons Personal Trading Policy Committee. Policy violations or exceptions that may result in disciplinary action, other than an educational reminder, will be resolved with the employees supervisor. Individuals who do not comply with the Policy are subject to disciplinary action that may include fines or other monetary penalties up to and including termination of employment.
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IV. TRADING RESTRICTIONS FOR ASSOCIATES OF BROKER-DEALERS
A. Trade Monitoring for Associates of a Broker/Dealer
Prudential has a number of different broker/dealers including Pruco Securities Corporation (Pruco), Prudential Investment Management Services, LLC. (PIMS), American Skandia Marketing, Incorporated (ASM), Prudential Retirement Brokerage Services, Inc. (PRBS) that are specifically referred to as Broker-Dealers under this Section. 13
Pruco is a full service broker-dealer whose business is limited to the facilitation of non-solicited customer orders of general securities and the distribution of investment company and variable contract products. PIMS and ASM) are a full service broker-dealers whose primary business is restricted to the facilitation of customer orders in and distribution of Prudential mutual funds, annuities, and 529 plan interests. PRBS is a discount broker-dealer that primarily offers Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to retirement plan participants serviced by Prudential Retirement. Investments offered include mutual funds, stocks, bonds and municipal securities.
Unlike Prudential units that participate in the personal trade monitoring system, the nature and scope of the Broker-Dealers businesses are such that their associates do not have access to material nonpublic information concerning publicly traded securities through their employment. 14 Accordingly, Broker-Dealer associates are generally not required to participate in SMARTS. However, pursuant to SEC and NASD regulations, Broker-Dealer Registered Representatives must comply with the reporting requirements listed below. 15 In addition, certain officers and registered representatives of Pruco and PRBS, who are also federally registered investment advisers, have been identified as Supervised Persons, as defined in Section II.B. The requirements for Supervised Persons are also outlined below.
1. Notification Requirements for Personal Securities Accounts
In accordance with NASD Rule 3050, Broker-Dealer Registered Representatives (Registered Representatives) must notify the Broker-Dealer to which they are associated, in writing, prior to opening an account at another broker-dealer, and must notify the Broker-Dealer of any accounts opened prior to becoming a Registered Representative. Registered Representatives must also notify broker-dealers, prior to opening such accounts, that they are Registered Representatives of a broker-dealer. However, if the account was established prior to the association of the person with the Broker-Dealer, the Registered Representative must notify the broker-dealer in writing promptly after becoming so associated.
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13 Requirements for associates of Prudential Equity Group, LLC are covered under Section VII of this Policy.
14 Certain PIMS personnel employed by portfolio management units may be subject to the personal securities trading restrictions set forth in Section V . due to their association with portfolio management activities in addition to the restrictions set forth in this Section.
15 ASM associated persons follow policies and procedures outlined in AMSs compliance manual that are generally consistent with the requirements of this Section.
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These notification requirements apply to all personal securities accounts of Registered Representatives and any securities accounts over which they have discretionary authority.
Registered Representatives are not required to report accounts that are limited to the following types of investments: (1) mutual funds; (2) variable life and variable annuity contracts; (3) unit investment trusts; (4) certificates of deposit; (5) 529 Plans; and (6) money market fund accounts. 16
2. Annual Compliance Training and Sign-off
The NASD/NYSE Joint Memorandum on Chinese Wall Policies and Procedures (NASD Notice to Members 91-45) provides that firms that do not conduct investment banking research or arbitrage activities still must have reasonable procedures for the education and training of its associates about insider trading in order to be in compliance with ITSFEA. Consistent with this Notice, the Broker-Dealers include a statement concerning insider trading in their annual Compliance Overview. Annually, all Registered Representatives are required to sign a statement affirming that they have read and understand the policy concerning insider trading as described in the Broker-Dealers compliance manual and as set forth in Prudentials Policy Statement On Insider Trading contained in Section I of this Policy.
3. Requirement for Supervised Persons
Certain Pruco and PRBS officers and registered representatives involved in investment advisory activity have been classified as Supervised Persons. 17 Supervised Persons are subject to the following requirements:
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Acknowledge receipt of their Investment Adviser Code of Ethics (Code), including this Policy and any amendments to the Code and/or Policy; |
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Comply with all applicable federal securities laws; and |
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Report any violations of the Code including this Policy to his/her Chief Compliance Officer or the Securities Monitoring Unit. |
If an individual is only classified as a Supervised Person, and is not also classified as an Access, Covered or Designated Person, he/she is not required to report his/her personal securities trading activity and is not subject to the authorized broker-dealer requirements outlined in Section I I .
B. Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public Offerings
NASD Rule 2790 prohibits broker-dealers from purchasing or retaining new issues in their own accounts and from selling new issues to a restricted person. Restricted persons are defined as directors, officers, general partners, employees, associated
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16 Associated persons who are also Access Persons and/or Private-Side Associates are required to report certain mutual fund transactions and holdings and purchases of certain variable-life and variable-annuity contracts and sub-account transactions, as described in Section V.D.
17 The Securities Monitoring Unit will notify all individuals who are classified as Supervised Persons.
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persons and agents engaged in the investment banking or securities business of any broker-dealer. New Issues are any initial public offerings of an equity security.
These basic prohibitions also cover sales of new issues to accounts in which any restricted person may have a beneficial interest and, with limited exceptions, to members of the immediate family of such persons. A Restricted Person is permitted to have an interest in an account that purchases new issues (i.e., collective investment accounts including hedge funds, investment partnerships, investment corporations, etc.) provided that the beneficial interests of all restricted persons do not in aggregate exceed 10% of the total account.
The overall purpose of this prohibition is to protect the integrity of the public offering process by requiring that NASD members make a bona-fide public distribution of securities by not withholding such securities for their own benefit or using the securities to reward other persons who are in a position to direct future business to the firm.
To ensure compliance with this Rule, associated persons of Prudentials broker-dealers are prohibited from purchasing securities in any public offerings of equity securities. This prohibition includes all associates of Prudentials broker-dealers including PIMS, PRBS, PRUCO, ASM and PEG (See Section VII for a full discussion of requirements and restrictions applicable to PEG associates.)
The policy applies to all public offerings of equity securities, whether or not the above broker-dealers are participating in the offering. There are no prohibitions on purchases of public offerings of, investment grade asset-backed securities, open-end mutual funds, preferred securities, convertible securities or any debt securities, including but not limited to municipal or government securities.
Which accounts are restricted:
Accounts of all persons associated with the above broker-dealers and their immediate families are restricted from purchasing equity public offerings of securities. The term immediate family includes parents, mother-in-law, father-in-law, spouse, siblings, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, children and their spouses, or any other person who is supported (directly or indirectly) to a material extent by the associated person.
The prohibition does not apply to sales to a member of the associates immediate family who is not supported directly or indirectly to a material extent by the associate, if the sale is by a broker-dealer other than that employing the restricted person and the restricted person has no ability to control the allocation of the new issue. For information on this exception, please contact your broker-dealer compliance officer.
C. Private Securities Transactions
In accordance with NASD Rule 3040, all associates of the Broker-Dealers, including PEG, must notify their broker-dealer, in writing, and obtain written approval from the broker-dealer, prior to engaging in any private securities transaction. Private securities transactions include, but are not limited to, transactions in unregistered offerings of
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securities, and purchases or sales of limited partnership interests.
Such notification should be made to the compliance officer for the broker-dealer or the compliance officers designee who will be responsible for approving private securities transactions. This notification requirement does not apply to those trades for which duplicate confirmations are provided by the executing broker. For associates who are subject to preclearance, the preclearance form will satisfy the notification requirement.
D. Additional Restrictions for PEG Associates
PEG associates are subject to certain additional personal trading restrictions, which are set forth in Section VII .
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V. TRADING RESTRICTIONS FOR PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND TRADING UNITS AND REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISERS
A. Background
The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act) and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Investment Company Act) govern activities of officers, directors and employees of registered investment advisers and advisers who manage registered investment companies, respectively. These rules set forth specific requirements relating to conflicts of interest and personal securities trading activity.
1. Advisers Act Requirements
Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires each federally registered investment adviser to adopt a written code of ethics designed to prevent fraud by reinforcing fiduciary principles that govern the conduct of investment advisory firms and their personnel. In addition, the code must set forth specific requirements relating to personal trading activity including reporting transactions and holdings.
Generally, the code of ethics applies to all Supervised Persons of the adviser, including all Access Persons of the adviser. The Investment Adviser Code of Ethics (Code), as adopted by Prudentials registered investment advisers, includes the Personal Securities Trading Policy and the Statement of Policy Restricting Communication and the Use of Issuer-Related Information by Prudential Investment Associates (Chinese Wall Policy). Employees identified as Supervised Persons must comply with the Code, including this Policy. 18 Compliance is responsible for notifying each individual who is subject to the Code.
2. Investment Company Act Requirements
Rule 17(j) under the Investment Company Act requires that every investment company adopt procedures designed to prevent improper personal trading by investment company personnel. Rule 17(j) was created to prevent conflicts of interest between investment company personnel and shareholders, to promote shareholder value, and to prevent investment company personnel from profiting from their access to proprietary information.
In light of the adoption of Rule 17(j) and the growing concern that the mutual fund industry needed to police itself, the Investment Company Institute (ICI), an industry group, assembled a blue ribbon panel and, in 1994, issued a report setting forth a series of recommendations concerning personal trading by investment personnel. These recommendations, known as the ICI rules, have been praised by the SEC, and have been adopted by the majority of the asset management industry associated with U.S. registered investment companies.
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18 Generally, Private-Side Associates are also considered Access Persons under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. See Section VI for information on the requirements for Private-Side Associates.
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In keeping with our ethical standards and the practices of the industry leaders, Prudential has adopted the ICI rules for all of its portfolio management units. The ICI rules concerning personal trading are set forth below and are applicable to these portfolio management units and certain associates outside the specific business unit who provide direct support to these units. 19 In addition, the ICI rules, with certain exceptions, have also been adopted for other investment management units within Prudential including. 20
B. Definitions
The following terms are defined for purposes of this policy:
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Access Persons, as defined in Section II.B . , include employees or officers of a mutual fund or investment adviser, who, in connection with their normal responsibilities, make, participate in, or have access to current or pending information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by the Complex (Complex defined below). 21 |
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Investment personnel are Access Persons who are public-side portfolio managers, analysts, traders, or certain other individuals as designated by the compliance officer. (For restrictions applicable to PEG Trading Desk personnel, see Section VII ). |
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A pending buy or sell order exists when a decision to purchase or sell a security has been made and communicated. |
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The Complex includes all portfolios managed by the business unit or group of units to which an individual is deemed to have access. |
C. Conflicts of Interest
Prudential holds its employees to the highest ethical standards. Maintaining high standards requires a total commitment to sound ethical principles and Prudentials value. It also requires nurturing a business culture that supports decisions and actions based on what is right, not simply what is expedient. Management must make the Companys ethical standards clear. At every level, associates must set the right example in their daily conduct. Moreover, associates are encouraged to understand the expectations of the Company and apply these guidelines to analogous situations or seek guidance if they have questions about conduct in given circumstances.
All Access Persons must act in accordance with the following general principles:
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19 Certain PIMS personnel employed by portfolio management units may be subject to the personal securities trading restrictions set forth in this section due to their association with portfolio management activities in addition to the restrictions set forth in Section IV.
20 Certain international units may also be subject to the requirements of this Section. Individuals should consult the applicable business unit compliance officer for additional information.
21 Officers listed on PIs Form ADV and mutual fund officers are also classified as Access Persons.
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It is the duty at all times to place the interests of investment company shareholders and other investment advisory clients first. |
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Access Persons should scrupulously avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of clients interests in any decision relating to their personal investments. |
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All personal securities transactions must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individuals position of trust and responsibility. |
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Access Persons must not only seek to achieve technical compliance with this Policy, but should strive to abide by its spirit and the principles articulated herein. |
Example:
An appearance of a conflict of interest may occur if, following a meeting with a representative of an issuer, an analyst buys the issuers securities for his or her personal account, but does not recommend his or her client purchase such securities.
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Access Persons may not take inappropriate advantage of their positions. |
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Access Persons must avoid any situation that might compromise, or call into question, their exercise of fully independent judgment in the interest of shareholders or clients, including, but nor limited to the receipt of unusual investment opportunities, perquisites, or gifts of more than de minimis value from persons doing or seeking business with their portfolios. |
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Access Persons may not bunch a personal order with a client order. |
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Access Persons may not conduct personal business with brokers who execute trades for their portfolios. |
D. Mutual Fund Reporting and Trading Restrictions
Investment Personnel and Access Persons are prohibited from market timing any proprietary mutual funds, as well as non-proprietary funds subadvised by Prudential, and must comply with any trading restrictions established by Prudential and its clients to prevent market timing of these funds.
To deter the market timing in proprietary and non-proprietary funds subadvised by Prudential, Investment Personnel and certain officers of Prudential Investment Management (PIM) and Prudential Investments LLC (PI) are required to hold any proprietary or non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds for a period of 90 days. Investment Persons and Access Persons are also required to report mutual fund transactions covered under this policy as described below.
1. Mutual Fund Holding Period
Investment Personnel and certain PIM and PI employees are required to hold proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds, excluding money market funds and the
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Dryden Ultra Short Bond Fund, purchased for a period of 90 days. 22 Proprietary funds include JennisonDryden, Strategic Partners, Target, and American Skandia Advisor Funds (American Skandia Funds). Non-proprietary subadvised funds are defined in Exhibit 7 . Specifically, Investment Personnel and certain PIM and PI employees are prohibited from executing a purchase and a sale of the same proprietary or non-proprietary subadvised mutual fund during any 90-day period. 23 This restriction applies to accounts for which Investment Personnel and certain PIM and PI employees have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including household members. See Section II.C.4. Profits realized on such transactions must be disgorged to the applicable mutual fund or client, or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Committee. 24
2. Policies Relating to Reporting and Trading Mutual Funds
Access Persons are required to report all transactions of proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds. This requirement applies to accounts for which Access Persons have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including household members. See Section II.C.4.
Access Persons may hold and trade proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds only through one of the authorized broker/dealers, directly with Prudential Mutual Fund Services (PMFS), the Prudential Employee Savings Plan (PESP), or the Jennison Associates (Jennison) Savings and Pension Plans. 25 However, non-proprietary subadvised funds may be traded directly with the fund provided that duplicate account statements and trade confirmations are sent directly to the Securities Monitoring Unit, Compliance Department. For non-proprietary subadvised funds, Access Persons must notify fund complexes within 10 business days of receipt of this policy requesting that duplicate statements and confirmations be forwarded to the Securities Monitoring Unit. Investment elections or transactions executed in the executive deferred compensation plans are not subject to this requirement. 26
Investment Personnel and Access Persons must notify the Securities Monitoring Unit of any mutual fund accounts, including accounts of all household members, held directly with the fund for all non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds. In addition, Investment
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22 PIM and PI employees will be identified by the President of PIM in consultation with the PIM Chief Compliance Officer. The PIM Chief Compliance Officer will be responsible for maintaining the list and submitting any changes to the Securities Monitoring Unit.
23 For the Prudential Employee Savings Plan and the Jennison Associates Savings and Pension Plans, only exchanges of proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised funds are subject to the 90-day holding period. Purchases due to automatic payroll deductions and company match and automatic with the fund for all non rebalancing transactions are exempt from this requirement.
24 Discipline and sanctions relating to violations occurring in the Prudential Employee Savings Plan or the Jennison Savings or Pension Plans will be determined separately by the Personal Securities Trading/Mutual Fund Code of Ethics Committee.
25 Mutual fund transactions executed through PMFS, PESP and the Jennison Savings and Pension Plans will be sent to Compliance through a daily electronic trading feed.
26 Prudentials deferred compensation plans (including The Prudential Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan, the Amended and Restated American Skandia Lifestyle Security Plan, and the Trust Agreement Between Jennison Associates LLC and Wachovia Bank, N.A.) are not susceptible to market timing due to the fact that the plans only permit one transaction per month. Therefore, transactions in these plans are exempt from both the 90-day holding period and reporting requirements.
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Personnel and Access Persons must contact these funds to request that duplicate statements and confirmations of mutual fund trading activity be sent to the Securities Monitoring Unit. A sample letter to a brokerage firm is provided as Exhibit 1 to this Policy.
E. Additional Trading Restrictions for Access and Investment Personnel of PIM and Quantitative Management Associates LLC (QMA)
The following restrictions and requirements apply to all accounts in which Access Persons and Investment Personnel have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including accounts of household members as described in Section II.C.4 .
1. Initial Public Offerings
Investment personnel are prohibited from purchasing initial public offerings of securities. For purposes of this policy, initial public offerings of securities do not include offerings of government or municipal securities.
2. Private Placements
Investment personnel are prohibited from acquiring any securities in a private placement without express prior approval. Such approval must be obtained from the local business unit head in consultation with the business unit compliance officer (such person having no personal interest in such purchases or sales), based on a determination that no conflict of interest is involved.
Investment personnel must disclose their private placement holdings to the business unit compliance officer and the business units chief investment officer when the investment personnel play a part in the consideration of any investment by the portfolio in the issuer. In such circumstances, the portfolios decision to purchase securities of the issuer will be subject to independent review by appropriate personnel with no personal interest in the issuer.
3. Blackout Periods -- 7 Day Rule
Access Persons are prohibited from executing a securities transaction on a day during which any portfolio in their Complex has a pending buy or sell order in the same or an equivalent security and until such time as that order is executed or withdrawn. 27 This prohibition will not apply to purchases and sales executed in a fund or portfolio that replicates a broad based securities market index.
Investment personnel are prohibited from buying or selling a security within seven calendar days before or after a portfolio in their Complex trades in the same or an equivalent security. Nevertheless, a personal trade by any investment personnel shall not prevent a portfolio in the same business unit from trading in the same or an equivalent security. However, such a transaction shall be subject to independent review
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27 There is no presumption that Access Persons have knowledge of actual trading activity.
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by their business unit compliance officer. 28 This prohibition will not apply to purchases and sales executed in a fund or portfolio that replicates a broad based securities market index.
Profits realized on transactions that are executed during blackout periods may be required to be disgorged to the business unit. Transactions inadvertently executed by an Access Person during a blackout period will not be considered a violation and disgorgement will not be required provided that the transaction was effected in accordance with the preclearance procedures and without prior knowledge of any pending purchase or sale orders in the Complex in the same or equivalent security. All disgorged profits will be donated to a charitable organization in the name of the Company or to an account or client for which the security is held or traded.
4. Short-Term Trading Profits
Investment personnel are prohibited from profiting from a purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same or an equivalent security within any sixty calendar day period. Profits realized on such proscribed trades must be disgorged to the business unit. All disgorged profits will be donated to a charitable organization in the name of the Company or to an account or client for which the security is held or traded.
5. Short Sales
Access Persons may not sell any security short which is owned by any portfolio managed by the business unit. Access Persons may, however, make short sales against the box. A short sale against the box refers to a short sale when the seller owns an equivalent amount of the same securities.
6. Options
Access Persons may not write naked call options or buy naked put options on a security owned by any portfolio managed by the business unit. Access Persons may purchase options on securities not held by any portfolio managed by the business unit, or purchase call options or write put options on securities owned by any portfolio managed by the business unit, subject to preclearance and the same restrictions applicable to other securities. Access Persons may write covered call options or buy covered put options on a security owned by any portfolio managed by the business unit at the discretion of the business unit compliance officer. However, investment personnel should keep in mind that the short-term trading profit rule might affect their ability to close out an option position at a profit.
F. Investment Clubs
Access Persons may not participate in investment clubs.
G. Prohibited Transactions Involving Securities Issued by Prudential
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28 Properly precleared personal trades executed within seven days prior to a portfolio trading will be presumed not violative of the 7 day rule provided there was no additional evidence to the contrary.
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All employees, including Access Persons, are prohibited from selling short including short sales against the box and from participating in any options transactions on any securities issued by Prudential. Employees classified as Designated Persons are subject to additional restrictions relating to securities issued by Prudential. These requirements are outlined in Section III of this Policy.
H. Preclearance
Access Persons of PIM, QMA, American Skandia Investment Services, Inc. (ASISI) and Prudential Investments LLC (PI) must preclear all personal securities transactions with the exception of those identified in Section V.P. below. Preclearance is also not required for both proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds. All requests for preclearance must be submitted to the business unit compliance officer for approval using the automated preclearance website which may be accessed via http://smartspreclearance.prudential.com/smarts_preclearance/ . 29, 30
All approved orders must be executed by the close of business on the day in which preclearance is granted; provided however that approved orders for securities traded in foreign markets may be executed within two business days from the date preclearance is granted. If any order is not timely executed, a request for preclearance must be resubmitted. 31
I. Exemptions
The black out periods and the short-term trading profit rule do not apply to any of the following activities. In addition, the mutual fund 90-day holding period does not apply to items 4,7,8, and 9. Preclearance is not required for items 4, 5, 6, and 7.
1. Ineligible securities.
Purchases or sales of securities (or their equivalents) that are not eligible for purchase or sale by any portfolio in the business unit.
2. Exercise of rights issued by issuer.
Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
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29 Paper preclearance forms may be used for international units and in certain hardship cases. Paper Forms are available from the business unit compliance officer.
30 Access Persons should submit their preclearance forms to the business unit compliance officer of the Complex to which they are deemed to have access.
31 Exceptions to the requirement to resubmit preclearance requests may be granted in advance by the business unit compliance officer for unusual circumstances.
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3. De minimis trades.
Any trades, or series of trades effected over a 30 day calendar period, involving 500 shares or less in the aggregate of an equity security, provided that the securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or have a market capitalization greater than $1 billion, and the Access Person has no prior knowledge of activity in such security by any portfolio in the business unit.
Any fixed-income securities transaction, or series of related transactions effected over a 30 day calendar period, involving 100 units ($100,000 principal amount) or less in the aggregate, if the Access Person has no prior knowledge of transactions in such security by any portfolio in the business unit.
4. Discretionary accounts.
Purchases or sales of securities effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control or in any account of the Access Person which is managed exclusively on a discretionary basis by a person other than such Access Person and with respect to which such Access Person does not in fact influence or control such transactions. 32 Access Persons must provide written documentation that evidences he/she does not have authority to participate in the management of the account and must receive written permission from the business unit compliance officer.
5. Index options.
Any transactions in index options effected on a broad-based index. (See Exhibit 4 .)
6. Unit investment trusts and open-end mutual funds.
7. Non-volitional transactions and dividend reinvestment plans.
8. Exceptions by prior written approval.
Purchases or sales of securities which receive prior written approval of the business unit compliance officer (such person having no personal interest in such purchases or sales), based on a determination that no conflict of interest is involved and that such purchases or sales are not likely to have any economic impact on any portfolio in the business unit or on its ability to purchase or sell securities of the same class or other securities of the same issuer.
With respect to the mutual fund 90-day holding period requirement, only certain limited exceptions will be approved including, but not limited to, hardships and extended
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32 Such accounts must receive written approval in advance from the Securities Monitoring Unit. In such cases, the employee must give exclusive discretion to his/her broker or investment adviser. A copy of such notification should be sent to the Securities Monitoring Unit. Such accounts are required to be reported and monitored as provide under Section II.A .
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disability. Mutual fund 90-day holding period exceptions must be approved by the Business Unit Head and the PIM Chief Compliance Officer prior to execution. 33
9. Automatic Investment/Withdrawal Programs and Automatic Rebalancing.
Purchases or sales of securities that are part of an automatic investment/withdrawal program or resulting from an automatic rebalancing. Transactions that override any pre-set schedule or allocation must be precleared and reported to the Securities Monitoring Units.
J. Personal Trade Reporting
All Access Persons must participate in Prudentials Personal Trade Monitoring System as described in Section II of this Policy. In addition, all Access Persons must preclear all private securities transactions immediately and report completion of the transaction promptly, in any event not later than ten days following the close of each quarter in which the trade was executed. Forms to report such private securities transactions are available from your business unit compliance officer or the Securities Monitoring Unit.
K. Personal Securities Holdings
Within ten days of becoming an Access Person, and thereafter on an annual basis, Access Persons (other than disinterested directors/trustees) must disclose personal securities holdings, including all holdings of private securities (e.g., limited partnership interests, private placements, etc.) and all holdings of proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds, excluding money market funds and the Dryden Ultra Short Bond Fund. Holdings Reports must include information that is current within the previous 45 days of becoming an Access Person or submitting the annual Holdings Report. (See Exhibit 5 for the Holdings Report Form.)
L. Service as a Director
Consistent with Prudential policy, Investment Personnel are prohibited from serving on the board of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization from the business unit compliance officer based upon a determination that the board service would not be inconsistent with the interests of the investment company or other clients. In the limited instances that such board service may be authorized, Investment Personnel will be isolated from those making investment decisions affecting transactions in securities issued by any publicly traded company on whose board such Investment Personnel serves as a director through the use of a Chinese Wall or other procedures designed to address the potential conflicts of interest.
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33 For purposes of this policy, Business Unit Head is defined as the executive in charge of Fixed Income Trading, QMA, Jennison, PI or his/her delegate. Delegation of this responsibility must be done in writing and submitted to the PIM Chief Compliance Officer.
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M. Gifts
Consistent with Prudentials Gift and Entertainment Policy, Access Persons are prohibited from receiving any gift or other thing that would be considered excessive in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of Prudential. Access Persons must comply with Company limits and reporting guidelines for all gifts and entertainment given and/or received.
N. Code Violations and Sanctions
Access Persons and Supervised Persons are required to promptly report any known violations of the Code or this Policy to the business unit chief compliance officer. Reported violations and other exceptions to this Policy detected through internal monitoring will be provided to the business unit Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee and the Personal Securities Trading/Mutual Fund Code of Ethics Committee (Committee). The Committee, comprised of business unit executives, compliance and human resource personnel, will review all violations of this Policy. The Committee will determine any sanctions or other disciplinary actions that may be deemed appropriate.
O. Reports to Clients
The Board of Directors/Trustees of any investment company client will be provided, as requested by client or otherwise required by regulation, with an annual report which at a minimum:
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Certifies that the investment adviser/portfolio management unit has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent its Access Persons from violating this policy; |
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Summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the preceding year; |
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Identifies material violations of this policy and sanctions imposed in response to those violations; and |
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Identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon experience under the policy, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws and regulations. |
P. Additional Trading Requirements for Access Persons of Global Portfolio Strategies Inc. (GPSI)
The following restrictions and requirements apply to all accounts in which GPSI Access Persons have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including accounts of household members as described in Section II.C.4 .
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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1. Initial Public Offerings
GPSI Access Persons must preclear purchases of initial public offerings of securities. For purposes of this policy, initial public offerings of securities do not include offerings of government or municipal securities. See Exhibit 8 for a copy of the preclearance request form.
2. Private Placements
GPSI Access Persons are prohibited from personally acquiring any securities in a private placement without express prior approval. Such approval must be obtained from the business unit compliance officer, based on a determination that no conflict of interest is involved. See Exhibit 8 for a copy of the preclearance request form.
3. Restricted Lists
GPSI Access Persons are restricted from purchasing or selling securities of the issuers on the GPSI Restricted List. This restriction applies to all accounts in which the associate is deemed to have a beneficial interest as listed above. GPSI Access Persons who hold GSPI Restricted List securities prior to the institution of this policy, becoming a GPSI Access Person or being placed on the GPSI Restricted List must obtain written approval from their business unit compliance officer prior to the sale of such securities.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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VI. TRADING RESTRICTIONS OF PRIVATE ASSET MANAGEMENT UNITS
A. Background
The Advisers Act governs activities of officers, directors and employees of registered investment advisers. These rules set forth specific requirements relating to conflicts of interest and personal securities trading activity.
Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires each federally registered investment adviser to adopt a written code of ethics designed to prevent fraud by reinforcing fiduciary principles that govern the conduct of investment advisory firms and their personnel. In addition, the code must set forth specific requirements relating to personal trading activity including reporting transactions and holdings.
The code of ethics applies to all Supervised Persons of the adviser, including all Access Persons of the adviser. Under the rules, Access Persons are considered employees of the adviser who have access to client recommendations and trading activity. Based on this definition, Private-Side Associates (excluding employees of PMCC) would be considered Access Persons and be subject to the requirements of the rules due to their access to investment advisory client recommendations and trading activity. In addition, employees of Prudential Real Estate Fixed Income Investors (PREFII) are considered Supervised Persons under the rules.
The Investment Adviser Code of Ethics (Code), as adopted by Prudentials registered investment advisers, includes the Personal Securities Trading Policy and the Statement of Policy Restricting Communication and the Use of Issuer-Related Information by Prudential Investment Associates (Chinese Wall Policy). Employees identified as Supervised Persons must comply with the Code, including this Policy. Compliance is responsible for notifying each individual who is subject to the Code. Sections II and VI of this Policy set forth the requirements that are intended to enable Private-Side Associates to comply with Rule 204A-1.
B. Conflicts of Interest
Prudential holds its employees to the highest ethical standards. Maintaining high standards requires a total commitment to sound ethical principles and Prudentials value. It also requires nurturing a business culture that supports decisions and actions based on what is right, not simply what is expedient. Management must make the Companys ethical standards clear. At every level, associates must set the right example in their daily conduct. Moreover, associates are encouraged to understand the expectations of the Company and apply these guidelines to analogous situations or seek guidance if they have questions about conduct in given circumstances.
All Private-Side Associates must act in accordance with the following general principles:
|
It is the duty at all times to place the interests of investment advisory clients and investment company shareholders first. |
35
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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|
Private Side Associates should scrupulously avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of clients interests in any decision relating to their personal investments. |
|
All personal securities transactions must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individuals position of trust and responsibility. |
|
Private-Side Associates must not only seek to achieve technical compliance with this Policy, but should strive to abide by its spirit and the principles articulated herein. |
|
Private-Side Associates may not take inappropriate advantage of their positions. |
|
Private-Side Associates must avoid any situation that might compromise, or call into question, their exercise of fully independent judgment in the interest of clients or shareholder, including, but nor limited to the receipt of unusual investment opportunities, perquisites, or gifts of more than de minimis value from persons doing or seeking business with their portfolios. |
|
Private-Side Associates may not bunch a personal order with a client order. |
|
Private-Side Associate may not conduct personal business with brokers who execute trades for their portfolios. |
C. Requirements of Private-Side Associates
In addition to the personal securities trade reporting requirements set forth in Section II of this Policy, all associates of Private Asset Management units of Prudential Investment Management (PIM) are subject to certain trading restrictions as set forth below. The Private Asset Management units of PIM are as follows: Prudential Capital Group (PCG), Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI), Global Real Estate Private Equity (GREPE) and Prudential Mortgage Capital Company (PMCC). These individuals are referred to as Private-Side Associates throughout this Policy.
The following restrictions and requirements apply to all accounts in which Access Persons and Investment Personnel have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including accounts of household members as described in Section II.C.4 .
Such restrictions apply to transactions in any securities accounts for which the associate maintains a beneficial interest, including the following:
|
Personal accounts; |
|
Joint or tenant-in-common accounts in which the associate is a participant; |
|
Accounts for which the associate acts as trustee, executor or custodian; |
|
Accounts in which the associates spouse has a beneficial interest; |
|
Accounts in which the associates minor children or any dependent family member has a beneficial interest; |
|
Accounts over which the associate exercises control or has any investment discretion; and |
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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|
Accounts of any individual to whose financial support the associate materially contributes. |
D. Private Side Monitored List & Global Real Estate Monitored List
Under Prudentials Chinese Wall Policy, the Private Asset Management units are required to maintain a Private-Side Monitored List (PSML) containing the names of publicly-traded issuers about which they possess material nonpublic information. In addition, due to a recently approved Chinese Wall Policy exception, GREPE is required to maintain its own Global Private-Side Monitored List (Global PSML). All Private-Side Associates, with the exception of GREPE employees, are restricted from purchasing or selling securities of the issuers on the PSML. Similarly, GREPE employees are restricted from purchasing or selling securities of the issuers on the Global PSML. These restrictions apply to all accounts in which the associate is deemed to have a beneficial interest as listed above.
Associates should not, however, provide the PSML or the Global PSML to individuals outside of their business unit. The associate should instruct individuals who exercise control or have investment discretion over an account in which the associate has a beneficial interest to check with the associate prior to purchasing or selling any security for such account to ensure that no trade is placed in a security on the PSML or the Global PSML.
If the security is on the PSML or the Global PSML, respectively, the associate should instruct the individual exercising control over the account that he or she is prohibited from trading the security because of his or her employment with Prudential. In the case of a discretionary account with a brokerage firm, the preceding rule does not apply and the associate must not disclose any security or issuer with the broker in advance of any trade. In addition, a copy of the signed discretionary account agreement should be sent to the Securities Monitoring Unit.
Associates of Private Asset Management units may not advise a person not employed by Prudential, or a Prudential employee on the Public-Side of the Chinese Wall that a security is restricted because Prudential is in possession of material nonpublic information.
E. Investment Clubs
All associates of Private Asset Management units are prohibited from participating in investment clubs.
F. Mutual Fund Reporting and Trading Restrictions
Private-Side Associates are prohibited from market timing any proprietary mutual funds, as well as non-proprietary funds subadvised by Prudential, and must comply with any trading restrictions established by Prudential and its clients to prevent market timing of these funds.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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To deter the market timing in proprietary and non-proprietary funds subadvised by Prudential, certain officers of PIM are required to hold any proprietary or non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds for a period of 90 days. 34 Private-Side Associates are also required to report mutual fund transactions covered under this policy as described below.
1. Mutual Fund Holding Period
Certain officers of PIM are required to hold proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds, excluding money market funds or the Dryden Ultra Short Bond Fund, purchased for a period of 90 days. 35 Proprietary funds include JennisonDryden, Strategic Partners, Target, and American Skandia Advisor Funds (American Skandia Funds). Non-proprietary subadvised funds are defined in Exhibit 7 . Specifically, affected officers are prohibited from executing a purchase and a sale of the same proprietary or non-proprietary subadvised mutual fund during any 90-day period. 36 This restriction applies to accounts for these officers have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including household members. See Section II.C.4. Profits realized on such transactions must be disgorged to the applicable mutual fund or client, or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Personal Securities Trading/Mutual Fund Code of Ethics Committee (Committee). 37,38
2. Policies Relating to Reporting and Trading Mutual Funds
Private-Side Associates are required to report all transactions of proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds. This requirement applies to accounts for which Private-Side Associates have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, including household members. See Section II.C.4.
Private-Side Associates may hold and trade proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds only through one of the authorized broker/dealers, directly with Prudential Mutual Fund Services (PMFS), or the Prudential Employee Savings Plan (PESP). 39 However, non-proprietary subadvised funds may be traded directly with the fund provided that duplicate account statements and trade confirmations are sent directly to the Securities Monitoring Unit. For non-proprietary subadvised funds, Private-Side Associates must notify fund complexes within 10 business days of receipt of this policy requesting that duplicate statements and confirmations be forwarded to the Securities
________________
34 Public-Side Investment Personnel and other individuals who are specifically notified are also subject to the 90-day mutual fund holding period.
35 These officers will be identified by the President of PIM in consultation with the PIM Chief Compliance Officer. The PIM Chief Compliance Officer will be responsible for maintaining the list and submitting any changes to the Securities Monitoring Unit of the Compliance Department.
36 For the Prudential Employee Savings Plan, only exchanges of proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised funds are subject to the 90-day holding period. Purchases due to automatic payroll deductions and company match and automatic rebalancing transactions are exempt from this requirement.
37 The Committee evaluates violations of the Policy and determines appropriate disciplinary action.
38 Discipline and sanctions relating to violations occurring in the Prudential Employee Savings Plan or the Jennison Savings or Pension Plans will be determined separately by the Personal Securities Trading/Mutual Fund Code of Ethics Committee.
39 Mutual fund transactions executed through PMFS and PESP will be sent to the Securities Monitoring Unit through a daily electronic trading feed.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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Monitoring Unit. Investment elections or transactions executed in the executive deferred compensation plans are not subject to this requirement. 40
Private-Side Associates must notify the Securities Monitoring Unit of any mutual fund accounts, including accounts of all household members, held directly with the fund for all non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds. In addition, Private-Side Associates must contact these funds to request that duplicate statements and confirmations of mutual fund trading activity be sent to the Securities Monitoring Unit. A sample letter to a brokerage firm is provided as Exhibit 1 to this Policy.
D. Personal Securities Holdings
Within ten days of becoming a Private-Side Associate, and thereafter on an annual basis, Private-Side Associates (other than disinterested directors/trustees) must disclose personal securities holdings, including all holdings of private securities (e.g., limited partnership interests, private placements, etc.) and all holdings of proprietary and non-proprietary subadvised mutual funds, excluding money market funds and the Dryden Ultra Short Bond Fund. Holdings Reports must include information that is current within the previous 45 days of becoming an Access Person or submitting the annual Holdings Report. (See Exhibit 5 for the Holdings Report Form.)
E. Private Placements
Private-Side Associates are prohibited from personally acquiring any securities in a private placement without express prior approval. Such approval must be obtained from the local business unit head in consultation with the business unit compliance officer (such person having no personal interest in such purchases or sales), based on a determination that no conflict of interest is involved.
Private-Side Associates must disclose their private placement holdings to the business unit compliance officer and the business units chief investment officer when the Private-Side Associate plays a part in the consideration of any investment by the portfolio in the issuer. In such circumstances, the portfolios decision to purchase securities of the issuer will be subject to independent review by appropriate personnel with no personal interest in the issuer. See Exhibit 8 for a copy of the preclearance request form.
F. Initial Public Offerings
Private-Side Associates must preclear all purchases of initial public offerings of securities. For purposes of this policy, initial public offerings of securities do not include offerings of government or municipal securities. See Exhibit 8 for a copy of the preclearance request form.
___________________
40 Prudentials deferred compensation plans (including The Prudential Insurance Company of America Deferred Compensation Plan) are not susceptible to market timing due to the fact that the plans only permit one transaction per month. Therefore, transactions in these plans are exempt from both the 90-day holding period and reporting requirements.
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Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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G. Additional Restrictions for Certain Units
1. Real Estate Units
To ensure compliance with ITSFEA and to prevent actual and apparent conflicts of interest in the Private Asset Management Real Estate units, all associates of PREI, PMCC and GREPE who are located in the U.S. (and functional associates who are co-located with PREI) are prohibited from purchasing interests in publicly-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate-related securities.
PIM Compliance maintains a list of real estate security issuers in the PIM Compliance Library, accessible via Lotus Notes. Please note however, that this prohibition applies to all REITs and real estate-related securities, whether they are on the list or not.
Associates who hold REIT securities or real estate securities prior to the institution of this policy or joining PREI, PMCC or GREPE must obtain written approval from PIM Compliance prior to the sale of such securities. Associates of the Private Asset Management Real Estate units will be permitted to purchase shares of open-end mutual funds that invest in REITs or real estate securities.
2. Prudential Capital Group
To insure compliance with ITSFEA and to prevent actual or apparent conflicts of interest in PCG, all associates of PCG (and functional associates who support PCG) are prohibited from purchasing securities of companies listed on PCGs 90 Day Pricing Summary Update for Public Companies (90 Day Pricing List). In addition, PCG employees who have access to information about investment advisory client transactions and holdings involving public securities are prohibited from trading the securities of those publicly traded issuers.
PIM Compliance maintains the PCG 90-day Pricing list in the PIM Compliance Library, accessible via Lotus Notes.
40
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
VII. POLICY FOR PRUDENTIAL EQUITY GROUP, INC.
A. Associated Persons Securities Accounts
1. Trade Monitoring at PEG
In addition to the requirements of ITSFEA and the NASD Conduct Rules, PEG is required by New York Stock Exchange rules to review transactions in all accounts of its associated persons and their family members. To ensure compliance with these requirements, PEG associates are prohibited from opening or maintaining any employee account or employee-related account, as defined below, at a firm other than the following authorized broker-dealers: Wachovia Securities, Charles Schwab, E*Trade and Fidelity Investments. (Note: Monitored employees of other Prudential business groups may also open accounts with Pruco Securities and Merrill Lynch. These options are not available to PEG associates.) Prudential has arranged to obtain electronic feeds of all trading data in accounts with the authorized firms. In addition, paper monthly statements must also be submitted to PEG Compliance.
Exceptions to this policy will be granted only in unusual circumstances. Any exception to this policy requires the prior written approval of the associates supervisor and the PEG Compliance Department. In those cases where accounts are approved to be held at an unauthorized firm, the Compliance Department will make arrangements to have duplicate copies of all confirmations and monthly statements sent to the associates supervisor and the Compliance Department. Exceptions may be granted for employee-related accounts in rare circumstances where the employee can demonstrate that he or she has no financial interest in such account.
B. Definition of Employee Account and Employee Related Account
Employee accounts include the following securities and/or commodities accounts:
|
Any personal account of an employee; |
|
Any joint or tenant-in-common in which the employee is a participant; |
|
Any account for which the employee acts as the trustee, executor or custodian; |
|
Any account over which the employee has investment discretion or otherwise can exercise control (other than non-related clients accounts over which associates have investment discretion Note: PEG trading personnel are not permitted to exercise discretion over client accounts); and |
|
Any other account in which an employee is directly or indirectly financially interested. |
Employee-related accounts include the following securities and/or commodities accounts:
|
Accounts of the employees spouse; |
|
Accounts of the employees minor and/or any dependent family members; and |
|
Accounts of any individual to whose financial support the employee materially contributes. |
41
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
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C. Investment Clubs
PEG sales, trading, research and/or investment associates are not permitted to participate in Investment Clubs. Other associates must contact the PEG Compliance Department if they wish to participate in an Investment Club. An Investment Club account will be considered an Employee Account for purposes of this Policy and must be maintained at one of the authorized broker-dealers.
D. Personal Trading Restrictions
1. Purchases of Public Equity Offerings
All PEG associates must comply with NASD Rule 2790 as set forth in Section IV.B of this Policy. This includes a prohibition on purchasing new equity offerings directly from a syndicate member.
2. Private Securities Transactions
In accordance with NASD Rule 3040, all associates of PEG must notify the PEG Compliance Department, in writing, and obtain written approval from the broker-dealer, prior to engaging in any private securities transaction. Private securities transactions include, but are not limited to, transactions in unregistered offerings of securities, and purchases or sales of limited partnership interests.
3. Annual Compliance Training
The NASD/NYSE Joint Memorandum on Chinese Wall Policies and Procedures (NASD Notice to Members 91-45) provides that firms which do not conduct investment banking research or arbitrage activities still must have reasonable procedures for the education and training of its associates about insider trading in order to be in compliance with ITSFEA. Consistent with this Notice, PEG covers insider trading issues with applicable associates as part of its annual training program.
4. 24 - Hour Research Report Restriction
PEG associates are prohibited from effecting transactions in a companys securities when PEG initiates coverage of the company, or upgrades or downgrades a research opinion or recommendation. This prohibition generally applies for a 24-hour period after the release of the research. If the investing public has had time to receive and react to the release of the research report, the 24-hour restriction may be shortened by the Compliance Department. The 24-hour rule becomes effective when the research is issued.
PEG associates are also prohibited from engaging in transactions in a security when the associate knows that a research report relating to the security is in preparation.
Securities subject to the 24-hour rule appear on PEGs Restricted List. Although only the symbol for the common stock may be indicated on the Restricted List, all related
42
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
securities (including common and preferred stock, convertibles, options, warrants and rights) of the companies listed (and debt securities, if indicated) are subject to restriction.
E. Restricted List
PEGs Restricted List is a confidential list of securities that are subject to certain research, sales and trading restrictions. Securities may be placed on the Restricted List for a variety of reasons designed to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Company policy. For example, as stated above, securities that are subject to the 24-hour rule are placed on the Restricted List. Employees may not purchase or sell securities for their personal accounts if such transactions are prohibited by the Restricted List. Although only the symbol for the common stock may be indicated on the Restricted List, all securities from the same issuer (including common and preferred stock, convertibles, options, warrants and rights of the companies listed (and debt securities, if indicated)) are subject to restriction.
F. Additional Trading Restrictions for Certain PEG Departments
1. Trading Restrictions
a. Research Department
Personal trading by Research Analysts is subject to the requirements and restrictions set forth in the Equity Research Manual available on the Compliance page of the Capital Markets Intranet site. http://psibranch.cs.prusec.com/complian/capital.htm . All questions should be referred to the PEG Compliance Department.
b. Trading Department
Trading Department associates must preclear trades of all equity securities.
For securities over which the Trading Department has trading or market-making responsibility, an employee of the Trading Department may not sell any such security that (s)he has purchased within the prior 30 calendar days or purchase any such security that (s)he had sold within the prior 30 calendar days. Under very limited circumstances, exceptions to this 30-day holding period may be granted by obtaining prior written approval from the Compliance Department.
2. Preclearance Procedures
All requests for preclearance must be submitted to the Business Unit head and PEG Compliance for approval. All approved orders must be executed by the close of business on the day preclearance is granted.
As of 1/1/05
43
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Sample Letter to Brokerage Firm
|
TO: |
Broker-Dealer |
|
RE: |
Account #: |
|
|
|
Date of Establishment: |
|||
Dear Sir/Madam:
Please furnish to Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential), copies of all trade confirmations and account statements with respect to all transactions for the above listed account(s). Please include all transactions in shares of unit investment trusts and all closed-end mutual funds.
Copies of these confirmations and statements should be sent to Prudential, as trades are effected, addressed as follows:
|
Prudential Financial, Inc. |
|
||
|
Compliance Department |
|
||
|
P.O. Box 919 |
|
||
|
Newark, NJ 07101-9998 |
|||
This request is being made pursuant to Rule 3050 of the Conduct Rules of the NASD and/or Rule 204-2(a) of the Investment Advisers Act, as applicable.
|
Very truly yours, |
cc: |
Ellen McGlynn Koke, |
||||
|
Vice President, Securities Compliance |
||||
|
Compliance Department |
|
|||
44
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 2 Acknowledgment of the Personal Securities Trading Policy
For employees required to report their transactions in SMARTS as described in Section II of this policy, please complete the following acknowledgment and send it to:
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Compliance Department
P.O. Box 919
Newark, NJ 07101-9998
I have read and understand the Personal Securities Trading Policy and have and will continue to comply in all respects with the rules contained therein.
I confirm that I have instructed in writing all brokers for all securities accounts in which I maintain a beneficial interest, as described immediately below, to send duplicate copies of all confirmations covering any transactions as trades are effected and all account statements to the address listed above. I understand that for accounts maintained at Charles Schwab, E*Trade, Merrill Lynch, Fidelity Investments, Pruco Securities, or Wachovia Securities, I do not need to contact these brokers in writing. Beneficial interest includes the following:
|
|
personal accounts; |
|
|
accounts in which my spouse has a beneficial interest;** |
|
|
accounts in which my minor children or any dependent family member has a beneficial interest;** |
|
|
joint or tenant-in-common accounts in which I am a participant; |
|
|
accounts for which I act as trustee, executor or custodian; |
|
|
accounts over which I exercise control or have investment discretion; and |
|
|
accounts of any individual to whose financial support I materially contribute. |
** Due to certain international laws, employees located in Japan are not required to disclose or report information regarding accounts for which a spouse, dependent family member and/or minor child has a beneficial interest.
Set forth below (and on accompanying pages if necessary) is a list of all such accounts (including Charles Schwab, E*Trade, Merrill Lynch, Fidelity Investments, Pruco Securities, and Wachovia Securities) including the individual holding the account, the social security number of that individual, the name of the institution, and the account number. I understand that I must promptly advise the Compliance Department of any change in this information. I understand that if I have been classified as a Covered or Access Person that in the event circumstances change for an account for which I have been granted an exception to maintain at a non-authorized brokerage firm, I must notify the Compliance Department immediately and request that the account be reviewed in light of the changed circumstances.
_____________________________ |
______________________________ |
||
Full Name of Employee |
Business Unit/Location |
|
|
_____________________________ |
______________________________ |
||
Signature |
Date |
||
_____________________________ |
|
||
Social Security Number of Employee |
|
|
|
List of all Accounts
45
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Name of Individual |
Social Security Number |
Name of Institution |
Account Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 3 Compliance and Reporting of Personal Transactions
Investment Category/ Method |
Sub-Category |
Reportable (Yes/No) |
Comments |
Bonds |
ABS Agency CMOs Convertibles Corporates MBS Municipals Public Offerings Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds |
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No |
|
Stocks (Purchases and sales of Individual Stocks) |
Common Optional Dividend Reinvestments Preferred Public Offerings (Initial & Secondary) Rights Warrants Automatic Dividend Reinvestments |
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No |
|
Private Placements |
|
Yes |
|
Limited Partnerships |
|
Yes |
|
Open End Mutual Funds |
Proprietary Non Proprietary Prudential Financial, Inc. Common Stock Fund
|
No No Yes
|
Transactions of the Prudential Financial, Inc. Common Stock Fund executed in the PESP plan are fed electronically to SMARTS. |
Open End Mutual Funds For Investment Personnel, Access Persons and Private-Side Associates |
Proprietary Non-Money Market Non-proprietary subadvised Non-Money Market Proprietary and Non-Proprietary Off-Shore Funds Money Market Funds Non Affiliated |
Yes Yes
Yes
No No |
Proprietary Funds include JennisonDryden, Strategic Partners, Target, and American Skandia Advisor funds. A list of non -proprietary subadvised funds can be found in Exhibit 7. |
Closed End Mutual Funds & Unit Investments Trusts |
Affiliated Mutual Funds Affiliated Unit Investment Trusts Non-Affiliated Mutual Funds Non-Affiliated Unit Inv. Trusts |
Yes Yes Yes Yes |
|
Derivatives |
Any Exchange Traded, NASDAQ, or OTC Option or Future Including But not Limited To: Security Futures All other Futures (Including Financial Futures) Options on Foreign Currency Options on Futures Options on Indexes Options on Securities |
Yes No
Yes Yes Yes Yes |
|
Foreign Currency |
|
No |
Exchanges made for personal travel are not reportable. |
Commodities |
Other Commodities |
No |
|
47
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Annuities & Life Insurance Contracts w/Investment Components (e.g. Variable Life) |
Affiliated Non Affiliated |
Yes** Yes** |
** Investment Personnel, Access Persons and Private-Side Associates must report transactions of both affiliated and non-affiliated variable life and annuities contracts where the underlying investment components invest in proprietary and/or subadvised non-proprietary mutual funds. In addition, any underlying sub-account transactions are also reportable. |
Bonuses Prudential Employees
(Non-Pru Employee/ Household Member) |
Shares or Options received as part of Compensation
Shares or Options received as part of Compensation |
Yes
No
|
Prudential employee stock or option bonus awards are electronically reported to the Securities Monitoring Unit.
For Non-employee stock or option bonus awards, the receipt is not reportable. However, the sale of stock or the exercise of an option is a reportable event. |
Gifts
Prudential securities
All other gifts |
Gifts given and received
Given by Employee - Bonds and/or Stock Received by Employee - Bonds and/or Stock |
Yes
Yes
No |
For non-Prudential securities, a gift given to a charity is reportable, however, the receipt of a gift is not a reportable transaction under the Personal Securities Transaction Policy. Please see the Gift and Entertainment Policy for additional reporting requirements for gifts. |
48
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 4 Index Options On a Broad-Based Index
|
TICKER SYMBOL |
DESCRIPTION |
DJX |
Dow Jones Industrial (30) Average |
GTC |
GSTI (Goldman Sachs 178 Technology Companies) |
MID |
S&P Midcap 400 Open/Euro Index |
MNX |
CBOE Mini-NDX (1 tenth value of NDX Index) |
NFT |
MSCI Multinational Company Index (50 US Stocks) |
NIK |
Nikkei 300 Index CI/Euro |
OEX |
S&P 100 Close/Amer Index |
RAG |
Russell 3000 Growth |
RAV |
Russell 3000 Value |
RDG |
Russell MidCap Growth |
RLG |
Russell 1000 Growth |
RLV |
Russell 1000 Value |
RMC |
Russell MidCap |
RMV |
Russell Midcap Value |
RUA |
Russell 3000 |
RUI |
Russell 1000 Index |
RUJ |
Russell 2000 Value |
RUO |
Russell 2000 Growth |
RUT |
Russell 2000 Open/Euro Index |
SML |
S&P Small Cap 600 |
SPL |
S&P 500 Long-Term Close |
SPX |
S&P 500 Open/Euro Index |
TXX |
CBOE Technology Index (30 Stocks) |
VRU |
Russell 2000 Long-Term Index |
XEO |
S&P 100 Euro Style |
ZRU |
Russell 2000 L-T Open./Euro |
49
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 5 Personal Securities Holdings Report
|
Reviewed by: |
Initials:______ |
Date:______ |
Personal Securities Holdings Report
|
To: |
Jennifer Brown, |
|
||
|
Securities Monitoring Unit |
||||
|
Compliance Department |
|
|||
From: |
_______________________________ |
SS#: _____________ |
Department: _______________________________ |
Division: _______________ |
Signed: |
_______________________________ |
Date:__________________ |
Listed below are all securities that I held, including those in which I had a direct or indirect beneficial interest, as of a date within the previous 45 days, as required by the Personal Securities Trading Policy and the Mutual Fund Code of Ethics.
DO WE NEED TO ADD TICKER/CUSIP AND TYPE OF SECURITY?
Public Securities
|
Number |
Principle |
|
|||
Title of Security |
Of Shares |
Amount |
Broker/Dealer/Bank |
|||
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
Private Securities (e.g., limited partnerships, private placements).
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
50
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
|
________________________ |
___________ |
_________ |
__________________ |
51
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 6 -- Section 16 Insiders and Designated Persons Preclearance Request Form
This form is for preclearing transactions in Prudential securities. Please include all requested information. An associate from the Securities Monitoring Unit of the Compliance Department will review and respond to this request. The response will indicate that your request has either been approved or denied. A request is not considered approved until you receive a confirmation of approval from the Securities Monitoring Unit. Preclearance is only valid until the close of the market on the day approval is granted. Preclearance Forms should be faxed to the Securities Monitoring Unit at (973) 802-7454.
Part I Information on Individual Requesting Preclearance:
Name: __________________________________ Phone #: ______________ |
Fax #: _______________ |
Department: ___________________________________ |
Division: ___________________________ |
In making this transaction, I understand it is my personal obligation under federal securities law not to trade securities of Prudential Financial, Inc. while in possession of material nonpublic information about the Company. This obligation continues during open trading windows and even where I have had a trade precleared.
___________________________ [Employees Signature]
If you have any questions, please contact Richard Baker from the Securities Monitoring Unit at (973) 802-6691.
Part II - Transaction Information:
Date: _______________________ |
Number of Shares/Options: ______ |
|
Transaction Type: |
|
|
Open Market Transactions
______ Buy
______ Sell*
|
Stock Option Exercises |
______ Cashless Exercise (Exercise and Sell all Options)
______ Exercise & Sell to Cover (Exercise and Sell only enough shares to cover option cost and taxes)
______ Exercise & Hold (Exercise options and hold shares no sale involved)
|
PESP Transactions |
______Exchange (into or out of Company Stock Fund)
______Allocation Change (Company Stock Fund)
______Catch-up Contribution (Company Stock Fund)
______Deferral Rate Change (Company Stock Fund)
______Disbursement (from Company Stock Fund)
|
______Loans (impacting Company Stock Fund) |
||
|
Other Benefit Plan Elections |
|
|
______Deferred Compensation Elections (impacting Company Stock Fund)
|
______MasterShare Elections (impacting Company Stock Fund) |
Asset Type: |
______Common Stock |
______Employee Stock Option |
______Company Stock Fund |
* Do you currently hold securities to cover this transaction? ______ (Note that this question applies to all sales due to the fact that short sales are prohibited.)
|
Account in which transaction will take place: Brokerage Firm ____________________________ |
Account No. _______________________________
Part III Information To Be Completed by Section 16 Insiders Only:
52
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Have you traded the same or equivalent security for your personal account, accounts in which you have a beneficial interest, such as accounts of your spouse or family members, or accounts over which you maintain investment discretion within the past six months? If yes, the Securities Monitoring Unit may contact you for additional information.______________
Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
Part IV Compliance/Law Response
Compliance Response: APPROVED : ____ DENIED:_____REVIEWER :____________DATE/TIME:__________
Law Response (for Section 16 Insiders Only): APPROVED : ____ DENIED:_____ REVIEWER :___________ DATE/TIME:__________
53
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 7 -- Non Proprietary Subadvised Mutual Funds
PIM Subadvised Funds
SEI Institutional Investors Trust Fund
Jennison Subadvised Funds
AEGON/Transamerica Series Fund, Inc. Jennison Growth
Allmerica Investment Trust Select Growth Fund
Dreyfus Variable Special Value
Harbor Fund - Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund
The Hirtle Callaghan Trust - The Growth Equity Portfolio
ING Investors Trust ING Jennison Equity Opportunities Portfolio
The MainStay Funds - MainStay MAP Fund
Manufacturers Investment Trust Capital Appreciation Trust
Metropolitan Series Fund, Inc. Jennison Growth Portfolio
Ohio National Fund, Inc. Capital Appreciation Portfolio
The Preferred Group of Mutual Funds - Preferred Large Cap Growth Fund
Scudder Focus Value Plus Growth Fund - Scudder Focus Value+Growth Fund
Scudder Variable Series II SVS Focus Value+Growth Portfolio
Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds TA IDEX Jennison Growth
54
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit 8 Initial Public Offering and Private Placement Preclearance Form for Access Persons and Private-Side Associates
This form is for preclearing transactions in Initial Public Offering (IPOs) and Private Placements for Access Persons and Private-Side Associates. Please include all requested information and submit the form to your business unit compliance officer. Your business unit compliance officer will review and respond to this request. The response will indicate that your request has either been approved or denied. A request is not considered approved until you receive a confirmation of approval from your business unit compliance officer. Preclearance is only valid until the close of the market on the day approval is granted.
Part I Information on Individual Requesting Preclearance:
Name: __________________________________ Phone #: ______________ |
Fax #: _______________ |
Department: ___________________________________ |
Division: ___________________________ |
Employees signature: ___________________________
Part II - Transaction Information:
Date: _______________________ |
Number of Shares/Options: ______ |
|
Transaction Type: |
|
|
_______Initial Public Offering
_______Private Placement/Limited Partnership (A copy of the subscription agreement must be
submitted to the Securities Monitoring Group of the Compliance Department).
Name of Issuer: |
_________________________________ |
|
Account in which transaction will take place: |
Brokerage Firm ____________________________
Account No. _______________________________
Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
Part IV Compliance/Law Response
Compliance Response: |
APPROVED : ____ DENIED:_____REVIEWER :____________DATE/TIME:__________
Business Unit Head Response (only required for Private-Side Associates) :
APPROVED : ____ DENIED:_____REVIEWER :____________DATE/TIME:__________
As of 1/1/05
T:\CLUSTER 2\Bible\PIM QMA 01 Personal Securities Trading Policy 1-1-05 final.doc
55
Prudential Financial, Inc. - For Internal Use Only
Revised 1/1/2005
Exhibit (q)
Power of Attorney
The undersigned Directors, Trustees and Officers of the JennisonDryden Mutual Funds, the Strategic Partners Funds, The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts 10 and 11, The High Yield Income Fund, Inc., The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. and The Target Portfolio Trust (collectively, the Funds), hereby constitute, appoint and authorize each of Marina Belaya, Claudia DiGiacomo, Deborah A. Docs, Katherine P. Feld, Kathryn C. Quirk, John P. Schwartz 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/Linda W. Bynoe |
/s/David E.A. Carson |
|
Linda W. Bynoe |
David E. A. Carson |
|
/s/Robert F. Gunia |
/s/Robert E. La Blanc |
|
Robert F. Gunia |
Robert E. La Blanc |
|
/s/Douglas H. McCordindale |
/s/Richard A. Redeker |
|
Douglas H. McCorkindale |
Richard A. Redeker |
|
/s/Judy A. Rice |
/s/Robin B. Smith |
|
Judy A. Rice |
Robin B. Smith |
|
/s/Stephen G. Stoneburn |
/s/Clay T. Whitehead |
|
Stephen G. Stoneburn |
Clay T. Whitehead |
|
/s/Grace C. Torres
Grace C. Torres
Dated: |
September 7, 2005 |